EXTERIOR CHARACTERISTICS OF DUBROVNIK SHEEP
Transcription
EXTERIOR CHARACTERISTICS OF DUBROVNIK SHEEP
RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EXTERIOR CHARACTERISTICS OF DUBROVNIK SHEEP - CROATIAN ENDANGERED BREED Z. Antunović, I. Marić, Đ. Senčić, J. Novoselec Abstract: The aim of this work is to show exterior characteristics of the Dubrovnik sheep - Croatian endangered sheep breed and to compare her with other Croatian sheep breeds. In the Republic of Croatia is grown 584 breeding heads of Dubrovnik sheep, which is only 0.14% of total breeding sheep. Breeding are stationed in Dubrovnik Neretva County, distributed in 27 registered breeders with the average herd size of 22 breeding head. The study was conducted with 30 Dubrovnik sheep during the summer feeding season. Sheep were fed on pasture, and upon returning to the barn were given hay (ad libitum). Weighing and sampling of exterior characteristics of sheep has been carried out in the morning before going out to pasture. Recorded an average body weight of Dubrovnik sheep was 45.80 kg, 62.58 cm height at withers and body length 65.07 cm. Compared with other Croatian sheep breeds Dubrovnik sheep is by the exterior characteristics medium-developed breeds. Indices of physical development of Dubrovnik sheep indicate good physical condition and sufficient nutrition. Although it can be said that the introduction in the meal some concentrated feed was necessary with the aim to improve productivity, especially in drought periods of the year. Key words: Dubrovnik sheep, Exterior characteristic, Indices of physical measures. INTRODUCTION Dubrovnik sheep, known as the Dubrovnik ruda, was created in random crossing domestic sheep-Pramenka with imported Spanish, French and Italian Merinos with aim to improve the quality of wool and body wool overgrown. However, the development of tourism and the loss of the importance of wool, breedings in this breed were significantly decreased. In recent years, has slowly working on its conservation. Dubrovnik sheep is most endangered Croatian native breeds of sheep. According to the report of the Croatian Agricultural agencies [9] in the Republic of Croatia has grown 584 breeding head of Dubrovnik sheep, which is only 0.14% of the total number of breeding ewes. Breeding are stationed in Dubrovnik Neretva County, distributed in 27 registered breeders with the average herd size of 22 breeding head. Given the vulnerability of breeding Dubrovnik sheep, arises question how to preserve and encourage its spread, not only in traditional areas where it is cultivated for centuries, but also in areas with similar geographical and climatic conditions. First of all, it is necessary to determine the productivity, nutritional and health status of the existing population of Dubrovnik sheep [2,3]. There are a very small number of papers which talk about breeding of Dubrovnik sheep [13, 11, 1, 4]. Therefore, the aim of this study are to show exterior and production characteristics of Dubrovnik sheep and compare them with other Croatian sheep breeds. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out on family farms in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County as part of project Ministry of Science, Technology and Sports "Nutritional aspects of modeling productivity and metabolic profile of sheep.” The experiment included 30 Dubrovnik sheep an average age 4 years. The sheep were healthy and in satisfactory physical condition. The research was conducted during the summer feeding season when the sheep stayed in the natural pasture, and upon his return to barn they received hay (ad libitum). Weighing and sampling of exterior characteristic of sheep has been carried out in the morning before going out to the pasture. Body condition score of sheep, with scores of 1-5, was determined by Russel [14]. Anamorphosis and body proportions indices of sheep were calculated by Chiofalo et al. [7]. Body measures of sheep (withers height, chest 1 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA circumference, carcass length, shin-bone circumference, chest width, chest depth, pelvis width, pelvis length) were performed by the Lydtin’s stick or stock band. Indices of chest, chest depth, body compactness, massines, body weight, length and bony of sheep were determined by Ćinkulov et al. [8]. The research results were analyzed by descriptive statistics in the computer program Statistica Stat Soft Windows [15]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Tables 1 and 2 shows exterior characteristics and indices of physical measurement Dubrovnik sheep. Table 1. Exterior characteristic of Dubrovnik sheep Traits, cm mean sd Body weight, kg 45.80 9.31 Withers height 62.58 3.69 Chest circumference 83.98 6.17 Carcass length 65.07 2.68 Shin-bone circumference 7.21 0.21 Chest width 19.42 2.17 Chest depth 30.15 1.37 Pelvis width 18.60 1.50 Pelvis length 19.53 1.87 sd- standard deviation; SE- standard error Statistical values min max 29.00 63.50 49.00 67.00 70.00 96.00 59.00 70.00 6.80 7.60 15.00 24.00 27.00 33.00 14.50 21.00 15.00 23.00 SE 1.70 0.67 1.13 0.49 0.04 0.40 0.25 0.27 0.34 From Table 1 it is visible that the Dubrovnik sheep achieved an average weight of 45.80 kg and height of the withers of 62.58 cm. Mentioned indicates that Dubrovnik sheep are medium size breed in compare to other Croatian sheep breeds (Table 3). Research in the past with Dubrovnik sheep, although they are very rare, indicate considerable variability in body weight of sheep. Namely, in the research Rako [13] determined the average body weight was 32.94 kg, and in the research Mioč et al. [11] 47.93 kg. The reasons for these variations primarily we can see in the quality of feeding and rearing of Dubrovnik sheep. Table 2. Physical measures indices of Dubrovnik sheep Index mean sd Body condition score 3.37 0.51 Anamorphosis index 113.54 17.21 Body proportion index 73.18 14.29 Index of chest 64.37 6.31 Index of chest depth 48.30 3.04 Index of body compactness 129.11 8.57 Index of massiness 134.60 12.05 Index of body weight 73.18 14.29 Index of leg length 51.70 3.04 Index of bony 11.55 0.70 sd- standard deviation; SE- standard error 2 Statistical values min max 2.5 4.0 83.05 153.60 49.15 101.67 53.57 77.42 43.65 57.14 115.70 148.39 118.64 161.23 49.15 101.67 42.86 56.35 10.30 14.29 SE 0.09 3.14 2.61 1.15 0.56 1.56 2.19 2.61 0.55 0.13 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Shown physical development indices of Dubrovnik sheep indicate good physical condition and sufficient nutrition. Although it can be said that the introduction in the meal some concentrated feed (corn, oats, barley, wheat bran) was necessary in order to improve productivity, especially in drought periods of the year (hot summer months). It is known to be very simple and convenient monitoring sheep nutritional status can be done by establishing the body mass and body condition scores [16, 5]. The research Ćinkulov [7] conducted on Tsigai shows that the indices of physical development were higher, which is reasonable because the Tsigai sheep physically developed breeds in relation to Dubrovnik sheep, which is confirmed by research Antunović et al. [6]. Possible direction of growing Dubrovnik sheep in the future are in the function of tourism through the production of lamb meat and sheep cheese. Table 3. Exterior characteristics of Croatian sheep breeds BM Dubrovnik sheep1 Tsigai2 Istrian sheep3 Lika pramenka4 Pag sheep3 Cres sheep3 Dalmatian pramenka3 Krk sheep3 BW 47.93 74.64 67.38 49.25 43.05 41.58 39.43 35.44 WH 60.12 81.20 73.51 60.75 56.14 59.97 59.43 54.64 CL 65.05 91.21 77.33 67.35 64.27 67.26 65.78 61.36 CD 30.32 32.11 32.98 29.28 27.91 29.34 28.55 28.14 CW 19.81 22.75 21.71 16.64 17.11 17.75 17.75 16.20 SBC 7.54 9.12 9.02 7.48 7.04 7.93 7.45 6.96 CC 86.45 111.7 96.69 83.83 83.26 83.1 82.39 76.39 BM- body measures; BW- body weight, kg; WH- Withers height, cm; CL- carcass length, cm; CD- Chest depth, cm; CW - Chest width, cm; SBC - Shin-bone circumference, cm; CC- Chest circumference, cm; 1 Mioč et al. [11]; 2 Antunović et al. [6]; 3 Mioč et al. [12], 4 Mioč et al. [10] CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Based on the results obtained in this study we can conclude that Dubrovnik sheep belongs to a group of medium developed Croatian sheep breeds and that it must work on the quality of nutrition in order to repair their production properties and indices of physical development. REFERENCES [1]. Antunović, Z. et al. 2007. Exterior, productive and metabolic characteristics of Dubrovnik lambs. 1st Conference on Native Breeds and Varieties as part Natural and cultural Heritage. Šibenik, Croatia, Novemeber 13-16 2007, pp. 6-10. [2]. Antunović, Z. et al. 2009. Blood metabolic profile of Dubrovnik sheep - Croatian endangered breed. Proceedings of IV International Symposium of Livestock Production, Struga, Macedonia, 9-12. 09. 2009., p. 46. [3]. Antunović Z. et al. 2010. Blood haematological and biochemical profil of Dubrovnik sheep. 2nd Conference on Native Breeds and Varieties as part Natural and cultural Heritage. Poreč, Croatia, September 22-25 2010, pp. 10-11. [4]. Antunović Z. et al. 2010.:Primjena manan-oligosaharida u hranidbi sisajuće janjadi u ekstenzivnom uzgoju. Krmiva 52, 2, 71-76. [5]. Antunović Z. et al. 2010. Praćenje hranidbenog statusa janjadi iz ekološkog uzgoja. Krmiva 52, 1, 27-34. 3 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [6]. Antunović et al. 2011. Fenotipske odlike cigaje u ekološkom uzgoju. Zbornik radova 46. hrvatskog & 6. međunarodnog znanstvenog simpozija agronoma. 14.-17. 02. 2011.(in press). [7]. Chiofalo, V. et al. 2004. Effects of the administration of lactobacilli on body growth and on the metabolic profile in growing Maltese goat kids. Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 44, 449-457. [8]. Ćinkulov, M. et al. 2003. Phenotypic differences between two types of Tsigai breed of sheep. Lucrai stiintifice Zootehnie si Biotehnologii, vol XXXVI, Timisoara, Romania, pp.1-6. [9]. HPA (2010.): Godišnje izvješće. Ovčarstvo, kozarstvo i male životinje. Izvješće za 2009. godinu. Križevci. [10]. Mioč, B. et al. (1997). Odlike eksterijera ličke pramenke. Stočarstvo 52, 1, 93-98. [11]. Mioč, B. et al. 2003. Odlike eskterijera i polimorfizmi proteina dubrovačke ovce. Stočarstvo 57, 1, 3-11. [12]. Mioč, B. et al. 2007. Exterior characteristics and production traits of some Croatian autochtonous sheep breeds. 1st Conference on Native Breeds and Varieties as part Natural and cultural Heritage. Šibenik, Novemeber 13-16 2007, pp. 190-193. [13]. Rako, A. 1949. Dubrovačka ovca. Veterinarski arhiv XIX, 3/6, 63-122. [14]. Russel, A. 1991. Body condition scoring of sheep. In: Sheep and goat practice. Boden E. (ed.). p. 3. Bailliere Tindall, Philadelphia. [15]. STATISTICA-Stat Soft, Inc. version 8.1, 2008, www.statsoft.com. [16]. Whitney, T.R. et al. 2009. Evaluating Nutritional Status of dorper and rambouillet ewes in range sheep production. Sheep and Goat Research Journal, 24, 10-16. Acknowledgements This article is a part of a research project “Nutritional aspects of modeling productivity and metabolic profile of sheep” financed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia. ABOUT THE AUTHORS PhD. Zvonko Antunović, Full professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Trg sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, tel: 00385 31 224 220; Fax: 00385 31 224 220; E- mail : [email protected] PhD. Đuro Senčić – full professor; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Trg sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, tel: 00385 31 224 220; Fax: 00385 31 224 220; E- mail : [email protected] BSc. Josip Novoselec – scientific novice, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Trg sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; E-mail : [email protected] BSc. Ivica Marić – Croatia Agency of Agriculture, M. Marojevića 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia; E- mail: [email protected] 4 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA BENEFIC EFFECTS OF SEVERAL ESSENTIAL OILS TREATMENTS IN HEALTHY AND POTATO VIRUS Y INFECTED PLANTS Solanum tuberosum L. AND Nicotiana tabacum Carmen Liliana BĂDĂRĂU , Angela MĂRCULESCU, Nicoleta CHIRU, Florentina DAMŞA, Andreea NISTOR Abstract: Antioxidants,poliphenols presents in essential oils (Lamiaceae plants) and other compounds (hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid) are implicated in processus signaling against stress. The treatments of positive potato plants with Rosmarinus officinalis oils significantly reduced the number of minitubers, enhancing their weights, while leaf pigment content also increased. Concerning the antiviral effect of Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis oils,all the treated tobacco plants presented after PVY infection values of absorbances at 405nm signifficantly lower than the untreated and inoculated controls. Key words: potato virus Y, essential oils, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis, tobacco Abbreviation: AA ascorbic acid; ROS reactive oxygen species; RA rosmarinic acid; RO Rosmarinus officinalis; PVY potato virus Y; OD optic density; SD standard deviation INTRODUCTION Over the past 20 years, potato virus Y (PVY) (Potyviride) has become a serious constraint to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in the world [7],[16]. High virus level can cause stand loss, reduced yields and reduced quality [5]. Thus, efforts to control PVY are essential when producing potatoes [2],[3],[5],[16],[23] Being very susceptible to potyvirus infection, Nicotiana tabacum (family Solanaceae) is used usually like test plant for potato virus Y [5]. Phenolic compounds and other constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis plants (Family Lamiaceae, order Lamiales) have antioxidant activity and pharmaceutical properties [4],[21]. They are also antimicrobial, antiviral wich protects the plants. Oils extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis introduced in healthy and infected potato plants could be implicated in the processus signaling against stress [24]. Plant cells have defensive responses to pathogen attack associated with changes in oxidative metabolism [13]. One of the consequences of stress is an increase in the cellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are subsequently converted to hydrogen peroxide (H 2O2). These ROS, particularly H2O2, play versatile roles in normal plant physiological processes and in resistance to stresses. H2O2 produced in excess is harmful, but lower concentrations are beneficial [22], [15], [17] in microplants of Solanum tuberosum. Genetic and physiological evidence suggests that H2O2 mediates the acquisition of tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses [1], [22]. Another molecule that participates in response to both biotic and abiotic stresses is ascorbic acid (AA), which acts as an antioxidant, protecting the cell against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors and pathogens [19],[20]. Considering that compounds from Lamiaceae plants oils have antiviral and antioxidant activity [4], [24] and that H2O2, AA have been implicated in signaling gene expression against biotic and abiotic stresses [10], [19], the objectives of this work were to evaluate the effects of treatments with Rosmarinus officinalis oils, hydrogen peroxide and AA on photosynthetic pigments in healthy and mechanical inoculated potato plants with potato virus Y (PVY). and to study the antiviral activity of Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis oils treatments on Nicotiana tabacum plants inoculated with PVY. 5 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MATERIAL AND METHODS Plant material. Solanum tuberosum L. microplants cv Roclas, testing virusfree, from the Biotechnology Department. Single node cuttings were propagated in test tubes on Murashige and Skoog [18] medium, at 20±1°C under a 16 h photoperiod (fluorescent lights, 400–700 nm), in sterile conditions. The microplants were transferred to greenhouse conditions 30 days after the single-node subculture step. For obtaining positive material, a part of these plants have been mechanicaly inoculated, using a PVY secondary infected plant from Record variety. The infection of the material was confirmed by ELISA tests. Nicotiana tabacum plants cv. White Burley have been inoculated mechanical in the 4 leaves phase and the harvesting leaves has been made after 4 weeks after inoculation. ELISA test. The analysis was performed following essentially the protocol described by Clark and Adams (1977) [6] (100 l). The samples having A405 values exceeding the cut-off (two times the average of healthy controls) were considered virus infected. Chemical treatments. Solanum tuberosum L. microplants were transplanted to pots and after 10, 20 and 30 days, all the plants (excepting the controls) were injected with Rosmarinus officinalis oil (dilution 1/1000) 100l each plant. Before the inoculation, in the 4 leaves phase, tobacco plants were injected with Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis oils (dilution 1/100 and 1/1000) 100l each /plant. From 7 days later from the first injection, the plants were sprayed twice weekly for the next time with 10 mL per plant of either 1 mM H2O2 or 3 mM AA at pH 5.6. Controls and plants treated only with natural oil were sprayed with distilled water. Four virus infected (positive) and healthy (negative) plants were sprayed in randomized arrays for each chemical treatment, and each treatment was performed in four independent experiments. Pigment analysis. Five leaf discs (about 1.5 cm diameter) per plant were taken from leaves of three plants per treatment. Samples for each assay were homogenized in 4 mL of 80%acetone at 4°C. Insoluble materials were removed by centrifugation at 2500 rpm for 10 min. Chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids, were analyzed spectrophotometrically (method Lichtenthaler and Wellburn [14]). Statistical analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test and scored as significant if P<0.05. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION I. Researches on Solanum tuberosum L Changes in photosynthetic pigment contents were evaluated 80 days after transplanting (fig.1A, B & fig.2A, B).Without chemical treatments, the positive leaves showed significant reductions, compared to uninfected leaves, in chlorophyll a (by 29%), chlorophyll b (44%), total chlorophyll (30%), and carotenoids (57%).Treatments with RO (Rosmarinus officinalis oil) and H2O2 or AA significantly increased pigment contents of virus PVY infected plant leaves to levels similar to uninfected plants (with the exception of the oil treatments on chlorophyll a and AA effects on carotenoids). By these treatments, no significant differences were induced in the uninfected plants (fig. 1A ,B fig.2A, B). Final harvests were carried out at 60 or 90 days after transplanting. At 60 days no significant differences were observed in the number of tubers in positive or uninfected control-treatments (fig. 3A). However, at the same date, positive plants treated only with Rosmarinus officinalis oil produced significantly more tubers (by 47%) than the positive controls. None of the treatments induced significant differences in the number of tubers in negative plants (fig. 3A). At 90 days after transplanting, the number of tubers produced by positive control plants was significantly higher than the uninfected control (by 65%) (fig. 3B). In uninfected plants no significant differences were obtained by the treatments relative to their controls (fig. 3B). However, all the treatments significantly reduced the number of 6 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA tubers produced per plant (by 25, 29 and 25% respectively) in the positive plants compared to their control (fig. 3B). Interestingly, this reduced number of tubers was similar to that produced by uninfected plants subjected to any of the treatments (fig. 3B). Figure 1. Chlorophyll a (A) and chlorophyll b (B) of leaves of healthy plants (□) and potato virus Y infected plants (■), following the treatments. Data are means ± SD of four experiments (n=4). Bars with different letters differ significantly by ANOVA and Duncan’s test (P<0.05) Figure 2. Total chlorophyll (A) and carotenoids (B) of leaves of healthy plants (□) and PVY infected plants (■) following the treatments. Data are means ± SD (n=4). Errors bars are 95% CI of means. Bars with different letters differ significantly by ANOVA and Duncan’s test (P<0.05). Tuber weights of the uninfected control plants were significantly higher (by 80 and 64%) than the positive control by 60 and 90 days respectively (fig. 4A and B). However, H2O2 and Rosmarinus officinalis oil treatments significantly enhanced the weight of tubers at 60 days (by 95% and 116% respectively) in the positive plants compared to their control (fig. 4A). Furthermore, this response was maintained at 90 days after transplanting (107% and 78% respectively), when the AA treatment also registered a significant (47%) increase (fig. 4B). The chemical treatments of positive plants resulted in tuber weights that were either not significantly different to, or greater than (in the H 2O2 treatment at 90 days), those of uninfected controls (fig. 4 A,B). Significant reduction by the chemical treatments of the weight of tubers harvested was observed in the uninfected plants compared with their 7 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA control at 60 days, this effect remaining significant at 90 days for the plants treated only with Rosmarinus officinalis oil (fig. 4). Fig. 3. Number of tubers produced by healthy (□) or infected plants with potato virus Y (■), after the treatments. Data are means ± SD of four experiments (n=4). Bars with different letters differ significantly by ANOVA and Duncan’s test (P<0.05). Figure 4. Weight of tubers produced by healthy (□) or positive-infected plants with PVTY- (■), after treatments. Data are means ± SD of four experiments (n=4). Bars with different letters differ significantly by ANOVA and Duncan’s test (P<0.05). Under greenhouse conditions, 90 days after transplanting, the infected plants produced a higher number of tubers than the uninfected controls, relative to uninfected controls. Increased number and reduced weight of tubers is a characteristic response to stress in potato. The virus also cause an array of symptoms suggestive of disturbances in the normal balance of hormones such as cytokinins and auxins [8]. Increased number of tubers could be due to disturbance of hormones involved in tuber formation [11]. It has been suggested that a physiological balance of antioxidant components is necessary in order to obtain protection to generalized stress; however, antioxidants are not always accessible to some of the sites where they are most needed in times of stress [9]. Our results agree with this statement since the Rosmarinus officinalis oil injections, the treatments induced significant anti-stress effects only in the tubers from positive plants. 8 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA II. Researches on Nicotiana tabacum Effects of treatments with Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula officinalis oils and H2O2 or AA, were compared on absorbances 405nm values obtained after testing (DAS ELISA technique) the plants (cv. White Burley) inoculated with potato virus Y(PVY). The antiviral activity of treatments was evaluated 40 days after the last transplanting. Compared with their positive controls, with chemical treatments, the inoculated plants showed significant decreases of the absorbances values (fig. 5). Treatments with Thymus serpillum oils and H2O2 or AA significantly decreased DO405nm of samples prelevated from virus PVY infected plant leaves to levels similar to uninfected. The best results were obtained using the oil’s dilution 1/100. No significant differences were induced by these treatments in the uninfected plants (fig. 5A). The Lavandula officinalis oils have lower effect on plants immunity comparated with Thymus serpillum, but the influence is present ( fig. 5B). A. B. Figure 5. A. Absorbances (optic density) values at 405nm of healthy and infected Nicotiana tabacum plants with potato virus Y(PVY) after the treatments. Bars with different letters differ significantly by ANOVA and Duncan’s test (P<0.05). B. Influence of treatments of healthy and inoculated Nicotiana tabacum plants with PVY on optic density (absorbances) values at 405nm. 95%CI - 95% confidence interval of the difference This research presents a novel potential approach for overcoming the most common damage in tubers of potato virus Y infected material, using natural compounds that offer the possibility of reduction of biocide usage. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The results of the present study demonstrated that potato plants mechanical infected with potato virus Y (PVY) suffered significantly harmful effects on pigment contents and on the number, weight of tubers produced. These effects were reduced by injected the plants with Rosmarinus officinalis oil and spraying with H2O2 or AA. The treatments of mechanical infected plants with potato virus Y significantly increased the levels of chlorophylls compared with positive control plants, while similarly treated uninfected plants did not show significant differences in these pigments. Concerning the antiviral effect of the Thymus serpyllum and Lavandula officinalis oils, the injected tobacco plants presented after PVY mechanical inoculation absorbances values at 405nm significantly lower than the untreated and inoculated controls. 9 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The elucidation of the precise role played by Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus serpyllum and Lavandula officinalis oil treatments in addition with H2O2, AA on potato virus Y infected and healthy plants awaits further investigation. REFERENCES [1]. Apostol, I., Heinstein, P.F., and P.S. Low. 1989 Rapid stimulation of an oxidative burst during elicitation of cultured plant cells. 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ABOUT THE AUTHORS Carmen Liliana Badarau, National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, 2 Fundaturii Street, 500470 Brasov, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Angela MĂRCULESCU, Faculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University, 2 Castelului Street, Braşov, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Nicoleta Chiru, National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, 2 Fundaturii Street, 500470 Brasov, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Florentina Damşa, National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, 2 Fundaturii Street, 500470 Brasov, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Andreea Nistor, National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, 2 Fundaturii Street, 500470 Brasov, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 11 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE METHODS OF FERTILITY REPRODUCTION OF SOILS AND THE GROWTH OF HIGH – QUALITY FODDER IN AZERBAIJAN M. Babayev, F. Ramazanova, S. Huseynova Abstract: For the elimination of the fodder deficiency and the increase in the biological activity and the rehabilitation of the fertility of the irrigated degraded gray-brown soil (İrraqri Gypcisols) in the territory of Apsheron zone (Azerbaijan), we determined the optimal dose of the application of nitrogen fertilizers on the background of manure - 20tonnes/ha + P90K60kg/ha of a reactant for summer sowing of winter rape - N140 (N60 (autumn harvest), N80 (spring harvest)kg/ha); for the autumn sowing of winter rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) - N30 (autumn harvest) + N90 (spring harvest) kg/ha. Keywords: Soil, protein, metabolizable energy, irrigation, degradation, microbiological activity, microflora INTRODUCTION The basis of modern agriculture of Azerbaijan, especially of Apsheron, is an effective utilization of an irrigated ploughed field. It is essentially important because of the origin and the development of stock-farms. So, it is important to create a firm fodder base by growing the interim crops balanced by the main nutrients and, at the same time, improving physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil thereby enriching it with organic matters such as stubble and fodder remains. As it is known, the lack of essential nutrients in fodders causes the decrease of productivity and the appearance of various animal diseases. [2; 3] This is a topical problem for Apsheron where in the structure of sown areas, the specific weight of low-productive cereals (55-140 centner/hectare) is too high and does not answer zoo-technical standards of nutrition (one fodder unit of digestible protein is 75-80 grams instead of the necessary 105-110 grams.) [1;2]. The purpose and methods of the research That is why for the elimination of the protein deficiency and the metabolizable energy in Apsheron, it is necessary to increase the biological activity and the fertility of the degraded irrigated soils by cultivating high-protein crops (rape Brassica napus) and mixed grass crops (rye+vetch+rape) with the use of fertilizers and organic manures. According to these data, specific researches were done. Rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) sowings were held in two periods: 1) for the single fodder use in autumn – first quarter of October; 2)for the double fodder use (summer/ autumn) – summer – the first quarter of August with the width of 15 cm between rows, and the standard quantity of seeds per hectare - 2,5 million. The irrigation rate for the period of sowing-harvesting is: for autumn – 1200/1300 m3 per hectare; for summer – 1400-1600 m3 per hectare. The experiments were performed for the autumn sowing according to the Apsheron agricultural engineering (20 m/ ha manure+ P90K60 k/ha) by 7 variants and for the summer sowing – by 5 variants. 1)Autumn sowing: (Rape)–1.without fertilizers (control); 2.background (manure 20t/ha+P90K60 kg/ha before sowing); 3.background+N30 (autumn)+N30 kg/ha of reactant (spring); 4.background+N30 (autumn)+N60 kg/ha of reactant (spring); 5.background+N30 (autumn)+N90 kg/ha of reactant(spring); 6.background+N30 (autumn)+N120 kg/ha of reactant (spring); Rye+Vetch+Rape) 7. background+N30 (autumn)+N60 kg/ha of a reactant (spring) 2) Summer sowing: 1. without fertilizers (control); 2.background (manure 20t/ha of a reactant+P90K60 kg/ha before sowing); 3. background+N100 kg/ha of a reactant (N50 (autumn), N50-(spring)); 4. background+N140 kg/ha of a reactant (N60 (autumn), N80-spring)); 5. background+N180 kg/ha of a reactant (N80(autumn) , N100(spring)); (in autumn – before 12 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA sowing, in spring – for extra nutrition). In spring, in all the variants, nitrogen fertilizers were introduced fractionally-50% during booting, 30%- during budding, 20%- during blossoming. The object of the research The researches were conducted in the territory of Apsheron zone (Azerbaijan). The soil of the experimental area is gray and brown with a low consistence of humus and nutrients; by mechanical composition – semi-loamy soil. The carbonality of the upper horizon is 3-5%. The humus content in an arable layer is 1.56-1.75%, nitrogen- 0.094% 0.104%, assailable phosphorus- 12.0 -15.0%, general potassium - 280-297 ml/kg. The climate is dry, subtropical. Average annual temperature is + 14 0С to + 150С. The sum of active temperatures is about +45600С. Average annual precipitation is 140-250 mm. The discussion of the research results The results of our researches (1995-2000, 2003-2007) showed that winter rape grew slowly in all the variants during the initial summer sowing (due to high t0) but it increased its growth during the second decade of September. We could observe the high efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers in the variant ‘background + N140 kg/ha (N60 (autumn), N80 (spring) kg/ha of a reactant’. In 65-70 days of vegetation and a three-time watering, rape formed 8 pairs of leaves (72.5-77.0 cm high) and supplied with 347 centner/hectare of green mass in autumn (1harvesting). The harvest of dry matter was 35 centners/hectare, which is 3840% higher than in control, 28-30% higher than in background, and 15-18% higher than in variants 3 and 5. In 6-7 days after harvesting in all the variants, rape started growing and, in early winter, had the height of 13-18cm. In spring, rape blossoming in all the variants was 5-7 days later than during autumn. The 2 nd (spring) harvesting of green mass made 289 centners/ha. At the same time, we examined feeding values of winter rape sown in summer (both after 1st and 2nd harvestings). The results of the analyses showed the increase in the content of dry mass (from 9.910.0 to 12.1%), raw cellulose (from 10.9-11.1 to 19.3-20.0%) in the absolutely dry matter after the 2nd harvesting in all the variants. However, the decrease of raw protein (from 23.0-25.8 to 19.9-20.1%) and fat (from 5.5-6.1 to 5.0-5.3%) was observed. Overall after two harvestings (autumn and spring) in the variant ‘background + N 140 kg/ha of a reactant (N60 (autumn) , N80 – (spring)’, the harvest from 1 ha gave: 64 centners of dry mass, 66 centners of fodder unit, 207 ths/mega-j. of metabolizable energy, 12 centners of digestible protein. The content of NO3 was 300 mg/kg and the provision of 1 fodder unit with digestible protein -185g. In the control and the other variants these data are 25-46% lower. During the autumn sowing of rape (for one harvest) and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) for the green mass (in spring), we observed the high effect of nitrogen fertility on the plant productivity in the variant ‘background + N30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha’. In this variant, the harvest of the dry mass of rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) from 1 ha was 46-50 centners, fodder units – 46-50centner, metabolizable energy- 178-190 thousand / mega-j., digestible protein – 7.3 and 8.9 centners ( table 1). The absolutely dry matter of rape contains: raw protein- 23.3%, fat – 5.56%, carotene- 480mg/kg, cellulose – 18.02%, NO3 – 300-305mg/kg, and the provision of 1 fodder unit with digestible protein -185-197g (table2). The nutritional value of 1 kg of dry matter in fodder units was 163g., which is 22-39% higher than in the control and variants 3, 4, and 6. In the practice of cattle feeding, the usual ration of cows contains 3.0-3.5% of fat in dry mass. The higher the yield of milk the more energy should be in 1 kg of dry matter. It is unreasonable to lower the metabolizable energy till 8 mega-j in 1 kg of dry matter. In all the variants during summer and autumn sowings, the dry matter of winter rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) is high-energy fodder due to the content of fat (5.3-6.10%), metabolizable energy (9.0-10.9 and 9.3-11.2 mega-j, table 2). This way, the introduction of the fodder from rape and mixed grass crop rye+vetch+rape into the ration of milk cows 13 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA favors an average daily increase in animal live weight (300-400g per head) and milk fat content by 0.5-1.0%. Left after harvesting the green mass of winter and summer rape and winter rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape), vegetative residuals, rich in nutrients (1.97-2.01%N, 0.60-0.67% P2O5, 2.00-2.07% K2O), enriched the soil with organic matters, favored its biological development and fertility stabilization. According to the indices of the chemical composition of vegetative residuals of winter rape during summer sowing in the variant ‘background + N140 (N60 for the 1st harvesting, N80 – for the 2nd harvesting)kg/ha’, 77.2kg N, 29.0kg P2O5, 78.7kg CaO, and 68.9 kg K2O got into the soil per 1ha together with vegetative residuals during the ploughing. During autumn sowing of rape and mixed grass crop rye+vetch+rape (background + N30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha), the soil received 67 and 70 kg N, 19.0 and 26 kg P2O5, 66 and 69 kg CaO, and 49.9 and 55.0 kg K2O. In all the other variants of winter rape sowing, these data were lower. Table 1 Nutrients from 1 hectare of harvest № Metabolizable energy, thousands mega-joules Variants Fodder unit, centner/ hectare Summer sowing of winter rape (sum of two harvests) 1 Without fertilizers (control) 147 28 Digestibl e protein, centner/ hectare 3.2 Background 2 (manure 20tonnes/ha+P90K60 164 40 kg/ha) st Background+N 3 harvesting, 197 54 100 (N50 for the 1 nd N50 -for the 2 harvesting) kg/ha st background+N 4 harvesting, 207 66 140 (N60 for the 1 nd N80-for the 2 harvesting) kg/ha st background+N 5 harvesting, 187 51 180 (N80 for the 1 nd N100 -for the 2 harvesting) kg/ha Autumn sowing of winter rape and mixed grass crop 12.0 1 Without fertilizers (control) 91 14 1.6 Background 2 (manure 20tonnes/hectare + P90K60kg/ha before sowing) Background+N 3 30 (autumn)+N30 (spring) kg/ha 126 24 3.0 147 30 4.1 Background+N 4 30 (autumn)+N60 (spring) kg/ha 161 39 5.7 Background+N 5 30 (autumn)+N90 (spring) kg/ha 178 46 7.3 Background+N 6 (spring) 30(autumn)+N120 kg/ha Rye+ vetch+rape Background+N 7 30 (autumn)+N60 (spring) kg/ha 170 40 6.4 190 50 8.9 14 6.1 8.9 7.5 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 2 The content and quality of nutrients in fodder Indices Winter rape Metabolizable energy, mega- joul 9.00 – 10.95 Raw protein, % 17.00 – 23.30 Raw cellulose, % 18.02 – 19.94 Raw fat, % 5.30 - 6.10 Carotene, mg/kg 450 - 480 In dry matter Mixed grass crop (Rye+vetch+rye) 9.3 - 11.07 18.37 - 25.00 17.5 - 18.70 5.00 - 6.03 460 - 493 However, the influence of vegetative residuals of each crop or type of sowing differs. It was established that the sowing of winter rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) (background+N30 (autumn)+N90 (spring) kg/ha) was most effective: the content of humus increased to 1.89-2.00%, the content of fraction decreased (0.05-0.005mm), the content of oozy fraction and physical clay increased, the sum of salts decreased from 0.22 to 0.10%, the content of the absorbed Ca increased from 80 to 83%, the content of Mg and Na decreased to 5.5-7.7% and 0.9-1.3%, the indices of pH environment and total alkalinity decreased to the side of soil neutralization (pH 7.4-8.5), the content of calcium carbonate increased (6.9-8.1%). Vegetative residuals of rape and rye+vetch+rape (summer and winter sowing) favored the increase in soil biological activity. The determination of soil microbiological activity under rape (summer and autumn sowings in all the variants) and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) by the method of the decomposition of linen cloth showed that this process is higher during summer (background + N140 (N60 for 1st harvesting, N80 – for 2nd harvesting) kg/ha) and autumn sowings of rape and mixed grass crop (background + N30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha) than in control and the other variants. So, the decomposition of linen cloth during summer sowing of rape (background + N140 (N60 for the 1st harvesting, N80 – for 2nd the harvesting)kg/ha) in the soil layer of 0-11cm was 50.1%, in the soil layer of 11-24-57% and during autumn sowing of rape and mixed grass crop (background + N 30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha)- 46-55 and 59%, respectively. It can be explained by the fact that the mineralization of rape residuals in both of the variants and mixed grass crop passes more intensively than in the other variants. Vegetative residuals of rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) (summer and winter sowings) had a positive effect on the intensity of the quality and quantity of microorganisms (table 3). 15 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA actinomy cetes microsco pic fungi bacteria Total number of microorganisms Table 3 The ratio of the main physiological groups of microorganisms in the irrigated graybrown soil (layer-0-25cm, ths/g of soil) № Variants In % out of Spore the total number forming of bacteria in microorganisms % out of the total number of bacteria Summer sowing of winter rape (sum of two harvests) 1 Without fertilizers (control) 1590 57 43 0.08 background 2 (manure 20 tonnes/ha + P90K60 3750 69 31 0.11 kg/ha) st background+N 3 harvesting, 4005 74 26 0.16 100(N50 for the 1 nd N50 – for the 2 harvesting) kg/ha st background+N 4 76 24 0.18 140 (N60 for the 1 harvesting, 4500 nd N80-for the 2 harvesting) kg/ha background 5 + N180 (N80 for the 1st harvesting, 3900 72 28 0.14 nd N100 – for the 2 harvesting) kg/ha Autumn sowing of winter rape and mixed grass crop 1 Without fertilizers (control) 1489 58 42 0.09 2 2005 60 40 0.12 background (manure 20 tonnes/hectare +P90K60 kg/ha before sowing) background+N 3 2849 68 32 0.13 30(autumn)+N30 (spring) kg/ha background+N 4 3570 71 29 0.16 30 (autumn)+N60 (spring) kg/ha background+N 5 (autumn)+N (spring) kg/ha 4600 79 21 0.17 30 90 background+N 6 4517 75 25 0.18 30 (autumn)+N120 (spring) kg/ha Rye+vetch+rape 7 4790 81 19 0.19 background+N30 (autumn)+ N60 (spring) kg/ha 14.92 8.70 8.97 9.30 8.70 15.00 13.98 13.95 9.43 9.90 9.70 10.06 Their stimulating effect is especially seen in the soil under: rape (summer sowing) in the variant (background + N140 (N60 1st harvesting, N80 – 2nd harvesting) kg/ha) – 4500 ths/g; rape (autumn sowing) in the variant (background + N30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha) - 4600ths/g; mixed grass crop - 4790ths/g; in the other variants - lower. In the composition of microflora, the number of nonspore-forming bacteria increased, but that of spore-forming bacteria decreased. In the soil without ferilizers, the content of actinomycetes was higher (up to 50% out of the total number of microorganisms), but the number of spore ammonifiers was lower (up to 10-19% out of the total number of bacteria). The qualitative composition of microorganisms in the soil under rape (winter sowing) and mixed grass crop was richer than in the soil under rape (summer sowing) and in the soil without fertilizers. Here among the ammonificating bacteria, the representatives of Bacillus prevailed. Bac. mesenteicus multiplied intensively (39-50%). The number of bacilli was at its highest point in rhizosphere by the flowering period. 16 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The number of microscopic fungi in the control soil was low and they were only from Aspergillus genus. In the soil under rape (autumn sowing) in the variant (background + N30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha) and mixed grass crop, we observed an increasing number of microscopic fungi and enrichment of their qualitative composition (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Alternaria). The appearance of the representatives of Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Alternaria along with Aspergillus indicated the formation of favorable environmental conditions in the soil under these variants. The vegetative residuals of these plants had a stimulating effect on the intensive development of the main physiological groups of microorganisms. In the soils under all the variants, we could observe seasonal fluctuation of the number of the particular physiological groups of microorganisms. It was also found experimentally that correlation coefficient among the number of microflora and the total reserve of vegetative residuals of rape (winter sowing) in the variant (background + N 30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha) and mixed grass crop rye+vetch+rape was 0.123-134, together with living roots – 0.373-0.380, together with dead roots- 0.675-0.726. However, in the soil under rape of summer sowing, these indices were higher. CONCLUSION The summer sowing of rape in the variant (background + N140 (N60 1st harvesting, N80 – 2nd harvesting) kg/ha), the autumn sowing of winter rape and mixed grass crop (rye+vetch+rape) in the variant (background + N30 (autumn) + N90 (spring) kg/ha) provide the soil with high-energy, protein fodders favoring an average daily increase in animal live weight (300-400g per head) and milk fat content by 0.5-1.0%. At the same time the improvement of physical and chemical properties of gray-brown soil (İrraqri Gypcisols) favors its desaltinization and the increase in the biological activity and fertility (1.5-2 times). REFERENCES [1] Babayev M. 2000. Degradation of soil in Azerbaijan influence of increasing Antropogen affect. // EUR 19723 EN. European communities. Italy. p.4 [2] Komatsuzaki M., Ohta H. 2007. Soil management practices for sustainable agroecosystems //Sustain Sci. V.2. pp.103-120. [3] Ramazanova F., Babayev M., Huseynova S.M. 2008. Biological methods of fertility reproduction of antropogene degraded irrigated soils in Azerbaijan dry subtropics Congress“Eurosoil 2008”- Soil-Society-Environment, Vienna, Austria, p.106. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Babayev M., Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of ANAS, M.Arif 5 Street 1073 Baku, Azerbaijan E-mail: [email protected] Ramazanova F., Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of ANAS, M.Arif 5 Street 1073 Baku, Azerbaijan , E-mail: [email protected] Huseynova S., Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of ANAS, 5 M.Arif Street 1073 Baku, Azerbaijan , E-mail: [email protected] 17 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE EFFECT OF ZN DEFICIENCY ON THE CONTENTS OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENTS N. Bákonyi, É. Gajdos, B. Tóth, P. Makleit, L. Lévai, Sz. Veres Abstract: Nearly half of the world’s cereal crops are deficient in Zn, leading to poor crop yields. In this study, the effect of total Zn deficiency and a synthetic auxin (NES) on the contents of photosynthetic pigments of cucumber seedlings were investigated. The relative chlorophyll contents (SPAD unit), as well as the absolute contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a,-b, total carotenoids) were measured. According to our results the total Zn deficiency dramatically – by more than 50% – reduced the amount of chlorophyll-a in the second leaves. The relative chlorophyll contents were lower by 38% in the Zn-deficient th plants than in the control ones on the 16 day of the treatment. The treatment with NES compensated for the Zn deficiency. The SPAD index was higher in the NES-treated plants than in the Zn-deficient plants by 35% th on the 16 day of treatment. Key words: Zn deficiency, SPAD, photosynthetic pigments. INTRODUCTION Almost half of the world’s cereal crops are deficient in zinc (Zn), leading to poor crop yields. In fact, one-third (33%) of the world's population is at risk of Zn deficiency in rates, ranging from 4% to 73% depending on the given country. Zn deficiency in agricultural soils is also a major global problem affecting both crop yield and quality. High pH and calcium carbonate contents are the main reasons for the low availability of Zn for plants (Karimian and Moafpouryan, 1999). It has been reported that the high-concentration application of phosphate fertilisers reduces Zn availability (Khosgoftarmanesh et al., 2006). The Zn takes part in protein metabolism and stimulates the auxin production in due to regulate the growth (Pethő, 1993; Kalocsai, 2006). There are a number of physiological impairments in Zn-deficient plant cells with causing retardation of the growth, differentiation and development of plants (Cakmak, 2000), because the Zn is indispensable micronutrient for the plant via important enzymeconstituent and influence enzyme-activator. Zinc deficiency affected photosynthesis (Randall and Bouma, 1973) and zinc deficiency caused extensive declines in chlorophyll (chl) contents of leaf and ratios of chl a/b (Chen et al., 2008). MATERIAL AND METHODS The experimental plant was cucumber (Cucumis stativum L. cv. Delicatess). The seeds were germinated on moistened filter paper at 25 oC. The seedlings were transferred to a continuously aerated nutrient solution of the following composition: 2.0 mM Ca(NO3)2, 0.7 mM K2SO4, 0,5 mM MgSO4, 0.1 mM KH2PO4, 0.1 mM KCl, 1µM H3BO3, 1µM MnSO4, 0.25 µM CuSO4, 0.01 µM (NH4)6Mo7O24. The nutrient solution contains 10µM H3BO3. The iron as Fe-EDTA was added to the nutrient solution in a concentration of 10-4M. The treatments were: control, -Zn (totally Zn deficiency), -Zn+NES. The auxin was used in synthetic form (NES) with 1 drop NES (0,03369 g=5,37x10-1M) to the top of the stem on every 3th day. In this study, the effect of total Zn deficiency was investigated on the relative and absolute contents of photosynthetic pigments. The seedlings were grown under controlled environmental conditions (light/dark regime 16/8 h at 24/20 oC, 65–70% relative humidity and a photosynthetic photon flux density 300 µmol m-2s-1. The relative chlorophyll contents were measured with SPAD 502 (Minolta) on the 12nd, 16th and 22nd days on the 2nd and 3rd leaves, respectively. Moran and Porath’s method (1980) and METEREK SP-830 spectrophotometer was used to determine 18 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA the absolute contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a,-b, total carotenoids)and their ratio in the firs, second and third leaves. The experimental results were evaluated with Microsoft Office Excel and SigmaPlot 8.0. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The Zn deficiency can retard the growth of the plants via decreases of auxin synthesis and the dry matter accumulation. The dry matter accumulation depends on the intensity of photosynthesis and the contents of the photosynthetic pigments, therefore the relative chlorophyll contents (SPAD unit) of 2nd and 3rd leaves were measured with the development of leaves. The results can be seen in the Table 1. Table 1. The effects of total Zn deficiency and NES treatments on the relative chlorophyll contents of cucumber’s leaves (mg.g-1), (SPAD unit), (n=250±s.e.). Significant difference comparison to the control: *p <0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001. Time of Place of measurements measurement 12th day 16th day 2nd leaf 22nd day 3rd leaf control 53.7±5.64 50.8±1.19 52.6±0.79 52.9±2.37 Treatments - Zn 41.4±4.83*** 31.6±3.00*** 35.9±1.73*** 29.0±5.89*** - Zn+NES 45.5±6.51* 48.7±2.97* 51.0±4.09* 51.6±4.25* According to Table 1. high relative chlorophyll contents of cucumber leaves were measured, which decreases with the age. The total Zn deficiency significantly reduced the relative chlorophyll contents culminating at 22nd measuring day and with value 29.0±5.89 comparison to the control. The relative chlorophyll contents were lower by 38% and 32% in the Zn-deficient plants than in the control ones on the 16 th and 22nd day of the treatment, respectively. The treatment with NES compensated for the Zn deficiency. The SPAD index was higher in the NES-treated plants than in the Zn-deficient plants by 35% and 30% on the 16th and 22nd days of treatment on the 2nd leaves, respectively. The unfavourable effect of total Zn deficiency was examined on the absolute contents of photosynthetic pigments in two steps. In the first experiment was examined only the effect of total Zn deficiency on the contents of chlorophyll-a, and -b and their ratio in the first and second leaves (Table 2.). In the next experiment the treatments were completed with the –Zn+NES treatment. In this case besides the chlorophyll-a, and –b, the total carotenoids were also determined in the 2nd and 3rd leaves with their ratio (Table 3). Table 2. The effect of total Zn deficiency on the contents of chlorophyll-a (chl-a), chlorophyll-b (chl-b) and their ratio of 1st and 2nd leaves of 22-day-old cucumber seedlings (mg.g-1), (n=4±s.e.). Significant difference comparison to the control: *p <0.05, **p<0.01. chl-a chl-b chl a/b Treatm. Contr. - Zn %* 1st leaf 2nd leaf 11.7±2.47 11.4±5.22 5.2±4.52** 4.1±0.48** 55.5 64.0 1st leaf 4.3±1.14 1.7±0.50* 60.4 2nd leaf 3.8±1.64 1.5±0.04* 60.5 1st leaf 2,8 3,2 - * Reduction shown in percentage (%) comparison to the control. 19 total chl 2nd leaf 1st leaf 2nd leaf 3,0 16,0 15,2 2,8 6,9 5,6 56.8 63.2 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 2. and Figure 1, 2. well demonstrates the chlorophylls-decreasing effect of total Zn deficiency. 1. . -1 12 st 2nd leaf 1 leaf 10 8 6 ** ** st 1 leaf 4 2 2. 5 nd 2 leaf Control -Zn chlorophyll-b mg g chlorophyll-a mg g . -1 14 1st leaf 4 2nd leaf 3 * 2 1 Control - Zn 1st leaf 2nd leaf * 0 0 Treatments Treatments Figure 1. and 2. The effect of total Zn deficiency on the contents of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b of 1st and 2nd leaves of 22-day-old cucumber seedlings (mg.g-1), (n=4±s.e.). Significant difference comparison to the control: *p <0.05, **p<0.01. The chlorophyll-a,-b contents of first and second leaves of Zn-deficient plants dramatically decreased, comparison to the control. The differences between the treatments in the total contents of chlorophylls show that the -Zn treatments reduced by 56.8% and 63.2% the total chlorophylls contents in the 1 st and 2nd leaves, respectively. Table 3. The effect of total Zn deficiency and NES treatments on the contents of chlorophyll-a (chl-a), chlorophyll-b (chl-b) and carotenoids (car) and their ratio of 2nd and 3rd leaves of 30-day-old cucumber seedlings (mg.g-1), (n=3±s.e.). Significant difference comparison to the control: *p <0.05. 3rd leaf 2nd leaf Treatments control - Zn - Zn+NES control - Zn - Zn+NES chl-a 12.3±3.51 5.6±0,76* 12.2±1.35 12.0±1.21 10.7±1.32 12.7±1.27 chl-b 4.0±1.14 1.8±0.19* 3.9±0.55 4.0±3.40 2.8±0.10 3.4±0.71 car chl-a/chl-b 3.3±1.00 1.7±0.27 3.2±0.46 3.6±0.74 2.9±0.16 3.4±0.31 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.8 3.7 chl-a/car 3.7 3.3 3.8 3.3 3.6 3.7 total chl/car 4.9 4.3 5.0 4.4 4.6 4.7 Table 3. presents the decrease caused by total Zn deficiency in the absolute content of examined photosynthetic pigments. The total Zn deficiency significantly decreased by 54.5% and 10.8% the contents of chlorophyll-a; by 55.0% and 30.0% the contents of chlorophyll-b; by 48.5% and 19.4% the contents of carotenoids in the 2nd and 3rd leaves respectively - comparison to the control. The older leaves were more tolerant. The treatment with NES could compensate for the Zn deficiency, because the measured values were close to the control or higher. The absolute contents of chlorophyll-a of NEStreated Zn-deficient plants were higher by 5.8% in the 3rd leaves comparison to the control. The ratio of the investigated pigments show different. There was no or negligible difference between the ratios in case of 2nd leaves. However the ratio of measured pigments indicated stress in case of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b in the 3rd leaves. 20 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK According to our experimental results the total Zn deficiency significantly reduced the relative (SPAD index) and absolute contents of photosynthetic pigments via retardation of synthetic processes. Zn is known as a functional component of a number of enzymes, which play role in protein synthesis. The photosynthetic pigments contain a cromofor group and a protein part, therefore in lack of Zn the protein synthesis is retarded and the pigments suffer damage. The relative chlorophyll contents were lower by 38% and 32% in the Zn-deficient plants than in the control ones on the 16th and 22nd day of the treatment, respectively. The treatment with NES compensated for the Zn deficiency. The SPAD index was higher in the NES-treated plants than in the Zn-deficient plants by 35% and 30% on the 16th and 22nd days of treatment, respectively. The total Zn deficiency dramatically – by more than 50% – reduced the amount of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b in the second leaves. The older leaves were more tolerant. The absolute contents of chlorophyll-a of NES-treated Zn-deficient plants were higher by 5.8% in the 3rd leaves comparison to the control. There is a purpose for further examination on interaction between the Zn deficiency and photosynthetic pigments, as well as its possible effects on photosynthesis. REFERENCES [1]. Cakmak, I., 2000. Possible roles of zinc in protetcting plant cells from demage by reactive oxigen species. New Physiology 146, pp. 185-205. [2]. Chen W., X. Yang, Z. He, Y. Feng and F. Hu. 2008. Differential changes in photosynthetic capacity, 77 K chlorophyll fluorescence and chloroplast ultrastructure between Zn-efficient and Zn-inefficient rice genotypes (Oryza sativa) under low zinc stress. Physiologia Plantarum Volume 132, Issue 1, January 2008. pp. 89–101. [3]. Kalocsai, R., 2006. A cink (Zn). MezőHír X. évf. 2006. szeptember pp. 38. [4]. Karimian, N., and G. R. Moafpouryan., 1999. Zinc adsorption characteristics of selected calcareous soils of Iran and their relationship with soil properties. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 30, pp. 1721–1731. [5]. Khoshgoftarmanesh, A. H., H. Shariatmadari, N. Karimian, and S. E. A. T. M. VanDer Zee., 2006. Cadmium and zinc in saline soil solutions and their concentrations in wheat. Soil Science Society of America Journal 70, pp. 582–588. [6]. Pethő M., 1993. Mezőgazdasági növények élettana. Akadémia Kiadó, Budapest 1993. pp. 221, 224. [7]. Randall P. J. and D. Bouma. 1973. Zinc Deficiency, Carbonic Anhydrase, and Photosynthesis in Leaves of Spinach. Plant Physiology 52, 229-232. ABOUT THE AUTHORS N. Bákonyi, É. Gajdos, B. Tóth, P. Makleit Ph.D., L. Lévai Ph.D., Sz. Veres Ph.D., Division of Agricultural Botany and Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Böszörményi u. 138. Hungary, Phone: +36 52 512900/68063. E-mail: [email protected] 21 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE ROLE OF PROTOZOAN INFECTION IN THE OCCURRENCE OF NEONATAL ENTEROPATHIES IN PIGLETS I.Pavlović, M.Žutić,O.Radanović, and B.Savić Abstract: Protosoan infection caused by by Isospora suis and Cryptosporidium spp. play important role at occurence of neonatal entheropathy of piglets. In our paper we give an autline of prevalence of I.suis and Cryptosporidium spp. Key words: pigs, Isospora suis, Cryptosporidium spp., enteropathy INTRODUCTION The disease caused by Isospora suis and Cryptosporidium spp. has been described as an important cause of suckling piglet diarrhea and reported from all types of farrowing facilities and under all types of management systems (1,4,7,8,9). Depending on the rate of infection, the disease complexes can range from sub clinical infections to infections that include severe intestinal problems with severe lesions in the gastrointestinal tract that can result in high mortality and/or a negative impact on the factors of production (4,6,10). At same time, those parasites play important role at complex of neonatal entheropathy of piglets, spread together with other infectious agents (1,5,6). MATERIAL AND METHODS During 2007-2009 a total of 428 pigs, 2 days -21 weeks old, were exanimate in the laboratory of Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia. All of the examined pigs were sings of diarrhea. After routine necropsy, to parasitological examination we used faecal swab, gut contents and a mucous scrape of gut which we examined with Sheather’s sugar flotation and in direct smears stained with Gimsa strain and Ziehl-Neelsen stain and examined by use of light microscopy. In addition section of jejunum, ileum and spiral colon from each pig were fixed in natural buffered 10% formal in, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 6 micrometer, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined by use of the light microscopy. At same time we examined 979 samples of faeces originated from various product categories (fating pigs, sows, board) a coprological examination was done within 24 hours after sampling using flotation method in Sheather’s sugar solution. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The occurrence of Isospora suis was found to be highest in piglets at the age of 7– 15days. Isosporosis prevalence in piglets was highest on the second week of piglet age (32.8%) with the highest prevalence value on day 13 of piglet age (44.3%) In infected piglets the presence of I. suis was detected most frequently in connection with watery diarrheas (37.4%) and least frequently in piglets with shaped faeces (15.0%). In piglet with watery diarrheas only very weak isosporous infections were usually found, together with other enteropathogenic agents of bacterial or viral etiology contributed to the origin of diarrheas (like E.coli, C.perfrigens tip C rotaviruses, and etc.) in parallel infections in piglets to a large extent. We found out total isosporosis prevalence 27.4% mostly in a litter housing system; these results document that in our conditions there are not any significant differences in the prevalence and time of occurrence of Isospora suis between different housing systems and time periods compared to the results obtained in a litterless system of piglet housing. 22 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Reports on the presence, prevalence and epidemiology of Isospora suis have come from virtually every country in the world (3,10). Studies conducted in most countries have shown a high prevalence of the disease on farms (18-85%). Results of our examination are at similar range. During our examination cryptosporidial organisms were detected in the microvillus brush border in the intestine of the 537 (12,34%) pigs examined. Small numbers of organisms were found in 63,76%, moderate number in 20,28% and large number in 15,94%. Infected pigs ranged from 7-12 weeks old and was highest in piglets 11-12 week old (63%). The fact that 60% of those infected were 6-12 weeks old would suggest that there is a strong possibility of sub clinical infection in weaned pigs. Infection apparently diminishes in pigs after 12 weeks old. Cryptosporidia were seen much less frequently in pigs outside of this age range and were not found in pigs less then 1 week old. The our results suggested that infection apparently diminishes in pigs older then 12 weeks and that the much less frequently seen in pigs outside this age range (7-11 weeks) and not found in pigs less then 7 weeks old. much less frequently seen in pigs outside this age range (7-11 weeks) and not found in pigs less then 7 weeks old. Cryptosporidia were rarely seen in mature sow and boards only in low range of infection (2) During our examination, cryptosporidia was not determinate to be the only cause of diarrhea in examined pigs. With few exceptions, cryptosporidia were associated with sub clinical infection. Even in the 69 cryptosporidia infected pigs with diarrhea, other enteric pathogens or lesions, independently capable of causing diarrhea, were in all 32% (in 45 cases we occured Brachyspira hyodisenteria and in 39 Campylobacter spp.). CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Protozoan infection had an important role in occurrence of neonatal enteropathy of piglets either in itself or in concert with other agents. REFERENCES [1]. Corwin R.M., Stewart T.B. (1992): Internal Parasites, In: E.J.Lemman: Disease of Swine,. Wolf Publishing Ltd. New York. [2]. Mišić, Z., Katić-Radivojević, S., Kulišić, Z. (2003) Cryptosporidium infection in nursing, weaning and post-weaned piglets and sows in the belgrade district; Acta Veterinaria, 53, 361-366. [3]. Mundt H.C., Joachim A., Daugschies A, Zimmermann M (2003) Population biology studies on Isospora suis in piglets. Parasitol Res 90 Suppl 3:158–159 [4]. Pavlović, I., Ivetić, V., Erski-Biljić, M., Milutinović, M., Kulišić, Z. (1996) Cryptosporidial infection of pigs at the intensive breeding. Journal of Protozoology Research 6, 21-24. [5]. Pavlović, I., Ivetić, V., Valter, D., Romanić, S., Hudina, V. (1997) Prevalence of cryptosporidial infection in pigs and its role in entheropathy apperiance in piglets. Abstracts of VII Congress National de Medicine Veterinara Romania, Voinesa, Romania, 104 [6]. Pavlović, I., Žutić M.,Savić B.,Radanović O. (2004):Isospora suis - aktuelan parazitološki problem farmski gajenih svinja Veterinarski glasnik 58 (3-4), 561-565 [7]. Pavlović I., Hudin V., Kulišić Z.,Ivetić V.,Žutić M. (2006): Kokcidioza svinja u farmskom uzgoju Zbornik naučnih radova Instituta PKB Agroekonomik 12 (3-4),127133 23 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [8]. Pavlović I.,Žutić M.,Ivetić V.,Savić B.,Radanović O.,Djukić B. 2007. Prevalence of cryptosporidial infection in piglets with clininical signs of enterophaty. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry 23 (5-6) book 2, 229-235 [9]. Savic B., Pavlović I., IveticV., Zutic M., Kureljusic B. 2010.Prevalence of isosporidial infection in piglets with clininical signs of enteropathy. Proceedings of 21st IPVS Congress, Vancouver Canada, 800 [10]. Worliczek H.L., Gerner W., Joachim A., Mundt H-C, Saalmüller A. (2009) Porcine Coccidiosis – Investigations on the Cellular Immune Response against Isospora suis. Parasitol Res 105 : 151 – 155 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Ivan Pavlović, Milenko Žutić,Oliver Radanović, Božidar Savić, Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia, Vojvode Toze 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 24 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE EXAMINATION OF DISINFECTANTS EFFICIENCY ON PATHOGEN MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM INCUBATORY STATIONS Živka Ilić, Dubravka Jovičić, Ivan Pavlović, Gordana Žugić, Miloš Gavrović, Dragica Vojinović Abstract: Our examination was aimed to determinated how the chemical (disinfiction) substance influence to alive of pathogen microorganism isolated at incubatory stations Key words: micoorganisms, incubatory station, desinfecton INTRODUCTION Incubator sections are facilities with necessary microclimatic conditions which provide the optimal embryonic development of different sorts of breeding eggs into healthy poultry offspring. The important role of incubatory stations is controlling the diseases of poultry, since it is the place from where different diseases can be transferred to other locations. Microclimate in the incubatory station is an ideal condition for growth and reproduction of different microorganisms during the incubation of eggs. From this reason disinfection are most important hygienic measures in incubatory stations in aims of health control of chickens and preservation environmental condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS During 2007-2009 examination of bacterial strain in incubatiory stations was performed using swabs at various parts of object (floor, walls, etc.), which examined at laboratory of Dep.of Poultry Diseases in Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia with routine microbiological laboratory methods for bacteriology cultivation and determination (2) To our examination we tested antibacterial efficacy of next disinfectant: phenol (1 and 2% concentration), dichloride izocyanurat (0,02 and 0,04%), perchlor vinegar acid (2 and 3%), kaliumperoxisulfate (1 and 2%), and formaldehyde (5 and 10%). Survive of found bacterial strain were examined 1, 5 and 10 minutes and 24 hours after exposition to each of disinfectant using methods described by Lambert et al. (11). Control we performed using swabs at various parts of objects and its microbiological examination by method described by Cremieux and Fleurette (4). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During examination we occurred presence of Staphylococcus spp., E.coli, and Salmonellae spp. and Pseudomonas spp. To our examination we tested antibacterial efficacy of next disinfectant: phenol (1 and 2% concentration), dichloride izocyanurat (0,02 and 0,04%), perchlor vinegar acid (2 and 3%), kaliumperoxisulfate (1 and 2%), and formaldehyde (5 and 10%). Survive of found bacterial strain were examined 1, 5 and 10 minutes and 24 hours after exposition to each of disinfectant (Table 1) To all examined microorganisms formaldehyde we outstanding like disinfectant with best antibacterial action. Those results of formaldehyde efficacy are similar like results of examination performed by Dietz et al (5), Andryunin (1), and Ilićet al. (6). Perchlor vinegar acid was efficiency after exposition of 5 minutes. During examination of efficacy of same disinfectant microorganisms isolated in poultry breeding 25 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA objects Ilić et all (7,9) was analogous with results. That efficacy of vinegre acid was confirmed by Bodiroga et al. (3). Kaliumperoxisulfate and phenol were efficiency in all concentration after 10 minutes and dichloride izocyanurat after 24 hours exposition. Obtain results was agreed with results of Kleiner et al (11), Mijatov et al. (12), and Ilić et al. (8,9). Table 1. Results of antifungal activity of disinfectant Disinfectant Phenol Dichloroizocyanurat Perchlore winegre acid Kalium peroxisulfate Formalidechid Concentration % 1 2 0,02 0,04 2 3 1 2 5 10 1 + + Expose time in minute 5 10 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Control - Legend: + disinfectant operate; - disinfectant not operate; ± disinfectant deficient operate CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Disinfection are most important hygienic measures to control of pathogen microorganisms in incubatory stations REFERENCES [1]. Andryunin Y.I. (1982) Theoretical basis of the bactericidal activity of an alkaline solution of formaldehyde. Vestnik Selskokhozyaistvennoi Nauki, USSR, 9, 80-84 [2]. Ašanin .R.,Krnjaić D.,Milić N.(2006) Priručnik sa praktičnim vežbama iz mikrobiologije sa imunologijom, Fakultet veterinarske medicine, Beograd, 63-69, [3]. Bodiroga J., Višakci M. Ašanin R, Pisarev M. (1996) Nove mogućnosti dezinfekcije vode za piće, prostora i opreme preparatom “Peral-S” na živinarskim farmama. VII savetovanje DDDD u zaštiti životne sredine, Sutomore, 32-33. [4]. Cremieux A., Fleurette J. (1991) Methods of testing disinfectants u Block, S.S.: Disinfection, sterilization and preservation. Philadelphia, Lea Febiger, 1009-1027. [5]. Dietz P., Bohm R., Strauch D. (1980) Effectivenss and safety of formaldehyde gas and aerosol of per acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Zentralblatt für Veterinarmedizin, 27B ,268279 [6]. Ilić Ž., Spalević Lj., Miljković B., Pavlović I., Žugić G., Stanojević S. (2006) Efficace of same microbiological substance at pathogen micoorganisms isolated in poultry breeding objects Lucrari Stiintifice Medicina Veterinara 49 (8) 872-874 [7]. Ilic Z., Jakic-Dimic D., Pavlović I., Zugic G, Gavrilovic M. (2008) Efficacy of same antimicrobial substance at salmonella microorganisms isolated in poultry breeding objects, Book of Proceedings of 1st Mediterranean Summit of WPSA Advances and Challenges in Poultry Science 0710.5.2008."Porto Carras"Grand Resort,Chalkidiki,Greace,252-254 26 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [8]. Ilić Ž., Jakić-Dimić D., Maslić-Strižak D., Pavlović I., Miljković B., Žugić G., Gavrović M. (2009) Efficacy of same disinfectant at E. coli microorganisms isolated in poultry breeding objects. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry 25 (5-6) book 2, 1117-1122 [9]. Ilić Živka, Jakić Dimić Dobrila, Pavlović I., Gavrović M. (2009) Efficacy of sоme antimicrobial substances at fungal microorganisms isolated in poultry breeding objects Proceedings of 6th International Symposium on Biocides in Public Health and Environment, 6th International Symposium on Antisepsepsis, Disinfection and Sterilization and Belgrade Conference 2009 on Vector Control in Urban Environments, 194-195 [10]. Kleiner U., Trenner P., Profe D. (1988) Results from chinical fest of the disinfectant Vetasept G. Monatshefte für Veterinärmedizin, 43(18), 639-641. [11]. Lambert R.J., Fohnston M.D., Simons E.A. (1998) Disinfectant testing: uses of the Bioscreen Microbiological Growth Analyser for laboratory biocide screening. Letters in Appl. Mycrobiol., 288-292. [12]. Mijatov LJ., Grbović M., Molnar D. (1998): Dejstvo DESU amfotenzida na animalne patogene bakterije. Zbornik radova, IX savetovanja DDD. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Živka Ilić, IvanPavlović, Dragica Vojinović Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia, Vojvode Toze 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Dubravaka Jovičić, Faculty Futura, University Singidunum, Belgrade Gordana Žugić, Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia, Belgrade Miloš Gavrović, Krka dd, Novo Mesto, Slovenia 27 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE INFLUENCE OF ENZYMES IN THE BAKERY TECHNOLOGY *David I.1, Berbentea F.1, Furnică Adela1, Georgescu L.1, Danci M.1, Bujancă G.1, Nicula Andrea1 Abstract: This study presents the different action of three types of exogenous enzymes: enzyme preparation witch contains amylase, enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase and enzyme preparation witch contains lipase in the dough for bakery products. The determination of the rheological characteristics of the dough is obtained by alveographic method. Addition of exogenous enzymes in bakery products results in larger loaf volume, also the effect of exogenous enzymes on the bread volume improvement results from redistribution of water from the penthosane phase to the gluten phase that gives the gluten more extensibility. The exogenous enzymes are specialy used for obtaining bakery producs with low fat content, low sintetic aditiv content and high fiber content. Also they are used for improving bakery products texture and flavore. The influence of exogenous enzymes in the dough for bakery can help evaluate and improve the insufficiently developed technology and the nutritive value of the products. Key words: bakery, exogenous enzymes, amylase, hemicellulase, lipase, alveograph method 1. INTRODUCTION Bakery products are the most comun traditional food products in the entire world. Bakery products have a high nutritive value due to the content of easily retainable sugars, lipids and proteins. Enzymes applications have grown to be a common practice in the baking industry with advantage of being considered as natural additives. The exogenous enzymes are being used in the baking industry to improve dough-handling properties. The synthetically additives can be replaced with natural additives, as enzymes. Addition of amylase in dough leads to: extension of freshness; the increase of the quantity of fermentation sugars, capable of forming gases during the entire period of the technical process inside the chains of amylopectine (Bordei, 2005); the obtaining of finite products with a more pronounce color of crust, by increasing the quantity of fermentation sugar; the increase of carbon dioxide quantity. Amylase hydrolysis the α-1,4-glycosidic connections from the amylose and amylopectine structures and helps forming dextrine and maltose, witch in normal quantity have a favorable effect on dough, by increasing the capacity of water retention and improving the aspect of the middle part (soft, fluffy) (Mencinicopschi and David, 2008). The reduction of dough’s consistency through the addition of alpha amylases leads to the increasing of extensive character and decreasing of the resistance of dough. This behaviour is due to the fact that the maltose obtained by starch hydrolysis realizes a dehydrating action on gluten. The quantity of free water in dough will increase, reducing consistency. Amylase is deactivated in the oven, before the amidon’s gelatinization. Therefore, this excludes the risk of excessive dextrinization that could live to a sticky content. The effect of hemicellulases on dough is the hydrolysis of the soluble and insoluble penthosane in water with the formation of olygomers with high reactive molecular mass (Dinu, 2002). They have as effect the neutralization of the negative action of soluble penthosane on bread volume, improving the stability of dough and its tolerance for fermentation, the improvement of the dough capacity to retain fermentation gases, the decrease of dough viscosity and the improvement of the processing quality (Diaconescu, 2004). Lipase is used in bakery industry for replacing and reducing the quantity of emulsifiers used for dough hardness. Addition of lipase in bakery products improves the 28 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA dough handling and stability. It also helps improve the quality of the products by forming a softer and whiter content and increases the dough volume. Lipase is completely deactivated during the baking process (Mencinicopschi and David, 2008). The enzyme addition of flours presents the advantage of constant quality flour, which does not modify the technological process, does not affect the health of consumers. The enzymes are used in small quantities and do not influence to a great extent the price of bread. They can be successfully used in the place of chemical additives for synthesis. 2. MATERIALS AND METHOD 2.1. Samples preparation Materials used for the preparation of the dough samples are commercial wheat flour with normal bread making properties (moisture 13.30%, protein content 12.75%), salt, water, yeast and exogenous enzymes. The enzyme preparation used is: - Fungamyl SG – enzyme preparation witch contains amylase with 2500 FAU/g (FAU- fungal amylase unit) enzyme activity (Sc Gamaserv Srl, Roumania); - Alphamalt HCC – enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase with !!!!!!!!!! LYX/g enzyme activity (Muhlenchemie, Germany); - Lipopan Xtra BG – enzyme preparation witch contains lipase with 7.2 KLU/g (KLUkilolipase unit) enzyme activity (Sc Gamaserv Srl, Roumania). A sample of 250g of flour is mixed with a solution of salt, yeast and enzyme preparation in a laboratory mixer 15 min to form dough. The amount of water was adjusted according to the water absorption capacity of flour. The first dough sample MARTOR contained 95% flour, 1.7% salt, 1.7% yeast and does not any exogenous enzymes. The second dough sample F1 contained 95% flour, 1.7% salt, 1.7% yeast and 2g/100kg enzymes preparation witch contains amylase. The third dough sample F2 contained 95% flour, 1.7% salt, 1.7% yeast and 6g/100kg enzymes preparation witch contains hemicellulase. The fourth dough sample F3 contained 95% flour, 1.7% salt, 1.7% yeast and 1.2g/100kg enzymes preparation witch contains lipase. Each dough sample is divided in five circular consecutive dough patties witch are rested 20 min in the alveograph in a temperature-regulated compartment at 25 °C. Each dough patty is tested individually and the result is the average of the five dough patties. 2.2. Methods of analysis The determination of the rheological characteristics of the dough was obtained by alveographic method .The alveographic method relies on measuring the resistance to biaxial stretch under air pressure of a dough sample prepared in standard conditions. The dough patty is placed on the alveograph, witch blows air into it. The dough patty expands into a bubble that eventually breaks. The pressure inside the bubble is recorded as a curve on graph paper. The alveograph determines the gluten strength of dough by measuring the force required to blow and break a bubble of dough. The results include P Value, L Value, and W Value. Stronger dough requires more force to blow and break the bubble (higher P value). A bigger bubble means the dough can stretch to a very thin membrane before breaking. A bigger bubble indicates the dough has higher extensibility; that is, its ability to stretch before breaking (L value). A bigger bubble requires more force and will have a greater area under the curve (W value). From the alveogram the following indicators were obtained: 29 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA • P Value is the force required to blow the bubble of dough. It is indicated by the maximum height of the curve and is expressed in millimeters (mm). It is also known as the viscosity or the value of maximum pressure that is in relationship to the resistance of the deforming dough (mm H2O) • L Value is the extensibility of the dough before the bubble breaks. It is indicated by the length of the curve that begins from the origin until the perpendicular point that corresponds to decreasing pressure due to rupture of air bubble and is expressed in millimeters (mm). • G Value is the expansion index G being the average of the expansion index on the graphic of cellules and corresponds to breaking the abscise L, G =2.226L, where L – air volume (cm3) used to stretch the dough under bubble form. • P/L Ratio is the balance between dough strength and extensibility. It is the rapport of configuration of the curve. • W Value is the area under the curve. It is a combination of dough strength (P value) and extensibility (L value) and is expressed in joules. It represents the action of deformation of the dough, based on a gram of dough, evaluated at 10 E – 4 joule, calculated as follows: W= 1.32 x (V/L) x S, where V- air volume in mm3; L- the average abscise at breaking point in mm; S- surface of the curve, cm2. • Ie – elasticity index, represents the rapport between the measured pressures, expressed in mm H2O to form bubbles after the insufflations of 200 cm3 of air in dough form, that correspond to a length L of 40 mm or an index of expansion G from 14,1 and the maximum of the curve P: Ie%= P200/Pmax. 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The dough samples alevograms are represented in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Each dough sample alveorgam show the five dough patties tested (marked with different colors) and the parameters registered at the testing moment. The results of the samples are represented by the average value obtained from the values of the dough patties tests for each dough sample. In Fig. 1 the dough sample MARTOR alveogram represents the dough sample that does not contain any enzyme preparation. This sample is considered the standard blank sample. The alveogram’s characteristics for flour used in bakery products have the fallowing values: P = [65 – 75mm], L = [130 – 150mm], G = [20 – 30], P/L = [0,55 – 0,65] and W > 180 10E – 4J. The values for dough sample MARTOR, regarding the resistance of the deforming dough (P) and the balance between dough strength and extensibility (P/L ratio) are higher than the normal values. The values regarding the dough extensibility (L), expansion index (G) and the total quantity of absorbed energy during the dough deformation (W) are very low, therefore the dough is sensitive to stretch and can easily brake. It cannot be used for bread making. 30 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Sample MARTOR (no enzyme) Parameters Lab. temp: 25 ºC Moisture: 13.30% Falling number (FN): 354 s Gluten: 23.9 IG 97 Results P = 79 mmH2O L = 54 mm G = 16.4 W = 163 10E – 4J P/L = 1.46 Ie = 52.1 % Fig 1. MARTOR (no enzyme) sample alveogram 31 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Sample F 1 (enzymes preparation witch contains amylase) Results Parameters Lab. temp: 25 ºC Moisture: 13.30% Falling number (FN): 338 s Gluten: 24.6 IG 98 P = 92 mmH2O L = 57 mm G = 16.8 W = 201 10E – 4J P/L = 1.61 Ie = 55.1 % Fig 2. F 1 (enzymes preparation witch contains amylase) sample alveogram 32 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Sample F 2 (enzyme preparation witch Sample F 3 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase) contains lipase) Parameters Parameters Lab. temp: 25 ºC Moisture: 13.30% Falling number (FN): 326 s Gluten: 25.3 IG 92.0 Lab. temp: 25 ºC Moisture: 13.30% Falling number (FN): 313 s Gluten: 25.2 IG 89.0 Results Results P = 81 mmH2O L = 68 mm G = 18.4 W = 186 10E – 4J P/L = 1.19 Ie = 48.7 % P = 72 mmH2O L = 59 mm G = 17.1 W = 158 10E – 4J P/L = 1.22 Ie = 52.9 % Fig. 3. F 2 (enzyme preparation witch Fig. 4. F 3 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase) sample alveogram contains lipase) sample alveogram In Fig. 2 the dough sample F 1 alveogram represents the dough sample that contains enzyme preparation enzyme based on amylase. There is a noticeable increase in all the indicators that suggests the improvement of the dough resistant to deformation (P), also the dough extensibility characteristics (L and G) are higher than the value of dough sample MARTOR. Moreover, the elasticity index (Ie) has increased with 3.0% and the total quantity of absorbed energy during the dough deformation (W) is with 42 10E – 4J higher then the value of dough sample MARTOR. This result expresses advantages of using amylase in the preparation of the dough for bakery. The reduction of dough’s consistency through the addition of leads to the increasing of extensive character and decreasing of the resistance of dough In Fig. 3 is represented the alveogram of dough sample F 2 that has in composition exogenous hemicellulase. Compared with the blank sample MARTOR there are small differences regarding the dough strength (P) that increased only with 2 mm H2O, but looking at the extensibility characteristics and the absorbed energy during the dough deformation we can see, obviously, the dough quality improvements. Only the P/L ratio and the Ie value have decrease because of the dough strength and the dough extensibility. Using exogenous hemicellulase improves the stability of dough and its tolerance for fermentation and decreases of dough viscosity. In Fig. 4 is the alveogram for the dough sample F3 that contains lipase. Addition of enzyme preparation witch contains lipase in dough, reduces the dough strength (P) with 7 mm H2O. The absorbed energy during the dough deformation (W) and the P/L ratio are reduced. There is a small increase of the extensibility characteristics and of he elasticity 33 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA index (Ie). Dough with lipase content can be used in cakes and similar products, but cannot be used for bread making. Addition of lipase in bakery products improves the dough handling and stability and increases the dough volume. Table 1. Alveograph results of the dough samples: MARTOR (no enzyme), F 1 (enzymes preparation witch contains amylase), F 2 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase), F 3 (enzyme preparation witch contains lipase) Sample P(mmH2O) L(mm) G W(10E-4J) P/L Ie(%) MARTOR (no enzyme) 79 54 16.4 163 1.46 52.1 F1 (enzyme preparation witch contains amylase) 92 57 16.8 201 1.61 55.1 F2 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase) 81 68 18.4 186 1.19 48.7 F3 (enzyme preparation witch contains lipase) 72 59 17.1 158 1.22 52.9 In Tabel 1. there are presented the characteristics of dough samples obtained by alveographic method. The dough sample F 1 (enzymes preparation witch contains amylase) has the highest value for the following indicators: dough resistant to deformation (P), the dough extensibility characteristics (L and G), the elasticity index (Ie) and the total quantity of absorbed energy during the dough deformation (W) compared to the dough samples F 2 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase) and F 3 (enzyme preparation witch contains lipase). Addition of amylase in dough improves the extension of freshness, increases of the quantity of fermentation sugars that can make finite products with a more pronounce color of crust. The dough sample F 2 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase) has the dough extensibility and the expansion index much higher compared to the other samples. Exogenous hemicellulase decreases dough viscosity and improves the processing quality. The dough sample F 3 (enzyme preparation witch contains lipase) has the lowest values for all the indicator compared to the dough sample F 1 (enzymes preparation witch contains amylase) and dough sample F 2 (enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase). Addition of lipase improves the dough handling and stability and also helps the quality of the products by forming a softer and whiter content. 4. CONCLUSIONS The additive actions of complex enzymes as ameliorator on flour have positive effects on the rheological characteristics of dough. The technological characteristics of the flour and the nutritive value of the bread are characterized by the following variables: initial volume, fermentation time, flexibility, the dough condition to fermentation, water retention, maximum resistance, extensibility, final rise to baking, final volume of the bread, nutritive value, and energy value In order to improve these variables, different additives and substances are used in the bread manufacture, some of these being native components of the flour. The alveograph test provides results that are common specifications used by flour millers and processors to ensure a more consistent process and product. The 34 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA alveograph is well suited for measuring the dough characteristics of weak gluten wheat. Weak gluten flour with low P value (strength of gluten) and long L value (extensibility), like F 3 – enzyme preparation witch contains lipase, is preferred for cakes and other confectionery products. Strong gluten flour will have high P values like F 1 – enzyme preparation witch contains amylase and is preferred for breads. Addition of hemicellulase in dough for bakery (F 2 – enzyme preparation witch contains hemicellulase) results in larger volume and softer crumb. The three enzyme preparation used acts as improvers in dough for bakery. They do not modify the technological process of bread making and their utilization is not expensive. Selecting a correct enzyme preparation will be made in conformity with the rheological characteristics of dough and the proportions from the dough will be added so that they would be maximal. The enzyme preparations are used to obtain bakery products with “clean label”, more natural, this products being the product that enjoys the greatest interest from consumers. 5. REFERENCES [1]. Bordei. D., 2005, “Tehnologia moderna a panificatiei”, AGIR Editure, Bucharest [2]. Diaconescu. D., Ivan. E., 2004,“Amelioratori enzimatici folositi in panificatie”, Informative bulletine of ,miiling and bread making, vol. 15, no. 3 [3]. Mencinicopschi Gh., David I., Brăgărea Şt., Zarnea G. 2008, “Biotehnologii alimentare, Vol II”, Editura Mirton, Timişoara. [4]. Mencinicopschi Gh., David I., 2008 “Calitatea alimentului. Dozarea activităţii enzimatice. Metode de analiză a activităţii enzimelor utilizate în fabricarea alimentelor”, Editura Mirton, Timişoara,. [5]. Roumanian Standards ISO 5530-4:2005. Făină de grâu. Caracteristici fizice ale aluatului. Partea 4: Determinarea proprietăţilor reologice folosind alveograful. ABOUT THE AUTHORS 1 U.S.A.M.V.B., Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technologies, Calea Aradului 199, Timisoara, Romania, +40744 586 970 *[email protected] 35 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA PREPARING FRUIT JUICES, CIDER, AND WINE WITH ENZYMATIC PREPARATIONS Bujancǎ Gabriel, Bungescu Sorin, Berbentea Flavius, Georgescu Lucian, David Ioan, Danci Marcel, Ştef Ducu,Rinovetz Alexandru,Rinovetz Adina Abstract: We determined in laboratory conditions protein substance content in low-acid musts right after adding the enzymatic preparation and right after adding variable amounts of gelatine. Clarity and maturation were reached quicker, so that white wines treated with enzymatic preparations are 2-3 months earlier control samples from the point of view of their development. Keywords: Must, enzymatic preparations, cider, wine, fruit juices INTRODUCTION Pressed fruit juice contains variable amounts of pectin, protein substance and other suspension substances. This is why non-fermented juices are not clear and they do not smell well, and clearing through fermentation being extremely difficult. Since they contain yeast and bacteria, they are very exposed to most varied fermentation [1]. Mehlitz and Kertesz have found out independently that enzymes from moulds can decompose pectin from sweet must. Due to this fact, must becomes easily filterable and it can be easily cleared. Once we knew this and with the first enzymatic preparations destined to the clearing of sweet musts, we made a decisive step forward on the road of removing technological difficulties in the manufacturing of such drinks [2]. Together with the development of drinks based on fruit juices, qualitative requirements also increased. At the beginning, a micellar preparation from which they obtained enzymes through dissolution was enough, and sweet must producers accepted it because small establishments allowed 12-15 hour fermentation; later, this duration of the decomposition of pectin had to be shortened to diminish foreign fermentation and to allow continuous activity. This is why we needed to increase enzymatic efficiency of the preparations and to find solutions for the quick dissolution of existing enzymes allowing them to carry out as soon as possible enzymatic activity [3]. Very recently, they developed free enzymes with no micellar support. Active enzymes were applied as a film on certain supports and they only needed to be removed by dissolution or they dissolved together with the support. The procedure was improved and nowadays enzymatic preparations are supplied to the consumers as liquids. Due to this development that finished by uniting happily producers’ goals and scientific knowledge and industrial progress it is now possible to decompose in 2-4 hours fruit juice pectin so that the juice be later processed without any difficulty. Though it is very interesting to clarify the chemical and enzymatic mechanism of action during pectin decomposition, we show below that not only two enzymes – peptase and pectinase – decompose pectin, but an entire group of enzymes. There are circumstances analogous to those of enzymatic decomposition of other natural macromolecular products, such as starch and proteins. Of practical importance is also the fact that processed juices can be easily and safely clarified and that during such a process the taste and flavour of the fruit are kept intact. MATERIALS AND METHODS These last 25 years, starting from the wish of a rather small group of consumers who asked for clear and good-looking apple juice or grape juice that preserve as much as possible all the characteristic substances responsible for the taste and smell specific to these juices, we got to manufacture drinks based on fruit juices for large numbers of consumers. This is why fruit-based drink manufacture turned more and more industrial, 36 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA with focus on the harvesting time, on storage, on clearing material and filtering layer saving, as well as on constant quality maintenance. We produce nowadays several millions of litres of fruit juices per annum. Fresh fruit are available only during short periods of time, usually right after harvesting; as such, they need to be processed and taken care of as quickly as possible and to avoid useless losses. Raw must need to be processed and stored so that they keep stable and preserve quality. Raw must, particularly apple and grape musts cannot be stored right after pressing. This is why, in rational processing, we need to clarify first by centrifugation to remove coarse impurities and then to treat with enzymatic preparations in large reservoirs to decompose pectin and free aroma as much as possible. Enzyme action time should not exceed 3-6 hours. As shown in Figure 1, must should be filtered rigorously and then stored without any supplementary measures. This is, certainly, the most elegant procedure, but also the most difficult one, since the entire equipment should be sterile. Separator Press Figure 1. Fruit juice processing diagram (apples and grapes) Enzymatic treatment – Filtering – Storage reservoir – Bottling Enzymatic treatment – Pasteuriser – Storage reservoir – Filtering (clearing) – Bottling Enzymatic treatment – Filtering – CO2 pressure storage reservoir – Filtering – Bottling Instead of using costly filtering, we can pasteurise must in an open-circuit device at 85 C, after which must can be immediately stored. In this case, we should also notice that after pasteurisation there is no more infection. In most cases, they treat enzymatically must, followed by light filtration and by saturation with carbon dioxide, usually at 7 atmospheres, after which the must can be stored in pressure reservoirs. Carbon dioxide prevents yeasts from multiplying, thus excluding any further alteration of the must. The three solutions presented above are variants resulted from one’s own experiences or from local conditions. Thus, in the latter case, one can treat the must with enzymes right before putting it into bottles. Even more important is the enzymatic clearing of cherry and berry juices, valuable raw matter for the liqueur and refreshment industry. Enzymes used in the clearing of the must not only make possible must filtering after pressing, but also ease the freeing of pectin from the berry pulp, extremely rich in pectin. It is also very interesting to note that compact pulp and sometimes gelatine-like liquefies visibly after 2-3 days of enzyme action and can even leak continuously from shelves. Due to the action of enzymes we ease and accelerate not only pressed juice, but also juice yield, and we also improve its quality. 0 37 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Fruit juice concentrates are increasingly important day after day; they are being produced from fruit juice pressed and clarified in advance and freed from pectin, and then concentrated in void, in the least aggressive conditions possible, to remove water. Evaporation is done where available, until the initial liquid volume decreases to 1/5-1/7. It is clear that, as such, the procedure will turn more and more important. This means not only cutting costs with packaging and storing, but also infection-free concentrates that will not ferment later. On the other hand, these thickened juices can be sued in the most varied ways by the consumers. To manufacture concentrated juices, we need pectin to be decomposed since raw juice causes abundant foaming during concentration. Finally, pectin tends to flocculate and, therefore, clog the equipment used in concentrating the juice or blur concentrated juices that also get an unpleasant smell. Manufacturing procedures have become increasingly important in the processing of orange juice and of other similar fruits. These last years, apple juice has become more and more popular. Together with this sue of clearing enzymes taken individually to prepare fruit juices they have paid more and more attention to the combined procedure of treating enzymatically and gluing. This procedure, which is somehow more difficult, is successfully used in protein-rich, low-acid fruit juices. Therefore, the filtering yield, i.e. the amount of must per filtering area unit can be increased, and we can avoid later blurring in the bottle because of protein substances. Enzyme and gelatine clearing is done in practice as follows: pressed juices are mixed with enzymatic preparations and then we sample 3-4 times and determine, with a control gelatine solution, gelatine amount necessary to settle as quick as possible suspended substances. Preliminary trial yields right 1 hour later, and the amount of gelatine thus determined is added to the entire amount of must. All suspended substances settle shortly after and set on the bottom of the clearing basin allowing clear must to be easily removed. Explaining the phenomenon can be of importance and interest even for the producers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION According to Mehlitz, there are three phases in the enzymatic clearing of sweet fruit musts. In the first phase, sweet fruit must viscosity decreases steadily, which can be determined quantitatively. In the second phase, there is loss of suspension stabilisation ability characteristic to pectin. Suspended substances start to set slowly, while pectin molecules are continuously decomposed. In the third phase, limit viscosity is reached, which means that fruit juice is viscous due to the extract and sugar content, and suspended substances have set completely. Figure. 2. Clearing of sweet fruit musts diagram 38 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Protein substance molecules dissolved in low-acid content must flocculate very slowly because their low acidity keeps them far from their isoelectric point, i.e. from the minimal solubility point of protein molecules. The second phase of the clearing, i.e. the setting of suspension substances is prolonged uselessly or it does not even occur. By adding optimal amounts of gelatine, we can change electrical charge of protein substances characteristic to fruit juices so that this second phase is not only normalised, but also shortened. We determined in the laboratory the protein substance content of low-acid musts right after adding enzymatic preparations and right after adding variable amounts of gelatine. From different must samples we took an exact (50 ml) amount after the setting following gelatine addition and after filtering, and we determined, in that amount of must, the nitrogen content through the Kjeldahl method. Table 1 shows clearly how important it is to determine optimal amount of gelatine varying depending on the nature of the must and ranging between 5 and 15 g/100 l, if introduced at the same time as enzymatic preparations. Apple must with 500 g enzymatic preparation/1000 l Idem 9.6 7.35 115.5 Protein substances as N2/l after setting suspension substances with enzymatic preparations 5g gelatine/ 100 l (g) 10g gelatine/ 100 l (g) 15g gelatine/ 100 l (g) 115.5 90.3 94.5 Decrease of protein content (%) Protein substances as N2/l before the gelatine treatment (mg) Acid expressed as tartaric acid (%) Sugar content/100 ml calculated based on density (g) Preliminary treatment Table 1. Treating apple juice with enzymatic preparations and with gelatine 21 11.2 6.8 129.5 88.0 97.4 100.8 32 Idem 10.3 7.23 79.0 80.4 60.6 69.6 23 Idem 10.1 7.6 60.6 49.0 51.0 55.8 19 If we use too much or too little gelatine, the clearing lasts considerably longer, and analytic data show that nitrogen content in the must diminishes. When we add optimal amounts of gelatine, there is quicker clearing ad visible decrease of protein substance content. Using a combined procedure, based on enzymatic preparations and on gelatine, it is possible to reduce nitrogen content in the must with 10-30%. Together with the diminution there is higher filtering possibility and considerable increase of stability to later blur because of protein substances. Or, in the case of imported apple must it is almost impossible to avoid using the combined procedure for clearing because apple juices are very rich in sugars and proteins, but very low in acids. 39 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 10.2 10.5 11.1 10.3 5.8 5.66 5.6 6.4 3 3½ 3½ 3 99.5 92.4 109.9 114.1 1 10 15 5 77.1 82.0 81.2 98.7 Decrease of protein content (%) Protein substances as N2 after clearing and gelatine addition to must (g) Viscosimeter water constant 34.3 34.3 34.3 34.3 Optimal amount of gelatine/100 ml must (g) Must flow duration 52.2 56.0 61.6 53.1 Protein content as N2/raw must (mg) Initial viscosity measured with an Oswald viscosimeter Final viscosity (h) Acid expressed as tartaric acid (%) Sugar content/100 ml calculated based on density Table 2 Shows the protein separation process. -22.5 -11.5 -26.0 -13.5 Using enzymes to clear cider has been known for a long time and is often used. Our trials showed that it is advisable that the enzymatic preparation be added to raw must before fermentation. Thus, there is self-clearing of the must when there is no quick alcoholic fermentation; fermentation caused by yeast is more even, suspension substances set easily and quickly after fermentation, and cider clears quickly and can be put into bottles, often without supplementary clearing through gluing. It is clear that, taking into account the good qualitative and processing results obtained by applying clearing enzymatic preparations to fruit juices, specialists study the possibility of using enzymatic preparations or analogues in wine preparation. The main concern in wine has been to rationalise wine preparation to obtain, for instance, a better must yield, a quicker clearing and also a qualitative improvement by adjusting treated wine taste. Our attempts started from the fact that clearing enzymatic preparations can dissolve most of the colouring materials in red grapes and whose must is almost colourless in normal pressing. Dissolving colorants during wine preparation cannot be done with normal clearing enzymatic preparations since analytic composition of wines thus treated would change too much. After year-long trials, we nevertheless managed to develop an enzymatic preparation rich in pectinase and protease but with very few oxidase which results in a visible darkening of the colour and in an adjustment of the taste of red wines thus treated. In this preparation, protease clear and mature wine quickly. The preparation “Vinibon”, whose use was initially allowed only experimentally and within certain limits, was authorised officially for use due to its efficacy in the preparation of red wines. Treating white wines with this enzymatic preparation led to results similar to those of other authors. But research is far from reaching their end. We have also shown that the best results were in white wines, if adding the enzymatic preparation in the grape mixture, before pressing. Wines thus treated yielded some more must, but they reached their final state more considerably than control samples (not treated), even when quickly put into bottles, staying clear and stable, while control samples blurred strongly later on. The taste of treated wines was superior to that of control wines. CONCLUSIONS As a conclusion, we can say the following concerning white wines: 1. Clearing and maturation are quicker, which makes white wines treated with enzymatic preparations are 2-3 months ahead of control wines from the point of view of their development. 2. Clearing ability is better. 3. Wine stability is higher. 4. Wine taste is better and more harmonious. 40 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 5. There is higher quality in superior wines due to richer bouquet and to higher strength. In preparing red wines, enzymes result in a visible qualitative improvement (they improve colour and taste) and in earlier and safer maturation. In white wines, the focus is on quicker maturation. Research would benefit from the results presented above if extended to other winemaking regions. BIBLIOGRAPHY [1]. HAUPTMANN K. H. : Actiunea preparatelor enzimatice de limpezire la fabricarea sucurilor de fructe, Industrie Agricole et Alimentaire, 69, 1992 [2]. HAUPTMANN K. H. : Actiunea preparatelor enzimatice de limpezire la fabricarea sucurilor de fructe, Ind. Obst. U. Gemusevorwart., 37 (1992) [3]. HAUPTMANN K. H. : Probleme in legatura cu fermentarea la prepararea vinului, Dtsch. Weinbau, 6 (1992), 109. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bujancǎ Gabriel, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences And Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, [email protected] 41 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA STUDIES REGARDING FOOD SAFETY OF LOCAL AND IMPORTED VEGETABLES (CARROTS) EXISTING ON MARKETS AND HYPERMARKETS OF TIMISOARA, ROMANIA Monica NEGREA*, Aurel LAZUREANU**, Ileana COCAN**, Anca DRAGUNESCU**, Alina BULMAGA** * Postdoctoral scholar of Banat’s University of Agriculture Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara and POSDRU/89/1.5/S/62371, co-financed by the European Social Fund. ** Banat’s University of Agriculture Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, 119, Calea Aradului, Timisoara, Romania, postal code: 300645 Abstract: This paper presents the study realized on the food safety of vegetables sold in food markets and hypermarkets in Timisoara. In autumn 2010 were sampled carrots from local producers but also from imports sold in hypermarkets. We analyzed nitrate and nitrite content of 7 native carrot samples and 4 samples from Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary and Germany. In accordance with the Order No. 293/640/20011/2002 regarding security and quality conditions for vegetables and fresh fruits for human consumption, maximum limit allowed (LMA) for nitrates in carrots is 400 ppm. The nitrite content in carrots has not been legislated, but according with literature studies should be between 1-5 ppm. Nitrate accumulation in plants is determined by genotype, growing conditions, especially light levels and soil temperature, and nitrogen -1 fertilization. Nitrite levels in vegetables and fruit are low, usually below 2 mg/kg , except where there has been damage or improper storage leading to the microbiological reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Nitrogen compounds content in local and imported carrots was done with the help of Merk Tests to Spectrophotometer SQ 118, in the Laboratory for the Measurement of Residues of the U.S.A-V.M.B in Timisoara, Romania. The nitrates content determined in imported samples was higher than the level registered in local carrots samples, but none of the samples did not exceed maximum limit allowed of nitrate in carrots. High nitrite values were registered to 2 local carrots samples (3.6 ppm – Sanmihaiul Roman, 3.5 ppm – Utvin), but are find in the allowed range of 1-5 ppm. Keywords: carrots, food safety, nitrates, nitrites. INTRODUCTION Nitrate and nitrite are natural soil compounds, are proceed from organic, nitrogen substances mineralization. Nitrogen mineralization depends of the microorganisms that are in soil. A part of the nitrates and nitrites, is absorbed by the plants root and is a main material for protein synthesis and other compounds with nitrogen, and on the another way is trained by the surface waters on the one that travels the earth, until to the rivers, lakes or under waters. Natural, between nitrates and nitrites from soil, water and plants, it established a balance that can be broken by the intensive use in agriculture or horticulture of the natural organic or synthetic fertilizers. Their degradation products riches the soil and it can be accumulated in crops level for the consumers [3]. Nitrate in the soil is taken up by plants for use as a nitrogen source in the formation of proteins. Protein production occurs as a result of photosynthesis, but when light levels fall, the rate of photosynthesis decreases, and nitrate accumulates in cell fluids and sap. The levels of nitrate in vegetables grown under low light conditions are thus correspondingly higher than those grown under bright light [5]. Overall, nitrate accumulation in plants is determined by genotype, growing conditions, especially light levels and soil temperature, and nitrogen fertilization. Nitrate content varies considerably according to species, with vegetables such as spinach and lettuce often containing up to 2500 mg/kg-1, whereas those such as asparagus have levels as low as 13 mg/kg -1. The natural levels of nitrate in vegetables generally are high when compared with other food groups. It is estimated that 75–80% of the total daily intake comes from vegetables, compared with only about 5–10% from drinking water [7]. Cooking has been shown to decrease the concentration of nitrate 42 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA in foods, dependent on the cooking technique used. Nitrite levels in vegetables and fruit are low, usually below 2 mg/kg-1, except where there has been damage or improper storage leading to the microbiological reduction of nitrate to nitrite. [2] Study of nitrogen contamination (nitrates and nitrites) in the west side of the country presents a great practical importance since the area is a part of the Western Plain, enframe in I (first) area, considered traditional in terms of growing vegetables in Romania [4]. MATERIAL AND METHODS In autumn 2010 were sampled carrots from local producers but also from imports sold in hypermarkets. We analyzed nitrate and nitrite content of 7 native carrot samples and 4 samples from Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary and Germany. Analyses for determination of nitrogen compounds in carrots were made with the help of SPECTROQUANT NITRAT 14773, SPECTROQUANT NITRIT 14776, to Spectrophotometer SQ 118 in the in the Laboratory for the Measurement of Residues of the U.S.A-V.M.B in Timisoara, Romania. Spectrometric analysis is based on the dependence between emission intensity or absorption spectral specific for these elements, radicals, functional groups, or molecules of simple compounds or mixtures of compounds and their concentrations. For the purpose of quantitative analysis is measured photoelectric intensity emitted or absorbed by electromagnetic radiation of test substance is converted based on mathematical relationships and a calibration curve of concentration values [9]. Table 1. Analytical quality of SPECTROQUANT NITRAT 14773, ISO 8466-1 Parameter Values Standard deviation of the procedure ±0,21 mg/l NO3Variation coefficient ±1,9% Precision interval ±0,5 mg/l NO3Sensitivity 0,10 mg/l NO3Accuracy ± 0,7 mg/l NO3The maximum admitted limit of nitrates in carrots according to Order no. 293/640/2001-1/2002 regarding safety and quality requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption, is 400 ppm [8]. Nitrite levels in vegetables and fruit are not established by any Law, but according to Dennis M J and L A Wilson [3] are usually below 2 ppm and according to Alexa E., [1] and Trif A. should not be above 5 ppm [6]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Results obtained are shown in figures 1-4. The nitrates content determined in local carrots samples pursued from private producers of Sanmihaiul roman, Utvin, Biled, Cenad, Dudestii Vechi, Freidorf and Clopodia, did not exceed the maximum admitted limit of 400 ppm, highest nitrate value was registered in the samples from Biled (108 ppm) and the lowest in the samples from Sanmihaiul roman (41.13 ppm) (figure 1). 43 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 120 Nitrates ppm 108 100 90.45 80 72 60 40 66.45 59 44 41.13 20 0 Sanmihaiul roman Utv in Biled Cenad Dudestii v echi Freidorf Clopodia Figure 1. Nitrate content level in carrot samples from private producers of Timis County. Different values of nitrate content in local carrot samples analyzed, is explained that some private producers in the county using to carrot crops synthetic fertilizers and other producers organic fertilizers. In the organic fertilizer nitrogen is found mainly in organic form, making it accessible to plants only after mineralization. There is a gradual release of nitrogen assimilation and contrast to mineral fertilizers in which nitrogen is available from beginning in an accessible form to plants, its accumulation being more pronounced. Therefore, such differences are recorded between the values of nitrate in carrots studied. Regarding imported samples pursued from Timisoara hypermarkets the nitrate content was higher than the level registered in local carrots samples, but none of the samples exceed maximum limit allowed of nitrate in carrots. Highest value was registered in samples from Bulgary (236 ppm) and the lowest in samples from Turkey (59 ppm) (figure 2). 250 Nitrates ppm 236 200 150 147.3 108 100 59 50 0 Hungary Turkey Germany Bulgary Figure 2. Nitrate content level in imported carrot samples from Timisoara hypermarkets. The greatest influence of the nitrite content accumulation in carrots compared with other cultures can be explained by the action of trace elements in different proportions existing in analyzed plant matrices. Thus, Cu and Fe enter in nitrite - reductaze, the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of nitrite reduction to ammonium ion. An increased content of Cu and Fe in the early stages of vegetation leads to intensive process and a significant decrease in nitrite content [4]. High nitrite values were registered to 2 local carrots samples (3.6 ppm – Sanmihaiul 44 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Roman, 3.5 ppm – Utvin), but are find in the allowed range of 1-5 ppm (figure 3). 4 3.5 3.6 Nitrites ppm 3.5 3 2.89 2.5 2 1.69 1.5 1.55 1.32 1.15 1 0.5 0 Sanmihaiul roman Utv in Biled Cenad Dudestii v echi Freidorf Clopodia Figure 3. Nitrite content level in carrot samples from private producers of Timis County. 