2024-03-29T01:14:29+04:30 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/browse.php?mag_id=263&slc_lang=en&sid=23
263-5461 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 A Case Study Investigating Farmers’ View Regarding Soil Analysis: Estimates Using a Logit Model O. Karkacıer Z. Gokalp Goktolga The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of the Turkish farmers with regard to fertilizer usage. Farmers in the Kazova district of Turkey's Tokat Province were interviewed regarding their soil maintenance practices. The interview was based on a standardized questionnaire the answers being recorded at the time of interview. Simple random sampling method was used to determine the sample size of the research. According to the results, sample size was determined as 61 farmers. The fundamental question (dependent variable) was to determine if farmers have the soil in their fields analysed. The independent variables were: education level of farmers (EDU); whether the farmer shares information regarding fertilization (EI); whether the farmer sows according to the results of the soil analysis (SA); whether the farmer uses pesticides (UPI); and the level of concern the farmer has for production rate (PQ). With the exception of farmers' concern over production rate (PQ), all the independent variables had a positive effect on weather or not farmers have the soil in their fields analysed. The econometric model selected for the analysis is a binomial logit model in which the dependent variables take only two values: either 1 or 0. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.7358. Farmer behaviours Logit Model Soil protection 2011 7 01 467 476 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5461-en.pdf
263-8507 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Economic Optimal Allocation of Agriculture Water: Mathematical Programming Approach A. Keramatzadeh A. H. Chizari R. Moore Due to increasing demand for the scarce available water throughout the world it is an extremely important matter, in water management, to make serious attempts in determining its true economic value. This paper discusses the optimal allocation of water to agriculture, the relatively true economic value of water as well as the cropping patterns for the Shirvan Barzo (SB) dam area in North Khorasan Province of Iran. The analysis is based on linear programming (LP) and on multi goal linear programming (MGLP) models for determining solutions that can maximize net return to farmers. In the study, the priority of goals is developmental, social, economical, and environmental respectively. The results indicated that optimizing the cropping patterns along with proper the allocation of irrigation water has yet substantial potential to increase the net return from agriculture. It has already decreased the applied water as much as 19 percent. The results show that the economic value of each unit of agricultural water is estimated to be between 107 to 1296 IRR×104 per cubic meter. This suggests managing the allocation of water based on optimal models and bring water prices close to its true economic value to motivate the farmers to economize in the applied water. Economic value of water Cropping pattern Mathematical Programming Optimal Allocation Sustainable irrigation 2011 7 01 477 490 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8507-en.pdf
263-11060 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Factors Influencing Knowledge Sharing among Personnel of Agricultural Extension and Education Organization in Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture Gh. Pezeshki Rad N. Alizadeh N. Zamani Miandashti H. Shabanali Fami The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing knowledge sharing among the personnel of Agricultural Extension and Education Organization in the Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture. A survey method was employed for the study, and 110 personnel randomly selected as a sample out of 140 who were busy working in the organization. Data was collected through a questionnaire employed as the tool of the study. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined as 0.93. The personnel were of the belief that knowledge sharing happened in their organization to a large extent. According to the study, there existed significant relationships between the factors of social trust, relational social capital and attitude toward knowledge sharing, and the dependent variable of knowledge sharing. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that relational social capital and attitude towards knowledge sharing could explain about 37 percent in the variations of knowledge sharing. Attitude Knowledge Sharing Relational social capital Social trust 2011 7 01 491 501 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11060-en.pdf
