Resumen Introducción. Las regiones cultivables a menudo carecen de nutrientes suficientes en el suelo, por lo que es necesario utilizar fertilizantes. Sin embargo, el uso excesivo de fertilizantes puede dañar el medioambiente, la salud humana y la seguridad alimentaria. Los reguladores de crecimiento naturales derivados de plantas son respetuosos con el medioambiente y tienen un precio razonable. Las fitohormonas jasmonato de metilo (MeJA) y ácido salicílico (SA) son cruciales para mejorar la biomasa vegetal, la calidad, la productividad y la resistencia a tensiones ambientales. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto foliar de MeJA y SA sobre la calidad y la producción de frutos de cultivares de tomate en condiciones de invernadero. Materiales y métodos. La prueba se llevó a cabo en la Universidad de Diyala, Irak, del 1 de diciembre de 2022 al 5 de junio de 2023. Se evaluaron aplicaciones foliares de 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L de SA y 200 mg/L de MeJA para determinar los efectos sobre calidad de fruto y la producción cultivares de tomate cherry de crecimiento vegetativo indeterminado: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 e IQ2, con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Resultados. El cultivar IQ2 produjo la fruta más pesada (82,13 g), el mayor rendimiento por planta (4,56 kg/planta), el mayor rendimiento total (4,56 t/invernadero) y la mayor acidez titulable (0,62 %). El cultivar LA4013 presentó el mayor número de frutos (612,88 frutos/planta) y el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles totales (2,933 %). La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L resultó en el índice de clorofila más alto (36,68 SPAD), el mayor número de frutos (373,73 frutos/planta), el mayor rendimiento por planta (3,15 kg/planta) y el mayor rendimiento total (3,93 t/invernadero). Conclusión. Al considerar todas las variables en conjunto, los mejores genotipos fueron IQ2 y LA4013, los cuales resultaron superiores a los demás genotipos en los ensayos de calidad y rendimiento. La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L mejoró el rendimiento y la calidad de los tomates cherry en condiciones de invernadero.

Abstract Introduction. Arable regions often lack sufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. The phytohormones methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of colorful tomato cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was conducted at the University of Diyala, Iraq, from December 1, 2022, to June 5, 2023. Foliar applications of 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L SA and 200 mg/L MeJA were evaluated to determine their effects on fruit quality and production of colorful indeterminate cherry tomato cultivars: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2. A randomized complete block design was used, with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cultivar IQ2 produced the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), the highest plant yield (4.56 kg/plant), the highest total yield (4.56 t/house) and the highest titratable acidity (0.62 %). The cultivar LA4013 had the highest fruit number (612.88 fruits/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA resulted in the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD), the highest fruit number (373.73 fruits/plant), the highest plant yield (3.15 kg/plant) and the highest total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. Considering all variables together, the best-performing genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were superior to other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA improved both yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência de diferentes épocas de plantio e variáveis meteorológicas no desempenho produtivo da mandioca industrial na região do Agreste de Alagoas. Os tratamentos foram cinco datas de plantio, com espaçamento temporal de 25 dias entre elas: D1 - 10 de abril, D2 - 05 de maio, D3 - 30 de maio, D4 - 24 de junho e D5 - 19 de julho. O período experimental foi de abril de 2021 a setembro de 2023, dois ciclos de cultivo. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: dados agrometeorológicas e de crescimento e produção da cultura. Na região do Agreste de Alagoas, entre as estações chuvosa e seca, a ET0 média diária varia de 2,9 a 4,7 mm, respectivamente. A temperatura média do ar é 24,3 °C e atende as demandas térmicas da cultura da mandioca. A precipitação anual é suficiente para garantir a produção de mandioca, porém, há sazonalidade nas chuvas, com período seco da primavera ao verão, o que prejudica plantios mais tardios. Na região do Agreste de Alagoas, o melhor período para o plantio da mandioca é de 10 de abril a 5 de maio, que é o início do período chuvoso da região e garante melhores resultados em: altura do dossel vegetativo (3,2 m), diâmetro do caule (2,8 cm), índice de área foliar (3,0), comprimento máximo (43,1 cm), número (6,6) e rendimento de raízes (72,8 t ha-1), biomassa total (145 t ha-1) e teor de amido (34,3%).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different planting times and meteorological variables on the productive performance of industrial cassava in the Agreste region of Alagoas state, Brazil. The treatments were five planting dates, 25 days apart: D1 - April 10, D2 - May 5, D3 - May 30, D4 - June 24 and D5 - July 19. The experiment was conducted from April 2021 to September 2023 (two cultivation cycles), using randomized blocks, with four replicates. The variables analyzed were agrometeorological data, crop growth and yield. In the Agreste region of Alagoas, the average daily ET0 varies from 2.9 to 4.7 mm between the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The average temperature of 24.3 °C meets the thermal demands of cassava cultivation. Although annual rainfall is sufficient to guarantee cassava production, it is seasonal, with a dry period from spring to summer, which compromises subsequent plantings. In the Agreste region of Alagoas, the best time to plant cassava is from April 10 to May 5, which is the beginning of the rainy season and ensures better vegetative canopy height (3.2 m), stem diameter (2.8 cm), leaf area index (3.0), maximum root length (43.1 cm), number (6.6) and yield (72.8 t ha-1), total biomass (145 t ha-1) and starch content (34.3%).