3.5 Nitrites ppm 3 3.17 2.5 2 1.91 1.54 1.5 1 1.01 0.5 0 Hungary Turkey Germany Bulgary Figure 4. Nitrite content level in imported carrot samples from Timisoara hypermarkets. Regarding nitrite content in imported carrot samples the highest contamination was found to samples from Germany (3.17 ppm) and the lowest in sample coming from Hungary (1.01 ppm) (figure 4). The main contamination sources of imported carrots come from vegetable improper storage during transportation from Germany. The distance between Germany and Romania is about 1.600 km; it takes about 18 hours of transportation. In this time the vegetables are at risk to long-term accumulation of nitrogen compounds since vegetables are characterized by strong reducing systems, which quickly convert nitrates into nitrites. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Plant nitrogen nutrition is achieved through preferential combinations of nitric and ammonium nitrogen, which are the most readily available for plants. Mostly, their emergence and existence in the soil in sufficient quantities for a balanced nutrition of plants depends on soil nitrogen reserves, namely the intensity of the mineralization and nitrification and the administered nitrogen fertilizer doses. The carrots on the Timisoara food markets and hypermarkets are safe in terms of food safety, being proper for human consumption. In the future is necessary vegetables monitoring from hypermarkets in terms of nitrogen compounds content because the imported vegetables are prone to this contamination because of their storage and transportation conditions during which there is strong reducing systems, which convert quickly nitrates into nitrites. 45 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Alexa Ersilia, Contaminants in horticultural and cereal products, Ed. Solness, Timisoara, (2008) [2]. Dennis M J and L A Wilson, Nitrates and Nitrites, Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, UK 4136, p. 4136, (2003) [3]. Hambridge, T., Nitrate and nitrite: intake assessment. WHO Food Additives Series 50. http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v50je07. (2003) [4]. Negrea Monica, Aurel Lazureanu, Ersilia Alexa, Alina Bulmaga, Researches concerning nitrates and nitrites accumulation in carrots, a long of the vegetation stages, Analls of Oradea University, Biology fascicle, TOM XV, ISSN 1224-5119, p. 58-59, indexedThomson Reuters Master Journal List, Zoological Record, (2008). [5]. Santamaria Pietro., Review Nitrate in vegetables: toxicity, content, intake and EC regulation, J Sci Food Agric 86:10–17 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.2351,(2006). [6]. Trif A., Gherdan A., Pop P., Chisu I., Sincai M., Pathogen effects of nitrates and nitrites, Symposium Communication I.A. Timisoara, (1983). [7]. Zhou ZY, Wang MJ and Wang JS, Nitrate and nitrite contamination in vegetables in China. Food Rev Int. 16:61–76, (2000). [8]. ***ORDINUL MINISTERULUI AGRICULTURII, ALIMENTATIEI SI PADURILOR Nr. 293/640/2001-1/2002 privind condiţiile de securitate şi calitate pentru legume si fructe proaspete destinate consumului uman, (2002). [9]. ***http://loke.as.arizona.edu/~ckulesa/camp/spectroscopy_intro.html ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This work was published during the project “POSTDOCTORAL SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE", POSDRU/89/1.5/S/62371,co-financed by the European Social Fund through the Sectorial Operational Program for the Human Resources Development 2007-2013. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Monica Negrea, Banat’s University of Agriculture Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Timisoara, 119, CALEA ARADULUI, 300645, TIMISOARA, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 46 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA DETERMINATION OF QUALITY PARAMETERS IN WATER FROM WELLS AND FOUNTAINS OF BIRDA FARM, TIMIS COUNTY Gheorghina-Lenuta Popoviciu *, A. Lazureanu* * Banat’s University of Agriculture Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, 119, Calea Aradului, Timisoara, Romania, postal code: 300645 Abstract: In the present study we present the determination of quality parameters in water samples pursued from wells and fountains existent on the territory of Birda Farm in Timis County. Water samples were taken in February, June and October 2009 from 10 sampling points, these are found both inside the Birda farm and in farmland. On the range of Birda farm exists livestock and agricultural land with corn, wheat, barley, triticosecale and canola. Quality parameters and analysis methods used were: SR ISO 10523-9 (pH), SR ISO 7150/1-01 (ammonia), SR ISO 7890/1-98 (nitrates), SR ISO 6777-96 (nitrites), permanganate index (SR EN ISO 8467-01), total phosphorus (SR EN ISO 6878-05), total nitrogen (SR ISO 10048-01), phenol index (SR ISO 6439-01). Samples registered following quality parameters values: pH varies between 7.1 and 7.8 units and falls within the parameters stipulated by Law 458/2002 on quality parameters of drinking water, which establishes a pH between 6.5 - 9.5 pH units. Permanganate index ranks in most water samples under 5 mgO2/L, except samples taken from wells PC1 and PC2, where the value obtained was 6.3 mgO 2/L. Ammonium content in drilling P7 (agricultural land) is near maximum admitted level, while the samples taken in June is above the limit allowed, 5 mg/l. To water samples taken in October, ammonium content was below 5 mg/l even reaching values below 0.1 mg/l in wells F1-P2, P4 and P8-F1-F4. Nitrate content determined in samples taken in February and June, was below the allowed maximum level of 50 mg/l, while in the October samples were recorded high values, up to 20 mg/l. Nitrite values determined in the samples taken in February and June, in the points PC1, PC2, P1 and P3 were below maximum limit of 0.50 mg/l, while the analysis on other samples taken in October showed a high nitrite content, which varies between 1-2 mg/l. Keywords: water samples, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, permanganate index. INTRODUCTION For an intensive practice of agriculture with high yields are necessary to apply high quantities of nutrients through fertilizers. A greater or smaller part of the fertilizers applied, particularly those with nitrogen, remains not consumed by crops and can be lost through surface runoff or seepage waters, with the potential risk of nitrate pollution of the water system [1]. Agricultural intensification by fertilizers use determined the accumulation of nitrate in drinking water sources. Groundwater pollution by nitrates causes potentially adverse effects for human and animal health. Distribution of nitrogen-based fertilizers is done in a way more precise and uniform. It develops and implements a plan of necessary nutrients at the farm. Winter cereals are grown to cover land properly during the winter. Fertilizer application is done when the soil conditions are favorable to perform this operation [2 - 3]. Organic fertilizers spread to at least 10 m from any surface water body or drainage channel, and at least 50 m from the springs, wells or boreholes that provide water needed for population in the area. Is applying nitrogen fertilizers in crop according to plants needs, but the needed nitrogen will ensure by managing nitrogen fertilizers combined with the organic chemical [6]. MATERIAL AND METHODS Water samples from wells in the territory of Birda, Gataia and Pădureni Farms were taken in 2009, preserved in special containers to the Laboratory of the National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology, Timisoara. Methods used for quality parameters determination were according to SR ISO 105239 (pH), SR ISO 7150/1-01 (ammonia), SR ISO 7890/1-98 (nitrates), SR ISO 6777-96 47 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA (nitrites), SR EN ISO 8467-01 (permanganate index), SR EN ISO 6878-05 (total phosphorus), SR ISO 10048-01 (total nitrogen), SR ISO 6439-01 (phenol index) [5]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Results obtained are shown in tables 1 - 4. Table 1. Maximum admitted limits (MAL) according the current standards and minimum detection limit (MDL) for the chemical parameters analyzed [4]. Parameter NO3 NO2 NH4 (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) MAL for drinking water (mg/L) according to Law 50 0.5 0.5 458/2002 chemical parameters for drinking water quality Minimum detection limit MDL (mg/L) 1 0.02 0.1 Law 458/2002 established maximum admitted limit for nitrates 50 mg/l, nitrites 0.50 mg/l, ammonia 0.50 mg/l (table 1). Were been analyzed water and soil samples from field, fertilized with manure from Birda locality perimeter. For development of fertilization plan was taken into account: basic culture, pre-plant, harvest expected and soil analysis regarding pH, P, K, index N. On the perimeter land of the farm Birda fertilizers were used on crops of wheat, barley, maize, rape, triticosecale, pasture. Area that had received livestock manure was 1844.59 hectares for 2009/2010. Depending on the expected production was established for each crop the fertilizer needs. Depending on that a part of the required fertilizers was ensure throughout the application of organic fertilizers and the difference to the optimal dose was assured by farmer through the administration of mineral fertilizers based on N,P,K (fertilizers complexes). For wheat culture, to achieve a production of 5000 kg per hectare, should apply 140 a.s. kg/ha N, 50 kg a.s./ha P and 40 kg a.s./ha K. To achieve requirement of 75% should ensures from organic fertilizers and 25% of mineral fertilizers. Water samples were taken from inside of the farm and agricultural land. Table 2. Parameters analyzed in water samples taken from agricultural land drillings, Birda Farm, 4.02.2009 No. Analized parameter Measurement Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 pH Permanganate index Amonium Nitrates Nitrites Total phosphorus Total nitrogen Phenol index pH units mgO2/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L Determinated values P7 Drilling agricultural land 7,8 4,7 0,5 <0,25 0,02 1,7 <1 <0,1 Table 3. Analysed parameters in water samples from Birda Farm drillings, 01.06.2009 No. 1 2 Analized parameter UM pH Permanganate index pH units mgO2/L Determinated values 7,4 P2F1 7,3 P4F1 7,1 P8F4 7,2 2,4 1,2 1,2 1,2 PC1 PC2 P1 P3 P5 P6 P7 7,3 7,3 7,4 7,4 7,4 7,4 6,3 6,3 2,4 2,4 2,4 2,4 48 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 3 4 5 6 7 8 Amonium mg/L 3,0 3,0 3,0 Nitrates mg/L 1,0 1,0 1,0 Nitrites mg/L <0,006 <0,006 0,1 Total mg/L 1,0 1,0 1,0 phosphorus Total nitrogen mg/L 2,6 2,6 2,7 Phenol index mg/L <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 PC1, PC2 – drillings in Birda Farm P1, P3 – drillings SMF (fields), Birda P5, P6, P7 - drillings SMF (fields), Birda P2-F1 – drillings in agricultural land Folea Sud P4-F1 – drillings in agricultural land Voiteg P8-F4 – drillings in agricultural land Birda 3,0 1,0 0,1 1,0 3,0 1,0 0,1 3,0 1,0 0,1 3,0 1,0 0,1 5,0 10,0 1,5 3,0 10,0 1,0 <0,1 3,0 0,1 1,0 2,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 2,7 <0,1 2,7 <0,1 2,7 <0,1 2,7 <0,1 6,7 <0,1 5,0 <0,1 <1 <0,1 Table 4. Analysed parameters in water samples from Birda Farm drillings, 20.10.2009 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Parametrul analizat UM pH Permanganate index Amonium Nitrates Nitrites Total phosphorus Total nitrogen Phenol index Determinated values 7,7 P2F1 7,5 P4F1 7,4 P8F4 7,3 3,0 2,8 1,7 1,7 2,5 <0,01 10,0 2,0 0,1 8,0 1,0 0,1 18,0 1,0 <0,01 3,0 <0,006 <0,01 3,0 <0,006 <0,01 3,0 <0,006 0,020 0,020 0,020 0,24 0,24 0,24 2,9 2,2 2,2 <1 <1 <1 <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 PC1 PC2 P1 P3 P5 P6 P7 pH units mgO2/L 7,8 7,9 7,6 7,7 7,7 7,6 4,4 4,2 2,8 3,0 2,9 mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L 0,2 20,0 1,0 0,2 20,0 1,0 0,1 8,0 1,0 <0,01 10,0 1,0 0,012 0,012 0,021 0,021 5,0 5,0 2,2 2,6 <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 <0,1 mg/L mg/L PC1, PC2 – drillings in Birda Farm P1, P3 – drillings SMF (fields), Birda P5, P6, P7 - drillings SMF (fields), Birda P2-F1 – drillings in agricultural land Folea Sud P4-F1 – drillings in agricultural land Voiteg P8-F4 – drillings in agricultural land Birda Water samples were taken on 02.04.2009, 01.06.2009 and 20.10.2009. PH values vary between 7.1 and 7.8 pH units and falls within the established parameters (6.5 to 9.5 pH units). Permanganate index ranks mostly below 5 mgO 2/L, except for samples taken from wells: PC1 and PC2, where the obtained value were 6.3 mgO 2/L. Ammonium content from P7 land drilling is near the maximum limit allowed, while in samples taken on 01.06.2009 the ammonium content is above the allowed limit reaching to 5 mg/L. 49 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA To water samples taken on 10/20/2009 ammonium content is below 5 mg/l registering values below 0.1 mg/l in the wells F1-P2, P4 and P8-F1-F4. Nitrogen content determined in samples taken on 02.04.2009 and 01.06.2009 are below the maximum admitted limit (50 mg/l), while the samples taken on 20.10.2009, registered much higher values (20 mg/l). The values of nitrate determined in samples taken on 02.04.2009 and respectively, 06.01.2009 in the prelevation points PC1, PC2, P1 and P3 are lower maximum admitted limit of 0.50 mg / l, while the other analyzed samples registered a higher nitrogen content, which ranges between 1-2 mg/l (tables 2-4). CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Values obtained from water samples taken from the Birda farm territory shows that in most cases have not been exceeded the permissible values of analyzed parameters, with some exceptions, which, now, they not lead to negative effects regarding water and soil quality. In Romania, many of the individual farms and small properties use manure as fertilizer mainly because it is cheaper and more available. Thus, the use of chemical fertilizers has declined. Nitrates in polluted surface waters are usually below 1 mg/liter, sometimes up to 5 mg/ liter. The groundwater may reach 1000 mg / liter. In more than 100 mg / liter water tastes bitter and can be harmful to children causing methaemoglobinaemia. In the future is requires close monitoring of these indicators to prevent environmental pollution. REFERENCES [1]. Alexa Ersilia, Contaminants in horticultural and cereal products, Solness Publishing House, Timisoara, (2008) [2]. Lazureanu, A., Cuc Liana, Alexa Ersilia, Water contamination with nitrates, nitrites, and ammonium in Banat area, National Chimistry Symposium, Ramnicu Valcea, (2000). [3]. Lazureanu, A., Cuc Liana, Alexa Ersilia, Correlation the level of surface groundwater nitrate contamination depending with rainfall, National Chimistry Symposium, Ramnicu Valcea (2000) [4]. *** Law 458/2002 – chemical parameters for drinking water quality. [5]. *** www.ecoaqua.ro. [6]. *** www. mmediu.ro 50 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE FERTILIZATION MACRONUTRIENTS ON TOMATO YIELD D. Moigradean, M.A. Poiana, L.M. Alda, D.V. Dogaru, S. Alda, and A. Lazureanu Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different NPK fertilization doses on tomato yield as well as the influence of the three macronutrients on tomato production by multiple regression analysis of variance. A field experiment was using two tomatoes samples in different precocity steady, cultivated in field conditions, in Romanian west area. The nitrogen fertilization has a major influence on achieving production followed by fertilization with potassium and phosphorus. Key words: Tomato Yield, NPK Fertilization Doses, Multiple Regression Analysis INTRODUCTION Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is one of the popular and most consumed vegetable in the world. Romania has favorable agropedoclimatic conditions to the development of vegetable growing. Our country produces about 756000 t tomato/year, current average productivity is 16 t/ha [12]. Optimum management of NPK is necessary to reduce environmental impact of agricultural practices and to increase profitability in crop production. The best fertilizer grade to be use depends on many factors, such as what nutrients are needed, what the soil structure and chemistry are, and the method of applying the fertilizer. A fertilizer is said to be complete when is contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium [7]. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are in quantitative terms the most important minerals for the tomato fruit as they account for more than 90% of the mineral content [8]. Tomatoes need moderate to high levels of P and K [2]. Multiple regresion/correlation analysis (MRC) is a highly general and therefore very flexible data analytic system; is broadly aplicate to hypotheses generated by researchers in the behavioral scinces, health sciences, education and business. Each of these hypotheses proposes some form of relationship between one or more factors of interest (independent variables) and an outcome (dependent) variable [5]. MATERIAL AND METHODS Field experiments: The fertilization was applied in spring, with four weeks before tomatoes plantation. Was use dry/granulated fertilizers NPK. Fertilization was control (without fertilizers) and mineral fertilizers (NPK) in variable doses: N30P30K30, N45P45K45, N60P60K60, N120P60K60. The fertilization doses and the application methods in tomatoes fertilization were to determine in correlations between agro chemistry factors [11]. Tomatoes samples were collected on June-July for early varieties (Export II) and August-September for middle tardy (Ace Royal variety). Tomatoes fruit were collected at thoroughly fruit maturity. Analytical methods of soil samples: Soil samples were taken (0-25 cm depth) before fertilization. Soil properties were analyzed using the fallowing methods: pH was determined in aqua solution, total N% was determined by the Kjeldahl method, phosphorus were determined by spectrophotometry using Spectrophotometer UV-VIS SPECORD 205 by Analytik Jena and potassium by flame photometry method [11]. Statistical analysis: Regression analysis is defined as another technique for measuring the linear association between x (independent variable) and y (dependent variable) and shown as (Y=a+b1X1+b2X2+b3X3...+bnXn) which is used extensively in forecasting. Multiple regresion analiysis model provides not only a statistical test of the models ability to predict the outcome variable (the F-test), but also the value of R and the adjusted R2 [3]. 51 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Tomato yield (t/ha) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The experience was done in a cambic cernosium soil, with low acidity reaction and the high natural fertility potential favorable vegetables cultivation. The analysis show that soil its favorable for tomatoes cultivation [11]. Soil agrochemical parameters before experiment were followed: pH=6.20, N=0.24%, P=180ppm, K=140ppm. The fertilization not affect the tomato production when the soil is rich in nutrients [6] but the nitrogen soil reserves are never large enough, culture respond to application of nitrogen, regardless of quantity [1]. The NPK fertilization doses and tomato variety influences the tomatoes production [2] and with increasing nitrogen fertilization doses increased tomato yield [9]. This can be observed in this study (Figure 1). 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 30.7 31.2 35.8 36.9 45.9 40.2 42.9 38.6 40 46.1 Export II variety Ace Royal variety 30 45 60 60 K0 N0P0 N30P30K N45.P45K N60P60K N120P60K Fertilization doses Figure 1. Tomato yield After mineral fertilization, the tomato yield increases from 30.70 t/ha to 45.90 t/ha in Export II variety and from 31.20 t/ha to 46.10 t/ha in variety Ace Royal [10]. Table 1. The multiple regression analyses of variance between Export II variety production and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization doses Variability source SP GL S2 F test Regression 150.74 (100%) 3 50.24 F=264.42** N dose (x1) 125.39 (83.18%) 1 125.39 F=659.89*** P dose (x2) 3.07 (2.03%) 1 3.07 F=16.16** K dose (x3) 22.28 (14.79%) 1 22.28 F=117.26** Other sources 4.08 21 0.19 Sum 154.82 24 ns: non significant; *: significant; **: distinct significantly; ***: major distinct significantly y = 35.935+0.03x1+2.381x2-2.36x3; R2 = 0.9736; R = 0.9867; SDE = 1.945 t/ha; DW = 3.22 The multiple regression analyses of variance on the influence of the three macronutrients on tomato production the Export II variety (Table 1) shows that 97.36% of the production variability is due to the influence of these three elements. Of these, it is observed that the nitrogen fertilization has a major distinct significantly contribution (83.18%) on achieving production, followed by fertilization with potassium, while the phosphorus fertilization had very small influence on production. The regresion model adopted for the analysis of relationships between production and different macroelements, shows a strong statistical assurance, assessing the production with an error of ±1.945 t/ha, while the estimated production without fertilization is 35.935 t/ha. 52 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Because the Durbin-Watson index (DW) is greater than 1.4 [3, 4], the any errors that accompanying experimental results are not autocorrelation and the macroelements order in the regression equation not affect the estimated production. Table 2. The multiple regression analyses of variance between Export II variety production and nitrogen and potassium fertilization doses Variability source SP GL S2 F test Regression 128.08 (100%) 2 64.04 F=52.92** N dose (x1) 125.38 (97.89%) 1 125.38 F=103.62** K dose (x2) 2.70 (2.11%) 1 2.70 F=2.23ns Other sources 26.74 22 26.74 Sum 154.82 24 ns: non significant; *: significant; **: distinct significantly; ***: major distinct significantly y = 35.954+0.03x1+0.019x2; R2 = 0.8272; R = 0.9095; SDE = 2.031 t/ha; DW = 3.32 Tomato yield (t/ha) Eliminating the effect of phosphorus fertilization, on the results of multiple regression analysis of variance with two independent variables (Table 2) shows that 82.72% of tomato production, Export II variety, is influenced by the effect of nitrogen and potassium doses applied. Also, the nitrogen fertilization has the highest contribution distinctly significant, while the contribution of potassium fertilization is much lower and statistically non significant. In this case, the regression model admit distinctly significant production assessment, with an error of ±2.031 t/ha. Tomato yields estimated from this regression model are not influenced by the two macroelements order by the regression equation. Figure 2. Regression between the production and nitrogen dose of Export II tomato variety In Figure 2 was noted that there is a linear relationship, positive and highly significant between the nitrogen doses applied and tomato yield, such as the production increases proportionally with the nitrogen applied to 148.75 kg/ha, where obtaining the highest estimated tomato yield of 40.32 t/ha. In Table 3 it is noted that 95% of the tomato yield Ace Royal variety can be explained as the result of NPK fertilization. The nitrogen fertilization has a major influence distinctly significant on achieving production (75.85%), while the contribution with potassium fertilization is lower (14.81%) but superior to phosphorus fertilization (9.34%). According to the distinct significantly regression model, the control samples obtain a production about 36.648 t/ha, by an error about ±2.021 t/ha. DW coefficient values indicate 53 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA that the order of the three variables does not affect the results of estimated tomato yield [3]. Table 3. The multiple regression analyses between Ace Royal variety production and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization doses Variability source SP GL S2 F test Regression 162.33 (100%) 3 54.11 F=128.83** N dose (x1) 123.14 (75.85%) 1 123.14 F=293.19*** P dose (x2) 15.16 (9.34%) 1 15.16 F=36.09** K dose (x3) 24.03 (14.81%) 1 24.03 F=57.21** Other sources 8.92 21 0.42 Sum 171.25 24 ns: non significant; *: significant; **: distinct significantly; ***: major distinct significantly y = 36.648+0.018x1+2.562 x2-2.515x3; R2 = 0.9479; R = 0.9736; SDE = 2.021 t/ha; DW = 3.17 The fertilization with nitrogen and potassium (Table 4) influence by 80.22% the tomato yield from Ace Royal variety. The yields from this tomato sorts based on distinct significantly regression model has a lower error of ±2.12 t/ha, not influenced by the position of the two variables in the regression equation. Table 4. The multiple regression analyses between Ace Royal variety production and nitrogen and potassium fertilization doses Variability source SP GL S2 F test Regression 137.39 (100%) 2 68.69 F=44.60** N dose (x1) 123.14 (89.63%) 1 123.14 F=79.96** K dose (x2) 14.25 (10.37%) 1 14.25 F=9.25* Other sources 33.86 22 Sum 171.25 24 ns: non significant; *: significant; **: distinct significantly; ***: major distinct significantly Tomato yield (t/ha) y = 36.669+0.018x1+0.046x2; R2 = 0.8022; R = 0.8956; SDE = 2.120 t/ha; DW = 3.25 Figure 3. Regression between the production and nitrogen dose of Ace Royal tomato variety The tomato yield from Ace Royal variety increases with the nitrogen fertilization doses; the highest estimated yield (42.41 t/ha) is obtained at the optimal dose of about 140 54 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA kg/ha (Figure 3). Nitrogen was more efficiently exploited by Ace Royal tomato variety, which on the optimal fertilization dose has achieved an increase of 2.0 t/ha. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The tomato sorts were influences the production. Nitrogen application significantly increased the tomato yield. The fertilization with N120P60K60 determinate maximum tomato yield. The nitrogen fertilization has a major influence on tomato yield, followed by fertilization with potassium and phosphorus by two tomatoes variety. The estimated production does not correspond always with real production. REFERENCES [1]. Anac, D., et al. 1994. Effect of N, P, K fertilizer levels on yield and quality properties of processing tomatoes in Turkey, Acta-Horticulturae, no.376, 243-250 [2]. Arshad, M. and Rashid, A.,1999. Yield comparison between two varieties of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) under the influence of NPK, Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 2(3), 635-636 [3]. Benkovitz, C., Oden, LN., 1987. Probability calculation for the Durbin-Watson correlation test, Environmental Software, vol.2, 85-88 [4]. Ciulca, S., 2006. Testing methodologies in agriculture and biology, Ed. Mirton, Timisoara, Romania [5]. Cohen, J., et al. 2003. Applied multiple regression/Correlation Analysis for the Behaviral Sciences, Third Edition, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc. Publishers [6]. Dumas, Y., et al. 2003. Effects of environmental factors and agricultural techniques on antioxidant content of tomatoes, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 83, 369–382 [7]. Hegde, M.D., 1997. Nutrient requirements of solanaceous vegetable crops. All India Coordinated Safflower Improvement Project Solapur, Maharashtra, India [8]. Kinet, J.M., Peer, M.M., 1997). Tomato in: Wien, H.C.(eds.), The Phisiology of vegetable Crops , CAB international, Cambridge, 208-258 [9]. Liptay A., and Nicholls S., 1993. Nitrogen supply during greenhouse transplant production affects subsequent tomato root growth in the field, J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 118, 339-342 [10]. Moigradean, D., et al. 2010. Tomato yield and quality after mineral fertilization, Scientific Journal of University of Szeged, vol.5, 2010/1, 173-178 [11]. ***Agrochemical soil analysis methodology for establish the need amendments and fertilizers (MAIA), 1983, vol. I (1) [12]. *** Romanian Statistical Annuar, 2009 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Diana Moigradean, Banats University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Calea Aradului 119, Timisoara, RO 300645, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Mariana-Atena Poiana, Banats University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Calea Aradului 119, Timisoara, RO 300645, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 55 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EVAPOTRANSPIRATION OF WINTER WHEAT IN THE AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF SOUTHERN SERBIA M. Aksić, N. Deletić, N. Gudžić, S. Gudžić, S. Stojković, D. Knežević and M. Vojinović Abstract: Establishing plant demands for water, that is potential evapotranspiration, is an initial foundation for reaching grain yield adequate to the high genetic potential characteristic for modern wheat cultivars. This study was aimed to determine evapotranspiration (ET) of winter wheat by direct field measurements, and comparison of the observed values with the values of potential evapotranspiration (ETP) calculated by the method according to Hargreaves. The values of grain yield, ET, ETP and WUE of winter wheat obtained by experimental investigations offer possibility for an efficient choice of cultivars for growing and successful planning production in the conditions of irrigation. Key words: Evapotranspiration, Winter Wheat, Grain Yield. INTRODUCTION In agricultural production water deficiency is a limiting factor for achieving high and stable yields. Wheat has to pass through certain developmental stages before winter dormancy, and normal course of this process largely depends on soil moisture content. When water content of soil is insufficient, emerging is delayed and inconsistent, and some plants emerge in spring. In those conditions, there is a lack of autumn tillering and formation of secondary roots. Wheat developed in the conditions of insufficient water supplies during autumn is susceptible to frost during winter period, because weaker assimilation gives lower supplies of reserve matters in tillering node that are necessary for better winter survival of plants. This is the reason why optimal soil moisture content in autumn is important, so this moment is crucial for the final outcome of wheat production. During later developmental stages, the highest amounts of water are spent by wheat in the stages jointing-to-heading and heading-to-milk, and it would be ideal to keep optimal soil moisture during these stages. Winter wheat water consumption to evapotranspiration during vegetation period in the conditions of optimal soil humidity, if maximal grain yield is reached together with good grain quality, is called potential evapotranspiration (ETP). Discussing wheat demands for water, Vučić (1976) stated that, for the conditions of our country, these demands are approximately 320-360 mm. Evapotranspiration (ET) can be determined by direct field measurement or through numerous indirect calculation methods. Indirect calculation of evapotranspiration is based on water consumption dependence on various meteorological elements: air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed, vapor tension, air saturation deficiency, solar radiation, etc. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experimental investigation through field trials has been carried out in the river valley of Južna Morava, municipality of Merošina, on the alluvium soil type, during the period 2006-2009. The trial was set at the altitude of 198 m, and geographic coordinates were the following: latitude 43º19’ north and longitude 21º54’ east. At the experimental field wheat was sown within optimal term in complete random block design with five replications, and elementary plot area was 35 m2. The following cultivars were sown: Evropa 90, Kg 56, NS-Rana 5, and Pobeda, all within optimal terms, and during vegetation period usual agrotechnique measures for winter wheat were applied. Water consumption to evapotranspiration was determined by balancing consumption of water supplies in soil 56 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA down to 2 m of depth and precipitation during vegetation period. Also, after abundant rainfall, effused and percolated water amount was calculated too. ET = (W1 - W2) + P ET - evapotranspiration in vegetation period (mm), W1 - amount of water (mm) in soil to the depth of 2 m (sowing), W2 - amount of water (mm) in soil to the depth of 2 m (harvest), P - precipitation (mm). W = 100 ∙ t ∙ Bd ∙ sm (1) (2) t – depth of soil layer (m), Bd – bulk density of soil (g cm-3), sm – soil moisture at particular moment (%). PEw = (W + P) – FWC (3) PEw – percolated and effused water (mm), FWC – field water capacity (mass %). Reference evapotranspiration has been calculated by the method according to Hargreaves (Allen et al., 1998): (4) -1 ETo – reference evapotranspiration (mm day ), a = 0.0023 is a constant, Tmean– mean daily air temperature (°C), Tmax – maximal daily air temperature (°C), Tmin – minimal daily air temperature (°C), Ra – solar radiation at atmospheric surface equivalent to evaporation (mm day-1). Potential evapotranspiration of winter wheat has been calculated as reference evapotranspiration multiplied by plant coefficient for wheat. Values of the plant coefficient for wheat used in calculation of ETPo are given according to the recommendation of FAO (2010). ETPo = Kc ∙ ETo (5) -1 ETPo – potential evapotranspiration (mm day ), Kc – plant coefficient, ETo – reference evapotranspiration (mm day-1). Water utilization efficiency of winter wheat (WUE) has been calculated as the observed wheat grain yield divided by water consumption for evapotranspiration according to Hussain et al. (1995). WUE = GY / ET -1 (6) -1 WUE – water utilization efficiency (kg ha mm ), GY – wheat grain yield (kg ha-1), ET – evapotranspiration (mm). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Air temperature was analyzed at the meteorological station of Niš, and precipitation was measured at the very experimental field by a rain gauge (tab.1). The average monthly air temperatures during the investigated period were higher than biologically active 57 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA temperatures for respective wheat developmental stages. The average of monthly air temperature means for vegetation season 2006/07 was by 2.7oC higher, and for season 2007/08 by 1.5oC higher than the many-year mean. Vegetation season 2008/09 was characterized by the same average air temperature (13.0oC) as in the previous year of investigation. Analysis of precipitation in the vegetation season 2006/07 pointed to a water deficiency of soil during October, which caused inconsistent germinating and emerging of wheat crop. Precipitation amount during March (6 mm), April (6 mm), and June (12 mm) was insufficient for proper growth and development of wheat, which showed the effect on wheat grain yield and quality. Precipitation amount and distribution in the season 2007/08 was much more favorable in regard to the previous hydrological season, which resulted by achieving higher grain yield values. Soil water supplies and favorable rainfall distribution during vegetation period were friendly to wheat crops in the production season 2008/09. Table 1. Mean monthly temperatures (оС) and monthly amount of precipitation (mm) Month Year X XI XII I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X-IX Mean monthly temperatures 2006/07 14 7 3 6 7 10 14 19 23 25 25 17 14.2 2007/08 12 6 1 2 6 10 14 18 23 23 24 17 13.0 2008/09 13 9 5 1 3 7 14 18 21 23 23 19 13.0 1961-1990 12 7 2 0 3 7 12 17 19 21 21 17 11.5 Amount of precipitation 2006/07 32 25 52 28 35 6 6 67 12 7 35 51 356 2007/08 84 92 25 34 6 69 80 63 47 77 58 34 669 2008/09 97 51 31 51 35 57 39 36 112 57 43 39 648 1961-1990 36 60 58 45 44 48 58 72 73 45 44 43 626 When years of the study were analyzed, high-significantly greater grain yield was observed in the vegetation season 2007/08 in regard to the seasons 2006/07 and 2008/09 (tab. 2). Difference between the production seasons 2008/09 and 2006/07 was also highly significant in favor of the former one. Differences in the obtained grain yield observed in different years of investigation were caused by different climatic factors and soil water supplies. Table 2. Grain yield of winter wheat (kg ha-1) Cultivar (A) Year (B) Evropa 90 Kg 56 Ns Rana 5 2006/07 3118 2786 3186 2007/08 7898 6494 6712 2008/09 7160 6366 6402 Average (А) 6058 5215 5433 LSD A B 0.05 154.40 133.72 0.01 203.84 176.53 Pobeda 3372 7390 6890 5884 Average (B) 3115 7123 6704 5647 AB 267.41 353.04 Grain yield of the cultivar Pobeda in the production season 2006/07 was highsignificantly greater with respect to the other three wheat cultivars, which was an important parameter for wheat production in unirrigated conditions. The cultivar Evropa in the production seasons 2007/08 and 2008/09 gave high-significantly greater grain yield comparing with 58 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Pobeda, NS Rana 5 and Kg 56. High-significantly greater grain yield, in these two production seasons, was observed at the variant with the cultivar Pobeda in regard to the cultivars Kg 56 and NS Rana 5. The highest average grain yield for the studied period was achieved by the cultivar Evropa (6058 kg ha-1), and the lowest one by the cultivar Kg 56 (5215 kg ha-1). The average grain yield of the cultivar Evropa was high-significantly greater comparing with the cultivars Kg 56 and NS Rana 5 (5433 kg ha-1), and significantly greater in regard to the variant with the cultivar Pobeda (5884 kg ha-1). The average water consumption for ET from soil water supplies during the three-year investigated period was 69 mm, which was in accordance with the results of Vučić and Dobrenov (1981). Similar values of water consumption from soil water supplies were observed by Sun et al. (2006), for a soil of the same texture class as the one in our trials. The measured water consumption (339 mm) for evapotranspiration during the season 2007/08 was within values of water demands (ETP) stated by Vučić (1976) and Bošnjak (1999) for the conditions of our country. For the season 2007/08, by the method according to Hargreaves, wheat demand for water (ETP) of 371 mm was calculated, which was in accordance with the report of Luchiari et al. (1997), who calculated water consumption of wheat for ETP of 345-385 mm in the conditions of irrigation. During the season 2008/09 we calculated wheat water consumption for ETP of 428 mm. Linear regression dependency of wheat grain yield on water consumption for evapotranspiration was established. A positive, highly significant correlation (r=0.95) was found between the obtained wheat grain yield and the total water consumption for evapotranspiration during vegetation period. Table 3. ET, ETP, grain yield of wheat and water utilization efficiency Soil water ЕТP Precipitation Yield ЕТ WUE supplies Hargreaves Year (mm) (mm) (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1 mm-1) (mm) (mm) 2006/07 69 198 267 324 3115 11.67 2007/08 57 282 339 371 7123 21.01 2008/09 81 280 361 428 6704 18.57 Average 69 253 322 374 5647 17.08 Positive, high value of correlation (r=0.94) between potential and measured evapotranspiration was observed in the season 2007/08. Having in mind that in this production season high wheat grain yield was achieved, it could be concluded that application of the method according to Hargreaves and plant coefficient enabled successful determination of wheat daily demands for water. Importance of calculating daily value of wheat potential evapotranspiration reflects in an efficient conservation of the optimal air-water soil regime, by daily balancing of available water content in the zone of active rhizosphere. Much higher value of water utilization efficiency (WUE) of wheat (21.01 kg ha-1 mm-1) was calculated in the vegetation season 2007/08 in regard to the season 2006/07 (11.67 kg ha-1 mm-1). French and Schultz (1984) fond wheat WUE of 20 kg ha-1 mm-1, while other researchers observed lower values of 16 kg ha-1 mm-1 (Steiner et al., 1985) and 15 kg ha-1 mm-1 (Cornish and Murray, 1989). Water utilization efficiency in the production season 2008/09 was lower (18.57 kg ha-1 mm-1) comparing with the season 2007/08, despite the fact that measured evapotranspiration was higher (361 mm). Such relation of water consumption for ET and the obtained wheat grain yield is an important parameter for planning rational wheat production in the conditions of irrigation. 59 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The results of three-year investigations of wheat demands for water, with the aim of achieving grain yield adequate to the high genetic potential of modern cultivars, showed a high level of correlation between grain yield and evapotranspiration. Daily values of winter wheat potential evapotranspiration, calculated by the method according to Hargreaves, enable properly timed planning and application of irrigation and drainage in areas occupied by this crop. The observed values of ET, ETP, WUE and grain yield of winter wheat offer possibility, through further investigation of contemporary agrotechnique application and cultivar selection, for adequate exploitation of agroecological conditions and ensuring high and stable winter wheat grain yield. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The investigation published in this paper is a part of the project “The study of genetic basis improving yield and quality of cereals in different ecological conditions” financed by the Ministry of Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, grant No T.R.31092. REFERENCES [1]. Allen, R.G., Pereira, L.S., Raes, D. and M. Smith. 1998. Crop evapotranspiration Guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56, 63-65. [2]. Bošnjak, Đ. 1999. Navodnjavanje poljoprivrednih useva. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Novi Sad, pp. 181-186. [3]. Cornish, P.S. and G.M. Murray. 1989. Low rainfall rarely limits wheat yields in southern New South Wales. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 29, 77-83. [4]. FAO WATER. 2010. Wheat. http://www.fao.org/nr/water/cropinfo_wheat.html [5]. French, R.J. and J.E. Schultz. 1984. Water use efficiency of wheat in a Mediterranean-typeenvironment. I. The relationship between yield, water use and climate. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 35, 743-764. [6]. Hussain, G., Al-Jaloud, A.A., Al-Shammary, S.F. and S. Karimulla. 1995. Effect of saline irrigation on the biomass yield and the protein, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium composition of alfalfa in a pot experiment. Journal Planting Nutrional 18, 2389–2408. [7]. Luchiari, A.JR., Riha, S.J. and R.L. Gomide. 1997. Energy Balance in Irrigated Wheat in the Cerrados Region of Central Brazil. Scientia Agricola. Piracicaba 54, 7888. [8]. Steiner, J.L., Smith, R.C.G., Meyer, W.S. and J.A. Adeney. 1985. Water use, foliage temperature and yield of irrigated wheat in south-eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 36, 1-11. [9]. Sun, H.Y., Liu, C.M., Zhang, X.Y., Shen, Y.J. and Y.O. Zhang. 2006. Effects of irrigation on water balance, yield and WUE of winter wheat in the North China Plain. Agricultural Water Management 85, 211–218. [10]. Vučić, N. 1976. Navodnjavanje poljoprivrednih kultura. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Novi Sad, 223-232. [11]. Vučić, N. and V. Dobrenov. 1981. Zimska vlaga u vodnom bilansu zemljišta. Arhiv za poljoprivredne nauke 42(146), 245-263. 60 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ABOUT THE AUTHORS M. Aksić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Deletić, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Gudžić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] S. Gudžić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] S. Stojković, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] D. Knežević, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] M. Vojinović, PhD, Professor Appl., College of Agriculture and Food Technology, Ćirila and Metodija Street 1, 18400 Prokuplje, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 61 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA GRAIN YIELD OF WINTER WHEAT CULTIVATED AT GROUND OF VERTISOL TYPE Nadica Savić, Miodrag Jelić, Slaviša Stojković, Nebojša Deletić, Branislav Knežević Abstract: The experimental examinations, beside control, included six fertilizing variants: 1) N0 P0 K0; 2) N80, 120 P0 K0; 3) N80, 120 P60 K60; 4) N80, 120 P100 K60; 5) N80, 120 P60 K0; 6) N80, 120 P100 K0; 7) N80, 120 P0 K60. During experiment individual fertilizings were implemented as follows: KAN (as nitrogen fertilizing), superphosphate (as phosphate fertilizing) and 60 ℅ of kalium salts (as kalium fertilizing). Aport from above mentioned variants of mineral nutrition, in experiment were included seven cultivars of winter wheat. Obtained results show that the grain yields of winter wheat on the ground of vertisol type changed, depending on fertilizing method, nitrogen dosage and examined cultivars. The highest grain yield of winter -1 wheat in period of three years, of triennial examination, obtained cultivar Ana Morava (5245 kg ha ) at NP2K variant of fertilizing, at hogher nitrogene dosage. Key words: wheat, grain yield, vertisol, fertilizing, cultivars INTRODUCTION Yield and quality of grains are the most important indicators of productivity of winter wheat plants. On the grounds of acid reactions, as vertisol where the experiments have been performed, significantly was reduced productivity of cultivated plants, including wheat [3]. On the grounds of low pH values, universal method of fertilizing of wheat is difficult to obtain due to numerous problems with nutrition itself, as well as with applying nutrition, because accurate specifying nutritional needs of plants on acid grounds is somewhat difficult, due to very uneven physical and chemical characteristics of ground. Wheat cultivated on acid ground requires specific mineral nutrition, where crucial importance has appropriately balanced nitrogen and phosphor nutrition, so the increased nutritive input of phosphor nutrition is imposed [4; 1; 5]. Aim of these examinations was to define the influence of various fertilizing methods and different cultivars on grain yield of winter wheat cultivated on ground of vertisol type. MATERIAL AND METHODS Examinations were performed at stationary field experiment with fertilizing that has been applied for many years (over 30), at the property of Center for small grains in Kragujevac. The experiments were performed in three years period (2004-2007). The experiment on which examinations have been performed includes also six variants of fertilizing: 1) N0 P0 K0; 2) N80, 120 P0 K0; 3) N80, 120 P60 K60; 4) N80, 120 P100 K60; 5) N80, 120 P60 K0; 6) N80, 120 P100 K0; 7) N80, 120 P0 K60. Individual fertilizers were used: KAN as the nitrogen fertilizer, superphosphate as the phosphate fertilizer, and as the potassium fertilizer it was used 60% potassium salt. Besides mentioned variants of mineral nutrition, in experiment it was included also seven different cultivars of winter wheat from the region of Kragujevac:,Takovčanka, Ana Morava, KG 100, Lazarica, KG 56 S, KG 4 and KG 5. The area of the basic experimental parcels is 100 m 2 for fertilizing with phosphor and potassium, and for fertilizing with two dosages of nitrogen of 80 and 120 kg ha-1, basic parcel was divided in two parts of 50 m2 each. The experiment was set up at random block system in 5 repetitions. It was used standard agrotechnics. Statistical data processing of grain yield was done in the method of variance analysis. 62 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA About average monthly temperatures and quantity of precipitations during our examinations, we can conclude that the weather conditions differed in each experimental year. The most favorable weather condition were in the first vegetation period, 2004/2005, when the highest total quantity of precipitations was registered, with the most favorable disposition through months. Also the temperatures were optimal for planting the wheat, especially during the most important phases of its growth. Vegetation period in the years 2006/2007 was also favorable for winter wheat growing, while the most unfavorable weather conditions for growth of winter wheat were in second year of experiment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Wheat requires more or less fertile ground of optimum physical characteristics.The experimental field is of type vertisol in the process of degradation. It has A-Bt-C type of profile. Upper part of A horizon is of grey color, and due to ongoing rinse process it is significantly impoverished of alkalis and humus. Reaction of the upper part of A horizon is in range of very high acidity to normal acidity with the level of saturation with alkalis less than 70% [2]. In deeper levels of this terrain Bt horizon has been formed, and it is very rich with clay and more watertight. During periods in the year with more humidity, under it surface water collects and that causes forming of rusty deposits of Fe-hydroxide as well as small granules of orstajn. Besides heavy mechanical composition and rough and unstable structure, this terrain has not favorable condition of porosity, what additionally worsens unfavorable physical characteristics of this parcel [2].With the purpose of determining fertility of the parcel, before the beginning of experiment, analysis of basics fertility parameters of samples were made, according to fertilizing variants (table 1.). Table 1. Facts of ground fertility at experimental field pH fertilizing variant O N NP1K NP2K NP NK profound (cm) 0 - 20 humus (%) 2.13 2.10 2.39 2.25 2.34 2.24 H2O 5.85 5.83 5.58 5.72 5.63 5.73 KCl 4.37 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.15 4.22 N overall (%) 0.12 0.14 0.15 0.14 0.15 0.16 P2O K2O mg/100g ground 2.60 18.67 2.20 17.60 8.17 27.47 9.83 24.00 9.00 17.40 2.83 23.53 The ground of the experimental parcel has very strong acid reaction (pH in KCl < 4.5). The highest acidity exchanging potency of the terrain is with NP and NK variants of fertilizing, while the content of humus is average. Fertilized variants had average higher percentage of humus comparing control. The highest content of humus was found with NP1K and NP fertilizing variants. The total content of nitrogen was average (according to Wohtmann’s classification), therewith fertilizing variants had higher content of total nitrogen comparing control. The content of easily accessible nitrogen is low (2,20-9,83 mg/100g of sample of ground), while the content of easily accessible kailium is in the range of average to high (17,40-27,47 mg/100g of sample). 63 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA In triennial average, grain yield of winter wheat planted at the ground of vertisol type was changing depending of fertilizing method, dosage of nitrogen and the examined wheat cultivar type (table 2). Table 2. Grain yield kg ha-1 of examined cultivars of wheat (triennial average 2004-2007) Variant fertilizing O N NP1K NP2K NP1 NP2 NK Average Average LSD 0.05 0.01 Dosage N 1. 2. 3. N1 N2 N1 N2 N1 N2 N1 N2 N1 N2 N1 N2 N1 N2 N1 / N2 1736 3269 3613 3497 4418 4083 4524 3758 4206 3440 3759 4075 4030 3408 3755 3581 1252 3623 4141 3791 5192 4868 5245 4196 5021 3714 4737 4369 4458 3687 4292 3990 1274 2812 3165 4624 4385 3782 4277 3600 4234 3099 4459 3601 3739 3256 3648 3452 A 319.581 421.526 B 319.581 421.526 AB 845.533 1115.235 Cultivars 4. 5. 1147 2966 3454 4435 4385 3691 4764 3935 4106 3746 4260 3527 4166 3349 3755 3552 C 170.800 225.280 1214 2736 3404 4129 4281 4505 4753 3992 4406 3700 4958 4124 4437 3485 3921 3703 6. 7. 1182 3090 3827 4312 4495 4328 4012 3718 4517 3421 4208 3703 3486 3393 3675 3534 1207 2829 3443 3846 3721 3640 3703 3330 3833 3586 3799 3327 3213 3109 3274 3192 AC 451.956 596.128 BC 451.956 596.128 Average 1287 3046 3578 4090 4411 4128 4468 3789 4332 3529 4311 3818 3933 3383 3760 3571 1287 3312 4250 4298 4060 3920 3875 3571 ABC 1195.764 1577.205 1. Takovčanka, 2. Ana Morava, 3. KG - 100, 4. Lazarica, 5. KG - 56S, 6. KG - 4, 7.KG - 5 A-variant fertilizing, B -cultivar, C -nitrogen fertilizer dosage, AB, AC, BC, ABC - interaction The lowest grain yield was acquired on control (1287 kg ha-1). Applying fertilizer it was achieved considerable increasing of grain yield, especially using higher dosages of phosphate fertilizer NP2K (4298 kg ha-1). Using only nitrogen as the nutrition of winter wheat, considerable growth of grain yield was achieved, comparing the area that wasn’t treated with fertilizer. Using NK fertilizer considerably reduced grain yield comparing variants treated with phosphate fertilizer [6]. Higher dosages of nitrogen significantly increased grain yield comparing using lower dosages, in all the variants of fertilizing. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Productivity and the quality of winterwheat grain depends on agrotechnics as well as on agroecological conditions. In production process of winter wheat three agroecological conditions are dominant: fertility of terrain, precipitations and temperature. Obtained results in our examinations demonstrate that the grain yield of winter wheat changed (triennial average) depending on fertilizing variants, nitrogen dosages and the cultivar of winter wheat examined. 64 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Taking into account that the ground is of vertisol type, grain yield of winter wheat is significantly higher with fertilizing variants with higher dosage of phosphor (NP2K). Also, the usage of higher quantity of nitrogen considerably increased yield of winter wheat comparing usage of lower dosage of nitrogen with all variants of fertilizing. The highest grain yield of winter wheat in triennial period of examination on the groundl of vertisol type achieved cultivar Ana Morava (5245 kg ha-1) with NP2K variant of fertilizing at higher dosage of nitrogen. REFERENCES [1]. Jelić, М. (1990): The influence of multiannual fertilizing on modification of some characteristics of the terrain of the type vertisol in process degradation. Master thesis. Belgrade, 1-81. [2]. Jelić, М. (1996): Studying of mineral mutrition of wheat planted on vertisol in process degradation. Doctoral thesis. Belgrade, 1-121. [3]. Јеlić, М., Lomović S, Ognjanović R (1997): Some specificities of mineral nutrition of wheat on acid ground. Almanac of winter school for agronomists, Čačak, 53-58. [4]. Kostić, M., (1986): The influence of multiannual fertilizing on winter wheat yield on thterrain of type vertisol, Almanac of institute for small grains in Kragujevac, No 8, 3-23 [4]. [5]. Nemeth, T (2006): Nitrogen in the soil plant sistem, nitrogen balanses. Cereal Res. Communic., 34, 1. 61-65. [5]. [6]. Savić, N (2009): Productivity and quality of grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare) on the ground of type vertisol, Doctoral thesis presented on Faculty of agriculture of University of Pristina in Zubin Potok. ABOUT THE AUTHORS N. Savić, assistant professor, University of Pristina, Faculty of agriculture, Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +381642196422 M. Jelić, associate professor, University of Pristina, Faculty of agriculture, Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +381645486539 S. Stojković, assistant professor, University of Pristina, Faculty of agriculture, Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +381653403693 N. Deletić, associate professor, University of Pristina, Faculty of agriculture, Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], 381642265279 B. Knežević, assistant professor, University of Pristina, Faculty of agriculture, Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +38162222296 65 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE INFLUENCE OF AGE AT FIRST INSEMINATION AND SERVICE PERIOD ON LONGEVITY AND LIFE-LONG PRODUCTION OF MILK IN SIMMENTAL COWS Spasić Z., Milošević B., Ljiljana Anđušić, Ilić Z., Stolić N., Milanović Valentina Abstract: Genetic improvement of quantitative traits in domestic animals is not possible without being familiar with necessary population-genetic parameters. Higher values of heritability indicate possibility of more effective selection work and traits improvement, while lower values show that these traits (i.e. reproductive traits) we cannot improve in such an extent within a population. Therefore, in this paper we set up an assignment to estimate values of heritability and phenotypic correlations among reproductive traits in a population of Simmental cows in the area of Kosmet. Investigations have been performed at farm Dubrava in Istok, on the basis of data regarding milk production and the duration of cows’ exploitation in the production process. On the basis of our assignments in this paper precedently the average data values of investigated reproductive traits have been presented. The aim of this paper is, along with determination of needed parameters, to explore possibility for application of obtained results in the selection work on improvement of mentioned traits. Key words: Heritability, phenotypic correlations, Simmental breed, service-period. INTRODUCTION Genetic improvement of quantitative traits is not possible without being familiar with necessary population genetics parameters. It is known that heredity coefficient or heritability (h2) one of the most important parameters, whose value depends upon the degree of variability of certain trait in an investigated population. As a result of previous investigations in regard to heritability of productive and reproductive traits approximate average values and degree of variation has been determined. Higher values of heritability indicate possibilities for more effective selection work and traits improvement in domestic animals, while lower values show that such traits (i.e. reproductive) cannot be improved in a higher degree. Concerning the heritability of longevity and lifelong milk and milk fat production, determined by other authors at different breeds of cattle, it could be concluded that these traits show high variability and average values of heritability ar low [1, 2, 3]. Since our literature contains no enough information about dairy cows selection on productive, reproductive and lifelong production traits, we established a goal for this research to estimate heritability and phenotypic correlation of these traits in a herd of Simmental cows in the area Kosmet. In addition, the aim of this research, among the determination of necessary parameters, is to explore the possibility for application of obtained results in the selection process aimed at improving of investigated traits. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research has been conducted at dairy cows farm “Dubrava” located in Istok, on the basis of data regarding the milk production and duration of exploitation of cows in the production. Altogether, 210 cows of Simmental breed were included in the research. Utilization manner during the production cycle until the culling of cows was similar for all animals. The nutrition, housing and breeding were approximately similar and specific for 66 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA the farm. All cows were under control with proper documentation of origin, milk production and reproduction. On the basis of farm records for each cow we determined: age at first conception; duration of the first service period; age at culling; exploitation index; number of lactation; lifelong milk yield; lifelong yield of 4% fat corrected milk and production of milk per milking day. With regard to established goal to determine the heritability coefficients of investigated traits, for its estimation we used the method of parent offspring regression [4]. By the method of covariance coefficients and standard errors of phenotypic correlation between reproduction traits and the traits of longevity and lifelong production has been determined, while significance of correlation coefficients has been tested by t-test for significance levels of 5, 1 and 0,1% [4]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION On the basis of established research objective in this work, results about average values of investigated simmental cows have been given. Table 1. Averag values and variability of reproduction, longevity and lifelong milk production traits in Simmental cows TRAITS X Sx SD CV min.-max. Age at first insemination (days) 684,5 16,7 190,8 27,8 361 – 1.056 Duration of service periods (days) 267,1 16,3 56,8 21,1 44 – 266 Age at culling (days) 2.402,1 65,7 751,5 31,3 1.098 – 4.388 Utilization index (%) 57,3 1,25 14,3 24,9 19,5 – 82,1 Number of lactations 2,69 0,12 1,36 50,6 1–7 Lifelong milk production 10.331,5 544 3.623 35,1 2.772 - 27.098 Lifelong production of 4% FCM (kg) 9.719,4 513 3.587 36,9 2.728 – 25.344 10,0 0,16 1,87 18,6 4,2 – 16,5 Milk production per milking day (kg) These data show that average age of cows at first conception was 22,8 months, which is 85,9 days longer than age of the same breed [5]. On the basis of the variation interval it can be noted that certain animals were matted about 2,89 years of age, which is unacceptable in intensive production. Identical problem appears considering the following reproductive trait, first service period, which in investigated population lasted three and more times longer than those regarded optimal. According to previous results, first service period in different populations of Simmental breed goes from 101,4 to 133 days [6]. The next sequence of the table shows results regarding longevity and lifelong milk production. It is obvious that these traits are very variable depending upon individuals, which confirm high values of variability that go above 50%. The average age at culling was 6,58 years that is in accordance with results determined by cited authors. However, how much unsatisfactory duration of cows exploitation is, can be seen from the index of utilization, which shows that the period until 67 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA first calving participates with more than 52% in regard to total utilization period in investigated population. Maximal number of lactation achieved was seven, while average per animal was just 2,69, which is significantly lower in comparison with other results published [7]. In the table 2, coefficients of heritability estimated by the regression of daughters on their mothers for all investigated traits, are presented. Table 2. Coefficients (h2) and standard errors of heritability (S.E.h2) of reproduction, longevity and lifelong milk production traits in Simmental cows h2 S.E. h2 Age at first insemination (days) 0,016 0,267 Duration of service periods (days) 0,126 0,112 Age at culling (days) 0,074 0,163 Utilization index (%) 0,077 0,082 Number of lactations 0,177 0,066 Lifelong milk production 0,116 0,105 Lifelong production of 4% FCM (kg) 0,117 0,104 Milk production per milking day (kg) 0,106 0,065 TRAITS As it was expected on the basis of theoretic postulates and by comparison with other data [8, 9], all estimated coefficients, as for reproduction traits, so for the traits of longevity and lifelong milk production, are quite low and go from 0,016 for average age at first conception to 0,177 for average number of lactation during the productive life in investigated cows. By observing the data given in table 3, it can be concluded that, except phenotypic correlation among age at first conception and age at culling that is positive (and non significant), all other traits under investigation were negatively correlated. Also, strength of phenotypic correlations was very weak, except the relation of utilization index and age at first conception, which was weak and highly significant (0,01%). Therefore, linear regression analysis was performed, which derived the following formula: y = 73,3 – 0,023x wherefore clearly indicate that with every day of prolonging the first conception, utilization index going down for 0,023 percent. 68 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 3. Coefficients (r) and standard errors (Se) of phenotypic correlation among fertility, longevity and lifelong milk production traits in Simmental cattle Age at first insemination (days) TRAITS r Sr Duration of service periods (days) r Sr Age at culling (days) 0,209NS 0,119 -0,166NS 0,133 Utilization index (%) -0,358*** 0,113 -0,158NS 0,133 Number of lactations -0,170 NS 0,120 -0,454*** 0,120 Lifelong milk production -0,119 NS 0,120 -0,275* 0,130 Lifelong production of 4% FCM (kg) -0,122 NS 0,120 -0,270* 0,130 -0,149* 0,119 -0,192* 0,132 Milk production per milking day (kg) All investigated longevity and lifelong production traits were negatively correlated with service period duration and very weak, except the average number of lactation that is also negative and weak along with high significance. Similar results have been given by other authors too [10]. Linear regression formula, y = 3,59 – 0,00275x shows that with every day of service period prolongation average number of achieved lactation goes down for 0,003. All above determined, draw attention on additional need for taking into account in selection work traits with low heritability coefficients, as well as their often negative phenotypic correlation, which additionally can slow down the selection progress in the population were selection measures are taking place. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the results obtained upon investigation of variability and correlation of some reproductive and traits of longevity and lifelong milk production in a population of Simmentall cows, following conclusions can be drawn: The average age at first calving is extremely adverse and prolonged for six months in regard to optimal for this breed; The average duration of service period in investigated population lasted three and more times longer than those regarded optimal; As estimated heritability coefficients for all investigated traits are very low, it can be concluded that these traits cannot be improved by direct selection, but this must be performed in indirect way; Regarding the obtained negative phenotypic correlation among productive and longevity traits, an additional attention in selection work is needed on traits with low heritability coefficients, as well as on their often negative phenotypic correlation, which additionally can slow down the selection progress in the population were selection measures are taking place. 69 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Đurđević, R., 2001. Genetička analiza mlečnosti i reproduktivnih svojstava krava simentalske rase. Doktorska disertacija. Poljoprivredni fakultet Novi Sad. [2]. Panić Jovanka 2005. Kvantitativno genetska analiza svojstava mlečnosti krava simentalske rase. Magistarska teza. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Novi Sad. [3]. Spasić, Z., Milošević, B., Milenković, M., Stolić, N., Ilić, Z. 2009. Phenotypic correlation of Production and Reproduction Traits of Cows in the Population of domestic Spotted Cattle. Research people and actual task on multidisciplinary sciences. Second International Conference, 10 – 12 june 2009, Lozenec, Bulgaria. Volume 1, pp 104-108. [4]. Latinović D., 1996. Populaciona genetika -praktikum. Beograd. [5]. Ranić P. 2008. Analiza osnovnih genetskih parametara kvantitativnih osobina populacije krava simentalske rase na teritoriji opštine Leskovac u periodu od 1999. do 2002. godine. Specijalistički rad. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Zubin Potok. [6]. Bijma, P., Jensen, J., Madsen, P. 1998. Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters of lifetime and stayabiliti Traits in Danish dairy breeds. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A-Animal Science. No. 48(3), pp 155-164. [7]. Ostrec, J., Klopčić Marija 1998. Sustainable cattle production and longevity of cows in Slovenia. VI Congress FeMeSRPRum, May 14-16, Postojna, Slovenia. [8]. Spasić, Z., et al. 2009. Analiza osobina laktacija populacije krava simentalske rase po godinama proizvodnje na teritoriji opštine Leskovac. XIV Međunarodno naučnostručno savetovanje agronoma Republike Srpske, Trebinje, 23.-26. mart 2009. godine. Zbornik sažetaka, str. 207. [9]. Petrović, M.M., et al. 2009. Investigation of the Heritability of Phenotipes of Fertility and Milk Performance od Simmental Cattle breed in Serbia. Biotehnology in Animal Husbandry 25 (5-6), 285-292. [10]. Pantelić V., et al. 2007. Fenotipske korelacije proizvodnih i reproduktivnih osobina krava simentalske rase. Biotehnologija u stočarstvu 23 (3-4), str. 11-17. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We thank the Serbian Ministry of Science for support. Project TR-31001 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr Zvonko Spasić, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] Dr Božidar Milošević, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] Mr Ljiljana Anđušić, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] Dr Zoran Ilić, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] Dr Nikola Stolić, Agricultural College Prokuplje, Ćirila i Metodija br.1, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] Mr Valentina Milanović, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] 70 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ADDITIVE VARIANCE OF MAIZE YIELD COMPONENTS AFTER THREE CYCLES OF RECURRENT SELECTION N. Deletić, S. Stojković, S. Gudžić, N. Gudžić, and M. Aksić Abstract: A set of 31 SSD lines from ZP-Syn-1 C0 and 37 from ZP-Syn-1 C3 maize population was studied in this paper. After line selection and seed multiplication in the first year of investigation, the trials were carried out during next two years, at Kruševac and Zemun Polje, in RCB design. After three cycles of recurrent selection we observed a significant decrease of homozygous progenies' means of root and stalk lodged plants percent, plant and ear height, but also of row number per ear. The means of grain number per ear and 1000 grain mass were increased, and the differences in ear length and grain yield were not significant. After three cycles, a significant narrowing of additive variance happened for root and stalk lodged plant percent, ear length, and row number per ear, but this narrowing was not significant for the other traits. We also found significant values of narrow-sense heritability for the all studied traits in both sets of SSD lines. Those values for grain yield ranged from 0.35 in zero cycle lines to 0.40 in the lines from the third cycle. Key words: Maize, Additive Variance, Recurrent Selection, Heritability. INTRODUCTION The crucial question of recurrent breeding is how to get a selection progress with a simultaneous conservation of genetic variability and avoiding of desired alleles loss. As those processes are opposite each other, the solution is reaching a compromise between them, which, of course, has a harmful effect on both of them. In order to reach the best level of that compromise, it would be ideal to study every new populations quantitativegenetically parameters, and to observe them during selection process, for choosing selection method and intensity, because genetic composition of a population, selection goals and conditions differ from case to case (Deletić, 1999; Deletić et al., 2000; Deletić, 2003). As nothing ideal is able to implement, every study on that subject gives a contribution to establishing of general rules that could be applied in a lack of exact data. This is particularly significant for additive variance, because it has the greatest influence on the most important traits, and can be covered by the dominant and epistatic effect (Trifunović et al., 1998). MATERIAL AND METHODS The ZP Syn 1 maize population was used for the study. After line recombination and forming of ZP-Syn1-C0 population, the three cycles of half-sib recurrent selection were done, with selection intensity of 5%, and line A-632 was used as a narrow-base tester (former version of B-14 line from BSSS). After 150 randomly chosen plants per each selection cycle (C0 and C3) were selfed, selfing continued according to SSD method to a practically complete homozigousness (1214 generations). Number of lines decreased during selfing process, mostly because of random factors related with the applied method, and, in some extent, because of the lethal effect of some recessive alleles, so the final number of the studied lines was 31 in C 0 cycle and 37 in C3 cycle. After seed multiplication, the comparative trials were set in Kruševac and Zemun Polje, in RCB de-sign, with three replications. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Grain yield was a little greater in the third cycle lines but this difference was not significant (table 1 and 2). The third cycle lines had lower percent of root and stalk lodged plants, which was statistically significant at the level of P<0.01, and that difference was also followed by high71 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA significantly lower plant height and upper ear height. There were not any significant differences observed in ear length between different cycles, but significant differences were observed for number of grain rows, number of grains per row and 1000 grain mass. Thus, grain row number was higher in the zero cycle lines, and grain number per row and 1000 grain mass were higher in the third cycle lines. In zero cycle lines grain yield and ear properties were better expressed at the location Zemun Polje, while at the location Kruševac lower root and stalk lodging was observed, despite higher plant and ear height. In the lines drawn out of third cycle lodging was slightly lower in Kruševac, and a higher 1000 grain mass was also observed in this location. Plant height was greater in Kruševac, and upper ear height was greater in Zemun Polje. The other studied traits, including grain yield, were better expressed in Zemun Polje. Table 1. Mean values of the studied traits in ZP-Syn-1 C0 maize population. Kruševac Zemun Polje Traits Grain yield % of lodged pl. Ear height Plant height Ear length No of rows Grains per row 1000 grain mass year I year II Mean year I year II Mean 3498.1 4114.8 3806.5 3985.4 4216.0 4100.7 13.98 9.92 11.95 9.01 30.93 19.97 87.71 75.63 81.67 76.73 74.19 75.46 206.20 188.19 197.20 184.15 175.88 180.02 14.08 12.78 13.43 15.14 14.83 14.99 13.24 13.30 13.27 13.24 13.37 13.30 22.88 24.44 23.66 22.40 27.97 25.18 266.35 246.99 256.67 268.63 243.12 255.87 X SE X 3953.6 85.0 15.96 1.30 78.57 0.89 188.61 1.33 14.21 0.12 13.29 0.11 24.42 0.33 256.27 2.37 Table 2. Mean values of the studied traits in ZP-Syn-1 C3 maize population. Kruševac Zemun Polje Traits Grain yield % of lodged pl. Ear height Plant height Ear length No of rows Grains per row 1000 grain mass year I year II Mean year I year II Mean 3260.6 4231.7 3746.2 4576.6 5227.7 4902.1 3.81 2.13 2.97 5.77 7.72 6.75 78.09 61.30 69.69 74.77 67.46 71.12 193.82 175.85 184.83 183.72 163.62 173.67 13.67 13.81 13.74 14.73 14.79 14.76 12.65 12.49 12.57 12.75 12.85 12.80 22.16 25.41 23.78 28.87 28.58 28.72 276.38 271.86 274.12 270.53 264.68 267.61 X SE X 4324.1 74.9 4.86 0.51 70.41 0.69 179.25 1.05 14.25 0.08 12.69 0.08 26.25 0.29 270.86 2.22 The all studied traits of the both cycles lines had significant additive variance, because the observed values were more than two-fold higher regarding respective standard error, which is, according to Falconer (1989), a criterion for variance and heritability significance. Despite the fact that additive variances were significant for the all studied traits, they did not show same level of variation, so coefficient of additive variation in zero cycle lines ranged from 7.26-53.61%, and in third cycle lines from 5.94-85.50%. In both groups of lines the highest coefficient of additive variation was observed for percent of root and stalk lodged plants. Phenotypic variance followed the same tendency, so the all calculated values were significant (table 3 and 4). 72 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Coefficient of phenotypic variation showed a pattern similar to the one of additive variation coefficient, so the highest relative variability again was shown by the trait percent of root and stalk lodged plants. Values of narrow-sense heritability in the zero-cycle lines were from 0.352-0.457, and from 0.342-0.476 in the third cycle lines, and the all values were significant. Broad-sense heritability was double, because σg2=2σa2. So high heritability values are a direct consequence of the applied design, which exclude the two main groups of environmental factors (location and year) from the phenotypic variance, so that it includes, besides genotypic variance, just interactions between genotype and some environmental factors. Table 3. Components of variance and genetical parameters in ZP-Syn-1 C0 population lines. SE 2 SE 2 SE h 2 Traits CVa% CVf% h2* a2* f2* f a Grain yield 670385 121744 20.71 1901875 1152585 34.88 0.353 0.064 % of lodged pl. 73.212 14.090 53.61 207.989 137.108 90.36 0.352 0.068 Ear height 85.711 15.400 11.78 193.846 140.789 17.72 0.442 0.080 Plant height 187.544 33.406 7.26 410.226 304.115 10.74 0.457 0.082 Ear length 1.273 0.229 7.94 3.180 2.122 12.55 0.400 0.072 No of rows 1.757 0.313 9.97 3.886 2.853 14.83 0.452 0.081 Grains per row 10.835 1.945 13.48 27.201 17.989 21.36 0.399 0.072 1000 grain mass 600.90 108.38 9.57 1452.28 997.98 14.87 0.414 0.075 2 2 2 * - g , f and h are significant if are greater than respective standard errors. Table 4. Components of variance and genetical parameters in ZP-Syn-1 C3 population lines. SE 2 SE 2 SE h 2 Traits CVa% CVf% h2* a2* f2* f a Grain yield 572313 103707 17.50 1423853 192224 27.60 0.402 0.073 % of lodged pl. 17.266 3.611 85.50 50.524 7.415 146.26 0.342 0.072 Ear height 57.553 10.379 10.77 121.068 18.917 15.63 0.476 0.086 Plant height 126.395 22.741 6.27 268.424 41.459 9.14 0.471 0.085 Ear length 0.716 0.134 5.94 1.567 0.247 8.78 0.457 0.086 No of rows 0.747 0.137 6.81 1.654 0.253 10.14 0.452 0.083 Grains per row 8.462 1.550 11.08 19.522 2.861 16.83 0.434 0.080 1000 grain mass 804.08 143.21 10.47 1726.37 260.65 15.34 0.466 0.083 2 2 2 * - g , f and h are significant if are greater than respective standard errors. However, we were interested for possible narrowing of the yield components additive variance after three cycles of recurrent selection, with the intensity of 5%. Hartley tests showed that differences between additive and phenotypic variances were significant only for ear length and highly significant for grain row number and root and stalk lodged plants percent. It means that in only these three traits happened a significant narrowing of additive and phenotypic variance, and the other traits variance did not change under selection. These results are comparable with previous reports (Deletić, 1999; Nastasić, 2001; Burak and Broccoli, 2001; Deletić et al., 2009). CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK After three cycles of recurrent selection we observed a significant decrease of homozygous progenies mean value for root and stalk lodged plants percent, plant and ear 73 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA height, but also for grain row number. Values of grain number per row and 1000 grain mass were increased. Differences in ear length and grain yield were not significant. Three cycles of recurrent selection induced a significant narrowing of additive variability for root and stalk lodged plants percent, ear length, and grain row number. Variance narrowing for the other studied traits was not significant. REFERENCES [1]. Burak, R. and A.M. Broccoli. 2001. Genetic and environmental correlations between yield components and popping expansion in popcorn hybrids. Maize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter 75, 38-40. [2]. Deletić, N. 1999. Genetska i fenotipska varijabilnost komponenti prinosa kod sintetičkih populacija kukuruza. Magistarski rad, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu. 1-52. [3]. Deletić, N., Đurić, V. and N. Gudžić. 2000. Genetska i fenotipska varijabilnost prinosa zrna i visine biljke kod dve sintetičke populacije kukuruza. Zbornik izvoda radova sa III JUSEM-a. Zlatibor, 28.05.-1.06.2000., 33. [4]. Deletić, N. 2003. Promene aditivne varijanse komponenti prinosa nakon rekurentne selekcije kukuruza (Zea mays L.). Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, 1-72. [5]. Deletić, N., Stojković, S., Gudžić, S. and M. Biberdžić. 2009. The change of genetic and phenotypic variability of yield components after recurrent selection of maize. Genetika 41(2), 207-214. [6]. Falconer, D.S. 1989. Introduction to quantitative genetics. Longman Inc., London and New York. [7]. Nastasić A. 2001. Genetička varijabilnost i međuzavisnost prinosa i komponenti prinosa NSB sintetičke populacije kukuruza (Zea mays L.). Doktorska disertacija. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, 1-85. [8]. Trifunović, S., Husić, I. and M. Ivanović. (1998): Generation mean analysis for grain yield by RCBD and new experimental design in maize (Zea mays L.). Proceedings of the 2nd Balkan Symposium on Field crops, Vol. 1 – Genetics & Breeding, Novi Sad, 16-20 June 1998, 303-304. ABOUT THE AUTHORS N. Deletić, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] S. Stojković, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] S. Gudžić, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Gudžić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] M. Aksić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 74 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA YIELD COMPONENTS’ VARIABILITY AND GENETIC GAIN FROM SELECTION IN AN F3 MAIZE POPULATION S. Stojković, N. Deletić, M. Biberdžić, D. Beković, N. Savić and M. Aksić Abstract: This paper deals with the investigation of the F 3 population 2002-30, created in the Department of Maize, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. During the first year, about 150 plants of the studied population were selfed and simultaneously crossed with the tester 1491x1496, in order to get complementary S1 and HS progenies. After the harvest, 41 progenies of each type were selected for the trials including three environments, in RCB design. HS progenies had higher average values of the studied traits regarding S1 progenies. Genetic variances were higher in S1 progenies, with the exception of root and stalk lodged plants percent and grain number per row. Phenotypic variance followed the same tendency. The obtained values of broad-sense heritability were significantly higher in S1 than in HS progenies. The expected genetic gain from direct selection to grain yield, calculated as the percent from the mean value of the investigated progenies, was between 15.36% and 27.33% in S 1 trial. Values of the expected genetic gain from direct selection to grain yield in HS progenies were much lower (1.08-1.93%), which was a consequence of significantly lower genetic variance, and higher mean values of the investigated progenies. Key words: Maize, Genetic Variance, Grain Yield, Genetic Gain. INTRODUCTION The main goal of the most breeding programs is to create superior inbred lines that could be used for getting newer, better commercial hybrids. After creating starting material for selection, a question arises regarding choice of selection intensity and method, in order to obtain a quick advance in population improvement together with conservation of sufficiently high variability level which would not jeopardize further selection process. Having in mind those two things are counteracting to each other and depending on population nature by itself, one ought to do screening of populations for their quantitativegenetical parameters in order to choose the optimal methods and intensity of selection (Deletić, 1999; Deletić, 2003). The most frequently used selection methods are based on self-pollinating and half-sib progenies, and the summary review of many studies points to a higher genetic gain per cycle shown by the S1 method, as well as to a higher genetic drift comparing with HS selection method (Hallauer and Miranda, 1988). MATERIAL AND METHODS The object of this study was F3 maize population 2002-30, created in the Department of Maize, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. During the first year of investigation (2004) about 150 plants of the population were selfed and simultaneously crossed with the tester 1491x1496, in order to get parallel S 1 and HS progenies. After the harvest, 41 progenies of each type (S1 and HS) were selected for trials, by random sample method. During the second year (2005) a field trial was set in Aleksinac, and during the third year (2006) field trials were carried out in Leskovac and Kruševac (total three environments), in random complete block design with two replications, where the experimental plot area was 0.7x4.6 m. Number of plants per hectare amounted 62,112. Grain yield is expressed as t/ha of grain with 14% of water, and the all plants of an elementary plot were used to determine grain yield. The other studied traits were analyzed on ten randomly chosen plants (i.e. ears) per progeny. A trait is expressed as the mean value of the investigated plants. 75 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION For the all studied traits in S1 progenies, with the exception of root and stalk lodged plants percent, values of genetic variance were significant, because they were more than twice as high as respective standard errors, which was, according to Falconer (1989), the criterion of their significance. Highly significant values of genetic variance were also observed for the all traits of HS progenies, except for the trait percent of root and stalk lodged plants. Genetic variance of the studied traits, based on Hartley tests, was higher in S1 progenies than in HS progenies for grain yield (g2=1.13; g2=0.35), ear height (g2=97.63; g2=13.71), plant height (g2=200.17; g2=42.64), ear length (g2=1.38; g2=0.35), number of grains per row (g2=5.54; g2=2.17), and for 1000 grain mass (g2=696.76; g2=205.58). Hartley tests showed non-existence of significant difference between the two groups of progenies for percent of root and stalk lodged plants (g2=0.87 versus g2=0.55) and number of grain rows per ear (g2=0.94 versus g2=0.61). Table 1. Components of variance and genetic parameters of S1 progenies. SE 2 SE 2 Traits h2* a2* f2* f a SE h 2 Grain yield 1.13 0.33 1.64 0.35 0.69 0.20 % of lodged plants 0.87 1.00 3.25 1.25 0.27 0.31 Ear height 97.63 24.80 98.88 24.95 0.99 0.25 Plant height 200.17 48.54 209.12 48.74 0.96 0.23 Ear length 1.38 0.34 1.67 0.34 0.83 0.20 No. of rows 0.94 0.24 1.06 0.24 0.89 0.23 No. of grains 5.54 1.56 8.23 1.64 0.67 0.19 1000 grain mass 696.76 172.01 1056.18 179.38 0.66 0.16 2 2 2 * - g , f and h are significant if are greater than respective standard errors. Phenotypic variance was also significant for the all traits, except for percent of root and stalk lodged plants and number of grain rows per ear in both progeny types. Hartley tests for comparison of phenotypic variances between different progenies showed that difference was significant for grain yield, and highly significant for plant and ear height, ear length, number of grains per row and 1000 grain mass. The difference was not significant for percent of root and stalk lodged plants and number of grain rows per ear. Table 2. Components of variance and genetic parameters of HS progenies. SE 2 SE 2 Traits h2* a2* f2* f a SE h 2 Grain yield 0.35 0.16 0.81 0.19 0.44 0.20 % of lodged plants 0.55 0.47 2.77 0.65 0.20 0.17 Ear height 13.71 7.27 27.76 8.40 0.49 0.26 Plant height 42.64 18.58 84.43 21.23 0.51 0.22 Ear length 0.35 0.13 0.46 0.14 0.75 0.29 No. of rows 0.61 0.17 0.85 0.18 0.72 0.20 No. of grains 2.17 0.77 3.64 0.84 0.60 0.21 1000 grain mass 205.58 64.73 292.20 68.40 0.70 0.22 2 2 2 * - g , f and h are significant if are greater than respective standard errors. Values of broad-sense heritability were significant in both progeny groups, except for percent of root and stalk lodged plants which showed the lowest heritability coefficient in both progeny types. Heritability was lower in HS progenies than in S1 progenies. Grain 76 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA yield usually shows lower heritability values compared with the other studied traits, because it is the result of genotype expression from the term of sowing up to the harvest. Unlike grain yield, yield components are the result of genetic and environmental factors during particular stage of genotype ontogenesis. These results are comparable with the results of previous reports (Deletić, 1999, 2003; Nastasić, 2001; Anđelković, 2000; Burak and Broccoli, 2001). One of the main contributions of quantitative genetics to practical breeding work is estimation of the progress reached by selection. Parameter which shows what progress can be obtained through selection is called expected genetic gain from selection, and it depends on selection intensity and heritability. In S1 progenies pretty high values of the expected genetic gain from direct selection for grain yield were found, and they amounted from 0.84 t/ha for selection intensity of 30%, up to 1.49 t/ha for selection intensity of 5%. In HS progenies values of the expected genetic gain from direct selection for grain yield were much lower ranging from 0.09 t/ha for selection intensity of 30%, to 0.16 t/ha for selection intensity of 5%. The mentioned values in S1 progenies could be considered as high, but they were expected having in mind the high genetic variability for grain yield and high heritability. Expected gain from selection looks exceptionally great when one observe the values expressed as percent of the investigated lines that ranged from 15.36-27.33% in S1 progenies, while in HS progenies values of this parameter were low and amounted from 1.08-1.93%. Very low values of the expected genetic gain in HS progenies was caused by the low genetic variability and heritability observed, with pretty large mean of the investigated progenies. Table 3. The expected genetic gain from selection to grain yield (t/ha) per year and selection cycle. Selection No of years S1 progenies HS progenies intensity per cycle t/ha %** t/ha %** 2* 0.74 0.08 5% 3 0.50 0.05 per cycle 1.49 27.33 0.16 1.93 2* 0.63 0.07 10% 3 0.42 0.05 per cycle 1.27 23.25 0.14 1.64 2* 0.50 0.06 20% 3 0.34 0.04 per cycle 1.01 18.55 0.11 1.31 2* 0.42 0.05 30% 3 0.28 0.03 per cycle 0.84 15.36 0.09 1.08 * - with the use of winter generation (two generations a year). ** - genetic gain per cycle expressed as percent of the studied progenies’ mean. Genetic gain from selection can be improved by many ways (Eberhart, 1970). It could be done by increasing share of additive variance in the total genetic variance among the investigated progenies, by decreasing phenotypic variance among progenies, or by increasing selection intensity, i.e. by decreasing percent of the families chosen for next selection cycle. Gain from selection can be improved by applying a high selection pressure, but one have to be cautious because that can lead to a great narrowing of genetic variability. Application of certain selection pressure level also depends on population size. 77 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK On the basis of the investigation of genetic and phenotypic variance, as well as genetic gain from selection to grain yield, in S1 and HS progenies of the F3 maize population 2002-30, the following conclusions can be drawn out: Genetic variances were significantly higher in S1 progenies for the all traits except percent of root and stalk lodged plants and number of grain rows per ear. Phenotypic variances followed the same tendency. Calculated values of heritability coefficient were significantly higher in S1 than in HS progenies. Low heritability values were calculated only for percent of root and stalk lodged plants. The expected genetic gain from selection to grain yield was higher in S1 progenies, especially when compared with the average value of the studied progenies, while those values in HS progenies were exceptionally low. REFERENCES [1]. Anđelković, V. 2000. Identifikacija pokazatelja otpornosti kukuruza (Zea mays L.) prema suši kod potomstva sa egzotičnom germplazmom. Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu. [2]. Burak, R. and A.M. Broccoli. 2001. Genetic and environmental correlations between yield components and popping expansion in popcorn hybrids. Maize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter 75, 38-40. [3]. Deletić, N. 1999. Genetska i fenotipska varijabilnost komponenti prinosa kod sintetičkih populacija kukuruza. Magistarski rad, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu. 1-52. [4]. Deletić, N., Đurić, V. and N. Gudžić. 2000. Genetska i fenotipska varijabilnost prinosa zrna i visine biljke kod dve sintetičke populacije kukuruza. Zbornik izvoda radova sa III JUSEM-a. Zlatibor, 28.05.-1.06.2000., 33. [5]. Deletić, N. 2003. Promene aditivne varijanse komponenti prinosa nakon rekurentne selekcije kukuruza (Zea mays L.). Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, 1-72. [6]. Eberhart, S.A. 1970. Factors affecting efficiencies of breeding methods. African Soils 15, 669-680. [7]. Falconer, D.S. 1989. Introduction to quantitative genetics. Longman Inc., London and New York. [8]. Hallauer, A.R. and J.B. Miranda. 1988. Quantitative genetics in maize breeding (2nd ed.). Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, USA. [9]. Nastasić A. 2001. Genetička varijabilnost i međuzavisnost prinosa i komponenti prinosa NSB sintetičke populacije kukuruza (Zea mays L.). Doktorska disertacija. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, 1-85. [10]. Stojković, S. 2007. Genetska i fenotipska varijabilnost komponenti prinosa kod S1 i HS potomstava jedne F3 populacije kukuruza. Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Univerzitet u Prištini. [11]. Vasić, N., Ivanović, M., Peternelli, L.A., Jocković, D., Stojaković, M. and J. Boćanski. 2001. Genetic relationships between grain yield and yield components in a synthetic maize population and their implications in selection. Acta Agronomica Hungarica 75, 49-54. 78 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ABOUT THE AUTHORS S. Stojković, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Deletić, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] M. Biberdžić, PhD, Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] D. Beković, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Savić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] M. Aksić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 79 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MICROPROPAGATION OF PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) IN LIQUID MEDIUM S. Grozeva, V. Rodeva ® Abstract: The effect of RITA temporary immersion system of air-lift bioreactors was studied to optimize the conditions for micropropagation of four Bulgarian pepper cultivars. Coefficient of mass propagation in shoot-tip explants was from 3,6 to 6,1 for a period of 60 days on liquid medium in air-lift bioreactors compare to solid medium in glass vessels – from 2,2 to 3,8. Significant differences in the value of the propagation coefficient depending on the immersion frequency – 5 and 15 min with 10 min intervals were not established. Increased shoot-tip growth, formation of stronger leaves and roots was the result of liquid medium culturing, what likely due to a direct contact of the medium consisting with plant tissues. Key words: air-lift bioreactor; coefficient of propagation; liquid medium; immersion time INTRODUCTION Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important and traditional vegetable crops in Bulgaria, presented by varieties unknown to other regions in the world. Tissue culture methods create a new possibility for multiplication of breeding lines of interest and mass propagation of new varieties and F1 hybrids. The development of efficient system for in vitro micropropagation and preservation of the plant material is still one of the unsolved problems in pepper biotechnology [1; 2]. On this reason studying of new techniques as the system of air-lift bioreactors could improve and optimize the process [3; 4]. Temporary immersion has been shown to stimulate shoot multiplication. Escalona et al. observed a 300% and 400% growth in the multiplication rate of Ananas comosus shoot tip cultures compared to the rates obtained in solid media [5]. This experimental work is aimed to study the effect of the explant immersion time in liquid medium of air-lift bioreactors on the micropropagation coefficient in four Bulgarian pepper varieties. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seeds of four Bulgarian pepper varieties, from different types (Stryama, Hebar, Maritsa and Kurtovska kapiya 1619) were in vitro cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS) medium [6], containing 20 g/l sucrose and 0,7% agar-agar for producing of shoot-tip explants. The explants (1,0 – 1,5 cm long) obtained from in vitro growing plants were incubated in liquid medium containing 1/2 macro- and microelements by MS, Vitamins B5 by Gamborg et al. (1968) [7], 5,0 ml Huminic acids and 0,1 mgl-1 Indolil-3acetic acid (IAA) in temporary immersion air-lift bioreactor RITA® with an internal culture vessel volume of 1l. Immersion time for 5 and 15 min with 10 min intervals was investigated. Two-fold experiments with 20 explants in each of three replications for the different genotypes and both of the immersion times were studied. The coefficient of micropropagation was calculated for a period of 60 days depending of the number of obtained plants compared to the initial explants in each cultivar. Stem diameter (mm), stem length (cm), leaves number, rooted plants (%) and well formed roots (number) were studied. The explants in the control variant were cultivated in glass vessels on solid medium with the same composition as the liquid one. Data were analyzed by two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. 80 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The positive effect on the number of produced plants, plant height and rizogenesis are observed in conditions of air-lift bioreactor pepper cultivation what prove that the process of micropropagation is optimized (Fig. 1). The data presented in Table 1 show that the micropropagation coefficient in both immersion times of cultivation (5:10 and 15:10) in liquid medium is significantly higher in four studied Bulgarian varieties compared to the control variant. The highest values are registered in cultivated explants from varieties Hebar (4,7 and 4,4 respectively) and Stryama (4,0 and 4,5 respectively). In varieties Kurtovska kapiya 1619 and Maritsa these values are lower (3,4 and 3,2, and 3,5 and 3,8 respectively) but higher than those registered in the controls – from 2,2 to 3,0. A two-way factorial analysis of variance shows that medium phase (liquid and solid) influence the most strongly multiplication rates (Fig. 2). Significant differences on micropropagation coefficient between both regimes of explant immersion time are not registered. Nevertheless, higher values in varieties Hebar and Kurtovska kapiya 1619 are established in regime 5:10 min, while in varieties Stryama and Maritsa – in 15:10 min. The different reaction of the studied pepper genotypes to immersion time obviously due to the genetic spesificity. 10th day 30th day Figure 1. Cultivation of shoot-tip explants from variety Stryama on solid (glass vessels) and liquid medium (air-lift bioreactors) The tendency for increasing of micropropagation coefficient in liquid medium is determined mostly from the considerable plant height growth – from 4,0 to 5,8 cm in immersion time 5:10 min and from 3,8 to 6,1 cm in 15:10 min compared to the growth in the solid medium – from 2,7 to 3,6 cm. Differences in the explant leaves number are established also – in the immersion frequency 5:10 min the leaves are from 3,5 to 4,5 number/plant and from 3,5 to 5,0 number/plant in 15:10 min but in the control conditions this value is from 3,0 to 4,0 number/plant. The stronger developed plantlets in the better conditions of the bioreactors are characterized with thicker stems, more than 10 roots and lack of yellow leaves in both immersion regimes. In the solid medium depending on the genotypes the percentage of the rooted plants is from 77,3 in variety Stryama to 89,0 in variety Kurtovska kapiya 1619 with 3,5 to 5,0 roots/plant (Fig. 1). According to some authors the positive effect on the plant development in the air-lift bioreactors is due to the enable contact between all parts of the explant and the liquid medium along with complete renewal of the culture atmosphere by ventilation [8; 9]. In culture systems with temporary tissue immersion the immersion time is very important, since it determines nutrient uptake and control of hyperhydricity. On the other hand the better combination between immersion frequency 81 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA and culture medium contribute to obtained high number, healthy and ready for adaptation shoots [3; 10; 11]. It was established that the optimal immersion time depend on the genotype and experimental purposes – micropropagation or somatic embryogenesis [12]. Table 1. Development of shoot-tip explants from four Bulgarian pepper varieties on liquid and solid medium in two immersion times Genotype Stryama Hebar K. kapiya 1619 Maritsa Characteristics/Medium liquid solid liquid solid liquid solid liquid solid Immersion time 5:10 Micropropagation coefficient 4.0a 2.2b 4.7a 3.0b 3.4a 2.4b 3.5a 2.3b Stem diameter (mm) 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.4 Stem length (cm) 5.1 2.8 5.8 3.6 4.0 2.7 4.4 2.9 Leaves (number) 3.5 3.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 4.0 3.0 Rooted plants (%) 100 77.3 100 84.0 100 89.0 100 78.0 Formed roots (number) 10 3.5 10 5 10 4 10 4 Immersion time 15:10 Micropropagation coefficient 4.5а 2.2b 4.4a 3.0b 3.2a 2.4b 3.8a 2.3b Stem diameter (mm) 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.4 Stem length (cm) 5.9 2.8 6.1 3.6 3.8 2.7 4.3 2.9 Leaves (number) 3.5 3.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 4.5 3.0 Rooted plants (%) 100 77.3 100 84.0 100 89.0 100 78.0 Formed roots (number) 10 3.5 10 5 10 4 10 4 a,b,c….p≤0.05 Duncan’s Multiple Range Test АхВ 6.48%* Error 8.60% Factor А 15.30%*** Factor В 69.62%*** Figure 2. Two-way analysis of variance for in vitro micropropagation depending on genotype (Factor A) and medium phase (Factor B) Better development of microplants and higher numbers of lateral shoots are observed in variety Hebar. In result the highest micropropagation coefficient in liquid and solid medium is established compared to the other studied varieties. This again confirms that the genotype is a factor determining the in vitro answer. 82 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK In conditions of air-lift bioreactors multiplication rate of four Bulgarian pepper cultivars is optimized – for a period of 60 days the micropropagation coefficient is from 3,6 to 6,1 compared to the control variant with agar medium and glass vessels – from 2,2 to 3,8. Differences of micropropagation coefficient depending on immersion time in bioreactors are observed. In varieties Stryama and Maritsa the higher values are established in regime 15:10 min, while in varieties Hebar and Kurtovska kapiya 1619 – in 5:10 min. Because of better nutrition and culture aeration the microplants in liquid medium are more vigorous and develop broad leaves, stronger roots and stems compared to the control plants on solid medium. For a future work we will start investigation for applying bioreactors in induction of pepper somatic embryogenesis. REFERENCES [1]. Anilkumar M., A. Nair, 2004. Multiple shoot induction in Capsicum annuum L. cv. Early California Wonder. Plant Cell Biotech. Mol. Biol., 5: 95-100. [2]. Sanatombi K., G. Sharma, 2007. Micropropagation of Capsicum annuum L. Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj., 35: 57-64. [3]. Etienne H., M. Berthouly, 2002. Temporary immersion systems in plant micropropagation. Plant Cell, Tiss. Org. Cult., 69: 215-231. [4]. Abdullateef S., I. Pinker, M. Böhme, 2009. Potato micropropagation using advanced biotechnology: Effect of liquid media on potato shoot quality. Acta Horticulturae, 830: 135141. [5]. Escalona M., J. C. Lorenzo, B. Gonz lez, M. Daquinta, C. G. Borroto, J. González, Y. Desjardines, 1999. Pineapple micropropagation in temporary immersion systems. Plant Cell Rep. 18(9):743-748. [6]. Murashige S., F. Skoog, 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol. Plant., 15: 473-497. [7]. Gamborg O. L., R. Miller, K. Ojima, 1968. Nutrient requirements of suspension cultures of soybean root cells. Exp. Cell Res., 50: 148-151. [8]. Kintzios S., C. Kollias, E. Straitouris, O. Makri, 2004. Scale-up micropropagation of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in an airlift bioreactor and accumulation of rosmarinic acid. Biotechnol. Lett., 26: 521-523. [9]. Mehrotra S., M. Goel, A. Kukreja, B. Mishra, 2007. Efficiency of liquid culture systems over conventional micropropagation: A progress towards commercialization. African J. Biotech., 6(13): 1484-1492. [10]. Sandal I., A. Bhattachaya, P. Ahuja, 2001. An efficient liquid culture system for tea shoot proliferation. Plant Cell Tiss. Org. Cult., 65: 75-80. [11]. Escalona M., I. Cejas, J. González-Olmedo, I. Capote, S. Roels, M. J. Cañal, R. Rodríguez, J. Sandoval and P. Debergh, 2003. The effect of meta-topolin on plantain propagation using a temporary immersion bioreactor. InfoMusa, 12(2): 28-30. [12]. Berthouly M., M. Dufour, D. Alvard, C. Carasco, L. Alemano, C. Teisson, 1995. Coffee micropropagation in a liquid medium using the temporary immersion technique. In: ASIC Publishers (eds) 16th International Scientific Colloquium on Coffee, Kyoto, Japan, pp. 514-519. ABOUT THE AUTHORS S. Grozeva, Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria, e-mail: [email protected] V. Rodeva, Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria, e-mail: [email protected] 83 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE IMPACT OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES ON SEED GERMINATION IN PEPPER Capsicum annuum L. Ivica Stancic, Jelica Zivic, Sasa Petrovic, Slaven Prodanović, Desimir Knezevic Abstract: In this paper we examined the impact of different substrates on seed germination of three lots of pepper (I-4-0040-90586-21, II-5-0040-90550-01 and III-6-0040-90553-22) cultivar Amy. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory for seed testing “Sirmium-seed” in Sremska Mitrovica. Quality analysis of the seeds was done according to ISTA rules using the Standard for germination assessment of certain plant species. Four substrates for the determination of germination were examined: water saturated filter paper, filter paper saturated with 0.2% KNO3 solution, sterile sand and humus. Germination energy and total germination were determined for both methods on the filter paper, while total germination was determined for the method in the sand and humus. Examination on the filter paper was done in the seedbed type "Binder" in conditions of variable temperature (20/30ºC), energy counting and final germination at 7 and 14 days, respectively. Total germination for all examined seed lots and treatments ranged from 65.4% to 66.0%. The lowest value was achieved on the humus substrate, while the highest germination was achieved on the substrate of filter paper saturated with 0.2% KNO3solution. Germination energy was slightly lower on the substrate of water saturated filter paper (54.4%) compared to the substrate of filter paper saturated with 0.2% KNO3 solution (57.7%). Key words: germination, pepper seed, filter paper, sand, humus. INTRODUCTION High yield requires good hybrid, optimal agricultural practices, irrigation and seed of high quality [8]. The two most important seed characteristics are germination energy and germination. Seed quality parameters such as germination energy, seed germination and sprouting in field conditions directly affect the number of plants per hectare, which is one of three basic yield components. In addition, homogenous sprouting and the initial plant growth are in direct correlation with seed quality [5]. According to [1], high-quality, healthy and large seed is a precondition to achieve optimal density conditions, and germination is the parameter which is commonly used to determine seed quality. Growth and development of young shoots in this process are important for obtaining a good quality crop [9]. Seed germination investigation implies the application of different substratum, conditions during the germination, length of germination, as well as different methods which are used for interruption of seed dormancy [10]. Seed quality is a complex category which is determined by a number of factors (purity, germination, moisture, thousand-seed weight, etc.) which are influenced by different environmental factors [6]. [7] mentions germination energy and germination as the most important seed characteristics and also says that a number of factors (from the climate conditions at the time of production, factors that occur during drying and seed processing to seed storage conditions) affect seed germination. The main aim of this paper was to examine the effect of different types of substratum on seed germination and germination energy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The investigations of different substratum on germination of three varieties of pepper seed lot Amy (I-4-0040-90586-21, II-5-0040-90550-01 and III-6-0040-90553-22) were conducted in the laboratory for seed testing “Sirmium-seme” in Sremska Mitrovica. Four 84 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA different substrata (sterile sand, humus, water-saturated filter paper and 0.2% KNO3 solution-saturated filter paper) were tested in laboratory conditions. Standard laboratory examinations on filter paper imply 4×100 seeds, at variable temperature ranging from 20 to 30ºC. When testing the samples on sterile sand and humus substratum, the seeds were placed on a layer of humid substratum and covered with a layer 15-20 mm thick. The samples were left in the germination room, at the temperature of 25ºC. The results of germination energy and total germination were read at 7 and 14 days, in accordance with the Standard on seed quality of agricultural plants [2], [3]. Due to the very specific substratum, the values of germination energy on sterile sand and humus were not read. The obtained results were statistically processed using variance analysis, and the significance of the results was analyzed using the Least Significant Difference (Lsd). Values of significance were 1 and 5%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The obtained results are given in Table 1. The values of germination energy were read only for the filter paper substrata. Due to the very specific substratum, the values of germination energy on sterile sand and humus were not read. That is actually the main drawback of these substrata, because high germination energy is of great importance when it comes to the production of vegetable seedlings. The average germination energy on water-saturated filter paper was significantly lower (54.4%) with respect to the germination energy on 0.2% KNO3 solution-saturated filter paper (57.7%), which proves that KON3 solution affects germination and germination energy of pepper seed. The obtained results indicate that the values of all variants on the filter paper were greater than those on sand substratum. However, the impact of different substratum on seed germination was not statistically significant [13]. Table 1. Germination energy of the pepper seed on different substratum (%) ________________________________________________________________________ Lot I II III Average Substratum _______________________________________________________________________ Water-saturated filter paper 53.2 52.2 57.8 54.4 0.2% KNO3 solution-saturated filter paper 54.2 59.0 59.8 57.7 The average value of pepper seed germination for all those substrata was approximately the same, and the greatest value (66.0%) was on 0.2% KNO3 solutionsaturated filter paper (tab.2). The humus substratum had the lowest value, and it was 65.4%. These results are in accordance with the results obtained by [11]. The substrata of sterile sand (65.5%) and water-saturated filter paper (65.7%) showed approximately the same values of germination. In seed lots I and III there was no statistically significant difference of germination caused by the application of different substratum, which implies that those substrata match and the seed lot quality is uniform as well. According to the results [4], the substratum has no effect on seed germination. Seed lot II showed some non-uniformity, as indicated by significantly lower germination on humus substratum (65.2%) in relation to the germination on water85 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA saturated filter paper (66.0%) and on 0.2% KON3 solution-saturated filter paper (66.0%). [14] came to the similar conclusions in their research. [12] determined that germination energy in the soil was much higher than in sand, indicating a positive correlation between the absorption capacity and seed germination. Table 2. Pepper seed germination on different substratum (%) ______________________________________________________________________ Lot I II III Average Substratum _______________________________________________________________________ Sterile sand 65.2 66.0 65.2 65.5 Humus 65.6 65.2 65.4 65.4 Water-saturated filter paper 65.2 66.0 65.8 65.7 0.2% KNO3 solution-saturated 65.4 65.8 65.8 66.0 filter paper Lsd 005 0.73 0.62 0.71 001 1.29 0.95 0.67 Cv 3.39 5.23 3.87 _______________________________________________________________________ CONCLUSION Investigation of the effects of different substratum on germination energy and germination of pepper seed lot Amy has led to the following conclusions: Germination energy was the highest in seed germinated on 0.2% KNO 3 solutionsaturated filter paper (57.7%), which proves that KNO3 solution affects the germination and germination energy of the pepper seed. The average germination of the pepper seed for all investigated substrata was approximately the same, and the highest value was on 0.2% KNO 3 solution-saturated filter paper (66.0%). The lowest value was accomplished when the seed was germinated in humus (65.4%). In the first and third seed lot there was no statistically significant difference of germination caused by using different substratum, which indicates on the match of substrata and on the uniformity of quality within the seed lot. There was statistically significant difference in lot II between the seed germinated in humus (65.2%) and the seed germinated on water-saturated filter paper (66.0%) and 0.2% KNO3 solution-saturated filter paper (66.0%). REFERENCES [1]. Ahmad, S. (2001): Environmental effects on seed characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).Journal Agronomy & Crop Science 187: 213-216 [2]. Anonimus: Pravilnik o kvalitetu semena poljoprivrednog bilja. Službeni list, SFRJ, 47, 1987. [3]. Anonymous:International Rules for Seed Testing. Seed Science and Technology, International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), 24, 2006. 86 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [4]. Caldeira, S.F., Perez, S.C.J.G. de Andrade (2008): Quality of Myracrodruon urun deuva Fr. All. diasporas stored under different conditions. Rev. bras. sementes [online] 30(3):185-194. [5]. Crnobarac, J. (1992): Uticaj ekoloških faktora na biološka i agronomska svojstva semena i F1 generaciju nekih genotipova suncokreta. Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Novi Sad. [6]. Karagić, Đ., Katić, S., Mihajlović, V., Vujaković, Milka (2001): Semenski kvaliteti domaćih sorti lucerke. Zbornik radova 35, pg. 367–379. [7]. Lekić, S., Dražić, S., Lukić, M., Jevđović, R. (2009): Ispitivanje klijavosti semena belog sleza na različitim podlogama (Althaea officinalis L.). Lekovite sirovine, Zbornik radova, Beograd, 29, 45-50. [8]. Milošević, M., Ćirović, M., Mihaljev, I., Dokić, P. (1996): Opšte Semenarstvo. Institut za ratarstvo I povrtarstvo, Novi Sad, pp. 53-60. [9]. Milosevic, M., Zlokolica, M. (1996): Seed vigour. Plant breeding and seed production, Novi Sad 3, (1-2) 33-43 [10]. Milošević, M., Malešević, M. (2004): Semenarstvo. Naučni institut za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo I Nacionalna laboratorija za ispitivanje semena, Novi Sad, pp. 10-42. [11]. Mrđa, J., Miklič, V., Radić, V., Jaćimović, G. (2009): Klijavost semena suncokreta u zavisnosti od podloge za ispitivanje. Zbornik radova, 50. savetovanje proizvodnja i prerada uljarica. Herceg Novi, pp. 69-74 [12]. Nijenstein,J.H., Ester, A. (1998): Phytotoxicity and control of the field slug Deroceras reticulatum by seed applied pesticides in wheat, barley and perennial ryegrass. Seed Science &Technology 26: 501-513 [13]. Perez, S.C., Fanti, S.C., Casali, C.A. (1999): Effect of storage, substrate, early aging and sowing depth on the germination of canafistula seeds. Bragantia 58(1):57-68 [14]. Radić, V. (2003): Uticaj nepovoljnih činilaca na klijavost pojedinih genotipova kukuruza (Zea mays L.). Magistarska teza. Univerzitet u Novom Sadu. Poljoprivredni fakultet. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr Ivica Stancic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] , +381(0)647010777 Dr Sasa Petrovic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, Dr Jelica Zivic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, Dr Slaven Prodanovic, full professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia, Dr Desimir Knezevic, full professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pristina, Serbia. 87 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EVALUATION OF SOME ROMANIAN AND FOREIGN WINTER WHEAT CULTIVARS UNDER CONDITIONS OF BANAT AREA S. Alda, Liana Alda, A. Lazureanu, G. Carciu, Diana Raba, Diana Moigradean, and T. Cristea Abstract: The purpose of the researche is to follow the influence of the biological factor on baking quality of flour from six varieties of winter wheat: Alex, Lovrin 34, Potenzial, Chevalier, Apache and Kristina. The experimental field was placed on a cambic chernozem in Timisoara (west of Romania) in 2010, and the fertilization level was N120P60K60. Quality parameters that were monitored are: moisture, protein content, wet gluten content, deformation index and sedimentation index. From this experience resulted that highest quality and quantity of protein and gluten was found in Lovrin 34 winter wheat cultivar, followed very close by Kristina variety. Key words: winter wheat cultivar, protein content, baking quality. INTRODUCTION Cereals are the most important crops for human existence and activity, primarily due to high nutritive value, (provided by the chemical composition of the grains 60% carbohydrates, 10-16% protein substances, 1,5 – 2,2% minerals, 1 to 2,5% fat, 1,5 to 16% vitamins) long term conservation, but also because of specific attributes and adaptation to achieve a wide variety of bakery products or to obtain raw materials for other industries [1,2]. Due to high levels of gluten that gives dough a spongy and elastic look, wheat is the grain from which we can obtain flour with the best baking qualities. Regarding the impact of temperature and humidity on quality parameters of winter wheat, variations in climatic conditions influences the accumulation of protein in grain and its quality[4]. It is known that the genetic potential can be highlighted only through fertilization and a normal level of precipitation and temperature. The climate conditions influence directly wet gluten content. The deformation index permit wheat classification by gluten resistance[5]. The introduction of new local and foreign varieties of winter wheat in the production requires ecological and qualitative knowledge of these cultivars grown in a certain area. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six wheat varieties were used in this experience, two of these (Potenzial, Chevalier) being of German origin, one (Apache) of French origin, one (Kristina) of Yugoslavian origin and two (Alex and Lovrin 34) created at S.C.D.A Lovrin, Romania. The experimental field was placed on a cambic chernozem in Timisoara (west of Romania), and the fertilization level was N120P60K60.Sampling was done from the mass of wheat grain after harvest. Wheat samples were cleaned of foreign matter and then were processed. Quality parameters that were monitored to determine the quality of winter wheat cultivars are moisture, protein content, wet gluten content, deformation index, sedimentation index. We used the OmegAnalyzer G device for the determination of protein, moisture and sedimentation index. The OmegAnalyzer G is a German engineered whole grain and seed NIR analyser with pour through sample presentation for rapid analysis operating in the 730 nm to 1100 nm wavelength range. 88 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The principle of the method for determination of wet gluten content consists of preparing dough of a flour sample with natrium chloride 2%. Separation is done under the form of gluten protein substances (mainly) of flour, by rinsing the dough with a solution of natrium chloride [3,7]. After drying the gluten product, 5g of it was thermostated at 30°C, for 1 hour, deformation index was expressed as the difference between initial and final diameter of the sphere of gluten [6]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Humidity is the first quality indicator that was determined, and the winter wheat cultivars had the following values of this parameter: Potenzial(10,7%), Alex(10,8%), Apache(10,9%), Chevalier(11%), Kristina (11,4%) and Lovrin 34(12,5%). Analysing the Figure 1 we observe the directly correlation between protein and wet gluten content for all the cultivars.The results of our researches show that quality indices for winter wheat are influenced by the biological factor. We can see in this figure that protein content registered values between 10,8% (Apache) and 13,1% (Lovrin 34), and wet gluten between 20,2%(Apache) and 25% (Lovrin 34). Kristina winter wheat cultivar registered very good results 13% protein content and 24,5% wet gluten. . 30 25 25 24.4 24.5 22.4 22.5 20.2 20 % 15 12.5 13.1 13 12.7 12.4 10.8 10 5 0 Alex Lovrin 34 Potenzial Chevalier Apache Kristina Winter wheat cultivars Protein Wet Gluten Figure 1. Graphical representation of the protein and wet gluten content of winter wheat cultivars We observe in Figure 2 that all the cultivars registered good values of the deformation index. The higher values of this parameter were registered by Potenzial (12,5 mm), Chevalier (11,5 mm) and Lovrin 34 (10,5 mm) winter wheat cultivar. Apache variety had the smallest value of the deformation index (5,5 mm). 89 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 14 12.5 11.5 Deformation index(mm) 12 10.5 10 8.5 8 6.5 5.5 6 4 2 0 Alex Lovrin 34 Potenzial Chevalier Apache Kristina Winter wheat cultivars Figure 2. Graphical representation of deformation index corresponding to the winter wheat cultivars. The sedimentation index (Zeleny) registered values between 36ml (Apache) and 56ml (Lovrin 34)(Figure 3). 60 56 Sedimentation index(ml) 48 50 50 43 37 40 36 30 20 10 0 Alex Lovrin 34 Potenzial Chevalier Apache Kristina Winter wheat cultivar Figure 3. Graphical representation of Zeleny index corresponding to the winter wheat cultivars We can conclude that all the Romanian and foreign winter wheat cultivars studied in this experience (Alex, Lovrin 34, Potenzial, Chevalier, Apache and Kristina) registered values of quality indices that are corresponding to the quality standards limits. 90 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Under conditions of 2009-2010 agricultural year Lovrin 34 winter wheat cultivar, revealed by the largest protein (13,1%) and (25%) wet gluten, and the best protein quality, sedimentation index 56 ml and deformation index 10,5 mm. Very good results recorded also the Yugoslavian winter wheat variety, Kristina: 13,0% protein, 24,5 % wet gluten, sedimentation index 50 ml and deformation index 6,5 mm. From the quality point of view Kristina is followed very close by the German winter wheat cultivar Potenzial who registered the following quality indicators: 12,4% protein content, 24,4 % wet gluten, Zelleny index 37 ml and deformation index 12,5 mm. Varieties Alex and Chevalier had very close protein and gluten content around 12,5% protein and 22,5% wet gluten. Sedimentation index was 48 ml for Alex and 43 ml for Chevalier and deformation index was 8,5 mm for Alex and 11,5 mm for Chevalier. Variety Apache recorded very low values for his genetic potential, 10,8% protein and 20,2 wet gluten, and the lowest values of sedimentation index (36 ml) and deformation index(5,5mm). Result of our study demonstrated that quality indices for winter wheat are strongly influenced by the biological factor. Cultivated on a cambic chernozem (west of Romania), under climatic conditions of the agricultural year 2009-2010, with a moderate fertilization level (N120P60K60), Lovrin 34 winter wheat cultivar registered the best quality parameters, followed very close by Kristina and Potenzial varieties. REFERENCES [1]. **Common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species, 19th complete edition. Official Journal of the European Communities: Information and Notices 39A, C272A, 1996. [2]. Liana Maria Alda et al., 2010 - Wet gluten analysis depending on cultivar, fertilization, herbicide application and climate conditions, in winter wheat, Journal of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology, vol.14(2), 23-26 [3]. Giurcă V., Sârbu A.,1997, Indrumar de laborator pentru industria panificatiei, Edit.Universitatii „Lucian Blaga”, Sibiu. [4]. Ioana Moldovan, 2010- Study of the influence of some technological, biological and climatic factors on the baking quality of the winter wheat, Ph.d.Thesis [5]. Diana Nicoleta Raba et al., 2010 - Comparative studies regarding the panification performances of some wheat species used in food processing, Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies, 16 (2), 257-261 [6]. Raba D., 2007- Tehnologia Morăritului şi Panificaţiei. Metode de analiză, tehnologii şi reţete de fabricaţie, Editura Eurobit, Timişoara, ISBN 978-973-620-265. [7]. Colectia Standarde Morarit si Panificatie ABOUT THE AUTHORS S. Alda, Banat's University of Agricultural Science Timisoara, Romania, Calea Aradului Street, No.119, e-mail address: [email protected] 91 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EFFECT OF MINERAL NUTRITION WITH NITROGEN ON THE PRODUCTIVE ELEMENTS OF EAR IN SPRING MALTING BARLEY Knezević Jasmina Abstract: The influence of increasing doses of nitrogen on the productive elements of the ear in different cultivars of spring malting barley was determined in the two-year period. The experiment involved the following factors: fertilization with increasing nitrogen rates N 0, N60, N80 and N100. In the variants with -1 nitrogen doses, 90 kgha P2O5 and K2O were also used. The cultivars used in this study were Kraguj, Dunavac, Uros and Slavko. The experiment was set up in four repetitions in a split-plot design with 2 randomized treatments. The basic plot size was 5.0 m . The aim of these studies was to determine the role of mineral nutrition with nitrogen to the productive elements of the ear in different cultivars of spring malting barley depending on the amount of nitrogen, all in order to contribute to increased yield based on better understanding the importance of nitrogen in the production process. Key words: malting barley, nitrogen, fertilization, cultivar, productive traits. INTRODUCTION Quality of malting barley considerably depends on the agricultural practice. However, off all agricultural practices, application of mineral fertilizers has the most significant impact both on the quantity and on the asimilates relations. Nitrogen has particular effect on the quality of barley. In malting barley breeding programs in Novi Sad, the increased number of grains per ear is one of the important ways of increasing yield [3]. After the formation of ears and the number of grains per ear during the vegetation phase, the yield becomes largely dependent on grain weight, which is a function of intensity and duration of grain filling. Grain filling rate represents the average increase in weight per grain during grain filling period, while the grain filling period is the period from flowering to physiological maturity. Physiological maturity is the moment at the end of the filling period after which there is no significant increase in dry matter yield [4]. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preceding crop to barley was potato, in the first year, and corn in the second year. Primary tillage was performed in autumn year before study; at depth of 25 cm. The soil was prepared before the sowing and the standard agricultural practices were used. Following fertilizers were used: triple super phosphate (45% P 2O5) and potassium salt (40% K2O). Calcium ammonium nitrate (27%) was applied as nitrogen fertilizer. The total amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as well as ½ of nitrogen fertilizer was used for preparation of soil for sowing. The rest of nitrogen fertilizer has been used for nutrition. Feeding was done twice (each time with half of the rest of the nitrogen fertilizer), first in the tillering stage and another at the beginning of the stem growth. In the first year of study, sowing was performed in the second half of February, manually, in rows with 400 germinated grains per m 2, while in the second year, sowing was also performed manually at the beginning of March in the same sowing density. During the vegetation period, any changes in crop were studied and all observations on the experimental field were recorded. For the analysis of ear length, number of grains per ear and weight of grains per ear, the samples were taken from each plot by plucking plants. The data were analyzed using variance analysis and correlation analysis. 92 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Ear length Results in the first year of study have indicated that the average maximum ear length was in cultivar Uros 11.7 cm, which is the longest average ear length during that same period, the average minimum ear length was determined in cultivar Kraguj, 9.8 cm. Influenced by fertilization, largest increase in the ear length was found in the cultivar Uros. Considering the effect of nitrogen on ear length, very significant differences in the ear length were determined between the control variety and fertilization with 60, 80 and 100 kg ha-1 N, in the first year of study (table 1). The differences in the ear length between increasing doses of nitrogen were very significant. Results in the second year of the study indicate that there was no significant difference in the ear length both between varieties by years of research and the applied doses of fertilizers. The average maximum ear length was determined in the cultivar Uros, 9.5 cm, and the minimum average ear length in cultivar Kraguj, 7.8 cm (table 2). This two-year study showed that with increasing nitrogen rate the length of barley ear also increases. The maximum ear length was in the cultivar Uros (10.5 cm), and lowest in the cultivar Kraguj (8.9 cm), where a clear difference in the ear length between selected spring barley cultivars can be seen. Based on these data, it can be concluded that the average length of ears in a twoyear period for the examined cultivars was 9.75 cm. Ear length classes in all cultivars significantly depended on the increased rates of nitrogen. Table 1. Effect of increasing doses of nitrogen on ear length in spring malting barley Fertilisat ion variants 0 N1PK N2PK N3PK X Lsd 0.05 0.01 CULTIVARS KRAGUJ 1st 2nd year year 8.3 7.03 9.9 7.5 10.3 8.1 11.0 8.7 9.8 7.8 A B 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 DUNAVAC 1st 2nd year year 9.5 7.8 11.0 8.6 11.4 8.9 11.7 9.4 10.9 8.7 AxB 0.5 0.6 UROS 1st 2nd year year 9.9 8.7 11.6 9.4 12.2 9.7 12.3 10.0 11.5 9.5 C AxC 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.4 Annual average SLAVKO 1st 2nd year year 9.5 8.1 11.0 8.9 11.4 9.5 11.7 9.7 10.9 9.1 BxC 0.3 0.4 1st year 9.3 10.9 11.3 11.7 10.7 2nd year 7.9 8.6 9.1 9.5 8.8 AxBxC 0.6 0.9 Number of grains per ear In the first year of study results show that fertilization has impact on increasing number of grains per ear up to increased rates of nitrogen of 80 kg ha -1 and then with increasing doses of nitrogen of 100 kg ha-1 number of grains per ear decreases slightly. Cultivars have shown significant statistical differencies and increasing doses of nitrogen has a statistically significant effect. The average number of grains per ear in this year is 33.05. (Table 2). During the second year of study, it was found that the cultivar Uros, which has the highest average number of grains per ear, showed significant difference compared to all other cultivars. Number of grains per ear in the cultivar Dunavac was higher in average than in the variety Kraguj and Slavko, and similar as the cultivar Uros. Based on the obtained results (table 2), it can be seen that the average number of grains per ear for all the cultivars and all variants within two-year test period is 30.93 In 93 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA average for two-year period, cultivar Uros (32.62) had a significantly higher number of grains per ear compared to the others, cultivar Dunavac had higher number than cultivar Kraguj and Slavko. Number of grains per ear depends on the nitrogen, conditions during conception, ear differentiation and flowering. The number of grains per ear, and many other elements of the ear structure, is a cultivar trait, but depends on other factors, including the nitrogen supply [2]. Table.2. Effect of increasing doses of nitrogen on the number of grains per ear in spring malting barley Fertilisat ion variants 0 N1PK N2PK N3PK X Lsd 0.05 0.01 CULTIVARS KRAGUJ 1st 2nd year year 27.75 23.75 31.0 26.25 34.0 29.0 33.0 27.5 31.43 26.62 A B 1.06 1.06 1.41 1.41 DUNAVAC 1st 2nd year year 29.25 26.0 32.0 28.5 35.5 32.25 35.5 32.0 33.06 29.69 AxB 2.13 2.82 UROS 1st 2nd year year 31.0 26.25 34.5 29.25 38.5 33.0 36.75 31.75 35.18 30.06 C AxC 0.8 1.5 0.99 1.99 Annual average SLAVKO 1st 2nd year year 28.75 25.5 31.75 28.25 37.0 30.75 32.75 31.0 32.56 28.88 BxC 1.5 1.99 1st 2nd year year 29.18 25.38 32.31 28.06 36.25 31.25 34.5 30.56 33.05 28.81 AxBxC 3.01 3.99 Grain weight per ear The results obtained in second year show that the tested cultivars differed significantly and that increasing nitrogen rates had statistically very significant effect on grain weight per ear. Also, the effect of mineral nutrition increases to increasing rates of nitrogen 80 kg ha-1, and then decreases with increasing nitrogen rate of 100 kg ha -1. Compared to the control variant, the increasing doses of nitrogen showed higher grain weight per ear. By analyzing the average weight per ear between the cultivars, it was noted that the cultivar Uros had higher grain weight per ear (1.56 g) compared to all other cultivars; cultivar Kraguj had less grain weight per ear (1.35 g) compared to other cultivars. In the second year of study it was noted that genetic differences between the cultivars significantly affected trait, while the influence of fertilization manifested to a lesser extent. An increase of grain weight was noted in variants with increasing nitrogen rate up to 80 kg ha-1, and then its decrease, and it is lowest in variants with the highest nitrogen rate of 100 kg ha-1. A two-year study showed that, in average for all cultivars and fertilization variants, grain weight per ear in the second year of study (1.18 g) was significantly lower than in the first year of study (1.46 g). Examining the grain weight per ear in barley in the two-year period, it was noticed that there are statistical differences and statistical significance in the influence of increasing nitrogen rates on this trait, including the control. Average grain weight per ear for all the cultivars was 1.33 g (table 3). Nitrogen fertilization affected the increase in grain weight per ear. Absolute variation of grain weight per ear was 0.92 g (cultivar Kraguj in second year of study) to 1.68 g (cultivar Uros in first year of study). 94 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [1] point out that analogous to the number of grains per ear, grain weight per ear acts according to the same principles. The average grain weight per ear varies depending on the variations of nutrition of 0.82 to 0.96 g. Grain weight per ear was the lowest in unfertilized plots, and with the application of NPK, and particularly with increase the amount of fertilizer, grain weight per ear increases, and the differences were statistically highly significant. Table 3. Effect of increasing nitrogen rates on grain weight per ear (g) in spring malting barley Fertilisa tion CULTIVARS Annual variants average KRAGUJ DUNAVAC UROS SLAVKO st nd st nd st nd 1 2 1 2 1 2 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 0 year year year year year year year year year year 1.13 0.92 1.22 1.06 1.33 1.03 1.26 1.03 1.23 1.01 N1PK 1.34 1.08 1.48 1.20 1.60 1.16 1.48 1.17 1.47 1.15 N2PK 1.49 1.17 1.55 1.34 1.68 1.35 1.70 1.36 1.60 1.30 N3PK 1.44 1.21 1.59 1.28 1.64 1.29 1.54 1.26 1.55 1.26 X 1.35 1.09 1.46 1.22 1.56 1.21 1.50 1.21 1.46 1.18 Lsd A B AxB C AxC BxC AxBxC 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.08 0.03 0.06 0.06 0.12 0.01 0.05 0.05 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.16 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Ear length in all cultivars was significantly dependant on the increased rates of nitrogen. On average, ear length increased with increasing dose of nitrogen, but the effect of nitrogen is much greater in first than in the second year of study. The maximum ear length was recorded when using the highest dose of nitrogen 100 kg ha -1. Fertilization using nitrogen had a positive effect on the number of grains per ear compared to control. The average number of grains in both years significantly varied. By using increased doses of nitrogen, it was found that the maximum number of grains per ear was in variant with nitrogen rate of 80 kg ha-1. With increasing nitrogen rate of 80 kg ha-1, a tendency of increasing grain weight per ear was exhibited, and with further increase of nitrogen, grain weight was reduced. High nitrogen rates adversely affect the grain weight per ear. REFERENCES [1]. Lalić, R., Rakočević, Ć. (1978): The effect of different doses and ratio of NPK fertilizers on barley yield in Kosovo smonitza, Agrochemistry No 3-4, Belgrade; [2]. Lazović, D., Biberdžić, M., Deletić, N., Petrović, N. (1997): Influence of nitrogen nutrition on productive elements wheat classes and grain yield, Journal for Scientific Agricultural Research no.1-2, 51-60; [3]. Pržulj, N., Momčilović, V. (1995): Breeding of malting barley. Beer Brewing 28:34:161-163. [4]. Wiegand, C. L., and Culler, J. A. (1981): Duration of grain filling and kernel weight of wheat as affected by temperature, Crop Sci. 21:95-101; ABOUT THE AUTHOR Doc. dr Jasmina Knezevic, University of Pristina, Faculty of Agriculture, Lesak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 95 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EXPLORE THE FERTILIZERS INFLUENCE ON SOIL HEAVY METALS CONTENT BY PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS; CASE STUDY: PERMANENT PASTURE Monica Hărmănescu, I. Gergen Abstract: Heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb) contents of ten trials with different organic and mineral fertilizers, from soil under a permanent pasture, were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Experimental data were mining by Principal Component Analysis in order to determine de multivariate influence of organic or mineral fertilizers over the some heavy metals content in a ”calcic luvisol” soil. The organic fertilizers (sheep manure) increase moderately and proportional with manure dozes the content of Zn, Co, Cd and Ni. The content of these metals were also moderately increase by complex organic-mineral fertilizers. Mineral fertilizer alone, especially high dozes of nitrogen fertilizer, increase the Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb contents of soil. Key words: sheep manure, mineral fertilizers, soils metals, FAAS, multivariate analysis INTRODUCTION Contamination of agricultural soil by heavy metals and long biological half-lives has been intensely studied [3]. The main sources of heavy metals in these soils are due to activities such as agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, organic manure and others [1, 7, 14]. Some metals, such as Zn, Mn and Cu, are essential elements for plant growth. However, at high concentrations, these metals become toxic. Others, which are not essential for plant growth (e.g. Ni, Pb or Cd) may be tolerated by the ecosystem at low concentrations but are harmful at higher concentrations. A high concentration of heavy metals in agricultural soils affects the crop, vegetables and fruits yield and quality, deteriorates the growth, morphology, and metabolism of microorganisms in soils [5]. These effects can be considered a real threat to human food safety [8]. Methods commonly used for distinguishing between anthropogenic and geogenic sources of the potential toxic elements include element speciation, profile distribution, spatial distribution, information such as parent rock composition, and known anthropogenic loads [16]. Multivariable statistic analysis provides an alternative method to identify pollution sources, to apportion natural versus anthropogenic contribution and to give indications about transport processes and environmental conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and derivative methods have been widely used in geochemical applications to reach the objective [12]. Clustering analysis (CA) is often coupled to PCA to check results and provide grouping of individual parameters and variables [2]. PCA in conjunction with CA provides a means for ensuring proper source identification for a given metal distribution pattern in soils/sediment [11]. PCA aims at finding a few components that explain the major variation within the data [12]. CA can be used for grouping of objects with similar kind [13]. In order to determine the variations in heavy metal contents in the trial experiments soils and their natural or anthropogenic (fertilizers) sources, “multivariate data analysis techniques” were utilized with the use of Statistica 6 and Unscramble software. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study area is located close to Grădinari village, in the east part of Caraş-Severin county. This area has an elevation of 200 m above sea level and has a Continental climate with slow Mediterranean influence, with an average 840 mm rainfall and annual average temperatures 10-11 0C. [4]. The study was carried out in stationary field trial involving fertilization over a five year period 2005-2009. The experiences were located on a “calcic luvisol” soil, on a permanent pasture. The experimental design for studying the influence of 96 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA organic and mineral fertilization was distributed to the method of randomized plots, in multiple stage blocks with 5 replications. The investigation included an untreated control (V1) and nine variants of fertilization: V2=20t/ha manure, V3= 40t/ha manure, V4= 60t/ha manure, V5=20t/ha manure + 50P2O5(Kg/ha), V6=20t/ha manure + 50P2O5(Kg/ha) + 50 K2O (Kg/ha), V7=20t/ha manure +50P2O5(Kg/ha) + 50K2O(Kg/ha) + 50 N (Kg/ha), V8=100N(Kg/ha)+ 50 P2O5 (Kg/ha) + 50 K2O (Kg/ha), V9=150N(Kg/ha) + 50 P2O5 (Kg/ha) + 50 K2O (Kg/ha), V10= 200N(Kg/ha) + 50 P2O5 (Kg/ha) + 50 K2O (Kg/ha). In Junie 2009, a total of 50 surface soil samples (0– 15 cm in depth) were collected manually from experimental trials. Heavy metals from anthropogenic sources mainly accumulate at the surface of these areas, and most of the roots of vegetable crops are located at this depth [10]. Passing out of total metals content from soil to solution can realized by wet proceeding which consists in treating soil sample with mixture of mineral acids (HCl, HNO3, 3:1 ratio). The soils were analyzed for total contents of heavy metals after digestion in aqua regia. 10mL mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid (3:1) was added to 5.0 g of soil samples and heated on a hot plate. Then, residue was treated with 1N nitric acid, centrifuged and finally adds to 50 mL in quoted flask. Analysis of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd) was made with ContrAA-300, AnalytikJena device using high-resolution continuum source, by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FASS) in air/acetylene flame. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Co, Ni, Cr) in soil samples are given in Table 1. Average values of analyzed metals in soil samples (mg/Kg) [4] Table 1. Metals/ Experimental trials V1 Cu Zn Mn Co Ni Cr Cd Pb 1.90 22.60 166 2.40 4.90 3.50 0.02 8.60 V2 2.30 22.80 220 2.30 4.50 2.60 0.03 9.70 V3 2.40 24.30 239 2.60 5.20 3.00 0.08 11.10 V4 2.90 27.40 231 3.20 5.90 2.90 0.06 11.80 V5 1.90 25.40 209 2.80 5.80 3.10 0.08 10.40 V6 2.30 22.40 219 2.70 4.70 2.50 0.04 9.50 V7 2.20 25.30 250 3.40 7.20 3.10 0.04 12.70 V8 2.20 21.50 229 2.50 3.80 2.20 0.01 11.70 V9 2.50 23.40 250 2.70 4.80 2.50 0.02 11.30 V 10 2.60 23.40 300 2.80 5.20 2.20 0.04 14.30 The range of metals concentrations are Cu: 1.9-2.6; Zn: 21.5-27.4; Mn: 166-300; Cd: 0.02-0.08; Pb: 8.6-12.7; Co: 2.3-3.2; Ni: 3.8-7.2 and Cr: 2.2-3.5 mg/kg. Based on the results of chemical analyses, maximum concentrations of heavy metals not exceed acceptable limits of the abundance in the soil and abundance in the earth crust and the Romanian Soil Contamination Control Regulation [6]. Considering their concentration ranges, metals are ranked as Mn>Zn>Pb> Ni >Cr Co>Cd (Table 1). With reference to the correlation matrix (Table 2) which indicates the correlation among different elements, the positive high relationship (r2 > 0.70) on soil vs. contaminated elements (between Mn and Pb, between Zn and Co, Ni) and the positive low relationship (r2 < 0.50) on soil vs. contaminated elements (between Pb and Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd) indicates the presence of these elements on soil layers.The association of these elements (Mn, Pb, Cd) is absorbed from 97 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA fertilizer factor on soil. The above correlation of elements clearly indicates that they are derived from different sources or fertilizers input/activities in the study area. Correlation matrix Metals Cu Zn Mn Pb Co Ni Cr Cd Cu 1.00 0.40 0.62 0.54 0.37 0.06 -0.32 0.10 Table 2. Zn Mn Pb Co Ni Cr Cd 1.00 0.13 0.29 0.76 0.79 0.63 0.69 1.00 0.91 0.39 0.19 -0.48 0.07 1.00 0.57 0.35 -0.33 0.08 1.00 0.86 0.36 0.34 1.00 0.69 0.49 1.00 0.59 1.00 PCA was applied to chemical analysis data on soils from experimental trials. To quantitatively evaluate the clustering behavior, Principal Components & Classification Analysis (PC&CA) is applied, and the results are given in Table 3 for soil samples. Factor loadings Factors/var iables Cu Zn Mn Pb Co Ni Cr Cd *Manure *N fertilizers *P fertilizers *K fertilizers Table 3. Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 -0.452542 -0.905168 -0.458300 -0.589311 -0.901079 -0.877727 -0.470891 -0.631193 -0.615908 0.002597 0.632446 -0.258393 0.828363 0.725556 0.051677 -0.296677 -0.855441 -0.384797 -0.277032 0.840151 0.461807 0.202636 -0.019390 -0.191996 -0.308763 -0.339858 -0.030656 0.507900 0.577301 -0.292491 -0.052802 0.389414 -0.528166 0.051188 0.673634 -0.550684 Based on eigenvalues, the three main principal components (PCs) explained 90.54% of the total variance (Figures 1, Tables 3). The overwhelming 46.16 % of total variance is contributed by PC1, showing higher loadings for Zn, Co, Ni, and manure, evidencing the main metal contribution coming from the influence of manure application ( Table 3). The Mn, Cr and Pb and mineral N fertilizer were the principal contributors to PC2 which overwhelming another 34.22% of total variance, evidencing that another important contribution coming from the influence of mineral fertilizers, especially N fertilizer which may control the concentrations of Mn, Cr and Pb. Cadmium showed greater values in the third component (PC3). The most important sources of Cd in arable soils are mainly from the long-term use of fertilizer, sewage sludge, and organic manure [9, 14, 15]. 98 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Eigenvalues of correlation matrix Eigenvalue Active variables only 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 -0.5 46.16% 34.22% 10.16% -1 0 1 2 3 6.10% 4 1.54% 1.11% 5 6 .49% 7 .15% 8 .06% 9 10 11 Eigenvalue number Figure 1. Total variance explained by eigenvectors (three factors selected, 90.54% of variance explained). CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK According to the results of chemical analyses, concentrations of all heavy metals are not anomalous with respect to their abundance in the earth crust and soils after acceptable limits of the Romanian Soil Contamination Control Regulation. Variations of these metals are ranked in the order of their abundance as Mn >Zn >Pb > Ni >Cr Co >>Cd. The heavy metal concentration in the topsoil of agricultural lands in the experimental trials showed an increasing trend of heavy metal contamination due the use of organic and mineral fertilizers. Based on multivariate statistical analyses, the increase of concentrations of Zn, Co and Ni, were well correlated with organic fertilizers, increase of concentration of Mn, Pb and Cr with mineral fertilizers and increase in Cd concentration with both organic and mineral fertilizers. Finally, agrochemical inputs may play the most important role for the input of more toxic metals Pb and Cd. The results presented here can be used for planning, risk assessment, and decision making in the environmental management of this region. Acknowledgement The authors would like to thank CNCSIS Romania for financial support of research grant nr. 52157/1.10.2008 (CISPPA) and grant PD 576/2010. REFERENCES [1] Adriano, D. C. (2001). Trace elements in terrestrial environments. Biogeochemistry, bioavailability and risks of metals. New York: Springer [2] Facchinelli, A., Sacchi, E., & Mallen, L. (2001). Multivariate statistical and GISbased approach to identify heavy metal sources in soils. Environmental Pollution, 114, 313–324. [3] Hani A., Pazira E. (2010), Heavy metals assessment and identification of their sources in agricultural soils of Southern Tehran, Iran, Environ. Monit. Assess. DOI 10.1007/s10661-010-1612-3. [4] Hărmănescu Monica, Ph Thesis, The influence of substance flow on the quality of the forages from the pastures, USAMVB Timisoara, 2009. [5] Giller, K. E., Witter, E., & McGrath, S. P. (1998). Toxicity of heavy metals to microorganisms and microbial processes in agricultural soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 30, 1389–1414 [6] Lăcătuşu R., G. Cîtu, J. Aston, M. Lungu & A. R. Lăcătuşu (2009), Heavy metals soil pollution state in relation to potential future mining activities in the Roşia Montană area, Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 4, No. 2, p. 39 – 50. 99 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [7] Nicholson, F. A., Smith, S. R., Alloway, B. J., Carlton- Smith, C., & Chambers, B. J. (2003). An inventory of heavy metals inputs to agricultural soils in England and Wales. Science of the Total Environment, 311, 205–219. [8] Okoronkwo, N. E., Igwe, I. C., & Onwuchekwa, E. C. (2005). Risk and health implications of polluted soils for crop production. African Journal of Biotechnology, 4, 521– 1524. [9] Rodriguez, J. A., Nanos, N., Grau, J. M., Gil, L., & Lopez-Arias, M. (2008). Multiscale analysis of heavy metal contents in Spanish agricultural topsoils. Chemosphere, 70, 1085–1096. [10] Ross, S. M. (1994). Toxic metals in soil–plant systems. Chichester: Wiley. [11] Upadhyay, A. K., Gupta, K. K., & Sircar, J. K. (2006). Heavy metals in freshly deposited sediments of the river Subernarekha, India: An example of lithogenic and anthropogenic effects. Environmental Geology, 50, 397–403. [12] Yalcin M. G., Narin I., Soylak M. (2008), Multivariate analysis of heavy metal contents of sediments from Gumusler creek, Nigde, Turkey, Environ. Geol. 54:1155–1163. [13] Yalcin M. G., Tumuklu A., Sonmez M., Erdag D.S. (2010), Application of multivariate statistical approach to identify heavy metal sources in bottom soil of the Seyhan River (Adana), Turkey, Environ Monit. Assess. 164:311–322. [14] Zhang, C. (2006). Using multivariate analyses and GIS to identify pollutants and their spatial patterns in urban soils in Galway, Ireland. Environmental Pollution, 142, 501– 511. [15] Zhang, X. Y., Lin, F. F., Wong, M. T. F., Feng, X. L., & Wang, K. (2008). Identification of soil heavy metal sources from anthropogenic activities and pollution assessment of Fuyang County, China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 154, 439–449. [16] Zhou, J., Ma, D., Pan, J., Nie, W., & Wu, K. (2008). Application of multivariate statistical approach to identify heavy metal sources in sediment and waters: A case study in Yangzhong, China. Environmental Geology, 54, 373–380. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Monica Harmanescu, Asist. Professor, PhD. Eng., Banat’s University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, RO 300645, Timisoara, Romania, tel. 0040256277304, Email: [email protected] Iosif Gergen, professor, PhD, Banat’s University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, RO 300645, Timisoara, Romania, tel. 0040256277302, Email: [email protected] 100 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CHANGING MECHANICAL AND STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF DOUGH MECHANICALLY Bujancǎ Gabriel, Bungescu Sorin, Traşcǎ Teodor Ioan, Riviş Adrian, Jianu Cǎlin, Jianu Ionel, Rinovetz Alexandru, Rinovetz Adina Abstract: This paper, the authors show that the elastic features of dough depend on gluten features, a very elastic substance. We managed to emphasise instantaneous movements through the application of twofold and threefold pressures. These pressures develop during deformation and obey rather well the laws of proportionality. We could see that, in dough, viscosity and elasticity decrease right after kneading. Keywords: Gluten, dough, flour, mechanical processing INTRODUCTION Raw matter, semi-fabricated and finite products in different branches of the food industry appear to be, according to their physical features, dough, pasta, mashes, etc. These bodies have a certain structure of varied consistency. Due to the diverse physical and chemical actions (warming, cooling, chemical treatment, mechanical treatment, etc.), the initial structure and structural-mechanical features of such bodies can change largely during processing. The structural and mechanical features of dough have been studied using deformation (movement) with a rather simple apparatus built up by B. A. Nikolayev. The apparatus suggested by Tolstoy is based on the principle of measuring the movement of consistent bodies over an inclined surface. In this apparatus, the optical method of measuring small movement deformation (using a microscope) is replaced with the method of amplifying small deformations with a light pointing needle with uneven branches. This allows the accurate measurement of spontaneous deformation of movement and simplifies, at the same time, the building up of the apparatus. We describe below the apparatus and its functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus has a stand (1) on which is set symmetrically a steel plate (2) fixed frontally. The other side of the plate sets freely on the frame wall and can be risen up to 150. This angle can be measured on a graded scale (3) on which is attached the free end of the plate with a special peg (4) endowed with a collection arch that relaxes during the cooling. On the plate (2) there is a stick (5) on which are fixed the graded dial (6), the pointing needle with a lever (7) and the lever mechanism with plate (8). At rest, this plate enters a 4 x 4 cm hole on the inclined plate (2), 5 mm below its level. The hole has lateral walls and borders on which plate (8) is set. Plate (8) is risen up to the level of plate (2) by pressing the button (9). In this case, the button presses one end of the lever (10) while the other end raises the plate (8). By turning the button (9) we stop the plate (8) in the upper position. The axis of the pointing needle (7) is fixed in the support forks that have an adjustment screw (11). The graded dial (6) is fixed on a stick and has decreasing divisions (because during the movement the lower arm of the lever needle increases gradually). 101 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 1. Scheme of the apparatus for the measurement of structural and mechanical features of consistent bodies Figure 2. Deformation curves (of the movement) in 1st quality wheat dough: 1 – after 30 minutes; 2 – 3 hours after dough making The apparatus is set within a thermostat with constant temperature (30 0C) and relative air moisture (about 90-95%) to avoid the drying of the dough. Average deformation speed is about 1mm/minute. The functioning of this apparatus is detailed below. The plate of the stand (1) is set horizontally with fixing screws and using a level. The dough sample is spread with a spatula on the plate (8) that is lowered, filling it up to the height of plate (2) and then levelled. Over the dough we set a thin aluminium foil curved beneath the dough. The 5 g-plate has a beak-like protrusion that touches the lower part of the pointing needle (7). We clean the dough surplus over-passing the plate margins. On plate 912) we set a charging plate weighing at least 10 g endowed with a handle (a vertical stick). On this plate, we set other charging plates endowed with a middle hole through which we pass the handle of the first charging plate. To prevent the charging plates from gliding during the inclination, the margins of the plate are endowed with 5 mm-high vertical margins on which lay the charging plates. After setting the charging plates, we press the button (9) and we raise the dough at the level of plate 92). We check on the graded dial if the pointing needle moved from the 0 position and if there is movement between the plate beak and the pointing needle by slightly pressing the plate (12) towards the pointing needle (7) that reacts if there is no movement. The measurement is carried out as follows: after the dough was at rest for a minute, we loosen a little the end of the fixing peg and, with rhythmical and quick movements; we incline the plate (2) on the dial (3) up to a certain angle. We release the end of the peg (4) and we fix the plate in an inclined position. At the same time, we trigger the chronometer 102 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA and we note the deformation size following the movement of the pointing needle on the dial (6). After finishing the trial with charging, we pass to the recording of the deformation while discharging the apparatus. To do so, we remove the charging plates and we note the spontaneous deformation during discharging. Right after this, we release the peg (4) and then, with rhythmical movements, without kicking, we release the loose end of the plate horizontally. Recording the deformation is done at 0, 15, 30, and 60 seconds and again after 1 minute. The accuracy of the measurement results depends not only on the apparatus building up, but also by the features of the material being measured. Besides that, there is also impact of friction resistance in the pointing needle bushings. As shown during the experiment, limit abatements of maximal deformations in dough represent 10-15% of the lowest value. To calculate the movement module E, we used the following formula: (1) where: P = pressure in g/m2, obtained by dividing total weight of the plate and charging plates by the area (16 cm2); α = the plate inclination angle; a = increasing coefficient of deformation pointed by the pointing needle, equal to 20; δ = thickness of the dough layer (5 mm); ε = deformation in units of the graded dial for the corresponding time (in seconds). Viscosity is calculated with the formula: (2) here: τ = the time corresponding to the deformation differences in seconds ε’ - ε. The weight of the charging plates to determine the movement and the flow were chosen so as in 3-4 minutes of trial the value of deformation is not above the maximal division of the graded dial (5 mm). For the high-quality wheat flour and for normal moisture (45-48%), the amount weighed was 55 g for whole rye flour, 100 g for moist gluten 35-90 g and 100-120 g of starch. The inclination degree of the plate was 10-150. Basic features of dough elasticity-viscosity quoted in the present paper – viscosity, elasticity module, viscosity: elasticity module ratio, and elasticity – are from Rebinder. Due to the features specific of dough, we needed to introduce supplementary features such as softening (lowering of the consistency) at rest and in fermentation, increased consistency during deformation, and conventional plasticity. We cited elsewhere some results of determining elasticity, plasticity, and viscosity features of the dough, of the protein substances in the gluten, and of the starch paste. We showed that the elastic features of the dough depend on the features of the gluten, a very elastic substance. By applying twofold and threefold pressure, we managed to reveal instantaneous movements. These movements develop during deformation and behave rather well under proportionality laws. We could see that, in dough, the values of viscosity and of the elasticity module decrease right after kneading. The speed of such decreases depends on flour features as well as to the presence or absence of yeast. We suggested as relative feature or as softening coefficient the formula …, where ηt and η0 are average viscosities of the dough after kneading and after rest or after the 103 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA kneading during the time interval “t”. Upon heating the dough from 25 to 600C, the limit deformations after 3 minutes increased at the beginning, while at temperatures of 400C for rye dough and 500C for wheat dough, deformations decreased again, due to the inflation of starch and to the denaturation of the protein substances. We showed that after kneading first quality flour dough viscosity and movement module decreased. The dough turned more elastic, the volume of the bread increased, and the porosity of the bread improved. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We present below the results of supplementary research concerning the changes of elastic and plastic features of dough during deformation and mechanical processing. Movement curves of the dough after high elasticity deformation (that usually occurs during the first minute of deformation, Figure 2) are, in most cases, decreasing. This allows the introduction as a value characterising such an increase of consistency of the following formula: (3) where v2 and v3 are the speeds of the second and third minutes of dough deformation. Such a relative characteristic allows the conventional classification of the deformation curves of the dough into two types: 1st type curves, with consistency curves above 10% and, therefore lacking constant speed portions; and 2 nd type curves with consistency curves between 0 and 10%. Table 1 presents data concerning the value of consistency increase for different types of flour with different hydration grades and different rest durations after kneading. To illustrate, we also show the values of protein substance consistency increase in the gluten separated from this flour. Table 1. Elasticity and viscosity of flour dough of different assortments and qualities Flour assortment Dough Rest duration Consistency moisture (%) (minutes) increase (%) 1st assortment 33 0 55 33 180 34 46 30 40 46 180 0 60 30 0 60 180 40 1st assortment gluten 62 0 36 nd 2 assortment of poor flour 48 0 11 48 30 22 48 180 58 2nd assortment of gluten, poor 60 0 43 nd 2 assortment, strong flour 48 0 0 48 30 44 48 180 27 2nd assortment gluten, elastic 60 0 56 Figure 2 shows deformation curves (P = constant) of dough with 60% moisture made of 1 quality flour (see Table 1, the 60% moisture variant). Data in Table 1 and Figure 2 show that dough consistency depends on its hydration and on the rest duration, on the flour assortment and quality. Protein substances of the gluten can considerably increase consistency. st 104 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA After the first trial, repeated dough deformation after discharging the plates and after releasing tensions show an increase of consistency. In dough of the pasta type, with 2728% moisture, repeated deformation results in the loss of plastic flow, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3. Deformation (dough movement) curves for pasta: 1 – first deformation; 2 – second deformation Dough consistency increase can be explained as follows: the structure of the dough can be imagined as a spatial network of inflated hydrated protein substances filled with hydrated starch, cellulose, and other soluble or insoluble macromolecular compound granule particles. There is, in the mass with such a structure, a small amount of extremely concentrated solutions of sugars and salts of inorganic compounds. This structure also contains an important amount of gaseous substances: in the non-fermented dough (without yeast) – air, and in the case of the fermented dough (with yeast) – carbon dioxide. Due to the low speed movement, aerated consistency of the dough loses part of the gaseous substances, its specific weight increases and the dough turns thicker. Most probably, in this case, the macromolecules of polymer compounds (first of protein substances), follow the movement plane. This trend depends on the changing of the value of the η/E ratio during deformation. Consistency increases with the increase of this ratio. To determine the variation of wheat dough consistency without yeast and of its main components (protein substances, gluten, and starch paste), after dough rest, we re-knead for 1 minute in a porcelain mortar. The trial before re-kneading served as a control. Table 2. Dough consistency after rest and re-kneading No. of sample 1 2 Duration of rest and rekneading After dough kneading (control) Idem, after rekneading After 30 minutes (control) Idem, after rekneading After 3 hours (control) Idem, after rekneading After dough kneading (control) Idem,after re-kneading After30minutes (control) Idem,after re-kneading After 3 hours (control) Idem,after re-kneading 6 E 2 (dyn/cm x 5 10 ) 3.7 η x 16 (poise) 7.0 20 70 76 2.8 4.0 14 83 78 2.2 2.5 11 76 75 1.7 1.3 8 82 76 1.2 1.1 2.5 1.6 21 14 84 86 70 83 8.4 43.0 51 48 77 6.4 2.8 16.0 6.0 25 21 71 77 75 73 3.1 2.2 1.7 5.8 4.0 4.0 19 18 23 83 90 90 71 73 50 105 η/E (seconds) Plasticity (%) Elasticity (%) RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The values in Table 2 show that 2nd quality flour with 48% moisture decreased in average viscosity and in elasticity module, as well as in the η/E ratio after re-kneading (due to a more considerable decrease of viscosity). Dough plasticity determined by the percentage ratio of the remnant deformation increased after discharge compared to the maximal value after deformation. Due to such a treatment, elasticity determined by the ratio between high elasticity deformation and total rigidity deformation during system discharge did almost not change at all. The impact of the treatment decreased with the increase of the dough rest duration. In gluten and in starch paste, on the contrary, upon friction in a mortar for 1 minute, the values of the main consistency indicators (viscosity and consistency) increased. Poorer gluten changed less as a result of processing (Figure 4). Figure 4. Deformation (movement) curves of gluten: 1 – resistance; 1a – idem after 1 minute processing in a grinding mortar; 2 – poor; 2a – idem after 1 minute processing in a grinding mortar To study the impact of a more intense mechanical treatment on consistency, dough crossed 3 times, right after kneading and rest, through a spiral chopping device of the mincer type. We made measurements each time and the results are shown in Table 3. Table 3. Dough consistency after mincing Flour Duration of rest, type of E0 x 105 η x η/E assortment, processing (dyn/cm2) 105 (seconds) dough (poise) moisture 1st quality, Dough kneading (control) 4.0 1 35 46% 4.0 1st passage 4.2 9 25 .8 2nd passage 2.2 8 40 .8 3rd passage 3.1 9 31 .8 30 minutes after the 1st processing 1st passage 2.4 5 20 .0 106 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 2nd quality, 48% 2nd passage 2.8 3rd passage 2.6 Dough kneading (control) 2.1 1st passage 2.1 2nd passage 2.1 3rd passage 2.1 30 minutes after the 1st processing 1st passage 2.1 1.7 2nd passage 1.9 3rd passage 1.7 7 .0 8 .0 7 .0 4 .4 4 .2 4 .0 4 .0 3 .0 2 .8 2 .9 25 30 33 20 21 19 19 17 14 17 Data in Table 3 show that in 1st quality flour dough viscosity and elasticity module decrease upon the 1st processing (after dough kneading) due to the 1st and 2nd passage through the mincer but increase after the 3rd processing. The first of the series of processing of the dough is accompanied again by a decrease of the viscosity and of the elasticity module due not only to the processing, but also to the softening of the consistency during the rest. The 2nd and 3rd processing of the dough is accompanied by an important increase of viscosity and by a lower increase of the elasticity module. Data for 2nd quality flour show that after both processing series there is gradual decrease of the elasticity module and viscosity. It is interesting to note that after a 30 minute rest period (before the 2nd series of processing) we obtained unchanged values of viscosity and of elasticity module (after the 3rd processing of the 1st series). In whole (wheat and rye) flour, as well as in 2nd quality flour dough, due to the increasing mechanical processing we obtained diminished values of viscosity and of elasticity module. In order to present the behaviour of 1st quality wheat flour dough consistency without yeast, it was re-kneaded intensely in a two-blade malaxator for 10 minutes. The values in Table 4 and in Figure 5 show that, unlike non-processed dough (control) that softens strongly after 3-4 hours, the dough thus made almost does not change its viscosity but it very little changes its elasticity module. This means that, after destroying initial consistency, the dough can re-establish its rather viscous and elastic consistency. Therefore, intense mechanically processing seems to stop the softening of the dough. 107 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 4. Dough consistency after processing in a malaxator Rest duration E0 x 105 η x 107 η/E (dyn/cm2) (poise) (seconds) After kneading 4.2 2.1 50 After 3.5 hours 2.4 1.9 79 a) Processed dough 1.7 0.5 30 b) Non-processed dough (control) Figure 5. Dough deformation curves: 1 – non-processed dough (two experiences); 2 – dough processed with a malaxator (two experiments) To obtain good crumb bread prepared from fermented dough we need to pay attention to the forming and preserving of gas (the amount of carbon dioxide released by fermenting dough each hour and after 5 hours of fermentation; gas holding capacity is the term for dough height increase in a fermentation glass during fermentation). In order to point out the impact of mechanical processing on these important dough quality indicators, 1st and 2nd quality wheat dough and whole flour with yeast dough fermented for 1.5 hours and then divided into two parts. A piece of dough was intensely kneaded in a malaxator. Both pieces of dough were studied from the point of view of gas formation and retention in a special recipient and then studied from the point of view of deformation (movement). Research results are presented in Table 5.. Table 5. Dough consistency after gas formation Flour quality, sample E0 x 105 η x 106 η/E Plasticity Elasticity feature (dyn/cm2) (poise) (seconds) (%) (%) 1st quality (control) 1.4 6 48 79 69 .0 1st quality (research) 1.4 8 57 62 78 .0 2nd quality (control) 1.4 1 11 63 84 .6 2nd control (research) 0.7 2 30 67 78 108 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA .0 Wholesome (control) 1.2 3 25 86 76 .0 Wholesome (research) 1.2 2 15 85 79 .2 Data in Figure 6 show how the dough gas-forming capacity during the first 3 hours is lower than in the control, and that it is equal after another 2 hours. The sample’s ability of retaining gas during the first 2 hours after processing is lower than in the control, but after 2-3 hours it is higher than that of the control; the better the flour, the higher difference at the end of the fifth hours is. The explanation is in Table 5 that shows that 1 st and 2nd quality flour dough are more viscous than the control dough. In order to obtain a better consistency crumb it is crucial to harmonise tensions produced by fermentation gases in the dough and elasticity module (the duration of the relaxation of dough tension). Researchers have shown that it is possible to process mechanically the dough intensely in order to decrease dough viscosity and volume. They have also managed to improve bread porosity. Figure 6. Impact of mechanical processing of dough on gas formation and on gas retention ability: 1 – in control; 2 – dough processed in a malaxator for 10 minutes; I – wholesome wheat flour; II – 2nd quality wheat flour; III – 1st quality wheat flour They have also shown that, due to the increasing intensity of mechanical processing st of 1 quality flour, viscosity also increases. To determine the impact of the intensity of mechanical processing on dough consistency during fermentation of 1st quality flour and on the specific volume of the bread, the dough sample we studied was minced three times with a spiral mincer. In the 2 nd variant, the dough was processed less intensely with threefold re-kneading; before it was put to bake, it was studied together with the control. Results are shown in Table 6. 109 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 6. Dough consistency after mechanical processing E0 x 105 η x 106 (dyn/cm2) (poise) η/E Bread (seconds) specific volume (g/cm2) Spiral mincing Control 1.4 6.9 49 2.64 Research 2.1 10.5 50 2.50 Triple re-kneading Control 1.7 7.0 41 2.60 Research 2.1 8.0 38 2.72 Data in Table 6 show that the decrease of the intensity of mechanical processing had a lower viscosity and a higher bread specific volume. In both cases, mechanical processing improved bread crumb porosity. Type of processing Name of sample CONCLUSIONS 1. The improvement of bread dough consistency and of its components (protein substances, gluten, and starch paste) is an important feature of the structure of these systems that creates supplementary premises for their study. 2. Mechanical processing of different intensity changes dough consistency, its specific features of gas formation and holding; bread crumb also changes its volume and porosity. In 1st quality flour, together with the increase of processing intensity, the value of viscosity and of elasticity module decrease at the beginning, then they increase again. The rest of such dough shows the possibility of “breaking down” the softening process due to the reestablishment of the structure. In low-quality flours, mechanical processing decreases gradually the value of viscosity and of the elasticity module. 3. By regulating the intensity of mechanical processing of flour in relation to its assortment and quality, we can improve the quality of the panification products. BIBLIOGRAPHY [1]. TOLSTOI D. M. : Lucrarile Conferintei unionale in problemele frecarii si uzurii la constructii de masini, 1999, pag. 155 [2]. REBINDER P. A. : Culegeri “Metode noi de cercetari fizico-chimice a fenomenelor de suprafata”, 1990 [3]. NICOLAEV B. A. : Culegeri “Metode noi de cercetari fizico-chimice a fenomenelor de suprafata”, 1993 About the author Bujancǎ Gabriel, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences And Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, [email protected] 110 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZERS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF VEGETABLE CULTURES IN CONDITIONS THE GUBA-KHACHMAZ OF A ZONE OF AZERBAIJAN G.M.Mammadov, V.İ.Jafarov, R.A.Pashayev Abstract: The regional features of fertilizing the vegetable plants in the meadow-brown and meadowforest soils of the north-eastern part of Great Caucasus have been determined. The application of phosphorus in the norm of 120 kq/h under tomato plant in the phone of N120P120K120 and 10 t/h of or organic fertilizer, but in the norm of N75P45K90 kq/h of organic fertilizer in the sowings of cabbage plant is rationally determined. Key Words: mineral fertilizers, vegetable plants (tomato, cabbage), meadow-forest and meadowbrown soils of Azerbaijan. INTRODUCTION Natural fertility of the soil plays a great role as a main industrial means in the compensation of the population’s need for food products, and a need of the industry for raw material. Thus rational using of the soil resources and increase of fertility is one of the urgent problems [3, 6, 9]. The zone of Guba-Xhachmaz of Azerbaijan has got some suitable motives according to soil-climatic condition and its geographical situation. Increase of soil fertility and agricultural plants of this zone, including increase of the productivity of the plants in the fruit and vegetable production which are distinguished by a specific weight in agro industry is remaining as one of the agro-ecological problems. The tomato and cabbage plant is one of the wide grown plants among the vegetable plants and it is grown under different soil-climatic condition [3, 4, 7]. The cabbage plant needs nutrient. This plant takes first place according to a quantity of the nutrient among agricultural plants. Some investigators show that this plant carries 150-170 kg nitrogen, 50-70 kg phosphorus, 220-230 kg potassium from the soil while 500 sent. Product is got per hectare [1, 7, 9, 10]. Studying of the contemporary level of the soil fertility used in agriculture of the region, increase if the agricultural plants and soil fertility are urgent and a solution of these problems is one of the most important problems of the temporary period [4, 10, 11]. MATERIAL AND METHODS 111 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The field experiments have been conducted with the cabbage plant in the meadowbrown soils and with the tomato plant in the meadow-forestry soils of the region with the purpose of increase of soil fertility and definition of rational fertilizer norms in growing of the vegetable plants and studying of regional features of the fertilizer application under leading vegetable plants (cabbage and tomato plant) in the zone of Guba-Khachmaz by taking an urgency of the work into account. The field experiments have been carried out with the tomato plant in the meadowforestry soils of the zone of Guba-Khachmaz; (in the zone of Gusarchay experimental station) an area of the noted bed was 50 m2 by conducting of the field experiments in three replications. The field experiments have been carried out over the presented versions on the table with number 4 with the tomato plant according to methodical parameters concerning fertilizing of vegetable plants [1, 8]. Organic fertilizer was given in the norm of 10 t manure in the half-rot form, but phosphorus and potassium from mineral fertilizers in a full norm. The field experiments have been conducted under cabbage plant in the irrigated meadow-brown soils in the zone of Shirvanovka municipality of the administrative district in the zone of Guba-Khachmaz . They are of the noted bed was 30m2 by being of the experiments in 4 versions. The given methods, norms and comparisons of the mineral fertilizers have been carried out over the presented versions on table 1 and 2. In the experiment areas it was used; as nitrogen fertilizer from ammonium saltpeter (effecting substance 34 %), as phosphorus from simple superphosphate (effecting substance 18%), as potassium from potassium-chloride (effecting substance 38 %). Organic fertilizers and manure in the half- rot from have been used (nitrogen 0,5%; phosphorus 0,3%; potassium 0,6%). The following analysis has been carried out by taking soil samples over the development phases of the plant from 0-25, 25-50 sm depth with the purpose of studying the nutrient dynamics in the research. The experiments have been fulfilled according to the received agro rules for the region exception an application norm of fertilizers and agrochemical service work for the plants [6, 3, 5, 13]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION It was determined that the comparison differences of mineral and organic fertilizers influenced on dynamics of ammoniac nitrogen though their norms in an equivalent quantity were identical. The highest parameters have been noted over the experiment when a quantity of the mineral fertilizers in the ratio of 3 and a comparison of organic fertilizers is 4. Being equivalent to 34 t/h the manure of finding dynamics of nitrogen in soil increased much in comparison with the control (unfertilized) version over the version if which 20 t/h (in the ratio of 4) manure and (in the ratio of 3) mineral fertilizer N75P45K90 have been applied. As is obvious from the table an application of mineral and organic fertilizers separately and joint application of them in the separate norms and ratios exert different influence upon productivity of the cabbage plant. Thus, according to 3-year investigation result the application of mineral and organic fertilizers exerts positive influence on the production of the cabbage plant not depending on their high or low norms and different ratios, and the lowest productivity is noted in the control (unfertilized) version over the experiment. The separate application of mineral fertilizers in N175 P105 and K210 norm over 2007: mean productivity of the cabbage plant was 396,5 s/h according to the control version (unfertilized) the increase was 135,3 s/h or 51,9% , the productivity over 2008 was 112 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 398,1 s/h, in the control version (unfertilized) the increase was 140,5 or 54,5%; over 2009; productivity was 394,7 s/h (unfertilized), the increase in the control version (unfertilized), was 132,6 s/h or 50,6%; according to annual average parameters the mean productivity was 396,4 s/h, the increase was 136,3 s/h or 52,4%. In the version in which the abovementioned mineral fertilizers a little increase was observed in the productivity of the cabbage plant while being replaced the nutrient (NPK) in an equivalent quantity by nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the content of organic fertilizers, it was related with the direct influence of mineral fertilizers. So, in the version in which 35t/h manure is applied per hectare the productivity was 392,8 s/h increase was 132,1 s/h or 50,7% over 2007, the productivity was 395,3 s/h the increase in comparison with the control version was 137,7 s/h or 53,45 over 2008, the productivity was 396,2 s/h, the increase was 134 s/h or 51,2 % over 2009, the productivity of the cabbage plant was 394,7 s/h, the increase was 134,6 s/h or 51,7 s/h for 3-year average parameters. The productivity of the cabbage plant in the version in which mineral and organic fertilizers are applied together in the different norms and ratios has increased in comparison in comparison with the application of mineral, organic fertilizers separately. The norm of the organic fertilizers (manure) per hectare has been taken in the different norms and ratios over the version: 5; 10; 15; 17, 5; 20; 25 and 30 t/h. Table1 Influence of the different norms and ratios of mineral and organic fertilizers on productivity of the cabbage plant in the meadow-brown soils 2007 № Experiment version Produc t s/h 2008 increase s/h % Product s/h Thare-year overage productivity 2009 increase s/h % - - Produ ct s/h increase s/h % 262,1 - - Produ ct s/h increase s/h % 260,1 - - 1 Unfertilized (control) 260,7 - - 2 N175 P105 K210 396,5 135,3 51,9 398,1 140,5 54,5 394,7 133,6 50,6 396,4 136,3 52,4 3 Manure 35 t/h 392,8 132,1 50,7 395,3 137,7 53,4 396,2 134,1 51,2 394,7 134,6 51,7 4 N25P15K30 + 30 t/h manure 468,5 207,8 79,7 471,9 214,3 83,2 475,2 213,1 81,3 471,8 211,7 81,4 5 N50P30K60+2 5 t/h manure 481,2 220,5 84,5 479,2 221,6 86,0 476,8 214,7 81,9 479,0 218,9 84,2 6 N75P45K90 + 20 t/h manure 514,5 253,8 97,3 515,1 257,5 99,9 521,4 259,3 98,9 517,0 256,9 98,7 502,2 241,5 92,6 508,4 250,8 97,3 512,3 250,2 95,4 507,6 247,5 95,2 481,4 220,7 84,6 489,3 231,7 89,9 491,3 229,2 87,4 487,3 227,2 87,3 438,7 178,0 68,2 436,5 178,9 69,4 440,2 178,1 67,9 438,4 178,3 68,5 7 8 9 N87,5 P52,5 K105,0 + 17,5t/h manure N100P60K120 + 15 t/h manure N125P75K150 + 10 t/h manure 257,6 10 N150P90K180 + 5 t/h manure 442,3 181,6 69,6 439,6 182,0 70,6 438,8 176,7 67,4 440,2 180,1 69,2 11 Manure 30 t/h 378,6 117,9 45,2 381,7 124,1 48,2 386,5 124,4 47,4 382,2 122,1 46,9 12 N150 P90 K180 382,4 121,7 46,7 387,4 129,8 50,3 385,8 123,7 47,2 385,2 125,1 48,1 113 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA LED0,95 = 12.4 s/h; P= 1.24%; V = 1.85% LED0,95 = 15.2 s/h; P= 1.45%; V = 2.28% LED0,95 = 14.6 s/h; P= 1.35%; V = 2.18% The rationality of the mineral and organic fertilizers in the version in which 25 t of organic fertilizers are applied is straight proportionate with an increase norm of the organic fertilizers. One of the main parameters of the complex agro measures including a rationality of the fertilizing in the growing of the agricultural plants is productivity. It was known from the consequences of the research that different norms and ratios of the mineral fertilizers under the cabbage plant in the meadow-brown soils, under the tomato plant in the meadow-forest soils have different influence on fruit productivity. In order to get high, constant and qualitative product one of the most important agro technical measures which are applied in the agriculture fertilizing system. A need of the vegetable plants is very high for mineral nutrient in the soil. This need increases more at the heading period in the cabbage plant, at fruit bearing period of the plants. So the increase of their productivity by growing causes assimilation of the nutrient by the plants. We can achieve optimization of mineral feeding of the plants by application of the fertilizers. A doze if the fertilizers, their applying periods and methods are defined depending on soil features, plant sort, tree age and level of the agrotechnical measures [4, 7, 12]. Table 2 Influence of the different norms and ratios of the fertilizers on productivity of the tomato plant in the meadow-forest soils. (2007) № Experiment version Productivity s/h Increase of the product According to the control According to the phone s/ha % s/ha % 1 Control (unfertilized) 267,4 - - - - 2 3 4 5 6 Phone+10t/h manure Phone+N75P45К75 Phone+N90P60К90 Phone+N90P90К120 Phone+N120P120К120 305,6 389,7 421,5 490,0 530,4 38,2 122,3 154,1 222,6 263,0 12,5 31,3 36,5 45,4 49,6 84,1 115,9 184,4 224,8 21,6 27,5 37,6 42,4 LED0,95=12,5/ha; P-1,36%; V-2,63% The influence of the different norms and ratios of the fertilizers on productivity of the tomato plant in the meadow-forest soils (table 2). The productivity increased to a considerable extent in the versions in which mineral fertilizers were applied in comparison with the control version and these parameters vibrated between 38,2-263,0 s/h or 12,5-49,6%. In comparison with the control version if the increase was38, 2 s/h (12, 5%) for phone (10t/h manure), these parameters increased by 263, 0 s/h in the versions in which mineral fertilizers were applied. In comparison with version of phone (10 t/h manure) the increase vibrated between 84,1-224,8 s/h (21,642,4%) in the version in which mineral fertilizers were applied. If the productivity was 389,7 s/h, the increase was 122,3 s/h (31,3%) according to the control in N75P45K75 version in which mineral fertilizers in 10 t/h of manure was applied in the little norms, the increase according to the phone was accordingly 84,1 s/h or 21,6% in the same version. The application of the mineral fertilizers over the rising norms has influence on increase of the productivity. The highest parameters have been 114 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA observed over the experiment in the version of N120P120K120 + phone (10 t/h manure). So the increase was 263,0 s/h (49,6 %) according to the control; but 224,8 (42,4%) according to the phone in the same version. If the productivity was 389,7 s/h, the increase was 122,3 s/h (31,3%) according to the control in the version of N75P45K75 in which mineral fertilizers in the phone of 10 t/h of manure at the same version the increase according to the phone was accordingly 84,1 s/h or 21,6 %. The application over the increase norms of the mineral fertilizers had influence on productivity increase. Over the experiment the version of N120P120K120 + phone (10t/h manure). Thus the increase according to the control was 263,5 s/h (49,6%); according to the phone it was 224,8 (42,4%). CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK 1. The joint application of the mineral and organic fertilizers under the cabbage plant in the meadow-brown soils of the zone of Guba-Khachmaz has a good influence on increase of the soil fertility in comparison with the version in which they are applied separately. According to three-year mean results the joint application of mineral fertilizers of N75P45K90 and 20 t/h organic fertilizers raised the cabbage productivity 2569 s/h and 98,7% in comparison with the control version and the productivity increased by 517,0 s/h. 2. In the meadow-forest soils (in the tomato to plant sowings) the highest parameter is noted in the version in which N120P120K120 + 10 t/h manure is applied, in this version the increase according to the control is 263,0 s/h (49,6%). REFERENCES [1]. Agrochemical methods of the soil investigations. Pub.science. Moscow. 1945. p.436. [2]. Alasgarov Sh.Z. Efficiency of the forms and periods of application of nitrogen fertilizer under tomato under conditions of the Guba-Khachmaz zone and Absheron. Autho.ref. cand.thes. Baku.188.p.26. [3]. Aliyev N.A. Forest and forest-steppe soils of the north- east part of Great Caucasus. Baku. “Elm” 1964.p. 133. [4]. Aliyev Sh.A. Vegetable-growing “Maarif” publishing. Baku. 1982. p. 212. [5]. Asadov Sh.D. Efficiency of fertilizer under vegetable cultures of climatic conditions of Azerb. SSR. Auth.ref.doc.thes.Baku.1975.p.64. [6]. Babayev M.P.and others. Morphogenetic profile of the soils in Azerbaijan. “Elm” publishing. Baku. 2007. p.2002 . [7]. Dospekhov V.A. Method of the field trial. Moscow. “Kolos” 1973. p. 76. [8]. Mammadov G.M. External methods of the application of mineral fertilizers in dynamics of the nutritious matters in the irrigative grey-brown soil under tomato culture. Agrarian Science of Azerbaijan. 1996. №3-4. p.88-89. [9]. Mammadova S.Z.; Jafarov A.B. Fertile features of the soil, Baku. “Elm” publishing. 2005, p. 194. [10]. Mammadov G.Sh. Social-economic bases of the rational use of the soil resources of Azerbaijan “Elm” publishing. Baku, 2007. p.856. [11]. Movsumov Z.R. ; Mammadov G.M. Role of the mineral fertilizers in solution of the food problems. Materials of the Republic Conference . Baki.2002. p.312-313. [12]. Ubgunov L.L. A nutritious agrochemical characteristics of the chestnut soils in the suitable zone. c. Ulan-Ude and improvement of mineral nutrient of irrigative cabbage. Autho.ref. Cand.Diss. Novosibirsk. 1986. p.19. 115 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [13]. Yagodin B.A. Practice on agrochemistry. Moscow. Agroprompub. 1987.p.512. ABOUT THE AUTHORS 1. Goshgar M. Mammadov, dosent, Dr., deputy director Institute of Soil Science and Agrohemistry NAS of Azerbaijan, city Baku, Az1073 M.Arif street 5, e-mail: [email protected] 2. Ragim A. Pashayev Dr., senior scientist Institute of Soil Science and Agrohemistry NAS of Azerbaijan, city Baku, Az1073 M.Arif street 5, e-mail: [email protected] 3. Vuqar I. Jafarov scientist Institute of Soil Science and Agrohemistry NAS of Azerbaijan, city Baku, Az1073 M.Arif street 5, e-mail: [email protected] PREBIOTIC IN THE DIET OF WEANED CALVES-SUSTAINABLE ANTIBIOTIC ALTERNATIVE N. Stolic, B. Milosevic, Z. Spasic, Z. Ilic, Sonja Samardzic, Abstract: By using prebiotic supplements in domestic animals many positive effects were observed considering the regulation of the microbiological balance in digestive system, as well as the facilitated growth and the food conversion, even the positive effect on immunological system. Digestion system in the calf make proper basis for the development of the micro-organisms, where excessive increase of potentially pathogenic micro organisms very often may occur. Therefore, the possibility of adding prebiotics mannan-oligosaccharides, into the milk for calf nutrition is considered to be significant for investigation. The primary aim is to prevent gastro intestinal disorders, as well as to stimulate the growth, and at the same time acceptable from the point of health protection of people and with no negative, damaging effects on the environment, hence, it would be an alternative to the usual regime of solving such problems with antibiotics. An experiment was carried out at the dairy farm Zlatibor (Serbia) with Simmental calves. Two groups of calves were formed: control and experimental. The ration of experimental calves was supplemented with 4 g of prebiotics-mannan-oligosaccharides per day, named Bio-Mos. The results of the experiments demonstrated that prebiotic preparations in the ration for 1-3 month age calves facilitate growth, improve digestibility of the ration nutrients and positively effect immunological status of treated animals. Key words: sustainability, prebiotic, mannan-oligosacharides, calves, milk. INTRODUCTION One of the stages of cattle production, where there are large problems, especially in the organized farms with intensive cultivation, is the growth of calves after birth. In fact, calves in the earlier stages of the increase not developed alimentary system characteristic for the cud, but the way of digestion of food, milk, very little different in comparison to the nonruminants, which means that rent pathogenic microorganisms in the organism, usually through the gastrointestinal tract and if the protective mechanism of these body does not work, come to the multiplication of cells and tissues and pathological disorders. An organism defends itself from penetration of pathogenic agents, originating from the digestive tract, by very complex mechanism, which depends on many factors, primarily the secretion of immunoglobulin, the establishment of appropriate microflora, the establishment of certain physiological conditions, production of mucins and intestinal movements that altogether represent a complex of factors that define the normal functioning of gastro-intestinal system. The nutrition influences on all these factors, including the microflora, which by its activities directly affect the secretion of antibodies [6], 116 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA intestinal environment [2], intestinal mucus secretion, mucins [7,9], and peristaltic movements of intestines [10]. In terms of industrial production, where the population, not an individual, is considered as the basic biological unit, the preconditions for the development of gastrointestinal disorders are much higher in relation to the extensive rearing conditions. That does not mean that there are no problems in extensive husbandry, but in that circumstances, where calves rearing has a priority, it is easier to recognise and cure a problem. Contribution to finding alternative ways of promotion of normal functions of gastro-intestinal system was the aim of this research, where a prebiotic addition to the diet were used.Thus the goal of this research was to determine the influence of a prebiotic on body weight and weight gain of Simmental calves. MATERIAL AND METHODS Feeding experiment with calves was organized at a farm of cattle company ``PK Zlatibor Čajetina``. The experiment was organized as a group control system, with calves of domestic spotted cattle in the type of Simmental. Calves were healthy, progressive, and vital without any shortcomings and defects. Calves were housed in facilities for the calves, where they were located after separation from their mothers. The first 5 days after receipt of colostrum they started receiving the mother's milk, and later consumed the cumulative milk. Calves were marked with tattoo stamps and numbered ear tags. Microclimatic conditions in the facilities during the experiments, keeping, and care, feeding and watering were identical for all calves. Two groups of calves were formed, a control group that was fed without added manan-oligosaccharide (C), and the treatment (T) group, which received in milk the mentioned prebiotic. Each group of calves was comprised of 16 calves so that in total experiment was conducted with 32 calves. Calves basal ration was composed of concentrated part, where izoproteinic and izoenergetic properties were achieved. The difference was established in the milking part of the meals, where in the same quantity of milk 4 grams of prebiotics was added, and, with respect to this the results based on the influence of added amount of prebiotics on the body mass and growth was under investigation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION According to these results, it can be concluded that addition of prebiotics after 75 days in this experiment does not induce a rapid change in the body mass of calves, in the sample compared to the control group of calves. The body weights of calves ranged in very similar intervals during the experiment and no statistically significant differences were observed. Body mass of a sample group, at the end of experiments achieved the body weight of 88.46 kg, higher in relative indices of 1.35% compared to the average body weight of the control group (87.28 kg), and showed no statistical significance ( table 1.; graphic 1) The group of calves fed with addition of prebiotics showed improvement in growth; the sample group showed daily gain of 654,20 grams, which was 4,21% higher comparing it to the control group, whose average daily gain was 627,80 grams during 75 days. The most obvious differences are observed during the period from 31 to 45 days. However, during the experimental period the differences were not statistically significant. Results achieved in the experiment are given tables and graphics. 117 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Weight gain calves graphic 2. C Body weight calves graphic 1. T 80 800 mass/gr 1000 mass/kg 100 60 40 C T 600 400 200 20 0 0 1--15 1 15 30 days 45 60 16--30 75 31--45 46--60 61--75 1--75 period at days By observing the weight gains for both groups during the experiment it can be concluded that mannan-oligosacharides influence in a positive way and increase daily weight gain in the treatment group of calves that has achieved a positive difference of 4.21% compared to the control group. Table 1. Body weight calves observed during the experiments, kg GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T N 16 16 N 16 16 X Sx 40.20 39.20 1.03 1.00 X Sx 47.40 46.90 1.27 1.22 N X Sx 16 16 57.06 1.20 56.53 1.28 N 16 16 N 16 16 N 16 16 X Sx 66.81 1.77 66.88 1.74 X Sx 76.41 2.28 76.60 2.23 X Sx 87.28 2.35 88.46 2.37 Body weight at birth Sd C.V. 4.10 4.00 10.19 10.20 Body weight at day 15 Sd C.V. 5.10 4.88 10.75 10.40 Body weight at day 30 Sd C.V. 4.80 5.12 8.41 9.06 Body weight at day 45 Sd C.V. 7.10 6.95 10.62 10.39 Body weight at day 60 Sd C.V. 9.10 8.89 11.90 11.60 Body weight at day 75 Sd C.V. 9.40 9.50 10.77 10.74 Index % 100 97.51 P =0.4904 t=0.6983 Index % 100 98.95 P =0.7789 t=0.2833 Index % 100 99.07 P =0.7647 t=0.3021 Index % 100 100.10 P =0.9777 t=0.2818 Index % 100 100.25 P =0.9528 t=0.5974 Index % 100 101.35 P =0.7264 t=0.3532 Very similar effects of prebiotics on the growth of body mass have been given by other authors, who were engaged in research on this topic, confirming the thesis that the application of prebiotics, non-digestible food ingredients that act favorably on the host, selectively stimulating the growth and activity of one or a limited number of types of bacteria in the alimentary tract, thus improving host health [4]. It can be concluded that a drastic increase in growth can not be expected, but in order to prevent digestive disorders can perform the replacement of antibiotics. The use of prebiotics, on the basis of inulin in milk replacer in the series of experiments, during the 118 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA first weeks of life, calves showed similar results regarding the production abilities compared with antibiotics [8]. By using the same prebiotic statistically significant progress was obtained in terms of production results of calves, as well as health status in relation to antibiotics. Webb et al. [11] by adding inulin (3.75 g / kg) received greater weight gain in Holstein breed male calves, 3-5 days old, while Donovan [3] showed similar results, with the same prebiotic comparative with antibiotics, with calves of both sexes and concluded that the use of prebiotics to calves improved response in comparison to antibiotics. Very similar results, to the results of our experiments, in his work gave Chuqinlin [1], where he explored the effect of BIO-MOS-on performance and health of calves. Calves were fed by the starter from the second week of life and daily feed consumption was investigated. Body weight was measured at birth, then 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th day of the experiment. The height was measured too, and health was controlled by the appearance of diarrhea and pneumonia. Differences in average growth were not statistically significant, but found the improvement of greater than 7%, in calves that received BIO-MOS. In the period from 16 - 30 days incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia was reduced. It was easier to cure disease in calves that received mannan-oligosacharides. Table 2. Weight gain by calves during the period of experiment, g GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T GROUP C T N 16 16 N 16 16 N 16 16 N 16 16 N 16 16 N 16 16 X Sx 480.0 500.0 22,0 25.2 X Sx 644.0 642.0 28.0 26.2 X Sx 650.0 690.0 28.8 25.6 X Sx 640.0 655.0 28.6 26.4 X Sx 725.0 784.0 42.5 31.3 X Sx 627.8 654.2 37.0 31.10 Weight gain for period 1-15 day Sd C.V. Index % 88.0 101.0 18.3 20.2 100 104.17 P=0.5549 t=0.5972 Weight gain for period 16-30 day Sd C.V. Index % 112.0 105.0 17.4 16.4 100 99.69 P=0.9588 t=0.05211 Weight gain for period 31-45 day Sd C.V. Index % 115.0 102.5 17.7 14.9 100 106.15 P=0.3073 t=1.039 Weight gain for period 46-60 day Sd C.V. Index % 114.2 105.5 17.8 16.1 100 102.34 P=0.7023 t=0.3859 Weight gain for period 61-75 day Sd C.V. Index % 170.0 125.0 23.4 15.9 100 108.14 P=0.2723 t=1.118 Weight gain for period 1-75 day Sd C.V. Index % 148.0 124.0 23.6 18.9 100 104.21 P=0.5885 t=0.5469 Lazarevic [5] in his extensive work, by the use of BIO-MOS recorded a certain increase in the growth of body mass. Body weight was monitored for each head in particular, with the general progress of calves was good in all parts of the study, with the conclusion that the Bio-Mos significantly improved production results by increasing physical growth of 14.4%, which was significantly higher compared to our experiment, but also accomplished with higher number of animals, which can be considered as an advantage in relation to our research. 119 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK On the basis of these investigations and the obtained values the following conclusions can be done: Body mass of a sample group, at the end of experiment was 88.46 kg, while the average body mass of the control group was 87.28 kg, in fact experimental group of calves achieved 1.35% higher body mass. These differences do not show statistical significance. Group of calves fed with addition of prebiotics showed significant improvement in terms of growth, so that in the control group achieved daily weight gain for 75 days of 627.80 grams, as opposed to a sample group where the recorded daily gain of 654.20 grams, which was for 4.21% higher. During the experimental period the differences were not statistically significant. Looking at the complete results of experiments, it is possible to bring a positive conclusion on the overall activities of prebiotics manan-oligosacharides regarding the stimulation of positive health status and consistent production performance of calves. It is of particular importance having in mind the need for defining a new strategy of preventive action in animal production and nutrition without antibiotic growth stimulators. REFERENCES [1].Chuquilin J.C.(1999): Bio-mos improves performance and health of heifer calves, Technical update, bio-mos-26 engRT [2].Collier, C. T., J. D. van der Klis, B. Deplancke, D. B. Anderson, and H. R. Gaskins. (2003). Effects of tylosin on bacterial mucolysis, Clostridium perfringens colonization, and intestinal barrier function in a chick model of necrotic enteritis. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 47:3311–3317. [3].D. C. Donovan, S. T. Franklin,C. C. L. Chase, and A. R. Hippen (2002): Growth and health of holstein calves fed milk replacers supplemented with antibiotics or enteroguard. J. Dairy Sci. 85:947–950 [4].Gibson, G., Roberfroid, M. (1995). Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: Introducing the concept of prebiotics, J. Nutr., 125, 1401-1412. [5].Lazarević M.(2003): Mannan oligosaccharides enhace absortion of colostral igG in newborn calves and piglets. Poster presented at Alltech s 19th Annual Nutritional Biotehnology in the Feed & food Industries Symposium, Lexington, Kentacky [6].Majamaa H, Isolauri E, Saxelin M, Vesikari T. (1995): Lactic acid bacteria in the treatment of acute rotavirus gastroenteritis. Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 20:333-338. [7].Meslin at all (1993): Effects of galactooligoschaide and bacterial status on mucine distribution in mucosa and on large intestine formation in rats. Brit J Nutr 69,903-912. [9].PestovaT V; Hellen CU (2000):The structure and function of initiation factors in eukaryotic protein synthesis.Cellular and molecular life sciences:CMLS 2000;57(4):651-74. [10].Rolfe, R.D.: (1991): Population dynamics of the intestinal tract. In: L.C. Blankenship (Ed.). Colonization control of human enteropathogens in poultry. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, CA. pp. 59-75. [8].Mul, J., Perry, G. (1994):The role oligosaccharides play in animal nutrition. Feed Manufactures Conference, University of Nottingham, Loughborough [11].Webb, P. R., D. W. Kellogg, M.W. McGahee, and Z. B. Johnson. (1992). Addition of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and sodium diacetate (SD) plus decoquinate (D) to milk replacer and starter grain fed to Holstein calves. J. Dairy Sci. 75:293. (Abstr.) 120 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We thank the Serbian Ministry of Science for support. Project TR-31001 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr Nikola Stolic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] , +38163669410 Dr Bozidar Milosevic, associate professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pristina, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +381641505274 Dr Zvonko Spasic, associate professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pristina, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +381658765678 Dr Zoran Ilic, full professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pristina, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], +38163271021 Mr Sonja Samardzic, research assistent, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pristina, Serbia, [email protected] PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC CORRELATION OF REPRODUCTION TRAITS IN SIMMENTAL COWS N. Lalic*, Z. Spasic*, B. Milosevic*, M. Milenkovic*, N. Stolic** Abstract: Many of cows’ production traits are, mostly, interrelated so for those kinds of relationship are said it is correlative relation of traits. Phenotypic correlation between two quantitative traits depict value to which individuals upwards of average value for one trait intend to be above, below or close to average value for another trait. However, phenotypic correlations initiate question what is the degree of influence of genetic basis on observing association between two traits and what is the influence of exogenous factors. Derived data about tested reproduction traits interrelation, at a Simmental cow farm, are very important for simultaneous selection of cows in many traits. The average service period length of the total investigated population was 147 days, which was about 1,5 fold longer in regard to the upper value of the optimal level. That had a significant influence to duration of the first inter-birth interval which averaged 436,3 days. Average duration of pregnancy was 283,4 days and age at first calving 872 days. Defined genetic correlation coefficients between cows’ fertility traits, in the herd, exceed analogous phenotypic correlations in all cases. Genetic interrelation of tested fertility traits ranged from powerless to very strong (from 0.209 to 0.941). Phenotypic correlations among reproductive traits ranged from negative (0.131) to strong (0.888), which was with high statistical significance (P<0.01). Key words: cattle, Simmental, fertility, genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation INTRODUCTION Reproduction is a complex trait with many components. As a selection criteria measures of reproductive performance are used, such as service period, inter-birth interval, pregnancy duration, age at insemination, age at first calving, and so on [5, 11, 9]. Fertility in domestic animals is at first place very important biological trait with high economic importance, thus in livestock production farmers are paying great attention to this sequence during the production cycle. Fertility traits are under influence of many genetic factors, but at the same time environmental factors are of great importance. Simmental cattle is a dual-purpose breed, but in most of the farmers want to utilize these animals for milk production. Thus it is very important to know what genetic parameters are and how they influence animal’s performance. Several studies have shown that reproductive efficiency decline with increased milk yield. A negative association between fertility and milk yield has been reported in cattle [2]. 121 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA In order to be able to adequate estimate animal breeding values and establish appropriate animal selection process, it necessary to estimate genetic parameters, such as genetic and phenotypic correlations, heritability and variability of desired traits. Many of cows’ production traits are, mostly, interrelated so for those kinds of relationship are said it is correlative relation of traits. Phenotypic correlation between two quantitative traits depict value to which individuals upwards of average value for one trait intend to be above, below or close to average value for another trait. However, phenotypic correlations initiate question what is the degree of influence of genetic basis on observing association between two traits and what is the influence of exogenous factors. Genetic correlations are very important for selection process since these coefficients depict the level of change of one trait as a result of change of another trait. Knowledge about genetic parameters provide possibility for so called simultaneous selection, or selection on several traits. The aim of this paper was to define reproduction parameters in a population of Simmental cows, and to estimate phenotypic and genetic correlation coefficients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research has been conducted on 249 animals of domestic spotted breed, located at the dairy farm Zlatibor. The data of fertility traits has been collected from the farm and processed using statistical software Instat-prism, which is adapted for biologicall research. Fertility traits included in the research were: age at first conception (AFC), gestation length (GL), age at first calving (AC), service period (SP) and intercalving period (IP). Correlation between traits has been determined via coefficients of phenotypic correlation (rp) using formula: rp = Cov AB where is: s2A s2B s 2A Cov(AB) = covariance for traits A and B; = variance for trait A and s 2B = variance for trait B Standard errors of correlations has been determined using formula: 1 r2 Sr = n2 where is: r = coefficient of phenotypic correlation; n = number of pairs Testing of obtained phenotypic correlation coefficients have been discussed by Romer-Orfal–s classification. Genetic correlation coefficients have been calculated using variance and covariance analysis, by methodology that has been created by Hazel and cited by Latinovic: Cov xy rg = Var BBVarWB , where is: Covxy = covariance of traits; 122 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA VarBB = variance between sires; VarWB = variance within sires. Standard error of genetic corrlation coefficients has been calculated using an approximate method created by Robertson: Srg = 1 r 2 G 4 2 hA k 2 2 4 hB s k 2 2 2h A hB 2 s , where is: h A2 = heritability of the trait A, k = average number of daughters per sire hB2 = heritability of the trait B; s = number of sires RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results regarding the average values and variability of fertility traits has been given in table1. Table 1. Average values and variability of fertility traits Trait Service period Intercalving period Age at first calving Gestation length Age at first conception X SD Sx CV 147.75 436.33 871.83 283.40 582.49 106.79 123.78 82.80 10.41 72.16 6.76 7.84 5.24 0.66 4.57 72.28 28.37 9.59 3.66 12.39 Average duration of service period was 147,7 days, with standard deviation of 106,7 days. Variability of service period was to high, actually it lasted about 1,5 fold longer in regard to the upper value of the optimal level, which illustrate the low level of management. That had a significant influence to duration of the first inter-birth interval which averaged 436,3 days. Average duration of pregnancy was 283,4 days and age at first calving 872 days, with the variation coefficient of 9,59. these results are in accordance with other authors treated this subject in cows[10, 7, 3, 4, 9]. Table 2. Coefficients of genotypic and phenotypic correlation and their standard errors of fertility traits rg Srg rp Srp t exp,(rp) GL 0.209 0.142 -0.032 0.035 -0.518 AC 0.941 0.056 0.888 0.029 30.413 SP 0.899 0.320 0.044 0.063 0.701 IP 0.881 0.180 -0.131 0.063 -2.080 AC 0.446 0.391 0.042 0.064 0.661 SP 0.300 0.488 -0.105 0.063 -1.662 IP 0.318 0.439 -0.028 0.063 -0.448 TRAIT AFC GL 123 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA AC SP SP 0.774 0.315 -0.027 0.065 -0.439 IP 0.181 0.472 -0.124 0.063 -1.967 IP 0.938 0.002 0.950 0.063 2.039 Summary of obtained genotypic and phenotypic correlation are given in table 2. Defined genetic correlation coefficients between cows’ fertility traits, in the herd, exceed analogous phenotypic correlations in all cases. Genetic interrelation of tested fertility traits ranged from powerless to very strong (from 0.209 to 0.941). Phenotypic correlations among reproductive traits ranged from negative (-0.131) to strong (0.888), which was with high statistical significance (P<0.01). Complete genetic and phenotypic correlation has been determined between age at first insemination and age at first calving, as well, as intercalving period, which has been expected, since intercalving period is directly dependent on gestation length and service period. This confirms that these traits are under the control of the same additive genes. Gestation length is identical for all investigated animals with the smallest variability. Coefficients of phenotypic correlation are very low, except those between age at conception and calving and service period and intercalving period. Presented results regarding genetic and phenotypic correlation corespond to results presented by other authors [8, 1, 6]. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK On the basis of results obtained regarding variability and correlation of reproductive traits in population of Simmental cows, we can conclude low productive and reproductive ability, but, in the same way a high level of variability, which should be utilized for promotion of production and reproduction in wide population. Obtained genetic and phenotype correlation coefficients between reproductive abilities are important factors for future actions. Knowledge about these parameters is very important and indicates a need for careful selection implementation in order to avoid negative effects, especially regarding the application of modern statistical methods and multitrait selection. REFERENCES [1]. Biffani S., R Canavesi, A. B. Samore (2005): Estimates of genetic parameters for fertility traits of italian holstein-friesian cattle.Stocarstvo 59:2005 (2) 145-153 [2]. De Vries A., Risco C. (2005): Trends and seasonality of reproductive performance in Florida and Georgia dairy herds from. J. Dairy Sci., 88: 3155-3165. [3]. Janzekovic M., Skorjanc D., Smolinger J. (2004): The influence of various origins of first calving Simmental and Black-White cows on production and content of milk. Mljekarstvo 54 (4) 275-283. [4]. Medic D., Veselinovic S., Veselinovic Snezana, Ivancev Anica, Cupic Z. (2006): Uporedna ispitivanja osobina mlecnosti simentalskih krava domace i austrijske provenijence. Simpozijum stocarstvo i agroekonomija u trnzicionim procesima. Herceg Novi. [5]. Rege, J.E.O. & Famula, T.R., 1993. Factors affecting calving date and its relationship with production traits of Hereford dams. Anim. Prod. 57, 385. [6]. Sajjad T., Abdol S., Mohammad M., Mohammad D. (2009): Genetic analysis of reproduction traits and their relationship with conformation traits in Holstein cows Livestock Science Volume 125, Issue 1, October 2009, Pages 84-87 124 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [7]. Spasic Z (1996): Varijabilnost I povezanost osobina mlecnosti i plodnosti tri generacije domacih sarenih goveda. Magistarska teza. Poljoprivredni fakultet. Beograd-Zemun. [8]. Spasic Z. (2000): Kvantitativno genetska analiza proizvodnih i reproduktivnih osobina krava u populaciji crno belih goveda. Doktorska disertacija. Poljoprivredni fakultet.Krusevac. [9]. Spasić, Z. Milosević, B. Milenković M., Stolić N. and Ilić Z. (2009): Phenotypic correlation of production and reproduction traits of cows in the population of dommestic spotted cattle. Research people and actual tasks on multidisciplinary sciences, Lozenec, Bulgaria.Proccedings, 155-161. [10]. Stojic, P. (1996): Faktori korekcije osobina mlecnosti i njihov doprinos oceni priplodne vrednosti bikova i krava. Doktorska disertacija. Poljoprivredni fakultet, Beograd. [11]. Van der Merwe, P.S. & Schoeman, S.J., (1995): Effect of early calving of Simmentaler heifers under an extensive management system. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 25, 36. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We thank the Serbian Ministry of Science for support. Project TR-31001 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Nebojsa Lalic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Zvonko Spasic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Bozidar Milosevic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Milinko Milenkovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Nikola Stolic, Agricultural College, 27000 Prokuplje, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] 125 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EFFECT OF SOWING SYSTEM ON SEED YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF ALFALFA D. Bekovic, V. Stevovic, R. Stanisavljevic, S. Stojkovic and J. Knezevic Abstract: A study on seed yield and yield components of alfalfa cv. K – 28 was conducted on alluvial soil under the agroenvironmental conditions of the City of Nis. An analysis was made of three-year results on alfalfa cultivation at row spacings of 20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm. Under variable climatic conditions in the -1 region, the average seed yield was 296.9 kg ha , with the highest and lowest yields being produced at row -1 -1 spacings of 40 cm (335 kg ha ) and 60 cm (265.4 kg ha ), respectively. The highest number of inflorescences per stem was obtained at the 60 cm spacing (14.25 inflorescences/stem) and the lowest at the 20 cm spacing (9.71 inflorescences/stem). The 60 cm row spacing (8.08 pods/inflorescence) resulted in the highest number of pods per inflorescence, whereas the lowest number was produced at the 20 cm spacing (6.14 pods/inflorescence). Grain number per pod ranged from 3.56 (at 20 cm row spacing) to 4.19 (at 60 cm). A weak positive correlation was determined between inflorescence number per stem and seed yield (r=0.389), as opposed to pod number per inflorescence and grain number per pod having a strong positive correlation with seed yield (r= 0.764 and r=0.719, respectively). Key words: alfalfa, seed yield, row spacing, seed yield components INTRODUCTION Alfalfa has high genetic potential for forage yield, which is often found to correlate negatively with seed yield. As regards alfalfa acreage, about 900 t of quality seed in Serbia are required on an annual basis (Karagic et al. 2007). The average seed yield of alfalfa in Serbia is about 250 kg ha-1. As large variations in seed yield are dependent on agroenvironmental conditions, alfalfa seed production is generally conducted on alfalfa areas used for both forage production and seed production from alfalfa cuttings, preferably the second cutting of alfalfa. Seed yield is substantially affected not only by climatic factors, but also by row spacing, i.e. by an optimal number of plants per unit area. This has been a subject matter of research for a long time both worldwide and in Serbia. There are numerous reports on high yields and high quality of alfalfa seed as obtained by sowing alfalfa at wider row spacings and lower seed rates (Marble 1970, Eric 1988, Sowinski et al. 1996, Lukic 2000 et al.). However, other studies have revealed that planting alfalfa at wide row spacings using lower seed rates does not always result in high seed yields as compared to narrow row spacings below 25 cm and higher seed rates used in livestock forage production (Lovato and Montanari 1991, Vuckovic 1994). Given the importance of alfalfa, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of the sowing system used, i.e. row spacing on seed yield and yield components of alfalfa. 126 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MATERIAL AND METHODS The present research was conducted over a period of three years at the "Ledena Stena" location in the suburbs of Nis. The material used was alfalfa cultivar K – 28 developed at the Institute of Forage Crops in Krusevac. K - 28 shows rapid regeneration, has increased tolerance to acid soils, and gives high dry matter yields of 20 tons ha-1 without irrigation and up to 25 t ha-1 with irrigation used. Alfalfa was planted in spring at three row spacings: at 20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm using the seed rate of 15 kg ha-1, 7.5 kg ha-1 and 5 kg ha-1, respectively. The soil used in the study was alluvium. In the first year (year of stand establishment-A0), weather conditions were favourable for uniform germination, sprouting and further development of alfalfa crop. The second year of study (first year of alfalfa utilisation-A1) was characterised by high rainfall amounts during the harvest period, which resulted in harvest difficulties and seed yield losses. Alfalfa seed production was most favoured by the third year of research (second year of alfalfa utilisation-A2), characterised by hot dry summer. Yield and yield components of alfalfa were evaluated using the first alfalfa growth in the first year (A0), and the second growth in the second (A1) and third years (A2). Alfalfa seed yield was determined at a stage when 70-80% of the pods turned brown. The number of inflorescences per stem was identified upon sampling of 20 stems per replication, and that of flowers per inflorescence and pods per inflorescence was determined from a sample of 30 well developed inflorescences collected uniformly from the top, middle and bottom portions of the stem in each replication. Seed number per pod was assessed by calculation using 30 randomly selected pods in each replication. The results obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the significance of differences between the values obtained was analysed by the LSD test. The coefficient of correlation (r) was calculated in order to examine correlation between the properties tested. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results obtained over three years suggested that the highest and lowest yields of alfalfa seed were produced at 40 cm (335 kg ha-1) and 60 cm (265.4 kg ha-1) row spacings, respectively, with the 20 cm spacing yielding 290.2 kg ha-1 (Tab. 1). Moreover, the results revealed that the average yield in the first year i.e. the year of stand establishment (A 0) was173 kg ha-1, which was considered satisfactory. In the second year, the average yield was 268.4 kg ha-1, being in conformity with the average statewide yield, whereas the highest yield was achieved in the third year (an average of 449.5 kg ha-1). The results obtained serve as confirmation of the fact that alfalfa seed production was affected by weather conditions during the growing season of the seed crop. Similar results were reported by Eric (1988) who produced the highest seed yield at row spacings of 30 cm and 40 cm (251.4 kg ha-1 and 221.2 kg ha-1, respectively), and lower seed yields with a further increase in row spacing to 50 cm (194.6 kg ha-1). Askarian et al. (1995) showed that the highest seed yield was obtained by sowing the crop at a spacing of 45 cm (177.0 kg ha-1), with seed yield decreasing as the row spacing increased to 60 cm (149.0 kg ha -1) or decreased to 30 cm and 15 cm (166.0 kg ha-1 and 136.0 kg ha-1, respectively). Similarly, Stanisavljevic et al. (2007) reported that medium plant density (343.6 kg ha-1) gave the highest yields, as opposed to increasing and decreasing spacings inducing declining yields. The number of inflorescences per stem was highest at the widest row spacing (14.25 inflorescences/stem) and lowest at the 20 cm spacing (9.71 inflorescences/stem). In this study, the second year gave the highest number of inflorescences per stem (14.95 127 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA inflorescences/stem), as opposed to the year of crop establishment (A0) yielding the lowest number (9.42 inflorescences/stem), whereas 13.48 inflorescences per stem were reported for the third year (Tab. 1). Pod number per inflorescence ranged from 6.14 (20 cm row spacing) to 8.08 pods per inflorescence (60 cm row spacing). In terms of study years, the highest number of pods per inflorescence was observed in the third year (8.60 pods/inflorescence), which was the most favourable year for seed production, and the lowest in the first year (5.58 pods/inflorescence). Tab. 1. Seed yield, inflorescence number per stem, pod number per inflorescence and grain number per pod Seed components Year 1st – A0 Row spacing Seed yield kgh-1 20 cm 40 cm 60 cm 194.1 169.7 155.2 173.0 17.78 23.65 248.6 305.9 250.6 268.4 21.15 28.13 428.2 529.3 390.9 449.5 26.33 35.02 290.2 335.0 265.4 average LSD 0.05 0.01 2nd – A1 20 cm 40 cm 60 cm average LSD 0.05 0.01 3rd – A2 average LSD 0.05 0.01 average 1st-3rd 20 cm 40 cm 60 cm 20 cm 40 cm 60 cm Inflorescence number per stem 8.63 9.48 10.14 9.42 0.56 0.75 10.65 16.95 17.26 14.95 1.18 1.57 9.84 15.26 15.35 13.48 0.94 1.25 9.71 13.89 14.25 Pod number per inflorescence 5.15 5.65 5.95 5.58 0.32 0.42 6.12 7.62 8.70 7.56 0.34 0.46 7.60 9.45 9.60 8.60 0.55 0.73 6.14 7.57 8.08 Grain number per pod 2.97 3.75 3.86 3.53 0.19 0.25 3.55 3.95 4.22 3.91 0.25 0.33 4.15 4.35 4.50 4.33 0.29 0.38 3.56 4.02 4.19 The 60 cm and 20 cm row spacings resulted in the highest and lowest number of grains per pod (4.19 and 3.56 grains/pods, respectively). The highest number of grains per pod (4.33 grains/pod) was produced in the third year, and the lowest – in the first year (3.53 grains/pod). Karagic (2004) reported an average of 9.66 inflorescences per stem, 9.03 pods per inflorescence and 5.47 seeds per pod in the second and third years of alfalfa growth. Ilic (2005) obtained 14.0 inflorescences per stem on average in 17 genotypes, whereas Djurovic et al. (2007) produced an average of 9.37 inflorescences per stem, 7.31 pods per inflorescence and 5. 53 grains per pod in 5 genotypes. 128 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The seed yield components tested in alfalfa were found to correlate positively with seed yield (Tab. 2). The strongest positive correlation was observed between seed yield and pod number per inflorescence (r= 0.764), weak correlation between grain number/pod (r=0.719), and the weakest between inflorescence number/stem and seed yield (r=0.389). Tab. 2. Coefficients of correlation (r) between seed yield and yield components Seed yield Inflorescence number per stem 0.389 Pod number per inflorescence 0.764 Grain number per pod 0.719 Djurovic et al. (2007) reported significant positive correlations between seed yield and inflorescence number per stem i.e. pod number per inflorescence (r=0.52), as well as between seed yield and grain number per pod (r=0.47). Interdependence of seed yield and yield components was also reported by Hasquet (1990), Bolanos -Aguilar et al. (2001) etc. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK This study on seed yield and yield components of alfalfa cv. K – 28 suggested the following: The highest and lowest average three-year alfalfa seed yields under the environmental conditions of the Nis region were produced by sowing the crop at the row spacing of 40 cm (335 kg ha-1) and 60 cm (265,4, kg ha-1), respectively. Seed yield was substantially affected by weather conditions, with the highest average yield being obtained in the third year (452.2 kg ha-1) and the lowest in the first year (151.2 kg ha-1). The sowing system employing the 60 cm row spacing gave the highest number of inflorescences per stem, pods per inflorescence and seed per pod, whereas the 20 cm spacing produced the lowest numbers. Seed yield components were also largely affected by weather conditions which induced considerable differences over the three-year period of observation. A significant positive correlation was found between seed yield components and seed yield. REFERENCES [1]. Ascarian M., Hempton J.G., Hill M. J. (1995): Effect of row spacing and sowing rate on seed production of lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.) cv Grasslands Oranga. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 38: 289-296. [2]. Bolanos -Aguilar E.D., Huyghe C., Djukic D., Julier B., Ecalle C. (2001): Genetic control of alfalfa seed yield and its components. Plant breeding, 120: 66-72. [3]. Djurovic D., Stevovic V., Dukic D., Petkova D. , Madic M. (2007): Prinos i komponente prinosa semena genotipova lucerke. XI Simpozijum o krmnom bilju Republike Srbije. Zbornik radova – Institut za ratarsvo i povrtarstvo Novi Sad, 44 (1): 151-157. [4]. Eric P. (1988): Uticaj nacina i gustine setve na prinos i kvalitet semena lucerke (Medicago sativa (L) em Wass.) sorte “NS Banat ZMS II” na zemljištu tipa cernozem. Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Novi Sad. [5]. Ilic O. (2005): Geneticka varijabilnost fertilnosti lucerke u uslovima slobodne oplodnje. Magistarska teza, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Novi Sa [6]. Hasquet J. (1990): Genetic variability and climatic factors affecting lucerne seed production. J. Appl. Seed Prod. 8: 59-67. 