263-8686 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Design, Construction and Evaluation of a Fan Speed Controller in a Forced Convection Solar Dryer to Optimize the Overall Energy Efficiency N. Bagheri A. Keyhani S. Mohtasebi A. R. Alimardani Sh. Rafee G. H. Mansoori To increase agricultural crops’ quality and to minimize losses in the final product and used energy during the drying process, major drying system parameters should be continuously controlled. Precise control of such parameters is attained by using automatic control systems. To optimize the overall dryer efficiency in a forced convective solar dryer, a controller was designed, constructed and evaluated. The dryer fan speed was chosen to be the controlled variable. Based upon the mathematical relations and a monitoring of the air inlet temperature to the collector, the air outlet temperature from the collector and the air outlet temperature from the drying chamber, the dryer efficiency was determined. Using the dryer control program the current and the optimized dryer efficiencies were calculated, compared and the fan speed changed accordingly to maintain the optimized efficiency. Experiments were carried out in three replications (in three days) with the results showing that the system was capable of controlling the fan speed to obtain the optimum efficiency. The dryer equipped with the designed control system worked with its highest efficiency throughout the day. Statistical analysis showed that the control system highly improved the dryer efficiency throughout its operation at a 1% probability level. Automatic control system Fan speed Forced-convection Optimum efficiency Solar dryer 2011 7 01 503 515 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8686-en.pdf
263-4685 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Nondestructive Determination of Tomato Fruit Quality Parameters Using Raman Spectroscopy A. Nikbakht T. Tavakkoli Hashjin R. Malekfar B. Ghobadian Tomato is a major fruit, as well as a major food science product. There is a need of determining the quality attributes of this fruit (nondestructively) due to the increasing demand of the in agro-industrially controlled areas. Most of the commonly employed techniques are time consuming and involve a considerable degree of manual work. Sample preparation, juice making, and laboratory tests are among the limitations. Raman spectroscopy was applied in this study to measure such important quality parameters of tomato as SSC, pH and color. A dispersive Raman instrument was employed and reference analyses were carried out to make calibration models regarding the spectral features and target attributes. Analysis of the spectra revealed that all the three characteristic bands of cartenoids, lycopene, and carotene, were significantly recognizable. Also there were several strong to medium bands recognized as related to carbohydrates. Principal Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Square (PLS) were selected as the multivariate calibration models. The prediction models proved to be robust resulting in a desirable mapping between the spectra and output attributes. The Root Mean Square Error of Predictions (RMSEP) through PLS and PCR for modeling the color index using the whole spectrum was obtained as 0.33 and 0.38, respectively. RMSEP for mapping the SSC using PLS and PCR models was resulted in respective figures of 0.30 and 0.38. PCA interpretation depicted that Raman spectra could make a favorable distinction among the samples based on their maturity stages. As a result, there is a great potential to use Raman spectroscopy in industrial approach and in line control. Tomato Nondestructive Quality attributes Raman spectroscopy 2011 7 01 517 526 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4685-en.pdf
263-5732 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Effect of the Three Herbal Extracts on Growth Performance, Immune System, Blood Factors and Intestinal Selected Bacterial Population in Broiler Chickens S. Rahimi Z. Teymori Zadeh M. A. Karimi Torshizi R. Omidbaigi H. Rokni A research study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three herbal extracts and an antibiotic –virginiamycin- on growth performance, immune system, blood factors and selected intestinal bacterial populations in broiler chickens. A total of four hundred and eighty 1-day old male broiler chicks were assigned to the basal diet (control) , basal diet supplemented with 15 ppm of virginiamycin, basal diets with a 0.1% dose of either thyme (Thymus vulgaris), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), garlic (Allium sativum) or a blend of the three extracts in the drinking water. The highest and the lowest body weight and weight gain were related to virginiamycin and coneflower, (P< 0.05) respectively. The lowest and the highest feed conversion rates were respectively related to virginiamycin and coneflower (P< 0.05). Relative weight of bursa Fabricius in the garlic group showed a significantly more increase as compared with other groups, while the relative weight of spleen was unaffected by treatments. Cutaneous basophils hypersensitivity response (to phytohemaglutinin injection) and antibody response to Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) was higher in coneflower group (P< 0.05). Antibody responses to Newcastle Disease vaccine (LaSota) was unaffected by treatments but coneflower improved antibody levels (P> 0.05). Garlic (Allium sativum) significantly reduced the serum levels of cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride as well as significantly increasing the level of HDL. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) improved hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration, but not significantly. The colony forming units of Escherichia coli in digesta of ileo-cecum in the blend group showed a significantly lower number compared with control. However, there was no difference observed in E. coli counts between blend group and others, except for control. The lactic acid bacteria counts in the thyme group increased as compared to other groups, except for coneflower (P< 0.05). Garlic Performance Blood factors Coneflower immune system Thyme 2011 7 01 527 539 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5732-en.pdf
263-7840 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Standardized Ileal Digestible Threonine Requirements and Its Effects on Performance and Gut Morphology of Broiler Chicks Fed Two Levels of Protein M. Zaghari F. Zaefarian M. Shivazad The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 8 levels of threonine (0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 and 1.1%) and 2 levels of protein (17.5 and 20.5%) on growth performance, gut sizes and morphology as well as to estimate Standardized Ileal Digestible (SID) Thr requirements in Ross 308 males at 0 to 21 days of age. Chicks were randomized into 64 battery cages (5 chicks per replicate). FI was lower for broiler given the high CP diets as compared to those fed on low CP diets. BWG and FCR improved up to 0.7% Thr in both CP levels. Fitted broken lines indicated break points at 0.62 and 0.66% SID Thr for weight gain at 17.5 and 20.5% crude protein, respectively. Significant interaction was found between CP and Thr on relative weight and length of duodenum and jejunum (P< 0.05). Thr supplementation significantly affected villus height, epithelial thickness, goblet cell number and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P< 0.01). Low CP diets adequate in Lys, Total Sulfur Amino Acid (TSAA) supplemented with Thr may result in optimal BWG and FCR as well as in growth of intestinal length. Such parameters of gut functionality as microvilli height, crypt depth and epithelial thickness seemed to be improved with even higher levels of dietary SID Thr levels. Broiler Chicks Gut Functionality Standardized Ileal Digestibility (SID) Threonine 2011 7 01 541 552 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7840-en.pdf
263-2380 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Identification of Fatty Acid in Mackerel (Scomberomorus commersoni) and Shark (Carcharhinus dussumieri) Fillets and Their Changes during Six Month of Frozen Storage at -18°C S. Nazemroaya M. A. Sahari M. Rezaei Changes in the fatty acid composition and biochemical indices of mackerel (which has a substantial lipid content) and shark (which has negligible lipid content) fillets stored at - 18°C for up to six months were measured. Lipid content was measured (6.35% and 1.38%) in mackerel and shark, respectively; however it decreased during frozen storage in both fish species. In analysis of fatty acids the amount of PUFA, especially -3 ones, was more predominant in mackerel than shark, nevertheless, fatty acid composition has changed in both species during frozen storage. The amount of saturated fatty acids in contrast with unsaturated fatty acids increased due to oxidation of PUFA. The decrease in PUFA compounds (40.1% and 23.94%) was as follows: -3 (48% and 42.83%), -3/ -6 ratio (41.36% and 50%), PUFA/SFA ratio (56% and 42.23%) and EPA+DHA/C16 ratio (55.55% and 46.66%) in mackerel and shark, respectively. For both species, tiobarbituric acid (TBA), peroxide (PV), free fatty acids (FFA) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) values were significantly (P< 0.05) increased with storage time. The results showed that, among these indices, changes in the PV and TBA in mackerel were significantly (P< 0.05) larger than in shark; but changes of FFA and TVB-N in shark were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than in mackerel. It means that oxidative and hydrolytic deterioration are promoter factors of biochemical changes in mackerel and shark, respectively. Frozen storage Biochemical changes Carcharhinus dussumieri Fish fillet Scomberomorus commersoni 2011 7 01 553 566 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2380-en.pdf