RESUMO A cultura do tomate cereja é sensível ao déficit hídrico, sendo necessário um adequado manejo da irrigação, principalmente em regiões, cujo regime pluviométrico é irregular. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a viabilidade do índice térmico para determinação do déficit hídrico em tomate cereja sob diferentes estratégias de irrigação com déficit controlado e uso de condicionador de solo tipo hidrogel. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, em parcelas subdivididas, referentes às cinco estratégias de irrigação (FI - Irrigação plena, RD - Irrigação com déficit hídrico regular, S3 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase vegetativa, S4 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase de florescimento e frutificação, S5 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase de maturação e colheita) com déficit hídrico estabelecido em 50% da evapotranspiração da cultura, e uso do hidrogel (WiH - Com hidrogel, WoH - Sem hidrogel), com quatro repetições, totalizando 40 parcelas experimentais. As variáveis avaliadas foram: número total de flores e frutos, peso total dos frutos e índice térmico do dossel. Aos 60 dias após o transplantio, as estratégias de déficit hídrico regular e déficit hídrico controlado na fase de florescimento e frutificação, sem hidrogel, evidenciaram as maiores médias de índice térmico (0,98; 1,03 e 0,70 °C, respectivamente) e menor potencial hídrico foliar (-0,70; -0,48 e -0,50 MPa, respectivamente). O índice térmico obtido por imagens termográficas é viável para determinação dos efeitos do déficit hídrico no tomate cereja.

ABSTRACT Tomato cultivation is highly demanding on the supply of water throughout its phenological cycle, especially in regions where rainfall is irregular or scarce. Given the above, the objective of this study was to analyze the viability of thermal index for determining water deficit in cherry tomato under different strategies of controlled deficit irrigation and use of a hydrogel-type soil conditioner. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in a 5 × 2 split-plot arrangement, referring to the irrigation strategies (FI - Full irrigation, RD - Regular deficit irrigation, with a continuously applied water deficit, S3 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the vegetative stage, S4 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the flowering and fruiting stages and S5 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the maturation and harvest stages), with water deficit established at 50% of crop evapotranspiration, and use of hydrogel (WiH - With hydrogel, WoH - Without hydrogel), with four replicates, and with three plants per plot. The variables tested were: total number of flowers and fruits, total fruit weight and canopy thermal index. At 60 days after transplanting, the regular deficit irrigation and irrigation with controlled water deficit in the flowering, without hydrogel, showed the highest means of thermal index (0.98, 1.03 and 0.70 °C, respectively) and lowest leaf water potential (-0.70, -0.48 and -0.50 MPa, respectively). The thermal index obtained by thermographic images is viable for determining the effects of water deficit on cherry tomato.

