• Title/Summary/Keyword: Agricultural research

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Comparative study on growth of leafy vegetables grown in a hybrid BFT-aquaponics using Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica and hydroponics

  • Lee, Dong-Hoon;Kim, Jeong-Dae
    • Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.24 no.7
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    • pp.260-275
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    • 2021
  • Aquaponics is a cultivation system that combines aquaculture and agricultural hydroponics. This study investigated the productivity of leafy vegetables cultivated in the hybrid biofloc technology-aquaponics (HBFT-AP) using Japanese eel fed two kinds of diets (Mash, commercial powdered feed and extruded pellet [EP]) and hydroponics (HP).The mash was fed to the fish in a type of a dough mixed with water for 6 weeks (Exp1) and switched to the EP containing 2.7% monobasic potassium phosphate (MKP) for subsequent 6 weeks (Exp2). Leafy vegetables of 8 cultivar were employed in the experiment and water quality [dissolved oxygen (DO, mg/L), pH, water temperature (℃), electrical conductivity (EC; ㎲/cm), turbidity (NTU), TAN (NH3 + NH4+) (mg /L), NO2-N (mg/L), NO3-N (mg/L) and PO4-P (mg/L)] was measured 6 times a week. Leafy vegetable productivity (HBFT-AP vs HP) was compared in respective experiment, which was similar or somewhat higher in HBFT-AP. During the 12-week feeding trial, concentrations of nitrite (NO2-N) and phosphorus (PO4-P) were kept low in variability while total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and NO3-N levels increased with time in HBFT-AP. At the end of two feeding trials, values of weight gain (WG, %), feed efficiency (FE, %), specific growth rate (SGR, %) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were higher in Exp2 than in Exp1. As well, higher values in hematocrit (PCV, %), plasma K (mEq/L) and inorganic phosphorus (mg/dL) were found (p < 0.05) in Exp2 where fish were fed the EP (EP: 38.60%, 2.80 mEq/L and 7.04 g/dL; Mash: 33.20%, 1.95 mEq/L and 5.50 g/dL). Leafy vegetables in HBFT-AP using Japanese eel fed the EP with MKP 2.7% had a productivity similar (4 kinds of cultivar) or somewhat higher (4 kinds of cultivar) compared to those in HP. Also, Japanese eel fed the EP showed higher values of Pi (m/dL) and K (mEq/L) in plasma compared to those fed commercial powder diet.

Rumen bacteria influence milk protein yield of yak grazing on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau

  • Fan, Qingshan;Wanapat, Metha;Hou, Fujiang
    • Animal Bioscience
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    • v.34 no.9
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    • pp.1466-1478
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    • 2021
  • Objective: Ruminants are completely dependent on their microbiota for rumen fermentation, feed digestion, and consequently, their metabolism for productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the rumen bacteria of lactating yaks with different milk protein yields, using high-throughput sequencing technology, in order to understand the influence of these bacteria on milk production. Methods: Yaks with similar high milk protein yield (high milk yield and high milk protein content, HH; n = 12) and low milk protein yield (low milk yield and low milk protein content, LL; n = 12) were randomly selected from 57 mid-lactation yaks. Ruminal contents were collected using an oral stomach tube from the 24 yaks selected. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used. Results: Ruminal ammonia N, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and isobutyrate concentrations were found to be higher in HH than LL yaks. Community richness (Chao 1 index) and diversity indices (Shannon index) of rumen microbiota were higher in LL than HH yaks. Relative abundances of the Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes phyla in the rumen fluid were significantly increased in HH than LL yaks, but significantly decreased for Firmicutes. Relative abundances of the Succiniclasticum, Butyrivibrio 2, Prevotella 1, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 genera in the rumen fluid of HH yaks was significantly increased, but significantly decreased for Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Coprococcus 1. Principal coordinates analysis on unweighted UniFrac distances revealed that the bacterial community structure of rumen differed between yaks with high and low milk protein yields. Furthermore, rumen microbiota were functionally enriched in relation to transporters, ABC transporters, ribosome, and urine metabolism, and also significantly altered in HH and LL yaks. Conclusion: We observed significant differences in the composition, diversity, fermentation product concentrations, and function of ruminal microorganisms between yaks with high and low milk protein yields, suggesting the potential influence of rumen microbiota on milk protein yield in yaks. A deeper understanding of this process may allow future modulation of the rumen microbiome for improved agricultural yield through bacterial community design.