129 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [7]. Karagic D. (2004): Komponente prinosa, prinos i kvalitet semena u zavisnosti od sistema kosidbe. Doktorska disertacija, Poljoprivredni fakultet Novi Sad. [8]. Karagic D., Katic S., Vasiljevic S . , Milic D. (2007): Semenarstvo lucerke u Vojvodini. XI Simpozijum o krmnom bilju Republike Srbije. Zbornik radova – Institut za ratarsvo i povrtarstvo Novi Sad, 44(1): 87-98. Lovato A., Montanari M. (1991): Influence of Row Spacing and Sowing Rates on Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) Seed Production. Rivista di agronomia, Bologna 25 (4):78-81 [9]. Lukic D. (2000): Lucerka. Naucni institut za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, Novi Sad. [10]. Marble V.L. (1989): Fodders for the Eas, Alfalfa. FAO Plant Production and Protection, 97-98. [11]. Sowinski J., Gospodarszyk F., Nowak W. (1996): The yield of Lucerne (Medicago media) seeds depending on sowing density and method of growing. VIII jugoslovenski simpozijum o krmnom bilju, “Zbornik radova”, 26: 167-171. [12]. Stanisavljevic R., Djukic D., Milenkovic J . , Jevtic G., Bekovic D., Terzic D.( 2007): Prinos i komponente prinosa semena u zavisnosti od gustine useva. XI Simpozijum o krmnom bilju Republike Srbije. Zbornik radova – Institut zaratarsvo i povrtarstvo Novi Sad, 44(1): 107-114. [13]. Vuckovic S. (1994): Uticaj nacina setve i dubrenja borom i cinkom na prinos i kvalitet semena. Doktorska disertacija. Poljoprivredni fakultet Beograd. ABOUT THE AUTHORS D. Bekovic, Faculty of Agriculture Pristina – Lesak, Kopaonicka bb, 38219 Lesak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] V. Stevovic, Faculty of Agronomy – Cacak, Cara Dusana 34, 32000 Cacak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] R. Stanisavljevic, Forage Research Institute – Krusevac, Trg Kosturnice 50, 37000 Krusevac, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] S. Stojkovic, Faculty of Agriculture Pristina – Lesak, Kopaonicka bb, 38219 Lesak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Jasmina Knezevic, Faculty of Agriculture Pristina – Lesak, Kopaonicka bb, 38219 Lesak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 130 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA COMPARISON OF TWO MAIZE HYBRIDS' SELF-PROTECTING ABILITY P. Makleit – P. Tanyi – N. Bákonyi – B. Tóth Abstract: The cyclic hydroxamic acids are secondary metabolites of grass species. These chemicals play important role in the self-defence mechanism of the plant. The varieties of different species produce different amount from these chemicals and the quantity depends on plant age too. The varieties with higher cyclic hydroxamic acid content have higher ability to protect themselves, especially in early stages of development. The cyclic hydroxamic acid content of two maize varieties were examined from this point of view: Saaten Union Zamora and an experimental variety, named DASi. The cyclic hydroxamic acid content of roots was measured in various ages. The Zamora variety had higher cyclic hydroxamic acid content compared to DASi at every examined age. It would be important to survey the cyclic hydroxamic acid content of as many cultivated varieties as possible to better exploit the available natural self-protecting abilities of plants. Key words: Cyclic hydroxamic acids (cHx-s), Plants self-defence. INTRODUCTION Cyclic hydroxamic acids (cHx-s) are secondary metabolites of graminaceous species (Niemeyer, 1988). These chemical compounds have several physiological roles. From the point of view of our experiments the most important is that the cHx-s protect the plants against various pathogens and pests (Niemeyer, 2009). The spread of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera LeConte) is an emerging problem in Hungary too. Besides chemical and agro technical management methods it would be useful to utilize the natural resistance of maize. The cHx-content of the roots can be a possible background of responsiveness (Xie et al. 1992). As the cHx-content in the varieties of cHx-producing plants is different (Woodward et al.1979; Zuniga-Massardo, 1991), the self-protecting ability is different too. From this aspect the examination of cHx-content of different varieties is important, because the varieties with higher cHx-content may perform better in the field. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two maize varieties were tested for cHx determination purpose: Saaten Union Zamora and an experimental variety, named DASi. These varieties have different genetic base because of their different origin. Plants were cultivated in field conditions in the experimental station of the Plant Protection Institute of Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Ten plant individuals were grown in soil - gathered from the experimental station - in pots with diameter of 12 centimetres. Pots were regularly watered to 60% of the soil water capacity. Plant samples were collected at the age of 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28 days, respectively. At every age the samples were collected from 4 pots (40 plants all together) in case of both varieties. Plant age was calculated from the emergence of seedling. At the time of sample collection, washed and mopped roots were separated and were deposited into deep-freezer to – 77 oC. Samples were kept for a minimum of one week until cHx131 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA determination. The reason of this process was that the cHx-s can naturally be occurred in glycoside form. The glycosidase enzymes and the cHx-glycosides are in different compartments in plant cells. So the cell damage (freezing) needs for the glycosidase enzymes to release the aglucones (free cHx-s) after thawing. The total, free cHx-content of roots was measured. For measurement of cHx-s method of Long et al. (1974) was used. This method is bases on the measurement of the absorbance of the cHx-s’ iron (FeIII)-complexes. In an average 32 subsamples were examined from each age from respective variety. For the evaluation of experimental data the SPSS statistic programme was used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Two factors were examined whether they influence or not on the cHx-content of maize plants: variety (Zamora; DASi) and plant age (4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28 days old). The first table shows main effects of the factors: plant age and variety separately influence significantly on the cHx-content of maize plants. The interaction of plant age and variety also has influence on the cHx-content. Table 1.: Effect of plant age (fix factor) and variety (random factor) on the cHx-content of maize plants evaluated with General Linear Model (GLM): Source Intercept Age Variety Age x Variety df 1 7 1 7 F 29.884 8.038 49.999 38.565 sig 0.015 0.007 0.000 0.000 The second table below illustrates the cHx-content of roots of the examined varieties at different plant ages. The overall cHx-content of roots of variety Zamora and DASi was significantly different: 311.42 mg/kg fresh weight in case of Zamora and 215.10 mg/kg fresh weight in case of DASi (number of samples = 261; 258). Table 2.: The average cHx-content (mg/kg fresh weight ±SD) of the roots of examined varieties in different plant ages. Variety /Age Zamora DASi 4 days old 396.77 ±13.53 310.46 ±10.11 7 days old 360.66 ±5.60 241.92 ±5.21 11 days old 358.31 ±9.64 214.30 ±7.89 14 days old 346.49 ±7.72 211.29 ±7.07 18 days old 331.56 ±11.11 208.90 ±12.42 21 days old 249.49 ±8.67 188.31 ±8.62 25 days old 231.75 ±8.28 177.49 ±6.57 28 days old 216.32 ±6.53 168.16 ±9.74 The first and second figures below summarises the effect of plant age on the cHxcontent of the roots. The cHx-content of the roots was highest in the youngest examined age in case of both varieties. It decreased as the experimental plants became older, but the difference between the plants with different age was not always significant. In case of variety Zamora there was not significant difference in the cHx-content roots of 7-14 days old plants, and in case of variety DASi there was not significant difference in the cHxcontent of roots of 11-18, and 21-28 days old plants. Our results confirm the earlier results of other authors: the cHx-content decreases with ageing (Argandona et al. 1981; Toldiné Tóth É., 1984; Cambier et al. 1999). 132 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 1. The cHx-content of variety Zamora at various plant ages Figure 2. The cHx-content of variety DASi at various plant ages 133 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The cHx-content was highest at the youngest examined age in the roots of examined varieties, so the elder plants parts generally had the lowest cHx-content. The variety Zamora had higher cHx-content than that of DASi in case of roots at every examined plant age. Our results completed with other authors’ results are strongly suggest to get more information about the cHx-content of the various cultivated varieties of various cultivars of different cHx-producing species, because it is advised to utilize plants self-defence abilities at its highest efficiency by selecting the varieties with higher cHx-content. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors would like to thank the possibility for growing the plant material to Adrien Fónagy, senior researcher of the Plant Protection Institute of Hungarian Academy of Sciences. REFERENCES [1]. Argandona, V. H. and Corcuera, L. J. 1985. Distribution of hydroxamic acids in Zea mays tissues. Phytochem. 24. 177-178. [2]. Cambier, V. – Hance, T. – De Hoffmann, E. 1999. Variation of DIMBOA and related compounds content in relation to the age and plant organ in maize. Phytochem. 53. 223229. [3]. Long, B. J. – Dunn, G. M. – Routley, D. G. 1974. Rapid procedure for estimating cyclic hydroxamate (DIMBOA) concentration in maize. Crop Sci. 14, 601-603. [4]. Niemeyer, H. M. 1988. Hydroxamic acids (4-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones), defence chemicals in Gramineae. Phytochem. 27. 3349-3358. [5]. Niemeyer, H. M. 2009. Hydroxamic acids derived from 2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin3(4H)-one: key defence chemicals of cereals. J. Agric. Food Chem. 57 (5). 1677-1696. [6]. Toldiné Tóth, É. 1984. A DIMBOA-tartalom és a Helminthosporium turcicum rezisztencia összefüggése kukoricában. Növénytermelés 33. 213-217. [7]. Woodward D, M. D. – Corcuera, L. J. – Helgeson, J. P. – Kelman, A. – Upper, C. D. 1979. Quantitation of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in maize by gas-liquid chromatography. Plant Physiol. 63. 14-19. [8]. Xie Y., Arnason J. T., Philogéne B. J. R., Olechowski H. T., Hamilton R. I. 1992. Variation of hydroxamic acid content in maize roots in relation to geographic origin of maize germ plasm and resistance to western com rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Journal of Econ. Entomol. 85: 2478 - 2485. [9]. Zuniga G. E. and Massardo, F. 1991. Hydroxamic acid content in undifferentiated and differentiated tissues of wheat. Phytochem. 30. 3281-3283. ABOUT THE AUTHORS P Makleit, Department of Agricultural Botany and Crop Physiology, Institute of Plant Sciences, Centre for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, University of Debrecen, H4032, Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138., Hungary; [email protected] P Tanyi, Department of Agricultural Botany and Crop Physiology, Institute of Plant Sciences, Centre for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, University of Debrecen, H4032, Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138., Hungary; [email protected] N Bákonyi, Department of Agricultural Botany and Crop Physiology, Institute of Plant Sciences, Centre for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, University of Debrecen, H4032, Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138., Hungary; [email protected] B Tóth, Department of Agricultural Botany and Crop Physiology, Institute of Plant Sciences, Centre for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, University of Debrecen, H4032, Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138., Hungary; [email protected] 134 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA SUSCEPTIBILITY OF WHEAT CULTIVARS TO TILLETIA TRITICI, THE CAUSAL AGENT OF COMMON BUNT S. Gudžić, N. Deletić, N. Gudžić, M. Aksić, K. Nikolić, and M. Vojinović Abstract: Susceptibility of 40 winter wheat cultivars has been evaluated during 2006 and 2007, at the locality of Leposavić (northern part of Kosovo and Metohia). Inoculation of 100 grains for each studied wheat cultivar was carried out according to the overdose method by adding dry teleutospores, and then inoculated grains were sown in rows, one row for each cultivar. Row length was 1 m and inter-row distance was 30 cm. During full ripeness of wheat spikes of the investigated cultivars were cut off and their health status was analyzed in the laboratory. That analysis was designed to establish total number of analyzed spikes and number of infected spikes, as well as to calculate percent of infection. The average intensity of infection was higher in 2006 (47.83%) than in 2007 (31.93%). Infection intensity in 2006 was the highest in cultivars Evropa (95.71%), Renesansa (74.15%), Pesma (73.58%) and Sonata (73.43%), while in 2007 the most susceptible cultivars were Kruna (86.96%), Jugoslavija (82.22%) and Renesansa (64.70%). Key words: Wheat, Common Bunt, Susceptibility, Resistance, Cultivars. INTRODUCTION Bunt, caused by various fungi from the genus Tilletia, is one of the earliest known wheat diseases. There are opinions it was known from the very beginning of this crop domestication (Sarri et al., 1996). Average estimated losses caused throughout the world by these fungi are as high as 5-7% per year (Hoffmann, 1982). In Turkey average losses are around 10%, but in some fields damages ranging from 60-90% were observed (Parlak, 1981). Singh and Chopra (1986) reported losses observed in India between 10-96%. Along with direct damage, wheat bunt causes the indirect one too, because it is a notorious pollutant of healthy wheat grains and products made of them. Teleutospores of this fungus contain trimethylamine which is toxic for humans and warm-blooded animals (Milošević et al., 1998). Wheat bunt was one of the most harmful wheat diseases in Serbia during whole twentieth century. Ranojević (1912) observed appearance of this disease in many localities throughout Serbia, causing decrease of wheat grain yield of 5-20%. Since that time to early sixties bunt was a frequent and economically very important wheat disease in Serbia (Jovićević, 1954; 1957; Kostić et al., 1966). During early nineties of the twentieth century this disease appeared again in Serbia, sporadically at first and then in a massive manner, jeopardizing wheat production in some localities (Stojanović et al., 1994; 1996; Jevtić et al., 1997). Within measures of the integral wheat protection from causal agents of bunt, creating and growing resistant cultivars can be of a great importance (Wiese, 1987). However, breeding programs in Serbia to date have not been including any significant effort to create cultivars resistant to T. tritici. Most of investigated cultivars are susceptible, but there are resistant ones too that could be used in breeding programs as donors of resistance genes, or be recommended for growing in production. Therefore, this study has been aimed to investigate resistance of important commercial winter wheat cultivars to T. tritici and to point out to their possible importance. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out during 2006 and 2007 at the locality Leposavić (northern part of Kosovo and Metohia). Resistance of the following 40 commercial winter wheat cultivars to T. tritici was investigated: Pobeda, Evropa, NS-Rana 5, Renesansa, Pesma, Lasta, Sonata, Sofija, Tiha, Balkan, Kremna, Rana Niska, Takovčanka, Studenica, Kg-100, Kg-56, Toplica, Vizija, Bujna, Matica, Lazarica, Srbijanka, Ana Morava, Kraljevica, 135 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Partizanka, Zvezda, Žitnica, Jugoslavija, Rodna, Banatska Niska, NS-Rana 2, Danica, Proteinka, Milica, Dična, Stepa, Fortuna, Dijana, PKB Krupna, and Kruna. Inoculation of 100 grains for each studied wheat cultivar was carried out according to the overdose method by adding dry teleutospores, and then excess teleutospores were removed by sieving through an appropriate sieve. Such procedure secured every grain being inoculated by over 60,000 teleutospores. Sowing was performed at a well-prepared soil, in 2005 at October 28th, and in 2006 at October 24th. Inoculated grains were sown in rows, one row for each cultivar. Row length was 1 m and inter-row distance was 30 cm. During vegetation period usual agrotechnique measures, and weed plants were destroyed mechanically. During full ripeness of wheat spikes of the investigated cultivars were cut off and their health status was analyzed in the laboratory. That analysis was designed to establish total number of analyzed spikes and number of infected spikes. Based on those data, percent of infection was calculated for every observed cultivar and every year of investigation. Degree of cultivars’ resistance to common bunt was estimated according to scale from 0 to IV (Krivchenko and Myagkova, 1977). 0 – very resistant cultivar (all spikes entirely healthy); I – resistant cultivar (number of diseased spikes up to 10%); II – moderately resistant cultivar (number of diseased spikes from 11 to 25%); III – moderately susceptible cultivar (number of diseased spikes from 26 to 50%); IV – very susceptible cultivar (number of diseased spikes over 50%). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION From the data shown in table 1 it can be seen that the average infection intensity was higher in 2006 (47.83%) than in 2007 (31.93%). In 2006 there was no cultivar classified in very resistant category (all spikes entirely healthy), while in 2007 five cultivars were very resistant, namely Pobeda, Lasta, Bujna, Zvezda and Milica. In 2006 the following cultivars belonged to the resistant category: Lasta (8.16%), Bujna (6.45%), Zvezda (10.0%), Milica (9.52%) and Fortuna (5.35%). The obtained data concerning cultivars Lasta and Milica are in accordance with the data presented in the previous reports (Stojanović et al., 1996; Staletić et al., 2007). As moderately resistant cultivars (11-25% of diseased spikes) in 2006 were classified Sofija and Srbijanka, and in 2007 Pesma, Sofija, Balkan, Kremna, Kg-56, Toplica, Vizija, Matica, Srbijanka, Žitnica, Danica and Fortuna. The most of studied cultivars in both years of the study belonged to susceptible categories (III and IV). Category of moderately susceptible cultivars (number of diseased spikes from 26 to 50%) included 12 cultivars in both studied years. In 2006 those were Rana Niska, Kg-56, Toplica, Matica, Žitnica, Jugoslavija, Rodna, NS-Rana 2, Proteinka, Dična, Stepa and Dejana, while in 2007 those were NS-Rana 5, Mina, Rana Niska, Takovčanka, Ana Morava, Partizanka, Rodna, NS-Rana 2, Proteinka, Dična, Stepa and Dejana. Category of very susceptible cultivars in 2006 consisted of 21, while in 2007 of 11 cultivars (table 2). Infection intensity in 2006 was the highest in cultivars Evropa (95.71%), Renesansa (74.15%), Pesma (73.58%) and Sonata (73.43%), and in 2007 at Kruna (86.96%), Jugoslavija (82.22%) and Renesansa (64.70%). The fact that many studied cultivars were moderately or very susceptible pointed to a need for creating newer cultivars, having a good resistance to T. tritici, along with other positive properties. Stojanović et al. (1996) stated that one of the reasons for spreading T. tritici in Serbia is non- existence of efficient resistance genes in grown cultivars. Different conditions for infection development can explain different resistance of a cultivar in each year. Koprivica 136 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA et al. (2009) stated the first 60 days after sowing as the critical period for infection development when teleutospores on seed surface are the only source of inoculums. Table 1. Resistance of the studied cultivars to T. tritici. 2006 2007 No Cultivar I* II* III* I* II* III* 1 Pobeda 26 17 65.38 32 0 0.00 2 Evropa 70 67 95.71 54 32 59.25 3 Ns-Rana 5 24 17 70.83 46 18 39.13 4 Renesansa 89 66 74.15 34 22 64.70 5 Pesma 53 39 73.58 63 11 17.46 6 Lasta 49 4 8.16 51 0 0.00 7 Sonata 64 47 73.43 99 51 51.51 8 Sofija 16 3 18.75 35 6 17.14 9 Mina 77 55 71.42 48 22 45.83 10 Balkan 66 39 59.09 33 6 18.18 11 Kremna 63 34 53.96 19 2 10.52 12 Rana Niska 55 24 43.63 69 28 40.57 13 Takovčanka 37 19 51.35 50 14 28.00 14 Studenica 61 35 57.37 33 17 51.51 15 Kg-100 34 20 58.82 17 10 58.82 16 Kg-56 91 40 43.95 37 4 10.81 17 Toplica 27 8 29.62 40 5 12.50 18 Vizija 56 32 57.14 8 1 12.50 19 Bujna 31 2 6.45 23 0 0.00 20 Matica 29 13 44.82 27 3 11.11 21 Lazarica 75 46 61.33 77 39 50.65 22 Srbijanka 14 3 21.42 15 2 13.33 23 Ana Morava 38 23 60.52 30 11 36.66 24 Kraljevica 74 43 58.10 88 50 58.81 25 Partizanka 70 41 58.57 40 15 37.50 26 Zvezda 40 4 10.00 8 0 0.00 27 Žitnica 36 12 33.33 26 3 11.54 28 Jugoslavija 17 5 29.41 45 37 82.22 29 Rodna 43 17 39.53 34 13 38.23 30 Banatska Niska 77 45 58.44 21 12 57.14 31 NS-Rana 2 36 15 41.66 21 6 28.57 32 Danica 33 19 57.57 9 1 11.11 33 Proteinka 45 17 37.77 37 17 45.95 34 Milica 42 4 9.52 34 0 0.00 35 Dična 38 12 31.57 87 41 47.13 36 Stepa 75 48 64.00 42 11 26.19 37 Fortuna 56 3 5.35 49 6 12.24 38 Dejana 18 8 44.44 46 12 26.09 39 PKB Krupna 36 22 61.11 54 31 57.41 40 Kruna 97 70 72.16 69 60 86.96 AVERAGE 47.83 31.93 * I – number of analyzed spikes; II – number of infected spikes; III – percent of infection. 137 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 2. Number of cultivars according to category of resistance T. tritici. 2006 2007 Category of Coefficient Number of Category of Coefficient Number of resistance of infection cultivars resistance of infection cultivars 0 0% 0 0 0% 5 I up to 10% 5 I up to 10% 0 II 11-25% 2 II 11-25% 12 III 26-50% 12 III 26-50% 12 IV over 50% 21 IV over 50% 11 TOTAL 40 TOTAL 40 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Results of the study have shown that the average infection intensity in 2006 was 47.83%, while in 2007 it was 31.93%. This fact has pointed out to better conditions for infection development during autumn of 2005 comparing with the same period of 2006. Most of the studied cultivars in both years of investigation were characterized as belonging to the susceptible categories (III and IV). Having in mind the fact that cultivars characterized by high grain yield and other positive agronomical properties were susceptible to the causal agent of common bunt, application of efficient fungicides during seed processing ought to be considered as necessary, as well as efforts to create resistant cultivars with good productivity. REFERENCES [1]. Hoffmann, J. A. 1982. Bunt in wheat. Plant Diseases 6, 979-987. [2]. Jevtić, R., Stojanović, S., Dopuđa, M., Matijević, D. and M. Milošević. 1997. Pojava glavnice i gari u Srbiji. XXXI Seminar agronoma, Zbornik radova 29, 217-223. [3]. Jovićević, B. 1954. Parazitska mikroflora Kosmeta u 1952. i 1953. godini. Zaštita bilja 23, 86-90. [4]. Jovićević, B. 1957. Otpornost nekih sorata pšenice prema glavnici. Zaštita bilja 44, 83-97. [5]. Kostić, B., Smiljaković, H. and T. Tešić. 1966. Bolesti i štetočine pšenice u našoj zemlji. Savremena poljoprivreda 9, 779-791. [6]. Koprivica, M., Jevtić, R. and I. Dulić-Marković. 2009. The influence of Tilletia spp. inoculum source and enviromental conditions on the frequency of infected wheat spikes. Pestic. Phytomed. 24(3), 185-196. [7]. Кривченко, В.И. and Д.В. Мягкова. 1977. Методи изучения пшеницы на устойчивость к пылной и твердой головне. Научные труды, „Колос“, Москва, 2531. [8]. Milošević, M., Stojanović, S., Jevtić, R., Matijević, D. and S. Rajković. 1998. Glavnica pšenice. Feljton, Novi Sad. [9]. Parlak, Y. 1981. Seedborne Pathogens on Wheat (partticulary smuts). EPPO Bull. 11, 83-86. [10]. Ranojević, N. 1912. Kriptogramske bolesti žita u Srbiji. Glavnica u pšenici (Tilletia laevis Kuhn i T. tritici (Bjerk.) Win. 9-41, Beograd. [11]. Saari, E.E., Mamluk, O. and A. Burnett. 1996. Bunts and smuts of wheat: bunt and smut disease of wheat. Concept and Methods of Disease Management, CIMMYT, Mexico, Chapter 1, 1-11. 138 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [12]. Singh, S.R. and V.L. Chopra. 1986. Inheritance of resistance to bunt Tilletia foetida in wheat. Genet. Agr. 40, 369-374. [13]. Stojanović, S., Gudžić, S., Stojanović, J., Božović, D. and N. Deletić. 1994. Pojava glavnice pšenice na Kosovu i Metohiji. Zbornik radova Poljoprivrednog fakulteta u Prištini, 72-77. [14]. Stojanović, S., Stojanović, J. and S. Gudžić. 1996. Otpornost sorata pšenice prema Tilletia tritici. Zaštita bilja 3, 241-246. [15]. Staletić, M., Gudžić, S., Jevtić, R., Milovanović, M., Stevanović, V., Rajičić, V., Knežević, B. and N. Deletić. 2007. Resistance of some commercial winter wheat cultivars to Tilletia tritici. Proc. Nat. Sci. Matica Srpska Novi Sad 113, 155-159. [16]. Wiese, M.V. 1987. Compendium of wheat diseases. The American Phytopathological Society, APS Press, St. Paul, Minnesota. ABOUT THE AUTHORS S. Gudžić, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Deletić, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] N. Gudžić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] M. Aksić, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] K. Nikolić, MSc, Assistant, University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture Lešak, Kopaonička Street bb 38219 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] M. Vojinović, PhD, Professor Appl., College of Agriculture and Food Technology, Ćirila and Metodija Street 1, 18400 Prokuplje, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] 139 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA PHYTOGENICS AS NEW SUSTAINABLE APPROACH IN EGG INDUSTRY B. Pesic, B. Milosevic, Z. Spasic, N. Stolic, Valentina Milanovic Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the experimental results on efficacy of a phytogenic product as feed additive for chicken layers. Feed additives are classified as a group of feed compounds that are able to stimulate a desired animal response a a non-nutrient additive. So far, many substances have been used with growth promoting, immunostimulatory or antimicrobial activity. Widely used are antimicrobials, antioxidants, organic acids and enzymes. However, there is a growing concern regarding the safety of these products, at first antibiotics, whose application increased bacterial resistance worldwide. Demand for new sustainable health and growth promoting agents, increased research efforts to discover and apply substances that comply with regulatory standards, especially in regard to animal welfare and food safety. Phytogenics in recent years have gained considerable attention in the feed industry. They present a variety of herbs, spices and products that are mainly essential oils. Since there are not sufficient numbers of experimental results of phytogenic feed additives especially those applied in layers feeding we conducted an experiment using oregano essential oil. Experiment has been conducted with White Hisex chicken layers 34 weeks old, and lasted for 56 days, with two groups of 1200 birds. Experimental group received a mixture with 0,025% of oregano oil. During 56 days of the trial, body weight, feed consumption, egg laying intensity, egg weight, feed consumption per egg produced, and mortality were determined. It can be concluded that oregano oil can be successfully used as a replacement for antibiotics, at first considering significantly reduced mortality, increased egg production and weight gain. Feed consumption was increased too, which reduced overall productivity, but with determined egg production, finally it could be defined also a positive economic effect of phytogenic additives. Key words: Key words: oregano oil, weight, egg number, feed consumption, economic efficiency. INTRODUCTION The ban of antibiotic growth promoters in Europe, increased the scientific research efforts to develop a sustainable alternative for animal feeding, particularly non-ruminants. Plant derived compounds can be one of these sustainable alternatives and are usually known as phytogenics, or phytobiotics. These plant compounds have a long history in human nutrition in which they served as flavors, food preservatives and, in many cases, medicinal plants. Phytogenics have a range of biological roles that positively influence the intestinal tract eubiosis and, in turn, increase animal performances [5, 10, 13]. They present mostly utilized parts of aromatic herbs and spices (oregano, rosemary garlic, thyme etc.), such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark and leaves, as well as theirs extracts, in fact essential oils [9, 14]. There are limited number of research results presenting the effect of plants, plant extracts and other plant derived active ingredients in diets for laying hens, while in broilers booth, effective and non-effective application in terms of body weight gain and feed conversion, was noted [4, 8, 11]. Experiments dealing with phytogenics in diets for laying hens assumed use of whole plants, ground plants material and essential oils, so it is difficult to compare the results, since there is a limited number of research with similar additive used. In some cases, feed consumption in laying hens was significantly reduced by using oils from thyme, rosemary and thyme powder, thus increasing the feed conversion [1, 2, 3]. The weight of eggs was increased, as well as their total number in hens fed diets with added phytogenics [2, 3, 12]. Non consistent results of experiments investigating the use of phytogenics indicate that the level of dietary phytogenics has a 140 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA significant role [6]. In regard to use of oregano oil in different conditions, better feed conversion and egg production, together with increased egg weight was determined [6, 7], while in some cases feed conversion was significantly impaired [12]. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiment was performed in Kosancic at an industrial farm with 2400 laying hens, divided into two experimental groups comprising 1200 birds 34 weeks old. The research lasted 8 weeks where 20 pens (repetitions) per group (5 birds per pen) served as a sample directly monitored and analyzed. Birds were fed ad-libitum diets containing 16,7% crude proteins where experimental diet contained additional 0,025% of oregano oil (Table 1). All other parameters, genetic and paragenetic were equal, providing conditions for adequate monitoring birds in regard to effect of dietary phytogenic additive. Table 1. Composition of feed mixtures used in the trial Feed constituent Amount Amount Oregano oil 0,025 Maize 50,88 50,86 Full fat soybean (extruded) 15,00 15,00 Sunflower meal 33% 8,70 8,70 Soybean meal 7,45 7,45 Wheat bran 5,00 5,00 Grit 5,00 5,00 Limestone 3,00 3,00 Soybean oil 1,50 1,50 Dicalcium phosphate 1,94 1,94 Salt 0,26 0,26 DL Methionine 0,24 0,24 DL Lysine 0,03 0,03 Premix 1,00 1,00 Crude protein (%) 16,70 16,70 Crude fat (%) 6,90 6,90 Crude cellulose(%) 4,20 4,20 Ash(%) 12,00 12,00 Tryptophane(%)** 0,17 0,17 Methionine +cystine (%)** 0,75 0,75 Lysine(%)** 0,80 0,80 Calcium (%) 3,70 3,70 Phosphorus(%) 0,42 0,42 0,42 0,42 ME, kj/kg 11,60 11,60 ** Values of amino acids were calculated Feed mixture samples were analyzed using standard method of chemical analysis (Wende). Obtained data were analyzed using statistical software Statistica for windows, by conducting variance analysis and Tukey honest significance difference test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Obtained results from this experiment have been presented in following tables (2,3 and 4). It could be concluded positive effect of phytogenic additive presence in diets on all 141 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA investigated parameters, although in some cases differences were not statistically significant. Table 2. Body weight and feed consumtion during the trial Body weight Feed consumption Week Control (К) Trial (О) Index Control (К) Trial (О) Index I II III IV V VI VII VIII 1508 1512 1560 1565 1583 1601 1571 1575 1565 1577 1597 1599 1609 1625 1610 1618 103,8 104,3 102,2 102,2 101,6 101,5 102,5 102,7 106 107 107 108 111 112 112 110 113 117 118 121 123 123 123 122 106,6 109,3 110,3 112,0 110,8 109,8 109,8 110,9 Average 1559±172 1600±169 P=0,678 (Unsignificant) 109±8,9 120±12,3 P=0,03 * (4,582 critical value) 102,6 110,1 Table 3. Egg laying intensity and egg weight during the trial Week Control (К) Trial (О) I II III IV V VI VII VIII 88,1 87,1 85,9 85,3 84,2 84,4 84,1 82,8 91,5 91,3 90,2 89,8 89,5 90,4 89,6 87,6 Average 103,8 104,8 105,0 105,3 106,3 107,1 106,5 105,8 85,3± 5,82 90,1± 7,34 P=0,028 * (3,241 critical value) 105,6 Control (К) Trial (О) 60,2 60,0 60,0 60,2 60,1 60,5 61,6 61,8 60,4 60,5 61,0 61,5 62,3 62,1 63,5 63,0 61,4±5,88 64,0±6,02 P=0,191 (Unsignificant) 100,3 100,8 101,7 102,2 103,7 102,6 103,1 101,9 104,2 Table 4. Feed consumption per egg and mortality during the trial Week I II III IV V VI VII VIII Average Feed consumption per egg Mortality Control (К) Trial (О) Index Control (К) Trial (О) Index 121 122 124 126 132 132 133 133 124 128 131 134 137 136 138 139 102,5 104,9 105,6 106,3 103,8 103,0 103,8 104,5 1,00 0,57 1,14 0,86 0,57 0,57 0,57 0,71 0,29 0,29 0,43 0,14 0,01 0,43 0,29 0,43 105,5 0,75 0,29 29.0 50.9 37.7 16.3 1.8 75.4 50.9 60.6 38.7 127±17,2 134±15,0 P=0,178 (Unsignificant) 142 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA This experiment derived results which show significantly increased (P<0,05) feed consumption in birds feed diets with added oregano oil. Contrary to our results other authors presented no effect of phytogenics on this parameter [4, 7], while in some cases significant feed consumption reduction can be seen [1, 2, 3]. Considering other traits under investigation, we can conclude their accordance with other results derived from experiments dealing with phytogenics [2, 3, 12] in egg production, even regarding feed conversion, which was lower in experimental group, although feed consumption was increased. In contrast to our results there are also reports that no effect at all can be derived by using phytogenics in laying hens nutrition [4, 7], which could be explained by excellent hygienic conditions in these experiments. Better performance may be the result of modifying intestinal microflora, stimulation of digestive enzymes, histological changes and alteration of immune functions, which are predominating explanations of phytogenic mode of action. This could be supported by our results, especially considering mortality, where differences clearly support better vitality of birds fed diet containing phytogenic additive. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The aim of this experiment was to investigate efficacy of a phytogenic product as feed additive for chicken layers. During 56 days of the trial, body weight, feed consumption, egg laying intensity, egg weight, feed consumption per egg produced, and mortality were determined. It can be concluded that oregano oil can be successfully used as a replacement for antibiotics, at first considering significantly reduced mortality, increased egg production and weight gain. Feed consumption was increased too, which reduced overall productivity, but with determined egg production, finally it could be defined also a positive economic effect of phytogenic additives. As in other experiments dealing with other antibiotic alternatives it seems that efficacy of phytobiotics is doze and farm related. Thus, it is necessary to conduct investigation with specific levels of additives with regard to management practice on specific farms, aimed at formulating clear guide for application of phytogenic additives in the future. REFERENCES [1]. Abd El-Motaal AM, Ahmed AMH, Bahakaim ASA and Fathi MM (2008) Productive performance and immunocompetence of commercial laying hens given dietssupplemented with eucalyptus. International Journal of Poultry Science 7: 445–449. [2]. Bolukbasi SC and Erhan MK (2007) Effect of dietary thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on laying hens performance and Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration in feces. International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences 1: 55–58. [3]. Bolukbasi SC, Erhan MK and Kaynar Ö (2008) The effect of feeding thyme, sage and rosemary oil on laying hen performance, cholesterol and some proteins ratio of egg yolk and Escherichia Coli count in feces. Archiv für Gefügelkunde 72: 231–237. [4]. Botsoglou NA, Florou Paneri P, Christaki E, Fletouris DJ and Spais AB (2002) Effect of dietary oregano essential oil on lipid oxidation in raw and cooked chicken during refrigerated storage. Meat Science 62: 259–265. [5]. Burt S (2004) Essential oils: their antibacterial properties and potential applications in foods - a review. International Journal of Food Microbiology 94:: 223–253. [6]. Cabuk M, Bozkurt M, Alcicek A, Catlı AU and Baser KHC (2006) Effect of a dietary essential oil mixture on performance of laying hens in the summer season. South 143 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [7]. Florou-Paneri P, Dotas D., Mitsopoulos I, Dotas V, Botsoglou E, Nikolakakis I and Botsoglou N (2006) Effect of feeding rosemary and α-tocopheryl acetate on hen performance and egg quality. The Journal of Poultry Science 43: 143–149. [8]. Hernandez F, Madrid J, Garcia V, Orengo J and Megias MD (2004) Influence of two plant extracts on broiler performance digestibilities and digestive organ size. Poultry Science 83: 169–174. [9]. Kamel C (2000) A novel look at a classic approach of plant extracts. Feed Mix 11:19–21. [10]. Lambert RJW, Skandamis PN, Coote PJ and Nychas GJE (2001) A study of the minimum inhibitory concentration and mode of action of oregano essential oil, thymol and carvacrol. Journal of Applied Microbiology 91: 453–462. [11]. Lee KW, Everts H, Kappert HJ, Van der Kuillen J, Gemmens AG, Frehner M and Beynen AC (2004c) Growth performance, intestinal viscosity, fat digestibility and plasma cholesterol in broiler chickens fed a rye-containing diet without or with essential oil components. International Journal of Poultry Science 3: 613–618. [12]. Radwan Nadia L, Hassan RA, Qota EM and Fayek HM (2008) Effect of natural antioxidant on oxidative stability of eggs and productive and reproductive performance of laying hens. International Journal of Poultry Science 7: 134–150. [13]. Ruberto G, Barrata MT, Sari M and Kaabehe M (2002) Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils from Algerian Origanum Glandulosum Desf. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 17: 251–254. [14]. Windisch W, Schedle K, Plitzner C and Kroismayr A (2008) Use of phytogenic products as feed additives for swine and poultry. Journal of Animal Science 86: 140–148. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We thank the Serbian Ministry of Science for support. Project TR-31001 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Bratislav Pesic, PhD student, Company Mega-Jaje, 37000 Leskovac, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Bozidar Milosevic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Zvonko Spasic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Nikola Stolic, Agricultural College, 27000, Prokuplje. E-mail: [email protected] Valentina Milanovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] 144 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA SUCCESSION STUDIES ON SLOPES OF WASTE DUMPS P. Tanyi, Sz. Kovacs, P. Makleit Abstract: Our research topic is to find appropriate method and plant species for hindrance of erosion th on slopes of waste dumps. We do our research at 4 phase of Regional Waste Disposal Plant of AKSD Ltd. Co. in Debrecen, whose upload was begun in 2007. Before sowing of a new grass seed mixture in October 2010, we tried to specify what species of the former grass seed mixture sown in 2009 would still exist on the slope, and what other plant species have settled spontaneously since 2007. In September 2010 we set four 5-meter wide stripes from the bottom of the slope, where we surveyed the plant species and their estimated average coverage. In the stripes the number of the species was 3-7, mainly common weed species settled from the vicinity of the dump. We found only one dangerous weed species, the Ambrosia artemisiifolia. The estimated average coverage of the stripes was between 0.7-11.3 %. Only Lolium perenne was still found from the former grass mixture Key words: Slopes of Waste Dumps, Succession Studies. INTRODUCTION Existence of proper plant stand is important on slopes of waste dumps to reduce or hinder deflation and erosion. The main goal of our research work is to find appropriate method and plant species for its realization. MATERIAL AND METHODS We do our research at 4th phase of Regional Waste Disposal Plant of AKSD Ltd. Co. in Debrecen, whose upload was begun in 2007. During 2008 trees had been planted on the slope, but by 2009 all ones were died. The slope was then planted by a so-called Sport grass seed mixture at the autumn, and germinated well. But in the spring of 2010 possibly due to the inappropriate conditions and the gases emitted from the dump’s „body”, the whole stand died. The Sport grass seed mixture consists of 25% Lolium perenne, 45% Festuca rubra and 30% Festuca heterophylla. We received for research purpose a part of the eastern slope of the dump in the autumn of 2010. Before sowing of a new grass seed mixture in October 2010, we tried to specify what species of the former grass seed mixture sown in 2009 would still exist on the grade, and what other plant species have settled spontaneously since 2007. In this article we would like to report on the results of this survey. In September 2010 we set four 5-meter wide and about 16 m long stripes from the bottom of the slope, where we surveyed the plant species and their estimated average coverage. Thus the surface of a stripe was 80 m2 (Picture 1). 145 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Picture 1. The stripes from side-view After setting the stripes we surveyed the plant species in the stripes and their estimated coverage. On the basis of the surveys coenological tables were compiled in case of all stripes that contain the per cent coverage of the species, the flora element- and life form types (Soó, 1964-1980), the TWR indicator numbers (Zólyomi and Précsényi, (1964), Zólyomi et al. (1967)), as well as the environmental protection (EP) categories (Simon (1988, 1992,2000)). The meteorological data were taken from the Tutiempo.net webpage, from the data of the No. 188820 Debrecen-Airport Meteorological Station. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The survey showed that in the stripes the estimated average coverage was very low, not more than 0.7-11.3%. The number of the species was 3-7, mainly common weed species settled from the vicinity of the dump. th 1 stripe: 1th stripe Flora element cosm cosm cosm cosm cosm Life form H Th Th Th Th T W R EP 5a 0 5 4 0 3 0 0 9 5 3 4 weed weed weed weed weed Estimated average coverage of the 1th stripe Name of the species Lolium perenne Polygonum aviculare Portulaca oleraceae Echinochloa crus-galli Amaranthus powelli Number of species 8.6 % Relative coverage of the given species (%) 5 2 1 0.5 0.1 5 nd 2 stripe 2nd stripe Flora element cosm cosm cosm cosm cosm cosm eua Life form H Th Th Th Th Th Th T W R EP 5a 0 5 9 0 3 0 0 0 6k 4 5 5 3 3 4 4 0 weed weed weed weed weed weed weed Estimated average coverage of the 2nd stripe Name of the species Lolium perenne Echinochloa crus-galli Portulaca oleraceae Polygonum aviculare Amaranthus retroflexus Ambrosia artemisiifolia Setaria viridis Number of species 146 11.3 % Relative coverage of the given species (%) 5 3 2 1 0.1 0.1 0.1 7 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA rd 3 stripe: 3rd stripe Flora element cosm cosm cosm cosm cosm eua-med cosm Life form H Th Th Th Th Th Th T W R EP 5a 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 9 5 3 3 3 4 3 weed weed weed weed weed weed Estimated average coverage of the 3rd stripe Name of the species Lolium perenne Portulaca oleraceae Polygonum aviculare Echinochloa crus-galli Ambrosia artemisiifolia Hibiscus trionum Setaria pumila Number of species 9.8 % Relative coverage of the given species (%) 6 2 1 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 7 th 4 stripe: 4th stripe Flora element cosm circ-med cosm Life form Th Th Th T W R EP 0 5 9 5 5 3 4 weed weed weed Estimated average coverage of the 4th stripe Name of the species Echinochloa crus-galli Atriplex patula Chenopodium album Number of species 0.7 % Relative coverage of the given species (%) 0.5 0.1 0.1 3 The coenological survey showed that only Lolium perenne was still found from the former grass mixture. Its estimated average coverage was not more than 5-6 per cent. The other species were mostly cosmopolitan weed species originated from the vicinity of the dump that of course relates to the degradation of the slope. We found only one settled dangerous weed species, the Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Woody plant species were no found at all on the slope. According to the life form data it is well-marked that almost only annual plants can be found on the slope. It seems two-year or perennial plants are not able to tolerate the extreme conditions on the slope. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK These data lead us to conclude that spontaneous settlement or planting of plants on the slope of the waste dump would make more difficult by the present disadvantageous microclimatic conditions. Even after a successful germination the emitting gases from the dump’s body could hinder the root respiration leading to the death of the plants. It is important to emphasize the influence of such abiotic environmental factors like light, temperature, and water supply that can directly affect to the given phases of the plants’ life cycle. The relatively drier and warmer year of 2009 (yearly mean temperature was 11,65ºC, yearly mean precipitation amount was 451,3 mm) was followed by the very rainy, and relative cooler year of 2010 (yearly mean temperature was 10,57ºC, yearly mean precipitation amount was 862,33 mm). These facts could also affected to the success of spontaneous settlement, and the survival of the germinated stand of the grass mixture on the slope. Amongst the abiotic environmental conditions we should mention the here extremely bad soil conditions and its disadvantageous physical and chemical properties. In summary we can state that weed species are more tolerant against the extreme conditions than character ones, thus they are easier able to settle under such disadvantageous conditions. Flora of the edges of the plough lands situating not more than 800 m far is much more diverse, but their propagula are not able to settle permanently on the slopes. 147 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Környezetvédelmi és Vízügyi Minisztérium, Hulladékgazdálkodási és Technológiai Főosztály 2008: A korszerű, regionális hulladéklerakók létesítése és üzemeltetése. Hulladékgazdálkodási Szakmai Füzetek 8., Budapest. [2]. Simon, T., 1988: A hazai edényes flóra természetvédelmi értékbesorolása, Abst. Bot. 12: 1-23 [3]. Simon, T., 1992: A magyarországi edényes flóra határozója, Harasztok - virágos növények, Nemzeti Tankönyvkiadó, Budapest [4]. Simon, T., 2000: A magyarországi edényes flóra határozója, Harasztok - virágos növények, Nemzeti Tankönyvkiadó, Budapest [5]. Zólyomi, B.-Précsényi, I. 1964: Methode zur ökologische characterisierung der Vegetationseinheiten und zum Vergleich der Standoerte. Acta Bot. Acad Sci. Hung. 10:337-411 [6]. Zólyomi, B. et al., 1967 : Einreihung von 1400 Arten der ungarische Flora in ökologischen Gruppen nach TWR-Zahlen. Fragm. Bot. Mus. Hist. Nat. Hung., 4:101142 [7]. http://www.tutiempo.net/en/Climate/Debrecen/128820.htm ABOUT THE AUTHORS Peter Tanyi, University of Debrecen, Institute of Crop Sciences, 4032 Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138. E-mail: [email protected] Szilvia Kovacs, University of Debrecen, Institute of Crop Sciences, 4032 Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138. E-mail: [email protected] Peter Makleit, University of Debrecen, Institute of Crop Sciences, 4032 Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138. E-mail: [email protected] 148 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ENABLING EXTERNAL INSTITUTIONS A KEY TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY-CASE STUDY OF THE FAO IN WESTERN SERBIA B. Milosevic, N. Stolic, M. Milenkovic, Z. Ilic, Z. Spasic, Valentina Milanovic Abstract: The paper presents the results of a qualitative research (RRA approach) that analyzed a successful story regarding sustainable agriculture and rural development with emphasizes on enabling external institutions’ importance for sustainable animal husbandry that is predominating farmers’ activity in the area of Pester Plateu in Western Serbia. It could be concluded that enabling external institution has irreplaceable role for sustainable agriculture. In this paper activity of an international development agency, dealing mainly with agriculture (FAO), which conducted a project in order to promote sustainable development of livestock production, in the region of Sandzak (Raska) in western Serbia, has been presented. Results indicate that participatory approach, respecting the local customs, local knowledge, local culture and capacity of the people to work together, may have significant influence on agricultural sustainability, considering all three pillars of sustainability, an economic, an ecological and a social one. This positive example clearly confirms the theory, which emphasizes the importance of enabling external institutions. Here we discuss about an international NGO, but this paper contains facts that the enabling role can take over farmers themselves and local institutions, ensuring the sustainability and self-reliance among farmers. Key words: SARD, PRA, RRA, livelihoods, participatory extension, farmer to farmer extension. INTRODUCTION The problem of feeding the hunger after the World War II, was the initial factor of launching a transformation process of agriculture, known as a Green Revolution, that increased the agricultural productivity, but at the same time, has had major social and ecological impacts and side effect that, in turn, installed the base for the new approach to agricultural production. Sustainable agriculture tends to address these side effects, so that there are three pillars of sustainability as a commitment to future generations that they will be able to live in economically prosperous, socially just, and environmentally healthy communities. The concept of sustainable agriculture represents a response to the decline in the quality of the natural resource base as a result of introducing modern, intensive agriculture [10]. The multifunctional nature of agricultural production and repercussions of intensive agricultural production redefined the concept which has evolved from a technical one to a more complex one characterized by social, cultural, political and economic dimensions. Agriculture jointly produces much more than just food, fiber or oil, having a profound impact on many elements of local, national and global economies and ecosystems [7]. The mentioned impacts can be negative or positive and the green revolution agriculture, so far, exerted to many negative ones. The negative environmental and human health effects of conventional agriculture are dominating in scientific literature [11, 13, 1, 3], and include: Water contamination by pesticides and fertilizer Contamination of food and fodder by residues of pesticides, nitrates and antibiotics; ecosystems disruption and harm to wildlife; The atmosphere contamination by ammonia, nitrous oxide, methane and the products of burning, which contributes in ozone depletion, global warming and atmospheric pollution; Overuse of natural resources, causing depletion of ground water and loss of wild foods and habitats, and of their capacity to absorb wastes, causing water logging and increased salinity; 149 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The tendency in agriculture to standardize and specialize by focusing on modern varieties, causing the displacement of traditional varieties and breeds; Industrial animal production with great number of animals concentrated at a restricted area, fed by concentrates, which degrade the environmental balance and pollute the groundwater. In addition, there are many negative social impacts associated with modern agriculture. European countries suffer from land abandonment as a result of farms enlargement and consequently farms number decreasing which also brought a dramatic decline in the numbers of people working in agriculture. During the 1980s it was recorded a 10% fall in total agricultural labor force across the EU that means 1.93 million jobs [2, 4]. Large-scale farming causes smaller number of farms, jobs and also contributes to the rise of rural poverty and economic disadvantage [12, 9]. Self reliant farmers able to adapt to the changing reality are the key factor for sustainable development. However, success of sustainable agriculture depends not just on the motivations, skills, and knowledge of individual farmers, but also on action taken by groups or communities as a whole. This implies the need for greater empowerment of farmers and their families and emanates the need for their involvement in decision making processes and adequate transfer of knowledge [10]. Regionally, southern and western Serbia are likely to have higher levels of rural poverty, due to the lower historical levels of household income, greater isolation of rural communities, and less favorable conditions for intensive agriculture, especially in the mountainous area, where animal husbandry stayed predominant agricultural activity and the main source of farmers’ income. To effectively address the problems in the livestock sector, the most important agricultural activity in Raska (Sandzak), the FAO started a project whose results were subject of investigation during the research. The objective was to facilitate the gradual economic recovery of the agricultural sector, by revitalizing and developing livestock production for farmers in the different agro-ecological situations in this mountainous region. Sustainability means capability of a subject to persist for a long time, and to recover after unexpected events. Thus, rural unemployment can be touched by diversification of rural activities; pollution can be minimized by using lower levels of external inputs, together with greater use of crop rotations, integrated pest management, biological control and higher integration of animal farming, in order to support biodiversity and natural balance [10]. During such a process [8] priority has to be given to specific participatory approaches for problem identification and project design, development of practical, easily learnt and applicable approaches and methods, and finally, to institutional and human capacity building, especially in the areas of training and communication Objectives of the research were to find valid answers on what the real impact of the FAO in terms of sustainable agriculture principles was, and how the above mentioned priorities in rural development by implementing participatory approach, influence the rural reality. MATERIAL AND METHODS In order to effectively provide answers to the questions given in the introduction a qualitative analysis methodology [6] has been applied and RRA (Rapid Rural Appraisal) approach has been chosen. Semi-structured interviews with key informants and with focal groups were the primary tool for gathering information. Every interview was very similar in dynamics and discussions, with very small differences and the data can be regarded valid and acceptable. 150 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA During the interview farmers and other stakeholders have been asked to draw a perception of their environment. Trend lines gave farmers opportunity to visually illustrate their perception regarding trends in natural resources such as forests, pastures, livestock numbers, and living standard from the past to the present. Transects as a methodology, was used to exploit the natural resource base natural conditions (climate and soils) and agricultural activities (farming and other activities). Venn-diagram was used to illustrate FAO’s relationships to other organizations in order to define the interaction between different stakeholders and their importance for the success of the project. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Natural resource base, farming technology and productivity. Enabling external action significantly changed the natural resource utilization and farming technology. At first great deal of pastures are improved. Floristic content of pastures has been changed in favor of leguminous plants, influencing the land quality and forage nutritive value. Technologies of haymaking have changed radically as the result of the training and demonstration. Farmers harvest hay in proper moment, which is influencing the hay quality. Bu using appropriate, modern mechanization, storing the hay is easier and durability without spoiling is assured. The strongest impact of the project on farming technology and productivity has been determined in the field of silage making. Namely, in this region silage was not used for animal feeding. During the winter, feeding was based only on hay, so that milk and meat production at high level couldn’t be reached. Today every serious farmer in this region has silage facilities and is making silage. At first, farmers, especially older, didn’t want to give the silage to their animals. Very soon afterwards farmers started visiting the farms making silage. It was obvious that silage is not hard to make and that silage is improving the milk and meat yield. It was the beginning of a kind of FFS (Farmer Field Schools), where farmers instructed other farmers how to make and how much to give to the cow. More and more agricultural land is devoted to leguminous plants in order to make silage for cattle feeding; the productivity is much higher. Social cohesion rural organizations and empowering.The important effect of the project was change of farmer’s attitude regarding associations and cooperatives. Most of them, in the past, were forced to enter cooperatives and to participate in this common work not only by attendance, but also with some percent of their arable land and livestock. Cooperatives served as a mechanism of the state to take the profit from farmers and to take over the most productive resources. As a result farmers were working together but were not willing to legalize the existing of such an institution. At the moment, trough these institutions, farmers accomplish their goals such as better market access, higher prices, changing policy etc., proving that common work, which are based on a win-win solution, is positive and useful for the all sides included. Collective spirit and teamwork was a guarantee that project would have no just a short-term effect. People feel empowered and able to cope with problems, which was not the case in the past. Farmers are ready to ask what they need for better production and higher incomes. Access to market and infrastructure. Regarding the access to market, freely could be said, it was improved as a result of the project activities. Modern district livestock market has been opened providing very good conditions for animal marketing. Sanitary, veterinary and quarantine services are available, and also parking places and places for animal binding, with water and animal feeding devices, and veterinary services. This market increased farmer’s access to market and improved livestock sale for more than 40%, or what someone said “market has been brought to as”. Another important form of improving equitable access to market was Sjenica’s Agricultural Show, which completely fulfilled its magnificent role. Main idea was to connect suppliers with farmers and to persuade the 151 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA traders from other parts of Serbia and even from foreign countries to come to this region in order to understand that it has a very good potential, good customers and stable market. The fact that its organization is not any more under control of the FAO is enough to illustrate level of sustainability. Enabling external institutions completely contributed to the expression of multifunctional agricultural role in this area. Table 1. SWOT analysis of livestock sector-farmers’ perception Strengths Enthusiasm and innovative spirit Desire for knowledge and changes Willingness to stay on their farms and continue with farming Young farmers able to increase effectiveness Tradition and knowledge in livestock production and milk and meat processing Production from forage and animal production to processing (closed circle) Pastures ownership with low input costs Great potential for productivity and production quality increase Good natural resources, including pastures, fresh water and clean environment Opportunities Advantage and market opportunitiesexcellent natural resources and healthy environment Good geographical and market location Potential for agro-tourism development Empowered self sufficient farmerssignificant motivational factors Great potential for farmers organization into groups Weaknesses Insufficient flow of information about new technologies Inadequate of participation of institutions such as development organizations and banks Inadequate cooperation of farmers and governmental institutions Lack of funds for investments Old and inadequate mechanization Insufficient utilization of existing production capacities Incapability of utilization of discounts upon purchasing inputs Farmer operating individually on the market Bad animal housing facilities No changes for a long time in farming systems Complicated access to farms due to bad infrastructure Threats Turbulent political situation Weak state support for the farmers on the market Weak knowledge and information system Weak infrastructure revitalization Ageing of villages Low knowledge about prevention and curing of animal diseases CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Importance of Enabling external institution for sustainable agriculture is irreplaceable, which is clearly evident from the case of Western Serbia. Natural capital has been significantly improved by applying technology and practice in favor of agricultural productivity and environmental acceptability. Human capital has been improved by empowering farmers and other stakeholders regarding the knowledge and capability for performing actions that increase their self-reliance. Social component has been improved by increasing the value making opportunities and by improving the access to the resources. Participatory approach and creating development strategy according to local needs and priorities representing the best way for fulfilling the goals of sustainable rural development. 152 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Altieri M. (1995): Agroecology: The Science of Sustainable Agriculture. Westview Press, Boulder. [2]. Bollman R A and Bryden J M (1997): Rural Employment: An International Perspective. CAB International, Wallingford [3]. EEA. (1998): Europe’s Environment: The Second Assessment. Report and Statistical Compendium. European Environment Agency, Copenhagen [4]. Eurostat. (1997): Agricultural Statistical Yearbook. Brussels [5]. FAO (1998): Improving agricultural extension. A reference manual. Food & Agriculture Org; 2 edition (January 1998) ISBN-13: 978-9251040072. [6]. FAO,2001, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Gender and Development Service. Socio-economic and Gender Analysis (SEAGA) [7]. FAO. (1999): Cultivating Our Futures: Taking Stock of the Multifunctional Character of Agriculture and Land. Food and Agriculture Organisation, Rome. [8]. FAO/SIDA. 1989. Final report of the first FAO/SIDA expert consultation on forests, trees and people, Rome 13-17 March, 1989. Rome: FAO. [9]. MAFF. (1997): Departmental Report. The Government’s Expenditure Plans 1997-98 to 1999-2000. MAFF, London. [10]. Milosevic B. (2006): Enabling external institutions for sustainable agriculture Case Study Of The FAO In Southwestern Serbia. Final report. CIHEAM-BARI. [11]. Pretty, J., 1995, Regenerating Agriculture. Joseph Henry Press, Washington. [12]. Pretty J. (1998): The Living Land: Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Regeneration in Rural Europe. Earthscan Publications Ltd, London [13]. Pretty, J. (2005): The Pesticide Detox: Towards a More Sustainable Agriculture. Earthscan, James and James, London. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We thank the Serbian Ministry of Science for support. Project TR-31001 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Bozidar Milosevic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Nikola Stolic, Agricultural College, 27000, Prokuplje. E-mail: [email protected] Milinko Milenkovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Zoran Ilic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Zvonko Spasic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Valentina Milanovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] 153 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA DIETARY PROTEIN AND WEANING AGE EFFECT ON THE PRODUCTION RESULTS OF PIGLETS M. Milenkovic, B. Milosevic, N. Lalic, Z. Spasic, Milanovic Valentina Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of weaning age and dietary protein level on piglets' productive abilities, the corresponding experimental trials have been carried out. For the experimental material we used F1 generation of Swedish Landrace x Large White. The experiment was carried out in two replications (as the first and second trial), during production between 7 and 15 kg (first feeding period), and from 15-26 kg (second feeding period). Piglets were divided into six groups, twenty piglets in each. According to the weaning age of 21 and 28 days, two piglets subgroup were formed, getting diets with 20% and 22% of dietary proteins in the first feeding period, and 18% and 20% of proteins in the second feeding period. Analysis of the obtained results included calculating of arithmetic means, their standard deviations and standard errors, variation coefficients and intervals, in the first, second, as well as summary in both trials. On the basis of the obtained results we can conclude the following: for the reaching of maximal gain and feed conversion in piglets during the first (7-15 kg) and second (15-26 kg) feeding period, optimal weaning age is 28 days, with the dietary protein of 20% and 22% respectively. Key words: piglets, weaning age, dietary protein, daily weight gain, feed conversion. INTRODUCTION The tendency of pig breeding in the world is to get the best production results. According to that, with the best mode of selection we want to make highly productive pig breeds, and by using the best possible mode of nutrition, we want to enable manifestation of genetic potential for efficient meat production. Swedish Landrace is the most prevalent pig breed in Serbia, at both, industrial and mini pig farms. For crossbreeding in use are sires of Yorkshire breed, well reputed as a breed with strong exterior and good fertility features. The weaning age of piglets has an influence on growth and weight gain of piglets, feed conversion efficiency and overall productivity. At younger age, the stress effect is higher, therefore it is still hard to find the optimal age of weaning. The weaning age depends on body weight and the ability of piglets to consume adequate amount of food. Successful weaning requires a combination of both age and weight at the time of weaning. Weaning ages generally range from 14 to 28 days where the most intensive farms practice weaning between 21 and 28 days of age. With weaning age reduced it is important to appreciate the potential effects that this might have on the piglets, and also on the sows. Lighter piglets at weaning, usually have a slower post-weaning growth rates and thus require a greater number of days to reach a common slaughter weight [9]. Piglets weighing less than 4.6 kg, weaned at 21 days of age, require 12 days more to reach market weight in comparison with piglets with 5.5 kg, weaned at the same age [2]. These differences are more likely to occur three weeks after weaning [5]. The early weaning is a way of more intensive use of sows, and higher production of piglets per year, and is usually associated with depressed growth and incidence of diarrhea [1]. Satisfactory results of very early weaning were not obtained in Serbia’s’ conditions of pig farming. Short lactation length may have a negative influence on piglets’ growth and sows’ fertility. A special attention must be devoted to the question of fertility traits, which are under influence of genetic, and much more, under environmental influence. In order to achieve better weight gains, diets with high crude protein content are used that improve overall productivity [11], but with higher crude protein there is an increase in diarrhea incidence [3]. 154 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The aim of this paper is to examine the combination of different meal protein levels and age at weaning by determination of piglets’ production results under the influence of different factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS For the purpose of investigation, influences of the age at weaning and the feeding with diet containing different level on the manifestation of piglets’ production abilities experimental investigation were performed. The experimental material was 360 piglets, F1 generation of Swedish Landrace x Large White from an industrial farm near Pristina. There were 9 groups of 40 piglets, selected randomly from 30 litters, born within several days, choosing 3 male and 3 female from a litter. According to the weaning age of 21 (I group), 28 (II group) and 35 (III group) days, three groups were formed with additional 3 subgroups, receiving diet with 18, 20 and 22% of crude protein from 7-15 kg of body weght, respectively. From 15-26 kg of body weight, piglets consumed mixture containing 16, 18 and 20% of crude proteins, respectively (Table 1). Table 1. Experiment scheme during the feeding periods Feeding period (Body weight, kg) First (7-15) Second (15-26) Group (Age weaning, days) I (21) II (28) III (35) I (21) II (28) III (35) at a (18) a (18) a (18) a (16) a (16) a (16) Subgroup (Protein level, %) b (20) b (20) b (20) b (18) b (18) b (18) c (22) c (22) c (22) c (20) c (20) c (20) Analysis of the obtained results included calculating of arithmetic means, their standard deviations and standard errors, variation coefficients and intervals, in the first, second, as well as summary in both trials. Analysis of variance was performed and LSD test for multiple comparison. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION From the results presented in Table 2, we can conclude that average daily weight gain of piglets weaned at 21 (I group) days, fed with 18% of dietary CP was lowest (248 g), while those piglets fed with 20 % of dietary CP achieved 250 grams. The highest daily weight gain was obtained in c subgroup of piglets (253 g), fed diets containing 22% of dietary CP. In the second group of piglets, weaned at 28 days of age, average daily weight gain was 259 (18% CP), 272 (20% CP) and 279 (22% CP) grams, respectively. In the group of piglets, weaned at 35 days of age, daily weight gain achieved was in subgroups a-280 g, b-288 g and 297 g in subgroup c, respectively. Daily weight gain during the second feeding period was lowest in the subgroup of piglets fed diet containing 16% of crude proteins, weaned at 21 days of age (379 g). Subgroup b, of the same group achieved better weight gain in comparison with previous group (387 g). Highest average daily weight gain was recorded in the subgroup c, 388 g, in the second group (weaning age 28 days), the subgroup of piglets a (18% CP) had a daily gain of 469 g, subgroup b (20% CP) had 472 g, and in the subgroup c, that received a diet containing 22% of CP, the daily weight gain was 479 grams. In the third group (weaning age 35 days) the daily weight gain in subgroups was a-459 g, b-374 g and c-38 g, respectively. Considering the average results from 7 to 26 kilograms of piglets body weight, the average daily weight gains, as it can be seen from the table, followed 155 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA previously elaborated results during the feeding periods. By analyzing average results during the both feeding periods, as well as, during the whole experiment, there were highly significant differences (P<0,001), between piglets grouped by weaning age, together with significant differences between different dietary CP concentration (P<0,05). Table2. Average daily weight gain og piglets with different weaning age and dietary crude protein content Group I II III I II III I II III Subgroup a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c X Sd Se First feeding period (6-15 kg) 248 2.754 0.435 250 3.031 0.479 253 3.128 0.494 259 16.414 2.595 272 18.398 2.909 279 18.207 2.878 280 8.847 1.398 288 7.886 1.247 297 7.437 1.176 Second feeding period (15-26 kg) 379 4.477 0.707 387 6.329 1.000 388 6.271 0.991 469 4.981 0.787 472 3.768 0.595 479 7.525 1.189 459 5.435 0.859 473 3.812 0.602 475 3.848 0.608 Both feeding periods (6-26 kg) 309 1.354 0.214 314 3.078 0.486 316 3.038 0.480 356 10.516 1.662 364 10.741 1.698 372 12.352 1.953 363 6.654 1.052 374 4.582 0.724 380 5.355 0.846 Cv Iv 1.110 1.212 1.236 6.337 6.764 6.526 3.159 2.738 2.504 243-253 245-257 246-260 236-279 247-293 252-301 265-293 276-299 283-308 1.814 1.635 1.616 1.062 0.798 1.571 1.184 0.806 0.810 367-388 375-398 372-401 459-476 466-482 464-493 448-471 454-479 469-483 0.438 0.980 0.961 2.954 2.950 3.320 1.833 1.225 1.409 306-311 308-319 311-323 343-370 352-379 355-386 354-372 367-380 371-388 Very similar results were achieved in our conditions of pig production, with similar conclusions Zivkovic [10]. Obviously, increased dietary protein level stimulated growth without adversely affecting the health status of piglets [6]. Weaning age significantly affected post-weaning growth and feed utilization capabilities of piglets, which can be seen in other sources [8]. Others reported no differences in later piglets’ production abilities [4] which can be attributed to the optimum management practice and feeding regime [7]. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of weaning age and meal protein level on piglets’ post-weaning growth capabilities by analyzing theirs dally weight gain. During the trial, piglets in the group weaned at 28 days of age and fed diet containing 22% of dietary CP (7-15 kg), and 20% of dietary CP (15-26 kg) grew faster and had a higher daily weight gain than those piglets in other groups. On the basis of the obtained results 156 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA we can conclude the following: for the reaching of maximal gain and feed conversion in piglets, in our production conditions, during the first (7-15 kg) and second (15-26 kg) feeding period, optimal weaning age is 28 days, with the dietary protein of 20% and 22% respectively. REFERENCES [1]. Aherne, F., M.G. Hogberg, E.T. Kornegay, G.C. Shurson, M. Brocksmith, S. Broksmith, G.R. Hollis and J.E. Pettigrew, 1992. Management and nutrition of the newly weaned pig. Pork lndustry Handbook 111. National Pork Producers Council, Des Moines, IA. [2]. Azain, M.J., Tomkins, T., Sowinski, J.S., Arentson, R.A., and Jewell, D.E. Effect of Supplemental milk replacer on litter performance: Seasonal Variation in Response. J. Anim. Sci. 1996. 74: 2195-2202. [3]. Ball, R.O. and F.X. Aherne, 1987. Influence of dietary nutrient density, level of feed intake and weaning age on young pigs. II. Apparent nutrient digestibility incidence and severity of diarrhea. Can. J. Anim. Sci., 67: 1105-1115. [4]. Fenton,J.P., K. L. Roehrig, D. C. Mahan and J. R. Corley, 1985. Effect of Swine Weaning Age on Body Fat and Lipogenic Activity in Liver and Adipose Tissue J. Anim Sci.60:190-199. [5]. Main, R.G., Dritz, S.S. Tokach, M.D., Goodband, R.D., Nelssen, J.L. (2004) Increasing weaning age improves pig performance in a multisite production system. J.Anim. Sci. 2004. 82: 1499-1507. [6]. Milosevic B., Stolic N. 2011. Ishrana svinja. Univerzitet u Prstini. Poljoprivredni fakultet. 200.pg. [7]. Rita Narayanan, B.S.M. Ronald, S. Baegan and R. Prabakaran. 2008. Effect of age at weaning on growth performance of large white yorkshire. Tamilnadu J. Veterinary & Animal Sciences 4 (6) 237-239. [8]. Schinckel, A.P J. Ferrell, M.E. Einstein, S.A.Pearce, and R.D. Boyd , 2003.Analysis of Pig Growth From Birth to Sixty Days of Age. Purdue University 2003 Swine Research Report. [9]. Wolter B.F., Ellis M., Corrigan, B.P. and DeDecker, J.M. (2002) The effect of birth weight and feeding of supplemental milk replacer to piglets during lactation on preweaning and postweaning growth performance and carcass characteristics. J.Anim. Sci. 2002. 80:301-308. [10]. Zivkovic S., Nikolic A., Gluhovic M., Anastasijevic V., Fabijan M. (1992): Neki rezultati odbijene prasadi dobijeni primenom novih normative zasnovanih na svarljivim aminokiselinama. Biotehnologija u stocarstvu, 8 (5-6), str. 231-236. [11]. Yue, L.Y. and S.Y. Qiao, 2008. Effects of low-protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids on performance and intestinal development in piglets over the first 2 weeks after weaning. Livest. Sci, 115: 144-152. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We thank the Serbian Ministry of Science for support. Project TR-31001 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Milinko Milenkovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Bozidar Milosevic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Nebojsa Lalic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] 157 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Zvonko Spasic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Valentina Milanovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] 158 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA AMMONIA CONCENTRATION IN TRANSYLVANIAN DAIRY FREESTALLS BARNS S. Popescu, C. Borda, C.I. Hegedus, R. Stefan, and E.A. Diugan Abstract: The aim of the study was to quantify airborne ammonia concentrations from dairy free-stall barns and to compare it with threshold limits recommended in our country and in other countries. The significance of interactions between ammonia concentration and air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity was also determined. A significant positive correlation was found between temperature and ammonia concentration in all barns. In 87.5% of the monitored barns the ammonia concentration was high, indicating a need for improved housing conditions in the future. Key words: airborne contaminants, gases, air temperature, relative humidity. INTRODUCTION Animal buildings contain a variety of airborne contaminants including gases, general odours, dust and microorganisms. Ammonia has been considered the most significant air pollutant in cattle barns as its irritating effect on the respiratory epithelium appears to directly reduce the number of ciliated cells and thus decrease the efficiency of mucociliary transport [6]. In addition, ammonia is used as an indicator of air quality [9]. When gases produced in concentrated dairy production escape from the buildings, they contribute to environmental problems such as global warming, acid rain and upset the nutrient balance in the environment [1]. The sources of ammonia in dairy buildings include dairy manure, urine, bedding materials and animal feed. Ammonia concentrations in the cattle barns’ air varies greatly depending on the type of housing, number and size of the animals, environmental conditions (air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity), sizes of surfaces where faces and urine are exposed, pH value of the manure, bedding, ventilation, frequency of cleaning and feeding ration [5, 11]. Considering all these, the ammonia concentrations in the air of the animal houses are set at certain threshold limit values. The most frequently recommended maximal value of ammonia in the air of cattle houses is 20 ppm [2], although other recommendations indicate only 10 ppm, considering the cumulative effects of harmful components [10]. In Romania the maximal admitted value for ammonia in the air of cattle houses is 26 ppm [8]. The aim of the study was to quantify airborne ammonia concentrations in dairy freestall barns and to compare it with threshold limits recommended in our country and in other countries. The significance of interactions between ammonia concentration and air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity was also determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS The investigations were carried out in Transylvania, Romania, in the winter of 2010, in 24 dairy free-stall barns (60-170 dairy cows/barn). The cattle houses were closed (8) and half-opened (16), with natural ventilation. The cows were kept in cubicles, on straw bedding, in the majority of the barns, with or without access in outside paddocks. The manure cleaning was done mechanically. The ammonia concentration in the air, the temperature, the relative humidity and the air flow velocity were measured in the morning (at 5-6 a.m.) and in the evening (at 6-7 p.m.) in three different points of the barn, at the level of the animals’ breathing zone. Each barn was visited three times. The mean values of the determined parameters were calculated for each barn, for the morning and for the evening samples. Ammonia concentration was determined by air sampling with Dräger – Multiwarn II (Dräger Safety, Germany) device. Air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity in the barns were determined simultaneously, using a Testo 400 – GmbH & Co device. The 159 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA obtained data were statistically processed with the SPSS version 17 software. The descriptive statistical indicators were calculated (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum) for the measured parameters and the correlation coefficient (Spearman r) between ammonia concentration and relative humidity, air temperature and air flow velocity were also calculated. In order to compare values, the Mann-Witney nonparametric test was used. We also calculated the relative frequency distribution of ammonia concentration as a function of the maximal admitted values for ammonia in the air of the investigated dairy cattle barns. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results obtained by the measurements made in the morning and in the evening in the 24 dairy cattle free-stall barns are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1. Descriptive statistic analysis for ammonia concentration, air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity in the 24 investigated dairy cattle barns, in the morning Parameter n N Mean SD Ammonia (ppm) 24 14.58 5.01 Temperature (C˚) 24 4.12 1.72 Relative humidity (%) 24 64.79 6.11 Air flow velocity (m/s) 24 0.29 0.08 n = number of barns, SD= standard deviation Minimum Maximum Median 8.00 2.00 54.50 0.11 27.00 7.00 78.80 0.42 13.50 4.10 63.55 0.32 Table 2. Descriptive statistic analysis for ammonia concentration, air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity in the 24 investigated dairy cattle barns, in the evening Parameter n N Mean SD Ammonia (ppm) 24 8.04 4.91 Temperature (C˚) 24 6.62 1.86 Relative humidity (%) 24 68.60 5.42 Air flow velocity (m/s) 24 0.32 0.09 n = number of barns, SD= standard deviation Minimum Maximum Median 3.00 3.20 57.10 0.13 20.00 10.20 82.20 0.49 5.50 6.30 67.75 0.33 The ammonia was found in each of the investigated barns, in the morning as well as in the evening (tables 1-2). Its concentration is higher than those described in scientific literature (6-10 ppm) [1, 4, 5, 9]. Clark and McQuitty [3] studied the air quality in six Alberta commercial dairy barns and found that the NH3 was present in all six barns and the overall mean values ranged from 7 to 20 ppm. Groot Koerkamp et al. [5] investigated concentrations and emissions of ammonia in different livestock buildings in England, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. The highest ammonia concentration in cattle houses was found in Germany (22.7 ppm), with mean values in different countries varying between 0.9 ppm and 7.1 ppm. Another investigation of ammonia concentrations in livestock buildings in Germany found a mean value of 6.4 ppm in cow houses [9]. In a 160 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA more recent study conducted in dairy cow barns in Finland and Estonia, the ammonia concentrations varied between 0 and 64 ppm [10]. The maximal reported value was higher than our study’s highest value (27 ppm). High ammonia concentrations are usually found in closed buildings. Ammonia from closed buildings for dairy cattle is produced in large quantities through urea hydrolysis in urine [7]. In the majority of the studied barns the ammonia concentration was higher in the morning comparative to those obtained in the evening, but the differences were statistically insignificant (Mann-Whitney Test, p>0.5). The indoor ammonia concentration depends on the flooring type, bedding material, animals’ age, the microclimate factors, the manure evacuating system, the frequency of cleaning and on the animals’ diet [5, 11]. In our study, the barns with high ammonia concentrations were poorly ventilated and dirty. The manuring interval and storage time in a dairy building influence the amount of exposed manure and the release of ammonia. Ammonia concentration and emissions can be reduced by removing manure before most of the ammonia has volatilized. Ammonia is considered the most significant pollutant in the air of the cattle barns, due its irritating effect on respiratory epithelium [6]. At concentrations less than 100 ppm and in a poorly ventilated facility, ammonia appears to affect pulmonary function in cattle. Temperature had mean values at the two measurements (in the morning and in the evening) below of those recommended for dairy cattle barns (Tables 1-2). Various recommendations for temperature conditions for keeping dairy cows appear in literature [2, 9, 10]. In Romania the recommended optimal temperature for dairy cows ranges between 10 and 14 C° [8]. Temperature is an environmental parameter that can affect the health, welfare, and production efficiency of dairy cows, and thus the profitability of dairy production. The measured relative humidity had in the morning and also in the evening a mean value below the optimal ranges for dairy cattle barns in winter (Tables 1-2). In a study realised by Teye et al. [10] in dairy cows’ barns in Finland and Estonia, the relative humidity varied from 38% to 92%. For the relative humidity in animal buildings CIGR [2] recommends maximum and minimum values as a function of indoor temperature. In Romania, the recommended optimum relative humidity for dairy cows is 75% [8]. The velocity of the air flow had the same mean values in the morning and also in the evening (Tables 1-2), corresponding to those recommended for dairy cattle barns. The results are in conformity with those obtained by other researchers in their studies [10]. No significant differences were shown through the Mann-Whitney test (p>0.05) between the values of temperature, humidity of the air and air flow velocity measured in the morning and in the evening. Considering the maximal admitted values for the ammonia in the inside air of cattle barns in our country and in other countries, a distribution of relative frequency was generated, taking into account the values determined in the morning (Figure 1). 161 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Relative frequency (%) 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ≤ 10ppm ≤ 11ppm < 26ppm ≥ 26 ppm Ammonia (ppm) Figure 1. Relative frequency distribution of ammonia concentration in Transylvanian dairy cattle houses with tie-stalls. It is observable that in 12.5% of the investigated barns the ammonia concentration was below 10 ppm, in 79.17% it was between 11 and 26 ppm and in 8.33% of the barns ammonia exceeded 26 ppm. Our results are different of those obtained in other studies. For example the results of a German study showed that in 72% of dairy cattle barns ammonia was below 7 ppm, and none exceeded the concentration of 15 ppm [9]. High concentrations of NH3 inside the dairy cattle houses indicate improper housing conditions, with the risk of disease for animals and humans. The production and emission of ammonia are usually influenced through the microclimate parameters as temperature, relative humidity of the air and the air flow velocity. In the barns we investigated, the only significant correlation established was between temperature of the air and ammonia, in the morning (Spearman r = 0.59, p< 0.01), and in the evening (Spearman r = 0.83, p< 0.001). In the study conducted by Seedorf and Hartung [9], none of these significant interactions were observed in the cattle houses. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK In the majority (87.5%) of the monitored barns the ammonia concentration was high, indicating a need for improved housing conditions in the future. The results showed that air temperature represents one of the factors influencing the ammonia concentration in the air of dairy cattle barns. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This work was supported by CNCSIS –UEFISCSU, project number 1095 PNII – IDEI 1492/2008. REFERENCES [1]. Anderson, N., R. Strader, and C. Davidson. 2003. Airborne Reduced Nitrogen: Ammonia Emissions from Agriculture and Other Sources. Environment International. 29, 277-286. 162 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [2]. CIGR - Commission Internationale de Génie Rural. 1984. Climatisation of Animal Houses, Report of Working Group on Climatisation of Animal Houses. pp. 1-72. [3]. Clark, P. C. and J. B. McQuitty. 1987. Air Quality in Six Alberta Commercial Free-stall Dairy Barns. Canadian Agricultural Engeneering. 29(1), 77-80. [4]. Demmers, T. G. M., V. R. Phillips, L. S. Short, L. R. Burgess, R. P. Hoxey and C. M. Wathes. 2001. Validation of Ventilation Rate Measurement Methods and the Ammonia Emission from Naturally Ventilated Dairy and Beef Buildings in the United Kingdom. Journal of Agricultural Engeneering Research. 79, 107-116. [5]. Groot Koerkamp, P. W. G., et al. 1998. Concentrations and Emissions of Ammonia in Livestock Buildings in Northern Europe. Journal of Agricultural Engeneering Research. 70, 79-95. [6]. Marschang, F. 1973. Review: Ammonia, Losses and Production in Large Animal Stables. Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 80, 73-120. [7]. Muck, R. E. and T. S. Steenhuis. 1981. Nitrogen Losses in Free Stall Dairy Barns. Livestock Wastes: A Renewable Source. pp. 406-409. [8]. National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority of Romania. 2007. Assessment Card Regarding Welfare and Protection of Calves, Pigs, Laying Hens, Farm animals. [9]. Seedorf, J. and J. Hartung. 1999. Survey of Ammonia Concentrations in Livestock Buildings. Journal of Agricultural Science. 133, 433-437. [10]. Teye, K. F. et al. 2008. Microclimate and Ventilation in Estonian and Finnish Dairy Buildings. Energy and Buildings. 40, 1194-1201. [11]. Wathes, C. M., et al. 1998. Emissions of Aerial Pollutants in Livestock Buildings in Northern Europe; Overview of a Multinational Project. Journal of Agricultural Engeneering Research. 70, 3-9. ABOUT THE AUTHORS S. Popescu, DVM, PhD, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur street, 400372, Cluj Napoca, Romania, Email: [email protected] C. Borda, DVM, PhD, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur street, 400372, Cluj Napoca, Romania, Email: [email protected] I. C. Hegedus, Eng, PhD, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur street, 400372, Cluj Napoca, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] R. Stefan, PHY, PhD, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur street, 400372, Cluj Napoca, Romania, Email: [email protected] E. A. Diugan, DVM, PhD student, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur street, 400372, Cluj Napoca, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 163 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE NUMBER AND HARMFULNESS OF THE LEAF MINER LEUCOPTERA MALIFOLIELLA COSTA IN THE APPLE PLANTATIONS OF SOUTHERN SERBIA Katerina Nikolic, Ana Selamovska, Slavisa Gudzic, Zoran Nikolic Abstract: The territory of Southern Serbia provides suitable agro-ecological conditions for growing apple trees. Diverse methods of growing apple trees create the specific conditions for the growth of certain insect types. It is of extreme importance to monitor the presence of entomofauna in each of the orchards during the whole vegetation period. Leaf miners are the ever-present problem. The emergence of the leaf miners was monitored by the use of standard entomological methods. The research was carried out in 2006 and 2007 on three localities in Southern Serbia (Leskovac, Prokuplje and Vladicin Han). The leaf miner with the highest presence is the ribbed apple leaf miner Leucoptera malifoliella Costa. The highest number and harmfulness was registered on the locality of Leskovac in the second half of August, 2007. The presence of Lithocolletis blancardela F., Lithocolletis corylifoliella Hw., Lyonetia clercella L., Stigmella malella Stt. and Callisto denticulella Thnbg. was also registered. The different time of emergence, the hidden way of life that caterpillars have, the larger number of miner generations or over population of the leaf miners require constant monitoring of their population in each of the orchards. Key words: leaf miners, Leucoptera malifoliella Costa, apple, Southern Serbia INTRODUCTION The suitable agro-ecological conditions for growing apple trees on the territory of Southern Serbia have influence on the fruit production, leading to the increased number of apple plantations. The special attention is paid to the apple production technology of individual producers with the integrated approach to the protection. This implies dynamic monitoring of entomofauna separately in every orchard during the whole vegetation period [8]. All available methods for pest protection are combined ( including mechanical, agrotechnical, biological and chemical) with the aim of diminishing the influence of harmful factors that may possibly lead to the disturbance of biological balance in an orchard. Monoculture style of apple growing and consecutive use of broad spectrum insecticides sometimes lead to the increase in number of the leaf miners [9]. The aim of the integrated protection is to keep the pest population below the economic threshold, to preserve as many useful insects as possible, as well as to bring the number of chemical treatments to the optimal level and to improve the protection efficiency [10]. The leaf miners are present every year, causing direct and indirect damage. The primary damage is caused by their caterpillars that feed on the leaf tissue. This leads to the premature leaf drop and to the physiological exhaustion and irregular ripening of the fruit. Moreover, this may lead to the weak sprout growth and delayed plant growth, as well as to the increased plant sensitivity to pests. Fruit trees may dry out, it the pest attack is too strong [3]. The leaf miners are especially problematic fruit pests due to their different time of emergence, the hidden way of life and the greater number of generations [1]. The most important and the most harmful species of the leaf miners is Leucoptera malifoliella Costa (Leucoptera scitella Zeller) [7,9]. The aim of this work was to determine the number of Leucoptera malifoliella population and to show the intensity of its harmfulness on various localities of Southern Serbia during two consecutive years. 164 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MATERIAL AND METHODS The presence of the leaf miner population was monitored on the territory of Southern Serbia in 2006 and 2007. One orchard was chosen for the respective localities of Leskovac, Prokuplje and Vladicin Han. On the locality of Leskovac, the research was done on the monoculture apple plantation „Navip-Plantaza“, situated in the village of Donja Stopanja. On the locality of Prokuplje, the research was done in the mixed orchard (apple and pear) belonging to the Agricultural High School. The research in Vladicin Han was done in the mixed orchard (apple and pear) belonging to an individual producer from the village of Prekodolce. The basic characteristics of subjects of research are of summarized in Table 1. The basic agrotechnical measures (such as tillage, pruning, fertilization, protection) were carried out in all of the mentioned orchards. Table 1. The basic characteristics of subjects of research Locality Surface (ha) Years old Stock Leskovac 22 26 M9, M26, MM106 Prokuplje 0,5 10 M9, MM106 Vladicin Han 0,2 8 MM106 Cultivar Ajdared, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Granny Smith Ajdared, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Granny Smith Ajdared, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Granny Smith The presence of the leaf miners was established by visual observation and their behaviour was monitored. The visual observations were repeated every 7-10 days. The butterfly flight of L. malifoliella was monitored by Hungarian pheromone traps (Csalomon) during the vegetation period. The attack intensity of the leaf miner L. malifoliella was established by the standard method [3] of counting the number of the mines on 100 observed leaves and showing the percentage of attacked leaves. During the research, hunting belts made of corrugated cardbouard were put on the lower part of the fruit tree trunks to determine the number of leaf miner maggots and other insects (codling moths). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The monitoring of the number and dynamics of the leaf miner population as a regularly present apple pest [1] is a significant moment in the contemporary fruit production. It is necessary to monitor every development stage of a certain species. It is of extreme importance to determine the beginning of the butterfly flight on each location separately [8] due the influence of the weather factors [2]. The dynamic monitoring of the leaf miners enables the determination of the right moment for the protection with the least possible number of treatments [10] as well as the preservation of the useful entomofauna. It is necessary to monitor the presence of natural enemies and preserve their number due to the possibility of the natural regulation of the leaf miners, which is pointed out by other authors as well. [2,6,7]. On the monitored localities of Southern Serbia, the most dominant and economically most significant species is the leaf miner Leucopterra malifoliella Costa. The emergence of the following species of the leaf miners is also established: Lithocoletis blancardella F., 165 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Lithocoletis corylifoliella Hv., Lyonetia clercella L., Stigmella malella Stt., Callisto denticulella Thnbg. The harm done by these leaf miners was insignificant, with a mild attack and the emergence of single mines on the apple leaves. The earliest start of the L. malifoliella butterfly flight was registered on the locality of Leskovac (Table 2.) during the both years of the research (April 24, 2006 and April 21, 2007). The first butterfly emergence determined in the third decade of April corresponds to the first butterfly emergence determined in the research done in Backi Vinogradi [5]. However, it differs from the first butterfly emergence in Belgrade determined at the beginning of April [7]. On all the localities in 2006, the end of the butterfly flight was established to be earlier in comparison to 2007, which was caused by the weather conditions (precipitation and lower temperatures). The shortest butterfly flight was established on the locality of Vladicin Han (89 days in 2006), whereas the longest butterfly flight was on the locality of Leskovac (150 days in 2007). The biggest number of the butterflies per pheromone trap was established on the locality of Leskovac (423 butterflies in 2006 and 525 butterflies in 2007). Table 2. The length of the L. malifoliella butterfly flight on the localities of Southern Serbia in 2006 and 2007 Year 2006 2007 Locality The beginning of flight The end of flight Period of flight Leskovac Prokuplje Vladicin Han Leskovac Prokuplje Vladicin Han 24.04. 26.04. 27.04. 21.04. 28.04. 29.04. 14.09. 23.08. 24.08. 18.09. 14.09. 31.08. 142 91 89 150 109 125 The total number of caught butterflies per pheromone trap 428 365 143 525 381 181 The population of the leaf miners and the number of the mines were smaller at the beginning of the vegetation period in comparison to the second part of the vegetation [2]. The important element for the determination of the harmfulness and its intensity is the average number of the mines per leaf, which was shown in the Table 3. The highest intensity of the leaf miner harmfulness was 17% in 2006, with the average number of 9 mines per leaf (August 08, 2006). The highest intensity of the leaf miner harmfulness was 31% in 2007, with the average number of 14 mines per leaf (August 23, 2007). At the end of the vegetation period, the leaf miner cocoons were formed on the fruit damaged by the caterpillars Tortricidae, Venturia inaequalis and by hail (mechanical damage). This fruit is a particular problem during the long-distance transport, because it has the influence on the spread of the leaf miners [4,8]. The hunting belts made of corrugated cardboard which were put on the lower part of the tree trunks were a suitable place for the wintering of the L. malifoliella. leaf miner cocoons. 166 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 3. The intensity of the L. malifoliella attack on the localities of Southern Serbia in 2006 and 2007 Year Locality 2006 Leskovac Prokuplje Vladicin Han 2007 Leskovac Prokuplje Vladicin Han The average number of mines per leaf 29.06. 1 0 0 26.06. 1 1 0 14.07. 4 1 1 18.07. 8 7 4 20.08. 9 5 3 23.08. 14 11 9 % of leaves under pest attack 29.06. 2 0 0 26.06. 3 2 0 14.07. 6 3 2 18.07. 16 12 6 20.08. 17 8 5 23.08. 31 25 13 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Based on the gathered results, the following may be concluded: On the territory of Southern Serbia, the leaf miners are ever-present problem in the apple plantations. The economically most significant leaf miner with the highest presence is Leucopterra malifoliella Costa. Its biggest number was established in the second half of August on all the researched localities. The highest intensity of harmfulness, 31%, was established on August 23, 2007 on the locality of Leskovac. The different time of emergence, the hidden way of caterpillar life, the bigger number of generations and the overpopulation of leaf miners require the constant monitoring of their population, separately in each orchard. REFERENCES [1]. Almasi, R., Injac, M., Almasi, S. 2004. The harmful and useful organisms of apple fruit. Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad, 168. [2]. Ciglar, I. 1979. The emergence of strong leaf miner populations, the prognosis and suppression measures. Proceeding of articles, Poreč, 567-572. [3]. Dimić, N. 1983. Leaf miners. The guide of the department for the prognosis and protection of agricultural cultures. The society for plant protection of Jugoslavia, Beograd, 453-457. [4]. Dulić, K., Injac, M. 1981. The suppression of leaf miners Leucoptera scitella Zell., Lithocolletis blancardella F. i Lithocolletis corylifoliella Hw. in the production of apple. Plant protection, Vol. 32(4), Beograd, 158: 409-426. [5]. Dulić, K. 1989. The development of leaf miners and their suppression in the orchards of Suboticka pescara. Ph.D. dissertation, Novi Sad. [6]. Kutinkova, H., Andreev, R. 2000. Possibilities to determine the species complex of the beneficial entomofauna in apple agrocenose by using pheromone traps for the leaf miner Leucoptera scitella Zell. (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae). Yearbook for Plant Protection, Vol. XI, Skopje, 121-128. [7]. Magud, B. 2002. Bionomy of the apple leaf miner Leucoptera malifoliella (Costa (1836)) (Lepidoptera, Lyonediidae). M. Sc. Thesis, Faculty of Agriculture, Beograd – Zemun, 73. 167 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [8]. Nikolic, K., Stamenkovic, S. 2003. The number of the population of the leaf miner (Leucoptera scitella Z.) on the territory of Jablanica district. Yearbook for Plant Protection, Vol. XIV, Skopje, 83-96. [9]. Nikolic, K., Stojanovic, M., Babovic-Djordjevic, M., Nikolic, Z. 2005. The occurrence of leaf miners in apple plantations in Jablanica district. Proceeding of articles, Ist Congress of Plant Protection “Environmental concern an food safety”, Ohrid, 28. 11. – 2. 12. 2005., Plant Protection society of Republic of Macedonia, 195-198. [10]. Postolovski, M., Jovančev, P., Lazarevska, S., Damovski, K., Malenko, K. 2000. The integrated protection of the apple from the diseases and pests. Mimistry of agriculture, forestry and water economy of Republic of Macedonia, 63. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Katerina Nikolic, assistant, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381638266191, E-mail: [email protected] Ana Selamovska, scientific collaborator, Institute of Agriculture, Bul. Aleksandar Makedonski bb., 1000 Skopje,Republic of Macedonia, +38978255729, E-mail: anfilika2@ t-home.mk Slavisa Gudzic, associate professor, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381638233135, E-mail: [email protected] Zoran Nikolic, assistant professor, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381631583860, E-mail: [email protected] 168 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EFFECTS OF ROSETS QUALITY AND PLANTING DATE ON ROOTING OF FRESH STRAWBERRY ROSETS Ana Selamovska, Katerina Nikolic, Zoran Nikolic Abstract: The aim of investigation was the influence of quality of fresh rosets on rooting percent depending of planting time, on june-bearing strawberry cultivar Fragaria x anannassa ‘Pocahontas’. Acceptance of rosets after planting is correlated to their quality, timing of planting and climate conditions at the moment of planting and after the planting. Very strong correlation founded between the quality of the rosets and rooting percent (r=0.885). Rosets with bigger diameter of root crown and better root quality, have higher rooting percent. On the other side, the quality of the rosets depend of the time of their planting, for wich statistical significant differences are determined. Rosets planted earlier in summer months, have lower quality and accepting after planting, compared to those planted later. There is a high correlation between timing for planting and diameter of the root crown of the rosets (r= 0.977), length of the root (r=0.649) and acceptance (r=0.852). Key words: strawberry, rosets, quality, planting date, rooting INTRODUCTION Speaking about high intensive strawberry production and getting high yield with excellent quality, it is necessary to use only pure, healthy and high quality planting material. What kind of planting material is going to be used by the producer, depends first of all on the available finances, time of planting, way of producing etc. Quality of the material depends of more factors: way of producing [5, 8], kind of planting material [3], age and health condition of mother plant [7,4], order of the rosets [3], etc. The most frequent factor for low yield is not adequate timing for planting the rosets. It is necessary to determine the most adequate time for planting, taking care about well developing of the plant till the beginning of the winter, forming big number of buds, all in aim of getting high yield in the next year. By early planting the rosets, the yield in July and August is higher five to ten times, compared to the later planted rosets in autumn or spring. Using the spring planting, yield may not appear [5,6,10,]. Low quality of the rosets, planted in not adequate time directly influence on the rooting percent and the final result is lower yield per plant and per ha. MATERIAL AND METHODS The real value of the planting material can be measured by the producing control, by planting the rosets in different terms, by investigating the rooting percent after planting, yield and quality of the fruits. In aim of investigation the influence of quality of the rosets and timing of planting, and accepting the rosets after planting, fresh rosets of june-bearing strawberry cultivar Fragaria x anannassa ‘Pocahontas’ were planted in different timings, starting on 15th of August till 15th of November, and in March next year each 15 days. The quality of the rosets is expressed by the diameter of the root crown (mm) and the length of the root (cm). It is determined the average diameter of root crown for each planting term, as well as the length of the rosets and accepting after the planting. The results are statistically elaborated by correlation analyses and analyse of variance. Investigations took place in two cansequental years, in the Skopje region, situated on altitude of 234m over the sea level. This region belongs to continental-submediterranean climate area [1]. Some changes of the climate of this area took place in the last year, because of the effect of green glasses. According the climate conditions (parameters were used from Hydro-meteorological service-Skopje, for meteorological station Petrovec) the 169 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA medium values of the temperatures of the air during the vegetation are favourable for growing strawberries. All values of hydro-thermal indicators show that the climate in Skopje’s region is semi-arid with low relative humidity of the air, unfavourable for strawberry’s development. The annual and vegetation sum of rains are not sufficient for development and fruiting of strawberry in this region, wich demands the necessity of irrigation. Deficiency of water is extremely high during the summer months. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Data about the quality of the rosets, accepting after the planting in different terms are given on Table 1. It’s determined very strong correlation between the quality of the rosets and rooting percent (r=0.885). Rosets with big diameter of root crown (over 11 mm) and longer root (over 8 cm) have good acceptance after planting (over 90%) compared with rosets with diameter of root crown about 8 mm and root length of 4.9 mm wich have 49.1 % acceptance. Investigations are compatible to the results of references [3] who determines positive correlation between the quality of the rosets and the rooting percent. Table 1. Quality of rosets and rooting percent depending on planting date _____________________________________________________________________ Planting Diameter of Root lenght Rooting date root crown/ mm cm % ____________________________________________________________________ X index X index X index ____________________________________________________________________ 15.08 8.0 100 3.2 100 35.7 100 30.08 8.5 106 6.6 206 62.6 175 15.09 9.5 119 6.3 197 46.0 129 30.09 10.6 132 6.2 194 75.4 211 15.10 10.7 134 7.4 231 86.1 241 30.10 11.1 139 6.0 187 72.1 201 15.11 11.7 146 7.1 222 90.2 253 15.03 11.9 149 9.6 300 92.5 259 X 10.7 6.5 70.0 r 0.977 0.649 0.852 LSD0.05 2.06 1.40 18.40 LSD0.01 2.74 1.89 24.52 ____________________________________________________________________ On the other side the quality of the rosets is in correlation with their development and organogenesis. June-bearing strawberry cultivars in Skopje region start forming the rosets in July. Concerning that for getting higher yield at strawberries grown outside, best time for planting the rosets is in July, August, the plant has no time for forming quality rosets ready for planting in summer months. That is why there is not a fresh material for summer planting, in that year. We find ourselves in position of using fresh rosets with lower quality (smaller diameter of root crown and smaller root) what influence directly on weaker rooting and acceptance after planting. Because of the deficit of fresh plant material, we can use frigo material, weiting bed etc. In climate conditions such as ours, with hot summers, such material is not available to be used. Just after the planting the frigo material, in conditions of high average day temperatures, they make flowers, what is very unconvenient. High temperatures have bad influence on fertilizing. Formed fruits are small, atypical for the cultivar, very often deformed. Flowering exhaust the plant, because flowers appear at the time when the plant should differ flower buds for the next year. At this state plant is confused. In August it 170 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA enters the reproductive phase not ready. That cause disorders of the other phases of organogenesis, and the results is low yield next year [9]. Using another type of planting material, costs a lot. One of the possible ways for producing fresh, good quality planting material, ready for summer planting is with direct rooting in mother orchard on substratum [2,8]. Not just the quality of the rosets influence on accepting after the planting, but also the timing for planting as well as the climate conditions at the time for planting. The quality of the rosets depend of the time of their planting, for wich statistical significant differences are determined. Rosets planted earlier in summer months, have lower quality and accepting after planting, compared to those planted later. There is a high correlation between timing for planting and diameter of the root crown of the rosets (r= 0.977), length of the root (r=0.649) and acceptance (r=0.852). For determine the correlation values, number of days are counted from 1.06 until forming the root crown, each date separately. Rosets ready for planting on 15.08 have 15.8% smaller diameter of root crown, 49.2% shorter root and 22.4% lower acceptance than the rosets on 15.09, and 25.2% smaller diameter of root crown, 56.7% shorter root and 58.5% lower acceptance than the rosets on 15.10, and 32.7% smaller diameter of root crown, 66.7% shorter root and 61.4% lower acceptance than the rosets on 15.03 (Table 2). Table 2. Comparation between rosets planted in different timing Parameters Differences % 15.08/ 15.08/ 15.08/ 15.08/ 15.08/ 15.08/ 15.08/ Average 30.08 15.09 30.09 15.10 30.10 15.11 15.03 15.08/15.03 Diameter of root crown -0.6 -15.8 -24.5 -25.2 -27.9 -31.6 -32.7 -22.6 Root lenght -51.5 -49.2 -48.4 -56.7 -46.7 -54.9 -66.7 -53.4 Rooting -42.9 -22.4 -52.6 -58.5 -50.5 -60.4 -61.4 -49.8 ____________________________________________________________________ Fresh rosets planted in August have 22.6% smaller diameter of root crown, 53.4% smaller root system and 50% lower acceptance after planting. The reason for lower accepting of rosets in summer months, although irrigated and mulched with straw, were extremely high air temperatures, during and after the planting the rosets. The highest absolute maximum of 38.7 oC and higher monthly average air temperatures of 26.1oC are found in August 2001. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Results of our investigations bring up following conclusions: Acceptance of rosets after planting is correlated to their quality, timing of planting and climate conditions at the moment of planting and after the planting. Rosets with better quality, bigger diameter of root crown and developed root system, have better acceptance after planting. Lower acceptance of the rosets during the summer months is a results of lower quality and extremely high air temperatures at the moment of planting and after planting, what is the reason why in Skopje region strawberries should be grown only under conditions of irrigation. REFERENCES [1]. Filipovski, Gj. Rizovski, P. and Ristevski, P. 1996. Characteristics of climate vegetative-soils zones (regions) in Republic of Macedonia. MASA. Skopje. 