Abstract: This study has examined the design proposal for a support structure for a rainwater storage tank, utilizing CAD/CAE software with computational numerical analysis. These tools predict how elements will behave under specific conditions without physical construction. The necessity arises from the importance of developing the entire rainwater harvesting system to offer a sustainable water supply alternative. To this end, a storage capacity of 500 liters was determined based on locally available plastic tanks, considering the dimensions and weight the structure needs to support. 3D modeling utilized a 50 mm (2 in) square steel pipe discretized through meshing. Validation of this process achieved a skewness of 0.2401 with 414 651 elements and 601 334 nodes, defining the corresponding initial and boundary conditions. Von Mises stress measured 189.5 MPa, below the yield limit for structural steel, with structural element deformation not exceeding 0.83 mm. Design validation was accomplished through safety factor analysis, yielding a value of 1.746, closely aligning with recommended values for support structures.

Resumen: Esta investigación ha evaluado la viabilidad de un diseño para una estructura de soporte destinada a un tanque de almacenamiento de agua pluvial. Se utilizó software CAD/CAE para llevar a cabo un análisis numérico computacional debido a que estas herramientas permiten predecir comportamientos de elementos sometidos a condiciones específicas, sin necesidad de construcción. La necesidad de este diseño surge de la importancia de desarrollar un sistema integral para la captación de agua de lluvia, como una alternativa sostenible para el suministro de agua. Se estableció una capacidad de almacenamiento de 500 litros, considerando los tanques plásticos disponibles en el mercado local, para determinar las dimensiones y la carga que la estructura debe soportar. El modelado tridimensional se realizó utilizando una tubería cuadrada de acero estructural de 50 mm (2 plg), la cual fue discretizada mediante un mallado. Este proceso se validó alcanzando skewness de 0.2401, con un total de 414 651 elementos y 601 334 nodos, y se definieron las condiciones iniciales y de contorno correspondientes. El esfuerzo de Von Mises obtenido fue de 189.5 MPa, lo cual está por debajo del límite de fluencia para el acero estructural. Además, la deformación en los elementos estructurales no superó los 0.83 mm. El diseño se validó mediante un análisis del factor de seguridad, el cual fue de 1.746, aproximándose al valor recomendado para estructuras de soporte.

Abstract Proper nutritional management is crucial for the development and production of cannabinoids in the cultivation of Cannabis sativa var. Cherry Oregon. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of five concentrations of Steiner nutrient solution on the phenology of medicinal hemp, and to determine the optimal dosage of the nutrient solution for cannabinoid content (cannabidiol [CBD] and tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]). Research was conducted at the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias [INIAP], Estación Experimental Santa Catalina [EESC], in Ecuador, under greenhouse conditions. Five concentrations of Steiner nutrient solution (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150%). Agronomic variables such as plant height, diameter at collar height, yield, and cannabinoid content in flowers were evaluated. Significant effects (p > 0,05) were used. Agronomic variables such as plant height, diameter at neck height, yield, and cannabinoid content in flowers were evaluated. Significant effects (p > 0.05) were observed in plant height and diameter at neck height. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) remained at concentrations lower than 1%. Concentrations at 75% and 100% of the nutrient solution showed higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD) with 15,3% and 15,15%, respectively. The nutrient solution at 125% and 100% concentrations promoted greater growth in plant height and diameter. The 125% concentration also produced the highest dry biomass yield with 810 g m-2 or 8,1 t ha-1, surpassing the other concentrations. It is concluded that the optimal concentration of Steiner solution was 125% for accumulation of dry biomass, and 75 and 100% for cannabinoid production in flowers (CBD), complying with current regulations (< 1% THC).