263-6432 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Influence of Withania coagulans Protease as a Vegetable Rennet on Proteolysis of Iranian UF White Cheese A. Pezeshki J. Hesari A. Ahmadi Zonoz B. Ghambarzadeh Extraction of protease from Withania coagulans’ fruits and the effect on proteolysis of Iranian UF white cheese in comparison with pure chymosin and fungi rennet (fromase) were investigated during ripening. The results indicated that, except for pH which was significantly (P< 0.05) lower in cheeses made with Withania coagulans, there was no significant difference observed among the cheeses produced with different rennet preparations as in moisture, fat and salt contents during ripening. The values of pH 4.6- SN and the Urea-polyacrylamide gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) pattern revealed severe proteolysis in cheeses produced with Withania coagulans’ enzyme as compared with animal and fungi rennets. The caseins s1- and disappeared in cheeses made with Withania coagulans enzyme preparations. Furthermore, a noticeable increase of soluble nitrogen in 12% trichloroacetic acid (SNTCA) was observed during ripening of cheeses made with vegetable rennet, probably due to an unspecific proteolitic activity of Withania coagulans enzymes as compared to other rennets. Proteolysis UF white cheese Vegetable rennet Withania coagulans 2011 7 01 567 576 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6432-en.pdf
263-7080 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 In-house Production of Lactose-hydrolysed Milk by Beta-galactosidase from Lactobacillus bulgaricus A. Jokar A. Karbassi Crude Enzyme (beta-galactosidase) Extract (CEE) was produced by Lactobacillus ssp. bulgaricus CHR Hansen Lb-12 and was applied in sterile milk which had been processed through Ultra High Temperature method (UHT milk), for hydrolyzing lactose. Lactosehydrolyzed milk was also produced by a pure and commercially available betagalactosidase (Maxilact). Optimum quantities of CEE and Maxilact enzyme, for producing lactose-hydrolyzed milk, during 6 hours of processing, were 0.418 and 0.512 U ml-1, respectively. Using more than 0.418 U ml-1 CEE resulted in unacceptable acidity. Acidity of lactose-hydrolyzed milk produced through 0.418 U ml-1 of CEE was significantly increased from 15 to 17 ºD, while enhancement of acidity in lactosehydrolyzed milk produced through Maxilact enzyme was not significant. Total count of lactose-hydrolyzed milk by 0.418 U ml-1 CEE, after 6 hours of processing was significantly increased from 5 to 30 CFU (Colony Forming Unit). Sensory evaluation of lactosehydrolyzed milk and ordinary UHT milk (as control) did not show any significant differences with respect to acceptability of sweetness, taste, aftertaste and color. Beta-galactosidase Crude enzymatic extract Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lactose hydrolysis 2011 7 01 577 584 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7080-en.pdf
263-9309 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Pecorino Romano Cheese Produced Using a Selected Starter Culture N. P. Mangia M. A. Murgia G. Garau P. Deiana The effect of a selected autochthonous starter culture made up by Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus helveticus on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of Pecorino Romano cheese during ripening was investigated. The suitability of the experimental starter culture was tested at industrial scales in cheese-making trials of Pecorino Romano. Pecorino Romano cheese manufactured by use of scotta-fermento served as control. The lactic microflora increased significantly in experimental cheeses as compared to the control and this was also accompanied by a substantial decrease of spoilage microorganisms in experimental cheeses. Free amino acids (FAAs) were more abundant in experimental cheeses, arginine+g-aminobutyric acid and leucine in particular. These differences could be likely due to a different enzymatic activity of the selected starter culture as compared to the scotta-fermento used in the control trials. Oleic (C18:1), palmitic (C16:0), butyric (C4), stearic (C18:0) and myristic (C14:0) acids were the most abundant Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) detected in both brand of cheeses at the end of ripening. Overall, the level of FFAs in experimental and control cheeses did not show significant differences, even if the average values in experimental cheeses were always slightly higher than those recorded for the control. Moreover, the average content of FFAs of Pecorino Romano was found the lowest when compared with the other Sardinian PDO cheeses; most likely the high content of sodium chloride and the low aW of Pecorino Romano influenced all the lipase activities, even those present in the rennet paste. Despite this, the employment of the selected starter culture revealed useful to improve the physico-chemical features of Pecorino Romano while preserving its tipicity. Autochthonous starter culture Free amino acids Free fatty acids Pecorino Romano cheese Thermophilic microflora 2011 7 01 585 600 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9309-en.pdf