171 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [2]. Kiprijanovski M., Gjamovski V. and arsov T. 2004. Water conservation in strawberry orchards by mulching of soil surface. Journal of Mountain Agriculture on the Balkan, 7 (4):447-455. [3]. Lutchoomun, S. 1999. Influence of fresh and cold stored plantlets in strawberry yield. Food and agricultural Research Council, Reduit, Mauritius. [4]. Michic, N., Gjuric, G.1989. Winter buds of the strawberry and their growth and development. Modern Agronomy 37, 11-12: 581-590. [5]. Mratinic, E. 2000. Strawberry. Belgrade.. [6]. Ozdemir, E., Kaşka, N. 2002. Effects of different rooting dates of fresh runners rooted in pots on yield precocity and quality of strawberry. Acta Horticulture, 439, 501507. [7]. Ristevski, B., Simovski, K.1986. Plant production. Skopje. [8]. Selamovska A, Nikolic K., Nikolic Z, Knezevic B. 2006. Modificated way of production of fresh runners of strawberry. Agro-knowledge Journal, 7, 3:25-34. [9]. Selamovska, A. 2007. Differentiation and development of strawberry mixed buds in region of Skopje. Monography. Zaduzbina Andrejevic, Belgrade. [10]. Shoshkic M. 1998. Strawberry. Partenon. Belgrade. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Ana Selamovska, scientific collaborator, Institute of Agriculture, Bul. Aleksandar Makedonski bb., 1000 Skopje,Republic of Macedonia, +38978255729, E-mail: anfilika2@ t-home.mk Katerina Nikolic, assistant, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381638266191, E-mail: [email protected] Zoran Nikolic, assistant professor, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381631583860, E-mail: [email protected] 172 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA FASCIOLOSIS AS EXISTING PROBLEM IN SOUTH-EAST SERBIA Valentina Milanovic*, M.Milenkovic*, B. Milosevic*, A. Nitovski*, Z.Spasic*, Bisa Radovic* Abstract: As an economically important disease at domestic livestock, in particular cattle and sheep, fasciolosis is still existing problem in husbandry. Economic losses about low meat and milk production, low fertility, condemned liver and high veterinary costs, provoked this research in Jablanica region, at South-East Serbia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and long-term trend of liver fluke disease at cattle. Total of 6462 slaughtered cattle were examined post –mortem, during the period from 2006 year to 2010, and trematode Fasciola hepatica was found at 417 animals. Analyzing the significance of the differences between the infected cattle, very significant difference (p<0.01) was established according to the age of the cattle, and between year 2006 with years 2008, 2009 and 2010, in cattle above two years old. A significant difference (p<0.05) was established between 2010 to 2007 and 2009 years, in cattle under two years old. The trend of this disease has shown the increasing line. KEY WORDS: Fasciola hepatica, cattle, liver, Jablanica region INTRODUCTION Fasciolosis, as worldwide parasitic disease, appears often as subclinical and chronical disease with decreased production of milk and meat, secondary bacterial infections, fertility disorders, great expenses about antihelmintics, and which also affects humans [5, 7]. The liver in ruminants is condemned and damaged; even 60-70% of liver tissue can be lost before significant dysfunction becomes apparent [6]. Weight loss is common; anaemia, oedema and cachexia develop gradually. Diarrhoea and constipation have also been described, coupling the progressive health disorder [17]. There are many different factors, what’re important for prevalence for fasciolosis, but presence of intermediate snail host - Lymnea truncatulla, which has a worldwide distribution [20], and favorable climate are the most important factors which influence the successful completion of the life cycle of Fasciola hepatica. Although in tropical and subtropical areas fasciolosis caused by Fasciola gigantica [10, 19], or mixed infection with Fasciola sp. are often [1], the most commonly recovered fluke species in continental climate area, such as Europe, is Fasciola hepatica. [2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 16, 18]. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research has been taken on 6462 slaughtered cattle, originated from Jablanica Region, which were examinated post-mortem at AD “Mesokombinat” abattoir, during the period from January 2006 to December 2010. The examination and evaluation of meat and organs are involved in permanent veterinary control at the abattoir, according to The Book of Regulation [13, 21]. The monitoring of liver was taken by inspection, palpation and incision with two cuts-one for opening ductus choledocus, and one for smaller bile ducts. Meteorological data for this period: precipitation, average daily temperature and relative humidity, were collected by Republic Hydrometeorological service of Serbia. Jablanica region spreads at 2771km2, on the South-East Serbia, around the river South Morava. The moderate-continental climate, with pronounced local characteristics, exists in this area; average daily t° about 21-24°C in the summer, -8°C to 5°C in the winter, relative humidity about 71-86%, and annual precipitation about 570-830 mm, with higher quantities in warmer part of the year. Prevalence of fasciolosis was calculated as the number of cattle found to be infected with Fasciola hepatica, expressed as a percentage of the total number of slaughtered 173 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA cattle. All data were analyzed with non-parametric statistical tests, at the levels of significance at 95 and 99% [11], and presented as tables and figure. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During the post-mortem examination of 6462 slaughtered cattle, Fasciola hepatica was found at 417 animals (6,55%), what was confirmed in abattoir’s laboratory. Liver’s hypertrophy and thicken yellow-white bile ducts were found by liver inspection. After the incision of changed bile ducts, dark green mucilaginous mass with adult trematode was found. The dark brown focal lesions in liver’s parenchyma, which could be the result of the presence of developing stadium of Fasciola hepatica, and parasitic digestion of hepatic tissue with extensive parenchymal destruction, were also found [4]. All condemned livers (2025 kg) were confiscated. Distribution of bovine fasciolosis, per year and per age, was shown in Table 1. Table 1.Distribution of bovine fasciolosis, per year and per age of cattle cattle year slaughtered infected Cattle above two years of age Cattle under two years of age % slaughtered infected % slaughtered infected % 2006 1118 58 5,19 151 52 34,66 967 6 0,62 2007 995 65 6,53 272 63 23,16 723 2 0,27 2008 1019 45 4,41 213 40 18,77 806 5 0,62 2009 1429 105 7.34 717 102 14,22 712 3 0,42 2010 1802 144 7,57 672 119 17,70 1230 25 2,03 ∑ 417 6,55 2024 376 18,56 4438 41 0,92 6462 Figure 1. Trend of infection of cattle over five-year period (%) The tendency of fasciolosis in five-year period, done with trend, was shown increasing line, with 8,29% expected in next year (Figure 1). Analyzing the different in percentage of infected cattle old above two years with a percentage of infected cattle under two years old, very significant difference (p<0.01) was found [15]. 174 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The analysis of the data (Table 2.) has been shown very significant difference (p<0,01) between year 2010 to 2006 and 2008, and between year 2009 to 2006 and 2008. Significant difference (p<0,05) have been recorded between the year 2007 to 2006 and 2008, but comparing the percentage of infected cattle between the rest years, no significant difference was found (p>0,05). Table 2. Significance of difference in percentage of average number of infected head per year of observation Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 % 5,19 6,53 4,41 7,34 7,57 2010 2,38** 1,04 3,16** 0,23 - 2009 2,19** 0,81 2,93** - 2008 0,78 2,12* - 2007 1,34* - 2006 - LSD0.05=1,21 LSD0.01=2,13 Analyzing the significance of difference in percentage of average number of infected cattle per season, significant difference (p<0,05) has been found, between winter to spring and autumn. Table 3. Significance of difference in percentage of average number of infected head per season of observation Season Spring % 7,48 Winter 2,6* Autumn 0,45 Summer 1,87 Summer 5,61 0,78 1,42 - Autumn Winter 7,03 4,88 2,15* - - Spring - LSD0.05=2,02 LSD0.01=2,80 As the most favorable temperature for embryonation of Fasciola hepatica’s eggs is 23-26°C, and for miracidium activity is 15-26°C, because it’s not infective at or below 5°C [17], the climatic factors in South East Serbia are appropriate for prevalence of Fasciola hepatica [9, 12]. According to previous data, percentage of infected animals were higher in 2009 and 2010 years, proportionally to annual precipitation, and in year 2008 to 2006 proportionally to higher average daily temperature [14], which wasn’t optimal temperature for pre-adult stadium of Fasciola hepatica. Lower average daily temperature in the winter, comparing with autumn and spring, and lower season precipitation have been caused a lower prevalence of fasciliosis, for that period. CONCLUSIONS Factors, which have been contributed to the prevalence of fasciolosis in this area, might be favorable for outbreak other parasitoses of digestive tract in ruminants. Market demands for food safety and high-standard husbandry recommend planned antihelmintics applying, to eradicate presence and development of juvenile and adult form of parasites. The main task for eradication of fasciolosis should be also better education of farmers in this area, considering that fasciolosis is zoonosis, and it’s still existing problem. 175 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Abunna F., Asfaw L., Megersa B., Regassa A. (2010): Bovine fasciolosis: coprological abattoir survey and its economic impact due to liver condemnation at Soddo municipal abattoir, Southern Ethiopia, Trop Anim Health Prod. 42 (2): 289292 [2]. Conceicao M.A., Durao R.M., Costa I.M., Castro A., Louza J.C. (2004): Herd-level seroprevalence of fasciolosis in cattle in north central Portugal, Vet. Parasitol. 123 (1-2): 93-103 [3]. Cringoli G., Rinaldi L.,Veneziano V., Capelli G., Malone J.B.(2002): Acrosssectional coprological survey of liver flukes in cattle and sheep from an area of the southern Italian Apennines, Vet. Parasit. 108 (2): 137-43 [4]. Gajewska A., Smaga- Kozlowska K., Wisniewski M. (2005): Pathological changes of liver in infection of Fasciola hepatica, Wiad Parazytol 51 (2), 115-123 [5]. Jensenius M., Flaegstad T., Stenstad T., Gjolberg T., Vlatkovic L., Schjoth-Iversen L., Berild D., Bordmann G., Myrvang B. (2005): Fasciolosis imported to Norway, Scand J Infect Dis. 37 (6-7): 534-547 [6]. Jubb K.V.F. Kennedy P.C., Palmer (2007): Pathology of Domestic Animals, Fifth Edition, Academic Press, New York, Edited by Maxie MG [7]. Kulisic Z. (1992): Parazitske zoonoze u Srbiji, Zbornih kratkih sadrzaja V Savetovanja veterinara Srbije, 62-65 [8]. Mago C., Bourgue H., Toulieu J. M. Rondeland D., Dreyfuss G. (2002): Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomum daubneyi: changes in prevalences of natural infections in cattle and in Lymnea truncatula from central France over the past 12 years, Vet. Res, 33 (5): 439-47 [9]. Milanovic Valentina, Nitovski A., Kulisic Z., Mirilovic M., Popovic B., Djordjevic Dragana (2007): Fasciola hepatica findings in cattle of Jablanica Region, Veterinarski glasnik 61 (1-2), 89-97 [10]. Mungube E.O., Bauni S.M., Tenhagen B.A., Wamae L.W., Nginyi J.M., Mugambi J.M. (2006): The Prevalence and Economic significance of Fasciola gigantica and Stilesia hepatica in slaughtered animals in the semi-arid coastal Kenya, Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 38 (6), 475-483 [11]. Pejin Ivana (1994): Zbirka zadataka, Osnovi statistike, Fakultet veterinarske medicine, Beograd, 133-141, 167-190 [12]. Popovic B., Ilic Tamara, Dimitrijevic Sanda (2003): Epizootiologija parazitskih oboljenja na podrucju Jablanickog okruga, Zbornih kratkih sadrzaja 9. Savjetovanja veterinara Republike Srpske, Teslic, 48 [13]. Pravilnik o nacinju vrsenja veterinarsko-sanitarnog pregleda i kontrole zivotinja pre klanja i proizvoda zivotinjskog porekla, Sl. list SFRJ 68/89 [14]. Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, www.hidmet.gov.rs [15]. Sanchez-Andrade R., Paz-Silva A., Suarez J.L.,Panadero R., Pedreira J., Lopez C., Diez-Banos P., Morrondo P. (2002): Influence of age and breed on natural bovine fasciolosis in an endemic area (Galicia, NW Spain), Vet Res Commun. 26 (5);361-370 [16]. Schweizer G., Braun U., Deplazes P., Torgerson P.R. (2005): Estimating the financial losses due to bovine fasciolosis in Switzerland, Vet. Rec. 157 (7): 188-93 [17]. Sibalic S., Cvetkovic LJ. (1990): Parazitske bolesti domacih zivotinja, Univerzitet u Beogradu, Beograd 227-253 [18]. Theodoropoulos G., Theodoropoulou E., Petrakos G., Kantzoura Y., Kostopoulos J. (2002): Abattoir condemnation due to parasitic infection and its economic implications in the region of Triticala, Greece, J. Vet. Med. B. Infect Dis. Vet. Public Health, 49 (6): 281-4 176 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [19]. Tolosa t. et Tigre W. (2007): The Prevalence and Economic significance of Bovine Fasciolosis at Jimma, Abattoir, Ethiopia, The internet Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 3, No 2 [20]. Urguhart G.M., Duncan J.L., Armour J., Dunn A.M., Jenings F.W. (1996): Veterinary Parasitology, Second Edition, Blackwell Science, UK (103-113) [21]. Zakon o veterinarstvu, Sl. glasnik RS 91/2005 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Valentina Milanovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Milinko Milenkovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Bozidar Milosevic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Atanas Nitovski, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Zvonko Spasic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Bisa Radovic, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] 177 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA DORMANCY BREAKDOWN AND GERMINATION REQUIRMENTS OF NITRARIA SCHOBERI L. AN EXTREME HALOPHILLE PLANT: IMPLICATION FOR RESTORATION A. Paunescu Abstract: Nitraria schoberi L. is an endangered shrub with potential for rehabilitation of arid and saline lands. Although it reproduces by seed, information on its seed biology and germination is lacking. In order to provide basic information for conservation and restoration initiatives this study investigated the morphological characteristics, dormancy breakdown and germination requirements of N.schoberi seeds. Matured seeds showed a well developed endocarp (putamen) with a narrow and short dehiscence (1/3 of seed length). Fresh seeds exhibit no germination capacity even the embryo was well developed (embryo/seed length ratio was 0.83). Long-term post-maturation (12 month at 20°C) followed by cold stratification (6 month at 4°C) proved to be insufficient to broke dormancy. When post-maturation and cold stratification was combined with dry heat treatments (50°C for 20 days) dormancy was overcome and good germination percentage was obtained (73.4% within 12 days). Imbibition with gibberellic acid (500-1000ppm) was not effective in enhancing germination percentage. Taking account the seed morphology and the germination requirements, N.schoberi exhibit the Combinational Dormancy type (Baskin & Baskin system, 2004) being a result of high adaptation to arid environments. Apart of conservation implications, understanding of adaptation in seed dormancy and germination could reveal important dates about species from an evolutionary perspective Key words: Nitraria schoberi, seed dormancy breakdown, arid environments INTRODUCTION Seeds are critical components of the higher plant phylogeny and evolution, ensuring the dispersion in new habitats and adaptation to unfavorable environmental conditions [2]. Based on various innate mechanisms for delaying germination many seed are dormant at maturity. According to Baskin & Baskin [1] a dormant seed (or other germination unit) is one that does not have the capacity to germinate in a specified period of time under any combination of normal physical environmental factors (temperature, light/dark, etc.) that otherwise is favorable for its germination. The biological significance of dormancy is to increase the efficiency of germination resulting in optimal distribution of species in time and space. The mechanisms of dormancy are variate and define the main classes of dormancy established for the first time by Nikolaeva [4] and later modified and improved by Baskin & Baskin [1]. The Baskin classification system includes five classes of dormancy. Recent studies [2, 8] suggest that seed germination characteristics in terms of seed dormancy are correlated with species phylogeny and evolution. Germination strategies relays on stable evolutionary traits, thus constraining interspecific variation in germination behavior and dormancy break [2]. Nitraria schoberi L. (Nitrariaceae), the nitre bush, is one of the only two salt-tolerant and drought-resistant plant species that grows in the extreme saline soil from the proximity of muddy volcanoes from Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici Natural Reserve, Buzau District, Romania. This natural reserve is the only habitat of N. schoberi in Romania, being also the Western limit of species areal. General distribution of this species include: South-East Romania, South Russia, Chinese Turkestan, Siberia, Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. It is a perennial, branched, woody shrub with fleshy, dark-green fasciculated, oblanceolated leaves. The fruit is edible and consist of a small drupe (5-15mm), dark red to black when fully ripe. The outer pericarp covers the putamen (up to 7 mm long x 4 mm wide), which tapers to a point with small round depressions or pits at the opposite end (Fig.1) and encloses a single seed, at maturity without endosperm (Fig 2). The stony endocarp makes it hard to cut and expose embryos for tetrazolium testing. Consequently little is known about seed quality evaluation in Nitraria species and also detailed 178 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA information is lacking on the degree of the class of dormancy present, effective dormancybreaking techniques to accelerate germination for reliable propagation, and the optimum conditions for germination. There are only a few reports upon germination requirements of some species of Nitraria genus [5, 6, 9, 10] but no reference about N. schoberi. In Romania N.schoberi is endangered, having only two small population, in terms of a few dozens of individuals. The importance of this species is mainly scientific but also has the potential for use as sand protector from erosion and in phyto-remediation, in rehabilitation and restoration of arid and/or saline soils, and in ornamental landscaping [3, 11]. Moreover, the fruit extract of N. schoberi proved to exhibit pharmacological effects [7]. Thus, the main objectives of this study were: (i) seed dormancy characterization and (ii) testing the effects of GA3, cold and warm stratification on dormancy breakdown and germination. The obtained data are valuable as one of the first step for conservation and restoration initiatives and also, provide supplementary information about species specific adaptation, phylogeny and evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seed treatments and germination Fully matured fruits of N.schoberi were collected from Paclele Mari Natural Reserve in August 2008. After exocarp removal, the seeds were post maturated for 1 year at 20°C and cold stratified at 4°C for 6 month (from August 2009 to January 2010). One of the experiments consisted in soaking samples of seeds, for 24 hours at room temperature (20°C) in distilled water and also in various solution of gibberellic acid (GA3) (500, 750 and 1000ppm). Another experiment was conducted by exposing samples of cold stratified seed to dry heat (30 °C and 50°C) for 10 and 20 days respectively. Dried seeds were then hydrated for 24 h at room temperature (20°C) with distilled water and with various concentrations of GA3 (500, 750 and 1000ppm). For both main experiments germination was conducted at 20°C, in Petri dishes (9 cm diameter) on filter paper soaked in the same solution used for seed imbibition. Germination capacity was evaluated by two different indices: Germination energy (Eg) mesurig the speed of germination (the percent of seed that germinate first in shortest time) and Germination faculty (final germination percentage) meaning the total percentage of germinated seeds along the whole germination period (when no more seeds germinated). Statistical analyses There was 12 treatments, thrice replicated in a randomized design, each sample consisted of 20 seeds. Means and standard errors were calculated for germination percentages. ANOVA with mean separation by protected least significant difference (p = 0.05) was used to assess treatment differences. Total germination percentage was calculated by linear interpolation from the two germination values closest to median germination. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Mature seeds of N.schoberi did not germinate within a few weeks after collection but neither after one year post maturation, or one year post maturation combined with 6 month cold stratification and GA3 tratments. Longitudinal section of the seed, both fresh and post matured, showed that the embryo is well developed, embryo/seed length ratio being around 0.83 (Fig 3). Cold stratification followed by warm stratification at 50°C, even for short period of time (10 days) proved to be successful for dormancy breakdown but supplementary GA3 treatments did not result in an increase in germination indices (Table 1). The results of the same experiment show that warm stratification at 30°C was not efficient to break dormancy, although the exposure was for a long period of time (20 days). 179 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Days necessary to first germination varied from 6 to 10 days after imbibition and the entire period of germination varied from 12 to 15 days. Table 1. The effects of temperature and gibberellic acid (GA3) on seed germination of Nitraria schoberi Heat GA3 (ppm) treatment 0 500 750 1000 Eg Fg Eg Fg Eg Fg Eg Fg 30°C 20 days 50°C 6.8+0.18 31+0.16 0.25+0.03 3.8+0.41 1.3+0.23 4.1+0.05 3.42+0.14 17.3+0.1 ** ^* *** ^* *** ^** ** ^* 50°C 11+0.02 73.4+0.12 2.21+0.14 10.1+0.24 2.63+0.35 12.4+0.27 5.26+0.56 23.6+0.4 20 days * ^* *** ^** *** ^** ** ^* Eg – Germination energy, Fg – Germination faculty, GA3 – Gibberellic acid, * - after 6 days, ** - after 8 days, *** after 10 days -, ^*- after 12 days, ^**- after 15 days 10 days Figure 1 – N. schoberi seed Figure 2 – N. schoberi embryo According to Baskin & Baskin classification system for seed dormancy [1] Physical Dormancy is caused by one or more water-impermeable layers of seed or fruit coat. This definition correspond to N.schoberi where embryos are enclosed in a stony endocarp named putamen made by cells with lignified and sclerified walls, which limit the seed coat imbibition (especially the lignin). Even when water is sufficient and allows an optimal period for imbibition, the water uptake was up to 30% from dried seed weight. When imbibed the seeds reveal a small apical opening through which the radicle emerge (Fig. 3). Figure 3 – embryo into seed Figure 4 – emerging radicle 180 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA On the other hand the long period of post maturation, the requirement of cold stratification and GA3 inefficiency in promoting germination characterize the Deep Physiological Dormancy Class [1]. Thus, it seems likely that N. schoberi exhibit the Combinational Dormancy type (Physiological and Physical) even the deep level of this class was not described yet. In arid zones, seedlings are vulnerable to desiccation or other endangering factors, especially during long periods of drought and high temperatures. The higher values required for seed germination are an example of adaptation to arid environments. Although the climate in Romania is temperate continental, with summer average temperatures around 20°C, the specific habitat from Paclele Reserve is very arid favoring a microclimate similar with those of desertic region. The ecological significance of N.schoberi dormancy consist in delaying the germination until the high temperatures (from arid summer), followed by cool winter temperatures are overcome, ensuring the optimal germination and plantlets survival under the moderate temperatures and frequent rains along springs from temperate climate. CONCLUSIONS N schoberi exhibit the characteristics of Combinational Dormancy class, and dormancy could be overcome by combined treatments which include: post maturation, warm and cold stratification. Optimal germination indices were obtained after warm stratification for 20 days at 50°C. This type of dormancy is part of the adaptation strategy to the specific environmental condition from the ecological niche represented by the proximity of the muddy volcanoes from Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici Natural Reserve. Breaking dormancy and optimizing germination in N. schoberi are essential in initiating projects for species conservation and rehabilitation in situ in its natural habitat or ex situ. REFERENCES [1]. Baskin, J.M. and Baskin C.C. 2004. A classification system for seed dormancy. Seed Science Research, 14, 1-16. [2]. Bu, H.Y., et al., 2009. The evolutionary significance of seed germinability in alpine meadow on the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 41(1), No. 1, 97–102. [3]. Commander, L.E., et al., 2009. Seed biology of Australian arid zones species: Germination of 18 species used for rehabilitation. Journal of Arid Environments, 73, 617625. [4]. Nikolaeva, M.G. 1977.Factors controlling the seed dormancy pattern. pp. 51–74 in Khan, A.A. (Ed.) The physiology and biochemistry of seed dormancy and germination. Amsterdam, North-Holland. [5]. C. Noble,C. Whalley, R.D.B. 1978.The biology and autecology of Nitraria L. in Australia. II. Seed germination, seedling establishment and response to salinity, Austral Ecology, 3(2), 165 – 177. [6]. Suleiman, M.K., et al., 2008. Germination studies in Nitraria retusa (Forrsk.) Asch. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 3(4), 211-213. [7]. Ustunes, L., 1988. Pharmacological activity of the extracts of Nitraria schoberi (Zygophyllaceae) Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, 18(1), 77-86. 181 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [8]. Wang H.J., et al. 2009. Effect of Phylogeny, life history and habitat correlates on seed germination of 69 arid and semi-arid zone species from northwest China. Evolutionary Ecology, 23, 827-846. [9]. Wu, J.G. 2009.The effects of change in temperature and soil moisture on the seed germination of three typical desert plants., Research of Environmental Sciences, 22 (3), 343-350. [10]. Zeng,Y.J. et al. 2010. Germination responses to temperature and dormancy breaking treatments in Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. and Nitraria sibirica Pall. Seed Science and Technology, 38(3),537-550. [11]. Zhao, K., et al., 2010. Species, types, distribution, and economic potential of halophytes in China. Plant Soil, DOI 10.1007/s11104-010-0470-7. ABOUT THE AUTHOR A. Paunescu PhD, Plant and Animal Cytobiology Department, Institute of Biology, Bucharest, 265 Splaiul Independentei,Street, 060031, Bucharest, Romania, Phone: +4 021 221 9202, E-mail: [email protected]. 182 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE ASSESSMENT OF MACRO AND MICROELEMENTS CONTAINED IN TOMATOES AND THEIR PRODUCTS G. Heghedűş – Mîndru, Ramona Cristina Heghedűş – Mîndru, P. Negrea, D. S. Ştef, B. Rădoi, A. Roman, Ruxandra Maria Bălănescu, A. Riviş and T. I. Traşcă Abstract: In the present study was performed to determine the mineral elements using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer ContrAA-300, Analytik-Jena, flame air/acetylene (F-AAS), the working parameters (air, acetylene) were adjusted for each element part. Acetylene used in 99% purity. They took samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup. He used "9 metals 7 standards, standardization was achieved between 0.0 - 10 ppm (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10). We have analyzed the following elements: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Pb Key words: Macro and Microelements, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Tomatoes, Broth of House, Tomato Paste, Ketchup, INTRODUCTION Microelements or trace elements are generally transition metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Mo), a component of many enzyme systems. In addition to their beneficial effect, even vital to life, these "trace" in large amounts can be harmful or even toxic to living organisms powerful. They are added and some "heavy metal" with a pronounced toxic effect on the body (Hg, Cd, Pb, Bi) which may contaminate food and whose detection is required. The most powerful and most currently used to determine these trace elements is atomic absorption spectroscopy, which requires a more demanding equipment, but absolutely necessary laboratories dealing with food control. This method is similar absorption spectroscopy solutions, differing only in that the sample vapor is generated and maintained in a flame. Unlike flame photometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry has a much higher sensitivity. Volatilize in the flame excited atoms are a source of radiation energy having a frequency equal to resonant frequency of the atoms concerned line. This frequency is absorbed by atoms and therefore the composition of the radiation passes through the flame intensity is reduced. Absorbed radiation intensity is proportional to the number of atoms present in the flame (ie concentration), with an absorbent layer (width of the flame) and is independent of flame temperature and excitation energy of the atoms. (Gergen, I., 2004; Naşcu, H., I., and Jäntschi, L., 2006; Ştef, D., et. al. 2006) MATERIALS AND METHODS Determination of mineral elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb and Cu) of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup by atomic absorption spectroscopy Materials and methods should be complete enough to allow case studies to be reproduced. Trade names and manufacturer’s name have to be indicated. Known working methods have only to be mentioned and sources cited. Also, only genuinely new procedures designed by authors and important changes should be shortly described and/or presented. Experimental design should include a quantitative discussion of the experimental uncertainty. If statistical software is used, then the name and version of the software has to be provided. (Heghedűş-Mîndru G., 2008) All equations should be written using the Word Equations Editor and sequentially numbered. All variables used in the manuscript should be fully defined in a nomenclature section at the end of the paper. (Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., et. al. 2007) Method sensitivity can be increased or decreased by the number of atoms in an optical absorbers useful. This can be achieved by special construction of sprayers and burners with adjustable angle. Determination of mineral elements was performed using a 183 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA flame atomic absorption spectrometer ContrAA-300, Analytik-Jena, flame air/acetylene (FAAS), the working parameters (air, acetylene) were adjusted for each individual item. They used 99% purity acetylene. They took samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup. He used "9 metals 7 standards, standardization was achieved between 0.0 - 10 ppm (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10) (Gergen, I., 2004) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1. The results obtained by F-AAS analysis of samples tomatoes, broth of house , tomato paste and ketchup for the elements Na, K, Ca and Mg Samples Tomatoes Broth of house Tomato paste Ketchup Na ppm Ca ppm Mg ppm K ppm 63.28 73.45 35.76 71.45 7.28 6.56 8.20 7.68 8.45 10.26 7.37 8.26 168.10 176.29 181.46 162.34 The highest Na content item is found broth of house (73.45 ppm), 71.45 ppm in ketchup, tomato 63.28 ppm and the lowest Na content element is contained 35.76 ppm in tomato paste. Element of the registered calcium maximum of 8.2 ppm in tomato paste, ketchup 7.68 ppm, 7.28 ppm in tomatoes and the minimum value was recorded in house broth 6.56 ppm. Element distribution of magnesium is observed for samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup distributed as follows: broth of house 10.26 ppm; 8.45 ppm in tomatoes; 8.26 ppm in ketchup; 7.37 in tomato paste. Potassium element distribution is observed for samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup distributed as follows: the maximum value reached 181.46 ppm in tomato paste; broth of house,176.29 ppm; 168.1 ppm in tomatoes; minimum value of 162.34 ppm was reached in ketchup; 184 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 1. The total content of K, Mg, Ca and Na samples of tomato, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup Table 2. The results obtained by F-AAS analysis of samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup for the elements Fe, Cu and Pb Samples F e C u p pm Tomatoes p pm 0 .62 Broth of house 0 0 Tomato paste 0 0 Ketchup 0 .58 0 .17 0 .73 0 .10 .12 .85 p pm .18 .75 P b 0 .53 0 .17 0 .16 In the table2 and figure 2 we observed that the distribution of elements Fe, Cu and Pb in samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup is not uniform. The higher iron content found in samples of tomato paste (0.85 ppm), 0.75 ppm in broth of house, ketchup 0.73 ppm and the lowest content of iron element is found in tomatoes (0.62 ppm). In figure 2 copper element distribution is observed for samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup, tomato sample with maximum (0.18 ppm), 0.17 ppm for the sample of ketchup and tomato paste. Minimum copper element was achieved in house broth (0.12 ppm). Lead element distribution is observed for samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup. The largest amount of lead found in house broth (0.58 ppm), 0.53 ppm in tomato paste, the ketchup 0.16 and the lowest amount of lead found in samples of tomato (0.10 ppm). 185 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 2. The total content of Pb, Cu and Fe samples of tomato, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK Conclusions on the overall content of K, Mg, Ca and Na for samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup Highest potassium content item recorded in the tomato paste and the lowest 181.46 ppm 162.34 ppm in ketchup; The maximum concentration of magnesium element was recorded in house broth 10.26 ppm, while the minimum 7.37 ppm broth paste; Sodium element peaks were recorded in house broth 73.45 ppm, and the lowest values were recorded 35.76 ppm in tomato paste; Maximum element calcium concentration was recorded in tomato paste 8.2 ppm, while the minimum 6.56 ppm broth of house. Conclusions on the overall content of Pb, Cu and Fe samples of tomatoes, broth of house, tomato paste and ketchup: Highest content of Fe element was in the tomato paste (0.85 ppm) and lowest in tomato (0.62 ppm); Element Cu the maximum concentration was recorded in samples of tomato (0.18 ppm) and the minimum cash in broth (0.12 ppm); Element Pb peaks were broth of house (0.58 ppm) and lowest in tomato (0.10 ppm). REFERENCES [1]. Banu, C., et. al. 1999. Manualul inginerului de industrie alimentară. Vol II, Editura Tehnică, Bucureşti. [2]. Bălaşa, M., et. al. 1984. Legumicultura generală şi specială. Editura Didactică şi pedagogică, Bucureşti. [3]. Danilevici, C., 2006. Tehnologia procesarii fructelor si legumelor in industria alimentara. Valahia University Press, Targoviste. [4]. Heghedűş-Mîndru, G.,Biron, Ramona-Cristina, Perju, Delia Maria, Rusnac, L. M., and Riviş, A., 2007. Mineral elements determination (Mg, K, Ca, Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn) of mineral waters from Harghita, Mures and Timis counties – Special issue dedicated to The IX International Symposium. Young People and Multidisciplinary Research, ISYPMR 186 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Timişoara, România – 15 - 16 november 2007, Annals of West University, 16 (4) (2007) 1166, ISSN 1224-9513 Print edition, ISSN 1584-1286 CD-ROM edition, ISSN 1584-1294 on line edition, www.cbg.uvt.ro/awut_sc/, 43-48. [5]. Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., 2008, Contribuţii la studiul posibilităţilor de îmbunătăţire a indicatorilor de calitate a apelor minerale prin utilizarea tehnicilor moderne de simulare, modelare şi conducere automată, Seria 4: Inginerie chimică, nr. 16, Editura Politehnica, ISSN: 1842-8223, ISBN: 978-973-625-705-6. [6]. Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Biron, Ramona Cristina, Perju, Delia Maria. Rusnac, L. M., Riviş A., and Ştef D. S., 2008, Cations content in the natural mineral waters of Romania with the HPIC method, Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment – JFAE, Vol 6. (3 & 4), , Print ISSN: 1459-0255, Online ISSN: 1459-0263, 506-509. [7]. Gergen, I., 2004. Analiza produselor agroalimentară. Editura Eurostampa, Timişoara. [8]. Indrea, D., and Apahidean, S.Al. 1997. Cultura legumelor timpurii. Editura Ceres, Bucureşti. [9]. Indrea, D., and Apahidean, S.Al. 1995. Ghid practic pentru cultura legumelor. Editura Ceres, Bucureşti. [10]. Naşcu, H., I., and Jäntschi, L., 2006. Chimie Analitică şi Instrumentală. Editura Academic Press & Academic Direct. [11]. Stef, D. S., Drînceanu, D., Stef, Lavinia, Drugă, M., Rivis, A., and HeghedűşMîndru G., 2006. The influence of copper dietary intake on poultry meat quality. Macro and trace Elements Mengen und Spurenelemente, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 685-689. ABOUT THE AUTORS Heghedűş-Mîndru Gabriel, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Banat of Timisoara, Faculty of Food Products Technology, Aradului Street No. 119, Timişoara, România, E-mail [email protected]. 187 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE ASSESSMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF RED CURRANTS G. Heghedűş – Mîndru, Ramona Cristina Heghedűş – Mîndru, P. Negrea, D. S. Ştef, T. I. Traşcă, A. Riviş and E. Petrescu Abstract: In the present study focused on determining the total antioxidant capacity by DPPH method (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of red currants, with a spectrophotometer Specord 205 (Analytik Jena company, Germany) using the program winASPECT Version 2.0.3.0. Gallic acid was evaluated at final concentrations of 0.001 mM, 0.01 mM and 0.1 mM. Determination of concentration changes in the presence of compound DPPH standard (vitamin C) or presence of extracts, was obtained based on VIS absorption spectra of DPPH-site, to determine average response rates, allowing comparisons between samples. Key words: Red Currants, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil), Ethanolic Extracts of Red Currants, Aqueous Extracts of Red Currants, Antioxidant Activity INTRODUCTION Antioxidants are organic structures with synthetic or natural origin, which may prevent or delay the oxidative rancidity. Antioxidant function is based especially on their structure polyphenols that can donate hydrogen free radical, lipid peroxide or a free radical to form hydroperoxide and a stable free radical antioxidant. [Curcă, D. 2004] Natural antioxidants organic principles category inactivating reactive oxygen indispensable to life. There can be synthesized by the body, they were assimilated from food (vitamins C, E, B2, B3, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, terpenes, some sulfur compounds, selenium, etc.) to function vital antioxidants produced by the body (glutathione, cysteine, coenzyme Q10, enzymes: superoxidismutaza, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, etc.). [Safta, M., 2002] Medical studies have established an inverse correlation between the diet of fruits, vegetables and the occurrence, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and age-related disorders. Antioxidants, including polyphenolic components, vitamin E, C, and carotenoids are nutrients in the prevention of these diseases. [Huang, D., and Prior, R., L., 2005] Vitamin C is powerful, natural antioxidant. It can eliminate ROS, O2 and OH. The interaction of vitamin C with ROS, oxidizes to dehydroascorbic by ascorbyl radicals. Ascorbic acid is able to regenerate tocopherols tocoferoxil of free radicals formed by lipid peroxidation inhibition by vitamin E. Ascorbic acid may act as pro-oxidant in vivo in the presence of ions of Fe, Cu and ascorbate, hydroxyl radicals can be generated with initiation of lipid peroxidation. [Curcă, D., Andronie, V., Andronie, Ioana 1998] MATERIAL AND METHODS Materials The red currants was purchased from the Romanian market. The pure ethanol was purchased from Reactivul Bucuresti Romania. 1,1-Difenil-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) – free radical – was purchased from Merck&Co., Inc, New Jersey, CAS 1898-66-4, over 99% purity. C vitamin – was purchased from Merck&Co., Inc, New Jersey, CAS 1898-66-4, over 99% purity. Gallic acid - was purchased from Merck&Co., Inc, New Jersey The obtaining aqueous and ethanol extracts of Red Currants Weigh 5g of redcurrant analytical precision, add 5 mL of distilled water and subjected to extraction for 30 minutes. Heterogeneous system obtained centrifuged (approx. 5000 rpm), filtered through a coarse filter nutshell, and connected to a vacuum, then after a 188 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA further centrifugation (approx. 3000 rpm) is filtered through a small pore surface connected to suction. In the same way and proceed to obtain ethanolic extract of red currants. Specific absorbance of UV spectrum The specific absorbance is measured at the wavelength at which absorption is maximum, its value was calculated with a Analitik Jena AG, Germania, WinASPECT 2.0.3.0. spectrofotometer. Methods Extract obtained from each sample were taken which were subsequently diluted 1:10. In a test tube fitted with stopper mix: 0.5 mL diluted sample, and 2.5 mL 1 mM DPPH solution, and placed in the spectrophotometer cuvette. Absorbance at 517 nm was recorded, that changes over time. Gallic acid was evaluated at final concentrations of 0.001 mM, 0.01 mM and 0.1 mM. DPPH calibration curve To determine changes in the concentration of DPPH in the presence of standard compound (vitamin C) or presence of extracts, to determine average response rates, allowing comparisons between samples were obtained based on VIS absorption spectra of DPPH. (Figure 1) DPPH calibration curve: Absorbance (517 nm) = f (c, mM), the concentration of 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC, 01_V itC,01_V ,01_VitC itC DPPH is expressed in millimoles per Aliter. bs O N N O 2.0 O . N 1.5 N O 1.0 O N O 0.5 DPPH M = 395.33 g/mol 0.0 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 nm Figure 1. DPPH structure, UV-VIS spectra for standard solutions of DPPH and calibration curve Abs = f(c, mM) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION DPPH elimination system is a simple method for evaluating antioxidant activity of compounds. It is accepted that the elimination activity of DPPH free radicals by antioxidants is due to their ability to donate hydrogen. The antioxidant activity ethanolic and aqueous in red currant extracts was determined absorbance at 517 nm. Determination of antioxidant activity was carried out for extracts (ethanolic and aqueous) obtained from fresh fruit and frozen red currants. DPPH elimination system is a simple method for evaluating antioxidant activity of compounds. It is accepted that the elimination of DPPH activity by antioxidants is due to their ability to donate hydrogen. The drum machine was introduced an amount of 0.5 mL sample (Table 1) and 2.5 mL DPPH. 189 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 1. Conditions of extraction of red currant ethanolic and aqueous solutions No. Name test Code Sample Solvent mass (g) volume (mL) 1 Fresh red currant 98% EECP 5 20 EtOH extraction 2 Frozen red currant 98% EECC 5 20 EtOH extraction 3 Red currant fresh distilled EACP 5 20 water extraction 4 Red currant frozen EACC 5 20 distilled water extraction For comparison, relative absorbance were calculated (A%) that report: Ablank Asamples 100 A% Ablank The A% is lower, the activity of the sample studied antioxidants higher. (Table 1) Reading samples was done at intervals of 5, 10, 20 minutes, after an interval of 30 minutes was added an amount of 0.5 mL sample. Evaluation of antioxidant activity using DPPH method resulted in the following results for fresh currant extract etanoloic. If the ethanolic extract of fresh red currant (EECP), most relevant antioxidant activity was determined for the period 0-20 min. After adding of 0.5 mL extract of red currant, with an interval of 30 min of its antioxidant capacity has proven to be much smaller as a percentage of 40.76%. (Figure 2) Table 2. Values relative absorbance for extracts analyzed Sample Period EECP EECC EACC EACP 5 2.17 0.57 2.77 2.77 10 3.9 4.73 3.91 4.89 20 5.93 5.92 5.13 7.89 30 min + 0,5 sample 40.76 35.76 34.19 31.19 Figure 2. Variation of relative absorbance for the ethanolic extract of fresh red currant (EECP) 190 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Ethanolic extract of frozen red currant (EECC), (Figure 3) achieved a very good antioxidant activity, while in the range of 0-20 min. After a period of 30 min. and after adding an amount of 0.5 mL sample, its relative absorbance decreased at a rate of 35.76%. Figure 3. Variation of relative absorbance for the ethanolic extract of frozen redcurrant (EECC) If the sample fresh aqueous extract of red currant (EACP) (Figure 4) antioxidant activity was a very good time in the range 0-20 min. After a period of 30 min. and after adding an amount of 0.5 mL sample, its relative absorbance decreased at a rate of 31.19%. Figure 4. Variation of relative absorbance versus time of the aqueous extract of fresh redcurrant (EACP) Aqueous extract of frozen redcurrant (EACC), (Figure 5) achieved a very good antioxidant activity, while in the range of 0-20 min. After a period of 30 min. and after adding an amount of 0.5 mL sample, its relative absorbance decreased at a rate of 34.19%. 191 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 5. Variation of relative absorbance versus time of the aqueous extract of frozen redcurrant (EACC) CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK In the analysis performed in the evaluation of antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of redcurrant were shown the following conclusions: in both ethanolic extracts and aqueous extracts of redcurrant if there has been a very good antioxidant activity in the range of time 0-20 min; low antioxidant activity (31.19 to 40.76%) was recorded within 30 min after the addition of a quantity of 0.5 mL sample. Figure 6.5. Variation of relative absorbance of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of red currant analyzed REFERENCES [1] Biron, Ramona Cristina, 2006. Cercetări privind activitatea antioxidantă a extractelor de propolis din zona de vest a României, Teza de doctorat. [2] Biron, Ramona Cristina, Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Jianu, I., Ştef, D., S., 2007, Propolis antioxidant activity (ethanolic extract) from the West side of Romania - 1st International Conference " Research People and Actual Tasks on Multidisciplinary Sciences " 6 – 8 June 2007, Lozenec, Bulgaria, 156-161. [3] Curcă D., Andronie V., Andronie Ioana, 1998. The effect of ascorbic acid on poultry under thermal stress. III International Congress of Pathophysiology, Lahti-Finland, Abstract-Book:Pathophysiology, The official Journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology, volume 5 (Supplement 1), 269. 192 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [4] Curcă, D., 2003-2004. Efectele benefice şi cele malefice ale speciilor de oxigen reactive şi radicalilor liberi la animale, Lucrări ştiinţifice, U.S.A.M.V.B., Seria C, vol. XLVIXLVII, Bucureşti. [5] Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Biron, Ramona Cristina, Petrescu E., 2009. Evaluarea capacităţii antioxidante a extractelor de coacăze, Proiect de Diplomă - Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară a Banatului Timişoara, Facultatea de Tehnologia Produselor Agroalimentare. [6] Huang, D., Prior, R., L., 2005. The Chemistry behind Antioxidant Capacity Assays , Food Chemistry, 53, 1841-1856, 106. [7] Safta, M., 2002. Super- Antioxidanţii naturali în alimentaţie şi medicină , Editura Sudura, Timişoara, 194. ABOUT THE AUTORS Heghedűş-Mîndru Gabriel, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Banat of Timisoara, Faculty of Food Products Technology, Aradului Street No. 119, Timişoara, Romania, E-mail [email protected]. 193 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY FROM BLACKBERRY EXTRACT Ramona Cristina Heghedűş – Mîndru, G. Heghedűş – Mîndru, P. Negrea, D. S. Ştef, T. I. Traşcă, A. Riviş and Florentina Adriana Leaho Abstract: Blackberry obviously possesses antioxidant activity, as reported by many researchers. However, there are few studies on the relationship between the antioxidant activity and individual chemical constituents in blackberry. Thus, in this study, we investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of blackberry purchased from the Romanian market. The present study focused on determining the total antioxidant capacity by DPPH method (2,2diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil) with a spectrophotometer Specord 205 (Analytik Jena company, Germany) using the program winASPECT Version 2.0.3.0. Key words: Antioxidant Capacity, Fresh Blackberry, Frozen Blackberry, Ethanolic Extracts of Blackberry, Aqueous Extracts of Blackberry, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil). INTRODUCTION Blackberry bush (Rubus fruticosus L), or bush -the-mountain, is an evergreen shrub of the Rosaceae family. Blackberries are remarkable for high nutritional content of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid - a vitamin B and essential minerals, manganese. [www.wikipedia.ro] Antioxidants are organic structures with synthetic or natural origin, which may prevent or delay the oxidative rancidity. Antioxidant function is based especially on their structure polyphenols that can donate hydrogen free radical, lipid peroxide or a free radical to form hydroperoxide and a stable free radical antioxidant. [Curcă, D. 2004] Protective role of antioxidant ascorbic acid occurs and the thiol compounds (containing groups - active SH) enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, lipoic acid and cysteine, all with important role in antioxidant protection. Therefore, furthertation with vitamin C has given good results for people with inherited deficiency of glutathione synthesis. They are subject to increased oxidative stress, the most affected are blood cells and nerve tissues. along with vitamin E, carotenoids and some B vitamins (especially folic acid), these compounds regenerate their reactive forms, reduced state under the action of vitamin C. [Safta, M., 2002] MATERIAL AND METHODS The blackberry was purchased from the Romanian market. The pure ethanol was purchased from Reactivul Bucuresti Romania, 1,1-Difenil-2picrilhidrazil (DPPH) – free radical, C vitamin and gallic acid was purchased from Merck&Co., Inc, New Jersey. The obtaining aqueous and ethanol extracts of Blackberry Weigh 5g of blackberry analytical precision, add 5 mL of distilled water and subjected to extraction for 30 minutes. Heterogeneous system obtained, centrifuged (approx. 5000 rpm), filtered through a coarse filter nutshell, connected to a vacuum, then after a further centrifugation (approx. 3000 rpm) is filtered through a small pore surface connected to suction. In the same way and proceed to obtain ethanolic extract of blackberry. Extract obtained from each sample were taken which were subsequently diluted 1:10. In a test tube fitted with stopper mix: 0.5 mL diluted sample, and 2.5 mL 1 mM DPPH solution, and placed in the spectrophotometer cuvette. 194 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Absorbance at 517 nm was recorded, that changes over time. Gallic acid was evaluated at final concentrations of 0.001 mM, 0.01 mM and 0.1 mM. To determine changes in the concentration of DPPH in the presence of standard compound (vitamin C) or presence of extracts, to determine average response rates, allowing comparisons between samples were obtained based on VIS absorption spectra of DPPH. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The antioxidant activity from blackberry extracts was determined in ethanolic and aqueous extracts to absorbance at 517 nm. Determination of antioxidant activity was carried out for extracts (ethanolic and aqueous) obtained from fresh fruit and frozen blackberry. The drum machine was introduced an amount of 0.5 mL sample (Table 1) and 2.5 mL DPPH. Table 1. Conditions of extraction of blackberry ethanolic and aqueous solutions No. Name test Code Sample Solvent mass (g) volume (mL) 1 Blackberry 98% EtOH EEMP 5 20 extraction 2 Frozen blackberry 98% EEMC 5 20 EtOH extraction 3 Blackberry fresh distilled EAMP 5 20 water extraction 4 Blackberry frozen distilled EAMC 5 20 water extraction For comparison, relative absorbance were calculated (A%) that report: Ablank Asamples 100 A% Ablank The A% is lower, the activity of the sample studied antioxidant higher. (Table 1) Reading samples was done at intervals of 5, 10, 20 minutes, after an interval of 30 minutes was added an amount of 0.5 mL sample. Evaluation of antioxidant activity using DPPH method resulted in the following results for fresh blackberries etanoloic extract. If the ethanolic extract of fresh blackberries (EECP) most relevant antioxidant activity was determined for the period 0-20 min. After adding an amount of 0.5 mL extract of blackberries, with an interval of 30 min of its antioxidant capacity has proven to be much smaller as a percentage of 40.76%. Table 2. Values relative absorbance for extracts analysed Sample Period EECP EECC EACC EACP 5 1.11 2.26 2.47 0.43 10 4.89 3.69 3.73 5.6 20 7.03 8.03 11.27 8.22 30 min + 0,5 sample 32.81 62.88 57.16 46.4 195 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 1. Variation of relative absorbance for the ethanolic extract of fresh blackberry (EEMP) If the ethanolic extract of fresh blackberry (EEMP) most relevant antioxidant activity was determined for the period 0-20 min. After addition of 0.5 mL quantities of mulberry extract with an interval of 30 min of its antioxidant capacity has proven to be much smaller as a percentage of 32.81%. (Figure 1) Figure 2. Variation of relative absorbance for the ethanolic extract of frozen blackberry (EEMC) Ethanolic extract of frozen blackberry (EEMC) (Figure 2) achieved a very good antioxidant activity, while in the range of 0-20 min. After a period of 30 min. and after adding an amount of 0.5 mL sample, its relative absorbance decreased at a rate of 62.88%. 196 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 3. Variation of relative absorbance versus time of the aqueous extract of fresh blackberry (EAMP) In the case of aqueous extract sample frozen blackberry (EAMP) (Figure 3) antioxidant activity was a very good time in the range 0-20 min. After a period of 30 min. and after adding an amount of 0.5 mL sample, its relative absorbance decreased at a rate of 57.16%. Figure 4. Variation of relative absorbance versus time of the aqueous extract of frozen blackberry (EAMC) Aqueous extract of frozen blackberry (EAMC) (Figure 4.) antioxidant activity has been a very good time in the range of 0-20 min. After a period of 30 min. and after adding an amount of 0.5 mL sample, its relative absorbance decreased at a rate of 46.4%. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK In the analysis performed in the evaluation of antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of blackberry were shown the following conclusions: in both ethanolic extracts and for aqueous extracts of blackberry, was a very good antioxidant activity in the range of time 0-20 min; low antioxidant activity (32.81 to 62.88%) was recorded within 30 min after the addition of a quantity of 0.5 mL sample. (Figure 5) 197 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 6. Variation of relative absorbance of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of blackberry analyzed REFERENCES [1] Biron, Ramona Cristina, 2006. Cercetări privind activitatea antioxidantă a extractelor de propolis din zona de vest a României, Teza de doctorat. [2] Biron, Ramona Cristina, Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Jianu, I., Ştef, D., S., 2007, Propolis antioxidant activity (ethanolic extract) from the West side of Romania - 1st International Conference " Research People and Actual Tasks on Multidisciplinary Sciences " 6 – 8 June 2007, Lozenec, Bulgaria, 156-161. [3] Biron, Ramona Cristina, Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Leaho Florentina Adriana, 2009. Evaluarea capacităţii antioxidante a extractelor de mure, Proiect de Diplomă Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară a Banatului Timişoara, Facultatea de Tehnologia Produselor Agroalimentare. [4 Curcă D., Andronie V., Andronie Ioana, 1998. The effect of ascorbic acid on poultry under thermal stress. III International Congress of Pathophysiology, Lahti-Finland, Abstract-Book:Pathophysiology, The official Journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology, volume 5 (Supplement 1), 269. [5] Curcă, D., 2003-2004. Efectele benefice şi cele malefice ale speciilor de oxigen reactive şi radicalilor liberi la animale, Lucrări ştiinţifice, U.S.A.M.V.B., Seria C, vol. XLVIXLVII, Bucureşti. [6] Huang, D., Prior, R., L., 2005. The Chemistry behind Antioxidant Capacity Assays , Food Chemistry, 53, 1841-1856, 106. [7 Safta, M., 2002. Super- Antioxidanţii naturali în alimentaţie şi medicină , Editura Sudura, Timişoara, 194. [8] www.wikipedia.ro. ABOUT THE AUTORS Heghedűş-Mîndru (BIRON) Ramona Cristina, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Banat of Timisoara, Faculty of Food Products Technology, Aradului No. 119, Timişoara, România, E-mail [email protected]. 198 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EVALUATION OF SOME MINERAL ELEMENTS IN BEE POLLEN BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY Ramona Cristina Heghedűş – Mîndru, G. Heghedűş – Mîndru, P. Negrea, D. S. Ştef, T. I. Traşcă, A. Riviş and Laura Elena Gruescu Abstract: This study focuses on the identification of some mineral elements (macro and micronutrients) of three types by bee pollen, collected from three counties of Romania (Timis, Salaj and Gorj). We used an atomic absorption spectrophotometer ContrAA-300, Analytik-Jena, flame air / acetylene (F-AAS), the working parameters (air, acetylene) Adjusted for Each item we're part. Acetylene used in 99% Purity. Have We analyzed the following elements: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe. Key words: Bee Pollen, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer INTRODUCTION Pollen collected by bees from the wild is an important source of plastic-forming substances. As bee products, bee pollen is in the form of microscopic granules accumulated bee pollen as a mop, with a diameter of 2-3 mm. The bees collect pollen from flower anthers by shaking or by crushing them with mandibles. A pollen load weighed 5-7 mg. Return harvest of pollen is influenced by humidity and atmospheric temperature, the internal needs of the colony and attractive factors (flavor, containing the pollen, nectar presence). Bee pollen is a very complex composition, with predominance of protein (nitrogen), along with reducing sugars and stating reducing our, lipids, vitamins, enzymes, minerals (macro and trace elements), bactericidal and still bacteria principles and probably other substances as phytohormones, yet undetermined quantity until now (Popescu, N.1998). This complexity in plant pollen and other bee products that, led by Pierre P. Grasse stating that the bee, in the few milligrams of it, contains more than a pyramid mystery Giseh. Values substances mentioned above, varies depending on the sorts of pollen, the course of different plant origins. Minerals have multiple roles. The regulators of osmotic pressure and acid-base balance, maintaining normal physico - chemical, colloidal the body, enter into the composition of biocatalysts (hormones, vitamins, enzymes) and have a key role in enzyme activity. The most powerful and most currently used to determine these trace elements is atomic absorption spectroscopy, which requires a more demanding equipment, but absolutely necessary laboratories dealing with food control. This method is similar absorption spectroscopy solutions, differing only in that the sample vapor is generated and maintained in a flame. Unlike flame photometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry has a much higher sensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Determination of Na, K Ca and Mg in bee pollen Determination of mineral elements was performed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer contraire-300, Analytik-Jena, flame air / acetylene (F-AAS), the working parameters (air, acetylene) were adjusted for each individual item. They used 99% purity acetylene. They took it three types of pollen from three different counties as follows: bee pollen Timis county; bee pollen Gorj county; 199 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA bee pollen Sălaj county. He used "9 metals 7 standards, standardization was achieved between 0.0 - 10 ppm (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10). Determination of ash is achieved by fully calcining a crucible of a sample of 5 grams of bee pollen. Evaporate on a water bath and then is carbonized at a low flame and ash. Cool in desiccators and weigh gradually until it reached constant mass. The ash percentage is calculated using the following formula: Ash% m1 x100 m Were: m1 = ash mass, in g m = bee pollen analyzed, in g (Gergen, I., 2004) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Determination of K, Ca. Mg and Na in bee pollen Table 1 present the distribution of metal elements is shown in the samples taken in the works. Table 1. The results obtained by F-AAS analysis of samples by bee pollen (K, Ca, Mg and Na) Sample K Ca Mg Na ppm ppm ppm ppm Bee pollen Timis county 114 Bee pollen Gorj county 88 Bee pollen Sălaj county 97 18 30 13 24 18 32 0 0 0 Table 1 and figure 1 shows that the distribution of elements K, Ca, Mg and Na in samples by bee pollen is considered uneven. The high K content is found in samples from the Timis county (114 ppm), 97 ppm in samples from the Sălaj county, and the lowest content in the element K is found in samples from the Gorj county (88 ppm). Figure 1. The content of mineral elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na) in samples by bee pollen of Timis, Gorj and Salaj county The element calcium is distributed for the three types by bee pollen as follows: 30 ppm in the Gorj county sample (maximum); 200 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 18 ppm for the sample of Timis county; 13 ppm in the Sălaj county of the sample (minimum). The largest amount by Mg is found in samples of Salaj (32 ppm), 24 ppm in samples from Timis, and lowest in samples from the Gorj county (18 ppm). Na element values were not recorded in any sample from the three analyzed. Determination of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe in bee pollen Table 2 and figure 2 shows that the distribution of elements Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe in samples by bee pollen is considered uneven. Table 2. The results obtained by F-AAS analysis of samples by bee pollen (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) Sample Cu Zn Mn Fe Bee pollen Timis county Bee pollen Gorj county Bee pollen Sălaj county 0,18 0,20 0,14 0,16 0,12 0,15 0,44 0,37 0,40 0,363 0,286 0,350 Table 2 and figure 2 shows that the distribution of elements K, Ca, Mg and Na in samples by bee pollen is considered uneven. The highest content in Cu is found in samples from Gorj county (0.20 ppm), 0.18 ppm in samples from the Timis county, and the lowest content in the Cu element is found in the Salaj county samples (0.14 ppm). Figure 2. The content of mineral elements (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) in samples by bee pollen of Timis, Gorj and Salaj county Bee pollen samples element zinc is distributed as follows: maximum is recorded in the Timis county sample (0.16 ppm); 0.15 ppm for the Salaj county sample; minimum is recorded in the Gorj county sample (0.12 ppm). The highest amount by Mn is found in samples from Timis county (0.44 ppm), 0.40 ppm in samples from Sălaj county, and the lowest amount by Mn is found in samples from Gorj county (0.37 ppm). The highest content of Fe element is found in samples from Timis county (0.363 ppm), 0.350 ppm in samples from Sălaj county, and the lowest content of Fe element is found in samples from Gorj county (0.286 ppm). 201 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK In the analysis performed on samples by bee pollen in the three counties studied mineral elements analyzed for the following conclusions: the highest content was recorded in the element K for the samples from the Timis county and the lowest in the Gorj county; for element Ca as the maximum concentration was recorded in the Gorj county and the Salaj county the minimum; Mg element the maximum values were recorded in the Sălaj county, and minimum values in the Gorj county; Na element values were not recorded in any sample from the three analyzed; the highest values occurred in samples with Cu element of Gorj county, and lowest in Salaj county; highest Cu element content of samples was recorded with Gorj county, and the lowest in the Sălaj county; for Zn element, maximum concentration was recorded in Timis county and the Salaj county the minimum; for Mn element, maximum concentration was recorded in Timis county and the Salaj county the minimum; highest Fe element content of samples was recorded with Timiş county, and the lowest in the Sălaj county. REFERENCES [1] Biron, Ramona Cristina, 2006. Cercetări privind activitatea antioxidantă a extractelor de propolis din zona de vest a României, Teza de doctorat. [2] Biron, Ramona Cristina, Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Jianu, I., Ştef, D., S., 2007, Propolis antioxidant activity (ethanolic extract) from the West side of Romania - 1st International Conference " Research People and Actual Tasks on Multidisciplinary Sciences " 6 – 8 June 2007, Lozenec, Bulgaria, 156-161. [3] Biron, Ramona Cristina, Heghedűş-Mîndru, G., Leaho Florentina Adriana, 2009. Evaluarea capacităţii antioxidante a extractelor de mure, Proiect de Diplomă Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară a Banatului Timişoara, Facultatea de Tehnologia Produselor Agroalimentare. [4] Bura, M., et. al., 2005, Tehnologie apicolă, Editura Solness, Timişoara. [5] Gergen, I., 2004. Analiza produselor agroalimentare. Editura Eurostampa, Timişoara. [6] Mărghitaş, A. L. 2002. Albinele şi produsele lor - Ediţia a-II-a revazută şi adăugată, Editura Ceres, Bucureşti. [7] Popescu N and Meica S. 1998. Produsele apicole şi analiza lor chimică, Editura Diacon Coresi, Bucureşti. ABOUT THE AUTORS Heghedűş-Mîndru (BIRON) Ramona Cristina, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Banat of Timisoara, Faculty of Food Products Technology, Aradului Street No. 119, Timişoara, România, E-mail [email protected]. 202 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE CONTRIBUTION OF NATURALLY OCCURING MYCORRHIZA TO THE CONTROL OF ENDOPARASITIC NEMATODES IN SOYBEAN I. Majić, M. Ivezić, M. Brmež, E. Raspudić, A. Sudarić, and A. Sarajlić Abstract: Endoparasitic nematodes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are biotrophic and share plant roots as resources of food and space. They have substantial but contrary effect on plant health. Due to direct competition for space and mutual antagonism, AMF has been regarded as potential for AMF plants to provide resistance against plant parasitic nematodes. Endoparasitic nematode, such as Pratylenchus spp. directly affect AMF by feeding on and killing cells that contribute to AMF nutrition. Contradictory results have often been reported. The objectives were to determine the populations of endoparasitic nematodes and colonization of soybean root by AMF and its relationship. The study was conducted in soybean, in 2006 and 2007, at the site of Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia. The average number of nematodes per gram of soybean roots were 905,82 and colonization by AMF was 42,28%.The significantly moderate positive correlation (r=0,418) was observed between endoparasitic nematodes and AMF in soybean roots. The results indicate the occurrence of interaction between nematodes and AMF in the soybean root system. Since, positive correlation between two organisms was observed as well as high yields, soybean cultivar proved to poses nematode tolerance traits and AMF cannot be observed as a IPM tool. Relationship between endoparasitic nematodes and AMF should be further studied to reveal mechanisms of action. Key words: Endoparasitic nematodes, AMF, Soybean, Pratylenchus. INTRODUCTION Endoparasitic nematodes are economically important plant pathogens. Association of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increase plant access to immobile soil minerals, and thereby increase plant growth rates. Both organisms are biotrophic and share plant roots as resources of food and space. They have substantial but contrary effect on plant health (1). AMF influence the colonization of roots by other microorganisms and may reduce the susceptibility of roots to nematodes. Since, there is direct competition for space, the mutual antagonism between nematodes and AMF has been observed in different studies (2). Depending on their feeding strategy, nematodes may be ectoparasitic or endoparasitic with sedentary or migratory forms in each category. Unlike ectoparasitism, endoparasitism refers to the complete penetration of the nematode into plant tissue while feeding. Migratory endoparasites, such as root-lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) nematodes directly affect AMF by feeding on and killing cells that contribute to AMF nutrition. In addition, nematode population in presence of AMF was reduced on average by 21% and AMF colonization in presence of nematodes on average by 9%. Pratylenchus spp. is the most abundant and frequent plant parasitic genus found in soils under arable crops in eastern part of Croatia (3; 4). Root lesion nematodes cause necrotic lesions on roots, symptoms of chlorosis in leaves and damage generally occur as patches that have thin stand and stunted plants (5). Economic threshold for root lesion nematodes has not been determined in Croatia. In USA, it has been considered if more than 50 nematodes g-1 dry soybean root weight has been observed it is late to apply crop protection measures and significant damages can be expected (6). Results of previous studies reveal significant potential of roote lesion nematodes to damage soybeans (7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12). The aim of this study is to reveal interaction between endoparasitic nematodes in soybean roots and naturally occuring mycorrhiza. 203 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MATERIAL AND METHODS The research was carried out at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia in 2006 and 2007. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block. The soil and roots samples of soybean cultivar Ika developed at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia were collected monthly in July, September and October in four replicates. Nematode extraction from soil followed the Erlenmeyer method (13). Nematodes from soil samples were determined to the genera by morphological characteristics (14). Nematodes in roots were detected according to the acid fuchsin root staining method (15). For AMF colonization (%) root samples were taken from fresh roots and stained with acid fuchsin-lactic acid according to (16) and assayed by grid-line intersection method by (17). Subsample of 1 g stained root was taken, spread in Petri dish and observed under dissecting microscope in order to detect nematodes and AMF colonization. The data were analyzed using SAS (18). Before analysis, data of nematodes in roots were log(n+1) transformed. Data for frequencies of mycorrhizal colonization were arcsine separated by the LSD test (P<0,05). transformed. Means were RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Average number of nematodes detected per 1 g fresh root weight were 1118,92 in 2006, and 1078,58 in 2007, respectively. The highest number of nematodes inside roots was detected in September 2006, with an average of 1671 nematodes per 1 g fresh root weight. Curve of nematode population dynamics differed among the years (Graph 1 and 2). In 2007, the peak nematode population was detected in October (1543,50 nematodes g-1 fresh root), indicating optimal climate conditions for nematode development in autumn, prior harvest. Nematodes extracted from the soil samples revealed only one endoparasitic genus, Pratylenchus spp. Root lesion nematodes are presumably found inside roots as well. Potential of root lesion nematodes to cause damage in soybean depend on Pratylenchus species, plant genotype and climatic conditions (24). In previous studies authors (19) reported from 56 to 151 nematodes g-1 dry root weight (P. brachyurus Godfrey, 1929), and P. hexincisus Taylor and Jenkins, 1957 in range from 0 to 196 nematodes g-1 dry root weight (19), respectively. Due to higher moisture conditions and the larger root system plants provide more infection sites for nematodes and AMF to feed and reproduce (20; 21; 22; 3; 23).The fresh and dry root weight are given in Table 1. If calculated to dry root weight, economic threshold for all months are several times exceeded. However, it is important to determine economic threshold for initial population of root lesion nematodes in soil samples, prior sawing and at the beginning of vegetation in root. Damages in soybean were not detected, and satisfying yields were achieved. These results indicate soybean cultivar Ika to possess tolerance traits to these pathogens. Frequency of AMF root colonization ranged from 28,42% to 56,73%. In average, 38,16% of roots were colonized by AMF in 2006, and 46,41% in 2007, respectively. Similar results for AMF colonization were achieved in both years. Comparing to nematodes populations, AMF increased colonizing root space in September, comparing to July in both years, indicating climate conditions of lesser importance for AMF. 204 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Graph 1. Number of nematodes in soybean roots and root colonization by AMF in 2006 Graph 2. Number of nematodes in soybean roots and root colonization by AMF in 2007 Table 1. Fresh and dry soybean root weight g fresh root g dry root 2006 2007 2006 2007 7 4,48a 5,25a 1,34a 1,38a 9 6,47a 4,22a 1,84a 2,15a 10 5,76a 5,08a 2,13a 1,73a Values in rows separately for g fresh root and g dry root followed by the same letter are not significantly different as determined by LSD (P<0.05) Month 205 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Relationship between endoparasitic nematodes and AMF in roots is shown in Table 2. No statistically significant correlations were observed. Negative correlation was calculated in July, in both years. In October 2007, strong negative correlation (r=-0,864) was observed, but in the same period in 2006 strong positive correlation was detected (r=0,831). Overall, moderate positive correlation (r=0,418) was determined between these two organisms. (25)) reports that changes in root morphology occur in AMF plants, and could facilitate nematode penetration and migration in roots. The mechanisms indicating the suppression or enhancement of the endoparasitic nematode populations or AMF colonization observed in our experiment remain speculative. Table 2. Correlation coefficients between nematodes in roots and colonization by AMF Month Year 2006 2007 7 0,166 -0,165 9 -0,474 -0,157 10 0,831 -0,864 rEN, AMF 0,618 0,418 0,004 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The results indicate the occurrence of interaction between nematodes and AMF in the soybean root system. Since, positive correlation between two organisms was observed as well as high yields, soybean cultivar proved to poses nematode tolerance traits and AMF cannot be observed as an IPM tool. Despite the results of this study, consensus is that AMF plants provide more tolerance to plants by decreasing reproductive potential of nematodes (2). Relationship between endoparasitic nematodes and AMF should be further studied to reveal mechanisms of action. REFERENCES [1]. Brundrett, M. 2004. Diversity and classification of mycorrhizal associations. Biological reviews, 79: 473-495. [2]. Hol W. H. G., Cook, R. 2005.An overview of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi nematode interactions. Basic and Applied Ecology, 6: 489 – 503 [3]. Ivezić M., et al. 1994. Plant – parasitic nematodes of Croatia. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO, 24(2): 369 – 373. [4]. Majić I., et al. 2008: Effect of soybean cultivar on endoparasitic nematodes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi relationship. Cereal Research Communications, Volume 36, Supplementum, 1823-1826. [5]. Rebois, R. V., R. N. Huettel 1986. Population dynamics, root penetration, and feeding behavior oí Pratylenchus agilis in monoxenic root cultures of corn, tomato, and soybean. Journal of Nematology, 18: 392-397. [6]. Nematode Diagnostic Assay Report, Pub. 450-901, Virginia Tech University, www.ppws.vt.edu. [7]. Rebois, R. V., Golden, A. M. 1985. Pathogenicity and reproduction of Pratylenchus agilis in field microplots of soybeans, corn, tomato, or corn-soybean cropping systems. Plant Disease, 69: 927-929 [8]. Lawn, D.A., Noel, G.R. 1986. Field interrelationships among Heterodera glycines, Pratylenchus scribneri and three other nematode species associated with soybean. Journal of Nematology, 18: 98-106 206 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [9]. Koenning S.R., Schmitt D.P. 1987. Control of Pratylenchus brachyurus with selected nonfumigant nematicides on a tolerant and a sentisitve soybean cultivar. Annals of Applied Nematology, 1: 26-28. [10]. Niblack T.L., et al. 1992. Soybean yield losses due to Heterodera glycines in Iowa. Plant Disease, 76: 943-948. [11]. Ferraz L.C.C.B. 1995. Interactions between Pratylenchus brachyurus and Meloidogyne javanica in soybean. Scientia Agricola Piracicaba, 52(2): 305-309. [12]. Melakeberhan H. 1998. Patogenicity of Pratylenchus penetrans, Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita on soybean genotypes. Journal of Nematology, 30: 93-99 [13]. Seinhorst J.W. 1956. The quantitative extraction of nematodes from soil. Nematologica, 1: 249-267. [14]. Bongers, T. 1994. De nematoden van Nederland. KNNV: Utrecht. str. 408. [15]. Byrd, D.W. Jr., Kirkpatrick T., Barker, K.R. (1983.): An improved technique for clearing and staining plant tissue for detection of nematodes. Journal of Nematology, 14:142-143. [16]. Kormanik P.P., McGraw A.C. 1982. Quantification of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal in plant roots. In Schenck, N.C. (Ed.), Methods and Principles of Mycorrhizal Research. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, str. 37–46. [17]. Giovanetti M., Mosse, B. 1980. An evaluation of techniques for measuring vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal infection in roots. New Phytologist, 84: 489-500. [18]. SAS/STAT User guide 2000. Version 8. Cary. NC. SAS Institute Inc [19]. McSorley R., Dickson, D.W. 1989. Nematode population density increase on cover crops of rye and vetch. Nematropica, 19: 39–51. [20]. Acosta N., Malek R.B. 1981. Symptomology and histopathology of soybean roots infected by Pratylenchus scribneri and P. alleni. Journal of Nematology, 13:6–12. [21]. Koenning S.R., et al. 1985. Influence of selected cultural practices on winter survival of Pratylenchus brachyurus and subsequent effects on soybean yield. Journal of Nematology, 17: 464-469. [22]. Herman M., et al. 1988. Interactions between Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus brachyurus on soybean. Journal of Nematology, 20: 79–84. [23]. Pinochet, J., et al. 1996. Interactions between migratory endoparasitic nematodes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in perennial crops: A review. Plant Soil, 185: 183–190. [24]. Smiley R.W., et al. 2005. Pratylenchus thornei associated with reduced wheat yield in Oregon. Journal of Nematology, 37(1): 45-54. [25]. Elsen A., et al. 2003. Relative mycorrhizal dependency and mycorrhizanematode interaction in banana cultivars (Musa spp.) differing in nematode susceptibility. Plant and Soil, 256: 303 – 313. ABOUT THE AUTHORS I. Majić, PhD, assistant professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] M. Ivezić, PhD, full professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] 207 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA M. Brmež, PhD, associate professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] E. Raspudić, PhD, full professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] A. Sarajlić, BSc, young researcher - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] A. Sudarić, PhD - Agricultural Institute Osijek, Južno predgrađe Croatia, +385 31 51 55 30, [email protected] 208 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EVALUATION OF SOME ROMANIAN APPLE CULTIVARS FOR THEIR ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND TOTAL PHENOLS Liana Maria Alda, Diana Moigradean, Despina-Maria Bordean, S. Alda, I. Gogoasa, I. Gergen, and Gabriela Oprea Abstract: The benefits of fruits and vegetables are often attributed to their high antioxidant activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity and the content of polyphenols from whole apple extracts corresponding to six apple varieties cultivated in vest of Romania in 2010. The total phenols were measured by Folin-Ciocalteau assay. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was estimated by Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods. The content of polyphenols and the results of antioxidant activity determination were expressed as related to the fresh weight (FW) basis. The highest total polyphenols value was obtained for Golden apple variety and the lowest for Jonathan apple variety. The results showed a positive correlation between antioxidant activity determined by both methods and polyphenols. Key words: apples cultivars, polyphenols, antioxidant activity. INTRODUCTION Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been shown to be effective in the prevention of chronic diseases. These benefits are often attributed to the high antioxidant content of some plant foods. Apples are commonly eaten and are large contributors of phenolic compounds in human diets. Research supports a role of secondary plant metabolites particularly polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases e.g. cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Apple fruit are an important source of secondary plant metabolites and one of the major phenol sources being consumed during the whole year. The antioxidant activity of plant extracts is of particular interest both because of their beneficial physiological activity on human cells and the potential they have to replace synthetic antioxidants used in foodstuffs [1]. Polyphenols are cyclic derivatives of benzene with one or more hydroxyl groups associated to the aromatic ring. The main classes of polyphenols, defined according to the nature of their carbon skeleton, are phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and lignans, which have recently been recognized as phytoestrogens [5]. There are many methods to determine antioxidant capacity. These methods differ in terms of their assay principles and experimental conditions; consequently, in different methods particular antioxidants have varying contributions to total antioxidant potential [4]. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present investigation was undertaken to determine the antioxidant capacity in the following apple cultivars: "Năşanc", "Jonathan", "Rânet de toamnă", "Boscov" and "Tiganesti" and Golden cultivated in west of Romania in 2010. Determination of total phenolics (TP): Total phenolic content was analyzed spectrophotometrically using an adapted Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method described by Singleton and Rossi [6]. Extract samples were diluted to fall within the range of the calibration curve. The calibration curve was prepared using 0.05-0.6 mM•L-1 gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The samples were incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature prior to measuring the absorbance reading at 750 nm using the UV-VIS spectrophotometer (Analytic Jena Specord 205). Quantification of the data was calculated based on the calibration curve generated using gallic acid as the standard and the results were expressed as M of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 1 g of apple. 209 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay: The ability to reduce ferric ions was measured using methods of Benzie and Strain [3]. An aliquot (200 µL) of the extract with appropriate dilution was added to 3 mL of FRAP reagent (10 parts of 300 mM sodium acetate buffer at pH 3.6, 1 part of 10 mM TPTZ solution and 1 part of 20 mM FeCl 3•6H2O solution), and the reaction mixture was incubated in a water bath at 37°C. The increase in absorbance at 593 nm was measured after 30 minutes. The antioxidant capacity based on the ability to reduce ferric ions of the extract was expressed as mM Fe 2+/ml fresh extract was calculated. The concentrations of total phenolics, and the results of antioxidant activity determination were expressed as related to the fresh weight (FW) basis. Each value is the mean of three (n =3) independent determinations. Evaluation of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by CUPRAC method is similar with FRAP. The ferric ion is changed with cupric ion, tripyridyltriazine is replaced by neocuprein and color can be monitored at 450 nm[2]. Statistical methods: The evaluation of the experimental data was made with multivariate analysis program (MVSP) [8,9]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The following tables and graphs present the results concerning values of the total antioxidant capacity and the content of polyphenols from whole apple extracts corresponding to six apple varieties cultivated in west of Romania in 2010. Antioxidant capacity differed between the cultivars. The highest total polyphenols value was obtained for "Golden"(1,36 M gallic acid/g) followed by "Tiganesti" (1,32 M gallic acid/g) apple variety. The lowest total polyphenols value was registered for Boscov (0,92 M gallic acid/g) an Jonathan apple variety(0,76 M gallic acid/g)(table 1). Table 1 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Phenols content of whole apple extracts Apple variety Total phenolics (M gallic acid /g) "Năşanc" 1,27 "Jonathan" 0,76 "Rânet de toamnă" 1,22 "Boscov" 0,92 "Tiganesti" 1,32 "Golden " 1,36 The results regarding the total antioxidant capacity from whole apple extracts showed a positive correlation between antioxidant activity determined by both methods. The results regarding the apple varieties total antioxidant capacity determined by FRAP method are the folowing: Golden (5,47mol Fe2+/ml), Tiganesti (5,25 mol Fe2+/ml), Nasanc (2,46mol Fe2+/ml), Ranet de toamna(1,61 mol Fe2+/ml), Boscov (1,32 mol Fe2+/ml) and Jonathan apple variety(1,10 mol Fe2+/ml). The graphical representation of the apple varieties total antioxidant capacity determined by CUPRAC method is coresponding to figure1. 210 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 8 6 4 2 Golden Tiganesti Boscov Ranet de toamna Jonathan Nasanc 0 Fig. 1. Graphical representation of apples TAC The correspondence analysis CA using transposed square-root transformed data is presenting the following scores. Golden and Tiganesti apple varieties present the highest total antioxidant capacity (fig. 2). CA case scores: 1.1 0.8 Nasanc 0.5 Jonathan 0.3 Axis 2 Nasanc Jonathan Ranet de toamna Boscov Tiganesti Golden CA joint plot Axis 1 Axis 2 0.078 0.083 0.040 0.060 0.000 0.000 0.017 0.018 0.186 0.172 0.188 0.176 Ranet de toamna -1.3 -1.1 -0.8 -0.5 -0.3 -0.3 0.3 0.5 0.8 1.1 Boscov -0.5 Tiganesti -0.8 -1.1 Golden -1.3 Axis 1 Fig.2. CA joint plot TAC representation The Cluster analysis is revealing that Tiganesti and Golden apple varieties have similar antioxidant properties (fig. 3). Nearest neighbour (constrained) Nasanc Jonathan Ranet de toamna Boscov Tiganesti Golden 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Euclidean - Data square-root transformed Fig. 3. Cluster analysis of TAC 211 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Principal Component analysis for complete data (FRAP, CUPRAC and polyphenolics (fig. 4) and Diversity indices analysis (fig. 5) are also revealing the similarities between Golden and Tiganesti apple varieties as well as between Nasanc, Ranet de toamna and Boscov while Jonathan is presenting the lowest values for TAC (FRAP 1,10 and CUPRAC 1,75) and TP (0,76). PCA case scores 38.3 Tiganesti Golden 28.7 19.2 Axis 2 9.6 -47.9 -38.3 -28.7 -19.2 -9.6 9.6 -9.6 19.2 Nasanc 28.7 38.3 Boscov Ranet de toamna -19.2 -28.7 -38.3 -47.9 Jonathan Axis 1 Vector scaling: 69.84 Fig.4. PCA case scores biplot representation of studied apple varieties Fig. 5. Diversity indices representation of the apple varieties 212 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK We recommend the use of the Golden and Tiganesti apple romanian varieties because of their high total antioxidant capacity and the phenols content. Our future work will study other varieties of fruits cultivated in the west part of the country. REFERENCES [1]. Amarowicz, R., et al.1999. Potential natural antioxidants from Saskatchewan indigenous plants. J. Food Lipids, 6, 317-329 [2]. Apak, R., et al. 2007. Comparative evaluation of various total antioxidant capacity assays applied to phenolic compounds with the CUPRAC assay. Molecules, 12,14961547. [3]. Benzie, I.F.F. and Strain, L. 1996. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as a measure of antioxidant power: The FRAP assay. Anal.Biochem., 239,70-76. [4]. Cao, G. and Prior, R. L. 1998. Comparison of different analytical methods for assessing total antioxidant capacity of human serum. Clinical Chemistry, 44,13091315. [5]. Scalbert, A. and Williamson, G. 2000. Dietary intake and bioavailability of polyphenols. Journal of Nutrition,130,2073S-2085S. [6]. Singleton, V.L. and Rossi, J.A. 1965. Colorimetry of total phenolics with phosphomolybdic-phosphotungstic acid reagents. Am. J. Enol.Vitic. 16:1644-1658. [7]. Ioana Mitre, et al. 2009- Evaluation of old apple cultivars grown in central Transylvania, Romania, Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj 37 (1), Electronic ISSN 18424309, pag 235-237 [8]. MVSP (Multi-Variate Statistical Package) Publisher’s description.http:/ /www.kovcomp.com/mvsp/index.html. [9]. Statistics Solutions: Dedicated Dissertation Specialists, Principal Component Analysis(PCA).http://www.statisticssolutions.com/methods-chapter/statisticaltests/principal-component-analysis/ ABOUT THE AUTHORS Liana Maria Alda, Banat's University of Agricultural Science Timisoara, Romania, Calea Aradului Street, No.119, e-mail address: [email protected] 213 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA INFLUENCE OF INDUSTRIAL AIR POLLUTANTS ON THE CONTENT OF CADMIUM IN LUCERNE AND COW’S MILK Ljiljana Andjušić, Miroslav Ćirković, Zvonko Spasić, Božidar Milošević, Nenad Drašković Abstract: In the industrial zone of Obilic thermal plants “Kosovo A” and “Kosovo B” are located, as well as a heating station, which with their emissions pollute Obilic an its vicinity. Additionally, there are placed daily coal mine, separation, drier and nitrogen fertilizer plant. 2 This thermo energetic giant represents a strong source of SO , smoke and flying dust, as well as products of coal combustion. The goal of this investigation was to investigate, in the area of Obilic where exists air pollution in higher level, the content of cadmium (which is very toxic) in lucerne and cow’s milk at different locations and distance from the source of pollution, that is 6 different localities. By the method of Absorbic Spectrophotometry it has been determined that average presence of cadmium in investigated samples of Lucerne was 0,07 mg/kg DM and average value of cadmium presence in milk samples amounted 0,04 mg/l. Established values exceed regular standards so that in relation to them, milk form these areas should not be used for human nutrition, especially children. Key words : industrial airpollution, cadmium (Cd), lucerne, milk, food chain INTRODUCTION Scientific – technology revolution and other events related with it, rapidly increased industrial production, and in many aspects contributed to a complex relationship between the man and environment, introducing significant change and deterioration of the natural ecosystem, which has been replaced by artificial systems, that mostly transforms into "urban deserts". Scientific achievements in the field of industrial technology, had consequence troublesome environment pollution with differences chemical substance. As a result of human activities have an enormous environmental pollution with cadmium, chloride and sulphate of iron, which permanently attracts the environment [5; 7]. Regarding that, the modern man has been increasingly concerned about heavy metals pollution, especially lead and cadmium, as well as nonessential biological and very toxic metals, which express tendency of bioaccumulation. Airpollutants, which has been emitting from primary sources, transport to short or long distances, and modified or in the same form (like secondary) return to the earth’s surface. The recipients, besides the land, are water, plants, animals and humans. One of the most important environmental pollutants in the area of Kosovo and Metohia is industrial facility in Obilić, where there thermal plants “Kosovo A” and “Kosovo B” are located, as well as heating station. Considering undisputable Cd toxicity for living being, special interest has been increased regarding the Cd level in plants and, consequently, its increased level influence on health of animals and humans. Although the acute poisoning are very rare, continuous exposition to higher amounts of cadmium, throughout a longer period, increases its accumulation in various body tissues and organs. The danger is higher, in so far as, its toxicity comes into sight just about after several decades. Humans using such a food indirectly adopt these substances which may act destructive, generating diseases if present in amounts higher than allowed. The aim of these studies was to examine the Cd content in lucerne and cow’s milk in the region with different geographical position and different distances from pollution sources, in the Obilić area, where exists, for a long time, air pollution at a higher level. 214 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MATERIAL AND METHODS As lucerne is the most prevalent source of cattle food in this area, in a green condition or as hay, and because of its leaves structure and higher foliage propensity, samples of this plant were collected. On the basis of the investigation goals, and concerning the fact that foliage absorption is more pronounced when gasses are under consideration 12 samples of green lucerne were taken, in the middle of the season ( 15-20 July), from each checkpoints. At the same time, samples of cow’s milk have been collected towards determining the way lucerne as a food source for cattle influences on transmitting of cadmium in milk, which, as it is well known, represents the basic condition of young animal population survival (including the human population). All samples (green lucerne and raw cow’s milk) were processed according to the standard procedure, after which cadmium content had been received from the solution using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Number and disposition of checkpoints to take samples No. of Average distance checkpoints Locality from polluter (km) Type of samples 1. Prilužje 8 Green lucerne, milk 2. Babin Most 7 Green lucerne, milk 3. Miloševo 5 Green lucerne, milk 4. Obilić Green lucerne, milk 5. Lepina 14 Green lucerne, milk 6. Skulanevo 15 Green lucerne, milk Regarding the examined factors, basic statistical parameter were calculated, while testing of total variability among some investigated checkpoints, was done by analysis of variance [8]. Where there statistically significant differences were established by the F-test, LSD-test was used for testing the significance. The relationship of studied heavy metals concentrations in lucerne and consequently in milk has been determined by correlation coefficients. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The established Cd concentrations in lucerne and milk in the area of Obilić observed by taken samples at different localities, are presented in tables 1 and 2.The highest Cd concentrations in lucerne, has been determined in Obilic locality, which has been expected, for the reason that the main sources of pollution are located there. However, we expected that with distance, level of this elements decrease, but it wasn’t the case at locality Skulanevo 15 km away from the source of pollution (high variation interval from 0,01 to 0,14 mgCd/kg DM). Since there are facilities with very tall chimneys, and as distribution of pollutants depends on it, emissions are transported on greater distance wherewith level of cadmium increases considerably. To this north-east wind contributes significantly as it is prevalent in that area, which suggests a very important role disseminating harmful product from a source of the pollution. 215 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 1. Average value and variability of Cd content in lucerne in the Obilić region, mg/kg Distance in LOCALITY km SD CV min.-max. X Sx Prilužje Babin Most Obilić Miloševo Lepina Skulanevo AVERAGE 8 7 0 5 14 15 - 0,06 0,01 0,06 0,01 0,10 0,01 0,06 0,01 0,07 0,01 0,09 0,03 0,073 0,01 lsd0.05= 0,092 0,01 25,0 0,02 36,6 0,02 23,0 0,02 23,3 0,01 20,0 0,04 46,6 0,03 43,2 lsd0.01= 0,122 0,01 - 0,12 0,03 - 0,12 0,02 - 0,12 0,02 - 0,14 0,01 - 0,11 0,01 - 0,14 0,01 - 0,14 Identified higher values of Cd in red clover that grows beside motorways, which are also modern pollutants of the environment [9]. By comparing our values with other researchers [1,4] for the region of Štrpce, it can be noticed that they are higher, which is expected, because Obilic region is exposed to the main sources of pollution. Observing the level of Cd in cow’s milk (tab. 2.), depending from the distance to the main sources of the pollution, it can be noticed that it reduces with distance increase (highest values in the area of Obilić – 0,07±0,03 mg/l with variation from 0,01-0,14 mg Cd/l). Statistical significance at the level of 5% has been estimated only among locality of main sources and the last north locality Prilužje, where established Cd concentration in cow’s´s milk (0,02 mg Cd/l) was the smallest. Although this locality is not farthest from the main sources of pollution, similar as regarding the cadmium content in dry matter of lucerne, has a lower value because of the frequent northwest winds, which is carrying air pollutants to the south. Table 2. Average value and variability of Cd content in milk in the Obilić region, mg/l Distance LOCALITY in km SD CV min.-max. X Sx 0,01 39,6 0,00 - 0,05 0,02 0,00 0,01 28,2 0,01 - 0,10 0,03 0,01 0,02 37,1 0,01 - 0,12 0,05 0,02 0,03 39,2 0,01 - 0,14 0,07 0,03 0,01 22,7 0,01 - 0,11 0,04 0,01 0,01 28,7 0,01 - 0,06 0,03 0,01 0,02 27,1 0,01 - 0,14 0,045 0,01 lsd0.05= 0,040 lsd0.01= 0,054 The obtained values are considerably higher than standard values regulated Ordinance [6] our country, which prescribes the maximum permissible concentrations of metals in milk of 0.01 mg/l, as opposed to the norms of the Commission for the European Community [2] which provides 0.00 mg/l Cd in milk. Cd is considered to be the most important contaminant in modern times. Cd content in raw milk from Inner Mongolia (4.19 ± 3.80 µg/kg) was similar with Chinese comercial milks, the high content of Cd is not likely from the process of milk production [3]. The coefficient of correlation between cadmium content in lucerne and milk in the area of Obilić are presented in the following table (Table 3). Prilužje Babin Most Miloševo Obilić Lepina Skulanevo AVERAGE 8 7 5 0 14 15 - 216 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 3. Coefficient of correlation between the content Cd in lucerne and milk in the Obilić region No. of samples 72 Coefficient of correlation 0,4054** Critical value t0,05=0,1592 t0,01=0,1890 According to the average values of correlation between Cd content in lucerne and milk in the region of Obilić, it can be noticed that there is a complete correlation, which is statistically very significant (P<0,01). The estimated average cadmium content value in the dry matter of green lucerne were not significantly higher, provided that cadmium value in cow’s milk from studied region are four times higher than MPL (0,05±0,01 mg/l with variation 0,01-0,16 mg/l). Thus, we have considerably higher cadmium content values than expected in the Obilić region, which can be explained by the fact that surrounding topography and frequency of the winds contribute to the diffusion of harmful gasses from the pollution sources. The question is in what extent increment of cadmium content of lucerne samples may influence on its increment in cow’s milk fed by lucerne from these areas. The answer on that question can be obtained trough the regression analysis using following formula: y= 0,0338 + 0,0055x CONCLUSION According to the research results regarding the cadmium content in lucerne and cow’s milk in the area of Obilić, we have come to the conclusion as follows: 1. Average Cd content of studied samples of green lucerne for all localities amounted 0,073 mg/kg DM. It can be concluded that established values in the studied region are within the limits of maximum allowed levels. However, there are high deviations, with cadmium concentration in some localities that exceeds allowed limit by five times. 2. Average Cd content in the studied samples of cow’s milk amounted 0,045 mg/l. Variations in Cd content in some studied samples are much higher to locality, and amounted from 0,02 (Prilužje) – 0,07 mg/l in the area of Obilić. 3. Cadmium levels in cow’s milk decreased with distance increment from main sources of pollution, which wasn’t the case when cadmium content in green lucerne is in question. 4. Established middle and positive correlation, with Roemer – Orphal’s classification, have shown that with increased cadmium content in green lucerne an increase in cow’s milk can be expected. 5. Established values Cd exceed regular standards, so that in relation to them, milk from these areas should not be used for human nutrition, especially children. 217 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Biocanin, R., Amidžić, B, 2004. Zagađujuće materije u radnoj i životnoj sredini, Naučnostručni skup zdravstvenih radnika republike Srbije sa međunarodnim učešćem, Zlatibor. [2]. Commission to the European Community (EC) 466/2001. [3]. Li-Qiang, Qin, Xiao-Ping, Wang, Wei Li, Xing Tong and Wei-Jung Tong 2009. The minerals and heavy metals in Cow, s milk from China and Japan. Journal of Health Science, 55(2), 300-305. [4]. Mirić, M. 1995. Uticaj aerozagađenja na sadržaj štetnih i otrovnih materija u stočnoj hrani i proizvodima animalnog porekla. Istraživanje u cilju unapređenja proizvodnje hrane animalnog porekla na Kosovu i Metohiji. [5]. Patel, M.J., J.N. Patel and R.B. Subramanian 2005. Effect of cadmium on growth and the activity of H2O2 scavenging enzimes in Colocassia esculentum. Plant Soil, 273: 183-188. [6]. Pravilnik o količinama pesticida, metala i metaloida i drugih otrovnih supstancija, hemioterapeutika, anabolika i dr. supstancija koje se mogu nalaziti u namirnicama („Sl.list SRJ“, br. 5/92, 11/92 i 32/2002). [7]. Sikka, R., Nayyar and S.S. Sidhu 2009. Monitoring of Cd pollution in soil and plants irrigated with untreated sewage water in some industrialized cities of Pinjab, India. Environ. Monit. Assess., 154: 53-64. [8]. Stanković Jelena, Lakić Nada, LJubenović-Ralević Ivana 1990. Zbirka zataka iz eksperimentalne statistike, Beograd. [9]. Stojanović, D., đurđević, M., Vučković, M., Bogdanović, M. 1981. Nivo olova i kadmijuma u mineralnim đubrivima, zemljištu i plodovima nekih biljaka gajenih kraj prometnih saobraćajnica. Zb. gozdarstva in lesarstva, l. 19, št. 1, s. 165 - 178, Ljubljana. [10]. Wenk, P. , Andrey, D. , Beuggert, H. , Guggisberg, H. , Rieder, K. , Schmid, R. 1996. Monitoring proggrame heavy metals in foods, VIII. Lead, Cd, Cu and zinc in milk. Dairy science abstracts, vol. 58, No 4. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Mr Ljiljana Anđušić, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Dr Miroslav Ćirković, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Dr Zvonko Spasić, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Dr Božidar Milošević, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Mr Nenad Drašković, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Pristina, Kopaonička bb, 28273 Lešak, Serbia, 218 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EFFECT OF INSECTICIDES AND LOCATION ON THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER IN CORN GROWN FOR SEED PRODUCTION A. Sarajlić, E. Raspudić, M. Ivezić, I. Majić, M. Brmež, A. Gumze, A. Eđed Abstract: Location impact and insecticides effect on the occurrence of European corn borer were the primary targets of this study in 2010. Two insecticides at two locations (East Croatia) were tested. Insecticides efficasy were evaluated by recording corn yield, length of the damage of corn stalks and by the number of ECB larvae. Dissection of corn stalks was done before harvest in treated and untreated plots, and statistically significant damages were observed. Analysis of data showed that the locality significantly influenced on the occurrence of this pests. Key words: European corn borer, insecticides, locality, corn yield INTRODUCTION Corn, as one of the most important crop in Eastern Croatia is threatend by large number of pests that reduce grain yield. One of the most important pest is European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) (ECB). This pest create damages on many other cultures, especially on the vegetables. In Croatia, the corn is grown on approximately 300 000 hectares with an average yield 7.5 t/ha (9). From June until the end of vegetation, ECB damage all aboveground parts of corn plants. In Croatia and worldwide, corn is grown largely in monoculture because of high market demands. This is the main factor which affect on the occurrence of this pest in an area of high intensity. In Croatia, ECB has been controled on sweet corn and corn grown for seed production. Protection measures are not applied on commercial corn, and for this reason population of ECB maintain or increase intensity in subsequent years. The control measures in commercial corn are not economically sound since satisfactory yields are achived despite the ECB attack. According to literature data, in this region locality has an important role in the occurrence of the european corn borer (1; 3). Soil type also affects on the grain yield (4). Potentially, at different stages of corn development, ECB can cause significant damages that will finally reduce grain yields (6). ECB in the Eastern Croatia has two generations per year. For control of this pest proper timing is necessary, which can be determined by monitoring the occurrence of eggs and implementation of pheromone traps or other methods to monitor moth flight. So far, treatment with ovicide proved to be efficent control measure (8). It is difficult to monitor the occurrence of ECB eggs and to determine the best time for control of this pest. The natural enemies of ECB as Nosema pyrusta in combination with insecticides provide good protection of corn from this pest (5). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two different locations in the Eastern Croatia on the occurrence of ECB and an efficacy of two different chemical insecticides. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiment was carried out in 2010, in the field with corn grown for seed production, at two sites: Čepin (45°31΄N 18°34΄E) and Dalj (45°29΄N 18°59΄E), Croatia. Corn plants, FAO groups 400 and 500, were examined at all stages of development (from June to August). In the experiment at this two localities were included a total of five experimental plots When 40% of plants were infected with the eggs of the first generation of ECB, corn was treated with chemical insecticides. In Čepin, insecticide Zagor EC (dimetoate) at the dose of 0.20% was applied, and insecticide Karate Zeon 50 CS (lambda cyhalothrin) at the dose of 1% in Dalj. The insecticides treatments were applied at the beggining of July. Chemical treatment of second generation european corn borer did not 219 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA accomplish because of bad weather conditions. Corn stalks were dissected and examined at the end of August, before the harvest. From treated and untreated plots, a hundred plants (5 sets of 20) were taken at random, to determine the damage on corn from ECB. The length of the ECB damage on corn plant was measured in centimetars, number of larvae per plant and ear weight (g). The results were statistically analyzed with program SAS (7). Means were separated by the t-test and by Dunnett’s test (P<0,05). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Intensity of attack on the this plots was 90%. Results of differences between localities for ear weight and the lenght od ECB plant damage are shown in Table 1. Statistically significant diferences were observed. At both localities ear weight was higher in the treated compared to untreated corn but the differences were not statistically significant. Length of damage of corn stalk at both localities was higher in treated compared to untreated plots and in despite of the high damage on corn plant from ECB, grain yield was satisfactory, and chemical control in this case was not justified. In Poland, they get different results, insecticides had high efficiency in the suppression of ECB (2). Table 1. Differences between localities in the ear weight and the length of the damage corn stalks on the treated and untreated plots Locality Čepin Dalj Tunnel length 11.98a 5.84b Ear weight 103.86b 174.02a Insecticide Tunnel length 17.23a 8.08b b Ear weight 113.39 178.36a Values with a different letters in the same row are significantly different at the 0.05 probability level Treatment Control Tunnel length was measured in cm and ear weight is in g. In Table 2. results are ranked by Dunnett’s test for the total number of larvae and from this table can be seen that the total number of larvae attack are significantly different according to different localities. On the treated plot number of larvae was higher than in untreated on locality Čepin, but in Dalj on the untreated plot number of larvae was higher than in untreated. Čepin had a much higher number of larvae. Chemical control had no effect on the number of larvae in this experiment. Table 2. Differences between localities in the total number of larvae on the treated and untreated plots Locality Čepin Dalj Difference Confidence Between Limits Treatement Means Control 603 139 1.48 1.02a 1.94b a Insecticide 712 132 1.75 1.21 2.28b Values with a different letters in the same row are significantly different at the 0.05 probability level 220 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Influence of localities has a significant role in the occurrence of ECB in the Eastern Croatia. Treatment with chemical insecticides applied in these trials are not economically justified, since satisfactory yields were achieved and similar results of tunnel lenght were observed in treated and untreated plots. Research will continue in the future in this direction in order to determine what is the role of localities in the occurrence of this pest and to give useful recommendations in the future for producers regarding the selection of localities for planting corn and choice of appropriate chemicals. REFERENCES [1]. Augustinović, Z., et al. 2005. Utjecaj kukuruznog moljca (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) na hibride kukuruza u sjeverozapadnoj i istočnoj Hrvatskoj , Poljoprivreda, 11, pp. 2429 [2]. Bereś, P. K. 2005. Harmfulness and effects of chemical control of Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. on sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) in Rzeszow regiόn, Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Agricultura, 9(4), pp. 5-15 [3]. Ivezić, M., et al. 2003. Napad kukuruzne zlatice i kukuruznog moljca na Os hibridima kukuruza. Glasilo biljne zaštite, pp. 15-16 [4]. Jabmbrović, A., et al. 2008. Soil and genotype influences on yield and nutritional status of maize hybrid parents. Cereal Research Communications. 36: 2. 1015-1018 [5]. Lublinkhof, J., et al. 1979. Effectiveness of Integrating Insecticides with Nosema pyrausta for Suppressing Populations of the European Corn Borer. Journal of Economic Entomology, 72, pp. 880-883(4) [6]. Lynch, Robert E., 1980. European Corn Borer: Yield Losses in Relation to Hybrid and Stage of Corn Development. Journal of Economic Entomology, 73, pp. 159-164(6) [7]. SAS/STAT User guide 2000. Version 8. Cary. NC. SAS Institute Inc [8]. Trisyono, A. and Chippendale, M.G. 1997. Effect of the Nonsteroidal Ecdysone Agonists, Methoxyfenozide and Tebufenozide, on the European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 90, pp. 1486-1492(7) [9]. www.faostat.fao.org ABOUT THE AUTHORS A. Sarajlić, BSc, young researcher - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] E. Raspudić, PhD, full professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] M. Ivezić, PhD, full professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] I. Majić, PhD, assistant professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] M. Brmež, PhD, associate professor - Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224247, [email protected] A. Eđed, BSc, young researcher – Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, Croatia, +385 31 224251, [email protected] A. Gumze, BSc, young researcher - Hi-Bred Production d.o.o. (a DuPoint company), Zapadno predgrađe 18, Croatia, +385 91 2988751, [email protected] 221 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA PREVALENCE OF PATHOGEN BACTERIA IN MILK SAMPLES OF DAIRY COWS WITH SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS Radanovic O, Jovicic Dubravka, Zutic Jadranka, Prodanovic R. Zutic M. Abstract: Mastitis is one of the most frequent problems in contemporary dairy production.The primary objective of these investigations was to determine the incidence and species of bacteria in cows milk samples from 4 farms , which yielded a positive reaction to the California mastitis (CM) test. Milk samples from 486 cows were examined with standard bacteriological methods and commercial tests in the identification procedure. Positive bacteriological findings were established in the milk of 438 ( 90 %) cows. The bacterial species isolated from 438 milk samples studied were Staphylococcus aureus in 179 (40,86%), Streptococcus agalactiae in 125 (28,53%), Streptococcus spp in 32 (7,30%), E.coli in 28 (6,39%), Arcanobacterium pyogenes in 18 (4,10%), Corynebacterium bovis in 14 (3,19%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 12 (2,73%), Streptococcus uberis in 9 (2,05%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae in 6 (1,36%) and Pasteurella multocida, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii them every in 5 (1,14%) samples. Key words: bacteria, milk, cow, mastitis. INTRODUCTION Mastitis is a complex disease that results from interaction between each individual animal, the environment and microorganisms (Hawari et al., 2008). Bovine mastitis is the most economically important disease in dairy milk production worldwide (Bradley,2002, Viguier et al., 2009). Economical losses are due to loss in milk production, discarding abnormal milk and milk withheld from cows treated with antibiotics, degrading of milk quality and price due to high bacterial or somatic cell count, costs of drugs, veterinary services and increased labor costs, increased risk of subsequent mastitis, herd replacement, and problems related to antibiotics residues in milk. Over 135 different microorganisms have been isolated from bovine intramammary infection such as bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, yeasts and algae (Malinowski et al.,2006, Chaneton et al., 2008), but the majority of infections are caused by staphylococci, streptococci and gram negative bacteria ( Bradley, 2002). Subclinical mastitis is the most serious type as the infected animal shows no obvious symptoms and secrets apparently normal milk for a long time, during which causative organisms spread infection in herd.The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a quick and easy way to identify subclincal cases of mastitis (Leslie et al., 2002). MATERIAL AND METHODS The objective of these investigations was to determine bacteria species in milk samples of 486 cows (Holstein) which yielded a positive reaction to the California mastitis (CM).The milk samples were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar, Edwards and MacConkey agar and incubated aerobically at 37oC for a period of 24-48 h. Bacteria were identified by colony morphology, hemolytic pattern on blood agar and further microscopic examination (Gram staining), standard biochemical methods described by Quinn et al.