Resumen El adecuado manejo nutricional es crucial para el desarrollo y producción de cannabinoides en el cultivo de Cannabis sativa var. Cherry Oregon. Esta investigación tuvo por objetivo evaluar el efecto de cinco concentraciones de solución nutritiva Steiner en la fenología del cáñamo medicinal, y determinar la dosis óptima de la solución nutritiva para el contenido de cannabinoides (cannabidiol [CBD] y tetrahidrocannabinol [THC]). La investigación fue realizada en el Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias [INIAP], Estación Experimental Santa Catalina [EESC], en Ecuador, en condiciones de invernadero. Se emplearon cinco concentraciones de solución nutritiva de Steiner (50, 75, 100, 125 y 150%). Se evaluaron variables agronómicas como altura de planta, diámetro a la altura del cuello, rendimiento y contenido de cannabinoides en las flores. Se observó efecto significativo (p > 0,05) en altura de planta y diámetro del cuello. El THC se mantuvo < 1%. Concentraciones al 75% y 100% de la solución nutritiva mostraron niveles superiores de CBD con 15,3 y 15,15%, respectivamente. La solución nutritiva al 125 y 100% promovieron un mayor crecimiento en altura y diámetro a la altura del cuello. La concentración al 125% también produjo mayor rendimiento de biomasa seca con 810 g m-2 o 8,10 t ha-1, superando al resto de concentraciones. Se concluye que la concentración óptima de solución Steiner fue de 125% para acumulación de biomasa seca, y del 75 y 100% para la producción de cannabinoides en flores (CBD), cumpliendo con las regulaciones vigentes (< 1% de THC).

Green hydrogen has emerged as a prominent approach in an effort to mitigate global warming. Given the urgency of addressing the climate change crisis and mitigating global warming, there is an increasing emphasis on curtailing carbon dioxide emissions. This can be achieved through the production of green hydrogen. While there are various renewable power supply options capable of being utilized for producing green hydrogen, this research focuses solely on offshore wind, photovoltaics (PV), and a hybrid solution due to eThekwini's perceived abundance of solar radiation and extensive coastlines with ample wind resources, making it highly conducive to renewable energy generation. This paper initially introduces the concept of Green Hydrogen production and outlines the methodology employed to assess the viability of hydrogen production from various potential sources. Additionally, the energy requirements for a typical hydrogen plant are determined, along with a brief discussion on potential sites. In this case study, an energy yield assessment was conducted for PV, offshore wind, and a proposed hybrid model to determine the most beneficial source and identify any technical issues that may arise from the utilization of the considered power supplies. Finally, a high-level financial assessment assessing the project's financial viability is described. CC BY-NC-ND

ABSTRACT Tidal swamp lands in Indonesia, despite their low productivity, hold significant potential for improving maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation and food security. Biostimulants derived from plants, animals, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance productivity and maize yields. Notably, rice husk ash (RHA), rich in silica, and golden apple snail (GAS; Pomacea canaliculata, Lamarck, 1822), containing amino acids, offer growth-promoting benefits. This study examines the impact of liquid RHA, GAS, and microbial inoculant (PGPR) on maize yield in acid sulphate soils from Barambai District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. A randomized complete block design was used to test nine treatments, including a control (no NPK or biostimulants), full NPK, 75% NPK, and six biostimulant formulations (B1 to B6) combining RHA, GAS, and PGPR with 75% NPK. Biostimulants with more than 50% GAS extract significantly improved maize growth and yield while reducing NPK fertilizer use by 25%. Specifically, biostimulant formulations B1 (10% RHA, 80% GAS, 10% PGPR), B2 (20% RHA, 70% GAS, 10% PGPR), and B3 (30% RHA, 60% GAS, 10% PGPR), combined with 75% NPK, produced 126.0, 125.0, and 111.0 g plant-1, respectively, compared to 97.67 g plant-1 with full NPK. This suggests that biostimulants can reduce fertilizer use without sacrificing yield. The results highlight the role of amino acids in GAS extract for enhancing maize productivity. Biostimulants, particularly those rich in GAS extract, show promise in increasing maize grain yield and reducing reliance on inorganic fertilizers. Further field testing in real-world tidal swamps is needed to validate these findings.