263-5382 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 The Physiological Response of Three Iranian Grape Cultivars to Progressive Drought Stress N. Ghaderi A. R. Talaie A. Ebadi H. Lessani Investigating the role of drought stress conditions on physiological characteristics of plant may provide means to understand basic drought resistance. Differences in leaf emergence rate, leaf relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), leaf mass area (LMA), net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), water use efficiency (Anet/gs) and recovery of gas exchange were investigated in two-year-old grapes of three Vitis vinifera L. cultivars ("Khoshnave", "Bidane-Sefid" and "Askari"), subjected to progressive drought stress (soil water potential: -0.2, -0.6, -1, and -1.5 MPa). The results showed temporary reduction in RWC, MSI, leaf emergence rate, LMA, Anet, gs and E. Ci decreased with increasing drought stress. "Khoshnave" grape showed a higher photosynthesis rate than "Bidane-Sefid" and "Askari". Higher LMA of "Khoshnave" may be attributed to the potential for carbon absorbance and higher Anet as compared to the other two cultivars. Complete recovery of Anet for all cultivars occurred one day after rewatering at -0.6 MPa and four days after rewatering at -1 MPa treatments. Complete recovery of gs was not observed in either one or four days after rewatering except for "Askari". The results showed that Anet of "Khoshnave" recovered quickly as compared to those in the other two cultivars. Water use efficiency was maximum in all cultivars under -1 MPa treatment. Similar patterns of Anet/gs were observed for the three cultivars. "Khoshnave" had higher Anet/gs as compared to "Askari" and "Bidane-Sefid" under severe drought stress conditions. "Khoshnave" cultivar, with a higher Anet, higher leaf emergence rate, higher LMA, rapid recovery of Anet, higher Anet/gs was found to be promising for cultivation in rain-fed areas across the west of Iran in comparison with the other cultivars. Drought Stress Grapevine Gas exchange LMA Water use efficiency 2011 7 01 601 609 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5382-en.pdf
263-1069 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Total Oxalate-Soluble Pectin Concentration in Asian Pear (Pyrus serotina Rehd) Fruit in Relation to Ripening, Storage and Internal Browning Disorder K. Arzani H. Khoshghalb M. J. Malakouti M. Barzegar Oxalate Soluble Pectin (OSP) is related to fruit firmness with respect to the chelation of calcium ions with carboxyl groups of adjacent polyuronide chains. This study was carried out to explore the effect of time of fruit harvest, foliar spray with CaCl2 during growing season on OSP, Polygalacturonase Activity (PGA), fruit firmness and the effects on fruit shelf life, quality and Internal Browning (IB) disorder. Fruit samples were collected from Asian pear (Pyrus serotina Rehd.) trees ‘KS’9 and ‘KS’13 on European pear (Pyrus communis L.) seedling rootstocks. Fruits were picked on the 1st and 15th August, 2006 and stored at 1ºC and 80-85% relative humidity (RH). Five stages of extraction were performed on fruit samples including one pre-harvest, one at the time of harvest, and three following fruit harvest. Results indicated that OSP increased slightly during fruit ripening as well as during storage. In both the studied cultivars, the level of OSP in fruit harvested fifteen days after Optimum Time for Harvest (OTH) was higher than that harvested at OTH. The level of OSP in fruit softened after harvest significantly increased starting from the time of harvest. The relationship between flesh firmness, IB and OSP concentration showed the highest correlations in the both of the studied cultivars among PGA. In conclusion, flesh firmness and IB were correlated with the extent of OSP concentration. In addition, fruit, sprayed with CaCl2 and harvested early, contained less OSP, PGA and IB following long-term storage. Firmness Polygalacturonase activity Softening Soluble solid concentration storage Titratable acids 2011 7 01 613 628 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1069-en.pdf
263-5737 2024-03-29 10.1002
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology JAST 1680-7073 2345-3737 10.22034/jast 2011 13 4 Predicting Dryland Wheat Yield from Meteorological Data Using Expert System, Khorasan Province, Iran A. Khashei-Siuki M. Kouchkzadeh B. Ghahraman Khorasan Province is one of the most important provinces of Iran, especially as regards agricultural products. The prediction of crop yield with available data has important effects on socio-economic and political decisions at the regional scale. This study shows the ability of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technology and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) for the prediction of dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield, based on the available daily weather and yearly agricultural data. The study area is located in Khorasan Province, north-east of Iran which has different climate zones. Evapotranspiration, temperature (max, min, and dew temperature), precipitation, net radiation, and daily average relative humidity for twenty-two years at nine synoptic stations were the weather data used. The potential of ANN and Multi-Layered Preceptron (MLP) methods were examined to predict wheat yield. ANFIS and MLP models were compared by statistical test indices. Based on these results, ANFIS model consistently produced more accurate statistical indices (R2= 0.67, RMSE= 151.9 kg ha-1, MAE= 130.7 kg ha-1), when temperature (max, min, and dew temperature) data were used as independent variables for prediction of dryland wheat yield. Artificial Neural Network Prediction ANFIS Dryland wheat yield Khorasan Multi-layered preceptron 2011 7 01 627 640 http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5737-en.pdf