( 2002) and commercial test (bioMerieux, HiMedia).The applied confirmation test was BBL Crystal G/P and E/N ID kit (Becton Dickinson). For detection staphylococcal enterotoxin were used VIDASTM staphylococcal enterotoxin test (SET2, 30701, bioMerieux) for direct simultaneus detection of seven types enterotoxins ( SEA, SEB, SEC1, SEC2, SEC3, SED and SEE). 222 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Bacteriological examinations were performed on a total of 486 cows milk from 4 farms. The presence of bacteria was established in 438 (90%) samples, while 48 samples were negative. The investigation results are presented in Table 1. Table 1: Frequency and proportion of isolated bacteria from cows milk samples Species of bacteria S.aureus Farm 1 No. % 69 S.agalactiae 44 S.spp 7 E.coli 5 A.pyogenes 7 C.bovis 6 47,91 4 30,55 7 4,86 5 3,47 7 4,86 - P.aeruginosa 7 S.uberis 7 4,86 - S.dysgalactiae 2 P.multocida 3 S.marcescens 2 1,38 3 2,08 - M.morganii - Total No: - 144 - Farm 2 No. % 4 36,71 47 5 45,31 58 6 4,68 6 4 3,12 4 9 7,03 9 2 1,56 2 2 1,56 2 - Farm 3 No. % 5 48,07 50 2 22,11 23 6 5,76 6 4 3,84 4 2 1,92 2 1 13,46 14 1 0,96 1 3 2,88 3 1 0,96 1 - 128 104 - - Farm 4 No. % 1 20,96 13 1 20,96 13 1 24,19 15 2 3,22 2 6 9,67 6 3 4,83 3 5 8,06 5 5 8,06 5 62 Total No. % 179 40,86 125 28,53 32 7,30 28 6,39 18 4,10 14 3,19 12 2,73 9 2,05 6 1,36 5 1,14 5 1,14 5 1,14 438 99,93 In the total results from all 4 farms, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in the greatest percentage, 40.86%. Almost identical isolation percentages were established for farms 3 (48.07%) and 1 (47.91%), while a smaller percentage was established for farm 2 (36.71%) and the lowest in cows from farm 4 (20.96). The results of a high prevalence of infections with S.aureus are in correlation with the results of Workinen et al., (2002) and Abdel-Rady and Sayed (2009). The presence of S.aureus in milk poses a risk not only to the cow’s health, but to human health as well. The risk is even bigger in the case of infections caused by enterotoxin-producing strains because of the possible occurrence of alimentary intoxications in humans. For this purpose, we examined the isolated strains for enterotoxin production. A total of 85 isolates of S. aureus were examined, 24 isolates each from farms 1,2 and 3, and 12 isolates from farm 4. Enterotoxin production was established in 7 (29.16%) 223 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA strains isolated from farm 1, 4 (16.66%) from farm 2, and only 2 strains (8.33%) from farm 3. Not one of the 12 examined isolates from farm 4 were enterotoxin-producing strains. The results of our investigations are different to the results obtained by Radanović (2010) and Oliveira et al., (2011), who established a higher percentage (19%) of enterotoxinpositive strains. The most frequent source of infection with S.aureus is a chronically infected udder, even though the bacteria is present also in other parts of the body, but in the vicinity as well. The infection is transferred through the hands of the person doing the milking, rags, and milking equipment. Incubation takes place over a long period and the infection most often develops in the form of subclinical mastitis with the appearance of microabscesses in the parenchyma. It is the cause of chronic infections and is very difficult to eradicate from a herd. The second most frequently occurring bacteria was Streptococcus agalactiae which was isolated in 28.53% cases. The highest percentage of infection with this bacteria was established on farm 2, 45.31% of the examined cases, it was significantly lower among cows on farm 1, 30.55%, and the lowest established percentage was for farm 3, a total of 22.11% of the examined cases. A total of 62 milk samples from farm 4 were examined and none of them showed the presence of this bacteria species. Different percentages of incidence of infections with this bacteria have also been recorded by Atyabi et al., (2006), and Cheng et al., (2010). S.agalactiae causes contagious mastitis of a subclinical form, with a larger number of udder quarters being affected. As opposed to S.aureus which is found on the skin and mucosa, the reservoir of S. agalactiae is an infected udder from where it can be transferred to other cows through various pathways. A significant role in the pathogenesis of mastitis cases caused by S.aureus and S. agalactiae is played by the bacterias’ expressed ability firmly to adhere to the epithelium of ducts and alveoli and to colonize the udder tubules. In the cow milk samples from all four farms, the presence of Streptococcus spp was established in 7.31% samples. At the same time, S.uberis (2.05%) and S. dysgalactiae (1.37%) were established in small percentages only on farms 3 and 4. Among the other gram-positive bacteria, the presence of Arcanobacterium pyogenes was established, on farm 1 (4.86%), on farm 2 (7.03%), and on farm 3 (1.92%). The presence of this bacteria was not established in the samples from farm 4. The presence of Corynebacterium bovis was established in 14 milk samples (13.46 %) and only on one of the 4 examined farms (farm 3). Finding of small percentages A. pyogenes and C. bovis is according with results Bitew et al.,(2010). The most frequently isolated gram-negative bacteria was E.coli ( 6.39%). A similar percentage of isolation was established for farms 1 (3.47%), 2 (3.12%) and 3 (3.84%). A significantly higher pecentage of isolation, of 24.19 %, was established for farm 4. The presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was established in a small percentage in all four farms (2.73%) and ranged from 0. 96% for farm 3, to 4.86% for farm 1. Our results are in correlation with those of Abdel-Rady A, and Sayed M, (2009). Furthermore, Pasteurella multocida was isolated in a small percentage of 2.08% on farm 1 and of 1.56% on farm 2. No udder infection with this bacteria species was established in the other two farms. Identical percentages of isolation of 1.14 % were established for Serratia marcescens and Morganella morgani, which is in agreement with the reports Zutic et al., (2010). Most of the isolated gram-negative bacteria are ubiquitous and have the ability to survive in the environment. Their presence in large numbers indicates poor zoohygienic conditions. 224 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Mastitises present the economically most important disease of dairy cows and they cause huge losses in milk production. The economic losses are manifested through reduced milk production, the costs of therapy, veterinary services, premature culling, the value of the rejected milk, impaired fertility, and other factors. It is very difficult really to assess the losses due to mastitis because of the numerous factors that affect them. They are most often higher than estimated. Since mastitis cannot be eradicated, some of the programmes for curbing mastitis must be in effect in conditions of intensive milk production. The choice of the programme for curbing mastitis will depend on how wide-spread mastitis is among the herd of dairy cows, and success in curbing mastitis will depend on the measures that are being implemented. Today, investigations of the pathogenesis of mastitis and the response of the mammary gland to infection continue all over the world, as in our country, in order to find the most efficient methods for controlling mastitis, the most significant disease of dairy cows.Success in controlling mastitis equally depends on the prevention of the appearance of new infections and the therapy for existing ones. REFERENCES [1]. Abdel-Rady A., and M. Sayed. 2009. Epidemiological Studies on Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy cows in Assiut Governorate. Veterinary World, Vol.2(10), pp.373-380. [2]. Atyabi N., Vodjyani M., Gharagozloo F., Bahonar A., 2006. Prevalence of bacterial mastitis in cattle from the farms around Tehran. Iranian Journal Vterinary Research 7(3):76-79. [3]. Bitew M, Tafere A and Tolosa T, 2010, Study on bovine mastitis in dairy farms of Bahir Dar and its environs, Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 9 (23):2912-2917. [4]. Bradley A. 2002. Bovine mastitis: an evolving disease. Vet. J. 164: 116-128. [5]. Chaneton L., Tirante L., Maito J., Chaves J., Bussmann LE., 2008. Relationship between milk lactoferrin and etiological agent in the mastitic bovine mammary gland. J. Dairy Sci. 91: 1865-1873. [6]. Cheng DR, Zhu SY, Yin ZH,, Ding WW, Mu ZX, Su ZR, and Sun HC, 2010, Prevalence of bacterial infection responsible for bovine mastitis. African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 4 (11) pp. 1110-1116. [7]. Hawari AD, and Al-Dabbas F, 2008, Prevalence and Distribution of Mastitis Pathogens and their Resistance Against Antimicrobial Agents in Dairy Cows in Jordan American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 3 (1): 36-39, 2008 [8]. Leslie, K.E.,Jansen JT., and Lim GH. 2002. Opportunities and implications for improved on-farm cow side diagnostics. Proc. De Laval Hygiene Symp. pp. 147. [9]. Malinowski E., Lassa H., Kłlossowska A., Smulski S., Markiewicz H., Kaczmarowski M, 2006. Etiological agents of dairy cows' mastitis in western part of Poland. Pol. J. Vet. Sci. 9: 191-194. [10]. Oliveira AM, Padovani CR, Miya NT, Santana AS, Pereira JL, 2011. High incidence of enterotoxin D producing Staphylococcus spp in thermonuclease enzymes. Foodborne Pathog Dis. 8(1):159-63. [11]. Quinn PJ, Markey BK, Carter ME, Donnelly WJC, Leonard FC, Maguire D, 2002, Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease. Blackwell Science Ltd 225 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [12]. Radanović O, 2010, The incidence of enterotoxic strains of Staphylococcus aureus In milk of dairy cows and potential environmental contamination.Master's degree Thesis.Singidunum University Belgrade. [13]. Viguier C., Arora S., Gilmartin N., Welbeck K., O'Kennedy R. 2009. Mastitis detection: current trends and future perspectives. Trends Biotechnol. 27: 486-493. [14]. Workinen, S., Bayleyegen, M., Mekonnen, H and Potgieter , LN (2002) Prevalence and aetiology of mastitis in cow from two major Ethiopian dairies. Trop Anim Health Prod 34(1):1925. [15]. Zutic M., Radanovic O., Prodanovic R., Stanojevic S., 2010, Isolation of Serratia marcescens from cow milk. Abstrac Book pp.101-102. XII Episootiology days with International participation.April 7-10 Topola. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Mr sc Radanović Oliver, Mr sc Žutić Jadranka, Prodanović Radiša DVM. Dr sc Žutić Milenko, Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, V.Toze 14, Belgrade, Prof dr sc Jovičić Dubravka, Facultet Futura, University Singidunum, Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: [email protected] 226 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE MAIN FACTORS INFLUENCING SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF RED POULTRY MITE (DERMANYSSUS GALLINAE, De Geer 1778) S. Morariu, P. Brăilă, I. Brudiu, G. Dărăbuș, R. Tătaru and F. Morariu Abstract: The paper describes the seasonal dynamics of red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) by statistical analysis of two main factors: air temperature and relative humidity. Researches were carried out in a private household from Carașova locality of Caraș-Severin County in which the natural infestation of poultry was diagnosed, during a five years period (2003-2007). A higher activity of red poultry mite was registered in 2003 and 2007, and the lowest one in 2005, respectively. The population peaks were recorded during the month of August in all investigated years. The statistical analysis has shown that the relative humidity has no significance for population dynamics of red poultry mite. Key words: red poultry mite, statistical analysis, air temperature, relative humidity. INTRODUCTION The red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae, De Geer 1778) is one of the most important ecto-parasites in fowls. This mite can cause severe injuries mainly in laying hens. Easy infestations can diminish egg production, or can freeze the unbusinesslike eggs out, because of the blood flecks present on their shell [2]. Heavy infestations drastically reduce the productive performances of affected birds [6], and also induce anemia or could be lethal for birds [1, 3, 5]. Studies concerning the widespread of red poultry mite were carried out all over the world. In Fen-Scandia the prevalence was 60-70% [4, 7] and in Great Britain approximately 60% of poultry farms were infested [3]. It was observed that in outdoor breeding systems the prevalence of infestation is greater than in the cage classical systems. The fact that in the European Union (EU) the traditional breeding system prevails, will stet that the future control of this pest to be more important. Specific autochthon literature information is scarce concerning population dynamics of the mite. That’s why this study aims to elucidate the dynamics of these blowflies during last five years, in a traditional household from Caraș-Severin County. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experiment has been carried out in a private household from Carasova locality, during a five years period (January, 2003 – October, 2007). The red poultry mite was identified all over the time during the experiment. The chicken coop was built from planks on a basis of burnt bricks, with free access in a paddock, but also in the backyard. The feeders were made in the traditional style of wood, and the drinkers were represented by plastic or aluminum recipients. The nests were placed inside the coop. Also, carton traps were placed inside the coop in order to establish the red poultry mite population dynamics (Figure 1). The traps were examined once a week. They were placed both on the lateral walls and the ceiling, either vertically or horizontally. Before counting mites, traps were introduced into plastic bags and maintained at -20ºC for 24 hours. On the day of collecting samples relative humidity and minimal and maximal temperature were measured. For the other days the meteo data were purchased from INMH Resita. 227 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Data were primarily analyzed by Excel Microsoft Office program. After that, the entire statistics has been realized by DataFit version 8.2.79 şi MINITAB Release 14.20 programs. Figure 1. Inside view of chicken coop in which the traps were placed and fixed (original). RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS By the one-way ANOVA analysis were obtained the results presented in Figure 2. Evoluţia numărului de căpuşe în perioada studiată 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 2003 0 Figure 2. The evolution of the number of collected red poultry mite Dermanyssus gallinae during the five years study period. 228 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The values obtained by counting of mites during the five years (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) were compared by analysis of variance. It was obtained a probability p = 0.193, which means that there are no significant differences between values obtained during the five years. The lowest mean value of trapped D. gallinae was recorded in 2004 (1,210 mites), followed by 2005 (1,226 mites). The SD obtained for 2005 values (1,429) correlated with the lowest mean value for temperature in that year (9.833973) supports the conclusion that temperature is the factor that most influence the population dynamics of red poultry mite. Figures 3 and 4 represents the evolution of tick numbers collected depending on the mean temperature and relative humidity, respectively, the only variables which had statistical signification in determining the population dynamics. Evoluţia numărului de căpuşe în perioada studiată 7000 30 25 6000 20 15 4000 10 3000 5 T Med Nr căpuşe 5000 0 2000 -5 1000 -10 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 -15 2003 0 Figura 3. The dynamics of Dermanyssus gallinae during the five years study period, depending on mean temperature (number of mites on the left side and TºC values on the right side). Evoluţia numărului de căpuşe în perioada studiată 7000 120 6000 100 80 4000 60 3000 UM Rel Nr căpuşe 5000 40 2000 20 1000 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 0 2003 0 Figura 4. The dynamics of Dermanyssus gallinae during the five years study period, depending on relative humidity (number of mites on the left side and RH values on the right side). 229 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA It can be observed that the temperature is the main factor significantly influencing population dynamics of red poultry mites. 2003 and 2007 years proved to be the most representatives for D. gallinae populations, both as population amplitude and maintaining of population constancy all year around. The year of 2005 has been the poorest one on all accounts, actually lower thermal amplitude than in the other years being observed. Figure 4 suggested that the relative humidity has no significant influence on the population dynamics of D. gallinae. If relative humidity for the years 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 are placed somewhere above the middle of maximum population level, in 2005 these values barely touching the tip of population peak. CONCLUSIONS In Carasova, the red poultry mite was more active in 2003 and 2007, when the maximum number of trapped ticks exceeded 6000. The year of 2005 was less favorable to the ticks, the maximum number of collected ticks slightly exceeding 4000. Population peaks were the highest in October for all studied years, as follows: August st 01 in 2003, August 03rd in 2004 and 2006, August 05th in 2005 and August 30 in 2007, respectively. Statistic analysis of the influence of environmental factors (mean air temperature and relative humidity) on the population dynamics of red poultry mite reveals that the relative humidity has no significant influence on their dynamics. It seems normal that the relative humidity not to influences the dynamics of this mite, because D. gallinae is a nidicolous species, evolving in enclosed spaces which are not influenced by this parameter, unlike what happens in the case of Ixodidae ticks. REFERENCES [1]. Abrahamsson, P., et al. 1998. Health of laying hens in an aviary system over five batches of birds. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 39, 367-379. [2]. Chauve, C. 1998. The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778): current situation and future prospects for control. Veterinary Parasitology, 79, 239-245. [3]. Fiddes, M.D., et al. 2005. Prevalence of the red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in England. Veterinary Record, 157, 233-235. [4]. Höglund, J., et al. 1995. Prevalence of the red poultry mite Dermanyssus gallinae in different types of production systems for egg layers in Sweden. Poultry Science, 74, 1793-1798. [5]. Kilpinen, O., et al. 2005. Influence of Dermanyssus gallinae and Ascaridia galli infections on behaviour and health of laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). British Poultry Science, 46, 26-34. [6]. Pilarczyc, B., et al. 2004. Influence of Dermanyssus gallinae on health and production in layers. Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 60, 874-876. [7]. Ruff, M.D., 1999. Important parasites in poultry production systems. Veterinary Parasitology, 84, 337-347. 230 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ABOUT THE AUTHORS Sorin Morariu – Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277190; [email protected] Petre Brăilă – DVM, PhD., DSVSA Caraş-Severin, Strada Timişoarei 15, Reşița 320232, Romania; phone: +40255231004; Ileana Brudiu – Lecturer, Diplomat engineer, PhD., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277118; Gheorghe Dărăbuș – Professor of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277251; Radu Tătaru - DVM, PhD., DSVSA Caraş-Severin, Strada Timişoarei 15, Reşița 320232, Romania; phone: +40255231004; Florica Morariu – Assistant Professor of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277110 231 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA BIOSECURITY ASSESMENT MEASURES ON A COW FARMS A.Nitovski, M. Milenkovic, Dragana Grcak, Bisa Radovic, Stoja Jotanovic, Valentina Milanovic, S.Vukasinovic Abstract: Biosecurity is the prevention of disease causing agents entering or leaving any place where farm ani mals are present (or have been present recently). Component of a biosecurity program are: Isolation, Sanitation, Traffic control, Herd Health management, Program maintenance (Hristov S. 2007). The aim of our work is an example of a modern cow farm show the most sensitive place, and biorisk assessment and present owner of the farm. During the assessment we had in mind the regulation on veterinary sanitation facilities for breeding ungulate, pigs, poultry and rabbits, which is part of the Veterinary Law (Official Gazette RS, no 91/05. Key words: biosecirity, measures, cow, farm. MATERIAL AND METODS The aim of our work is an example of a modern cow farm BD AGRO AD- Dobanovci, near Belgrade. The company owns 4000 ha of arable land with property mehanisation. On the farm have 1500 cows and 1200 head of breeding female offspring, Holstine Frisian race. Company is divide on two organizational units: Sector of livestock production and department for crop production and machinery. Area where staggered production and other facilities (barns, silo pits, store for hay, workshop, administration, canopy for machinery, etc.), is an area of 50 ha. On arable land sown to corn (from which the preparation of silage maize, grain and silage for the farm), alfalfa (for hay and alfalfa hay silage), soybean and sunflower (which are given in compensation for rape meal and cake for the farm) and wheat (straw for carpet).Surpluses agricultural products are sold. Besides buying a mineral vitamin supplements. Sector of livestock production is divided into four organizational units: 1.Department - drain center, to milk (under whose jurisdiction the cows and the main parlor). 2.Department- center for reproduction. 3. Department - for manufacturing of animal feed and nutrition (production of forage and concentrate feed - mixers, nutrition and supplies on the farm). 4.Department - little drain to milk (high gravidity heifers, dry cows, cows after parturition, hospital to which the related with little dray center). 5. Department for record evidence.6. As a separate legal entity operating BD Agro Veterinary Service, whose main business is the implementation of measures of health care and prevention at the farm, as well as the measures prescribed by the state, treatment and reproduction. Production facilities on the farm are: A. Stables for to milking cows (capacity for 340 cows-piece 2.); B. Stables for to milking cows (capacity for 170 cows-piece 8.); C.Barn for dry cows (capacity for 360 cows- 1 piece); D. Stable for maternity, with 70 cows, 3 pieces.; E. Stable for high gravidity heifers (capacity for 340 heifers in 2 objects); F. Stable for heifers (capacity for 300 heifers-5 pieces); G. Stable for heifers (capacity for 200 heifers-2 pieces); H. Barn for calves with 200 calves, 3 pieces. In addition to these facilities on the farm there are: a) Silo pit measures 40x11x2,2 where 22 pieces. b) Store for hay, dimension 50x12x7 m, where 22 pieces. c) Feed mixers capacity of 3000 per hour, with 6 silo for finished products capacity of 10. 000 kg, and flooring storage for row materials. d) Two plateau with igloo to accommodate calves up to one month. e) Type rotary milking parlor with sixty laktors. f) Parlor-to milking, tipe of herringbone, 2x8 seats.g) Clothes for the workers on the farm with laundry room, bathroom and toilet. h) Weighbridge. i) Pit manure for to milking center, dimension of 400x50x5 m. j) Pit manure for repro center, dimension of 160x18x5 m. k) Building for veterinary service. 232 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Sistem of breeding Sistem of breeding is free. Stables for cows with are league boxes and mattress. Calves up to a month, kept in individual igloo, than go the intermediate center in group pens on deep litter, which are feed milk replacer over the machine. After 4 months of age, go to the barn with stalls league. Cows in the maternity hospital and kept in stalls (1-2) on deep litter. Ventilation is natural and fens. Manure left off with scraper boxes league. Automatic drinkers are heated. We get the slurry that is stored in the manure removing the pit and then the field. Nutrition is through concentrate trailers. On farms make group of cows: 1) Dry cows/60-20 days/ ad parturition; 2) dray cows /20-0 day ad parturition; 3) Cows after parturition /0-7 day after parturition/.4) group of cows /7-35 days after parturition/.5) group of cows with high lactation; 6) group of cows on middle of lactation; 7) group of cows on the end of lactation; 8) group-sic cows. Heifers are grouped at the age of two months. Artificial insemination is with 14-15 month of age. On 60 days ad parturition, heifers are grouped in two group: first -60-20 and 20-0 day ad parturition. RESULTS AND DISCUSION From this explain, we can conclude that is farm building in the harmony with of the Veterinary Law (Official Gazette RS, no 91/05. Farm have all objects by Veterinary Law and all animals have enough place. On this manner we have to advance of Welfare animals on farm (Mirjana Joksimovic-Todorovic,2007). Bearing in mind the basic principles of biosecurity on farms, cows, compare them with the situation on the farm and discuss the results. 'Biosecurity' is the prevention of disease causing agents entering or leaving any place where farm animals are present (or have been present recently). It involves a number of measures and protocols designed to prevent disease causing agents from entering or leaving a property and being spread). Some diseases are zoonotic and they can be transmitted between humans and animals, and therefore there are good public and occupational health reasons for having biosecurity measures. Basic biosecurity measures Farm to farm movement of infected livestock is the most effective means by which animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease can be spread. Diseases can also be spread by other means, such as wildlife, air or other vectors. Basic biosecurity measures are concerned with minimising the spread through contaminated vehicles, clothing, footwear and equipment (Phill S., 2010). The two key biosecurity measures are concerned with 1) minimising movement of people, vehicles and equipment where animals are kept and 2) implementing best practice (hygiene and protective clothing) in situations where there is direct contact with animals. Biosecurity should be an important element within Animal health Plan. Tipical Ruminant animal Health Security Measures The following is a list of typical animal health security measures promoted in the literature for cattle and sheep systems (compiled by Hovy, 2004) as part of Defra project OZ0144): 1. Maintaining a closed herd/flock. 2.Using a 4 week quarantine for purchased stock, including rams and bulls 3. Purchasing animals from herds/flocks with known disease status 4. Preventing contamination of livestock by farm visitors 5 Preventing contamination of livestock by users of public footpaths 6. Preventing contamination of livestock by people and vehicles using public roads 7. Preventing contamination of livestock by delivery and pick-up vehicles. 8. Implementing strict disinfection measures for essential visitors (vets, shearers, AI technicians etc.) 9. Preventing contact of own livestock with stock from neighbouring farms 10. Preventing access of own livestock to contaminated surface water 233 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 11. Not using relief/assistant livestock-people who are in contact with livestock from other herds/flocks 12. Minimising access of own livestock and animal feed to wildlife, vermin, pets that may transmit cattle/sheep disease 13. A period of statutory standstill for livestock on farms that have bought/brought in animals 14. Membership of commercial herd/flock health schemes (e.g. Premium Cattle Health Scheme or Sheep and Goat Health Scheme) 15. Establishing disease free zones with neighbouring farms within suitable geographic boundaries. 16. Implementing routine blood or other diagnostic disease screening at purchase. 17. Vaccination (Neill, A.,2010). Components of a biosecurity program: Isolation, Sanitation, Traffic control, Herd health menagement,Program maintenance. At the farm we noticed that there is no biosecurity plan, but prevention and health care conducted by the established mode and program of health care measures by the Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary Administration. Disinfection barriers are properly installed, a sufficient length and depth, but are not covered, and the disinfectant diluted by precipitation or evaporation in the summer. Does not separate the solid from the liquid part of liquid in the lagoons manure.and harder to carry out oxygenation. Solid manure must be disposed of away from the farm to be created from fly larvae in manure would not return to the overturning in objekte. Manure need to prevent overlap of larvae and turn into a doll and a fly. Dead animals are obduction on the concrete table which was outside the building without eaves. CarcassKonfiskat are fed into a refrigerated truck of the deportation to the kafilery. We propose the construction of facilities for receiving, processing and disposal of waste in the refrigerators to the references in kafilery (dog pound). At the farm has not been provided adequate rodents. There are three zones of protection from rodents by placing poison-rodenticide, liquid and solid, the concrete feeders and drinkers for rats and mice. The first zone is to the fence, the second zone from the outside around the buildings, and the third is within the buildings. Not clearly separate clean and dirty routes and come up with their crosses, especially in the administration building. It is advisable to continue construction of the creation of biogas because it would significantly improve the resolution of problems related to the collection, storage and evacuation of liquid manure. Bearing in mind the basic principles of biosecurity on farms, cows, compare them with the situation on the farm and discuss the results. CONCLUSION 1. Farm cow BD AGRO AD is a modern farm that meets the technical and technological principles of education and health care of cows. 2. 2.Farma not fully completed, especially manure lines, which complicates the maintenance of biosecurity at a high level. 3. .Necessary is giving biosecurity plan is done and exhaustively list all sensitive places, places with strong biorisk. 4. To raise a higher level of primary and secondary measures of biosecurity, with special emphasis placed on DDD (disinfection, pest and rodent control). 234 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES 1. Hristov,S., at all.2007. Why do we need an animal welfare.Monografy,Welfare of animals and Biosecurity on farms,5-21. 2. Hristov,S.,at all.2007. Measures of biosecurity on farm of cows, Monografy Welfare of animals and Biosecurity on farms, 259-269. 3. Neil, G. Anderson, 2011. Biosecurity:Health protection and Sanitation Strategies for cattle.Factsheet, 1-10. 4. Phill Scot, 2010,Biosecurity in dairy and beef Cattle, EBLEX-Improving Beef and Sheep health,45- 52. 5. Nitovski, A.,at all. 2010. Assessment of biosecurity on a pig farms, 2nd Europian Symposium on Porcine Health management, Proceedings, 171-172. ABOUTH THE AUTORS Atanas Nitovski, Prof. Dr. Agriculture Faculty, Lesak, University of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo and Metohy, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected], 00381 63 111 51 63. Milinko Milenkovic, Prof. Dr. Agriculture Faculty, Lesak, University of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo and Metohy, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Dragana Grcak, Prof. Dr. Agriculture Faculty, Lesak, University of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo and Metohy, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Bisa Radovic, Prof. Dr.Agriculture Faculty, Lesak, University of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo and Metohy, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Stoja Jotanovic, Prof. Dr. Agriculture faculty, University of Banja Luka, E-mail: [email protected] Valentina Milanovic, Ass. Mr. Agriculture Faculty, Lesak, University of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo and Metohy, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Saša Vukašinović, BD AGRO AD, Dobanovci, Beograd, [email protected] 235 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE INFLUENCE OF SOWING DENSITY AND FERTILIZERS ON DRY MATTER PRODUCTION OF ANNUAL FORAGE MIXTURES F. Marian, Al. Moisuc, L. Cojocariu, D. Lalescu, C. Bostan and I. Jurmescu Abstract: In modern agriculture is globally desired to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer used for the prevention and reduction of soil pollution by nitrates and nitrites, resulted after an unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizers. One of the most important technological solutions is growing in mixture of grasses and legumes, with or without a minimum contribution of chemical fertilizers. Taking into account the poor resistance of Italian ryegrass to the drought conditions of the Romanian Western Plain, the aims of this paper is to study the mixture with Berseem clover in order to find the best proportion from the point of view of dry matter production obtained in the 51th phenophase of Italian ryegrass (at the beginning of heading). Cultivating in mixture of annual clovers with annual graminees conducts to the increasing of total dry matter production and forage quality, decreasing the used quantity of mineral fats, improving the soil quality, decreasing the diseases, pests and weeds attack and assures the productions increasing for successive cultures (Boswall P., 2004). Also, a big importance in foraging animals is represented by the energo-proteic equilibration of forage ration (Moisuc A., Dukic D., 2002, 5,). Key words: Mixture, Italian ryegrass, Berseem clover, production, optimization. INTRODUCTION It is currently considered that approximately 60% of arable land are not cultivated with plants that get directly in human food, but with plants that are used in animal feeding (Moisuc A., Dukic D., 2002). In the case of seeded meadows, a decisive factor in the evolution of vegetation cover is the degree of intensively culture system (Daren D. et all 2002, Moisuc A., Dukic D., 2002). Thus, it is recommended the use of complex mixtures for extensive culture systems, of simple mixtures for intensive culture systems and of monocultures for very intensive systems (Margineanu T., 1980, Stout D.G. et all 197). Annual forage mixtures are forage crops consisting of forage grasses (e.g. Italian Ryegrass etc.), of annual clovers (e.g. berseem clover, crimson clover etc.) or mixtures of spring or autumn vetch with grain cereal (e.g. oats, barley, etc.) that are known as spring or autumn mash. These cultures have a shorter use, which makes them able to get in rotation with other forage plants. The earlier annual forage crop harvesting reduces the quantities of fodder, but this is very valuable and rich in nutrients, so the farmers can choose, according to the needs of farm production, among a small but high quality fodder production or high yields of lower quality (Moisuc A., Dukic D., 2002). MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiences were settled at The Experimental Didactic Station of The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Banat, Timisoara. The settlement area is on the West Plane of Romania and the soil on witch the experiences have been placed is chambic chernozem. After Koppen, the perimeter’s climate is situated in a c.f.b.x. region, characterised by a temperate climate with precipitations all over the year, but with humidity deficit in the summer months. As biological material we used Wesley variety of Lolium multiflorum and Miriam variety of Trifolium alexandrinum. We studied Lolium multiflorum (L.m.) and Trifolium alexandrinum (T.a.), both in pure and mixed culture, in the following proportions: L.m.75% + % T.a.25, L.m.50% + T.a.50%%, L.m.25% + T.a.75%. 236 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Another studied experimental factor was the fertilization. We studied the dry matter production dynamics of the mixtures in both variants, unfertilised and chemical fertilised (N100P50K50). In this paper we take in consideration the average dry matter production obtained in the experimental years 2008 – 2010 that allow us to have a few conclusions on the Italian ryegrass production capacity but also about the adaptation capacity of Berseem clover in Banat plain conditions. In order to determine the dry matter production of mixture, the harvesting was done at 51th phenophase of Italian ryegrass. The statistical analysis has been performed by Statistica 8 package. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The analysis of the experimental results recorded at Timisoara (2008-2010) highlights a quadratic functional dependence of the dry matter production on the proportion of the Italian Ryegrass and Berseem clover in mixture. The goal of this paper is to find the functional dependence of the average dry matter production of an Italian Ryegrass (in the 51th phenophase) and Berseem clover mixture based on their different percentage participation in order to obtain the technical optimum in two variant of fertilization. The following statistical analysis established the technical maximum of dry matter production of Italian ryegrass and Berseem clover mixtures, in the unfertilized case. A parabolic regression analysis of the average dry matter production of the unfertilized mixture based on the percentage participation of Italian ryegrass [at the beginning of heading (principal growth stage five from BBCH)] in mixture was performed (see Figure 1). It was determined that the proportion of variance (13,62) was statistically significant (F=121, df=1) for p under 0,05 (95% confidence interval), where the F ratio provided the test of statistically significance (see Table 1). Table 1 ANOVA for regression coefficients of dry matter production based on the percentage participation of Italian ryegrass in unfertilized variant SS Effect Intercept x x^2 Error Degr. of Freedom 13,62368 1 1,08747 1 1,68711 1 0,22385 2 MS F p 13,62368121,72390,008115 1,08747 9,7163 0,089342 1,68711 15,0739 0,060393 0,11192 The regression equation y=b0+b1x+b2x2 was used to fit the best parabolic line to the data (see Figure 1). Thus the average dry matter production obtained under the above circumstances in the experimental years, was expressed in terms of the percentage participation of Lolium multiflorum in mixture by the equation: y = 3,4737+ 0,0465*x - 0,0006*x2 . The strong positive linear correlation, after the linearization, was reported by the Pearson coefficient r=+0,95 and determination coefficient r2=0,90. The confidence 237 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA intervals for the parabolic regression coefficients were [2,119016; 4,828412], [-0,017687; 0,110693] and [-0,001171; 0,000060] respectively. The maximum dry matter production was estimated to 4,37 t ha-1 for 38,75 % Italian Ryegrass and 61,25% Berseem clover. This maximum (see Figure 1) was obtained as the local extremum of the quadratic function above and it was calculated by the vanishing of its first derivative. D.M. = 3,4737+0,0465*x-0,0006*x^2; 0,95 Conf.Int. 4,6 4,4 4,2 Dry matter (t.ha-1) 4,0 3,8 3,6 3,4 3,2 3,0 2,8 2,6 2,4 2,2 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 Italian ryegrass in mixture (%) Figure 1 – The effect of the different proportion of Italian ryegrass in unfertilized variant on the dry matter production Under chemical fertilization applied to pure stand and mixtures, a parabolic regression analysis was performed (see Table 2) in the following. It was determined that the proportion of variance (18,52) was statistically significant (F=214, df=1) for p value under 0,05 (95% confidence interval)., where the F ratio provided the test of statistically significance (see Table 2). Table 2 ANOVA for regression coefficients of dry matter production based on the percentage participation of Italian ryegrass in fertilized variant SS Effect Intercept x x^2 Error Degr. of Freedom 18,52156 1 0,72987 1 0,79206 1 0,17261 2 MS F p 18,52156214,61130,004627 0,72987 8,4570 0,100700 0,79206 9,1777 0,093869 0,08630 The regression equation y=b0+b1x+b2x2 was used to fit the best parabolic line to the data (see Figure 2). So the average dry matter production obtained under the above circumstances in the experimental years, was expressed in terms of the percentage participation of Lolium multiflorum in mixture by the equation: 238 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA y= 4,0503+ 0,0381*x - 0,0004*x2. The strong positive linear correlation, after the linearization, was reported by the Pearson coefficient r=+0,90 and determination coefficient r2=0,82. The confidence intervals for the parabolic regression coefficients were [2,860700; 5,239871], [-0,018269; 0,094463] and [-0,000921; 0,000160] respectively. D.M. = 4,0503+0,0381*x-0,0004*x^2; 0,95 Conf.Int. 5,4 5,2 Dry Matter (t.ha-1) 5,0 4,8 4,6 4,4 4,2 4,0 3,8 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 Italian ryegrass in mixture (%) Figure 2 – The effect of the different proportion of Italian ryegrass in fertilized mixture on the dry matter production The maximum dry matter production was estimated to 4,95 t ha-1 for 47,62 % Italian Ryegrass and 52,38% Berseem clover. This maximum (see Figure 2) was obtained as the local extremum of the quadratic function above and it was calculated by the vanishing of its first derivative. Also we can remark an increasing dry matter production from unfertilized variant, which shows that Italian ryegrass has a very good response to fertilization with chemical fertilizers. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was published during the project “POSTDOCTORAL SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE", POSDRU/89/1.5/S/62371, co-financed by the European Social Fund through the Sectorial Operational Programme for the Human Resources Development 2007-2013. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK By this study we obtained mathematical models (quadratic functions) for the dry matter production of mixture depending on the percentage participation of Italian ryegrass (at the beginning of heading) and implicitly of Berseem clover in mixture. Based on these mathematical models we estimated the technical maximum for the dry matter production of mixture. Thus the dry matter production on pure stand and on different percentage participation of Italian ryegrass and Berseem clover in mixture, can be resumed as following: in the unfertilized case, the maximum dry matter production was estimated to 4,37 t ha-1 for 38,75 % Italian Ryegrass and 61,25% Berseem clover in 239 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA mixture; in the fertilized case, the maximum dry matter production was estimated to 4,95 t ha-1 for 47,62 % Italian Ryegrass and 52,38% Berseem clover in fertilized mixture; there is an increasing dry matter production from unfertilized variant, which shows that Italian ryegrass has a very good response to fertilization with chemical fertilizers. REFERENCES [1]. Boswall P., 2004. Yield and composition of short term clovers grown alone and with Westerwolds ryegrass, PEI Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture PO Box 1600, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N3; [2]. Daren D. Redfearn, Brad C., Venuto W.D., Pitman M.W. Alison, Jerry D.W., - Cultivar and Environment Effects on Annual Ryegrass Forage Yield, Yield Distribution, and Nutritive Value, Crop Science 42: 2049-2054, 2002. [3]. Luminita Cojocariu, Alexandru Moisuc, Ionel Samfira, Marinel N. Horablaga, Florina Radu, Dacian V. Lalescu , 2010 - The study of the main production characters depending on dose of cattle manure applied to Italian Ryegrass, Research Journal of Agricultural Science vol.42(1)1, U.S.A.M..V.B. Timişoara, Faculty of Agriculture (2010), pag. 390-397, ISSN 2066-1843, Timişoara,Romania. [4]. Margineanu T., 1980. Influienta fertilizarii asupra productiei si calitatii nutretului la raigrasul aristat, in conditiile Campiei Transilvaniei. Revista de cresterea animalelor nr. 2, Romania. [5]. Moisuc A., Dukic D., 2002. Cultura plantelor furajere, Editura Orizonturi Universitare Timisoara, Romania,pg 50-52, 97-101 [6]. Stout D.G., Brooke B., HALL J.W., Thompson D.J., 1997. Forage yield and quality from intercropped barley, annual ryegrass and different annual legumes. Grass Forage Sci. 52: 298-308 [7]. UWE MEIER, 2001 - Growth stages of mono and dicotyledonous plants, BBCH Monograph, Edition 2., ABOUT THE AUTHORS F. Marian, Banat University Of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Street Calea Aradului, no.119 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Al Moisuc, Banat University Of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Street Calea Aradului, no.119 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] L. Cojocariu, Banat University Of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Street Calea Aradului, no.119 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] D. Lalescu, Banat University Of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Street Calea Aradului, no.119 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] C. Bostan, Banat University Of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Street Calea Aradului, no.119 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] I. Jurmescu, Banat University Of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Street Calea Aradului, no.119 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 240 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA INFLUENCE OF BIOPRODUCTS ON PRODUCTIVITY OF BROCCOLI IN AUTUMN PRODUCTION IN OPEN FIELD Ts. Dintcheva Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish the impact of some bioproducts on productivity of three hybrid broccoli, grown for autumn production in the conditions of Bulgaria. The studies were conducted in the period 2009 -2010, in Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Plovdiv. The trail includes 3 broccoli varieties: Jade F1, Fiesta F1 and Coronado F1. Five variants of fertilization are used: mineral fertilizers, Vermicompost, Humustim, BactoFil B, Bionutrient and control without fertilization, on background of farming manure 2 t / da. It was found that the strongest influence on morphological parameters of the central and lateral flower heads of broccoli had vermicompost. Its use increased the average weight and diameter of the flower heads. Relatively positive is the effect of the BactoFil B as a result of which is recorded higher weight of the central flower heads and increasing the lateral flower head height. Manifestations of specific varietal responses are observed depending on the type of bioproducts. It was found that vermicompost increased the weight of the central flower head in variety Jade F1, Humustim in variety Fiesta F1 and BactoFil B - in variety Coronado F1, compared with control. Key words: Broccoli, Central flower head, Lateral flower head, Weight, Diameter, Height INTRODUCTION Production of broccoli in Bulgaria in comparison with other countries is less developed and this culture is still non-traditional. It was found that the late production of broccoli in the country is economically efficient and this crop can be used as an alternative for conventional cabbage growing in the country [8,9]. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) and other Brassicacea species have relatively high requirements for nitrogen compared to other vegetable crops [7], but the irregular use of fertilizers can damage the produce quality [14] and soil fertility. This requires searching of alternative sources for plant nutrition and for maintaining of the soil-ecosystem. Application of organic products affected vegetative and reproductive manifestations of the plants. It was found that as a result of their continued use the soil fertility was improved; the yield of fresh produce was similar or higher than that of crop grown with mineral fertilization and lower nitrate levels was reported [13,6,12]. In Bulgaria several studies of bioproducts in vegetable crops were made [1,2,3,4,10,11], but in broccoli similar experiments were not reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of some bioproducts on three hybrid broccoli varieties for autumn production in the conditions of Bulgaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiment was conducted during 2009 and 2010 years in open field at Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute. Four bioproducts were evaluated: Humustim (Agrospaice Ltd,, Velingrad, BG), Vermicompost (Lumbrical) Kostievo BG, Bionutrient (Aum Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., India), BactoFil B (AGRO.bio Hungary Ltd, Hungary). Three Broccoli F1 hybrids were studied: Jade, Fiesta and Coronado. Partially decomposed farming manure was used as background. It was analyzed in water extract: NO3- 280 ppm, P- 128,4 ppm, K – 791,8 ppm, Ca- 24,0 ppm, Mg – 43,2 ppm, EC ms/cm – 2,76, pH-7,86. The variants used in the experiment, on background manure 2 t / da were: control – without fertilizers; mineral fertilization – N20P15K12; vermicompost – 200 L/da (soil); Humustim – 0,1 % (soil, foliar); Bionutrient - 0,5 % (soil); 0,25 % (foliar) и BactoFil B – 150 ml/da (soil). 241 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The trial was carried out on meadow-cinnamon soil - N 0,115 %; P2O5-195,45 mg/100g; K2O – 45 mg/100g; after predecessor spinach. It was field experiment under the date of seed sowing - June 6, in trays with 104 cells. Seedlings were grown by floating system. The plants were planted in the field on July 7, in high flat bed under scheme 100 +60 / 60 cm. Experiment was set by the method of long plots with 3 varieties in 6 variants with 4 replications (20 plants/replication) in experimental area size – 9,6 m2 per replication. Manure was applied after plowing before soil surface profiling. The mineral fertilizers – K2SO4 and P2O5 were applied in soil with delicately bed forming; NH4NO3, twice – ½ with first earthing up of broccoli, and ½ in the beginning of heads formation. Vermicompost was applied with first earthing up of broccoli, Humustim three times: in the soil with first earthing up (like biohumus), in the formation of heads and on the leaves (foliar) - 7 days after head formation. Fertilization with bionutrient is applied fourfold: incorporating with the first earthing up of plants and leaf fertilization three times with an interval of 14 days. BactoFil B was applied with first earthing up of broccoli. The following parameters were studied in this investigation: central flower headweight (kg), height (cm) and diameter (cm); lateral flower heads (12), weight (kg), height (cm) and diameter (cm). The indicators were evaluated at economic maturity phase of the central and lateral flower heads. Harvest of the central flower heads started in the period August 24 to 26. Biometric analysis was made on 12 plants of each of the tested varieties and variants of the study. Experimental data were processed by ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test [5], using standard software. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Morphological indicators of the central flower head There is a varietal response of studied hybrids regarding the bioproducts. The average weight of the central flower head varied from 0,25 kg to 0,23 kg and these values are higher than those of the control but lower than the variant with fertilization (Table 1). With the highest average weight are the central heads in variant with vermicompost and Baktofil B (0,25 kg), and lowest with Bionutrient (0,23 kg). Varieties show a specific response depending on the type of bioproducts, regarding this indicator. Compared to the control, vermicompost increases the weight of the central flower head in Jade F1 variety with 50% while Humustim and BactoFil B – with more than 30%, in a variety Fiesta F1 and Coronado F1. Table 1 Weight of the central flower head Variety Control Mineral Vermicompost fertilization Jade F1 0,16 d 0,28 a 0,24 ab Fiesta F1 0,22 d 0,41 a 0,23 cd Coronado F1 0,21 c 0,51 a 0,28 b Average 0,20 0,40 0,25 a,b,c – Duncan’s Multiply Range Test, P<0.05 BactoFil B Humustim Bionutrient 0,20 bc 0,27 bc 0,29 b 0,25 0,20 bcd 0,29 b 0,24 bc 0,24 0,19 cd 0,26 bc 0,20 c 0,23 In application of Humustim, the height of central flower heads is the highest averagely for the three varieties (13,37 cm), while in Bionutrient – the height is the smallest (11,66 cm) (Table 2). The difference on this indicator is in variants vermicompost and BaktoFil B is insignificant, 12,12 cm and 12,78 cm, respectively. Varietal response in this indicator is also observed. 242 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Under the influence of Humustim variety Jade F1 formed the largest flower heads (14,13 cm) and Fiesta F1 (13,09 cm), while Coronado F1 variety formed higher heads due to the use of BactoFil B (13,25 cm). Table 2 Height of central flower head, cm Variety Control Mineral Vermicompost fertilization Jade F1 11,28 d 14,72 a 13,84 ab Fiesta F1 11,79 c 14,65 a 11,65 c Coronado F1 10,96 b 13,35 a 10,88 b Average 11,34 14,24 12,12 a,b,c – Duncan’s Multiply Range Test, P<0.05 BactoFil B Humustim Bionutrient 12,79 bc 12,29 bc 13,25 a 12,78 14,13 ab 13,09 b 12,90 a 13,37 12,13 cd 11,65 c 11,21 b 11,66 Larger, loose flower heads were formed as a result of plant nutrition with vermicompost, compared to the control, but they were smaller than the heads formed by the plants, fertilized with mineral fertilizers (Table 3). The central flower heads remained with relatively smaller diameter, compared to other bioproducts, in variant with Bionutrient but visually they are with thicker structure and compact buttons (15,43 cm). Table 3 Diameter of central flower head, cm Variety Control Mineral Vermicompost fertilization Jade F1 13,35 c 16,79 a 16,46 ab Fiesta F1 13,73 d 20,26 a 15,86 c Coronado F1 13,31 d 20,19 a 17,80 b Average 13,46 19,08 16,71 a,b,c – Duncan’s Multiply Range Test, P<0.05 BactoFil B Humustim Bionutrient 15,01 bc 16,92 b 17,27 b 16,40 15,03 bc 16,58 bc 16,91 b 16,17 14,37 c 16,53 bc 15,39 c 15,43 Morphological characteristics of lateral flower heads The average weight of lateral flower heads varied from 57,62 g (in a variant with vermicompost) to 35,27 g (in a variant with Bionutrient), and these values are higher than those reported for the control but lower than in the variant using mineral fertilization (Table 4). Broccoli varieties demonstrate specific response on this indicator depending on the type of bioproducts. Vermicompost influenced in the highest level on the weight of lateral flower heads in variety Jade F1 (38,21 g) and Coronado F1 (64,09 g) compared to other bioproducts. The best result in cultivar Fiesta F1 is obtained in application of BactoFil B (74,89 g). Table 4 Weight of lateral flower heads, g Variety Control Mineral Vermicompost fertilization Jade F1 27,10 c 36,85 a 38,21 a Fiesta F1 33,36 c 78,15 a 70,57 a Coronado F1 42,21 cd 104,28 a 64,09 b Average 34,22 73,09 57,62 a,b,c – Duncan’s Multiply Range Test, P<0.05 BactoFil B Humustim Bionutrient 34,61 a 74,89 a 50,62 bc 53,37 33,08 ab 66,75 ab 42,56 cd 47,46 28,9 bc 48,57 bc 28,33 d 35,27 It was found that the difference in average height of the lateral flower heads with bio variants is relatively small (Table 5). The values varied from 9,32 cm to 10,23 cm. 243 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 5 Height of lateral flower heads, cm Variety Control Mineral Vermicompost fertilization Jade F1 9,42 b 11,61 a 10,96 a Fiesta F1 9,13 bc 10,51 a 10,09 ab Coronado F1 9,60 ab 9,79 a 9,55 ab Average 9,38 10,64 10,20 a,b,c – Duncan’s Multiply Range Test, P<0.05 BactoFil B Humustim Bionutrient 11,84 a 10,19 ab 8,65 bc 10,23 11,54 a 9,5 ab 8,42 c 9,82 11,17 a 8,08 c 8,70 abc 9,32 As a result of nutrition of plants with vermicompost, they formed lateral flower heads with larger diameter (9,25 cm), compared to the control and variant with mineral fertilization (Table 6). Regarding to the other bioproducts in variant with BactoFil B average diameter of 8,53 cm was recorded, followed by variant Humustim - 7,98 cm and the plants in variant with Bionutrient formed the smallest lateral flower heads - 7,32 cm. Table 6 Diameter of lateral flower heads, cm Variety Control Mineral fertilization Vermicompost BactoFil B head diameter,cm Jade F1 7,31 b 8,26 a 8,13 a 7,67 ab Fiesta F1 6,98 c 8,54 abc 10,14 a 9,61 ab Coronado F1 7,53 bc 9,03 a 9,47 a 8,30 ab Average 7,27 8,61 9,25 8,53 a,b,c – Duncan’s Multiply Range Test, P<0.05 Humustim Bionutrient 7,56 ab 8,58 abc 7,80 bc 7,98 7,29 b 8,04 bc 6,63 c 7,32 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Vermicompost showed the strongest influence on morphological parameters of the central and lateral flower heads of the studied broccoli varieties. The application of this bioproduct leads to increase of the average weight and diameter of flower heads. The effect of the BactoFil B resulting in higher weight of the central flower heads and increase of the lateral flower head height is relatively positive. Specific varietal response is observed depending on the type of bioproducts. It was found that vermicompost increases the weight of the central flower head in variety Jade F1, Humustim - in Fiesta F1 and at BactoFil B - in Coronado F1 compared to the control. In the future our research will continue with new bioproducts, broccoli varieties and directions of production. REFERENCES [1]. Antonova G., Yankova V., Masheva S., Boteva H., Dimov I., Kanazirska V., 2007. Еvaluation of productivity manifestations in bulgarian varieties of late head cabbage grown in organic production systems. International Symposium " Durable agriculture – agriculture of the future", Annales of the University of Craiova – Romania, vol. XXXVII/A, 448-454 [2]. Arnaoudov B., 2007. Effect of using some fertilizes on biological manifestations of greenhouse cucumbers. Proceedings of scientific articles - Humustim gift of nature, "Dimi 99 Ltd. 110-112. [3]. Arnaoudov B., 2009, Effect of organic fertilizers on the chemical technological indices of greenhouse cucumber production cultivated in soil and soilless media, Proccedings of the Second International Conference “ Research people and actual tasks on multidisciplinary sciences, (1), 311 - 315 244 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [4]. Dimov I., Antonova G., Arnaoudov B., 2007. Results from the application of Humustim in some tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage. Proceedings of scientific articles - Humustim gift of nature, "Dimi 99 Ltd., 112-117 [5]. Duncan, D.,1955, Multiple range and multiple F-test. Biometrics 11:1-42 [6]. Edwards, C. A.; Arancon, N. Q.; Greytak, S., 2006, Effects of vermicompost teas on plant growth and disease, BioCycle 47 (5), 28, 30-31 [7]. Greenwood, D.J., T. Cleaver, M.K., Turner, J. Hunt, K.B. Niendorf, and S.M.H. Loquens, 1980. Comparison of the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on the yield, nitrogen content and quality of 21 different vegetables and agricultural crops. J. Agric. Sci. 95:471-485. [8]. Michov K., Antonova G., 2001, Some morphological Characteristics of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Pl.) hybridsgrown as spring, summer and autumn crops ( under condition of Bulgaria) 23, 75-79 [9]. Mihov K. Antonova, G., Zapryanov A., 2001. Alternative crops for cabbage production, later production in open field. Scientific Works of the Agricultural University in Plovdiv t.XLVI Vol. 4, 77-80 [10]. Petkova V., Poryazov I., 2007. Results from the application of organic regulator and promoter Humustim in garden beans and Brussels sprouts. Proceedings of scientific articles - Humustim gift of nature, "Dimi 99 Ltd., 119-125 [11]. Petkova V., Boteva H., 2007, Influence of Humustim on zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant. Proceedings of scientific articles - Humustim gift of nature, "Dimi 99 Ltd., 125-128. [12]. Sanwal, S.K., Laxminarayana, K., Yadav, D.S., Rai, N., Yadav, R.K., 2006, Growth, yield, and dietary antioxidants of broccoli as affected by fertilizer type , Journal of Vegetable Science 12 (2), 13-26 [13]. Tsai Yuong How; Huang ILun; Chao ChenChin; Chung RenShih, 2006, response of broccoli and cabbage to soils with different fertilization histories, Taiwanese Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science 44 (6), 416-424 [14]. Wojciechowska, R.; Rozek, S.; Leja, M., 2006, The effect of differentiated nitrogen fertilization on nitrate reduction in broccoli heads of 'Lord F1' in spring cultivation, : Folia Horticulture 18 (1),101-110 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Ts. Dintcheva, Assistant, Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, “Brezovsko shosee “ № 32, PK 20, 4003, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, E-mail: [email protected] 245 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE POMOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AT CLONES OF OBLACINSKA SOUR CHERRY I N PORECJE REGION Zoran Nikolic1, Radisav Blagojevic1, Aleksandar Mitic2, Katerina Nikolic1, Ana Selamovska3 Abstract: This study presents the results of two years studying the properties of nine clones pomological sour cherries in an orchard DP "Porecje" Vučje. The aim of this study was to select the best sour cherry clones for commercial growing. Knowledge of the behavior of clones of sour cherry in certain climatic conditions of soil, cultivation technology, time and method of harvest is essential for obtaining high yields and quality fruit. Clones were matured in period of 18 May to 25th June in 2008 year, and from of 28 May to 02 July in 2009. Its good yield emphasize the clones: clone 56/21, and 34/10 clone, and the lowest yields were clones: clone 39/13, 80/33 and clone klon71/23. The largest fruits were at clones: clone 62/22 (4.85g.) And clone 56/21 (4.01g.), and the smallest fruits were at clones: clone 78/25 (2.32g.), clone 80/33 (2,50g.) and clone 71/ 23 (2,53g.). The solids content ranged from 14.60% (clone 28) to 24.80% (clone 39/13). Clone 56/21, 34/10 and clone 62/22 are recommended in fruit production, based on the results of this research. Key words: clone, Oblacinska cherry, pomological characteristics, cropping. INTRODUCTION In the production of fruit the numerous clones of Oblacinska sour cherry are grown, whose biological, morphological and chemical-technological propertise are not examined. The clones of Oblacinska sour cherry show different adaptive abilities in environmental conditions. For obtaining high yield and quality fruit, it is necessary to comprehend the behaviour of Oblacinska sour cherry clones in certain climatic conditions. With continuous enlargement of areas under Oblacinska sour cherry, there also appears the larger need for providing the higher yield of Oblacinska sour cherry, with bigger and firmer fruits of good taste and quality. The aim of this study has been the examination of Oblacinska sour cherry clones properties under the conditions in Porecje, in order to propose the best of them for commercial growing. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, nine clones of Oblacinska sour cherry were examined. The experimental nursery was made in Slavujevce in 1995. The sour cherries were planted at the distance of 4x3 m. During the yield growth and its exploatation, the fertilization with organic or mineral fertilizators was not performed. The standard procedures were used in examination of the following parametres that determine the fruit quality: - fruit yield per tree; - mass of the fruit and pit; - content of dry substances- determined by refraktometer; - total and reductive sugar- determined by complexometer method of Pottenatt and Eschmann; - total acids – determined with the method of titration of 0,1 NaOH and indicator phenophtalin. They were transformed into apple acid with the help of coefficient 0,67. The obtained data were processed with the analysis of variant, and the significance of differences with LSD-test. 246 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION By examination of fruit mass of Oblacinska sour cherry clones ( Table 1) it was determined that it variated approximately from 2,32 g (clone 78/25) to 4,85 g (clone 62/22). This is not in accordance with the results of some authors [6] who determined the fruit mass of Oblacinska sour cherry clones as from 2,6 to 2,7 g. Table 1. Pomological Properties of Oblacinska Sour Cherry Clones Clone 56/21 34/10 62/22 50/20 45/17 29/8 39/13 78/25 28 LSD(0,05) LSD(0,01) Fruit weight (g) 2008 2009 4,15 3,86 3,05 2,40 4,90 4,80 2,95 2,58 4,60 4,32 3,18 3,00 2,90 2,10 2,55 2,10 3,50 3,26 x 4,00 2,72 4,85 2,76 4,46 3,09 2,50 2,32 3,38 0,75 1,07 Stone weight (g) 2008 2009 0,39 0,34 0,65 0,52 0,44 0,44 0,48 0,42 0,85 0,79 0,53 0,50 0,69 0,52 0,63 0,52 0,62 0,58 X 0,37 0,59 0,44 0,45 0,82 0,51 0,61 0,58 0,60 1,33 1,83 With the help of LSD test it was determined that between the clone 62/22 and clone 28, there was a highly significant difference, while the difference between the clones 45/17 and 28 was significant. According to the data from Table 1. the highest average yield per tree has the clone 56/21 (14,40 kg), and the smallest the clone 39/13 (6,66 kg). The clones of Oblacinska sour cherry had higher yield in 2009 than in 2008. Based on the results of LSD test there were highly significant differences in fruit yield in the clones 56/21 and 34/10 in relation to the clone 28, and significant differences between the clones 62/22, 50/18 and 45/17 in relation to the clone 28. The smallest pit amount was registered in the clone 56/21 (0,366 g), while the highest in the clone 45/17 (0,818 g). In some studies of Oblacinska sour cherry the pit mass was from 0,199 to 0,27 g [4] and from 0,345 to 0,450 g [2]. Table 2a. shows that the content of dissoluble dry substances of Oblacinska sour cherry clones varied from 14,60 % (clone 56/21) to 24,80 % (clone 39/13). The obtained results are partly in accordance with the results of some researchers [2], who have determined the content of total dissoluble dry substances from 15,85 % do 20,20% in Oblacinska sour cherry clones, while not in accordance with the results of other researchers [5], where the percentage of dry substances varied from 16,01 % to 19,11 %. The data in Table 2a. sow that the content of total acids varied from 0,64% (clone 56/21) to 1,43 % (clone 62/22). The obtained results are partly in accordance with some studies [2],where the content of total acids varied from 1,49 % to 1,81 %. The differences between the content of dissoluble dry substances between the clones 39/13 and 62/22 in relation to the clone 28 are significant, while the difference between the clone 28 and clone 56/21 is highly significant. 247 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 2a. Chemical Properties of Oblacinska Sour Cherry Clones Clone 56/21 34/10 62/22 50/20 45/17 29/8 39/13 78/25 28 LSD(0,05) LSD(0,01) Souluble Solid Content (%) 2008 2009 x 14,90 14,30 14,60 19,40 18,50 18,95 23,90 23,00 23,45 16,00 15,50 15,75 16,10 15,50 15,80 16,90 16,00 16,45 25,60 24,00 24.80 21,70 20,60 21,55 20,30 19,70 20,00 3,71 5,11 Total Acid Content (%) 2008 2009 X 0,63 0,64 0,64 1,01 1,12 1,07 1,42 1,43 1,43 1,15 1,23 1,19 1,31 1,43 1,37 1,02 1,12 1,07 1,06 1,12 1,09 0,99 1,12 1,05 1,11 1,27 1,19 0,23 0,32 In our studies (Table 2b) the content of invert sugar varied from 7,50 % (clone 50/20) to 10,342% (clone 62/22). The obtained results are not in accordance with some studies [5], where the content of total invert sugar in different Oblacinska sour cherry clones varied from 4,51 % to 5,36 %, while partly in accordance with other studies [2], where the amount of invert sugar varied from 11,68 % to 14,40 %. Table 2b. Chemical Properties of Oblacinska Sour Cherry Clones Clone 56/21 34/10 62/22 50/20 45/17 29/8 39/13 78/25 28 LSD(0,05) LSD(0,01) Total Sugar Content (%) 2008 2009 x 10,66 9,23 9,95 11,69 10,58 11,14 11,33 10,12 10,75 8,90 7,94 8,42 9,39 8,24 8,81 10,64 9,50 10,07 11,02 9,81 10,42 10,30 9,10 9,70 9,53 8,89 9,21 0,83 1,14 Invert Sugar Content (%) 2008 2009 X 9,28 8,36 8,82 10,33 9,26 9,80 10,78 9,90 10,34 8,00 7,01 7,50 8,82 7,12 7,97 9,54 8,63 9,08 9,02 8,12 8,57 9,14 8,24 8,69 8,66 7,97 8,32 0,87 1,20 With LSD test, highly significant differences were determined in the content of invert sugar between the clones 62/22, 50/20 and 34/10 in relation to the clone 28. In our study,the highest content of total sugar was determined in the clone 34/10 (11,135%), while the smallest in the clone 50/20 (8,42 %). The obtained results are partly in accordance with the results of some researchers [5], who have determined the content of total sugar in Oblacinska sour cherry clones with the spam from 7,38 % to 9,28 %, while not in accordance with the results of other researchers [2], where the content of total sugar in Oblacinska sour cherry clones varied from 13,07 % to 17,09 %. The analysis of variant and LSD test determined the diferences in the content of total sugar as highly significant between the clones 34/10, 56/21, 29/8, 39/13 and 62/22 in relation to the clone 50/20. 248 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Based on the performed researches of Oblacinska sour cherry clones we can conclude that the selected Oblacinska sour cherry clones behaved differently among themselves and in relation to the control clone 28. The variant analysis and LSD tests show the highly significant and significant differences among examined Oblacinska sour cherry clones in: - Yield (the highest in the clone 56/21, with 14,40 kg, while the smallest in the clone 39,13 of 6,60 kg); - Fruit mass (the highest fruit mass in the clone 62/22 of 4,85 g, while the smallest the clone 78/25 of 2,32 g); - Pit mass (the highest in the clone 45/17 of 0,818 g, while the smallest in the clone 56/21 of 0,366 g); - Content of dissoluble dry substances ( the highest in the clone 39/13 of 24,80 %, while the smallest in the clone 56/21 of 14,60 %). Based on the obtained results of the presented studies, we can recommend the clones 56/21, 34/10 and 62/22 for further growth. REFERENCES [1]. Blagojevic, R. 2000. Fruit Growing. Impex, Nis. [2]. Fotiric, M., Nikolic, D., Rakonjac, V. 2009. Percentage of growth and pomological properties of Oblacinska sour cherry clones with free pollination and self-pollination. The Archive of Agricultural Science , Vol. 70. No 249, (2009/1) 21-29. [3]. Milutinovic, M., Nikolic, D. 1997. The study of Oblacinska sour cherry clones.The collection of studies from the international scientific simposium ’’The Future of Fruit Growing in Yugoslavia’’ 10-11.november 1997., Vucje - Nis, Jugoslavija, pg. 293-299. [4]. Mladenovic, N. 1999. The influence of height above sea level on vegetative and generative potential of Oblacinska sour cherry. M.R. study, the Agricultural Faculty, Zemun. [5]. Nikolic, D., Rakonjac, V., Milutinovic, M., Fotiric, M. 2005. Genetic divergence of Oblacinska sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) clones. Genetika 37 (3), 191-198. [6]. Pavićevic, B. i Blagojev, O. 1969. Biological and technological values of Oblacinska sour cherry. The collection of studies from the Consultation in S. Mitrovici, 247-249. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Zoran Nikolic, assistant professor, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381631583860, E-mail: [email protected] Radisav Blagojevic, associate professor, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381642048251, E-mail: [email protected] Aleksandar Mitic, “Porecje” – Vucje, 16203 Vucje, +381648829540 Katerina Nikolic, assistant, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture, Kopaonicka bb, 38 219 Lesak, Serbia, +381638266191, E-mail: [email protected] Ana Selamovska, scientific collaborator, Institute of Agriculture, Bul. Aleksandar Makedonski bb., 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, +38978255729, E-mail: anfilika2@ t-home.mk 249 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA STUDIES REGARDING ACETIC FERMENTATION PROCESS KINETICS OF FRUITS VINEGAR Diana Veronica Dogaru, Mariana-Atena Poiana, Diana Moigradean, Teodor Ioan Trasca, Camelia Moldovan, Daniela Stoin Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania e-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Although vinegar is a well know product from ancient times and used as well as food as medicine because of its multiple qualities, it puts together old and new. The purpose of this study is to obtain and characterized some kinds of fruits vinegar (apples, bilberry, blackberry, raspberry) from raw material to processed products (vinegar obtained from these kinds of fruits). Starting point was obtaining some varieties of fruits vinegar (apple, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry) after an old, traditional recipe, testing, the same time, optimization possibilities of fermentation process by acceding some activators of process (yeast and black bread) or some substrate correctors (sugar or honey). Were obtained 24 varieties of fruits vinegar and we made diagrams of fermentation in order to obtain information on the relation between acetic fermentation degradation of nutritive substrate and formation of main reaction products. For this purpose we used spectophometric methods using enzymatic kits. We tried to anticipate the effect of some biological, biochemical and technological factors and providing solutions for the process of fruits vinegar obtaining. Key words:fruits vinegar, sugars, INTRODUCTION Is well known the importance of fruits and vegetable through direct consuming or derivates foods.The consumption of fruit and vegetables, and all the food and drink derived from these, has been inversely associated with morbidity and mortality from degenerative and coronary heart diseases [ 1,2, 3] Plant foods are primary sources of free sugars in the diet. Sucrose, glucose, and fructose predominate in plants, other sugars seldom occurring in more than trace quantities. Thus, the food scientist and nutritionist, as well as the plant biochemist, often wish to determine these three sugars in plant tissues. Recent evidence that the ingestion of particular sugars encourages development of dental caries and possibly cardiovascular disease provides additional impetus for measuring the dietary intake of individual sugars. The dominant sensory attributes of fruits and their products are the taste sensations of sweetness caused by sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) which are the main components of fruits, besides water. Other taste sensations occurring in fruits, especially in fruits vinegar, are bitterness and astringency (drying sensation in the whole mouth). They are caused by phenolic compounds, which are present in lower proportions than sugars and acids [5,7,11]. The word vinegar is from the Greek word okijus. As raw material are used alterated wines and those with little alcohol obtained from cereals, potatoes, fruits juices, syrups, other materials with starch etc. Different species of bacteria have different behavior in acid presence. The introduction of acid resistance bacteria will allow obtaining selective conditions to protect production process on not desirable flora. From a biochemical viewpoint, fruits vinegar is the next step on the road which converts sugar through to alcohol, thence to acetic acid and finally to carbon dioxide and water. At each step, the organisms involved gain energy - this, after all, is why they do what they do and their metabolism is very little different from our own in many respects[4,6]. Animals, however, do not stop at the alcohol or acetic acid stage. Some 250 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA micro-organisms do and we can take advantage of this to provide the products that we want. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples. Starting point was obtaining some varieties of fruits vinegar (apple, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry) after an old, traditional recipe, testing, the same time, optimization possibilities of fermentation process by acceding some activators of process (yeast and black bread) or some substrate correctors (sugar or honey). For obtaining fruits vinegar, fruits are washed, damaged parts are taken away and then fruits are cut and are used all parts. Could be used all parts remains from fruits canning. All cut fruits are put in a proper recipient; on fruits is pored warm water, which before was boiled (0.5L water to 0.4kg fruits).For every L of water is added 100g honey or 100g sugar. To accelerate acetic fermentation, on each L of water is added 120g yeast and 20g black bread. The recipient with this mixture is storage in a room at 20-30°C. Acetic fermentation is favored by a small alcohol content liquid (bellow 20% sugars), a constant temperature of 20°C and a big contact area of mixture with air (aerobe fermentation). The recipient is from glass, wood or ceramics. For the first phase of fermentation the recipient is stored in a warm environment for 10 days at 20-30°C, mixing twice a day, and then is filtered by pressing. Obtained juice is filtered again; the volume is measured and is stored in a recipient with a big contact area with air. If it’s necessary is added 50-100g honey or sugar for every L of juice and it’s very good homogenized. For the second phase of fermentation the recipient is stored in a warm place to continue the fermentation. The fermentation is finished when the liquid is clear. Depending on juice preparation, temperature, etc the vinegar will be done in 40-60 days. After that vinegar is filtered, bottled, waxed and stored in a cool place (4-10°C). Sample analysis. We made diagrams of fermentation in order to obtain information on the relation between acetic fermentation degradation of nutritive substrate and formation of main reaction products. For this purpose we used spectophometric methods using enzymatic kits using “Boehringer Mannheim Enzymatic BioAnalysis and Food Analysis”. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Were obtained 24 varieties of fruits vinegar (Me + Z – apple + sugar; Me + D + Z – apple + yeast + sugar; Me + P + Z – apple + black bread + sugar; Me + M – apple + honey; Me + D + M – apple + yeast + honey; Me + P + M – apple + black bread + honey; A + Z – bilberry + sugar; A + D + Z – bilberry + yeast + sugar; A + P + Z – bilberry + black bread + sugar; A + M – bilberry + honey; A + D + M – bilberry + yeast + honey; A + P + M – bilberry + black bread + honey; Z + Z – raspberry + sugar; Z + D + Z – raspberry + yeast + sugar; Z + P + Z – raspberry + black bread + sugar; Z + M – raspberry + honey; Z + D + M – raspberry + yeast + honey; Z + P + M – raspberry + black bread + honey; M + Z – blackberry + sugar; M + D + Z – blackberry + yeast + sugar; M + P + Z – blackberry + black bread + sugar; M + M – blackberry + honey; M + D + M – blackberry + yeast + honey; M + P + M - blackberry + black bread + honey). Figure 1 presents sugars variation during fermentation process for apple vinegar. For apple vinegar, with one exception, Me + Z, sugars content decrease progressively during fermentation. Also, with the same exception, Me + Z, we could say that after 15 days period of time it revealed the same sugars content. For the above variation, it started from a higher sugar content than the other variations and it kept this advantage all studied period. 251 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA For all 6 variations of blueberry vinegar it could be observed (figure 2) a similarity for fermentation diagrams: although the initial sugar contents was different, after 10 days period of time of monitoring was achieved a minim of sugar content, for all variation of blueberry vinegar, followed by an increase of sugars content. In the case of apple and blueberry vinegar the sugars content was about the same, 14%, but the final content was about 4% for apple vinegar and between 5% and 12% for blueberry vinegar. 12 Me+P+Z Me+D+M 18 A+D+Z A+D+M Me+Z+D Me+P+M 16 A+M A+Z 14 A+P+Z A+P+M Sugars content, % Me+Z Sugars content, % 14 Me+M 10 8 6 12 10 8 6 4 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 days days days days days days days days 2 6 days 7 days 8 days 9 days 10 days 13 days 14 days 15 days Figure 1. Sugars variation during fermentation process for apple vinegar Figure 2. Sugars variation during fermentation process for blueberry vinegar The variations of raspberry vinegar followed the typical of the blueberry ones, but the sugars decrease was more accentuated, and the followed increased slower (figure 3). The most slow decrease of sugars content was for variation Z + D + Z (raspberry + yeast + sugar), and the most accentuated one Z + P + Z (raspberry + black bread + sugar). Blackberry vinegar variations presented a constant decrease of total sugars content, figure 4, being, at the end of monitoring period of time at the same value. For raspberry and blackberry vinegar the initial sugar content was about the same, 10%, and the final one, too, 3-4%. Z+D+Z 11 9 Z+P+Z Z+P+M 10 8 Z+M Z+P+M 9 Sugars content, % Sugars content, % Z+Z 10 7 6 5 M+D+M M+P+M M+M M+P+Z M+D+Z M+Z 8 7 6 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 6 days 7 days 8 days 9 days 10 days 13 days 14 days 6 days 7 days 8 days 9 days 15 days Figure 3. Sugars variation during fermentation process for raspberry vinegar 10 days 13 days 14 days 15 days Figure 4. Sugars variation during fermentation process for blackberry vinegar 252 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK In order to make some correlations between the substrate quantity and fermentation products were made some spectrometric measurements, Testing optimization possibilities of fermentation process by using some precursors (beer yeast, black bread), or using sugar and honey as substrate correctors. Every type of fruits has its biological and biochemical particularities and this fact reflects on the quality of obtained vinegars. It was outlined the idea that the fermentation in same conditions leads to different synthesis or degradation speed of some compounds besides type of fruits used. We tried to anticipate the effect of some biological, biochemical and technological factors on the characteristics of the fruits vinegar and on this basis providing solutions for new technologies for fruits vinegar. Fermentation diagrams could give information on the existing relationship between acetic fermentation degradation of nutritive substrate and forming main reaction products. Although couldn`t be created a final conclusion, because every type of fruit vinegar had a very one fermentation dynamics regarding its chemical and biochemical content. REFERENCES [1]. Abbott, J. A., 1999, Quality measurements of fruits and vegetables, Postharvest Biol. Technol., 15, 207-225. [2]. Block G, Patterson B, Subar A. Fruit, vegetables and cancer prevention: a review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutr Canc 1992; 18: 1-29. [3]. Gillman MW, Cupples LA, Gagnon D, et al. Protective effect of fruits and vegetables on development of stroke in men. J Am Med Assoc 1995; 273: 1113-1117. [4].Jianu, I., Nistor, M. (1998). Procese, tehnici si calcule in tehnologia extractiva si fermentativa, Editura Eurobit, Timisoara [5]. Hubbermann, E.M., A. Heins, H. Stőckmann, K. Schwarz. 2006. Influence of acids, salt, sugars and hydrocolloids on the colour stability of anthocyanins rich blackcurrant and elderberry concentrate. European Food Research Technology. 223, 83-90. [6]. Feskanich D, Ziegler R, Michaud D, Giovannucci E, Speizer F, Willett W, Colditz G: Prospective study of fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of lung cancer among men and women. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000, 92:1812-1823. [7]. S. Guyot, N. Marnet, D. Laraba, P. Sanoner, J.-F. Drilleau, J. Agric. Food Chem. 46 (1998) 1698. [8]. S. Nagy, C.S. Chen, P.E. Shaw, Fruit Juice Processing Technology, AgScience, Auburndale, 1993. [9]. PODSEDEK, A.; WILSKA-JESKA, J.; ANDERS, B. andMARKOWSKI, J.Compositional characterization of some apple varieties. Europea Food Research Technology, February 2000, vol. 210, no. 4, p. 268-272. [10]. Rommel, A., R.E. Wrolstad and D.A. Heatherbell. 1992. Blackberry juice and wine: Effect of processing and storage effects on anthocyanin composition, color and appearance. J. Food Sci. 57, 385-391. [11].Terry, P., Terry, J.B., Wolk, A. (2001). Fruit and vegetable consumption in the prevention of cancer: an update. J. Intern. Med. 250, 280-290. [12]. A. Spyros, P. Dais, J. Agric. Food. Chem. 48 (2000) 802. ABOUT THE AUTHORS D. V. Dogaru, M.A. Poiana, D. Moigradean and T. Trasca, C. Moldovan, D. Stoin Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] 253 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF ALPHITOBIUS DIAPERINUS (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE) POPULATIONS IN A BROILER PRODUCTION FACILITY S. Morariu, R. Tătaru, G. Dărăbuș and F. Morariu Abstract: The paper is the first scientific report on lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) pest, and describes its spatial distribution in a poultry farm from western Romania. The lesser mealworm is a vector and reservoir of several poultry pathogens and parasites, and it can also cause damages to poultry housing. Beetles were trapped with Arends tube traps disposed in one hall with 4 compartments, 12 traps in each one. Traps were monitored during one production cycle. 19,276 lesser mealworms were collected. th Adults/larvae ratio was favorable to adults. The population peak was registered during the 5 week of investigation, suggesting that the biological cycle is completed in less than 35 days. The best conditions for lesser mealworm developing were offered by feeder line and feed hopper zone, respectively. Key words: lesser mealworm, spatial distribution. INTRODUCTION The dynamics of insect populations is influenced by a variety of environment and genetic factors [5]. The understanding of these factors represents an important tool that can be used in integrated pest management (IPM). Controlled temperature inside broiler facilities, with long standing of manure and adequate moisture, ensure favorable conditions for lesser mealworm developing all year around [9]. Spatial distribution of adults is favored by the high litter moisture, low density and its reduced compaction, while the larvae and pupae do not need humidity [8]. The monitoring of lesser mealworm inside broiler facilities is absolutely necessary to implementation of control measures, the use of traps being recommended in this respect [1]. This study aimed to establish the spatial distribution of Alphitobius diaperinus in a broiler facility from western Romania in one production cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS A broiler farm from western Romania in which invasion with A. diaperinus was seen, has been subjected to the study. Broilers were bred exclusively inside the facility blocks. They were bred on wheat straw litter with a 10 cm depth (Figure 1). The farm was equipped with Big Dutchman technologies and the equipment for temperature, humidity and ventilation monitoring was entirely automated. Lesser mealworm capturing was carried out by the means of tubular Arends traps [7] manufactured in the farm (PVC tubes of 25 cm length and 5 cm diameter inside which a scrolled corrugated carton was introduced). In each compartment of the facility 12 traps were placed, with a total of 48 traps/hall (Figure 2-7). Traps were weekly monitored till the end of the production cycle. They were collected and introduced individually in plastic bags and then frozen at -20ºC for at least 24 hours in order to kill the darkling beetles. After that they were counted. New traps were placed again. 254 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS It can be observed that the total number of A. diaperinus was quite high during a single production cycle in only one hall. So, 19276 individuals were collected, out of which 8792 (45.6%) were larvae and 10484 (54.4%) were adults (Figure 8). Figure 1. Inside view of the broiler production facility (original). Figure 2. Corrugated carton prepared to be introduced inside the tube (original). Figure 3. Trap prepared to be placed in the hall (original). Figure 4. Trap placed near the feeder line (original). Figure 5. Trap placed near de water suppliers (original). Figure 6. Trap placed near a support pillar and wall (original). 255 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 7. Diagram representing trap location in the monitored broiler production facility 1 1 trap; broodery; water line; 256 feeder line; support pillar. RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Larvae, 45.6 Adults, 54.4 Figure 8. Life stage ratio of collected lesser mealworm. Comparing the darkling beetle population evolution on the entire production cycle it was observed that in the left compartment from the ground 1915 larvae and 2678 adults were collected, while in the right one 2548 larvae and only 1400 adults were trapped, respectively. At the floor, in the left compartment 2264 larvae and 3414 adults were caught, and in the right one 2065 larvae and 2992 adults were collected (Figure 9). 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 Ground L Ground R Larvae Floor L Adults Floor R Total Figure 9. Alphitobius diaperinus population distribution in the monitored facility. Thus, it can be observed that, in the right compartment from the ground the most numerous larvae and less numerous adults were trapped. Generally, the situation has been inverted in the other compartments, and, more, at the floor the number of trapped individuals from both categories was higher than the ground trapped one. A study published in Brazil in 2007 has shown that the larvae were higher than the adults in majority of samples [4]. Same situation has been faced by us, but only for one compartment of the investigated broiler facility. Comparison with the Brazilian studies is opportune because there is the suspicion that the lesser mealworm was introduced in the broiler farm with the feed imported from this country in 2002-2003. Following the A. diaperinus spatial distribution up during the six weeks of study it was observed a gradual and steady increase of its population. Thus, in the left compartment from the ground, 9 larvae and 58 adults in the first week, 29 larvae and 183 adults in the second week, 141 larvae and 312 adults in the third week, 434 larvae and 839 adults in 257 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA the fourth week, 726 larvae and 735 adults in the fifth week, and 576 larvae and 551 adults in the sixth week were trapped, respectively (Figure 10). 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Săpt 1 Săpt 2 Larvae Săpt 3 Săpt 4 Adults Total larvae Săpt 5 Săpt 6 Total adults Figure 10. The dynamics of Alphitobius diaperinus population in the left compartment from the ground. 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Săpt 1 Săpt 2 Larvae Săpt 3 Săpt 4 Adults Total larvae Săpt 5 Săpt 6 Total adults Figure 11. The dynamics of Alphitobius diaperinus population in the right compartment from the ground. 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Săpt 1 Săpt 2 Larvae Săpt 3 Săpt 4 Adults Total larvae Săpt 5 Săpt 6 Total adults Figure 12. The dynamics of Alphitobius diaperinus population in the right compartment from the floor. 258 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA For the right compartment from the ground data are slightly different when comparing with the left one: 9 larvae and only 12 adults in the first week, 27 larvae and 155 adults in the second week, only 18 larvae and 62 adults in the third week, 293 larvae and 156 adults in the forth week, 1381 larvae and 716 adults in the fifth week, and 820 larvae and 299 adults in the sixth week were collected, respectively (Figure 11). In the right compartment from the floor 26 larvae and 71 adults in the first week, 65 larvae and 254 adults in the second week, 204 larvae and 517 adults in the third week, 464 larvae and 1246 adults in the forth week, 1048 larvae and 848 adults in the fifth week, and 457 larvae and 478 adults in the sixth week were caught, respectively (Figure 12). Finally, in the left compartment from the floor 50 larvae and 115 adults in the first week, 161 larvae and 218 adults in the second week, 168 larvae and 431 adults in the third week, 599 larvae and 1246 adults in the forth week, 763 larvae and 638 adults in the fifth week, and 324 larvae and 344 adults in the sixth week were trapped, respectively (Figure 13). 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Săpt 1 Săpt 2 Larve Săpt 3 Adulți Săpt 4 Total larve Săpt 5 Săpt 6 Total adulți Figure 13. The dynamics of Alphitobius diaperinus population in the left compartment from the floor. It can be easily observed that the larval population peak was generally reached around the fifth week, while the adult population peak has been recorded one week earlier. Actually, during one production cycle, the darkling beetles succeed to establish a new generation, although, in natural conditions, the life cycle is completed in approximately 90 days [2, 3]. But, because of high temperatures both inside the broiler facility (21-33ºC) and the litter (25-30ºC), the life cycle of the pest underwent important changes, the lesser mealworm adjusting to indoor microclimate conditions. Thus, the length of biological cycle has been considerably shortened, being only of 31 days [2, 3, 6, 8]. Voris et al. [10] obtained similar results, trapping a small number of beetles in the first week (a mean of 86 adults and 8 larvae/trap), and a spectacular changing of ratio in the eighth week (a mean of 339 adults and 809 larvae/trap). Long time accumulation of the litter (i.e. for two production cycles) leads to high temperatures achievements which favor A. diaperinus development and the increase of its population. CONCLUSIONS The number of A. diaperinus pest collected by the mean of Arends traps during one production cycle was high: 19,276 individuals. The adults/larvae ratio was favorable to adults, different from most data of the recent literature. 259 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The feeder line and feed hopper zone offered the best conditions for lesser mealworm development. This is the first scientific signaling of the presence of this pest in Romania. REFERENCES [1]. Axtell, R.C. and Arends, J.J. 1990. Ecology and management of arthropod pests of poultry. Annual Review of Entomology, 35, 101-126. [2]. Chernaki, A.M. and Almeida, L.M. 2001. Morfologia dos estágios imaturos e do adulto de Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Revista Brasileira de Zoologia, 18, 2, 351-363. [3]. Chernaki-Leffer, A.M. and Almeida L.M. 2001. Thermal requirements, development and survival of the immature stages of the Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Neotropical Entomology, 30, 365-368. [4]. Chernaki-Leffer, A.M., et al. 2007. Populational fluctuation and spatial distribution of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera; Tenebrionidae) in a poultry house, Cascavel, Parana state, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 67, 209-213. [5]. Clark, L.R., et al. 1967. The ecology of insect populations in theory and pratice. Environmental Entomology, 30, 562-567. [6]. Erichsen, L.D., Jespersen, J.B., 1997. Behaviour and population dynamics of litter beetles in broiler houses. Danish Pest Infestation Laboratory Annual Report, 71. In: Lambkin, T.A. - Investigations into the management of darkling beetle. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au. [7]. Safrit, R.D. and Axtell, R.C. 1984. Evaluations of sampling methods for darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) in the litter of turkey and broiler houses. Poultry Science, 63, 2368-2375. [8]. Salin, C., et al. 2000. Spatial distribution of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the soil of a poultry house along a breeding cycle. European Journal of Soil Biology, 36, 107-115. [9]. Stafford, K.C. and Collison, C.H. 1987. Manure pit temperatures and relative humidity of Pennsylvania high-rise poultry houses and their relationship to arthropod population development. Poultry Science, 66, 1603-1611. [10]. Voris, J.C., Meyer, J.A., Pfost, R., Woodbury, R., 1994 - Temperature affects lesser mealworm populations in turkey brooder houses. California Agriculture, 48, 18-21. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Sorin Morariu – Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277190; [email protected] Radu Tătaru - DVM, DSVSA Caraş-Severin, Strada Timişoarei 15, Reşița 320232, Romania; phone: +40255231004; Gheorghe Dărăbu – Professor of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277251; Florica Morariu – PhD, Assistant Professor of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, Calea Aradului 119, Timişoara - 300645, Romania; phone: +40256277110 260 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EFFECT OF RHIZOMANIA COMPONENT OF PARENTAL GENOTYPES OF SUGAR BEET- Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera Jelica Zivic, Ivica Stancic , Sasa Petrovic, Desimir Knezevic, Slaven Prodanovic Abstract: The paper shows the value of sugar content, root yield and sugar yield in parental genotypes (twelve Multigerm tetrapolid pollinators and six diploid monogerm MS line) used for obtaining commercial hybrids of sugar beet. Tests were conducted at two sites, Sremska Mitrovica and Aleksinac, under conditions of soil with or without the presence of the virus BNYVV. Beet necrotic yellow vein virus is the causal agent of sugar beet rhizomania whose vector saprophytic fungus Polymyxa betae. Rhizomania appears as a limiting factor in breeding varieties of sugar beet, which it self does not possess the genes for resistance to the pathogen. The results showed that the MS line susceptible to viruses as indicated by low values of yield components at the site where the infection is present. Sugar yield at the site of MS lines -1 -1 ranged from 1.3 t ha to 6.4 t ha while in Multigerm tetrapolidnih pollinating sugar yield ranged from 3.8 t -1 -1 ha to 10.1 ha in the same locality. In the experiment on the soil free of viruses sugar yield of the parent -1 -1 components ranged from 3.8 t ha (4MS -2n mm) to 12.3 t ha (Rh3 -4n MM). Key words: sugar beet, genotype, rhizomania, sugar content, root yield, sugar yield. INTRODUCTION One of the major diseases of sugar beet, Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera, is rhizomania.The causer is a beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) which is a vector of saprophytic fungus Polymyxa betae. Rhizomania detected firstly in Italy 1954th and 1957. as unknown pathological phenomena [1] which later named rhizomania of sugar beet [2]. In the former Yugoslavia rhizomania was first recorded on sugar beet in Sremska Mitrovica in 1971st [3]. In almost all European countries, which are grown sugar beet, were found rhizomania [4] which influenced to the intensification of work on the creation of sugar beet cultivars tolerant to this disease. Successful production of sugar beet on soil infested by rhizomania is possible only by growing cultivars that are tolerant to this pathogen [5,6]. However, growing tolerant cultivars on uninfested soil causes the loss in sugar yield from 5% to 12% in comparison to the corresponding check cultivars [ 7]. The aim of this work was investigation of parental genotypes (tetraploid and diploid pollinators multigerm and monogerm MS line) of sugar beet and compared with official standard cultivars grown on land uninfested and infested by rhizomania. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this research we used the following selection of genotypes: -fourteen pollinators of tetraploid multigerm type (4n MM): RH1, RH2, RH3, RH4, RH5, RH6, Rh7, RH8, RH9, RH10, RH11, RH12, RH13, Rh14; -six maternal line, 2n mm MS (diploid monogerm, male sterile lines with their sterile analog): 2ms; 7mS; 5MS; 1ms; 3MS; 4ms. Parental genotypes were evaluated in field trials at two locations once on uninfested soil - Aleksinac and another locality with soil infested by the virus rhizomania-Sremska Mitrovica. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The basic plot consisted of 4 rows 10m long, with row spacing of 0.5 m and 0.2m spacing between plants in raw of For laboratory analysis used a sample of 25 root of plants. On the basis of root yield (determined by measuring), sugar content and content K, Na and amino N, (obtained by laboratory analysis) was computed yield of sugar. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance for a two factorial experiment (ANOVA). For evaluating the significance of differences within factors was applied the Ftest for two levels of 0.05 and 0.01. 261 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The average values of sugar content in root of plants grown two localities (Table 1) at pollinators varied from 11.91% (Rh14) at the site of Sremska Mitrovica to 17.49% (RH1) at the site Aleksinac. MS lines had significantly lower values of sugar content on both locations. Sugar content in plants grown at the location of Sremska Mitrovica varied from 7.54% (1ms) to 13.87% (7mS) and in plants at the Aleksinac ranging from 12.81% to 15.33% ( 7mS). According to tests carried out by [6] rhizomania influenced the reduction of sugar in all the genotypes, with the difference between the first ranking and susceptible cultivars was 4.64%. Table 1. Mean values of sugar content (%), in localities, for parents Parents 4nMM Rh1 4nMM Rh2 4nMM Rh3 4nMM Rh4 4nMM Rh5 4nMM Rh6 4nMM Rh7 4nMM Rh8 4nMM Rh9 4nMM Rh10 4nMM Rh11 4nMM Rh12 4nMM Rh13 4nMM Rh14 2n mm 2 MS 2n mm 7 MS 2n mm 5 MS 2n mm 1 MS 2n mm 3 MS 2n mm 4 MS Susceptible standard Tolerant standard LSD 0.05 0.01 Sugar content Sremska Mitrovica 15.84 15.64 15.74 15.49 15.21 15.29 15.79 15.32 12.60 12.24 12.41 12.16 12.09 11.91 13.79 13.87 12.67 7.54 8.97 9.59 9.56 15.97 0.53 0.69 Aleksinac 17.49 16.94 17.23 17.39 17.15 16.81 17.02 16.71 15.96 13.60 14.17 13.39 14.20 14.79 15.16 15.33 14.82 13.64 12.81 14.94 16.15 16.15 Cv =2.66% In Table 2. are presented the mean values of root yield of parental genotypes in the two locations. By analysis of variance was estimated a significant The effect of cultivars, locations and their interaction on root yield values. On the location of Sremska Mitrovica the highest yield had a pollinator Rh1-65.97 t ha-1 and the lowest Rh10 (32.18 t ha-1). In MS line on the same location were recorded significantly lower root yields due to less tolarance of genotypes to rhizomania. Numerous authors emphasize the significant reduction of root yield especially in susceptible genotypes under conditions of infestion by rhizomania [5,8,9]. Average yields of MS lines ranged from 17.17 t ha-1 (1ms) to 48.59 t 262 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA ha-1 in 2MS line that expressed the highest root yield. On the location of Aleksinac, where the parents are examined in uninfested soil, root yield was higher in the pollinators and the MS line than in Sremska Mitrovica location. The highest yield of root was found in Rh3 84.97t ha-1 for pollinators, and in 7MS - 60.03t ha-1 for MS line.Pollinators Rh10, Rh13, and Rh14 and MS lines 1MS, 3MS and 4MS had the lowest average yields at both locations. Yield of root was one of the main indicators of the value of hybrids and together with a sugar content directly affects to the sugar yield per unit area [10]. Table 2. Mean values of root yield (t ha-1) in localities, for parents Parents Yield of root Sremska Mitrovica 4nMM Rh1 4nMM Rh2 4nMM Rh3 4nMM Rh4 4nMM Rh5 4nMM Rh6 4nMM Rh7 4nMM Rh8 4nMM Rh9 4nMM Rh10 4nMM Rh11 4nMM Rh12 4nMM Rh13 4nMM Rh14 2n mm 2 MS 2n mm 7 MS 2n mm 5 MS 2n mm 1 MS 2n mm 3 MS 2n mm 4 MS Susceptible standard Tolerant standard LSD 0.05 0.01 65.97 61.34 53.10 55.88 56.17 55.35 51.43 47.73 40.33 32.18 40.32 36.25 33.84 36.07 48.59 41.67 39.96 17.17 16.99 19.41 30.65 67.50 0.54 0.72 Aleksinac 83.60 84.04 84.97 81.88 81.40 75.55 77.69 71.03 46.20 66.23 66.55 69.78 63.88 49.05 51.67 60.03 54.35 40.93 44.08 30.17 64.01 60.96 Cv= 7.33% Mean values of white sugar yield (kg ha-1) in the parents on both experimental localities are shown in Table 3. On the location of Sremska Mitrovica the highest sugar yield was achieved tolerance standard (10422 kg ha-1) and the lowest line 1MS (1333 kg ha-1). At the site Aleksinac sugar yield ranged from 3829 kg ha-1 in 4MS line to 12353 kg ha-1 in tetraploid pollinator 4nMM Rh3. Similar data that MS line have a significantly less production characteristics than tetraploid pollinators under conditions of infested soil by rhizomania were reported by other investigation [11]. 263 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 3. Mean values of sugar yield (kg ha-1) in localities, for parents Parents 4nMM Rh1 4nMM Rh2 4nMM Rh3 4nMM Rh4 4nMM Rh5 4nMM Rh6 4nMM Rh7 4nMM Rh8 4nMM Rh9 4nMM Rh10 4nMM Rh11 4nMM Rh12 4nMM Rh13 4nMM Rh14 2n mm 2 MS 2n mm 7 MS 2n mm 5 MS 2n mm 1 MS 2n mm 3 MS 2n mm 4 MS Susceptible standard Tolerant standard LSD Sugar yield Sremska Mitrovica 10160 9272 8155 8940 8843 8203 7883 7109 4877 3801 4785 4305 3983 4120 6494 5502 5271 1333 1498 2124 2805 10422 0.05 220.81 0.01 290.18 Aleksinac 12261 12185 12353 12033 11183 10528 11353 10505 7150 6785 7319 7162 6989 6155 7569 7896 7759 4256 5479 3829 8572 8772 Cv = 2,20% CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Based on the results obtained in this research can be done the following conclusions: -Parental components, tetraploid and diploid pollinators multigerm monogerm MS lines differed in realized production traits in the soil with and without the presence of the virus as rhizomania what estimated by statistically significant differences for all analzyed traits. -The highest sugar yield at both locations of the parental genotypes had a tetraploid pollinator 4nMM RH1 (10.160 kg ha-1 at the Sremska Mitrovica location, 12261 kg ha-1 at the location Aleksinac). -In the MS-line the highest sugar yield achieved 2MS 2n mm (6494kg ha -1) at the location of Sremska Mitrovica and 7MS 2n mm (7896kg ha-1) at the location Aleksinac. -In locations where the virus is present it is necessary to use rhizomania tolerant genotypes in order to achieve positive production results. REFERENCES [1]. Dona Delle Rose, A. (1954): A campagna bieticola condusa gravi sintomi di "atanchezza" dei bietolae. Agricolture della Venezie 11, 609-619 In: F.A.O (1993): Production Year Book. [2]. Canova, A. (1959): Appunti di patologia della barbietola, Inf. Fitopat. 9, 390 393 264 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [3]. Šutić D., Milovanović M. (1978): Pojava i značaj kržljavosti korena šećerne repe.Agrohemija 9-10; 363-368.10 [4]. Molard M.S.R., (1986): Rhizomania: A world wide danger to sugar beet. Span 28,3; 92-94. [5]. Kovačev, L.M., Čačić, N.A., Mezei, S.M., Nagl, N. (2005): Produktivnost NS hibridnih sorti šećerne repe otpornih prema rizomaniji (BNYVV) u višegodišnjim ogledima. Zbornik radova Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, 40, 379-387. [6]. Došenović, I. S., Radivojević, S., Kabić, D. R., Pajić, Đ. P., Škrbić, K. Ž. (2006): Ocena tehnološkog kvaliteta šećerne repe uzgajane na zemljištu sa visokim stepenom prisustva rizomanije. Zbornik Matice srpske za prirodne nauke, (110), 75-83. [7]. Limb R. (2000): Managing Rhizomania within the Stewardship Scheme. Sugar Beet Review Vol. 68, No. 4; 2-4. [8]. Pospišil, M., Pospišil Ana Mustapić, Z., Butorac Jasminka, Tot, I., Žeravica Andreja (2006): Proizvodne vrijednosti istraživanih hibrida šećerne repe, Poljoprivreda, 12, 1, 16-21, Osijek. [9]. Radivojević, S., Došenović Irena, Filipović, V., Rožić, R. (2008): Tolerance of certain sugar beet varieties to diseases. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 53, 3. [10]. Stančić, I, Nikolić, Ž, Petrović, S, Živić Jelica, Veselinović, Z. (2000): Međuzavisnost komponenti prinosa i njihov uticaj na prinos kristalnog šećera kod šećerne repe. Arhiv za poljoprivredne nauke,VOL 61. N 214, 2000/ 4, str. 5-12. [11]. Zivic Jelica, Knezevic D, Petrovic S, Stancic I (2009). Variability of content of non sugar substances in root of sugar beet Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera in multigerm pollinators in rhizomania infested condition. Book of Abstracts IV Congress of Serbian Geneticist, 1-5 June, Tara. Book of Abstract, p. 271. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr Jelica Zivic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] , +381(0)698702554, Dr Ivica Stancic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, Dr Sasa Petrovic, professor, College of Agriculture, Prokuplje, Serbia, Dr Desimir Knezevic, full professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pristina, Serbia, Dr Slaven Prodanovic, full professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia. 265 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA NUCLEAR GENETIC ANALYSIS OF ANTHER CULTURE RESPONSE IN DIALLEL CROSSES OF WHEAT M. Yıldırım, R. Hatipoğlu, İ. Atış, S. Altıntaş, İ.Genç Abstract: Anther culture ability and its nuclear genetic analysis was studied in a half 7 x 7 diallel set of bread wheat. Percentage of responding anthers and numbers of green and albino plants per 100 anthers cultured were assessed. Genetic effects were significant and there were additive and dominance effect for all investigated traits, except albino plant number. The contribution of general combining ability (GCA) to genetic variation were mediate level for percentage of responding anthers while GCA effects of green plant number was higher than specific combining ability (SCA) effects. Differences in albino plant number were dominated by SCA. Crossing by high and low responding parents resulted predominance effects in F1 hybrids. Narrow-sense heritability estimates for responding anthers and green plant number were 0.40 and 0.48, respectively. For albino plant number genetic parameters could not been calculated due to epistatic and non allelic variations. The genotypes, ‘Seri 82’ and ‘Weaver’, were identified as good combiners for all traits and can be used haploidy breeding programmes. Hybrids produced high green plant number were ‘Genç 99 x Seri 82’ and ‘Weaver x Seri 82’. Key words: Anther Culture, Combining Ability, Diallel, Inheritance, Wheat. INTRODUCTION The production of in vitro anther-derived plants of self pollinated plants have been used in plant breeding for different aims, such as reducing of breeding duration, determining of inheritance at poliploid plants, obtaining of recessive mutants at mutation breeding, generating completely homozygous true breeding progeny lines, in vitro selection and DNA transformation techniques. There is considerable variation among spring and winter bread wheat genotypes regarding in vitro anther response (1, 2 and 3). Also smaller variation than bread wheats did exist for durum wheat genotypes (4 and 5). Despite wide range of anther culture response among bread wheat genotypes, strong genotype dependence is still important limitation on anther culture application. Three components which investigated at wheat anther culture studies were called as (i) anters responding or callus or embryos induction, (ii) plant regeneration per anther or callus and (iii) green and albino plant regeneration per anther or callus. These three components have been reported to be under genetic control (6 and 7). Anther culture ability in wheat other than nuclear affects is in control of cytoplasmic effects (8 and 9). In addition to genetic and cytoplasmic control, anther culture ability in wheat may be controlled by nucleus x cytoplasm gene interactions. After learning the inheritance of anther culture response, breeders can select anther efficient hybrids and thus optimize the allocation of resources for doubled haploid production. In a line x tester study with 18 F1, Chaudhary et al. (10) found low estimates of narrow-sense heritability for calli induction and moderate for regeneration and green plantlet. However, narrow- sense heritability was high for both callus induction and green plant percentage in a diallel study (11). Broad sense heritability estimates for callus induction in crosses of winter wheats were not encouraging for selection (7). On the other hand Deaton et al. (12) reported very high narrow sense heritability for callus formation in some wheat crosses. With such diverse results, further study is needed to research the inheritance of anther culture response. This study was undertaken to investigate the combining ability effects and the mode of inheritance of anther culture components in wheat, via a seven parent diallel analysis. 