ABSTRACT Plant factory is a production system characterized by high control and efficiency of the production factors, in which the cultivation of microgreens has increased. Photoperiod and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) are two of the main factors to be investigated in order to obtain maximum yield. In this context, an experiment was conducted in indoor environment to evaluate the influence of photoperiod (12, 16 and 20 h d-1) and PPFD (150, 250, 350 and 450 μmol m-2 s-1) with two harvest times (4 and 6 d of light) on the growth and yield of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) microgreens. Early harvest, photoperiod and PPFD affected hypocotyl length (HL), cotyledon area (CA) and yield individually and in interaction. Two-day earlier harvest resulted in reductions of 10.0%, 32.0% and 16.5% in HL, CA and yield, respectively. In general, higher PPFD and photoperiod caused decrease in HL and increase in CA and yield. With the combination of these factors, 315 μmol m-2 s-1 with 20 h light promoted the highest yield of red cabbage microgreens. In one year of production, early harvest promotes a greater number of production cycles and higher yield of red cabbage microgreens (616 kg m-2), which was 27% higher than that obtained with harvest carried out 2 d later, when the first leaf appeared.

ABSTRACT Concentrate supplementation during the finishing phase in tropical pastures improves the average daily gain and carcass characteristics of the animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation level (% of body weight, BW) on intake, apparent digestibility, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of steers finished on tropical pasture during the dry season. Forty male, uncastrated Girolando steers, weighing 439.25 ± 36.67 kg and aged 20 mo, were utilized. Treatments involved levels of concentrate supplementation: 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% BW for steers finished on Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster ‘Marandu’ pasture over an 84-d period in the dry season. The DM intake from the supplement (9.00 to 7.49 kg d-1) and total digestible nutrients (5.99 to 7.29 kg d-1) linearly increased (P < 0.05) with the rising level of concentrate supplementation. The average daily gain of the steers (0.44 kg d-1) remained unaffected (P > 0.05) by the increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Hot carcass weight (228.62 to 257.20 kg) and yield increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the levels of concentrate supplement. The 0.3% BW level of supplement resulted in carcasses with a thicker (P < 0.05) backfat layer (4.75 mm). Protein and cholesterol contents in the steers’ meat were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the level of concentrate supplementation. In conclusion, we recommend a concentrate supplementation level of 0.5% BW for steers finished on pasture during the dry season.

ABSTRACT Medicinal plants (MP) are used in various forms (teas, tinctures, creams, food supplements, etc.), with a single purpose, that of improving the quality of human life from birth to senescence. The choice of the species Cassia angustifolia Vahl, to be introduced into culture and for the development of mechanized cultivation technology is argued by the high demand for ecological raw material, correlated with climate changes. Establishing the optimal planting distance is very important in crop management to improve plant growth and yield. In this study, the effects of planting density on the growth and yield of C. angustifolia plants were evaluated in the edaphoclimatic conditions of Brasov, Romania. The experiment included three factors: Factor A - experimental year: 5 April 2016 (A1), 11 April 2017 (A2), 4 April 2018 (A3). Factor B - Distance row by row (RR): 25 (B1), 50 (B2), and 70 cm (B3). Factor C - Distance plant by plant (PP): Continuous row (C1), 15 cm (C2), and 25 cm (C3). Three years’ data indicated that plant density of 25 (RR) × continuous row (PP) resulted in obtaining the highest yield of fresh (48.33 t ha-1) and dry (7.93 t ha-1) biomass. Increasing planting density increased individual plant development (height, number of branches and weight), but reduced yield of biomass.

ABSTRACT Armyworm (Spodoptera litura) is the main leaf-damaging pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants. The research aims to assess the resistance response of soybean advanced lines against S. litura, evaluate their agronomic performance, and select the best genotypes based on multiple traits. The research was conducted in Malang, Indonesia. The evaluation for armyworm resistance was based on the free-choice test (FCT) and no-choice test (NCT). Each study utilized a randomized complete block design with 38 soybean genotypes and four replicates. The results showed that the NCT exerted a higher intensity of leaf damage and greater insect pest pressure compared to the FCT. Two soybean genotypes (G17 and G19) consistently demonstrated resistance to S. litura in both the FCT and NCT. Soybean seed yield has a significant positive correlation with plant height, number of filled pods, number of nodes, and number of branches, thus those characters could be used as indirect selection criteria for soybean yield. The selection based on GT Biplot revealed that G38 (resistant-control variety) and G17 had the best performance for resistance to S. litura, but did not exhibit significantly high seed yield. In contrast, G16 exhibited high yield performance but susceptibility to S. litura. The G36 was the best performer for the number of filled pods, number of nodes, number of branches, plant height, and 100-seed weight, despite being relatively less resistant to S. litura. G17 and G19 are promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and armyworm-resistant soybean varieties.

ABSTRACT Nutritional management of high-producing dairy cows under heat stress conditions presents a significant challenge due to the increasing issue of global warming. The study aimed to explore the effects of Cr supplementation in the form of chromium propionate (CrP) on feed intake, lactation performance, and selected biochemical serum parameters in mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows under heat stress conditions. The experiment was conducted during July and August and lasted for 8 wk. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 76.45 ± 2.80 during the experimental period, indicating that the cows were under heat stress. The added CrP provided 0.34 mg Cr kg-1 DM of used ration. The supplementation of diet with CrP increased DM intake (4.11%, P < 0.01) and the yield of milk (4.48%, P < 0.01), 4% fat-corrected milk (4.08%, P < 0.01), milk fat (4.46%, P < 0.01), protein (4.21%, P < 0.01), lactose (3.79%, P < 0.01), and total solids (3.51%, P < 0.01). Additionally, CrP supplementation increased blood glucose concentrations (8.39%, P < 0.01), while reducing blood urea N (BUN) levels (14.85%, P < 0.05) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels (17.14%, P < 0.05). The use of CrP as additional dietary source of Cr significantly improved productive performances of dairy cows under heat stress conditions. It was indicated that supplemented Cr could have positive effect on glucose and N metabolism, as well as on energy metabolism of lactating cows at moderately high THI values.

BACKGROUND. Infective endocarditis (IE) poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in cases of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis (BCNIE). Among patients undergoing surgery for IE, valve tissue may be evaluated for additional microbiological information by performing a broad-range 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, tissue culture and tissue histopathology. In patients with BCNIE, these diagnostic tests may identify the causative agents, guide further clinical management and improve local IE-related epidemiological data. The clinical utility of additional analysis of explanted tissue in a local South African (SA) setting has yet to be described. OBJECTIVES. To assess the clinical utility of performing PCR, culture and histopathology on the tissue of surgically explanted valves in BCNIE patients in an SA public sector hospital. We assess their diagnostic yield and treatment impact in a cohort of BCNIE patients treated with empirical antibiotic regimens. METHODS. We analysed data from the Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) Infective Endocarditis Registry, a prospective observational study of adult patients with infective endocarditis. Participants for this analysis were selected based on clinical and pathological criteria for IE and negative blood cultures. All participants were treated between January 2017 and March 2021. RESULTS. During the study period, we identified 165 IE cases, 57 (34.5%) of which were blood-culture negative. BCNIE patients had a mean (standard deviation) age of 40.2 (13.4) years, and 41 (71.9%) were male. Twenty-seven of the 57 BCNIE patients underwent cardiac surgery and had tissue analysis performed. Tissue PCR identified an aetiological agent in 17/27 (63%) cases, with Bartonella spp. (12/27, 44%) being the most common organism. Tissue culture was positive in 3/27 (11%) cases, but the organisms identified were thought to reflect sample contamination. Tissue histopathology was performed in 22/27 (81.5%) cases and provided macroscopic confirmation of IE, but did not identify any specific organisms in any of the specimens. Only a small subset of the overall BCNIE cohort (11/57 (19.3%)) had serum serology for Bartonella spp. and Coxiella spp. performed, and 5/11 (45.5%) were positive for Bartonella spp. There was a 100% concordance rate between positive serum serology and tissue PCR. Tissue PCR impacted the antimicrobial regimen in 20/27 (74%) cases. Tissue culture and tissue histopathology did not influence antibiotic regimens in any patients. CONCLUSION. In this single-centre study, perioperative serum serological testing was underutilised in BCNIE. Tissue PCR was valuable in determining the aetiology of BCNIE, and influenced management. Tissue culture and histopathology had a poor yield and added little value in identifying the microbiological cause of BCNIE. Finally, the most common BCNIE causative organism identified by additional non-culture testing in our setting is Bartonella spp.