266 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MATERIAL AND METHODS Plant materials: Seven spring wheat genotypes were used to obtain 7 x 7 diallel cross without the reciprocals. The parental lines representative of CIMMYT lines ‘Chil’s’, ‘Weaver’, ‘Genç 99’ and ‘Seri 82’, the Turkish line ‘84ÇZT04’ and USA cultivar ‘Apogee’ were used in the experiment. ‘DH 7-2’ was double haploid line obtained by crossing of ‘Genç 99’ and ‘Seri 82’. Also ‘Genç 99’ and ‘Seri 82’ were selected from CIMMYT germplasm which called ‘Ka’s/Nac’ and ‘Seri 82’ at CIMMYT/IWIS catalogs and registered as Turkish spring wheat cultivars. According to previous observations (13), ‘Seri 82’ had relatively high callus induction and Chil’s and 84ÇZT04 had low callus induction. F1 hybrids were obtained in 2001. Seven parents and their 21 F1 hybrids were grown in field and greenhouse in 2002, at the Experimental Station of Cukurova University, AdanaTurkey). Anther culture: Spikes at uninucleate microspore stage were taken from the first three tillers of each plants when the tips of the spikes was at the ligule of the penultimate leaf. After 3 day incubation at 4C, forty anthers from the central part of each spike were isolated and cultured on petri dishes (60x15mm) containing P2 culture medium (14). Twenty anthers were plated in each petri dish. An average 33 replications for each genotype were cultured. Petri dishes with anthers were kept in dark incubators at 27C 1 for 4 weeks (13). Anthers with calli and/or embriyoids in each petri dish were counted and percentage of responding anthers in each Petri dish was calculated. The formed structures (calluses and embriyoids) on anthers were transferred for regeneration on a regeneration medium given by Henry and de Buyser (15) and placed under cool white fluorescent lamps at 25C 1 in a 16 h photoperiod. The number of green and albino plantlets regenerated in each Petri dish was counted after about 30 days depending on plant development. The numbers of green and albino plants per 100 anthers were calculated for each Petri dish. Experimental design and statistical analysis: The diallel analysis was conducted according to Griffing (16) method 2 (including parents no reciprocal) by a SAS program from Zhang and Kang (17) with genotype and treatment as fixed effects. Narrow-sense heritability was analyzed according to Hayman (18), using the microcomputer program Dial (19).The experimental design was a randomized complete-block design. Linear correlation coefficients between investigated traits were calculated by SAS. Before statistical analysis, the data related to percentage of responding anthers were transformed by arcsin x 1/2 to normalize the distribution. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The analysis of variance for all anther culture components indicated that both general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant (Table 1). Genetic variation for percentage of responding anthers was equally affected by GCA and SCA. Equal GCA and SCA effects indicate that both aditive and dominance effects play a significant role in genetic variation observed for percentage of responding anthers. For green plant number, most of genetic variation was due to GCA. Most of genetic variation for albino plant number was due to SCA effects. Narrow sense heritability estimates of 0.40 and 48 were obtained for percentage of responding anthers and number of green plants per 100 anthers, respectively. Furthermore, dominance ratio (H1/D)0.5 higher than 1 in both cases, indicating predominance. In this study, 28113 anthers were evaluated in total, means of parents and crosses differed significantly for all traits (Table 2). It can be seen that the variation among parents were high range for all traits. On average, hybrids responded 5.8 anther per 100 anther, 267 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA and parental genotypes only about 1.9. The parents Weaver and Seri 82 were particularly responsive in culture producing on average 8 and 6 green plant per 100 cultured anthers, respectively. Table 1. Mean squares in the analysis of variance and genetic parameters for the androgenic ability of 21 F1 hybrids and their parents Df Responding anthers Green plants/100 Albino plants/100 Source anthers anthers Replication 32 79.8 4.32 0.53 Genotypes 27 631.4 *** 15.74 *** 1.51 *** GCA 6 1319.9 *** 42.68 *** 2.16 *** SCA 21 434.7 *** 8.00 *** 1.32 *** Error 864 71.3 3.07 0.58 Genetic parameters h2 0.40 0.48 -.--‡ 0.5 (H1/D) 1.54 2.95 -.--‡ *** P< 0.001. ‡, genetic parameter was not calculated. There was no androgenetic response for Chil’s. Also it has not been observed plant regeneration for DH 7-2, while it gave low anther response. The average difference between parents and hybrids was due to heterosis for all traits except albino plant number, since the level of all hybrids except Apogee x Seri 82 (5 x 6) was significantly higher than the parents as expected with a predominance of additive effects. Green/Albino plant ratio of hybrids was two times higher than parents. According to Lsd test, 5 of 21 crosses for percentage of responding anthers and 1 of 21 crosses for green plant number showed heterosis over high parents. ‘Weaver’ and ‘Seri 82’ had significantly positive GCA effects for responding anthers and green plant number (Table 3) and this cultivars were good combiners. Contrary, ‘Chil’s’ and ‘DH 7-2’ had significantly negative GCA effects for these traits. While ‘Apogee’ had significant GCA effects for responding anthers, it could not continue this advantage in the case of green plant number and the sign of GCA effects changed on negative for these traits. In some cross combinations, significant positive and negative SCA effects were identified for all traits. ‘Genç 99 x Seri 82’, ‘84ÇZT04 x Weaver’ and ‘Weaver x Seri 82’ had significant positive SCA effects for all trait except albino plant number which is undesirable trait for anther culture. The outcome of the study showed significant differences between all genotypes (parents and hybrids) for all studied traits. This result explains that the traits affecting androgenesis in bread wheat are under genetic control. The genetic control of anther culture in wheat reported by several researcher (6 and 7). Similar with our results, superiority of GCA over SCA for green plant number were reported by several researchers (10 and 11), This finding suggest that this trait was mediated mainly by additive gene action. According to Tuvesson et al. (20), differences in percentage of green plants were dominated by SCA. To our findings, a few major genes may be responsible for high SCA for albino plant number. Powell (21) reported lower heritability estimates than our estimates for anthers and green plants findings. Our heritability estimate for green plant number was at the level of 0.50, in agreement with anther culture studies in wheat (11 and 12). However some researchers have reported lower heritability for callus induction frequency than that obtained in this study (7 and 10). The results of high mean green plant number are in accordance with Liang et al. (22) and Tuvesson et al (20) reported 6.2% and 5.6% green 268 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA plant number, respectively. However, the androgenetic response at Chil’s and DH 7-2 were too low unexpectedly. To our laboratory observation, catching of both genotypes in the uninuclear stage was too hard because of very fast microspore division, and the size and thickness of anthers at both genotypes were smaller than those other genotypes used in study. Therefore we had to use more spike to fix microspores at uninuclear stage. Anthers of both genotypes must have begun to die faster than those of other genotypes, from day one of culture (23). Table2. Mean anther culture responses, wheat parents and their F1 hybrids Plated Responding Green plants/ Albino plants/ anthers anthers 100 anthers 100 anthers _______ _______ _____________________ Parents No ______ % ______ No ________________ (1)Genç 99 1170 1.11 0.13 0.15 (2)84 ÇZT 04 1075 1.06 1.21 0.60 (3)Chil’s 725 0.00 0.00 0.00 (4)Weaver 696 3.49 7.47 0.68 (5)Apogee 1164 3.13 0.60 1.21 (6)Seri 82 697 4.33 5.71 2.04 (7)DH 7-2 672 0.21 0.00 0.00 F1 Hybrids 1x2 1163 4.35 4.09 2.57 1x3 819 1.19 2.12 0.00 1x4 926 4.84 7.72 0.00 1x5 1043 4.39 0.60 1.21 1x6 1110 7.96 12.75 1.51 1x7 954 2.54 2.56 0.00 2x3 953 1.93 1.06 0.00 2x4 1228 14.83 11.13 1.55 2x5 1343 4.70 1.02 1.21 2x6 1290 6.43 8.93 1.06 2x7 1014 3.78 2.27 0.60 3x4 736 4.71 5.60 0.22 3x5 1295 4.92 3.93 0.15 3x6 890 5.75 7.57 1.21 3x7 787 4.32 3.21 2.60 4x5 1251 9.08 9.28 1.00 4x6 1106 13.58 26.25 4.29 4x7 829 6.36 5.26 0.55 5x6 1024 6.21 5.90 0.90 5x7 1288 4.01 2.72 0.30 6x7 865 5.98 10.29 0.75 28113 Total anther LSD0.05 3.25 7.16 2.53 Parent Means 1.90 2.16 0.67 F1 Means 5.80 6.39 1.03 General Means 4.83 5.34 0.94 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Orlov et al. (5) have concluded that 4% responding anthers out of total number of anthers cultured from wheat are enough to be used in a routine breeding program. In this study, among parents only ‘Seri 82’ exceeded of 4% rate while 17 of 21 F1 hybrids gave higher response than 4%. Therefore, if most of hybrids investigated in this study use in wheat breeding, it will be obtained at sufficient number of plants to provide necessary variation. 269 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 3. Estimates of GCA and SCA effects of parents and crosses for different parameters of androgenetic reponce in wheat Responding anthers Green plants/ Albino plants/ (%) 100 anthers 100 anthers __________________________________ Parents GCA effects ____________________________________ (1)Genç 99 -1.34 ** -0.17 -0.05 (2)84 ÇZT 04 -0.15 -0.14 0.01 (3)Chil’s -2.75 *** -0.29 ** -0.09 * (4)Weaver 2.77 *** 0.53 *** 0.05 (5)Apogee 1.16 * -0.23 * -0.00 (6)Seri 82 2.17 *** 0.56 *** 0.15 *** (7)DH 7-2 -1.86 *** -0.25 ** -0.07 __________________________________ F1 Hybrids SCA effects ____________________________________ 1x2 1.38 0.17 0.27 * 1x3 -0.79 0.10 -0.06 1x4 -1.12 0.14 -0.21 1x5 0.82 -0.30 0.15 1x6 4.10 ** 0.64 * 0.02 1x7 -2.09 -0.33 -0.13 2x3 -0.49 -0.12 -0.13 2x4 8.23 *** 0.61 * 0.12 2x5 -0.14 -0.18 0.06 2x6 0.09 0.07 -0.11 2x7 -4.18 ** -0.24 -0.13 3x4 -1.38 -0.19 -0.09 3x5 2.70 * 0.44 -0.06 3x6 0.62 0.01 -0.05 3x7 1.24 -0.01 0.43 *** 4x5 3.49 ** 0.37 0.00 4x6 4.13 ** 1.11 *** 0.58 *** 4x7 -5.89 *** -1.08 *** -0.23 5x6 -0.04 -0.05 -0.11 5x7 -3.26 * -0.04 -0.05 6x7 -4.16 ** -0.82 ** -0.21 * ** *** , , , P< 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001, respectively. According to criterion used by Tuvesson et al. (20), one parental line should give at least one green haploid per spike for profitable using of anther culture in wheat breeding. Since we isolated 40 anthers from each spike, the mean green plant number per 100 anthers must be no less than 2.5. An average 2.5 green plants per 100 anthers was obtained from 16 of 21 F1 hybrids (Table 2). Information on the inheritance and number of genes affecting anther culture response and their interactions may contribute to a better understanding of the problems caused by the genotype dependence of the techniques. Determining of GCA and SCA effects will allow breeders to predict which parent and hybrid can be used as efficient sources for haploid production. However, the data of this study showing high androgenetic response of F1 hybrids could contribute to the utilization of breeding material with low responses to anther culture by the crossing of high efficient parents, such as ‘Seri 82’ and ‘Weaver’. 270 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Moinei, A. and A. Sarrafi, 1995. Genetic analysis for haploid-regeneration responses of hexaploid-wheat anther cultures. Plant Breeding, 114(3):247-249. [2]. Holme, I. B., A. Olesen, N.J.P. Hansen and S.B. Andersen, 1999. Anther and isolated microspore culture of wheats lines from Northwestern and Eastern Europe. Plant Breeding 118, 111-117. [3]. Machii, H., H. Mizuno, T. Hirabayashi, H. Li, and T. Hagio, 1998. Screening wheat genotypes for high callus induction and regeneration capability from anther and immature embryo cultures. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 53: 67-74. [4]. Aiti, F.J., O. Benlhabib, H.C. 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A set of potato media for wheat anther culture, Proc. China-Australia Plant Tissue Culture Symp., Peking., p:51-66. [15]. Henry, Y., and J. de Buyser, 1985. Effect of the 1B/1R translocation on anther culture ability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plant Cell Reports, 4(6):307-310. [16]. Griffing, B., 1956. Concept of general and specific combining ability in relation to diallel crossing systems. Aust. J. Biol. Sci., 9:463-493. [17]. Zhang, Y., and M.S. Kang, 1997. Diallel-SAS: A SAS program for Griffing’s diallel analyses. Agron. J. 89:176–182. [18]. Hayman, B.I., 1954. The theory and analysis of diallel crosses. Genetics, 39:789-809. [19]. Ukai, Y., 1989. A microcomputer program Diall for diallel analysis of quantitative characters. Jpn. J. Breeding 39, 107-109. [20]. Tuvesson, S., A. Ljungberg, A. Johansson, K.E. Karlsson, L.W. Suijs, and J.P. Josset, 2000. Large-scale production of wheat and triticale double haploids through the use of a single-anther culture method. Plant Breeding, 119: 455-459 271 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [21]. Powell,W., 1988. Diallel analysis of barley anther culture response. Genome, 30: 152-157. [22]. Liang, GH., A. Xu, and Hoang-Tang., 1987. Direct generation of wheat haploids via anther culture. Crop Sci., 27:336-339 [23]. González, J.M., and N. Jouve, 2005. Microspore development during in vitro androgenesis in triticale. Bıologıa Plantarum 49 (1): 23-28. ABOUT THE AUTHORS M. Yıldırım, University of Dicle, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crop Department, Diyarbakir, Turkey. 21280. Tlf: 90 412 2488509 Fax: 90 412 2488153 E-mail: [email protected] R. Hatipoğlu, University of Cukurova, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crop Department, Adana, Turkey. E-mail: [email protected] İ. Atış, University of MKU, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crop Department, Hatay Turkey. E-mail: S. Altıntaş, University of Cukurova, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crop Department, Adana, Turkey. E-mail: İ. Genç, University of Cukurova, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crop Department, Adana, Turkey. E-mail: [email protected] 272 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE IMPACT OF TILLAGE AND CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT ON BENEFICIAL ARTHROPODS: WOODLOUSE (ISOPODA: ONISCIDAE) ABUNDANCE IN CYPRIOT AGROECOSYSTEMS Özge Özden, Wayne Fuller and David J. Hodgson Abstract: Woodlice are known to play important roles in soil profile development and nutrient cycling in agroecosystems. Our objective was to understand the impact of different management regimes on woodlouse fauna in Cypriot olive groves. To examine the importance of management practices on abundance of these soil arthropods, twelve different olive groves were surveyed between January and June 2006. The olive groves were located along the Kyrenia mountain range towards the west of the island at two different elevations. The abundance of woodlice was compared in twelve olive groves under four different management regimes by placing pitfall traps. We analysed the changes on woodlouse fauna at high and low altitude olive groves with no management, tillage only, or tillage with pesticide and fertilizer application. Keywords: Cyprus, agroecosystems, olive groves, management regimes, woodlice INTRODUCTION It is known that agricultural intensification has resulted in a widespread decline in farmland biodiversity, across many different taxa, and these changes in agricultural practices have resulted in detrimental affects on farmland habitats (Benton et al., 2003 and Jongman, 2002). Invertebrates have important ecological roles within agroecosystems, acting as detritivores, predators, parasitoids and pollinators. They have previously been used as indicators for a range of environmental attributes since the beginning of the 20th century (Brown, 1997; Paoletti et al., 2007). The abundance and diversity of soil fauna are influenced by a wide range of agricultural and other land practices. These management practices include variations in tillage levels, treatment of pasture and crop residues, crop rotation, irrigation, pesticide and fertilizer applications (Baker, 1998 and Rodriguez et al., 2006). Cyprus is an island with an area of 9, 251 square kilometers and it is divisible into three geomorphological zones, the Troodos mountains, the Kyrenia Mountain range and the Mesaoria plain, which separates the two upland areas (Tsintides et al., 2002). The cultivated area is estimated at approximately 1,340 square kilometers (Hadjiparaskevas, 2005). The cultivation of olive trees in Cyprus has been well established since late Bronze Age (Banilas et al., 2003). Olive trees are grown all over the island in compact groves, irrigated or none irrigated, and scattered on uncultivated rain fed land. Our study region included twelve olive groves in the Kyrenia mountain range. In the Kyrenia region (north coast of Cyprus) the olive tree (Oleae europea L.) has a great social importance and the soil fauna of these olive groves are an important component of this agroecosystem. Cypriot agroecosystems are managed production systems which use mechanical tillage in conjunction with inputs of fertilizer, and applications of pesticides to consistently sustain their rates of output. However, it is also known that agricultural activities such as tillage, extensive usage of pesticides and fertilizers can have significant impacts on native flora and fauna (McLaughling and Mineau, 1995). Edaphic (soil-dwelling) organisms have important ecological functions such as decomposition of organic matter, mineralization of nutrients and also as agents of biological control of the olive pests that spend a period of their life cycle in the soil (Herrick, 2000). A commonly used sampling method to study epiedaphic fauna is pitfall trapping, a technique which is simple to implement, economic, and which works continuously through the day and night, enabling the passive collection of many samples (Santos et al., 2007). 273 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The woodlice, or pill bugs, are terrestrial isopods and members of the suborder Oniscoidea. There are approximately 5000 species distributed worldwide. They are small to medium sized organisms (1.2 – 30 mm). They are easily identified and form a dominant component of the soil arthropod macro-decomposer community in many temperate habitats. They feed on dead organic material and are important regulators of ecosystem functions, which include the decomposition and recycling of nutrients. They are also predators of some animals and occasionally consume insect larvae, especially fruit fly larvae or pupae. They are sensitive to tillage, changes in litter input, application of pesticides and other contaminations (Paoletti and Hassall, 1999). The highest densities of woodlice are found in calcareous grasslands (Sutton, 1980) and it is known that about 36 % of the total area of Cyprus is categorised as having slightly to highly calcareous soils (Hadjiparaskevas, 2005). To date, in Cyprus no research has been made to determine the abundance of woodlice, and also very little is known about the effect of management regimes on soil biota. The main objectives of this study presented here, were to obtain essential information of woodlice abundance in Cypriot olive groves and the impacts of different management regimes on their fauna. Our hypotheses were that: (i) management regime has a major effect on woodlouse abundance (ii) the abundance of woodlice changes at different altitudes. Consequently, we analysed the changes in woodlice fauna found within four different management regimes (natural, tillage usage, pesticide usage, and high altitude natural). MATERIAL AND METHODS Study area This study was conducted between January and June 2006 under four different management regimes of Cypriot olive groves in the Kyrenia region. The area surrounding Kyrenia is covered with forests of varying density across the mountain range together with shrubs and typical Mediterranean agriculture along the coast, including olives, citrus, almonds and carob trees. During this research we chose a total of 12 olive groves under four different management regimes, with three replications for each management regime. None of these olive groves received artificial irrigation. The first management regime was low altitude (20 to 40 m) uncultivated olive groves. These had not been cultivated for more than 25 years, and were surrounded with natural phrygana habitat. Phrygana, in Greece and Turkey, consists of formations dominated by dwarf shrubs typically 20-70 cm tall. Common species in Cyprus include Calycotome villosa, Genista sp. and Sarcopoterium spinosum (Blondel and Aronson, 2004). These olive groves had not received any tillage for many years. The second management regime was low altitude (20 to 40 m) tilled olive groves. These olive groves were managed traditionally by ploughing (up to 25 cm in depth) twice a year. Cypriot farmers prefer to use mechanical tillage in order to reduce understorey vegetation (weeds). Usually the farmers plough in autumn, after the first rains and then again in early spring. The third management regime was low altitude (20 to 40 m) heavily cultivated olive groves; these olive groves were ploughed twice a year and according to the farmers’ information, received one annual treatment of insecticide and fertilizer. They were sprayed in October once with dimethoate to control the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae)) Olive fruit fly is a major pest of olives in Cyprus (Orphanides, 1985). The fourth management regime was high altitude (255 to 290 m) uncultivated olive groves; these groves were on mountain field sites in maquis habitat. Maquis is a shrubland biome of Mediterranean countries, typically consisting of densely-growing evergreen shrubs such as sage, juniper and myrtle (Blondel and Aronson, 2004). 274 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Sampling methods Woodlice were sampled by placing pitfall traps monthly from January 2006 to June 2006. Five pitfall traps were placed randomly into each olive grove. They consisted of a 200 ml plastic beaker with a 7 cm opening. They were buried with their tops level with the surrounding soil surface and filled half way with 70% ethylene glycol to kill and preserve and catch. Traps were covered with a clay roofing tile that allowed invertebrate access to the trap. All captured individuals were preserved in 70 % alcohol solution. The woodlice were separated from other arthropods and vegetal remains. Data analysis We analysed relationships between woodlouse abundance and management regimes, using generalised linear models in “R” software. We averaged woodlouse abundance in each olive grove over the six months of surveys (January-June), in order to remove any non-independence caused by repeated measures in our data. Although this derivation of mean response can often conceal important differences between treatments, our results were clear enough to justify this procedure. To test for the significance of management regime we simplified the models (according to Crawley 2007) and performed likelihood ratio tests. We used histograms of real data, and standard residual checks in order to look for evidence of non-normality. Initial model checks suggested that the variance in mean woodlouse abundance increased with the mean abundance, which recommended the use of a Gamma error structure (Crawley 2007). This error structure successfully normalised the standardised residuals. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In this study of Cypriot olive groves, we collected a total of 1751 woodlice. The highest number of individuals were collected from the low altitude uncultivated olive groves (713). According to the results during January- June 2006, the highest number of individuals from low altitude uncultivated olive groves were captured during April (Fig. 1). The lowest number of individuals was collected from high altitude uncultivated olive groves (120). When considering only low altitude olive groves, the management regime using pesticide had the least number of individuals (Fig 1). 300 250 LU 200 LT 150 LP 100 HU 50 e Ju n M ay pr il A M ar ch Fe br ua ry Ja nu ar y 0 Figure 1. Total number of individuals trapped using pitfalls in twelve olive groves, between January 2006 and June 2006 under four different management regimes (LU: low altitude uncultivated olive groves, LT: low altitude tilled olive groves, LP: low altitude pesticide used olive groves, HU: high altitude uncultivated olive groves). 275 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA These results were expected, since pesticide usage is known to have detrimental effects on arthropod abundance (Krooss and Schaefer, 1998). On the other hand, it is also well known that the number of arthropods declines at higher altitudes (Wettstein and Schmid, 1999; Wilson et al., 2007). We analysed relationships between woodlouse abundance and management regimes, using a generalised linear model with Gamma error structure. There were significant differences in mean number of individuals between four different management regimes (F = 4.9379, P=0.03). Graphical analysis (Fig 2.) suggested that high altitude uncultivated olive groves and low altitude heavily cultivated olive groves contained less individuals than the other two management regimes which recorded similar mean number of individuals to each other. 50 Individuals 40 30 20 10 0 LU LT HU LP Management Regimes Figure 2. Mean number of total individuals in four different olive grove management regimes ((LU: low altitude uncultivated olive groves, LT: low altitude tilled olive groves, LP: low altitude pesticide used olive groves, HU: high altitude uncultivated olive groves). We confirmed this using model simplification with grouping of factor levels (F 2,8 = 1.7668, P=0.2315). We then confirmed a significant difference between the means of the two groups (F1,10 = 8.3466, P=0.01). Considering only the low elevation olive groves, our results confirm the prediction (Paoletti and Cantarino, 2002; Ruano et al. 2004) that chemical treatment impacts negatively on woodlouse abundance. The magnitude of this effect is such that chemical applications reduce woodlouse abundance to levels similar to those observed in high altitude, unmanaged olive groves. More surprisingly, we found that woodlouse abundance was not negatively impacted by tillage of soil in the olive groves. This is contrary to results from studies in other agroecosystems (Marasas et al. 2001; Rodriguez et al., 2006; Wilson et al., 1999), and shows that low intensity tillage can be used to manage understorey vegetation in Mediterranean olive groves, at little cost to woodlouse fauna. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK Agricultural activities affect the woodlouse fauna in different ways. Abundance of these arthropods probably benefit from reduced use of pesticides, which have toxic side effects on non-target arthropods. We predicted that food supply for woodlice might be better on the unploughed olive groves, where potential prey taxa were more abundant, however we show that the levels of tillage used in Cypriot olive groves is not detrimental to woodlouse abundance. High altitude, uncultivated olive groves suffer lower abundance of woodlice than low altitude, perhaps due to climatic differences or correlated impacts such 276 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA as soil type or understorey vegetation. Effectively, heavy cultivation of low altitude groves reduces the abundance of woodlice to levels comparable to these derelict, high altitude groves. In conclusion, intensified agriculture has repeatedly been identified as one of the largest contributors to the loss of the biodiversity worldwide (Benton et al. 2003). This is partly because of the high degree of physical manipulation and inputs of pesticides and fertilizers. Agricultural practices, such as intercropping, rotation, reduced pesticide use or biological control of pests, and using cover crops instead of tillage application, may successfully benefit agriculture and the quality of habitat for the wildlife. Organic farming has been suggested to enhance species richness as a result of the use of organic fertilizers, the absence of chemical pesticides and a different, often more diverse, crop rotation (Weibull and Östman, 2003). This research should help to guide management practices of olive groves in Meditteranean agroecosystems, and adds to the growing body of evidence showing that chemical management regimes can damage invertebrate community structure and function. One of the positive outcomes from this research for olive grove agriculture is that traditional tillage, deemed useful by farmers for the management of understorey weeds, can be maintained at no loss to the abundance of these important detritivores/predators. Further research is now required to clarify whether choosing management practices that maintain invertebrate community structure can simultaneously benefit sustainable production of crops. This will be required not just for woodlice in Cypriot olive groves but also for other taxonomic groups in other agroecosystems. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was supported by the European Social Fund. REFERENCES Baker, G.H., 1998. Recognising and responding to the influences of agriculture and other land-use practices on soil fauna in Australia. Applied Soil Ecology 9, 303-310. Banilas, G., Minas, J., Gregoriou, C., Demoliou, C., Kourti, A. and Hatzopoulos, P., 2003. Genetic diversity among accessions of an ancient olive variety of Cyprus, 46: 370376. Benton, T.G., Vickery, J.A. and Wilson, J.D., 2003. Farmland biodiversity: is habitat heterogeneity the key ? Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Vol. 18, No.4, 182-188. Blondel, J. and Aronson, J., 2004. Biology and Wildlife of Mediterranean Region, Oxford University Press, 328 pp. Brown, K.S., 1997. Diversity, disturbance and sustainable use of Neotropical forest: insects as bioindicators for conservation monitoring. Journal of Insect Conservation, 1, 24-42. Crawley, M.J., 2007. The R Book, John Wiley, New York, 950 pp. Hadjiparaskevas, C., 2005. Soil survey and monitoring in Cyprus. Soil Resources of Europe: second edition. European Soil Bureau Research Report No. 9., EUR20559EN, p.97-101,eds.Jones RJA et al. Herrick, J.E., 2000. Soil quality: an indicator of sustainable land management. Applied Soil Ecology 15, 75-83. Jongman, R.H.G., 2002. Homogenisation and fragmentation of the European Landscape: ecological consequences ans solutions. Landscape and Urban Planning, 58, 211221. Krooss, S. and Schaefer, M., 1998. The effect of different farming systems on epigeic arthropods: a five-year study on the rove beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of winter wheat. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 69, 121-133. 277 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Marasas, M.E., Sarandon S.J. and Cicchino, A.C., 2001. Changes in soil arthropod functional group in a wheat crop under conventional and no tillage systems in Argentina. Applied Soil Ecology, 18, 61-68. McLaughlin, A. and Mineau, P., 1995. The impact of agricultural practices on biodiversity. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 55, 201-212. Orphanides, G.M., 1985. Insect pest of olives in Cyprus. In: Integrated pest control in olive groves. Proceedings of the CEC/FAO/IOBC international joint meeting, Pisa, 3-6 April 1984. A.A. Balkema Publishers, 343-347. Paoletti, M.G. and Hassall, M., 1999. Woodlice (Isopoda: Oniscidae) their potential for assessing sustainability and use as bioindicators. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 74, 157-165. Paoletti, M.G. and Cantorino, C.M., 2002. Sex ratio alterations in terrestrial woodlice populations (Isopoda: Oniscidea) from agroecosystems subjected to different agricultural practices in Italy. Applied Soil Ecology, Volume 19, Issue 2, 113-120. Paoletti, M.G., Thomson, L. J. and Hoffman, A.A., 2007. Using invertebrate bioindicators to assess agricultural sustainability in Australia: proposals and current practices. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 47, 379-383. Rodriguez, E., Fernandez-Anero, F.J., Ruiz, P. And Campos, M., 2006. Soil arthropod abundance under conventional and no tillage in a Mediterranean climate. Soil and Tillage Research 85, 229-233. Ruano, F. Lozano, C., Gercia, P., Pena, A., Tinaut, A., Pascual, F., Campos, M., 2004. Use of arthropods for the evaluation of the olive-orchard management regimes. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 6, 111-120. Santos, S.A.P., Pereira, J.A., Torres, L.M. and Nogueira, A.J.A., 2007. Evaluation of the effects, on canopy arthropods, of two agricultural management systems to control pests in olive groves from north-east of Portugal. Chemosphere 67, 131-139. Sutton, S.L., 1980. Woodlice. Pergamon Press, Oxford. Tsintides T.C., Hadjikyriakou G.N. and Christodolou C.S., 2002. Trees and shrubs in Cyprus. Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation and Cyprus Forest Association, Lefkosia, 442 pp. Weibull, A.C. and Östman, Ö., 2003. Species composition in agroecosystems: The effect of landscape, habitat, and farm management. Basic and Applied Ecology, 4, 349-361. Wettstein W. and Schmid, B., 1999. Conservation of arthropod diversity in montane wetlands: effect of altitude, habitat quality and habitat fragmentation on butterflies and grasshoppers. Journal of Applied Ecology, 36, 363-373. Wilson, R.A.C., Radford, B.J., Robertson, L.N., Simpson, G.B. and Bell, K.L., 1999. Reduced tillage increases population density of soil macrofauna in a semiarid environment in central Queensland. Environmental Entomology 28 (2), 163-172. Wilson, R.J., Gutierrez, D., Gutierrez, J., and Monserrat, V.J., 2007. An elevational shift in butterfly species richness and composition accompanying recent climate change. Global Change Biology, 13, 1873-1887. ABOUT THE AUTHORS O. Ozden, European University of Lefke, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Lefke, North Cyprus, Mersin 10 , Email: [email protected] W. Fuller, European University of Lefke, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Lefke, North Cyprus, Mersin 10 , Email: [email protected] D. J. Hodgson, Exeter University, School of Biological Sciences, Falmouth Campus, Exeter, UK , Email: [email protected] 278 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA TEHNOLOGICAL FACTORS AND ECONOMIC RESULTS OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max. (L.) Merill) CULTIVATION AT THE AGRICULTURAL INSTITUT OF OSIJEK M. Jurišić, Irena Rapčan, Daria Galić Subašić, D. Dešić Abstract: It was concluded that soybean production was not highly profitable. It was necessary to cultivate larger areas (with the higher yields) and to make soybean production more profitable. Average -1 -1 soybean yield by the Institute was 3.30 t ha (genetic potential of soybean in Croatia is up to 5.00 t ha ). -1 -1 Total production costs were 1.177.55 € ha , total production value was 1.310.72 € ha and state -1 subsidies amounted to 325.64 € ha . Working productivity was 242.30 kg of soybean per hour of labor. -1 There was a profit of 133.17 € ha , based on coefficient of production efficiency of 1.11. Key words: Soybean, Agricultural techniques, Production characteristics, Economic indicators. INTRODUCTION Soybean production gains on significance as soybean value and possibilities for its numerous uses are scientifically and technologically confirmed [Vratarić et al., 2008]. Soybean is also gaining on its importance in the Republic of Croatia. Its production still does not meet real demands therefore there is an identified necessity for cultivation of larger areas and for increase of soybean yield. Optimal conditions for soybean growing must be assured in order to achieve high yields. The fact is that the soybean yield was 7% higher in four-year crop rotation than in a two-year rotation [Coulter JA et al., 2011]. As cultivation of soybean is more complex and demanding than of other crop, producers should be well informed about soybean characteristics and about agro ecological conditions and technologies required for its cultivation. According to FAO, in 2005 soybean was grown on the area of 91.418.048 ha, with an average bean yield of 2.35 t ha-1. Soybean is continuously grown in Croatia since 1970. In the period up to 1981, soybean production in Croatia fluctuated from 1.574 to 3.714 ha, depending on the year and market prices. Recently soybean has been grown on the area even larger than 50.000 ha, and producers are evenly family farms and agricultural companies [Croatian Bureau of Statistics, 2008]. Average soybean yield per hectare is reported to be significantly lower than soybean yield by agricultural companies, which points out the fact that soybean production on family farms lacks knowledge and experience, applied studies and preliminary calculations. In previous studies the authors determined that soybean was not a highly profitable crop, and that it was necessary to cultivate greater areas to obtain higher yield, and to consequently increase soybean production profitability. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research into technological factors and economic aspects of soybean cultivation was carried out on arable land owned by the Agricultural Institute of Osijek, Croatia. Based on the collected data on invested labor hours and material, the authors prepared technological plan (not included in the paper due to limited space) and calculated total production costs, overall value and profit. Maize was sown as a pre-crop to soybean on the land of the Agricultural Institute of Osijek. The data of 109.53 ha planted under soybean, and soybean yield of 361.464 kg were used as a basis for calculation presented in the paper [Dešić, 2011] There was a total of 120 kg soybean seed planted. Mineral fertilization was completed by KAN (27% N) and urea (46% N), and by complex NPK fertilizers formulated with the ratio 8:26:26, respectively. Fertilization was applied on two occasions: in the pre-sowing stage with 300 279 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA kg per ha-1 of NPK and in the fertilization stage with 150 kg of KAN. Total cost of soybean fertilization was 149.25 € (1 € = 7.37 HRK, Croatian National Bank exchange rate of April 5, 2011), which relates to 12.78% of total production costs. Basic chemical protection was completed by herbicides Dual 960 EC (1.50 l ha -1) and Sencor WP-70 (0.70 kg ha-1). Within corrective chemical protection the following herbicides were applied: Pulsar (1 -1 l ha ) and Harmony (8 g ha-1). Total cost of soybean chemical protection was 165.59 €, which relates to 12.91% of total production costs. Growing of soybean required 13.62 labor hours and 9.60 hours of machine work, both amounting to 140.56 €, which relates to 33.81% of total production costs. Overheads were 413.24 €, or 35.09% of total costs. Soybean yield per one arable land unit was 3.30 t ha-1. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Production of soybean at the Agricultural Institute of Osijek amounted to a total of 1,177.55 € ha-1. Considering soybean market price of 0.30 € kg-1 and state subsidies of 407.06 € ha-1 being paid out in 2005 in the amount of 80%, i.e. 325.64 € ha -1, total value of soybean production was 1,302.58 € ha -1. After deduction of all costs in total amount of 1,177.55 €, the profit was 133.17 € ha-1 Economic results of soybean production are presented through three main aspects, i.e. by calculating working productivity, production cost-effectiveness and profitability (Kanisek, et al., 2001). Working productivity of employees was calculated on the basis of yield (kg of soybean ha-1) and number of working hours spent per hectare, as follows: P= P= Q [yield in kg ha-1] 3.300 ––––––––––––––––– = ––––––– = 242.30 kg hour-1 T [hour ha-1] 13.62 T [hour ha-1] –––––––––––– [yield in t ha-1] 13.62 = –––––– = 4.12 hours t-1 3.3 [1] [2] Cost-effectiveness of production was obtained by calculating coefficient of production efficiency, when comparing realized production value (in € ha -1) and total costs, as follows: Production value [€ ha-1] 1,310.72 E = ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– = ––––––– = 1,11 Total costs [€ ha-1] 1,177.55 [3] Production profitability was presented by profitability rate in (%) and calculated on the basis of relation between profit and total costs. It presents gained profit per 100 HRK (13.57 €) invested in production. Profit [€ ha-1] 133.17 R = –––––––––––––––––– = –––––––– ×100 = 11.31 % Total costs [€ ha-1] 1,177.55 280 [4] RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 1. Calculation of soybean production in 2005 at the Agricultural Institute of Osijek *(In €, Croatian National Bank exchange rate as of April 5, 2011) Ord. Costs No. 1. Seed + BIOFIXIN 2. Mineral fertilizer UREA 46% N NPK 8:26:26 KAN 27% N 3. Chemical protection Dual 960 EC Sencor WP-70 Pulsar Harmony 4. Labor 5. Machine work Light duty tractor Medium duty tractor Heavy duty tractor Combine harvester 6. Overheads Insurance Maintenance Water charges Breeders licenses Amortization Interests Sales costs Total costs 1. Yield 2. Subsidies Total Profit Amount Price unit /h in € kg 120.00 0.53 Value in € 63.50 Percentage % 5.39 kg kg kg 150.00 300.00 150.00 0.19 0.33 0.17 28.49 97.69 24.42 2.41 8.30 2.07 l kg l g Hour 1.50 0.70 1.00 8.00 13.62 23.51 60.75 56.74 1.57 4.75 40.14 42.52 56.74 12.59 64.68 3.41 3.61 4.82 1.07 5.49 Hour Hour Hour Hour 0.64 3.52 4.28 1.50 17.99 26.95 32.64 58.26 11.50 94.85 139.75 87.48 0.98 8.05 11.87 7.42 € € € € € € € € - - 65.13 60.87 16.55 135.69 33.92 46.13 54.55 1,177.55 5.53 5.17 1.44 11.52 2.88 3.92 4.63 0.30 - 985.07 325.64 1,310.72 133.17 Income kg 3300.00 ha 1.00 € € - CONCLUSION Oil crops are usually produced for edible oil, solid vegetable fat and soybean meals for animal feeds. The aim of the study was to determine technological factors and assess economical results related to cultivation of soybean on arable land of the Agricultural Institute of Osijek, Croatia. Although genetic potential of the most soybean sorts grown in Croatia is up to 5.00 t ha-1, average soybean yield obtained by the Agricultural Institute of Osijek was 3.30 t ha-1, which was significantly higher than average yield in Croatia (2.40 t ha -1). Total soybean production in 2005 on 109.53 ha of arable land owned by Agricultural Institute of Osijek required 9.60 hours of machine work and 13.62 hours of labor. Total production costs were 1.177.55 € ha-1, total production value was 1.310.72 € ha-1, and 281 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA state subsidies amounted to 325.64 € ha-1. Working productivity was 242.30 kg of bean per hour of labor. There were 4.12 hours of labor invested per 1 t of bean. There was a profit of 133.17 € ha-1, based on coefficient of production efficiency of 1.11. On the basis of obtained economic indicators and collected data, it was determined that soybean was not highly profitable crop, and that it was necessary to cultivate larger areas and to obtain higher yields for increasing soybean production profitability. REFERENCES [1]. Coulter, JA., et al. 2011. Agronomic Performance of Cropping Systems with Contrasting Crop Rotations. Agronomy Journal 103(1):182-192. [2]. Dešić, D. 2011.Važniji tehnološko tehnički činitelji i ekonomski rezultati na Poljoprivrednom institutu u Osijeku, Diplomski rad, Poljoprivredni fakultet u Osijeku. [3]. Jurišić, M. 2008. AgBase – Priručnik za uzgoj bilja,Tehnologija(agrotehnika) važnijih ratarskih kultura, Studija, VIP-V-10-9/06., Poljoprivredni fakultet u Osijeku. [4]. Kanisek, J., et. al. 2001: Organizacija i rentabilnost krumpira u Slavoniji, Poljoprivreda, Vol. 7., br 2., Osijek, 26-33. [5]. Vratarić, M. and Sudarić, A. 2007. Tehnologija proizvodnje soje, Poljoprivredni institut Osijek, Zvijezda d.d., Zagreb, 1-55. [6]. Vratarić, M. and Sudarić, A. 2008. Soja Glycine max (L.) Merr, Sveučilišni udžbenik, Poljoprivredni institut Osijek. Internet sources: *http://www.dzs.hr/ *http://www.faostat.fao.org *http://www.soybeans.umn.edu ABOUTH THE AUTORS M. Jurišić, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijeku, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, E-mail: [email protected] I. Rapčan, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijeku, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, E -mail: [email protected] D. Galić Subašić, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijeku, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, E-mail: [email protected] D. Dešić, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijeku, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, E-mail: [email protected] 282 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN LEVEL ON GROWING-FINISHING PIG PERFORMANCE M. Tangar, Z Steiner, I. Križek, N. Steiner Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of levels of crude protein in feed mixtures on fattening performance of fattening pig. The study included 40 animals divided into two groups. The control group was fed with feed mixtures at 16% crude protein in grower mixture, and 14% crude protein in finisher fodder mixture. The experimental group was fed with crude protein 17/15. The energy is balanced in both groups. Accompanied by a weight, daily gain and feed consumption per kg gain. It can be concluded that the increased proportion of crude protein in diets for fattening pigs showed no beneficial effect on production traits of pigs. Key words: fattening, pigs, food, protein. INTRODUCTION High daily gain can be obtained only with mixtures which met the needs of the organism in proteins. Investigations have gone for a team to determine what the optimal amount of fodder mixtures which provide favorable results in fattening pigs and meat yield. In this respect, the results of recommendations by somewhat different. For example, in some studies that were done [2] stated that optimal results in fattening pigs with mixtures containing 16 - 18% crude protein, while the results of which were spent [1], [14], indicate that the mixtures with 14 - 16% crude protein for optimum results in the growth and utilization of food. Also [13]. remarked that nonessential amino acids are always supplied in adequate or excessive amounts when diets are formulated from natural feedstuffs that provide the required essential amino acids. In addition to the substantial N excretion associated with high crude protein diets, [4] has demonstrated reduced animal performance where excessive dietary crude protein levels were fed to growing pigs. Excessive intake of CP was shown to increase energy consumption due to increased excretion of N [3], [12], [16] and affects the size of organs [4] and thus energy metabolism [17]. The aim of this study was to compare the extent to which different levels of crude protein mixtures for fattening pigs affect the results of fattening; production traits of pigs the average daily gain, feed consumption per kilogram of gain and food intake of fattening pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiment included 2 groups of 20 pigs. Pigs used in the experiment were three breed crosses between Large White and German Landrace in the mother and the Pietren sire. Pigs were fed mixtures of different protein composition (Table 1) Table 1. Scheme of the experiment Group Number of animal I 20 II 20 Periods Grower Finisher Grower Finisher feed mixture (% c. p.) 17 % 15% 16% 14% Feed mixtures containing different levels of crude protein and metabolically energy was approximately equal. Feeding during the experiment was to hand in the waves. Each 283 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA pen had 12 feeding sites. Each group housed in two boxes. Pigs were given food at libitum. Table 2. Composition of feedstuff Indicators Group and periods of feeding I ME,(MJ) Crude protein (%) Lysine, (%) Meth + cyst, (%) Tryptophan, (%) Ca, (%) P,(%) Grow er 13,58 17,01 0,95 0,61 0,17 0,96 0,65 II Finisher Grower Finisher 12,96 15,14 0,74 0,56 0,16 0,80 0,59 13,50 15,99 0,88 0,58 0,16 0,95 0,64 12,91 14,06 0,66 0,54 0,15 0,79 0,58 Pigs were weighed during the first settlement of the pen. During the experiment, pigs were weighed twice, with the transition from grower to finisher, and at the end of the experiment. Values obtained by weighing were used to calculate the total and average daily gain during the fattening period. Also, measurements were carried out and the amount of food eaten in order to calculate food consumption per kilogram of gain. The research results were analyzed by descriptive statistics in the computer program Statistic Stat Soft Windows [19]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The research results presented in Tables 3, 4 and 5. As can be seen from Table 3, during the beginning of the experiment the piglets at the beginning of the fattening period was balanced with respect to the initial mass. In the second weighing I group of pigs had on average a higher body weight compared to group II of pigs. Pigs in the group I that received a mixture of 17% crude protein in the initial period of experiment had the second weighing higher body weight compared to pigs that received the mixture containing 16% crude protein. These differences can be interpreted as a consequence of higher levels of protein in the mixture that have a positive effect on weight gain. At the end of the experiment all groups had an approximate final weight. Table 3. Display of body weights (kg) Weigh (kg) Group Initial I. 35,15 II. 35,04 Control 63,36 62,37 Final 63,36 62,37 Table 4 presents the average daily gain during fattening pigs between the two groups. Pigs in the first group were in the first period (grower) higher average daily gains compared to other groups of pigs. This is consistent with research[5], [6], [10], [11], [14], [15], where increasing levels of crude protein significantly affected the increase in daily gain of pigs. 284 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA In the second part of experiment (finisher), another group of pigs had higher average daily gains compared to the first group of pigs. Part of the growth decreasing effect of high CP diets may be due to the reduced net energy value of the diet as a result of reduced utilization efficiency of metabolically energy due to amino acid catabolism (Hansen and Lewis, 1993). Total yield was nearly identical between both groups. In research [9], effect of different levels of crude protein on body weight and daily gain in the final stage of fattening pigs was not statistically significant. This catabolic penalty of an increasing protein turnover should inevitably reduce the biological value of the dietary protein [19]. Table 4. Average daily gain (g /day) during the experiment between the two groups of pigs Group Fattening period I. II. Grower 656 635 Finisher 635 643 Average 644 639 The average food consumption per kilogram of weight gain during the fattening period, the individual is shown in Table 5 In the first period of fattening pigs in the first group had better feed consumption per kilogram of gain, while in the second period of fattening pigs of another group had lower feed consumption per kilogram of gain. Total feed consumption per kg gain has shown a difference of only 0.32% in favor of group II. In accordance with our results were not found significant differences in feed conversion efficiency between the groups treated with mixtures with different protein levels [1], [8]. Table 5. Food conversion ratio (kg/kg) Periods Grower Finisher Average Group I. 3,08 3,16 3,12 II. 3,17 3,07 3,11 Based on these results we can conclude that the increased proportion of crude protein in diets for fattening pigs had not a positive effect on production traits of pigs. - - - CONCLUSIONS Pigs in the first group in the initial part of the experiment had a slightly higher body mass, while the second part of the experiment, the difference is reduced to such an extent that at the end of the experiment almost did not exist Average daily gains were higher in the first group of pigs in the first part of the experiment, while the second part of the experiment daily gains were higher in the second group. Total gains were higher in group I (0.78%), but the difference is negligible. In terms of food consumption per kilogram of weight gain is almost no difference (0.32%) between the two groups of pigs. It can be concluded that the increased proportion of crude protein in diets for fattening pigs showed no beneficial effect on production traits of pigs. 285 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Aunan, W. J., Hanson, L. E., Meade, R. J. 1961. Influence of level of dietary protein on live weight gains and carcass characteristicts of svine. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 20, 1: 98-101. [2]. Braude, R., Lerman, P. 1970. Protein and lysine levels in practical rations. J Agric. Sci. 74, 575-581. [3]. Buttery, P. J., and K. N. Boorman. 1976. The energy efficiency of aminoacid metabolism. Page 197 in Protein Metabolism and Nutrition D. J. A. Cole, ed. Butterworths, London. [4]. Chen, H.-Y., A. J. Lewis, P. S. Miller,and J. T. Yen. 1999. The effect of excess protein on growth performance and protein metabolism of finishing barrows and gilts. J. Anim. Sci. 77:3238–3247. [5]. Cooke, R., Lodge, G. A. Lewis, D. 1972. Influence of energy and protein concetration in the diet on the performance of growing pigs. III. Responce to differences in levels of both energy and protein. Anim. Prod. 14, 2: 219-228. [6]. Edmonds, M. S. Arentson, B. E. Mente, G. A. 1998. Effect of protein levels and space allocations on performance of growing-finishing pigs. Journal of Animal Science. 76, 3: 814-821 [7]. Hansen, B.C. and Lewis, A.J. 1993. Effects of dietary protein concentration (corn:soyabean meal ratio) on the performance and carcass characteristics of growing boars, barrows and gilts: mathematical descriptions. Journal of Animal Science 71: 2122–2132. [8]. Hudman, D. B., Peo, E. R. Jr.1960. Carcass characteristics of swine as influenced by levels of protein fed on pasture and in dry lot, J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 19, No 3:943. [9]. Kemm, E. H., Siebrits, F. K., Ras, M. N., Coetzee, S. E. 1995. Feed intake, growth and protein deposition of pigs fed three protein levels. Livestock Production Science. 41, 2: 163-170. [10]. Klay, R. F. 1964. Lysine and nitrogen utilization by pigs at four protein levels. J. Anim. Sci. 23, 2: 881 (abs. 140). [11]. Kyriazakis, I., Emmans, G., C. i McDaniel, R. 1993. Whole body amino acid composition of the growing pig. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 62: 29-33. [12]. LeBellego, L., J. Van Milgen, S. Dubois, and J. Noblet. 2001. Energy utilization of low-proteindiets in growing pigs. J. Anim. Sci.79:1259–1271. [13]. Lenis, N.P. 1989. Lower nitrogen excretion in pig husbandry by feeding: current and future possibilities. Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science 37: 61– 70. [14]. Lewicki, C., Flis, M., Tywonchuk, J., Meller, Z. 1984. Possibilityes of reducing the amount of protein in feeds for fattening pigs. Nutr. Abstr. Rev. 54, 4: 135. [15]. Lodge, G. A., Cundy, M. E., Coole, R., Lewis, D. 1972. Influence of energy and protein concentracion in the diet on the performance of growing pigs. 2. Differing nutrient density at a constant energy: protein ratio. Anim. Prod. 14, 1: 45-47. [16]. Noblet, J., Y. Henry, and S. Dubois. 1987. Effect of aminoacid balance on nutrient utilization and carcass composition of growing swine. J. Anim. Sci. 65:717– 726. [17]. Nyachoti, C. M., C. F. M. De Lange, B. W. McBride, S. Leeson, and H. Schulze. 2000. Dietary influence on organ size and invitrooxygen consumption by visceral organs. Livest. Prod. Sci. 65:229–237. 286 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [18]. Roth, F.X., Gotterbarm, G.G., Windisch, W. andKirchgessner, M. 1999. Influence of dietary level of dispensible amino acids on nitrogen balance [19]. STATISTICA-Stat Soft, Inc. version 8.1, 2008, www.statsoft.com Acknowledgements Data used in this paper from the thesis Marijo Tangar ABOUT THE AUTHORS BSc. Marijo Tangar – graduate student, A. Stepinca 7. Trogir 21200 Croatia PhD. Zvonimir Steiner - assistant professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Trg sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, tel: 00385 31 224 220; Fax: 00385 31 224 220; E- mail: [email protected] - contact person PhD. Ivan Križek – Phoenix Farmacija d.d.Vinkovačka 61 a 31000 Osijek, Croatia E – mail: [email protected] BSc. Natalija Steiner – Research technician, Department of Plant product, Faculty of Agriculture, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Trg sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, tel: 00385 31 224 293; Fax: 00385 31 224 200; E- mail: [email protected] 287 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA DIALLEL ANALYSIS OF HEADING TIME, KERNEL WEIGHT AND GRAIN YIELD IN BREAD WHEAT C. Akıncı, M. Yıldırım Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate genetic effects on heading time, kernel weight and grain yield by using diallel cross of six bread wheat parents. General combining ability (GCA) was significant for heading time, kernel weight and grain yield. Specific combining ability (SCA) was significant for heading time and kernel weight. The parental lines of Genç 88 showed high GCA effects and the cross of Gün 91 x Genç 88 had highest SCA effects for earliness. For thousand grain weight parent of Gün 91 had positive GCA effects and Bezostoya x Gün 91 and Bezostoya x Marmara 86 were favorable crosses. Gün 91 had desirable GCA effects for grain yield and the crosses of Bezostoya x Çukurova 86 and Marmara 86 x Çukurova 86 had high potential to improve new varieties. Combining ability and heterosis obtained for grain yield shows that genotypes have potential to use on hybrid breeding. Key words: Diallel, bread wheat, combining ability, heterosis. INTRODUCTION Diallel analysis is one of the widely used methods to evaluate genetic aspect and favorable hybrids at cross combinations of self and cross pollinated crops. The diallel cross analysis provides early information on the genetic effects and heritability in the F 1 generation (1). In addition, heterosis and combining ability are the two most important aspects of any hybrid crop. The heterotic effect is in general more pronounced in crosspollinated than in self-pollinated crops (2), however, significant levels of heterosis have been reported in a number of self-pollinated crops (3, 4 and 5). Improvement of complex characters such as grain yield may be accomplished through the component approach of breeding. This method in general assumes strong associations of yield with a number of characters making up yield and simpler inheritance for these component characters (6). Amaya et al. (7) found that dominance effects predominated in grain yield; whereas, additive affects primarily controlled plant height and heading date of durum wheat. Generally researches are focusing on the general and specific combining abilities of parental lines and on identifying heterotic groups for yield. This study was conducted to evaluate the heterosis, GCA and SCA in bread wheat parents and their diallel crosses grown in the south-eastern part of Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six bread wheat genotypes, Kırkpınar 79, Bezostaya, Gün 91, Marmara 86, Çukurova 86 and Genç 88 were used as parents in the study. They were crossed in 6 x 6 half-diallel crosses to produce the 15 possible F1 hybrids in 1998. Parents and their F1 hybrids were grown at the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir, Turkey, during 1998-1999 growing season. The soil characteristic of experimental field was clay loam, with pH 7.6, and organic matter and CaCO 3 contents of 1.44 and 2.64%, respectively. Average temperature, rainfall and relative humidity of the growing seasons are shown in Table 1. Total annual precipitation was 302.4 mm, which was less then average (491.4 mm) of the site. The experimental plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications Sowings were made 10 November 1998. Each block consisted of 15 F 1 and 6 parent plants on single 2 m rows which were 30 cm apart. Plant spacing was 10 cm. By sowing 60 kg ha-1 nitrogen and phosphate in the form of diammonium phosphate (20.20.0.) and in 288 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA tillering stage 40 kg ha-1 ammonium nitrate (26%), was applied as fertilizer. During the study, heading time (HT), thousand kernel weight (TKW) and plant grain yield (PGY) were measured. The plant material was evaluated by analysis of the data on heterosis and combining ability for heading time (HT), thousand kernels weight (TKW) and plant yield (PGY) at the F1 generation. The analysis of variance for general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities were carried out according to Griffing’s (8) Method 2 (half-diallel set), Model 1. Heterosis (MP: mid-parent) and heterobeltiosis (BP: best parent) values were, respectively, calculated by using the formula of it (9). Analysis of variance was done using a computerized statistical program called MSTAT-C (10). Table 1. Meteorological data for 1998-1999 growing season and long term averages in Diyarbakir* Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm) Average Maximum Minimum Months 1998-99 LT** 1998-99 LT 1998-99 LT 1998-99 LT October 18.3 17.1 32.3 25.2 4.0 9.8 0.2 30.8 November 12.5 9.9 24.8 28.4 2.0 -12.9 27.2 53.5 December 5.6 4.2 15.3 23.1 -5.2 -17.7 62.3 74.6 January 4.5 1.6 11.5 6.4 -1.1 -2.5 15.6 74.6 February 5.1 3.6 12.1 8.9 -1.1 -1.0 45.5 68.4 March 8.1 8.3 15.3 14.2 1.1 2.4 52.0 66.2 April 13.5 13.9 21.4 20.3 5.8 7.1 76.1 73.5 May 21.3 19.3 29.7 26.5 11.3 11.3 22.4 40.8 June 27.3 25.9 35.2 33.2 17.2 16.4 1.1 7.2 *:Diyarbakir Regional Directorate of Meteorology records. LT**: Long term meteorological means RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for heading time (HT), thousand kernels weight (TKW), and plant grain yield (PGY) (Table 2). Mean squares for general combining ability (GCA) effects for HT, TKW and PGY were significant. Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were significant for HT and TKW. Significant GCA and SCA effects indicated that both additive and non-additive gene action involved in traits in the genotypes studied. High GCA/SCA percentage showed that these traits were mediated mainly by additive gene action. Similar results were reported by Akinci (11) at durum wheat. Table 2. Analysis of variance for heading time, 1000 kernel weight and plant grain yield results on the analysis of parents and their 6 x 6 half diallel crosses of wheat. Mean Square Source D.F. Heading time Thousand grain Plant grain yield (day) weight (g) (g) Block 3 2.15 29.88* 7.22* Genotypes 20 18.81** 24.42** 0.85** G.C.A. 5 57.12** 66.48** 2.13** S.C.A. 15 6.04** 9.89** 0.434 Error 60 1.34 2.15 0.43 CV (%) 0.91 4.26 13.28 *, **, show significance level at 0.05 and 0.01 probability, respectively. Among the parents Genç 88 was earliest and Gün 91 had highest TKW and GPY (Table 3). Hybrids had generally early heading time respect to their parents and hybrid of 3x6 was earliest (Table 4). Although hybrids had lower TKW than their parents, only four of 289 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA them had superior to their parent. Hybrids performance was generally week for PGY. Nine hybrids for early HT, eight hybrids for high TKW and four hybrid for high PGY showed Midparent (MP) heterosis. Two hybrids for early HT, five hybrids for high TKW and one hybrid for high PGY showed best-parent (MP) heterosis. Heterosis values are far below the heterosis reported for wheat hybrids by Morgan (12). The observed level of heterosis of ‘2 x 5’ and, ‘3 x 4’, was equal the value estimated Rajaram (13). Gün 91, with high GCA, was characterized by increasing effects for TKW and PGY (Table 5). Hybrids obtaining from parent with negative GCA effects (Parents, Marmara 86, Çukurova 86 and Genç 88) should have early heading time. Positive and negative SCA effects were found in hybrids for investigated traits. The hybrids of 1x2, 2x5 and 3x6 had high SCA effects for early heading. 2x4 and 2x5 had high positive SCA effects for TKW. 2x5, 3x4 and 3x5 were the most efficient hybrids for PGY. Table 3. Average values of six bread wheat parents for heading time,1000 kernel weight and plant grain yield. Heading Time Plant Grain Yield Thousand Kernel Weight Parents (g) (Day) (g) (1) Kırkpınar 79 132.0 32.23 4.982 (2) Bezostaya 129.8 36.75 5.073 (3) Gün 91 130.5 38.45 5.682 (4) Marmara 86 125.5 33.01 4.658 (5) Çukurova 86 125.1 33.16 4.505 (6) Genç 88 124.1 33.02 5.225 Average 127.8 34.43 5.021 L.S.D. (0.05) 1.639 2.076 0.9243 Table 4. Mean, best and mid-parent heterosis for heading time, thousand kernel weight and plant grain yield of hybrids. Heading Time Plant Grain Yield Thousand Kernel Weight (g) (day) (g) Hybrids Average H+ (%) 1x2 128.3 -1.16 1x3 129.0 -1.15 1x4 127.3 1.43 1x5 127.5 1.92 1x6 127.0 2.34 2x3 130.3 0.39 2x4 127.0 1.20 2x5 125.5 0.32 2x6 128.5 3.55 3x4 127.0 1.20 3x5 129.0 3.12 3x6 124.8 0.56 4x5 125.5 0.32 4x6 125.5 0.32 5x6 125.3 0.97 Average 127.2 1.02 LSD (0.05) 1.639 H- (%) Average H+ (%) H- (%) Average H+ (%) H- (%) -1.98 31.23 -15.02 -9.45 4.385 -13.56 -12.78 -1.71 32.88 -14.48 -6.96 4.720 -16.93 -11.47 -1.12 32.55 -1.39 -0.21 4.332 -13.04 -10.12 -0.81 34.23 3.22 4.67 4.557 -8.53 -3.94 -0.81 29.74 -9.93 -8.85 4.832 -7.52 -5.32 0.11 39.78 3.45 5.79 5.283 -7.02 -1.76 -0.50 37.77 2.75 8.28 4.792 -5.53 -1.52 -1.53 35.45 -3.53 1.40 5.278 4.04 10.21 1.22 35.28 -4.00 1.10 4.913 -5.97 -4.58 -0.78 34.39 -10.55 -3.75 5.643 -0.68 9.14 0.93 37.17 -3.32 3.79 5.522 -2.81 8.40 -1.96 35.39 -7.95 -0.97 5.573 -1.91 2.18 0.15 33.02 -0.42 -0.21 4.055 -12.94 -11.50 0.56 34.43 4.27 4.28 4.755 -8.99 -3.78 0.56 34.23 3.22 3.44 4.530 -13.30 -6.88 -0.51 34.50 -3.58 0.156 4.878 -7.646 -2.915 2.08 0.924 290 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 5. Estimates of GCA and SCA effects for investigated traits. Heading Time Thousand Kernel Plant Grain Yield (Day) Weight (g) (g) Parents GCA (1) Kırkpınar 79 1.442 -2.027 -0.205 (2) Bezostaya 0.954 1.462 0.045 (3) Gün 91 1.204 1.838 0.459 (4) Marmara 86 -1.015 -0.389 -0.192 (5) Çukurova 86 -1.052 -0.112 -0.185 (6) Genç 88 -1.533 -0.773 0.078 gi 0.035 0.056 0.011 Hybrids SCA 1x2 -1.484 -2.682 -0.375 1x3 -0.984 -1.407 -0.453 1x4 -0.515 0.498 -0.189 1x5 -0.227 1.893 0.029 1x6 -0.264 -1.932 0.041 2x3 0.754 2.001 -0.141 2x4 -0.277 2.222 0.021 2x5 -1.740 -1.376 0.499 2x6 1.742 0.123 -0.129 3x4 -0.527 -1.525 0.457 3x5 1.510 0.973 0.330 3x6 -2.259 -0.145 0.117 4x5 0.229 -0.948 -0.487 4x6 0.710 1.117 -0.049 5x6 0.498 0.640 -0.282 Sij 0.2639 0.4256 0.0838 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The coefficient of variation values were low all characters in this study (Table 2). These values indicate that reliable information can be obtained from small plot experiments. Among the six parents of wheat tested in this study, Gün 91 showed the highest GCA effects for grain yield and this parent had also positive effect for TKW. Cultivar Genç 88 had the best GCA effects for early heading. The findings suggest that high yielding breeding lines can be selected at the basis of combining ability and heterosis obtained in this study. REFERENCES [1]. Chowdhry, M.A., et al. 1992. Genetic architecture of grain yield and certain other traits in bread wheat. Pakistan J. Agric. Res. 13, 216-220. [2]. Gallais, A. 1988. Heterosis: its genetic basis and its utilization in plant breeding. Euphytica 39, 95-104. [3]. Du, C.G., L. R. Nelson, M. E. McDaniel. 1999. Diallel Analysis of Gene Effects Conditioning Resistance to Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.) in Wheat. Crop Sci. 39:686-690. 291 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [4]. Topal, A., C. Aydin, N. Akgun, M. Babaoglu. 2004. Diallel cross analysis in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.): identification of best parents for some kernel physical features. Field Crops Research 87, 1-12. [5]. Jianga, G-L. and S. Xiaob. 2005. Factorial cross analysis of pre-harvest sprouting resistance in white wheat. Field Crops Research 91, 63-69. [6]. Edwards, L. H., H. Ketata, E. L. Smith. 1976. Gene action of heading date, plant height, and other characters in two winter wheat crosses. Crop Science 16, 275-277. [7]. Amaya, A. A., R. H. Busch and K. Lebsock, 1972. Estimates of genetic effects of heading date, plant height, and grain yield in durum wheat. Crop Science 12, 478481. [8]. Griffing, B., 1956. Concept of general and specific combining ability in relation to diallel crossing systems. Aust. J. Biol. Sci. 9, 463-493. [9]. Fonseca, S. and F. L. Patterson 1968. Hybrid vigor in a seven parent diallel crosses in common winter wheat. Crop Science 8, 85-88. [10]. MSTAT-C, 1990. MSTAT user guide: A microcomputer program for the design, management, and analysis of agronomic research experiments. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Chapter 3, pp. 3-7. [11]. Akıncı, C., 2009. Heterosis and combining ability estimates in 6 X 6 half- diallel crosses of durum wheat (Triticum durum desf.). Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science 15, 214-221. [12]. Morgan, C.L., 1998. Mid-parent advantage and heterosis in F1 hybrids of wheat from crosses among old and modern varieties. J.Agric.Sci.Cambridge 130, 287-295. [13]. Rajaram, S., 2001. Prospects and promise of wheat breeding in the 21st century. Euphytica 119, 3-15. ABOUT THE AUTHORS C. Akıncı, University of Dicle, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Department, 21280 Turkey. Phone: 90 412 2488509 Fax: 90 412 2488153, E-mail: [email protected] M. Yıldırım, University of Dicle, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Department, 21280 Turkey. Phone: 90 412 2488509 Fax: 90 412 2488153, E-mail: [email protected] 292 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION AND TECHNIQUES OF MILKING ON THE QUALITY OF GOAT'S CHEESE OF ASPROMONTE L. M. Abenavoli and F. Foti Abstract: In the area of the Aspromonte massif in the province of Reggio Calabria (Italy), it breeds a type of goat that fits well with the territory, for its remarkable rusticity. This population is attributable to the group of European goats of the Mediterranean type. The breeding "Goat of Aspromonte", allows the utilization and exploitation of marginal areas, not easily accessible in the territory of Aspromonte. The pastures on the territory, due to their botanical composition, give unique flavors to cheeses, which enhances the typicality. The possibility for the animals to feed on herbs and aromatic essences present in the surrounding environment renders the breeding out to pasture, more appropriate for obtaining of high quality products, most required by a modern consumer. The breeding of "Goat of Aspromonte" is not very specialized. In many cases, the goat sheds are precarious and deficient of hygiene, especially where it is practiced hand milking. The hygiene of breeding in all its phases of production is a principle to which the breeder must follow to obtain a quality cheese. Milking is one of the most delicate phases of breeding goats It is essential to avoid the contamination of fresh milk and to keep down the charge of anti-dairy microorganisms (coliforms, clostridia, propionibacteria), which can create serious problems on the quality of milk and cheeses products. Customers today pay much attention to food safety, also due to great importance that is given by the media to these issues. In particular, respect milk and dairy products, it is clear to ensure a correct hygiene in goat sheds and in milking room. The modern systems of machines milking, are able to offer great assurances of safety health and hygiene through better conditions of animal welfare and get in quick way and efficiently, a good quality milk. Key words: Feeding, machines milking, goat milk and cheese quality. INTRODUCTION The "Goat of Aspromonte" stands for Calabria and the province of Reggio Calabria (Italy), the result of a continuous adaptation to the harshness of the territory. At 30 December 2010 are kept 14,984 "goats of Aspromonte" in 189 farms (Asso.Na.Pa.). The presence of goat breeding in the province of Reggio Calabria (Italy) is related to the ability of these animals to convert natural forage resources present in marginal areas in high-quality products. The cheese produced with milk of animals at pasture is the one that guarantees the greatest link with the environment of origin and is also characterized by the maximum degree of "typicality" [1]. The richness and peculiarity of the plant species with which they feed the animals at pasture, is the first element that influences the characteristics of the cheese of Aspromonte, its aromas and flavors are then determined by the botanical composition of pastures and the local microbial flora [2]. An important aspect of which consumers are more and more demanding and care is food safety and quality of farm produce. In particular for milk and dairy products, ensuring the safety health and hygiene is a prerequisite. To achieve this, it is clear that upstream is necessary to ensure proper hygiene of the the stable and that proper procedures are performed milking to ensure a good quality milk, produced from of healthy animals and kept in conditions of well-being. The milking of the goat of Aspromonte is traditionally done by hand even if the technicians the sector and academic researchers are raising awareness among breeders is the use of the milking machines to reduce the labor costs, which mainly contribute to the improvement of the milk quality. Particular attention must be paid even in the control phase pre-milking, often not considered with due care, which has a triple function: to guarantee hygiene in the milking process, identification of animals with mastitis and stimulation of milk ejection reflex. Another aspect not to overlook is cleaning the nipple, which must be done with detergents or with disposable tissues soaked with disinfectant, while it is not 293 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA appropriate to use a water jet, the nipple should in fact be completely dry at the time of the attack group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutrition and milking techniques on the quality characteristics of goat's cheese of Aspromonte. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted at two neighboring farms of the band "low-mountain of Aspromonte in the province of Reggio Calabria (Italy). The goat rearing of each farm consists of about three hundred head. For the experimental test were chosen thirty-six goats (for each farm) selected the basis to the period of birth that interested the animals (September 2009), the number of births and the daily milk production The experimental groups of the two farms were called Milking Handmade Group (MHG), generally used on farms the land and Milking Mechanical Group (MMG) used by a few farms. The experimental test has started the 15 December 2009, after ten days of adaptation of animals, and ended the June 19, 2010 due to the deterioration of pasture determined by the seasonal pattern. Both groups were allowed to feeding freely over a wide area of natural pasture, about eight acres, well fenced and divided into plots suitable to receive the animals, which was performed on the pasture in rotation with rounds of fifteen days. The sward was submitted to numerous and repeated sampling that made it possible to classify the pasture as polyphyte composed of 30% legumes, 30% of grasses and the remaining 40% from other species. During the test the two groups was not given any supplementary feeding. Water, left to the free disposal has been distributed by troughs. Since the starts of the test were performed, periodically, samples of pasture to evaluate chemical and nutritional properties. The samples of food were made the analysis, according to the methods of Martillotta et al. [3] Goering H and K, Van Soest [4]. On the two experimental groups, every fifteen days, has been evaluated daily milk production. On individual milk samples of the two experimental groups (MHG and MMG), obtained from the union of the milking morning and evening, we proceeded to the determination of physico-chemical parameters [5]. At the samples of milk made for each group were performed for each experimental group twelve cheesemaking. After 24 hours of cheesemaking, 30 and 90 days of seasoning were taken of cheese samples for the determination of physico-chemical analysis following the method of APHA [6]. Massal in samples of milk and cheese have been, also, performed microbiological analysis of qualitative to assess the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Listeria m. and quantitative parameters related to hygiene indicator bacteria such as total coliforms, Escherichia coli, fecal coliform as a research method using the ISO reference. The data were processed using the ANOVA statistical methodology that has provided results for the treatment effects and experimental errors. Mechanical milking (group GP) was performed with a mobile cart with 12 places of Alfa Laval, which has the characteristics of a normal fixed to the milking parlor. During the tests the milking wagon was placed in a shed adjacent to the barn and connected by two side passages. From the first, the animals were conveyed to the post in groups of 12, after the milking, coming out of the second pass. The mobile plant in these tests, being placed inside a shed, was fueled by the normal power line at 220-230 V. The pressure of the pump is regulated to 42 kPa while the pulsation frequency is 120 cycles per minute. The work steps that compose the milking routine were subdivided into: preliminary operations (trapping and capture of animals, make the first sprays of milk, washing and drying of the nipples), mechanical milking (application of the teat, dripping mechanical or manual 294 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA removal of takenipples) final operations (where registration of the milk output of animals) [7]. The milking is done twice a day (the first at around 5:00 AM and the second at 5:00 PM) starting from the stable where a worker sends the goats in groups of 12 to put the milking plant. At the same time automatically from the hopper, located above the trough of the post, was sent a small quantity of fodder to attract and reassure the animals. At this point, after disinfection of the udder, along with another operator applying the picknipples for the milking. Complete this operation are released of them, are taken out and 12 others take place spontaneously. As for the milk processing plants, the farm MMG is also equipped with refrigerators stainless steel, with temperatures of 4° C, with a capacity of 300 liters enough to take the milk produced daily. The nominal power of the machine is about 0.3 kW with power single-phase 220-230 V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The chemical-nutritional composition of the two pastures (Table 1) showed a statistically significant difference in the dry matter of the MHG group compared with MMG (21.12% vs 16.54%, P <0.01), the raw protein resulted statistically significant in the MMG group compared to MHG (12.18 V 10%, 18%, P <0.05) and the MHG group showed MMG in respect of a statistically significant difference for the neutral detergent fiber (50.93% vs 41.93%, P <0.001), acid detergent fiber (30.45% vs 28.97%, P <0.01) and acid detergent lignin (6.63% vs 4.09%, P <0.01), in vitro digestibility was resulted statistically significant in the MMG group compared to MHG (65.65% vs 58.68%, P <0.001) [8]. Table 1 - Mean values of chemical-nutritional characteristics of the pastures of the two companies (data on dry matter) Parameters Dry matter Raw protein Ether extract Neutral free extract Ash Raw fiber Neutral detergent fiber Acid detergent fiber Acid detergent lignin In vitro dry matter digestibility % ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” MMG 16.54 12.18 2.22 60.72 12.88 12.00 41.61 28.97 4.09 65.65 MHG 21.13 10.18 2.26 63.68 11.23 12.65 50.93 30.45 6.63 58.68 ESM 1.3000 0.5770 0.0400 0.4330 0.5190 0.3930 2.1200 0.4940 0.6290 1.6000 Sign. ** * NS NS NS NS *** ** ** *** Sign.: NS, not significant, P> 0.05, * P <0.05, ** P <0.01, ** * P <0.001 Table 2 - Mean values of the parameters of milk production Parameters MMG MHG ESM Sign. Milk production (kg/day) 1.33 1.37 0.0383 NS pH 6.61 6.58 0.0527 NS Fat (%) 3.84 3.73 0.0889 NS Protein (%) 3.46 3.40 0.0445 NS Lactose (%) 4.40 4.44 0.0779 NS Ash (%) 0.71 0.76 0.0189 NS Dry residue (%) 11.35 11.39 0.0174 NS Fat dry matter (%) 7.51 7.66 0.0997 NS 3 Somatic cell count (10 / ml) 1275.58 1117.95 260.000 NS Sign.: NS, not significant, P> 0.05 The mean values of milk production parameters shown in Table 2 showed no statistically significant difference. The physical-chemical characteristics of goat's cheese of the Aspromonte (Table 3) showed for fat, a statistically significant difference in Group MHG compared MMG (40.25% vs 37.96%, P <0.05) after 24 hours the cheese and after 30 days of ripening (42.38% vs 40.74%, P <0.05), the soluble nitrogen was statistically significant in the MMG group at 24 hours compared MHG (4.50% vs 3.69 %, P <0.05) and 90 days (5.65% vs 4.79%, P <0.05) while the chlorides were found to have statistically 295 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA significant results in the MHG group respectively at 24 hours (1.24% vs 0.69%, P <0.05) and 30 days of ripening (3.48% vs 2.76%, P <0.05) [7]. For the yield of cheese (Table 4) does not show any statistical significance. From microbiological point of view we can say that the techniques of milking greatly affect the quality of milk and cheese, in fact, the MMG group thanks to mechanical milking offers some parameters better than the MHG group milked by hand. Obtained by microbiological analysis shows that the experimental groups MMG and MHG are free of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytgenes in milk and cheese. Parameters of milk hygiene indicators: total coliforms (log ufc/g) were statistically significant compared to MMG in the MHG group (4.01 vs. 0.79, P <0.01), the Escherichia coli (log ufg/g) show a statistically significant difference in the MHG group compared with MMG (5.69 vs. 0.21, P <0.01) for faecal coliforms (log ufc/g) showed a statistically significant difference for the group always MHG (5, 82 vs 0.24, P <0.01). Parameters of goat's cheese of the Aspromonte: in total coliforms (log ufc/g) shows a statistically significant difference in the MHG group compared with MMG to 24 hours of processing (6.32 vs. 0.40, P <0.01), to 30 days of curing are observed values statistically significant compared with group MHG MMG (5.41 vs. 0.38, P <0.01) and 90 days of ripening are always a significant presence in the MHG group (5.32 vs 0.29, P <0.01), the Escherichia coli (log ufc/g) were statistically significant in the group MHG than MMG to 24 hours of processing (6.43 vs. 0.30, P <0.01 ), 30 days (5.62 vs. 0.21, P <0.01) and 90 days of ripening (5.32 vs. 0.10, P <0.01), fecal coliforms are present only in the group MHG 5.44 log ufc/g at 24 hours of making cheese, 5.67 log ufc/g at 30 days and 5.85 log ufc/g at 90 days of ripening [1]. Table 3 - Mean values of physical-chemical parameters of goat's cheese of the Aspromonte in 24 hours, 30 and 90 days of ripening (expressed in% of dry matter) Parameters 24 h MMG MHG 30 gg ESM Sign. MMG MHG pH 5.44 5.40 0.175 Dry matter. 41.05 40.72 0.647 Raw protein. 31.38 31.34 0.450 Ether extract 37.96 40.25 0.639 Ash 7.66 8.12 0.430 N.sol. 4.50 3.69 0.239 Chloride content 0.69 1.24 0.154 NS NS NS * NS * * 90 gg ESM Sign. MMG MHG 5.34 5.29 0.100 68.34 72.53 2.860 32.39 33.05 0.371 40.74 42.38 1.190 8.96 9.25 0.732 3.77 3.09 0.224 2.76 3.48 0.592 NS NS NS * NS NS * ESM Sign. 5.31 5.18 0.023 77.21 74.54 1.830 45.27 46.44 0.601 43.20 43.77 1.090 9.65 9.94 0.988 5.65 4.79 0.364 4.21 4.15 0.523 * NS NS NS NS * NS Sign.: NS, not significant, P> 0.05, * P <0.05 Table 4 - Medium values of the yield of cheese Parameters MMG MHG ESM Yield at 24 h Yield at 30 d 12.27 7.32 13.15 0.558 7.92 0.508 Sign. NS NS Sign.: NS, not significant, P> 0.05 The medium time for the milking of each group of goats (12 animals), including all routine operations - from the entrance of the first animal in the milking parlor to the exit of the last - was about 18 min and capacity to work was about 40 heads per hour. The longest step is represented from the extraction of milk which is equivalent to 74% of the time of routine (Fig. 1), while the remaining steps take much less time [9]. 296 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 1 - Incidence mean time of milking routine CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The results from these experimental tests show the diet made exclusively to pasture of the goat of Aspromonte delivers an excellent cheese organoleptic characteristics of which are highly appreciated by consumers. They also demonstrated the importance of the mechanical milking of the goats Which Allows to Obtain milk-dairy productions with germindex levels of contamination to the extent permitted by law. Where farmers have the flocks in disadvantaged areas, where only way to milk the goats, is only the manual, the sheep should be very attention so that the milk is not contaminated with germs because of lack of hygiene during milking and milk processing. Finally, the observations made during the period of the tests showed the influence of various factors of the organization of milking, on the various stages of the process and times of work. The results show that in fact the majority of the total time of the milking routine was used to extract the milk (about 74%). This indicates that the reduction of milking time, you must be mainly on the times of extraction of the milk, but also trying to better organize the work (for example, by grouping the animals in order to reduce waiting times etc). Surely a more rational use of technology in the company and better organization of work would result in cost savings and improved working conditions, while maintaining the respect of wellbeing of the animals. The authors have contributed equally to the present work REFERENCES [1]. Caridi A., Micari P., Foti F., Ramondino D., Sarullo V., Ripening and seasonal changes in microbiological and chemical parameters of the artisanal cheese Caprino d’Aspromonte produced from raw or thermized goat’s milk, "Food microbiology", n. 20(2), 2003, pp. 201-209. [2]. Foti F., Scerra M, Bumbaca L, Caparra P, Cilione C, Giorgi A, Postorino S, Scerra V, Effetti di differenti cotici erbosi sulle caratteristiche del formaggio di capra dell'Aspromonte. XIX Congresso Nazionale S.P.A.O.C.,22/25 Settembre,Pesaro/San Patrigniano-Coriano (Rimini,Italy), "Large animals review", n. suppl. n°. 5, 2010. [3]. Martillotti F, Antongiovanni M, Rizzi L, Santi E, Bittante G (1987) – Metodi di analisi per la valutazione degli alimenti d’impiego zootecnico. IPRA, Roma (Italy). [4]. Goering H K, Van Soest P J (1970) - Forage fiber analysis (apparatus, reagents, procedures and some applications). Agricultural Handbook, No. 379. Agric. Res. Serv., USDA, Washington, DC, 1-20. [5]. ASPA (1995) Commissione metodologie di valutazione della produzione quantiqualitativa del latte - Metodi di analisi del latte delle principali specie di interesse zootecnico. Università degli Studi di Perugia (Italy). 297 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [6]. APHA (1993), In: Marshall R.T. (Ed), Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products. APHA (American Public Health Association)INC. Washington, DC, USA. [7]. Pazzona A., 1999. Impianti di mungitura e di refrigerazione del latte nell’allevamento ovino e caprino. Dimensionamento, Costruzione e Prestazione. Ed. ERSAT. [8]. Foti F., V. Scerra, L. Bumbaca, P. Caparra, C. Cilione, M. Scerra, M. C. Sinatra Effetti di differenti cotici erbosi sulle caratteristiche quanti-qualitative del latte di capra dell’Aspromonte, Reggio Calabria (Italy) 17-19 Settembre 2008, 103° Congresso della Società Botanica Italiana Onlus, 2008. [9]. Balloni S., et al. 2008. Shortening the Length of Dairy Cow Machine Milking Grouping Animal in Function of Milk Extraction Rate. International Conference: “Innovation Technology to Empower Safety, Health and Welfare in Agriculture and Agrofood Systems”. September 15-17, 2008 Ragusa – Italy. ABOUT THE AUTHORS L. M. Abenavoli, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria – Faculty of Agriculture STAfA Department, at Feo di Vito 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy, e-mail: [email protected] F. Foti, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria – Faculty of Agriculture - STAfA Department, at Feo di Vito 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy, e-mail: [email protected] 298 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA FTIR SPECTROSCOPY – RAPID CHARACTERIZATION OF FORAGES FROM PERMANENT GRASSLAND IN CRUDE PROTEIN CONTENT Monica Hărmănescu, Alexandru Moisuc, Iosif Gergen Abstract: In this study was developed a FTIR calibration model for crude protein prediction of forages harvested in June 2009 from hill permanent grassland (Gradinari, Caras-Severin District). The soil o was Calcic Luvisol and the annual average temperature around 10.4 C. The experimental field was organized in ten trials, each trial being characterized by the flow substances generated by applying organic and/or mineral fertilizers. The matrix of floristic composition was determined gravimetrically. Fabaceae family was represented by Trifolium repens and Lathyrus pratensis. From Poaceae were present Festuca rupicola and Calamagrostis epigejos. From other botanical family: Rosa canina, Filipendula vulgaris, Galium verum and Inula britanica. Partial last square (PLS) regression was selected to perform the multivariate analysis to obtain the calibration model, implemented in Panorama program (version 3, LabCognition, 2009). The FTIR - model was performed using the results for crude protein by Kjeldahl chemical method and the four ranges of reflectance values from FTIR spectra for all 180 analysed samples. The control samples were harvested in 2 August 2009. The statistical parameters (R =0.915; RMSEC=1.052) of the models and the differences for control samples between references and predicted values situated under 2% shows that it is promising to use this calibration model to evaluate the quality of forages from grassland in this period of year. Key words: FTIR/PLS, feed, grassland, mineral fertilization, sheep manure. INTRODUCTION In Romania the actual low 150 / 2004, which transpose partially the EC 178/2002 Rule, referring to the quality of food, security and safety of consumers, establish also the necessity to verify the quality of forages used like feed for animals. All these requests are in accordance with European Union’s Regulations that encourage the farmers or producers to be able to do easy the traceability of their products, row matter or forages and also to “sell not quantity but even quality”. That’s way is so important for farmers to use rapid techniques to quantify the main qualitative parameters of forages proceeded from grassland [4]. Crude protein is one of the most determinated parameter in forages, because represents the structural “bricks” of animal’s organism, so the control of forages quality from permanent grassland including also to monitor the content of this parameter for ratio plan. The official reference method in our country to determine this qualitative parameter is traditional techniques Kjeldahl [8, 9]. But this chemical method is reagents and time consuming. Also are necessary qualified human’s resources capable to perform the analytical procedures. An alternative cheaper and faster technique can be considered FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectroscopy (4000 – 400 cm-1). It is known that in infrared spectrum each bound of one chemical compound absorb characteristically, the intensity and the frequencies of absorbance depending first by the entire molecular structure, but also of their quantity in the sample [2, 3, 5]. The molecular group specific for proteins is -CONH- (Figure 1). Figure 1. IR active bonds of amidic functional group specific for proteins 299 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA All the bounds of this functional amidic group can present vibrations and deformations characteristic, that’s way for each of them, can be associate a lot of frequencies in infrared spectra. The presence of conjugation or other neighbourhood atoms influence the position and the intensity of absorption of functional group, and generally the compounds from one sample done in infrared a unique fingerprint of it [1, 3, 7]. For a FTIR calibration model multivariate analyses must be corroborated with the results obtained by standard reference method and the reflectance values from FTIR spectra. In this study was performed a calibration model to predict crude protein content of forages from grassland using FTIR Spectroscopy and multivariate analyses (PLS Regression). The hypothesis proposed to verify was that this analytical technique can be use to determine fast and economic this qualitative parameter. MATERIAL AND METHODS The “FTIR-CP” (FTIR–crude protein) calibration model was obtained using the samples harvested in June 2009, in different vegetal stages, from the permanent grassland situated near Grădinari (Caraş - Severin District). The experimental field was divided in ten fertilized trials, organized in randomized plots, in multiple stage blocks with five replications: V1-unfertilized trial; V2, V3, V4 only with organic fertilizer (20, 40 and 60 t/ha sheep manure); V5, V6 and V7 with an agro-fond of 20 t/ha sheep manure and 50 P2O5 (Kg/ha), respectively 50 P2O5 (Kg/ha) + 50K2O(Kg/ha), and 50 P2O5 (Kg/ha) + 50 K2O (Kg/ha) + 50N(Kg/ha); V8, V9, V10 with different mineral N doses (100, 150 and 100+100 N Kg/ha) on the agro-fond 50 P2O5 Kg/ha + 50 K2O Kg/ha. After harvesting the plants were dried at 60oC with air circulation and then grounded. Over the period 2003-2008 the mineral fertilizers were applied yearly and sheep manure at each two years. The floristic composition of forages was determined gravimetrically. In samples harvested from trials fertilized exclusive mineral were dominant species from Poaceae family, Festuca rupicola, followed by Calamagrostis epigejos. The forages from the trials fertilized with sheep manure were characterized by high percents of Trifolium repens and Lathyrus pratensis. From organic - mineral fertilized trials the forages were divided in two groups: one formed with those from GP5 and GP6, with a floristic composition closely with organic fertilisation cases, and the second by GP7 related with forages from exclusive mineral fertilisation. From other botanical family were present in highest percentage Filipendula vulgaris, Inula britanica, Rosa canina, and Galium verum. The annual average temperature in this hill region was around 10.4 oC and the soil was Calcic Luvisol [4]. Chemical data for crude protein contents were obtained using Kjeldahl method, and the values were in range 8.10 – 13.68 %. The FTIR spectra were scanned with FTIR S8400 spectrophotometer instrument by Shimadzu, using EasiDiff (PIKE) for the measurement of reflectance of solid samples. IR Solution software was used to collect the FTIR spectra. The FTIR scan was made in the range 4000 – 500 cm-1 in triplicate for all the grounded dried samples. The calibration “FTIR-CP” model was performed using PLS regression (Panorama software, Variant 3, LabCognition, 2009). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The “FTIR-CP” model used like input data the chemical results for crude protein and the values of reflectance from 190 FTIR spectra. It were selected only four spectral ranges from FTIR spectra (Table 1) based on PRESS parameter, choosing the variant with the 300 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA smaller number of factors and a decreasing continuum aspect, according with Brereton, 2003. Table 1 The selected four spectral ranges from FTIR spectra to perform the calibration model based on PRESS parameter -1 Selected spectral ranges (cm ) Number of wavelengths [1070.5284 .. 1334.7850] 138 [1564.3217 .. 1774.5696] 110 [2833.5247 .. 2966.6174] 70 [3292.5982 .. 3666.8009] 195 The statistical parameters which characterize the obtained calibration model are presented in Table 2 and the cross-validation in Figure 2: Table 2 Parameters for „FTIR-CP” calibration model with four selected spectral ranges RMSEC 1.0517 SD 3.2905 2 R 0.9148 Figure 2. The prediction „FTIR-CP” model with the four selected spectral ranges The R2 (coefficient of determination), RMSEC (Root Mean Square Error of Calibration) and SD (Standard Deviation) values shows the precision of obtained 301 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA calibration model. The R2 was 0.9148, suggesting “excellent” information about the quantitative prediction of the analysed parameter, because was higher then 0.90 according to Shenk and Westerhaus (1996). The RMSEC was 1.0517 and SD value was 3.2905. Reported to SR EN ISO 59831/2006 and SR EN ISO 5983-1/AC/2010, which establish a tolerance equal with 0.1% (mass fraction), the obtained values indicate that the calibration model can not be used yet with high precision in crude protein prediction of forages from grassland. One explanation can be that the number of samples used to perform the FTIR calibration model was not enough, and not characterize satisfactory the entire matrix of harvested forages group. To calculate the differences between values for CP (%) determinated by reference chemical method and those predicted by “FTIR-CP” calibration model was made a validation using some control samples harvested from the same experimental trials, but in August 2009, when the analysed parameter varied between 7.34 % and 10.89 %. These differences, using the optimum frequencies ranges of the performed model, were in range 0.04 – 1.91 % (Table 3). Table 3 The results of CP (%) chemically determinated and the prediction for the forages (August2009) by „FTIR-CP” calibration model with four spectral ranges Spectra of CP (%) chemically CP (%) prediction by Differences samples determinated “FTIR-CP” (1) (2) (3) (2) – (3) 201d 7.57 8.45 -0.88 202d 9.91 10.17 -0.26 205d 9.44 8.95 0.49 206d 8.37 9.07 -0.70 207d 7.76 6.59 1.17 207d 7.76 7.60 0.16 208d 8.19 7.42 0.77 208d 8.19 8.02 0.17 209d 7.79 7.52 0.27 209d 7.79 7.75 0.04 210d 5.43 7.34 -1.91 210d 5.43 5.97 -0.54 With the actual complexity and performance, the performed calibration model can be used to differentiate the forages from grassland with small quantity of crude protein, obtained from exclusive mineral fertilized trials where was dominant plants from Poaceae, from those with higher content of organic fertilized variants with sheep manure which stimulate Fabaceae family. The low-cost of analyses, short time to find the crude protein content and the simplicity to operate with instrument are enough reasons to consider that obtained results by FTIR calibration model can be promising for further researches in this field. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The FTIR Spectroscopy and multivariate analyses can be considered like alternative technique to determine fast and with low-cost the crude protein content of forages from grassland after the optimum calibration model obtaining. To develop a FTIR/PLS robust 302 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA calibration model to predict this parameter using a higher number of samples, harvested in different phonological stages, will be the further direction of this research. REFERENCES [1]. Brereton R.G., 2003, Chemometrics. Data Analysis for the Laboratory and Chemical Plant, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, England. [2]. Brian C. Smith, 1996, Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, CRC Press, Boca Raton. [3]. Gergen I., 2009, Metode spectroscopice de investigare si control a compozitiei alimentelor, Editura Agroprint. Timisoara, ISBN 978-973-8287-72-23. [4]. Hărmănescu Monica, Ph Thesis, The influence of substance flow on the quality of the forages from the pastures, USAMVB Timisoara, 2009. [5]. Palma M., Barroso G.C., 2002, Application of FT-IR spectroscopy to the characterisation and classification of wines, brandies and other distilled drinks, Talanta, 58, 2, 265-271. [6]. Shenk J.S., Westerhaus M.O., 1996, Calibration the ISI way, In Near Infrared Spectroscopy: The Future waves, Davies M.C. and Williams P. Eds, Chichester, UK: NIR Publication. [7]. Skoog D.A., Leary J.J., 1996, Instrumentelle Analytik: Grundlagen, Gerate, Anwendungen, ISBN 3-540-60450-2, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. [8]. SR EN ISO 5983-1/2006, Animal feeding stuffs. Determination of nitrogen content and calculation of crude protein content. Part 1: Kjeldahl method, ASRO Bucuresti. [9]. SR EN ISO 5983-1/AC/2010, Animal feeding stuffs. Determination of nitrogen content and calculation of crude protein content. Part 1: Kjeldahl method, ASRO Bucuresti, Corrigendum identical with the European corrigendum EN ISO 59831:2005/AC: 2009. Acknowledgement The authors thank to CNCSIS Romania for financial support: research grant PD_576, nr. 207/11 August 2010. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Monica Harmanescu, PhD Eng., Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Timisoara, Calea Aradului nr. 119, RO300645, Romania, e-mail: [email protected] Alexandru Moisuc, Professor PhD Eng., Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Timisoara, Calea Aradului nr. 119, RO300645, Romania. Iosif Gergen, Professor PhD, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Food Technology, Timisoara, Calea Aradului, nr. 119, RO300645, Romania. 303 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA DETERMINATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SOME RAPESEED VARIETIES IN DIYARBAKIR CONDITIONS D. KARAASLAN, A. HATIPOGLU, S. TEKIN, Y. KAYA, Abstract: Rapeseed is one of the important oil crops in the world. However, rapeseed could not be produced large areas in Turkey like other countries although it has more suitable conditions to grow easily. On the other hand, rapeseed is very suitable for fraying and biodesel. The study was conducted to determine the fatty acid composition of some rapeseed variety in Diyarbakır Province which is outh East Anatolian Region conditions in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 growing seasons.. Five rapeseed variety (Catalina, Elvis, Jura, Licord and Orkan) were used in the study. Based on study results, , the highest palmitic acid obtained from Jura variety with 6,87 % and the lowest was obtained from Orkan variety with 6,29 %. The highest stearic acid was obtained in Catalina variety with 2,70 % and the lowest was obtained in Licord variety with 2,38 %. The highest Oleic acid was obtained in Elvis variety with 58,36 % and the lowest was obtained from Jura variety with 51,45 %. The highest Linoleic acid was obtained in Orkan variety with 21,21 % and the lowest was obtained in Licord variety with 19,32 %. The highest Linolenic acid was obtained in Licord variety with 10,33 % and the lowest was obtained in Catalina variety with 8,03 %. The highest Arachidic acid was obtained in Catalina variety with 0,33 % and the lowest was obtained from Elvis variety with 0,11 %. According to the two years average results from this study indicated that Elvis and Catalina variety in respect to fatty acid composition can be suitable in South East Anatolian Region. Key Words; rapeseed, variety, fatty acid, INTRODUCTION Rapeseed is at 3rd rank among oilseed crops. The rapeseed cultivation has increased tremendously during the last decade and by now it is the second largest contributor to the world supply of vegetable oil (1). Due to the growing world population and increasing industrialization, the demand for edible oil and biofuels is increasing; thus cultivation of oilseed crops has gained great importance (2). Rapeseed is cultivated and processed for many different purposes: as a source of oil for human nutrition as a renewable raw material for the chemical industry, as a source of regenerative energy, as a source of high energy and protein content for animal nutrition in the form of rape cake and meal, as a catch crop for green manure and as a forage crop (3). The importance of rapeseed has increased recently and today it is one of the most important oil seed crops in the world (4). Yield improvements and market price increases are needed to make winter rapeseed economically competitive with winter wheat especially in sub-humid Mediterranean areas. In addition, rotational considerations such as yield benefits for wheat production, improved soil tilt, and fewer weed problems make this crop attractive to producers (5). It is important to cultivate new and improved types, which meet the various demands of nutritional or industrial consumption and hence an attempt was made to modify the fatty acid composition of genetically modified oilseeds in order to produce oils with greater stability usually by decreasing linoleic and linolenic acids and by increasing the oleic acid (6). It is well documented that climate has a great influence on the ripeness and chemical composition of vegetable oils (7,8,9). It has been reported that drought stress reduced the amount of oil and oil composition of safflower varieties the decrease was due to a dramatic reduction in saturated fatty acids contents (10). The differences in fatty acid content are likely due to the different weather patterns from year to year. Studied have indicated that temperature plays a vital role in the synthesis of fatty acids especially unsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil (11). Extreme temperature conditions reduced linolenic acid and elevated stearic acid contents. Higher levels of stearic acid were associated with higher temperatures (12). The studies on the contents of fatty acids in the Brassica types showed 304 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA that palmitic acid varies between 2.90 and 6,72 %, stearic acid between 1,10-2,42 %, oleic acid between 57,70-68,21 %, linoleic acid between 13,10-27,90 %, linolenic acid between 3,11-11,50 % (13). Westar type; oleic acid varies between 66,31-67,36 %, linoleic acid between 16,03-16,33 %, linolenic acid between 7,59-7,93 %, palmitic acid between 3,934,09 %, and stearic acid between 2,27-2,46 % (14). MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiments were conducted on research fields of Southeast Anatolia Agricultural Research Institute in Diyarbakir in 2008 and 2009. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Five rapeseed varieties (Catalina, Elvis, Jura, Licord and Orkan) were used. The Experiments were performed in the silty-clay soil with pH of 7.65 to 7.80 and a lime content of 8.67%. It is in the Southeast of Turkey with an altitude of 650-700 m above the sea level. Air temperatures, precipitation, and relative moisture values were collected from a meteorological station in the same region (Table 1). The experiment was planted with the planter at a spacing of 0.05 and 0.30 m within and between the rows, respectively. The experimental plots were 1.8 m wide and 6 m long and consisted of 6 rows. The rapeseed varieties planting were planted on 11 October 2007 and 2008 and they were harvested at the end of the stage of physiological maturation with combine. Table 1. Meteorological data in rapeseed growing area in 20072008 and 2008-2009 Average temperature (0C) Precipitation (mm) 2007-2008 2008-2009 Month 2007-2008 2008-2009 October 18,2 16,8 4,7 59,2 November 8,6 10,1 15,7 50,5 December 2,4 2,2 43,5 52,2 January -2,0 1,4 25,0 12,4 February 1,7 5,6 40,8 70,0 March 11,6 7,9 17,3 63,9 April 16,8 11,8 19,0 43,7 May 18,7 18,2 34,9 9,1 June 27,4 25,9 2,2 25,8 Mean 11,5 11,1 Total 203,1 386,8 Humidity (%) 2007-2008 2008-2009 36,2 48,8 61,3 52,8 53,4 52,4 39,1 34,6 24,6 44,8 - 50,2 50,6 57,3 73,3 82,5 73,8 71,3 51,8 32,2 60,3 - Mean = the monthly mean for the whole growth period from planting to maturation. Total = the cumulative rainfall during seed development. Preparation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and gas chromatography For every single sample the seeds of a given year were bulked and representative samples were taken for a total fatty acid analyses. Three replicates comprising healthy looking seeds were analyzed. Total fatty acid content was analyzed by using a method modified by (15). In this method, seed samples were soaked in 2 mL of 2 % sulphuric acid in dry methanol for 16 h at room temperature, followed by 80 min of heating at 90 ºC to convert the fatty acids into methyl derivatives (FAMEs). Methylheptadecanoate (17:0-ME) was added as an internal standard. After 2 mL water and 3 mL hexane, were added the FAMEs were extracted for analyses by gas liquid chromatography. The fatty acid methyl ester composition was analyzed by using a Varian 3400 gas chromatography equipped with a Supelcovax-10 fused silica capillary column (30 m × 0.25 μm film thickness). The column's initial temperature was kept at 160 ºC for 15 min so that an increase in 305 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA temperature could occur at the rate of 5 ºC min-1. The temperatures of the injector and the detector (FID) were at 240 and 280 ºC, respectively. The carrier gas was nitrogen with a flow rate of 1-2 mL min-1. Split ratio was adjusted to 30 mL min-1.The injected volume of the sample was 1 μL. Fatty acids were identified by retention time relative to that of an authentic standard. The FAMEs were identified by comparing the retention times with those of the standards. Fatty acid content was computed as weight percentage of the total fatty acids by using the GC area counts for various FAMEs. Statistical analysis Statistical evaluation was carried out utilizing from JMP package version 5.0.1a (Copyright 1989-2000. SAS Institute Inc.) with general linear model analyses of variance (Anova) with varieties and years as the main treatment effects. Treatment means were classified by using least significant differences (LSD) at level a probability of 5%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Analysis of method and variance The statistical evaluation of the fatty acid composition of rapeseed is given in Table 2. The effect of year on the palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arasidic acids were significant at a probability of 1 % and linolenic acid is significant at a probability of the 5%. The effect of variety and year x variety interaction effect on the palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and arasidic acids were found highly significant at a probability of 1%. Variations between years likely reflected differences in the environmental factors that influenced seed composition. Fatty acid composition The interaction effect of fatty acid composition in variety and years are presented in Table-3. The highest palmitic acid was obtained from Catalina in 2007-2008 growing season, and the lowest was obtained from Catalina in 2008-2009 growing season too. The differences in palmitic acid content are likely due to the different weather patterns from 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. The highest stearic acid was obtained from Jura in 2007-2008 growing season, and the lowest was obtained from Jura in 2008-2009 growing season. The highest oleic acid was obtained from Elvis in 2008-2009 growing season, and the lowest was obtained from Licord in 2007-2008 growing season. The highest linoleic acid was obtained from Orkan in 2008-2009 growing season, and the lowest was obtained from Jura and Licord in 2007-2008 growing season. The highest linolenic acid was obtained from Elvis in 2007-2008 groving season and Licord in 2008-2009 growing season, and the lowest was obtained from Catalina and Elvis in 2008-2009 growing season. The highest arasidic acid was obtained from Catalina in 2008-2009 growing season, and the lowest was obtained from Catalina and Elvis in 2007-2008 growing season. In average of varieties; the highest palmitic acid was obtained from Elvis and Jura, and the lowest was obtained from Orkan. The highest stearic acid was obtained from Catalina, and the lowest was obtained from Licord. The highest oleic acid was obtained from Elvis, and the lowest was obtained from Jura. The highest linoleic acid was obtained from Orkan, and the lowest was obtained from Licord. The highest linolenic acid was obtained from Licord and Orkan, and the lowest was obtained from Catalina. The highest arasidic acid was obtained from Catalina, and the lowest was obtained from Elvis. According to growing seasons; The highest palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids were obtained from 2007-2008 growing seasons, and the lowest was obtained from 2008-2009 growing seasons. The highest oleic, linoleic and arasidic acids were obtained from 20082009 growing seasons, and the lowest was obtained from 2007-2008 growing seasons. It 306 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA has been reported that drought stress reduced the amount of oil and oil composition of safflower cultivars the decrease was due to a dramatic reduction in saturated fatty acids contents (10). The differences in fatty acid content are likely due to the different weather patterns from year to year. Former studies have indicated that temperature plays a vital role in the synthesis of fatty acids especially unsaturated fatty acids in oil (11). Extreme temperature conditions reduced linolenic acid and elevated stearic acid contents. Higher levels of stearic acid were associated with higher temperatures (12). Table 2. Analysis of variances for the agronomic traits of some rapeseed variety grown in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 growing seasons in Diyarbakır Source Variance D.F. Palmitic Stearic Oleic Linoleic Linolenic Arasidic Replication 4 0,1* 0,06** 5,89** 4,13** 1,04** 0,03** Year 1 20,3** 5,89** 297,2** 257,80** 17,33* 0,71** Variety 4 0,3** 0,08** 56,00** 3,39** 6,01** 0,05** Year x Variety 4 1,8** 2,36** 5*,49** 2,34** 7,55** 0,06** C.V. (%) 2,99 2,32 0,23 0,74 4,64 1,05 (*) P<0.05. (**) P<0.01, D.F.; degrees of freedom Table 3. The average of composition of some rapeseed variety grown in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 growing season in Diyarbakır Variety Growing Fatty acid composition season Palmitic Stearic Oleic Linoleic Linolenic Arasidic 2007/2008 8,42 a 2,35 d 56,32 e 17,24 g 9,94 bcd 0,01 h Catalina 2008/2009 4,80 g 3,05 b 59,57 b 24,06 b 6,12 f 0,67 a Mean 6,61 b 2,71 a 57,95 b 20,65 b 8,03 c 0,34 a 2007/2008 7,33 b 2,78 c 56,25 e 17,77 f 10,61 ab 0,01 h Elvis 2008/2009 6,10 de 2,22 e 60,47 a 21,63 e 6,76 f 0,21 e Mean 6,71 ab 2,50 b 58,36 a 19,69 d 8,68 b 0,11 e 2007/2008 7,34 b 3,97 a 43,96 g 16,66 h 9,28 d 0,02 g Jura 2008/2009 6,40 d 1,17 g 58,94 c 23,43 c 8,52 e 0,21 e Mean 6,87 a 2,57 b 51,45 e 20,04 c 8,90 b 0,13 c 2007/2008 7,07 bc 2,80 c 48,50 f 16,61 h 9,71 cd 0,03 f Licord 2008/2009 5,96 ef 1,97 f 57,45 d 22,05 d 10,95 a 0,30 b Mean 6,52 bc 2,39 c 52,98 d 19,32 e 10,34 a 0,17 b 2007/2008 6,97 c 2,99 b 56,15 e 18,00 f 10,42 ac 0,02 g Orkan 2008/2009 5,62 f 2,04 f 56,23 e 24,42 a 9,99 bcd 0,22 d Mean 6,30 c 2,52 b 56,19 c 21,21 a 10,21 a 0,12 d Mean2007/2008 7,43 a 2,98 a 52,24 b 17,25 b 9,99 a 0,02 b Mean2008/2009 5,78 b 2,09 b 58,53 a 23,12 a 8,47 b 0,33 a Mean 6,60 2,54 55,38 20,19 9,23 0,17 LSDYear 0,39 0,25 2,46 2,05 1,03 0,16 LSDVariety 0,24 0,07 0,16 0,19 0,53 0,002 LSDYear x Variety 0,34 0,10 0,23 0,26 0,74 0,003 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The research results indicated that it will be beneficial for the future work towards improving the oil yield and quality of rapeseed for the growers. On the other hand, the varieties and growing seasons appeared to have an effect on the seed composition of rapeseed grown in the Southeast Anatolia region of Turkey. In addition, these results show that is important to carry out further investigations to find out the effects of the different 307 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA environmental and agronomical factors on rapeseed seed chemical composition in different aspects. REFERENCES [1]. Zhou W.J. 2001. Oilseed rape. In: Crop cultivation. (Eds.): G.P. Zhang and W.J. Zhou. Zhejiang University Press, Hangzhou, China, 153-178. [2]. Indrajit, D., S. Prasenjit, D. Sampa. 2008. Efficient agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of oilseed mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] using leaf piece explants. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. Plant, 44, 401-411. [3]. Orlovius, K. 2003. Oilseed rape. In: Kirbky, E. A. (Ed.).Fertilizing for high yield and quality, Bulletin 16. IPI, Basel. [4]. Bybordi, A., J. Tabatabaei. 2009. Effect of salinity stress on germination and seedling properties in canola cultivars (Brassica napus L.). Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca 37(1), 71-76. [5]. Sincik, M., A.T. GOKSOY, Z.M. TURAN. 2010. Influence of sowing properties on winter oilseed rape in a sub-humid mediterranean environment. Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj 38 (1), 171-175 [6]. Warner, K., S. Knowlton, 1997. Frying quality and oxidative stability of high-oleic corn oils. JAOCS. 74, 1317-1322. [7]. Aparicio, R., L. Ferreiro, V. Alonso, 1994. Effect of climate on the chemical composition of virgin olive oil. Anal. Chim. Acta 292, 235-241. [8]. Praveena, B., C.V.S., Srinivas, G. Nagaraj, 2000. Quality of some Indian sunflower genotypes and utilization of cakes in snack foods. HELIA. 23, 121–8. [9]. Ahmad, S., F.U. Hassan, 2000. Oil and fatty acid composition of spring sunflower under rainfed conditions. Pakistan J. Biol. Sci.. 3, 33–5. [10]. Ensiye, A, R. Khorshid, 2010. Effect of irrigation regimes on oil content and composition of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars. J Am Oil Chem Soc. 8, 1527. [11]. Dornbos, D.L., R.E. Mullen. 1992. J. Am. Oil. Chem. Soc., 69, 228. [12]. Valerio, S.P., E.F. Duane, R.A. Gary, W.T. Jack, R. Istvan. 2002. Crop Sci., 42, 37. [13]. Kural, A. 1995. A study on the determination of suitable cultivars and sowing date for Southheast Anatolia region condition. Ph. D. Thesis. University of Çukurova, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops. Pp:1-66. (in Turkish), Adana. [14]. Kayahan, M. 1991. A study, to determine effect of N doses on the fatty acid composition of the westar rapeseed cultivar. University of Ankara, Faculty of Agriculture, (1230), 1-15 (in Turkish) Ankara. [15]. Wu, J., Jr. James, D.W. Dooner, J. Browse. 1994. A mutant of arabidopsis deficient in the elongation of palmitic acid. Plant Physiology. 29, 143-150. ABOUT THE AUTHORS D. Karaaslan, South East Anatolian Agricultural Research Institute, 21100 Turkey. Phone: 90 4123261323 Fax: 90 412 3261324, E-mail: [email protected] A. Hatipoglu, University of Dicle, Graduate School of Diyarbakir, 21280 Turkey. Phone: +90 412 2488300 Fax: +90 412 2488327, E-mail:[email protected] S. Tekin, South East Anatolian Agricultural Research Institute, 21100 Turkey. Phone: +90 4123261323 Fax: +90 412 3261324, E-mail: [email protected] Y. Kaya, Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, 22100 Turkey. Phone: +90 284 2358182 Fax: +90 284 2358210, E-mail: [email protected] 308 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA POSSIBILITIES TO ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY REUSE OF INDUSTRIAL SIDE PRODUCTS B. Tóth, L. Lévai, P. Makleit, N. Bákonyi, and Sz. Veres Abstract:The water filtrates of sewage sludge and lime sludge were added to the nutrient solution of maize (Zea mays L. cvs. Norma) seedlings. The element contents both of materials and plants were measured, these materials contain plenty of useful elements for plants e.g. potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca). The sewage sludge contains lot of organic matter, the ash content is less than in lime sludge. The dry matter accumulation of shoots and roots were higher when plants were treated by sewage sludge and lime sludge. The relative chlorophyll content also increased when sewage sludge was applied. Key words: lime sludge, plant nutrition, sewage sludge, sustainable agriculture INTRODUCTION Agro-ecosystem sustainability depends on the ability of farmers to maintain soil productivity. As plant nutrition issues are redefined by society, new applications emerge for a basic understanding of nutrient use-efficiency in soil-plant processes to avoid excess on rich soils [1]. Over-application of fertilizers in poorly managed cropping systems can result in serious environmental problems, such as pollution of groundwater and eutrophication of surface waters [2]. In many developing countries with a tremendous requirement for food, continuous nutrient is flat and low usage of mineral fertilizers is the concerns, not the environmental pollution [3]. The global crisis in micronutrient deficiencies is the result of dysfunctional food systems that cannot deliver enough of these nutrients to meet the nutritional requirements of all throughout the year. Because agriculture is the primary source of all micronutrients for humans, agricultural systems must be contributing to this failure to meet nutritional needs [4]. How can agriculture be change in ways that will result in enough micronutrient output of farming systems to assure adequate nutrition for all? Importantly, if agricultural technologies are directed at improving the nutritional quality of food crops, they must encompass a holistic food system perspective to assure that the planned interventions will be sustainable, and agriculture sector must adopt a specific goal of improving human nutrition and health, and the nutrition and health sectors must adopt agricultural interventions as primary tools to fight this growing crisis. All operation and methods, which try to reduce the pollution of food chain, have a main role in our life [5]. MATERIAL AND METHODS Maize seedlings (Zea mays L cvs. Norma SC) were used in the experiments. The seeds were sterilized with 18% hydrogen peroxide, and then washed in distilled water. The maize seeds were then replaced to 10 mM CaSO4 for 4 hours. After that, they were germinated on moistened filter paper at 25°C, seedlings were transferred to a continuously aerated nutrient solution of the following composition: 2.0 mM Ca(NO 3)2, 0.7 mM K2SO4, 0.5 mM MgSO4, 0.1 mM KH2PO4, 0.1 mM KCl, 1µM H3BO3, 1µM MnSO4, 0.25 µM CuSO4, 0.01 µM (NH4)6Mo7O24. Iron was added to the nutrient solution as FeEDTA at a concentration of 10-4M. The filtrates of the examined industrial wastes were added to the nutrient solution in different quantities. 66 ml dm -3 from the sewage sludge 309 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA and 100 ml dm-3 from the lime sludge to the nutrient solution. The seedlings were grown under controlled environmental conditions (light/dark regime 10/14 h at 24/20°C, relative humidity of 65–70% and a photosynthetic photon flux of 300 μmol m -2s-1. The number of repetitions was three. The contents of elements were measured with ICP, the relative chlorophyll contents with of SPAD 502 (Minolta). The samples were dried at 85°C, the dry matters of shoots and roots were measured. The lime sludge originated from the Ore, Mineral and Waste Recycling Works of Borsod Private Company Limited by Shares (BÉM Zrt.) (Northern Hungary), and the sewage sludge came from Alkaloida Chemicals Co. Ltd. (East Hungary). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The examined matters were supplied in large quantities by the above-named companies. These materials contain lots of useful element for plants (e.g. Fe, K, P. etc.) but the investigated materials contain some heavy metals in addition (Table 1). Table1. Contents of some elements in the filtrates of the examined wastes (sewage sludge, lime sludge) (mg kg-1) contents of elements contents of elements -1 of raw materials (mg kg ) of filtrates (mg kg-1) elements sewage sludge lime sludge sewage sludge lime sludge Al 17,349.00 3,440.00 4.71 219.00 Cr 41.00 169.00 0.57 1.34 Cu 109.00 185.00 0.11 0.61 Fe 21,098.00 118,500.00 64.40 241.00 K 2,878.00 1,010.00 167.00 108.00 Li 4.21 4.70 0.04 0.19 Mn 496.00 1,983.00 1.15 4.91 Ni 24.50 68.00 0.13 0.16 P 21,289.00 162.00 6.20 0.16 Zn 473.00 106.00 0.69 2.88 Sewage sludge contains cc. 5 times more Al, than lime sludge, but 46 times more Al can be found in the filtrate of lime sludge than in the filtrate of sewage sludge. The quantity of iron is approx. 5 times larger than in the lime sludge. The phosphorus content is 131 times larger, whereas the manganese content is 4 times smaller in the sewage sludge. In large tropical and subtropical areas, phosphorus deficiency is the most important nutritional factor limiting the growth of crop plants [6]. The sewage sludge contains some potassium. Potassium is a cation that is present in the largest quantities in plants. Potassium plays a very important role e.g. in the frost tolerance of plants. The uptake of potassium is highly selective, and closely associated with metabolic activities. Potassium is not metabolized, and it forms only weak complexes in which it is readily exchangeable [7]. Copper deficiency is often observed in plants growing on soils and low in total copper and on soils high in organic matter where copper is complexed to organic substances [8]. High nitrogen availability can also aggravate copper deficiency. Plant species differ considerably in sensitivity from copper deficiency with wheat, oat and spinach being much more sensitive than pea, rye or rape. The inhibition of calcium transport to areas of new growth may occur in copperdeficient plants [9]. 310 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table2. Effects of different matters (sewage sludge, lime sludge) on the dry matter accumulation of shoots and roots of corn seedlings (g plant-1) n=3± s.e. dry matter of roots and shoots (g plant-1) treatments control sewage sludge lime sludge roots 0.101± 0.05 0.121± 0.04 0.104± 0.01 shoots 0.318± 0.11 0.411± 0.10 0.361± 0.02 The dry matter accumulation of roots and shoots were higher when sewage sludge was added to the nutrient solution. The dry matter of shoots was under the control in the plants treated with lime sludge but the dry matter of roots was above the control level. Low chlorophyll content affects photosynthetic activity. The decreasing dry matter accumulation can be explained by the lower level of the chlorophyll contents. The relative chlorophyll contents were shown in the Table 3 and Table 4. Table3. Relative chlorophyll contents of the 2nd leaves of corn on the measurement of 6 , 9th and 11th days (Spad Units) n=35± s.e. th relative chlorophyll contents of the 2nd leaves of corn (Spad Units) treatments 6th day 9th day 11th day control 38.14± 4.95 48.20± 2.85 49.31± 5.12 sewage sludge 34.07± 7.75 47.27± 4.08 47.92± 4.10 lime sludge 38.10± 4.78 44.05± 2.08 47.40± 2.86 Table4. Relative chlorophyll contents of the 3rd leaves of corn on the measurement of 6 , 9 and 11th days (Spad Units) n=35± s.e. th th relative chlorophyll contents of treatments 6th day control 30.06± 6.06 sewage sludge 32.13± 5.19 lime sludge 33.69± 3.64 the 3rd leaves of corn (Spad Units) 9th day 11th day 43.43± 2.49 45.87± 1.98 41.77± 4.60 46.75± 4.30 42.88± 3.39 47.41± 1.62 When plants are grown under controlled conditions, cc. 80% of the iron is localized in the chloroplasts of rapidly growing leaves, regardless of iron nutritional status. Iron can be stored in plant cells in the stroma of plastids as phytoferritin [10]. Its content is high in darkgrown leaves (up to 50% of the total iron), but rapidly disappears during re-greening [11], and remains very low in green leaves. After resupplying iron to deficient plants, however, the uptake rate is exceptionally high, and the phytoferritin leaf content may transiently increase dramatically [12], and makes up as much as 30% of the total leaf iron [13]. The localization of phytoferritin is not confined to chloroplasts: it can also be detected in the xylem and phloem [14]. The chlorophyll contents will be larger for larger iron contents [15]. The sewage sludge and lime sludge contain a lot of iron (iron content in lime sludge: 241.00 mg kg-1, iron content in sewage sludge: 64.40 mg kg-1). The relative chlorophyll 311 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA contents of the 3rd leaves of corn were higher in plant treated with lime sludge and sewage sludge than the control on the 6th and 11th days of measurement. CONCLUSIONS The examined matters contain lots of useful elements for plants e.g. potassium, phosphorous, zinc and iron, and some harmful elements e.g. aluminum, chrome and lithium in addition. The plants can uptake these elements, and they may cause different effects on the development and growth of plants. The sewage sludge contains 2.5 times more potassium, 131 times more phosphorous and 4.5 times more zinc than the lime sludge. The sewage sludge contains lots of aluminum. The large quantity of aluminum did not cause harmful deformation on the plants. The dry matter accumulation of roots and shoots were higher when sewage sludge was added to the nutrient solution. The dry matter of shoots was under the control in the plants treated with lime sludge, but the dry matter of roots was above the control level. The relative chlorophyll contents of the 3rd leaves of maize were higher in plants treated with lime sludge and sewage sludge than the control on the 6th and 11th days of measurement. Finally, if we reuse these materials, the use of fertilizers will be reduced, and the level of a number of dangerous gases generated in this procedure will also decrease. REFERENCES [1]. Van Noordwijk M., 2001. Plant nutrition: its role in sustainability of simple and complex agro-ecosystems. In Plant nutrition- Food security and sustainability of agro-ecosystems. pp. 2-3. [2]. Socolow R.H., 1999. Nitrogen management and the future of food: Lessons from the management of energy and carbon.Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 96, pp. 6001-6008. [3]. Gruhn, P., et al. 2000. Integrated nutrient management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture: current issues and future challenges. Washington DC. International Food Policy Research Institute. Food, Agriculture and Environment Discussion Paper 32. [4]. Welch, R.M., et al. 1997. Towards a “greener”. Revoulution Issues in Sciences and Technology, 14, 50-58 [5]. Lévai, L., et al. 2008. Interaction between wood ash and bio fertilizer in crop nutrition. Proceedings. 43th Croatian & 3rdInternational Symposium on Agriculture, Opatija, Croatia, pp. 544-547. [6]. Sanchez P. A. and Salinas G. (1981): Low input technology for managing Oxisols and Ultisols in tropical America. Adv. Argon 34, pp. 280-406. [7]. Wyn Jones, R. G., et al. 1979. Ionic and osmotic relations in plant cells. In Recent Advences in the Biochemistry of Cerals (D.L. Laidman and R.G. Wyn Jones, eds.), pp.63103. Academic Press, London [8]. Allway B. J. and Tills A. R. 1984. Copper deficiency in world’s crops. Outlook Agriculture 13, pp. 32-42. [9]. Brown J. C. 1979. Role of calcium in micronutrients stresses of plants. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 10, pp. 459-472. [10]. Seckback, J.., 1982. Ferreting out the secrets of plant ferritin- a review.J. Plant Nutr. 5, pp. 369-394. [11]. Mark F.van der et al. 1981. The role of ferritin in developing primary bean leaves under various light conditions. Planta 153, pp. 338-342. [12]. Lobreaux S., et al. 1992. Iron induces ferritin synthesis in maize plantlets. Plant Mol. Biol. 19, pp. 563-575. [13]. Platt-Aloia, K. A. et al. 1983. Change in plastid ultrastructure during iron nutritionmediated chloroplast development. Protoplasma 114, pp. 85-92. 312 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [14]. Smith, B.N. 1984. Iron in higher plants: storage and metabolic rate. J. Plant Nutr. 7, 759-766. [15]. Machold, O. 1968. Einfluss der Ernährugsbedingungen auf den Zustand des Eisens in den Blättern, den Chlorophyllgehalt und die Katalase - souie Peroxydaseaktivität. Flora (Jena), Abt. A. 159, pp. 1-25. ABOUT THE AUTHORS B. Tóth, University of Debrecen, 138 Boszormenyi str 4032 Debrecen, Hungary, Email: [email protected] L. Lévai, University of Debrecen, 138 Boszormenyi str 4032 Debrecen, Hungary, Email: [email protected] P. Makleit, University of Debrecen, 138 Boszormenyi str 4032 Debrecen, Hungary, Email: [email protected] N. Bákonyi, University of Debrecen, 138 Boszormenyi str 4032 Debrecen, Hungary, E-mail: [email protected] Sz. Veres, University of Debrecen, 138 Boszormenyi str 4032 Debrecen, Hungary, Email: [email protected] 313 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA IN VITRO RHIZOGENESIS OF ECBALLIUM ELATERIUM – AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT I. C. Istrate and A. Paunescu Abstract Ecballium elaterium, (squirting cucumber) from Cucurbitaceae family, has been used as medicinal plant since antiquity due to its antirheumatic, purgative and cardiac effects. In order to develop an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro propagation of this medicinal plant, we have investigated the rhizogenic response of micropropagated shoots to different hormonal content of the culture media. Adventive rhizogenesis was modulated using different auxins (IAA, NAA and IBA) single or in combinations with cytokinins (Kn). Morpho-phisiological observation showed that auxin IBA added in concentrations from 0.5 to 2mg/l was the most efficient. Best results in terms of abundant branching, normal hydration and density of absorbent hairs were obtained at concentration of 1mg/l IBA. In contrast, auxin IAA stimulated formation of hyperhydric tissues and NAA had poor rhizogenic effect. Obtaining morphologically normal roots is prerequisite for an adequate physiology to ensure ex vitro acclimatization and an optimal survival rate of regenerated plants. Key words: Ecballium elaterium, in vitro conservation, rhizogenesis INTRODUCTION Ecballium elaterium (L.) T. Richard (Cucurbitaceae), the Squirting Cucumber, is perennial shrub which grows in hot dry places on waste ground and roadsides, usually close to the coast. Originated from Mediterranean basin was naturalized and became subspontaneouse in the Northern Africa, temperate Asia, Caucasus and nonMediterranean Europe. Squirting cucumber is an important medicinal plant being used in folk medicine for over 2000 years. The juice of the fruit is antirheumatic, cardiac and purgative when used internally in the treatment of oedema associated with kidney complaints, heart problems, rheumatism, paralysis and shingles. Externally, it has been used to treat sinusitis and painful joints. Although the fruit is mainly used for medicinal purposes high elaterium contents were mainly obtained in leaves compared to that in stems and fruit [2]. Uncontrolled exploitation and habitat alteration are the main endangering factors. No direct in situ conservation measures were taken for E. elaterium but the population grows well on protected areas from costal zones (Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Agigea Sand Dunes Reserve). Ex situ conservation measures are limited to cultivation in Bucharest Botanical Garden [3] as well as in in vitro collection of endangered taxa from the Institute of Biology, Bucharest. When establishing an in vitro culture of morphogenic tissues, rhizogenesis control and yield of morpho-physiologically normal roots is an essential stage for future regenerants ex vitro acclimatization. Previous works on E.ellaterium micropropagation din not result in an efficient in vitro rooting of shoots and suggests an ex vitro shoot rooting using specific stimulators [1]. Moreover, in vitro regulation of rhizogenesis is useful to control the radicular production of alkaloids with medicinal importance. Thus, the purpose of thus study is establishing a reliable and reproducible protocol to stimulate rhizogenesis and normal root regeneration in E. ellaterium in vitro system. MATERIAL AND METHODS Full matured seed were collected from subspontaneouse population from Constanta County. The seeds were aseptically germinated in Petri dishes (9 am diameter) on filter paper soaked in sterile distilled water. 7 to 10 days old plantlets were used as explant source. Apical buds and nodal segments were cultivated on basal Murashige & Skoog 314 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA media [4] supplemented with 1mg/l 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for shoot regeneration. Regenerated shoots were rooted an MS media supplemented with growth regulators as shown in Table 1. Table 1: Rooting media Growth regulator Culture Media M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 IBA (mg/l) IAA (mg/l) NAA (mg/l) Kn (mg/l) 0.5 1 2 2 1.8 0.018 0.05 0.022 0.044 1 2 IBA - Indole-3-butyric acid, IAA – Indole-3-acetic acid, NAA- 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid. Kn- Kinetin RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The rhizogenic response of the regenerated shoots differs with the variant of used media in terms of root normal morphology and physiology. IAA added in low (0.18 mg/l) or moderate (2mg/l) concentrations, combined with low kinetin content (0.05, 0.02 mg/l) on media M4-M6, stimulate yields of low branched roots (mostly of order II). Some auxins like IAA and IBA were previously reported to favor hyperhydria (vitrification) in regenerated organs [5]. Our results shows that a number of roots regenerated on media with IAA were hyperhydric, very fragile and with reduced efficiency in nutrient uptake (Fig.1). Figure 2 – normal roots Figure 1- hyperhydrated roots On media supplemented with NAA only (M7 and M8), the roots develop normally but with low frequency (an average of 4 roots per explant). The best results from our experiments were obtained on media supplemented with IBA (M1,M2 and M3) where neoformated roots were normally hydrated (Fig.2); all the four zones of roots appears normally developed and functional (Fig 3): the root cap, the zone of active cell division, the zone of cell elongation, and the zone of maturation (covered with numerouse absorbent hayrs). In addition a number of lateral branchings were initiated mainly on M2 variant (Fig.4). 315 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 3 – root zones morphologically normal Figure 4 – normally root lateral branching CONCLUSIONS In vitro rhizogenesis of E.elaterium could be regulated in vitro mostly by auxin content of the culture media. From all the tested variant of media, the best rate of normal roots regeneration were obtained on media supplemented with auxin IBA added in moderate concentration (1mg/l). Normal functional roots formation creates the premises of an optimal survival rate of regenerants when transferred to ex vitro conditions. REFERENCES [1]. Attard, E. and Attard, H, 2002. A Micropropagation Protocol for Ecballium elaterium (L) A. Rich. CGC Reports. 25,67-70. [2]. Attard, E. and Scicluna-Spiteri A., 2003. The Cultivation and Cucurbitacin Content of Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. CGC Reports. 26, 66- 69. [3]. Dihoru, Gh. and Negrean, G., 2009. Red book of vascular plants from Romania, Bucharest, Romanian academy, 630pp (in romanian). [4]. Murashige, T. and Skoog, F. 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue culture. Physiol.Plant. 15, 473-797. [5]. Yadav, M.K., et al., 2003. Development of suitable protocol to overcome hyperhydricity in carnation during micropropagation. Pl. Cell Tissue Organ Cult., 72, 153-156. ABOUT THE AUTHORS I.C. Istrate, Institute of Biology, Romanian Academy, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] A. Paunescu, Institute of Biology, Romanian Academy, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 316 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA THE INFLUENCE OF THE ALLELOPATHIC SUBSTANCES ON THE GROWTH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERENNIAL GRASSES C. Bostan, Al. Moisuc, F. Radu, L. Cojocariu, M. Horablaga, F. Marian Abstract: The main objective of this work was to determine the effect of the standardized extracts that were obtained from the studied species on each species of perennial grasses take into account. The extracts were applied in three different concentrations in order to pursue the influence of the increasing allelochemical compounds concentrations on the growth inhibition of the seedlings. This aspect is important because the biological activity of the allelopathic compounds depends on a characteristics level of the concentration [9], some plants eliminate substances with toxic properties leading to biochemical changes of the habitat and the secreted alkaloids and glycoside compounds have toxic effects on the seeds that falling in a natural grassland. Thus, it was determined the percentage of the alkaloids from each extract, were identified the polyphenolic compounds and the alkaloids from the chemical composition of the plants and the HPLC analysis of the extracts revealed six compounds from the phenolic acids class. Our research showed that the species used to obtain the extracts presented in their composition alkaloids that had inhibitory effect on the growth of perennial grasses. In allelopathic studies is important to identify the classes of allelopathic compounds that are involved, the concentrations and the mechanisms by which these compounds come to the environment, so that it can obtain a more accurate image of the function that they fulfill [3;7]. Key words: perennial grasses, allelopathy INTRODUCTION The main goal of our studies is to improve the understanding of some allelopathic substances action with direct effects on the perennial grasses Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis. The secondary metabolites with allelochemical potetial present a large chemical diversity and are involved in many metabolic and ecological processes. These substances may belong to different categories of secondary metabolites: phenols, terpenes and alkaloids, which can be detected in different organs: leaves, flowers, fruits and roots of many plant species [2;5]. The literature indicates that the active substances in plants have allelopathic properties. Many cultivated and wild species produce allelochemical compounds that reduce the growth at the seddlings. This phenomenon is mainly due to the direct interference with the cell division processes or with the growth hormones [6]. The researches from the allelopathic field have shown that the allelopathic substances can inhibit the seed germination, but can also affect the growth and the development of the receiver plant of such substances, so that the allelopathic phenomenon is a cause-effect relationship between substances with allelopathic potential and the physiological response of the target plant [1]. Considering the complexity of the mechanisms by which the perennial grasses interact, we approached in this paper the hypothesis of the allelopathic properties of the four species in laboratory conditions, from the point of view of the chemical compound types and the secondary metabolites. MATERIAL AND METHODS The biological material that was used in the allelopathic experiments consisted of aerial parts that were obtained from the four species of perennial grasses: Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis, and the seeds of these species. 317 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA In order to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the extract prepared from the aerial parts of four species of perennial grasses were made the following analysis: - The obtaining and analysis of plant extracts. The extraction of phenolic compounds; - The analysis of total phenolic compounds by Folin Ciocâlteu method; - The qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic acids by HPLC technique; - The determination of ergovaline from the plant material; - The germination determination of the seed material; - The biometric of the seedlings and their organes. The calculation and the interpretation of the data obtained from the measurements and the determinations were processed using the statistical analysis methods described by [4]. The significance of the individual differences from the blank sample was calculated using the method of limit difference, being represented by the values: 0 - significantly, 00 distinctly significant and 000 - very significant. . RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Starting from the principle developed by some authors namely- allelopathy in nature, is realised by the means of some chemical compounds released into the environment that can stimulate or inhibit the growth of the individuals that belong to various species [8;10] in our studies, we wanted to determine if the action of some metabolic products released into the environment by certain organisms has a positive or negative influence on the organisms from the immediate vicinity. It was determined the alkaloids percentage from each extract, it have been identified the polyphenolic compounds and the alkaloids from the chemical composition of the plants, and HPLC analysis of the extracts showed six compounds from the phenolic acids class. The experimental results showed that total phenolic compounds content varies from one species to another. The results presented in table 1 show that Festuca rubra extracts contain nearly seven times more polyphenol compounds than Dactylis glomerata extracts. As regarding the polyphenolic compounds present in related form, it can be observed that the differences between the two species extracts are less pronounced. Thus, the content of the related polyphenols in the Festuca rubra extracts is only 2.33 times higher than in Dactylis glomerata extracts. The HPLC analysis of the two perennial species extracts showed six compounds from the class of phenolic acids, five of them appear in both extracts and the last (caffeic acid) only in the extracts of Dactylis glomerata. Three of these products are derivatives of cinnamic acid (p-cumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid), and three are derivatives of benzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid). The results show that phenolic acids are found in the studied plants both in the bound form and in the free state and the bound form of the phenolic acids is much higher than that for free state. This aspect may be a reference as regarding the allelopathic capabilities of these plants. Table 1: Polyphenols content in the plants alcoholic extracts Species Total polyphenols in free Total polyphenols in form [mg/g] bound form [mg/g] x sx Festuca rubra 8,75 ± 1,08 s% 21,35 Dactylis glomerata 1,26 ± 0,15 20,59 x sx Total polyphenols [mg/g] x sx 17,47 ± 2,65 s% 26,24 26,22 ± 3,13 s% 20,65 7,82 ± 2,04 45,13 9,08 ± 0,98 18,67 318 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA From the data presented in table 4 is observed that the lolinic alkaloids are found in higher concentrations in Festuca rubra extracts than in Dactylis glomerata. In all cases, the NFL concentration exceeded the corresponding concentration of NAL. In addition, the differences between the concentrations of the two alkaloids in Festuca rubra extracts are significant. Ergovaline was detected only in extracts of Festuca rubra. Table 2: Alkaloids content in the low-alcohol vegetal extracts Species NFL [μg/g] s% 1550 ± 65,8 7,34 x sx Festuca rubra Dactylis glomerata 42,9 ± 3,9 15,73 NAL [μg/g] s% 771 ± 23,5 5,27 x sx 10,67± 1,2 19,45 EGV [μg/g] s% 0,149 ± 0,00061 0,71 x sx ned Note: NAL - N acetylloline, NFL - N formylloline and EGV - ergovaline The allelopathic effects of the prepared extracts was studied on the germination and seedlings growth. The determination of the seeds germination was performed after 14 days; it was also determined the growth of the radacinitelor embrionare si caleoptilelor. The extracts were applied in three different concentrations. In the moment of using the extracts, from the stock solution considered 100%, were made dilutions using distilled water, resulting the final concentrations. Thus, in addition to the control group, was formed three experimental variants that had the following content of lolinic alkaloids: the Festuca rubra extract - Option 1 (Concentrate) = 11.60% alkaloids, Option 2 (Dilution I) = 5.80 % alkaloids and Option 3 (Dilution II) = 1.45% alkaloid extract and the Dactylis glomerata – extract: Option 1 (Concentrate) = 0.053% alkaloids, Option 2 (Dilution I) = 0.026% alkaloids, Option 3 (Dilution II) = 0.006% alkaloids. After 14 days of germination, the prepared aqueous extracts exerted very visible alleopathic influence on the plant species studied. The seed germination of Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis was inhibited by the extracts that contain allelopathic substances according to their concentration, but the option "concentrate" had a total inhibitory effect in all extracts. From the data presented in the table 3 can be observed the inhibitory effect of the perennial grasses extracts on the growth of seedligs. In option 1, in which the concentration of lolinic alkaloids is the highest, the effect was total inhibitory, so the treated coleoptile and root at Lolium perenne L., Poa pratensis, Festuca rubra and Dactylis gloemrata did not increase at all, regardless of the extract applied. In option 2, the length of the coleoptile of Lolium perenne in Festuca rubra extract is 2.88 cm. In option 3, where the allelopathic substances concentration is lower, the coleoptile length is higher, being 5.78 cm. The same thing happens as concerne the growth of root; in the case of option 1, the root of Lolium perenne treated Festuca rubra extract is 2.05 cm, and in the case of option 2, the root has a length of 6.29 cm. It can be observed the same trend at Poa pratensis L. as at Lolium perenne L. The growth of the root and coleoptile at the treated Poa pratensis L. plants, are influenced by the aqueous extracts with content of alkaloids, in all the options studied. Thus, coleoptile and roots are smaller then to the Poa pratensis L. blank. This is also shown by the statistical processing, the plants treated with extracts being significantly lower than the blank sample. The phytotoxic effect of Festuca rubra extract at Dactylis glomerata L. is manifested by inhibiting the growth of seedlings, the plants treated being very significantly lower than the blank sample. If it is realized a comparison between the control plants of Dactylis glomerata L. and treated plants, it can be observed that the root and coleoptile have a 319 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA higher growth as the applied extracts have a lower concentration of allelopathic substances, which demonstrate that the extracts become active at high concentrations. The statistical processings show that the growth of Festuca rubra roots and the coleoptile are inhibited when they are influenced by the effect of allelopathic substances (existing in Dactylis glomerata extracts), which are very significantly lower compared with control sample. The coleoptile and root growth is inversely proportional to the allelopathic substances concentration, e.g. the coleoptile of Festuca rubra treated with Dactylis glomerata extract has a length of 1.6 cm if it is used the option 2, and 31.36 cm for the option 3; the root has a length of 0.2 cm if it is used the option 2 and 1 cm for the option 3. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK - in all herbal prepared were found compounds with allelopathic character; - from the multitude of alkaloids that are known in the literature have been identified the following: NAL - N acetylloline, NFL - N formylloline and EGV - ergovaline - from the phenolic acids class were found six compounds, three of these products are derivatives of cinnamic acid (p-cumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid), and three are derivatives of benzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid); - the phenolic acids can be found in the studied plants both as bound stat and free state; - Festuca rubra extract is characterized by an increased content of p-cumaric and pphenolic acids derivatives. Dactylis glomerata extract is characterized by a high content of caffeic acid; - the seeds germination and the growth of seedlings treated with extracts have been influenced by the concentration, the inhibitory effect growing with the concentration of the identified alleopathic substances in the chemical composition of the plants. REFERENCES [1]. BLUM U., 1995. The value of model plant-microbe-soil system for understanding processes associated with allelopathic interactions. In Allelopathy, Organisms, Processes and Applications, eds. Inderjit, Dakshini and Einhellig. ACS Symposium Series 582.Washington DC. [2]. Bouton, F. 2005. Mise en évidence du potentiel allélopathique de la graminée Festuca paniculata dans les prairies subalpines. Masters Report: Université Joseph Fourier. [3]. CASTELLS M., PENUELAS A., AND VALENTINE G.J., 2004. Are phenolic compounds released from the Mediterranean shrub Cistus albidus responsible for changes in N cycling in siliceous and calcareous soils? New Phytologist, 162: 187-195. [4]. CEPOIU N., 1968. Metode statistice aplicate în experienţele agricole şi biologice, Editura Agro-Silvică, Bucureşti. [5]. Maraschin-Silva, F. & Aqüila, M.E.A. 2006. Potencial alelopático de espécies nativas na germinação e crescimento inicial de Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae). Acta Botanica Brasilica 20: 61-69. [6]. EINHELLIG, F.A. 1995. Allelopathy: current status and future goals. In “Allelopathy: Organisms, Processes, and Applications” (Inderjit, K.M.M. Dakshini and F.A. Einhellig, Eds.); ACS Symposium Series 582, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1–25. [7]. INDERJIT C., AND WEINER J. 2001 - Plant allelochemical interference or soil chemical ecology? Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 4: 3-12. 320 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA [8]. KOHLI et al., 2001, citat de MIN AN –Mathematical modelling of dose-response reltonship (hormesis) in allelopathy and its application Nonlinearity in Biology, Toxicology, and Medicine, 3. 153-172, 2005. [9]. MACIAS F. A., 1995. Allelopathy in the search for natural herbicide models. In: Inderjit, F.A. Einhellig, K.M.M. Dakshini (eds) Allelopathy: Organisms, Processes and Application; ACS Symp. Ser. 582, 311 -330, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. [10]. ŞCHIOPU D., 1997. Ecologie şi protecţia mediului, Editura Didactică şi Pedagogică, R.A., Bucureşti. ABOUT THE AUTHORS C. Bostan, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului street, no. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] Al. Moisuc, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului street, no. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] F. Radu, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului street, no. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] L. Cojocariu, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului street, no. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] M. Horablaga, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului street, no. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] F. Marian, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului street, no. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 321 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 3: The length of the coleoptile and the root (cm) at perennial grasses Blank Lolium perenne Option u Blank Poa pratensis Semni ficatie Option x sx s% Coleoptil 8.76±0.168 6.069 Coleoptil 3.75 ±0.083 7.027 Rădăciniţa 9.62±0.106 3.492 Rădăciniţa 5.5 ± 0.166 9.582 Lolium perenne in Festuca rubra extract Coleoptil x sx u s% Semni ficatie Poa pratensis in Festuca rubra extract Coleoptil V1 0±0 - -52.103 000 V1 0±0 - -45 000 V2 2.88±0.106 11.666 -29.564 000 V2 0±0 - -45 000 V3 5.78±0.064 3.536 -16.544 000 V3 1.24 ±0.074 19.084 -22.410 000 V1 0±0 - -90.541 000 V1 0±0 - -33 000 V2 2.05±0.33 51.994 -21.419 000 V2 0±0 - -33 000 V3 6.29±0.069 3.471 -26.280 000 V3 1.53 ±0.065 13.447 -22.189 000 Rădăciniţa Rădăciniţa Lolium perenne in Dactylis glomerata extract Coleoptil Poa pratensis in Dactylis glomerata extract Coleoptil V1 0±0 - -52.103 000 V1 0±0 - -45 000 V2 1.5±0 0 -43.187 000 V2 0±0 - -45 000 V3 5.15±0.05 3.070 -20.581 000 V3 0±0 - -45 000 V1 0±0 - -90.541 000 V1 0±0 - -33 000 V2 0.4±3.14 2.48 -86.771 000 V2 0±0 - -33 000 V3 3.6±0.163 14.344 -30.9 000 V3 0±0 - -33 000 Coleoptil 5.5±0.129 7.422 Coleoptil 7.01±0.125 5.644 Rădăciniţa 7.75±0.083 3.400 Rădăciniţa 8.63±0.112 4.125 Rădăciniţa Rădăciniţa Blank Dactylis glomerata Blank Festuca rubra Dactylis glomerata in Festuca rubra extract Coleoptil Festuca rubra in Dactylis glomerata extract Coleoptil V1 0±0 - -42.602 000 V1 0±0 - -56.025 000 V2 2.3±0.081 11.226 -20.948 000 V2 1.6±0.033 6.588 -41.780 000 V3 3.75±0.083 7.027 -11.388 000 V3 1.36±0.065 15.188 -40.029 000 V1 0±0 - -93 000 V1 0±0 - -76.646 000 V2 1.1±0.033 9.582 -74.092 000 V2 0.2±1.57 2.48 -74.869 000 V3 1.62±0.032 6.375 -68.486 000 V3 1±0 0 -67.764 000 DL1%=3, 25 DL0,1%= 4,78 DL1% =3,25 DL0,1%= 4,78 Rădăciniţa Rădăciniţa DL5%=2,26 DL5%=2,26 322 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA RESULTS CONCERNING THE ATTACK OF THE FUNGUS USTILAGO MAYDIS IN TIMISOARA DIDACTIC RESEARCH STATION Anişoara ZABERCA, A. BORCEAN Abstract. Research aim was to test the tolerance of a range of maize hybrids to infectious pressure of the pathogen Ustilago maydis in climatic conditions from Timisoara Didactic Research Station. Stage of research is being characteristic for partial interpretation of experimental data after the first experimental year, in preparation the doctoral thesis. Materials and methods. Experimental field was located in climatic conditions of Timisoara Didactic Research Station. Technology was the standard applied to this area. The experience was bifactorial. First factor was the hybrid grown with six graduations, provenance hybrids was Monsanto with different vegetation periods, (DKC 3511, DKC 4626, DKC 4964, DKC 4983, DKC 5783 and DKC 5170). Factor B was the amount of nitrogen applied to three graduations (N 0, N 100 and N 200) all three doses were applied on a constant background elements of P 80 K 80. The novelty is relatively high, work providing important data for agricultural practice from hybrids point of view for the experimental area. Achievements stage in this field. In this work were carried out research including one of authors, known as the reference and possible reactions of the pathogen depending on local biocoenosis factors. Limits of the research are that data from the fungus Ustilago maydis are just after two years of pathogen bonitation. Practical implications of the research consisted of playing a part of a complex study of strategy in the protection of maize reference experience. The originality of the work comes from the fact that data are relevant in view of uniformity of hybrid origin, these data are only part of the data submitted for interpretation in the preparation of the PhD thesis of the main author. Importance of the paper became from bringing in front of the specialists of one of the topics in the experiences of the author's doctoral preparing, to evaluate the accuracy of techniques addressed. The relevance of data, experimental results give an overview of pathogen behavior in relation to hybrids experienced by groups of precocity. Key words: Ustilago maydis, hybrid reaction, nitrogen amount INTRODUCTION Between July and August of the years 2009 and 2010 there was carried out a number of observations in the maize experimental of field crops from Didactic Research Station from Timişoara. It was very interesting to see the differences between hybrids to the attack of fungus Ustilago maydis and, the fact that it may be interesting as information’s for other researchers and farmers is the reason of the present paper with experimental results from phd experiment year. MATERIAL AND METHOD Experimental conditions where those from Didactic Research Station from Timişoara and consist from a chernozem soil and ecological conditions. In the figures below are described temperature (figure 1) and rain (figure2) from the year 2009 and the multiannual average for this two whether parameters available for the experimental field. The purpose of this study was to see the behavior of a large assortment of hybrids to infection with common smut of maize (Ustilago maydis) under natural conditions from Western Plain of Romania. Over the field observations the frequency of attack, intensity of attack at corn cobs and on the base of those data it was calculated the attack degree as synthetic indicator performed statistic interpretation after the method for one factor experiments. Biological material consist from the following hybrids DKC 3511, 4626 DKC, DKC 4964, DKC 4983, DKC 5783 and DKC 5170. Statistic calculations was done only for attack degree because it is a synthetic indicator of both, frequency and intensity of fungus Ustilago maydis attack. Method for statistic calculation and interpretation is the classic method for three factor experiences. It was preferred as witness for results interpretation 323 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA the experimental average because only on this way we can see the real tendency of maize hybrids behavior on fungus Ustilago maydis attack. Temperatures in 2009 and 2010 30 °C 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII 2009 -0,3 2 7,3 16 19 21,3 24 23,7 20 12,3 8,3 4,3 2010 -0,3 2,5 6,7 11,6 16,6 19,8 23 22,5 17 9,1 9 0,6 30 year average -1,6 1,1 5,8 11,2 16,3 19,4 21,1 20,4 16,5 11 5,6 0,8 Figure 1. Monthly temperature averages, compared with long term averages recorded at Timişoara Meteorological Station Rain water in 2009 and 2010 140 120 mm 100 80 60 40 20 0 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI 2009 31 29 52 25 47 115 40 31 4 10 105 42 2010 65 76,5 31,3 56,6 122,7 131,3 24,7 81,8 61 40 48,1 74,7 39,1 38,3 33,9 46,8 63,1 79,6 62,4 51,4 42,1 42,2 49,4 52,6 30 year average XII Figure 2. Monthly rainfall water amount, compared with long term averages recorded at Timişoara Meteorological Station RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The results of the observations concerning attack frequency and intensity from the field are in table 1. Based on these observations there was calculate the attack degree as synthetic indicator, figures of this parameter is also in table 1. Because the attack degree is a synthetic indicator of attack frequency and intensity of attack we will refer at it for statistic calculation. From the beginning the analyse of the figures from table 1 show consistent differences in response of the hybrids tested in the two experimental years. The main motiv for this differences between years 2009 and 2010 become from the weather conditions and consist from lower temperature averages and higher rain amount in 2010 than those from 2009. This rule has an exception for rain water amount in July when there 324 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA was 40 mm of rain in 2009 and only 24,7 mm in 2010, but this didn’t influenced the Ustilago maydis attack parameters. It is a really obvious after bonitation figures from table 1, that in 2009 frequency and intensity of attack registered lower values, but this situation was corrected in 2010 when the rain amount during summer month, except July, raise the attack parameters. This evolution is reflected in the attack degree values trend. As it can be seen in table 2, the year 2010 was much more favorable for fungus Ustilago maydis. attack on maize cobs than year 2009, this was marked by statistic calculation with significant difference on attack degree analyze. Hybrids has shown over the two years results, the real potential of their tolerance at pathogen attack. This conclusion is bolded by the climate differences between 2009 and 2010. Under this conditions the results shown in table 2 point out that DKC 4626 is the most tolerant hybrid at Ustilago maydis attack, with a very significant negative difference to control, the experimental average for this factor. The next hybrids that we can consider tolerant to pathogen attack where DKC 5170 with a distinctly significant negative difference to control and 5183 with a significant negative difference to control. On the other side we can say that the hybrids DKC 4964 with a very significant difference to control prove to be very sensitive to Ustilago maydis. Also the hybrid DKC 4983 is sensible to pathogen attack because he registered a very significant difference to control. As it can be seen, the results point out that on the modern hybrids the tolerance reaction at Ustilago maydis is not influenced by the precocity groups. This is proved by behavior of hybrid DKC 5170 with a distinctly significant negative difference. Because they have differences under the limit of signification hybrids DKC 3511, DKC 4964 and DKC 5183 we consider them to migrate to tolerance or sensible under the influence of some technology factors. Another observation on this hybrids is that even if they come from different precocity groups, they have almost the same tolerance reaction at fungus Ustilago maydis. Regarding at the hybrids behavior to different nitrogen amount, comparing with the the experimental average of this factor, the statistic results show that the increase of dosage at has as effect the increase of plants sensitivity to pathogen attack. The higher values of attack frequency and intensity was in the variants where there was applied the largest amount of nitrogen, 200 kg nitrogen per hectare, and as becomes from table 2 the attack degree of fungus Ustilago maydis has a very significant difference to control. Also from the table 2 figures, a dosage of between 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha nitrogen has a very good effect on plants tolerance at fungus attack. 325 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 326 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 2 Statistic interpretation data for attack degree of fungus Ustilago maydis between 2009-2010 Factor A Year 2009 2010 Averages Factor C- Fertilizers N100 P80 N150 P80 N200 P80 K80 K80 K80 DKC 3511 0,83 2,25 2,92 DKC 4626 0,75 1,75 3,78 DKC 4964 1,65 2,58 3,82 DKC 4983 2,15 3,77 6,47 DKC 5170 1,35 2,1 3,95 DKC 5183 0,9 2,23 3,68 DKC 3511 2 2,23 4,19 DKC 4626 1,23 1,9 2,66 DKC 4964 1,85 2,83 4,32 DKC 4983 3,33 3,47 5,47 DKC 5170 1,48 1,83 2,85 DKC 5183 1,5 2,6 4,24 DKC 3511 1,415 2,24 3,555 DKC 4626 0,99 1,825 3,22 DKC 4964 1,75 2,705 4,07 DKC 4983 2,74 3,62 5,97 DKC 5170 1,415 1,965 3,4 DKC 5183 1,2 2,415 3,96 DL 5% = 0,08 DL 1% = 0,2 DL 0,1% = 0,65 Factor B Hibrid Factor B DKC DKC DKC Fertilizers 3511 4626 4964 Averages of 2,40 2,01 2,84 Factor B Differences -0,29 -0,68 0,15 Significance 000 DL 5% = 0,32 DL 1% = 0,4 Factor C Fertilizers (kg/ha) Averages of Factor B Differences Significance N100 P80 K80 N150 P80 K80 1,58 Averages of Factor A Differences Signif 2,61 -0,08 0 2,77 0,08 * 2,69 Control - DKC 4983 DKC 5170 DKC 5183 Average 4,11 2,26 2,52 2,69 1,42 -0,43 *** 00 DL 0,1% = 0,56 -0,17 - Control - N200 P80 K80 Average 4,03 2,69 2,46 -1,11 -0,23 1,33 Control 000 00 *** DL 5% = 0,11 DL 1% = 0,18 DL 0,1% = 0,26 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK The frequency and intensity of fungus Ustilago maydis attack have a very high variation on all hybrids, some of them as DKC 5170 and DKC 4626 prove to have relatively high tolerance to this fungus, even under conditions when the technology and natural factors stimulate the fungus attack. From the tested hybrids, DKC 4964(with a very significant differences to control) and DKC 4983(with significant differences to control)prove to be sensitive to Ustilago maydis attack. 327 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA In both experimental years, there was an extension of the period of maximum sensitivity of plants(between period when stigmata are visible and the moment when kernels are in milk stage) to Ustilago maydis attack in the variants where was applied higher nitrogen amounts due to effect of nitrogen on plant phisiology. Regarding to the effect of nitrogen, it is very clear that the incresing of nitrogen dosage conduct to an increase of attack degree wich registry very significant negative value of difference on the nitrogen amount of 100 kg/ha and a very significant difference on the nitrogen amount of 200 kg/ ha. Because of this differences and the fact that at 150 kg/ha nitrogen, the difference to control is under the significance value, we can say that on this region, a moderate dosage of nitrogen between 100-150 kg/ha is useful for plants for increasing the yield with a good assing on pathoens threat. REFERENCES [1] Bâlteanu Gh., Bîrnaure V., Salontai Al., Borcean I., Vasilică C., Fitotehnie, Ed. Didactică şi Pedagogică Bucureşti, 515 pag., 1991 [2] Borcean I,Tabără V., Pîrşan P., Demenescu T., Borcean A., Cercetări privind stabilirea principalelor verigi tehnologice la porumb în condiţiile Banatului, Lucrări Ştiinţifice, U.A.Iaşi,Vol. XXXIV, pag 157-163, 1992. [3] Borcean I.,Tabără V., Pîrşan P., David Gh., Pop Georgeta, Borcean A., Şuveţi Simona,Ciuloi Anca.,Borugă L. Comportarea a 40 hibrizi de porumb în condiţiile cernoziomului de la Timişoara, Simpozin-Cultura plantelor de câmp U.S.A.M.V.B. Timişoara, pag 3-9, 1996. [4] David Gh., Borcean A., Sweet corn – A crop plant with high perspectives on the Western Plain of Romania, University of Agricultural Sciences College of Agricuklture Mezötúr, 1999. [5] Borcean I. , MircovV. , Imbrea F., Borcean A., Preliminary results concerning the influence of electromagnetic treatments at maize, Universitatea Novi Sad, Biofizika u poljoprivrednoi proizvodnji, pag. 187-190, Novi Sad 2002 [6] Borcean I. , David Gh.,Borcean A., Imbrea F., Botoş L., On the behaviour of some new maize hybrids in the conditions of brown luvic soils in the hill area of the Banat, Lucrări Ştiinţifice Facultatea de Agricultură, U.S.A.M.V.B. Timişoara, Vol XXXIV, pag 187-192, 2002. [7] Borcean A, David Gh., Molnar L., Observaţii privind comportarea unui sortiment de hibrizi de porumb la atacul ciupercii Ustilago maydis în condiţiile anului 2006 de la SD a USAMVB Timişoara. Trends in European agriculture development, Faculty of Agriculture Timisoara and Faculty of Agriculture Novi Sad International Symposium, 2007 [8] Borcean I, Borcean A., 2004, Cultura si protecţia integrată a cerealelor, leguminoaselor şi plantelor tehnice, Editura de Vest, 509 pag. [9] Borcean I., Ţărău D., Borcean A., David Gh., Borcean Eugenia, Fitotehnia şi protecţia culturilor de câmp, Editura de Vest, 198 pag. [10] Borcean I., David Gh., Borcean A., Tehnici de cultură şi protecţie a cerealelor şi leguminoaselor, Editura de Vest, 346 pag. [11] Popescu Gh. – Fitopatologie, Ed. Mirton, Timişoara, 1998 [12] M. Hatmanu, I. Bobeş, Al. Lazăr, C. Gheorghieş, C. Glodeanu, V. Severin, Corina Tuşa – Fitopatologie, Ed. Didactică şi Pedagogică, Bucureşti, 1989, 468 pag. [13] Niţă Simona, Borcean A., Study regarding some varieties of Zea mays everta Stuart which grow under the pedo-climatic conditions in Almaj Depresion, „60 de ani de 328 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA învăţământ superior în Oltenia”, Annales of University of Craiova, Vol XXXVII / A 2007, pag. 664-666, 2007 [14] Pîrşan P., David Gh., Borcean A., Wauters S., Cercetări cu privire la studiul unui sortiment de hibrizi proveniţi din vestul Europei în condiţiile de la Timişoara, Lucrări Ştiinţifice, U.S.A.M.V.B. Timişoara, Vol XXX, 1998. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Anişoara Zaberca, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului nr. 119, 300645, Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] A. Borcean, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului nr. 119, 300645, Timisoara, Romania, E-mail: [email protected] 329 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA MECHANIZED PRUNING OF OLIVE TREES IN HIGH DIMENSIONS AND COST ANALYSIS L. M. Abenavoli Abstract: Italy with 1,212 hectares of olive trees and the second nation in the world by extension, preceded by Spain with 2,600 has [FAOSTAT data - year 2007/08] and all the olive area is predominantly located in the South. The quality of olive oil is quite uneven; the current trend is to aim for his general improvement both with the entry into production of new plants that are best suited to modern systems of cultivation, and both with the adoption of pruning more decisive in the old plants to adapt to mechanization. These issues are even more pressing in certain areas such as the "Plain of Gioia Tauro", located in the province of Reggio Calabria in Calabria. In this area, the olive area is over 20 000 hectares and the average age of the plants next to the century. These are characterized by remarkable growth, perhaps unique in the world: a real "forest of olive trees" where the plants can reach and often exceed 25 meters in height. But over and above the landscape, which has certainly made impressive by the majesty of these trees, the rational management of these plants is certainly problematic for the considerable labor and the great physical effort required for all farming operations. In particular, the only pruning it weighs more than 30% of all costs of management. Key words: Plants, Thermal Comfort in Buildings. INTRODUCTION Italy with 1,212 hectares of olive-growing is the second country in the world by extension, preceded by Spain with 2,600 ha (FAOSTAT data). This is mainly localized in the southern regions, where at this moment you are aiming to improve the quality of the product, both with the entry into production of new mechanized plantations, and through intervention in the old plantations of drastic pruning for reform (where possible) and adapt them to mechanization. These farms are mostly small or very small (even <3 ha) with low investment capacity and high labor requirements. For this reason in many cases it falls back on production of "oil lamp", to which the market still shows a significant interest. The current trend towards liberalization of trade in international markets facilitates the entry of new countries, in the Mediterranean areas, which have high productivity and lower labor costs, are putting on their knees the entire sector. These issues are even more pressing in certain areas of southern Italy as the "Plain of Gioia Tauro (Calabria), which has an olive-growing surface of over 20 thousand hectares and the presence of more than 2.3 million olive trees, of which: 58.7% grown in flat land, 37.2% in terraced land and 4.1% in slope. The olive trees belonging to about 68% of the cultivars "Sinopolese" and 30% at the cultivar "Ottobratica" almost always have an age close to the century (and beyond) and are characterized by remarkable growth, perhaps unique: a real "forest of olive trees" with plants that reach and often exceed 25 meters in height (Fardella, 1995). But over and above the landscape, certainly made striking by the majesty of these trees, the rational management of these plants is undoubtedly difficult for the remarkable labor-intensive and the particular physical effort that all cultivation operations require. The only pruning it accounts for more than 30% of the total costs of management. The local skilled workers, less equipped than the modern "tree climber", climb up up these trees, with only the help of billhooks attached to poles of 3 meters and ropes, up to and beyond 20 meters in height to perform the pruning. The conditions of danger, in which you perform the ordinary works, determine the difficulty of finding skilled labor, the high cost of pruning and the tendency to minimize or even cancel this practice necessary by the propagation routine of work. 330 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Figure 1 - Typical olive-grove of "Plain of Gioia Tauro" and an example of traditional pruning. For this reason, most of the old olive-grove, there is a luxuriant growth of the crowns that create a barrier to the passage of sunlight in the lower areas of trees, altering the microclimate at the point of encouraging attacks phytopathological dangerous, difficult to control, also because of the large size of the trees. MATERIAL AND METHODS In relation to these issues, the Section of Mechanics "DISTAF" of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria has conducted tests of pruning, in particular olive-growing areas in Calabria, to assess the various aspects of this methodology by comparing the traditional with the mechanized, supported by truck-mounted telescopic platforms. The traditional pruning The traditional pruning tests were performed on a farm in "Plain of Gioia Tauro" (Table 1). Cultivar Ottobratica and sinopolese Age secular Tree height (m) 20-26 Crown diameter (m) 16 Trunk diameter (m) 0,92 Tree density (trees/ha) 50 Table 1 - Summary of biometric data and the characteristics of the olive grove that was the subject of evidence of traditional pruning. The equipment with which the operators perform the traditional pruning consists of billhooks, hatchets and chain saws, respectively used for cutting branches with a diameter of 3-4 cm, up to 10 cm and more to 10 cm across. The pruning can be performed simultaneously on two or three trees, depending on the number of work units that build the yard that usually is consists of a foreman (who coordinates the operations from the ground) and 4 or 6 pruners specialists (2 for tree). In the farm tested the yard consisted of seven work units (1+6), so we worked simultaneously on three trees. 331 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA The mechanized pruning The tests were carried out in two olive farms of the "Plain of Gioia Tauro” A and B (Table 2), in which they prepared two yards, with the support of two truck-mounted telescopic platforms (Fig. 2). Azienda A B Cultivar Ottobratica and Sinopolese Ottobratica and Sinopolese secular secular Tree height (m) 25 26 Crown diameter (m) 20 19 Trunk diameter (m) 0,92 0,95 33 33 Age Tree density (trees/ha) Table 2 - Summary of biometric data and the characteristics of the olive grove that was the subject of evidence of mechanized pruning. Both yards were composed of two skilled workers: the first assigned to the commands of the machine, the ground gave the directions on the pruning cuts to be performed, and the second the pruning performed safely from the platform. The machines are two self-propelled four-wheel drive, with diesel engine and power of 61.5 kW yard A and 84.0 kW yard B. The first machine had the the telescopic arm with a maximum working height of 11 m and a gate-person platform with a control panel for lifting and moving the second, along with the regular the telescopic arm of 11 m, had a prolongation articulated 9 m, which increased levels of extension and flexibility; the platform, however, had no command. Figure 2 - Telescopes arms used in the yard A (left) and B in the yard (right) in the fully extended position. In the yard "A ", the machine proceeded along the inter-row, stopping adjacent to each tree, the pruner performs the cut in the explorable part of the crown (about 50%),.With the passage of the machine in the inter-row next each tree the pruning was completed. 332 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA In the B yard, because of the greater flexibility of movement of the platform, the selfpropelled was placed at the center of four trees and the pruner, from this position, performed the cut about half of each tree crown, these were completed later, when the machine was positioned in the next row. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION For the reasons previously expressed, in the farms considered the pruning is usually done every ten years, so the cuts made are necessarily very drastic, and wood mass removed is very significant. The subdivision by classes of diameter of cut branches in yards considered (Fig. 3) shows us the magnitude of pruning. Figure 3 - Percentage breakdown of the cuts to classes of diameter in the tests performed with the traditional yard and mechanized yards A and B. The operating capacity of the yards, due the magnitude of cuts, was generally very low. In particular, in the traditional yard has been of 1.20 trees/h and the labor productivity of 0.17 trees/h • worker, while the timber is removed about 840 kg/h. In the two mechanized yards (A and B) the operating capacity was respectively of 2.06 and 1.60 trees/h, if consider that the workforce is only two workers, one notes that the productivity of the two yards increases to 1, 3 and 0.82 trees/h•w, and the mass of cutted timber is equal to 694 and 639 kg/h. (Table 3). From the reliefs also show that the yards A and B took 16 and 20 hours to work on one hectare, while the traditional yard took in the same area 83 hours. Pruning system Traditional Mechanized Operating capacity yard labor productivity Yard Yard workers (n) trees/h kg/h h/tree h/ha trees/h•W . A 7 2 1.20 2.06 840 694 0.83 0.49 83.00 16.20 0.17 1.03 0.002 0.03 120 347 B 2 1.60 639 0.61 20.00 0.82 0.025 319 ha/h•W kg/h•W Table 3 - Results of the working yards. Concerning the economic aspect concerning the use of these machines, the analysis was performed on the costs of operating hours of two mechanized yards and compared to the traditional yard. Table 4 shows the parameters used and the curves of the operating costs of the yards tested, showing the limits of convenience for the acquisition of machinery covered by the tests compared to the traditional yard. 333 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA PARAMETERS USED Yard A Yard B New value (€) Residual value (€) Interest rate Rate of various expenses Rate of repair and maintenance Duration of physical activity (hours) Economic life (years) Power used* (kW) Cost of Fuel (€/kg) Cost of lubricant (€/kg) Cost of skilled labor** (€/gram) Daily commitment of labor (hours) Number of workers employed in the yard (n) FIXED EXPENSES 75000 7500 110000 11000 Yard A Yard B Share of amortization (€/year) Share of interest (€/year) Share of various expense (€/year) TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES (€/year) 5625 2062,5 1125 8812.5 8250 3025 1650 12925 VARIABLE EXPENSES Yard A Yard B Share of repair and maintenance (€/h) Share of Fuel (€/h) Share of lubricant (€/h) Share of skilled labor (€/h) TOTAL VARIABLE EXPENSES (€/h) 0.63 7.78 1.75 40 50.16 0.92 7.78 1.75 40 50.45 0.05 0.02 0.06 7200 12 39 0,7 3.5 160 8 2 * (70% of nominal power) ** (20 €/h) Table 4 - Parameters used and curves of operating costs. CONCLUSIONS The telescopic elevators such as those used in the tests, because of their versatility and multi-functionality, are widespread in large farms, involving an investment of capital is difficult to justify from a small farm. However, it could be a good investment for a cooperative of services or a contract performing. The most interesting aspects in the mechanization of pruning of these trees to High development are certainly linked to an increased safety for workers and reduce labor costs. REFERENCES [1]. FAOSTAT data, 2010. http://faostat.fao.org/ [2]. D. Bonfà and F. Giametta, 1999. Raccolta delle olive su piante «giganti». Terra e Vita 10, 99-104. [3]. L.M. Abenavoli and G. Zimbalatti, 1995. Macchine agevolatrici per la potatura di piante di olivo di grandi dimensioni. L’informatore Agrario, 13, 45-49. [4]. G.G. FARDELLA, 1995. Profilo economico dell’olivicoltura calabrese, Proceedings of the Conference of Accademia Nazionale dell’Ulivo of Spoleto, IIa Tornata in Calabria, Reggio Calabria, December 1995. [5]. L.M. Abenavoli and G. Zimbalatti, 1994. Aspetti meccanici della potatura di ringiovanimento di piante di ulivo di grandi dimensioni. L’informatore Agrario, 47, 25-27. ABOUT THE AUTHOR L. M. Abenavoli, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria – Faculty of Agriculture STAfA Department, at Feo di Vito 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy, e-mail: [email protected] 334 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA AGRONOMICAL AND SEED CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN WILD AND LOCAL CHICKPEAS B. T. Biçer, O. Tonçer and D. Sakar Abstract: Fifteen chickpea genotypes were evaluated for chemical and agronomical characteristics. 100 seed weight ranged from 9.09 g to 44.56 g. Maximum protein content were record in one local variety (22.33%) and Cicer echinospermum (22.41%). The lowest values among essential amino acids were recorded in methionine and histidine. High leucine, valine and phenylalanine content were noted in Cicer reticulatum. Phenylalanine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine and threonine were positively correlated with protein. Potassium level was found in the higher compared with calcium, sodium and phosphorus. Cicer reticulatum was found high in riboflavin and pyridoxine values. Keywords: Chickpea, Cicer arietinum L., protein, amino acid, B vitamins, nutritional elements, local variety, wild variety INTRODUCTION Food legumes are crops within the Leguminosae family. They are mainly grown for their edible seeds, and therefore are also known as grain legumes (1). Chickpea is one of the most important legume crops in the Indian sub-continent, Australia, Iran, Mexico, Myanmar, Tanzania and Turkey. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and carbohydrate and its protein quality is better than the other legumes such as pigeon pea, black gram and green gram (2). Chickpea protein is rich in lysine and arginine but most low amounts of sulfur-containing amino acids, therefore, has low nutritive value (3,4). Chickpeas are two basic types - kabuli and desi (5), and significant differences in these two groups have been observed with regard to their seed coat (%), crude fiber content, mineral and trace element composition by several workers (6). Chickpeas also supply some minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn, K, Fe, P) and vitamins like thiamine and niacin (2). The chickpeas products contained 8.9-21.1% protein, 226-360 mg Ca, 126-315 mg P per 100g (7). Calcium content as noticeably higher in desi than in that kabuli cultivars (8). This study was carried out to evaluation the protein content, amino acid profile, B-vitamins and macro elements in wild type and local chickpeas. MATERIALS AND METHOD Field experiment :The study was conducted at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, southeastern Anatolia of Turkey (37º53´N latitude, 40°16´E longitude, 680 m altitude), in 2007–2008 years. Fifteen chickpea genotypes were collected from different chickpea production areas and locations. Traits of chickpea genotypes are given Table 1. Seeds of the experimental material were sown by hand during early spring of 2007 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The plot size was three rows of 3 m length and 45 cm apart with plants spaced at 10 cm within a row. Weeds were controlled by hand. Observations were recorded on eight plants individually in the middle of the rows, except plants on border of the rows to eliminate border effects. Mature plants were individually harvested. Days to flowering and maturity observations were taken on row basis, when 50% of plants were flowered or matured. Plant height, basal pod height, basal branches, pods and seeds per plant and seed yield per plant for each plant in three replications were measured, and were recorded as mean. Seed weight was recorded as the mean weight of 100 seeds. Pod and seed length, width and roughness in fifteen pods and seeds for each genotype over three replications were measured and recorded as mean. Protein, amino acids, minerals and vitamins analysis: Protein, amino acids, minerals and B-vitamins analyses were made by TUBITAK Marmara Research Center (MAM). Total nitrogen was determined by Kjeldahl method, and protein content was 335 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA calculated by multiplying N factor with the factor 5.80 by the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (9). Amino acid analysis methods: Eppendorf Biotronik LC 3000 Amino Acid Analyzer, Operation Manuel 1998, June. Eppendorf Biotronik EZChrome Chromatography, Data System Tutorial and User’s Guide-Version 6.7. Mineral analysis methods; AOCS Official Method, Milestone Application notes for microwave digestion. Perkin Elmer AAS Analytical Methods (Recommended Analytical Conditions and General Information). B-vitamin method is HLPC. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed by MSTATC programe (10). Table 1 Seed traits of chickpea genotypes from the different locations of Turkey Genotypes R-2 R-5 R-6 R-9 Seed traits wrinkle unhairy, white, More wrinkle, unhairy, beige, Smooth, unhairy, beige Nonhairy, redish R-12 mid-hairy, salmon-white I-10 P-1 and P-14 Hairy, yellow, ILC 4951 C.reticulatum Locations Izmir, Turkey Diyarbakir /Turkey Mardin/Turkey Genotypes I-4 I-7 Locations Diyarbakir/Turkey I-8 I-11 mid-hairy white Excessive hairy, salmon Izmir/Turkey Mid- hairy, darkyellow Double flowered, (from Prof. Dr. C. TOKER, Akdeniz Uni. Fac. Agric) Diyarbakir/Turkey C.echinospermum Seed traits Hairy, yellow Hairy, beige RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Agronomical characteristics: The agronomical characteristics of genotypes are summarised in Table 2. Table 2 Agronomical and Botanic characteristics of chickpea genotypes Days to flowering Days to maturity Antrachnose (1-9) Plant height (cm) P-1 P-14 R-2 R-5 R-6 R-9 R-12 I-4 I-7 I-8 I-11 I-10 ILC 4951 C.echinospermum C.reticulatum Mean LSD 0.01 67 c 68 b 66 d 70 a 71 a 67 c 67 c 64 e 66 d 65 e 66 d 62 f 64 e 65 e 64 e 66 1.264 5.5 d 4.0 e 3.0 f 7.0 c 6.5 c 7.5 b 3.0 f 9.0 a 9.0 a 8.0 b 5.5 d 7.5 b 2.0 f 2.0 f 1.5 f 5.4 1.794 44.0 a 48.3 a 31.0 f 30.0 g 30.0 g 21.0 ı 35.0 d 24.0 ı 26.0 ı 28.0 h 32.0 e 25.0 ı 28.0 h 37.0 b 36.0 c 31.7 5.402 Genotypes Seed yield Plant (g) 6.46 b 4.58 e 9.82 a 5.92 d 5.98 d 2.10 g 11.1 a 3.86 f 4.44 f 9.44 a 4.97 e 4.50 e 2.78 g 113.3 e 116.0 c 115.7 c 118.0 a 118.0 a 116.0 c 117.0 b 113.0 e 114.0 d 114.0 d 113.0 e 112.0 f 105.0 g 104.0 h 113.0 e 113 0.93 Pod (mm) roughness Width 10.4 c 9.2 f 13.3 a 10.4 c 9.3 e 9.7 d 11.5 b 8.8 g 9.1 f 9.4 e 9.2 e 9.1 f 10.7 b 9.90 b 10.2 b 12.8 a 9.69 c 9.33 c 9.99 b 9.89 b 8.77 e 8.45 f 9.39 b 10.6 b 9.04 d 10.7 b Genotypes P-1 P-14 R-2 R-5 R-6 R-9 R-12 I-4 I-7 I-8 I-11 I-10 ILC 4951 Number of pods per plant Number of seeds per plant 17.6 h 13.4 ı 24.2 e 16.8 h 21.9 f 10.6 ı 28.4 c 12.8 ı 13.6 ı 29.4 b 15.6 h 19.4 g 15.2 ı 39.4 a 26.8 d 20.34 4.878 15.8 g 14.6 h 22.4 d 16.4 g 19.6 e 11.8 h 29.8 c 19.2 f 15.8 g 30.4 c 17.2 g 20.8 d 15.6 g 63.4 a 39.4 b 23.48 3.614 length First Number pod of height branches (cm) per plant 25 b 2.6 d 30 a 2.4 d 16 f 3.8 d 18 e 4.4 b 18 e 4.4 b 12 f 3.2 d 19 d 3.2 d 15 f 3.0 d 13 f 4.0 c 15 f 4.8 a 20 c 2.6 d 14 f 4.4 b 19 d 2.4 d 18 e 3.8 d 16 f 3.2 d 17.9 3.48 1.46 1.478 Seed (mm) length Width roughness 20.10 b 20.28 b 24.30 a 19.45 c 15.72 g 20.38 b 21.43 b 17.99 e 16.97 f 19.81 b 19.77 b 18.47 d 20.63 b 9.40 a 8.99 b 10.60 a 8.39 b 9.76 a 9.43 a 8.70 b 6.93 d 8.15 c 9.27 a 9.05 b 8.87 b 8.73 b 7.37 b 6.18 b 8.82 a 6.55 b 6.66 b 6.60 b 7.17 b 5.71 e 5.52 e 6.07 c 6.34 b 6.26 b 6.84 b 100 seed weight (g) 36.19 b 31.22 c 44.56 a 30.97 c 27.95 d 35.66 b 35.66 b 23.66 e 24.28 e 22.52 f 31.15 c 20.09 g 15.72 h 336 7.52 b 6.64 d 8.70 a 6.96 c 6.27 d 6.47 d 7.74 b 4.83 h 5.56 g 5.72 f 7.80 b 6.23 d 6.09 e RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA C. reticulatum C.echinospermum Mean LSD 0.01 6.20 c 5.04 e 5.81 1.66 10.1 c 7.9 h 9.87 0.877 8.50 f 7.80 g 9.67 1.385 17.47 f 15.36 h 19.21 1.871 6.427 e 6.48 e 8.61 1.378 5.97 e 4.59 ı 6.47 0.825 5.420 e 4.45 f 6.39 1.28 12.48 ı 9.09 j 26.74 1.014 All the parameters studied varied significantly. The highest values for days to flowering and maturity were record in genotype R-5 and R-6. Other genotypes for early flowered and matured were almost similar. The lowest anthracnose values were recorded in C. echinospermum, ILC 4951 and C.reticulatum. Genotypes I-7 and I-4 were killed by antracnose in some plots. Plant height changed from 24.0 to 48.3 cm, and maximum plant height were recorded in genotype P-1 and genotype P-2, pisiforme shaped. C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum showed high plant height, however, all genotypes had short and more branched, ranged from 2.4 to 4.8. Significantly higher number of pods per plant was noted for C. echinospermum and lower for the genotype R-9. Similar pattern was observed for number of seeds per plant. Maximum and minimum seed yield per plant were attained by avarage large seeded genotypes R-9 (2.1 g/plant) and R-12 (11.1 g/plant). Values of pod and seed traits and 100 seed weight are given in Table 2. The highest value for pod and seed traits was recorded in genotype R-2. The lowest value for pod and seed traits was record in C. echinospermum. The highest value for 100 seed weight was found in genotype R-2 with 44.56 g. ILC 4951, C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum had the lowest value for 100 seed weight. Generally, local genotypes studied were small poded and seeded. These varieties is highly demanded by local consumers due to their addiction, it’s high market value and low price. Protein content and essential and nonessential amino acids: The protein and essential and nonessential amino acids of the genotypes are summarized in Table 3. Table 3 Protein (Nx5.80), essential and non essential amino acids (mg/100 g) of chickpea genotypes Genotypes P-1 P-14 R-2 R-5 R-6 R-9 R-12 I-4 I-7 I-8 I-10 I-11 ILC 4951 C.echinospermum C.reticulatum Mean LSD 0.01 Genotypes P-1 P-14 R-2 R-5 R-6 R-9 R-12 I-4 I-7 I-8 I-10 I-11 ILC 4951 Protein (%) 21.21g 21.83 b 21.52 e 21.42 f 22.00 b 22.33 a 21.75 c 18.71 ı 21.61 d 21.64 d 21.92 b 21.67 d 20.18 h 22.41 a 21.56 e 21.45 23.66 Alanine Histidine Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine 225.3 c 204.8 d 276.1 b 268.9 b 185.1 e 70.83 ı 177.0 e 167.8 f 181.9 e 77.60 ı 99.80 h 169.5 e 186.5 d 315.3 a 136.8 g 228.5 18.40 Glycine 1034.0 e 880.8 g 1039.0 e 1187.0 b 1072.0 d 1120.0 c 1266.0 a 864.1 g 1038.0 e 931.3 f 1087.0 c 1182.0 b 1099.0 c 969.6 f 1172.0 b 1062.7 42.33 Serine 1563.0 e 1578.0 e 1538.0 f 1711.0 d 1734.0 d 1883.0 b 1603.0 e 1407.0 g 1769.0 c 1550.0 e 1797.0 c 1556.0 e 1739.0 c 1579.0 e 2333.0 a 1689.4 61.90 Proline 1174 j 1504 c 2134 a 1395 e 1438 e 1251 ı 1444 e 1491 c 1323 g 1429 e 1259 ı 1278 h 1408 e 1561 b 1350 f 1429.2 56.50 Tyrosine 801.2 ı 867.8 f 850.4 g 916.0 d 1059.0 a 940.8 c 976.6 b 736.4 j 866.0 f 1016.0 b 881.5 e 892.9 e 808.6 h 779.9 e 853.6 b 795.5 d 814.7 c 808.9 d 871.7 b 905.7 b 684.2 g 806.1 d 837.5 c 852.8 b 825.8 c 754.1 f 984.8 e 885.1 g 1074.0 c 976.5 e 1024.0 c 1160.0 b 1038.0 c 732.4 h 1165.0 a 1217.0 a 1173.0 a 988.9 d 1009.0 d 1008.0 e 939.4 g 1225.0 b 1079.0 d 1138.0 c 1087.0 d 864.9 h 807.1 ı 521.3 k 683.5 j 1042.0 e 857.3 h 994.3 f 447.6 g 509.8 de 506.0 de 541.6 c 545.7 c 489.1 e 588.5 b 461.1 f 532.6 c 404.3 h 533.1 c 475.7 f 487.6 e 120.9 e 57.90 h 236.9 c 184.7 d 253.8 b 94.73 f 181.7 d 71.96 g 280.8 a 83.23 f 250.0 b 245.9 b 254.2 b 255.6 b 240.2 b 187.5 16.27 Aspartic acid 5473 b 3257 d 2727 ı 6008 a 3215 e 3257 d 3266 d 2913 h 3324 c 3400 c 3169 f 3331 c 2903 h 337 Phenylalanine 1187 f 1301 c 1217 e 1340 c 1370 b 1367 b 1370 b 1033 h 1279 d 1122 g 1426 b 1266 d 1328 c 1362 b 1972 a 1329.3 73.85 Hydro 1 proline 121 c 0.0 d 3.7 d 212. a 5.6 d 0.0 d 0.0 d 16.0 d 0.0 d 0.0 d 0.0 d 0.0 d 143 b Threonine Valine 826.3 b 795.0 c 792.8 c 877.6 a 773.3 d 843.9 a 944.1 a 831.9 b 844.2 a 771.0 d 749.6 d 766.9 d 908.0 a 756.8 d 792.0 c 818.2 102.8 Glutamic acid 3062 ı 4105 b 3998 c 3582 g 4168 a 4003 c 3999 c 3051 ı 3976 d 3902 e 3978 d 4085 b 3383 h 1063.0 c 866.4 ı 966.2 e 1102.0 b 1006.0 d 977.0 e 1149.0 b 916.1 f 902.8 g 870.2 ı 932.2 f 1044.0 c 956.6 e 896.5 h 1720.0 a 1024.6 65.99 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA C.echinospermum C.reticulatum Mean LSD 0.01 855.4 f 1082. a 903.4 42.14 849.4 b 1013.0 a 830.2 60.82 929.5 f 725.1 h 1005.4 52.45 1040.0 e 1363.0 a 976.6 34.27 545.0 c 1024. a 539.4 29.37 3097 g 3392 c 3515.4 96.06 0.0 d 0.0 d 33.4 21.28 4243 a 3696 f 3815.3 88.07 Significantly high value for protein content was recorded in genotype R-9 (22.33%) and C. echinospermum (22.41%). The low value for protein content was noted in genotype I-4. In general, genotypes studied were showed high or medium protein content. Chickpea seems to have one of the lowest protein contents among pulses (11) even if based on their amino acid composition, these proteins were found to have a higher nutritive value than that of other grain legumes (5, 11). Over all the genotypes studied the means of nonessential amino acids were higher than those of essential amino acids (Table 3). The lowest value for essential amino acid was record in methionine (187.5 mg/100 g) and histidine (228.5 mg/100g), and the highest value was observed in leucine and phenylalanine. However, high methionine values were observed in some genotypes, varied from 180 to 280 mg/100 g. Non-essential amino acids varied from 33.4 mg/100 g in hydro l proline to 3815.4 mg/100 g in glutamic acid and aspartic acid 3515.4 mg/100 g. Amino acid data indicate that the highest values for histidine and glutamic acid were record in C. echinospermum. C. echinospermum had low isoleucine and leucine values. Cicer reticulatum had the highest values for leucine, phenylalanine, valine, alanine, glycine, proline and tyrosine; however, its protein and lysine values were low. The genotype R-2 with low protein, large and white seeded, had the highest lysine value. The opposite pattern was observed for genotype R-9, seed color is redish. Chickpea protein was rich in essential amino acids such as isoleucine, lysine, total aromatic amino acids and tryptophan compared with the the other grain legumes FAO/WHO (1973) reference (2). Therefore, chickpea protein could very well complement those protein sources that are low in lysine and tryptophan. However, leucine, total sulfur amino acids, threonine and valine were slightly deficient in chickpea protein compared with the reference pattern (12). Mineral contents: The various mineral constituents of chickpea genotypes (Table 4), varied among the cultivars, revealed that potassium (K) constituted the major portion of minerals. The high values have been reported by most authors (1, 11 and 12). Potassium content ranged from 9601 mg/kg in I-4 to 11520 mg/kg in R-5. Sodium (Na) was found in the lower quantity, and the highest sodium content was in C. reticulatum. Sodium quantity in wild variety and double flowered variety was higher than other genotypes. The values of amount of phosphorus (P) among genotypes were high, and I-10 (3909 mg/kg), I-7 (3852 mg/kg), I-8 (3718 mg/kg) and I-11 (3909 mg/kg) genotypes had the maximum amount of phosphorus. Table 4 Mineral contents (mg/kg) and B-vitamin contents (mg/100g) of chickpea genotypes Genotypes P-1 P-14 R-2 R-5 R-6 R-9 R-12 I-4 I-7 I-8 I-11 I-10 ILC 4951 C.echinospermum C. reticulatum Mean LSD 0.01 Na K Ca P 43.67 l 44.51 k 45.17 j 63.01 b 63.19 b 51.04 g 55.67 f 43.67 l 45.94 ı 48.33h 54.56 d 45.23 j 52.88 f 53.53 e 64.26 a 51.64 0.574 9341 l 10193 h 11280 b 11520 a 10106 ı 11026 c 10500 f 9601 k 10543 f 10533 f 9933 j 10683 e 9261 m 10820 d 10370 g 10381 55.13 1284 k 1759 e 1175 l 858 o 1090 m 1569 g 1073 n 2169 a 1477 ı 1609 f 1527 h 1430 j 1997 b 1936 c 1816 d 1861 9.26 2598 h 3513 c 2640 g 2951 f 3083 e 3873 a 3081 e 2874 f 3852 a 3718 a 3909 a 2722 g 2528 h 3330 d 3668 b 3222 117.4 Ca:P ratio 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 338 Na:K ratio 0.005 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.006 0.005 0.006 0.005 Thiamin Riboflavin Pyridoxine 0.38 e 0.51 b 0.51 b 0.36 e 0.45 c 0.37 e 0.56 a 0.32 f 0.62 a 0.61 a 0.58 a 0.59 a 0.33 f 0.70 a 0.43 d 0.488 0.16 0.08 g 0.14 d 0.11 e 0.07 h 0.11 d 0.16 d 0.24 c 0.03 ı 0.12 d 0.15 d 0.14 d 0.38 b 0.09 f 0.36 b 0.54 a 0.181 0.05 0.23 h 0.34 g 0.49 a 0.42 c 0.45 b 0.40 d 0.53 a 0.22 h 0.37 e 0.36 f 0.48 a 0.43 c 0.43 c 0.37 e 0.46 a 0.399 0.06 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Considerable variation in calcium (Ca) concentration among genotypes was determimned, and value was between 858 mg/kg and 2169 mg/kg. Ca concentration among the small seeded and wild chickpeas was high for example I-4, ILC 4951, C. echinospermum and C. reticulatum. Other researchers reported that considerable variation in Ca concentration can be achieved among the small-seeded wild and Desi lines (ranging from 120 to 160 mg dry weight/seed), Ca concentration varied between 1.6 and 2.5 mg Ca/g dry weight. Also, they showed that smaller seeds are expected to contain more Ca per unit of dry weight relative to larger seeds (13). Kabuli chickpeas, the relationship between Ca concentration and seed size is of great relevance for Kabuli chickpea consumers and for breeders interested in improving the nutritional quality of chickpea seed. The mean Ca:P ratio in chickpea genotypes ranged from 0.3 to 0.7, and Na:K ratio was similar and low among genotypes (Table 4). Other researchers were noted that potassium and phosphorus contents were high level in chickpea seeds. Also, they were reported that chickpea may provide a sufficient amount of minerals to meet the human mineral requirement. As plants have greater potassium requirements than animals and humans (1, 12). B-vitamins: The B-vitamin contents in chickpea seeds are presented in Table 4. Among genotypes considerable variation in B vitamin contents were determined. In genotypes, thiamin content (0.488 mg/100 g) was found in the higher quantity compared with riboflavin 0.181 mg/100 g) and pyridoxine (0.399 mg/100 g). The highest values for thiamin were found in R-12, I-7, I-8, I-10 and I-11 genotypes and wild variety C. echinospermum. The highest value for riboflavin was recorded in C. reticulatum. Genotypes R-2, R-12, I-10 and C. reticulatum had high pyridoxine value. Table 5 The correlations among protein content and seed weight and essential and non-essentieal amino acids Tyrosine Proteincontent Ess. Ami.Acids Histidine Lysine Phenylalanine Methionine Threonine Isoleucine Valine Leucine Nonessential Am.Ac. Alanine Glycine Serine Proline Asparticacid Hydro1proksil Glutamicacid Tyrosine -0.05 -0.05 0.93** 0.34** -0.01 0.40** 0.84** 0.90** 0.54** 0.73** -0.49** 0.55** -0.05 -0.15 0.07 Nonessentialaminoacids Glutamic Hydro Aspartic acid 1 acid proksil 0.33** -0.32** 0.15 0.10 -0.14 -0.01 0.38** 0.22 -0.04 0.05 0.48** 0.46** 0.39** 0.03 -0.41** -0.58** -0.27 -0.31** -0.09 0.01 0.75** Proline Serine 0.19 0.24 0.01 0.18 -0.13 0.31** 0.49** 0.56** 0.03 0.15 -0.13 -0.49** -0.02 -0.04 -0.04 0.08 0.29* 0.39** -0.35** 0.13 -0.03 Glycine Alanine Leucine Essentialaminoacids Valine Isoleucine 0.76** 0.72** 0.59** 0.70** 0.54** 0.68** Threonine 0.47** 0.56** 0.37** -0.00 0.08 0.44** 0.48** -0.12 -0.07 Methionine -0.07 0.48** 0.35** 0.23 0.16 0.16 0.13 0.19 -0.17 Phenylalanine Lysine Histidine protein 100 seed weight 0.09 0.40** -0.05 0.51** -0.90** 0.83** -0.18 0.11 -0.06 -0.23 -0.30** -0.16 0.49** -0.13 0.29* 0.06 -0.07 -0.34** -0.01 -0.00 -0.05 0.37** 0.26 -0.27 0.32** 0.29* 0.05 0.08 0.28 -0.39 -0.31** 0.18 0.16 -0.37 -0.18 0.60** 0.79** -0.30** 0.61** -0.03 -0.10 0.20 -0.11 -0.15 -0.06 0.25 -0.37** -0.18 0.23 -0.37** -0.24 -0.31** 0.20 0.27 0.35** -0.01 0.55** 0.62** 0.47** 0.21 0.05 -0.29* 0.80** 0.15 -0.17 -0.17 0.28 0.01 0.23 0.05 0.02 -0.38** *, **, Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively. Correlations: Correlation of essential and non essential amino acids with protein content, 100 seed weight and all of them were computed and presented in Table 5. Seed weight was positively correlated with protein content. The present result is in accordance with that reported by Khattak et al., (14). Protein content was positively correlated with phenylalanine, methionine, leucine isoleucine, threonine, and all non essential amino acids, except hydro l proksil, but negatively correlated with histidine, threonine and lysine. 100 seed weight was positively correlated with Histidine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, serine, proline, aspartic acid, hydro l proksil and glutamic acid. Histidine was positively correlated with lysine, methionine and threonine, but negatively correlated with 339 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA phenylalanine, leucine and isoleucine. Lysine was negatively correlated with all essential and non-essential amino acids, but positively correlated with proline and glutamic acid. CONCLUSION Although local varieties showed medium protein and amino acid profile, they had high B vitamins and phosphorus contents. Wild chickpea varieties had the highest protein content, B vitamin and amino acid value, but they had low potassium, and calcium content. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This research was financially supported by Dicle University (DUBAP-06-ZF-99). REFERENCES (1) Iqbal A., et al. 2006. Characteristics of chickpea cultivars grown in Pakistan. J. of Foodservice, Res. Int. 17 (2): 94-101 (2) Williams PC and Singh U., 1987. The Chickpea. Nutritional quality and evaluation of quality in breeding programs. In: M.C. Saxena, and K.B. Singh (eds), The Chickpea, 329-356. CAB Int., Wallingford. (3) Manan F., et al. 1984. Proximate composition and minerals constituents of important cereals and pulses grown in NWFP. Pak. J. of Sci. Res. 36:45-9. (4) Hulse JH., 1991. Nature, composition and utilization of grain legumes. In: Uses of Tropical Legumes: Proceedings of a Consultants’ Meeting, 27-30 March 1989, ICRISAT Center. ICRISAT, Patancheru, A.P.502 324, India, pp. 11-27. (5) Singh U., 1985. Nutritional quality of chickpea (C. arietinum L.): current status and future research needs. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 35: 339-351 (6)Kaur M., et al. 2005. Physicochemical, cooking, textural and roasting characteristics of chickpea (C. arietinum L.) cultivars. J. of Food Eng. 69 (4):511-517. (7) Akmal KM., et al. 1995. Nutritional evaluation of desi and kabuli chickpeas and their products commonly consumed in Pakistan. In.J. of Food Sci. and Nutr. 46(3): 215223. (8) Singh U., et al. 2006. Cooking quality and nutritional attributes of some newly developed cultivars of chickpea (C. arietinum L.). J. Sci. Food and Agric. 55: 37-46. (9) AOAC, 1984 Official methods of analysis (14th ed.), Arlington, VA (10) MSTAT , 1989. A Microcomputer Program for the Design, Management, and Analysis of Agronomic Research Experiments. Michigan State University-ABD (11) Patanè C., 2006. Nutritional traits in Sicilian genotypes of chickpea (C. arietinum L.). J. of Food Quality 29:282-293 (12) Alajaji SA and El-Adawy TA. 2006. Nutritional composition of chickpea (C. arietinum L.) as affected by microwave cooking and other traditional cooking methods. Journal of food composition and analysis, 19(8): 806-812. (13) Abbo S., et al. 2000. Genetic control of seed weight and calcium concentration in chickpea seed. Plant Breeding 119: 427-431. (14) Khattak AB., et al. 2006. Study of selected quality and agronomic characteristics and their interrelationship in Kabuli-type chickpea genotypes (C. arietinum L.). Int. J. of Food Sci. and Tech., 41(2): 1–5 ABOUT THE AUTHORS B.T. Biçer, O. Tonçer and D. Sakar, Dicle University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, Diyarbakir/Turkey, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] 340 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA EFFECT OF SOME CORN CULTIVARS ON POPULATION GROWTH PARAMETERS OF RHOPALOSIPHUM MAIDIS (FITCH) (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) Erol BAYHAN1, Selime ÖLMEZ BAYHAN1 1 Dicle University, Agricultural Faculty, Department of Plant Protection, DiyarbakırTURKEY Abstract: The development, survival rate, reproduction, and biological parameters of the corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), on five corn cultivars were evaluated at 25 ˚C under laboratory conditions. The corn leaf aphid nymphal developmental times were 5.56, 5.28, 4.68, 4.64, and 4.59 day reared on RX9292, Doge, Golden Harvest H2547, Dracma and AG92140, respectively. The corn leaf aphid reared on AG92140 had the highest fecundity (70.85 offspring/aphid). The lower percentage survival rates were observed on aphids hosted on RX9292. The lowest net reproductive rate (Ro) was 67.35 offspring/aphid/generation on RX9292. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was lower on RX9292 than that on the other corn cultivars. The current results pointed out RX9292 as an antibiotic cultivar against the pest. Key words: Corn cultivars, Developmental time, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Survival time. INTRODUCTION Corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a polyphagous and cosmopolitan species widely distributed in subtropical and warmer temperate regions (Blackman & Eastop, 2000). This aphid parasites more than 30 genera of the Poaceae and it is found primarily on corn, especially in late season (Blackman & Eastop, 1984). The corn leaf aphid is one of the most important corn pests in Trakya region of Turkey (Bayhan & Özder, 1999). Corn leaf aphid infests all parts of the corn plant above ground. The most severe damage occurs in the tassel, often aphid populations become so dense within the protective sheath of the tassel that proper pollination does not occur and it results in incomplete ears. Leaves may become encrusted with aphids and wilt (Foot, 1977). The ability to transmit plant viruses greatly exacerbates the damage potential of this aphid. Corn leaf aphid excretes large amounts of honeydew. Sooty mold is a dark colored fungus that grows on honeydew excreted by this aphid. It may cause in poor corn pollination, interference with photosynthesis and, in severe cases, reduced grain development. Host plant resistance could play an important role in the control of aphid populations. The plant characteristics that may impart resistance to aphids can be both morphological, biochemical and allelochemical factors. Host plant cultivars and temperature affect insect population growth such as development, longevity and reproduction (Mirak et al., 2004). These insect life traits are usually used to evaluate the level of plant antibiotic resistance to pests (Cambell et al., 1974; Foster et al., 1988; Robinson et al., 1991; Satar et al., 1998; Hesler et al., 1999; Frel et al., 2003; Aslam et al., 2004; Silva et al., 2004; Razmjou et al., 2006; Bayhan 2009; Taheri et al., 2010). This type of resistance is very effective to control pests under an Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The aim of the current research is to assess the effects of certain corn cultivars on the biological parameters of R. maidis under constant temperature at laboratory conditions, , which will be part of a forecasting and IPM systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aphid source. The laboratory colonies of R. maidis were established with aphids collected from leaves of corn plant in Tekirdağ, Turkey. The colonies were maintained on young plant in a climatic room held at 25 1 C, a relative humidity 65 5 %, and a 16 h: 8 h (light: dark) light regime. The offspring remaind under these conditions before the aphid individuals were used in the experiments. 341 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Development and Survivorship of Immatures. Randomly selected apterous females from the stock culture were transferred onto excised corn leaf disc placed upside down on wet filter paper in petri dishes. The newly born nymphs less than 24 h old from petri dish were transferred to each of the fresh-cut corn leaf disc in a petri dish (6 cm diameter x 1.5 cm deep) with a small brush. All replications in which the nymphs died within 24 h after the transference were omitted. The filter papers in the petri dishes were wetted daily and every 2-3 days the aphids were transferred to new corn leaf discs. The nymph and adult on each petri dish were checked daily under a stereoscopic microscope and their survival recorded. The presence of the discarded exuviae was used to determine when molting had occurred. Experiments were carried out at in a climatic cupboard under a constant temperature of 25 1 C, and with 65 5 % relative humidity and a light: dark photoperiod of 16 h : 8 h. Adult Longevity and Reproduction. After the immature insects become adults were observed daily to evaluate the reproduction and survival, and all new-born nymphs were counted and removed. Observations were recorded until all of the aphids died. The developmental time for each instar was recorded and included. Nymphal instar, the duration for adult pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive periods, the lifetime fecundity, and the average number of offspring produced daily were determined for each individual aphid. These parameters were examined for fifty aphids at 25 C on each corn cultivars. Throughout the study, fresh corn leaves were provided to aphids every 1 - 2 d. Data Analyses and Statistics. The effect of corn cultivars on the life history of the aphids was illustrated by constructing a life table for age-specific survival rate (lx) and fecundity (mx) for each age interval (x) per day. The net reproductive rate Ro= lxmx, the mean generation time To= (x.lx.mx) / lx.mx, the intrinsic rate of increase rm = e-rxlx.mx = 1, and the growth potential for a population under a given set of laboratory conditions er.x lx.mx were calculated as described by Birch (1948). In addition, life table parameters of R. maidis were calculated from the data collected by a computer program TWOSEX (Chi, 1997). Results for nymphal development time, adult life span, fecundity, and daily reproduction at constant temperature were analyzed using package program of SPSS 10.0 version for windows. The significance of differences between treatments was determined by Tukey’s HSD Multiple Range Test. Differences at a probability level of P 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Developmental times of different nymphs of R. maidis on five corn cultivars are presented in Table 1. Total developmental time of nymphs showed significant differences within the corn cultivars tested. Total developmental time of R. maidis was significantly shorter on AG92140 (4.59 d), Dracma (4.64 d) and Golden harvest (4.68 d) compared to those determined on RX9292 (5.56 d) and Doge (5.28 d). These differences were accounted by the differences determined in the duration of the nynphal periods. Total survival rate of first, second, and third instars was generally lower than fourth instars. The survival rate of total nymphal period was highest (92.86 %) on AG92140, and lowest (76.42%) on RX9292. Pre-reproductive, reproductive, post-reproductive periods, longevity, and fecundity of the corn leaf aphid are given Table 3. The shortest Pre-reproductive was determined on AG92140. Corn cultivars used in this study had pronounced effect on reproductive period of the corn leaf aphid. Reproductive period the longest for adult females reared on Golden Harvest H2547 (16.04 d) followed by Doge (16.03 d), RX9292 (16.02 d), Dracma (15.52), 342 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA and AG92140 (15.24 d). Post- reproductive period was the shortest on Golden Harvest H2547, and longest on Doge. Adult longevity varied significantly among cultivars. The recorded longevity were significantly shorter on AG92140, Dragma and Golden Harvest H2547 (Table 3) compared to the r adults reared on RX9292 and Doge. Total fecundity of R. maidis was significantly different in the corn cultivars, with the highest values on AG92140 (70.85 nymphs/female) Dracma (70.10 nymphs/female) and, Golden Harvest H2547 (69.55 nymphs/female). These values were significantly different from those recorded for the aphids reared on RX9292 (65.65 nymphs/female), and Doge (65.55 nymphs/female) (Table 3). The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and survival rates were lower on RX9292 and Doge than that on the other corn cultivars (Table 4). RX9292 and Doge showed resistance to the pest based on the current data. Table 1. Development period (days SE) of immature stages of Rhopalosiphum maidis at 25 ˚C on some corn cultivars. Corn cultivar 1st nymphal period 2nd nymphal period AG92140 1.33 ± 0.12 Doge 1.58 ± 0.14 Dracma 1.39 ± 0.11 Golden Harvest H2547 1.43 ± 0.06 RX9292 1.66 ± 0.16 Means within a column sharing the same 3rd nymphal period 4th nymphal period Total nymphal period 1.22 ± 0.09 1.12 ± 0.08 0.96 ± 0.08 4.59 ± 0.14 ab 1.38 ± 0.09 1.21 ± 0.14 1.06 ± 0.12 5.28 ± 0.18 cdef 1.19 ± 0.12 1.06 ± 0.09 0.96 ± 0.11 4.64 ± 0.16 ab 1.18 ± 0.11 1.09 ± 0.08 0.97 ± 0.03 4.68 ± 0.16 ab 1.62 ± 0.12 1.19 ± 0.14 1.10 ± 0.09 5.56 ± 0.18 f letter are not significantly different ( = 0.05, Tukey’s HSD multiple range test). Table 2. Survivorship (percentage) of immature stages of Rhopalosiphum maidis at 25 ˚C on some corn cultivars. Corn cultivar 1st nymphal period 2nd nymphal period 3rd nymphal period 4th nymphal period Total nymphal period AG92140 Doge Dracma Golden Harvest H2547 RX9292 96.32 93.72 97.28 96.24 84.74 98.28 93.44 94.62 97.28 93.98 98.45 ± 96.38 98.16 98.48 97.16 99.00 99.43 99.64 98.86 96.84 92.86 83.36 90.58 89.32 76.42 AG92140 Doge Dracma Golden Harvest H2547 RX9292 Means within a column No. Progeny / female Longevity of female Postreproductiv e period Reproductive period Corn cultivar Prereproductive period Table 3. Mean SE reproduction, fecundity per female, and longevity of female Rhopalosiphum maidis at 25 ˚C on some corn cultivars. 0.21 15.24 2.23 22.26 ± 0.172 a 70.85 ± 0.874 d 0.64 16.03 2.64 24.59 ± 0.148 b 66.55 ± 0.638 ab 0.22 15.52 1.91 22.27 ± 0.168 a 70.10 ± 0.942 d 0.31 16.04 1.30 22.32 ± 0.165 a 69.55 ± 0.952 cd 0.42 16.02 2.63 24.62 ± 0.144 b 65.65 ± 0.625 a sharing the same letter are not significantly different ( = 0.05, Tukey’s HSD multiple range test). 343 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Table 4. Biological parameters of Rhopalosiphum maidis at 25 ˚C on some corn cultivars. rm Ro To AG92140 0.490292 70.75 10.80 Doge 0.382948 66.55 12.76 Dracma 0.481861 70.10 10.92 Golden Harvest H2547 0.480808 69.55 10.93 RX9292 0.382641 65.65 12.73 (rm = The intrinsic rate of increase, Ro = net reproductive rate, To = mean generation time) Corn cultivars DISCUSSION The knowledge of the population growth rate of a pest on different host plants can be used to assess the relative resistance or susceptibilityof the host plants. Taheri et al. (2010) stated that a biology and life history trait of a pest on host cultivars are essential for the development of effective management strategies. Also, these parameters provide the population growth rate of an insect pest in the current and next generations (Frel et al., 2003). Several researchers have observed that the use of host plant varieties affect aphids (Kennedy & Abou-Ghadir, 1979; Kieckheefer & Lunden, 1983; Chongrattanameteekul et al., 1991; Fonseca et al., 2004; Özgokçe & Atlihan, 2005; Ulusoy & Ölmez-Bayhan, 2006). Current results demonstrate the major effects that different host plants can provoke on the development, survival, reproductive biology, and life table parameters of R. maidis. Our results are consistent with the findings of other authors that host plant species has a significant effect on biological parameters of aphid species (Satar et al., 1998; Tang et al., 1999; Tsai &Wang, 2001; Özgökçe &Atlıhan, 2005; Ulusoy & Olmez-Bayhan, 2006; Bayhan, 2009; Taheri et al., 2010, Razmjou & Golizadeh, 2010). The data obtained on various corn varieties examined here differ significantly in terms of their quality as hosts for the aphid. The varietioes RX9292 and Doge were the most antibiotic hosts for R. maidis. The developmental time values of R. maidis on the no antibiotic cultivars and on the antibiotic ones (RX9292 and Doge) were similar to those ones reported by Silva Mia et al., (2004) and Asin & Pons (2001), respectively. The rm value we obtained on AG92140, Dracma and Golden Harvest H2547 for R. maidis were similar to that reported by Lumbierres et al., (2004) for R. padi on non-transgenic Bt corn, but lower than the rm value (0.506) reported by Lumbierres et al., (2004) for R. padi on transgenic Bt corn at similar temperatures. Asin and Pons (2001) reported rm value for R. padi on durum wheat (Mexa) with 0.45 at 25 ˚C. The different rm values for the corn leaf aphids in above studies may be attributed to differences in rearing conditions, aphid species and biotypes, and plant species and cultivars. CONCLUSION In summary, corn cultivars have a significant effect on survivorship, developmental rate, fecundity, longevity and biological parameters of R. maidis. Our data on some biological parameters of R. maidis would be helpful to develop an integrated pest management program in order to improve production in maize fields. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We wish to thank T. R. Prime Ministry State Planning Organization for providing the funding for this research. 344 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA REFERENCES [1]. Asin L. and Pons X., 2001. Effect of high temperature on the growth and reproduction of corn aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) and implications for their population dynamics on the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. Environ. Entomol., 30, 1127–1134. [2]. Aslam,M., M. Razaq, F. Ahmad, M. Faheem and W. Akhter, 2004. Population of Aphid (Schizaphis graminum R.) on Different Varieties/Lines of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Int. J. Agri. Biol., 6 (6): 974-977. [3]. Bayhan, E., 2009. 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Bull., 39: 155–181. 346 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CHANGE OF TOBACCO LEAF PIGMENTS IN PROCESS OF YELLOWING Marija SRBINOSKA, Vesna RAFAJLOVSKA, Lenka CVETANOVSKA, Suzana KRATOVALIEVA, Ivana KLINCARSKA JOVANOVSKA Abstract: In this study, the changes in the patterns of chlorophylls and carotenoids content and dry weight of leaves in relation to the ripeness and yellowing of leaves in Oriental tobaccos were investigated. Tobacco variety Yaka 125/3 showed the highest content of total chlorophyll in all primings. Concentration of Chl a was ranged from 1.44 mg/g to 5.70 mg/g and Chl b from 0.49 mg/g to 2.76 mg/g, of dry matter. Content of total carotenoids in leaves of variety Prilep P-23 was ranged from 0.63 mg/g to 3.27 mg/g, of dry matter. Key words: tobacco, oriental, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, yellowing INTRODUCTION Pigments are integrally related to the physiological function of tobacco leaves and variation in its content may provide information concerning about degree of ripeness and physiological status of leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L). The initial and the most important stage of the post-harvest processing of oriental tobacco is yellowing, during which leaves maintain the chemical and physical properties that enable them to be cured and manufactured into tobacco products. Leaves indicate their ripeness by beginning to yellow-green, a signal that chlorophyll is beginning to break down [11, 1]. Chemical changes mediated by enzymatic activity [3, 9] during the yellowing stage lead to the formation of desired compounds in the cured tobacco. The chlorophyll tends to decline more rapidly than carotenoids when plants are under leaf yellowing [9, 11]. Rates of chemical conversion of chlorophyll and carotenoids can be manipulated by controlling ambient temperature and moisture. Air temperature in the yellowing chamber is maintained between 30 and 40°C, with relative humidity of 80 to 95%, [11] for about 48 h or until the leaves turn yellow. Those pigment losses are accompanied by degradation of starch and chloroplastic proteins. Traditional methods for analysis of photosynthetic pigments employed spectroscopy and extinction coefficients that had been calculated for a range of solvents [8, 10, 4, and 2]. For whole-leaf extracts these methods allowed for the accurate calculation of chlorophyll a and b concentration and carotenoids. Ultrasound assisted extraction of various analytes from a variety of plant samples using different types of solvents have been found in the literature [5, 12]. In this work sonication was used in order to disturb the cell walls of tobacco leaf tissue thereby providing enhancement in mass transfer in spite of existing drawbacks of ultrasonic bath. Many different solvents have been compared for the extraction of pigments in leaves with the general conclusion being that extraction with a mixture of 80% acetone and 20% water has been the solvent of choice in many studies [2, 4]. The objective of this work was to investigate and obtain data on the effect of yellowing in controlled conditions (32C, RH 80%) on the oriental tobacco leaf pigments content. MATERIAL AND METHODS The extracts from whole leaves were obtained from tobacco varieties Prilep P-23, Yaka 125/3, and Djebel 38 grown at the Scientific Tobacco Institute-Prilep in 2009, immediately after harvest and after yellowing. 347 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA For pigment determinations, ten plants per varieties were chosen at random and three mature leaves per plant were collected, placed in thermal insulated box and taken to the laboratory. Others are taken to yellowing in the oven with controlled temperature and humidity (32C, RH 80%, 48 h). We used extraction technique combined with sonication and spectrophotometric assay to quantitative determination of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and total carotenoids in the same extract of leaves. Leaf samples (1g fresh or after yellowing) were ground in buffered aqueous acetone solution (80% v/v, pH 7.8). After homogenization the control samples were centrifuged at 5000 x g for 5 min. Other samples were subsequently placed in laboratory glass beaker, sonicated for 5 min in an ultrasound bath DU-4, Clifton, U. K (35 kHz; 300 W) at −4◦C (using saltwater), and centrifuged. The both supernatants were used for determining absorbance at 470, 646 and 663 nm (spectrophotometer Carry Scan 50, Varian USA) to obtain carotenoid and chlorophyll concentrations. The fresh leaves (10 g) were weighed, dried for 48 h at 60°C and then weighed to obtain dry matter. The amounts of pigments were determined using equations from the literature based on the absorbance data [4, 6, and 7]. Values Chl a+b, Chl a/b, Chl a+b/car are estimated mathematically. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Extraction efficiency of the ultrasound method The extraction efficiency of the ultrasound-assisted method was significantly higher than that of the control treatment. For example, for chlorophyll a, the extraction using the ultrasound method yielded more than 30% the amount of the control (Figure 1). The other pigments were also extracted to a significantly higher degree using the ultrasound treatment. 6,00 Concentrations (mg/g) 5,00 4,00 Chlorophyll a 3,00 Chlorophyll b Carotenoids 2,00 1,00 0,00 Control Ultrasound treatment Fig.1 Effect of sonication treatment in yields of chlorophyll and carotenoids Total Chlorophyll Oriental tobacco is always harvested by priming, with 3 to 5 leaves being taken at one time. Five or six primings are usually required. The leaves are picked at a stage just before full ripeness, when the color is yellow-green and the leaf angle to the steam has increased nearer to the right angle. Chlorophyll degradation and the progressive appearance of yellow pigments were the most visible of the biochemical changes that took place during yellowing. In all investigated tobacco varieties the amounts of chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids were degraded gradually. Degradation was slow for a short period at the beginning of the yellowing, and then increased sharply until hour 48 (Figure 2). 348 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA 2,00 1,80 Concentrations (mg/g) 1,60 1,40 1,20 Chlorophyll a 1,00 Chloriphyll b Carotenoids 0,80 0,60 0,40 0,20 0,00 0 12 24 36 Yellowing time (h) 48 Fig. 2 Chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations in tobacco leaves from upper stalk position during the yellowing stage Tobacco variety Yaka 125/3 showed the highest content of total chlorophyll in all primings. Concentration of Chl a was ranged from 1.436 mg/g to 5.950 mg/g and Chl b from 0.930 mg/g to 2.499 mg/g, of dry matter (Table 1). After yellowing Before yellowing Table 1. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids concentracions (mg/g DM), Chl a+b, Chl a/b, Chl a+b/car ratio in variety Yaka 125/3 extracted with sonication Leaf priming Chl a Chl b Car Chl a+b Chl a/b Chla+b/car Chl a Chl b Car Chl a+b Chl a/b Chla+b/car 1st 5.950 2.499 2.180 8.449 2.381 3.876 3.863 1.719 1.981 5.582 2.829 2.818 2nd 5.697 2.259 1.992 7.956 2.522 3.994 2.198 1.382 1.991 3.580 1.590 1.798 3rd 4th 5th 6th 3.113 1.619 1.141 4.732 1.923 6.777 1.733 1.062 0.798 2.795 1.632 3.503 2.556 1.167 0.883 3.723 2.190 4.216 1.415 0.965 0.699 2.380 1.466 3.405 1.499 1.099 0.799 2.598 1.364 3.252 1.251 0.659 0.563 1.910 1.707 3.393 1.436 0.930 0.585 2.366 1.544 4.044 0.974 0.487 0.511 1.461 2.000 2.859 Content of total carotenoids in leaves of variety Prilep P-23 was ranged from 0.593 mg/g to 2.442 mg/g, of dry matter (Table 2). It can be assumed that the high content of carotenoids was varietals characteristics of this tobacco. 349 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA After yellowing Before yellowing Table 2. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids concentracions (mg/g DM), Chl a+b, Chl a/b, Chl a+b/car ratio in variety Prilep P-23 extracted with sonication Leaf priming Chl a Chl b Car Chl a+b Chl a/b Chla+ b/car Chl a Chl b Car Chl a+b Chl a/b Chla+ b/car 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 5.731 2.442 2.610 8.173 5.531 2.233 1.861 7.764 3.453 1.367 0.924 4.820 2.667 1.273 0.876 3.940 1.411 1.039 0.633 2.450 1.287 0.593 0.536 1.880 2.347 2.477 2.526 2.095 1.358 2.170 3.131 4.172 5.216 4.498 3.870 3.507 3.074 1.058 2.456 4.132 2.044 1.028 1.651 3.072 1.840 0.913 0.922 2.753 1.973 0.746 0.726 2.719 1.121 0.525 0.458 1.646 1.187 0.339 0.418 1.526 2.905 1.988 2.015 2.645 2.135 3.501 1.682 1.861 2.986 3.745 3.594 3.651 After yellowing Before yellowing Table 3. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids concentracions (mg/g DM), Chl a+b, Chl a/b, Chl a+b/car ratio in variety Djebel 38 extracted with sonication Leaf priming Chl a Chl b Car Chl a+b Chl a/b Chla+ b/car Chl a Chl b Car Chl a+b Chl a/b Chla+ b/car 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 5.777 2.747 2.455 8.524 4.695 2.037 2.260 6.732 4.383 1.992 1.920 6.375 2.199 1.189 0.841 3.388 1.239 1.099 0.660 2.338 1.044 0.922 0.420 1.966 2.103 2.305 2.200 1.849 1.127 1.135 3.472 2.979 3.320 4.029 3.542 4.681 3.230 1.169 2.050 4.399 2.756 0.960 1.955 3.716 1.416 0.780 1.029 2.196 1.015 0.754 0.758 1.769 1.086 0.500 0.450 1.586 0.994 0.313 0.407 1.307 4.474 2.871 1.815 1.346 2.172 3.176 2.121 1.901 2.134 2.334 3.524 3.211 Leaf dry weight, chlorophylls and carotenoids contents showed significant decrease during the yellowing in all investigated tobacco varieties. 350 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK After 48 hours of yellowing can generally concluded that the content of total chlorophyll in the leaves of first priming was reduced for 33.93% in the second for 55.01%, and in the third priming for 40.94% compared with their starting concentrations. Referring to the fourth, fifth and sixth priming, total chlorophyll concentration decreased for 36.08 %, 26.49 % and 40.15 %, respectively. The extraction efficiency of the ultrasound-assisted method was significantly higher than that of the control treatment. The ultrasound-assisted method is suitable for the reliable separation of chlorophyll and charotenoids from tobacco. Considerable research on chemical composition and changes in tobacco leaves during curing has been conducted, but only a few studies have focused on pigments changes during the yellowing stage with respect to temperature and relative humidity. Further knowledge of the nature of chlorophyll and carotenoids changes during yellowing will contribute to efforts aimed at improving cured leaf quality. REFERENCES [1]. Abubakar, Y., et al.2000. Changes in moisture and chemical composition of fluecured tobacco during curing. Tobacco Science. 44, 51-58. [2]. Dunn, J. D., et al. 2004. 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Srbinoska Marija, PhD Scientific Tobacco Institute, University St. Kliment Ohridski-Bitola, Kicevska bb, 7500 Prilep, Republic of Macedonia, 00389 048 412-760, E-mail: [email protected] 351 RESEARCH PEOPLE AND ACTUAL TASKS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES 8 – 10 JUNE 2011, LOZENEC, BULGARIA Vesna Rafajlovska, PhD Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy University Ss. Cyril and Methodius Rudjer Boskovic 16, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, 00389 02 3088 254, E-mail: [email protected] Lenka Cvetanovska, PhD and Ivana Klincarska Jovanovska, biologist Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Arhimedova 6 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia 00389 02 3249621, E-mail: [email protected] Suzana Kratovalieva PhD. Institute of agriculture, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Blvd. Aleksandar Makedonski bb 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, 00389 02 3230 910, E-mail: [email protected] 352