ABSTRACT Agricultural production system is more effective with the appropriate use of existing resources. Climate change will have adverse effects on crop production depending on water sources scarcity in the future besides, Si may reduce this effect. The aim of this study is to analyze vegetative growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) with different levels of irrigation and Si doses applications. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted during 2022 and 2023 growing seasons in the Mediterranean environmental conditions. Treatments consisted of four Si doses (150, 100, 50 kg ha-1 and 0 kg ha-1 as control) and four irrigation treatments designed as pan coefficients (I1.00: Ep × 1.00; I0.75: Ep × 0.75; I0.50: Ep × 0.50; I0.25: Ep × 0.25). Experimental design was completely randomized with split-plot system with four replicates. For both growing seasons Si150-I1.00 interactions produced the highest marketable yields as 4.61 and 4.48 t ha-1, respectively, while the lowest values were found from Si0-I0.25 as 1.12 and 1.41 t ha-1 respectively. The highest crown diameter and body length values of 16.19-17.13 and 15.70-15.88 cm were recorded with I1.00 treatment across the two growing seasons. As a result of Si application, the efficiency of the cauliflower crop increased as the effects of water deficit decreased. According to research results in both years, water deficit up to 25% stress and 50 and 100 kg ha-1 Si doses in cauliflower cultivation improves crop yield-related characteristics.

ABSTRACT Peruvian cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has great acceptance and demand in the national and international textile market due to the excellent quality of its extra-long fiber, durability and resistance. To evaluate cotton cultivar performance, we need to use tools such as drones + sensors. However, these tools have not been widely used in the Peruvian agricultural area. Here we evaluated seven agro-morphological characters of 21 accessions of Del Cerro cotton cultivar from the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation of Peru with high-throughput phenotyping methods. We employed a Matrice 300 RTK unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with the MicaSense Dual Red Edge Blue multispectral sensor to assess plant height, yield, and spectral signature during physiological maturity stage; other morphological characters were manually scored. Multispectral monitoring revealed the phytosanitary status of the crop, which begins to enter senescence after 130 d after sowing (DAS) due to the decrease of the vegetation indices (VI). Pearson correlations between yield and VI showed favorable values, exceeding 0.60 at 94 DAS for normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), relative vigor index (RVI), and normalized difference red edge index (NDRE). Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on the same date, a significant correlation was found between NDVI and yield. Additionally, yield prediction equations were generated with the normalized difference water index (NDWI) showing an R value of 0.74 at 130 DAS. The findings of this study suggest that remote sensing evaluation is suitable for estimating ‘Del Cerro’ cotton yield in infrared (IR) bands, providing a tool for germplasm evaluation that can influence decision-making and better conservation strategies.