Success factors for the Development of Health Community Organizing in: 148 Village, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (강북구 148마을의 건강주민운동으로서 발전가능요인)

  • Hong, Jong-Won;Kim, Joon-Hyeong;Lee, Shun-Hee;Kim, Nam-Jun;Park, Woong-Sub
    • Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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    • v.47 no.3
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    • pp.154-165
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    • 2022
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the success factors for the development of health community organizing in regard to its perspective in: 148 village, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews from February 2020 to December 2021. Seven operators who had worked for the project were enrolled in this study. Results: In this study, the success factors for the development of health community organizing were analyzed as follows; building community relationships across generations; starting from interests of the community; belief that working together can solve the issues; external support based on spontaneity of community; project based on publicness; discovering community-based leadership. Conclusions: This study suggested that health community organizing following the principle of community organizing can sustain and develop itself without external support. In order to develop into resident-oriented health community organizing, it is necessary to reflect the success factors derived from this study.

Risk Assessment of Arsenic-Contaminated Groundwater in Multiple Scenarios in a Rural Area of Gyeongnam Province, Korea (경남 농촌 지역 비소 오염 지하수의 시나리오별 위해성 평가)

  • Oh, Serim;Lee, Jin-Yong;Moon, Sang-Ho;Jang, Jiwook;Jeong, Eunju
    • The Journal of Engineering Geology
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    • v.32 no.4
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    • pp.437-448
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    • 2022
  • This work aims to assess the threat to human health of hazardous materials in groundwater that is used domestically and for drinking. Two distinct sub-assessments are considered: cancer and non-cancer risk. The studied groundwater is in an agricultural area of Gyeongnam Province, Korea, and is contaminated by arsenic at a mean level of 16.27 ㎍/L, far greater than the WHO guideline (10 ㎍/L for drinking water). We collected groundwater data from the National Groundwater Information Center (gims.go.kr) and assessed the risk to human health following the methodology of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. We considered three exposure scenarios: domestic use (scenario 1) and drinking use with different doses (scenarios 2 and 3). Scenario 1 had a median hazard quotient (HQ) of 0.77 and a cancer risk (CR) of 0.013. Scenario 2 had a median HQ of 0.08 and a CR of 3.69 × 10-5, and the values for scenario 3 were 0.11 and 4.82 × 10-5, respectively. Scenario 1 is likely the most hazardous to human health. Further study of the origin of arsenic in groundwater in the study area is required, as are remedial measures to mitigate its health effects.

The Degradation Study of Polyethylene Based Mulching Films with Compatibilizer and Biomass (바이오매스 부산물에 상용화제를 첨가하여 제조한 멀칭필름의 분해 실태 연구)

  • Choi, Jae-Suk;Ahn, Kihyeon;Lee, Roun;Park, UoonSeon;Han, Jung-Gu;Chung, Sung Taek;Park, Hyung Woo
    • KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.105-113
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    • 2022
  • Mulching film was produced by LDPE and LLDPE adding biomass byproducts and MA(maleic anhydride), talc/clay/CaO/CaCO3. And also surveyed to tensile strength, elongation, TGA and DSC according to the UV irradiation time. The tensile strength and elongation showed 20 N/cm2 and 5% after UV irradiation 100 hours, and those was nearly 0 N/cm2 and 0% after 200 hours, respectively. TGA of film was showed to peak of polymer itself, and DSC was slightly higher than that of initial value. At the pilot scale test, we were able to see the differentiate of degradation between control and developed film after 12 weeks, and also torn off at several part of mulching film. The degradation of mulching film after growing corn showed similar to a pilot scale test. Above the results, the developed mulching film adding biomass will be to used for agricultural farming.

Enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid and sialic acid in fermented deer antler velvet and immune promoting effects

  • Yoo, Jiseon;Lee, Juyeon;Zhang, Ming;Mun, Daye;Kang, Minkyoung;Yun, Bohyun;Kim, Yong-An;Kim, Sooah;Oh, Sangnam
    • Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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    • v.64 no.1
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    • pp.166-182
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    • 2022
  • Deer antler velvet is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and immunity-enhancing effects. However, few studies have reported on the discovery of probiotic strains for deer antler fermentation to increase functional ingredient absorption. This study evaluated the ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to enhance the concentrations of bioactive molecules (e.g., sialic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in extracts of deer antler velvet. Seventeen strains of Lactobacillus spp. that were isolated from kimchi and infant feces, including L. sakei, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. plantarum, and those that improved the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans were selected for evaluation. Of the 17 strains, 2 (L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007) were selected based on data showing that these strains increased both the sialic acid and GABA contents of deer antler extract after fermentation for 2 d and significantly improved the life span of C. elegans. Co-fermentation with both strains further increased the concentrations of sialic acid, GABA, and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. We evaluated the biological effects of the fermented antler velvet (FAV) on the antibacterial immune response in C. elegans by assessing worm survival after pathogen infection. The survival of the C. elegans conditioned with FAV for 24h was significantly higher compared with that of the control worm group fed only normal feed (non-pathogenic E. coli OP50) exposed to E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhi, and Listeria monocytogenes. To evaluate the protective effects of FAV on immune response, cyclophosphamide (Cy), an immune-suppressing agent was treated to in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAV significantly restored viability of mice splenocytes and immune promoting-related cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], interferon [IFN]-γ, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were activated compared to non-fermented deer antlers. This finding indicated the protective effect of FAV against Cy-induced cell death and immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, our study suggests that immune-promoting antler velvet can be produced through fermentation using L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007.

Occurrence of an invertase producing strain of Aspergillus niger LP5 isolated from longan pollen and its application in longan syrup production to feed honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

  • Danmek, Khanchai;Ruenwai, Rawisara;Sorachakula, Choke;Jung, Chuleui;Chuttong, Bajaree
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.46 no.2
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    • pp.136-143
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    • 2022
  • Background: In northern Thailand, the longan flower is the principal nectar source for honey production. Microorganisms play a critical function in the agricultural ecology. The morphological characteristics of fungal species found in longan pollen were studied. Aspergillus spp. were found to be invertase-producing strains and were employed in the longan syrup production process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of invertase-added longan syrup on the adult honey bee population numbers that were fed by this syrup for 16 weeks. Results: Different fungal species were found in longan pollen samples. Aspergillus was the main genus, with three predominant sections: Nigri, Flavi, and Terrei. Other isolated species were Trichoderma spp., Rhizopus spp., Neurospora spp., Chaetomium spp., Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. However, Aspergillus spp. is the only fungal species that produces the enzyme invertase. The invertase-producing strains belonging to the Aspergillus section Nigri were found to be A. niger LP5 with an optimum activity at pH 6.0 and 60℃. When A. niger LP5 invertase was used for longan syrup processing, the highest levels of glucose (3.45%) and fructose (2.08%) were found in invertase added longan syrup (C), while fresh (A) and boiled longan syrup (B) had lower contents of both sugars. The sucrose content was detected in (A) at 4.25%, while (B) and (C) were at 4.02% and 3.08%, respectively. An appropriate amount of sugar to feed and maintain the honey bee population was considered. The data showed no statistically significant differences between the two selected forms of longan syrup compared to the sugar syrup examined by the adult honey bee population. Conclusions: The main species of isolated fungi from longan pollen were Aspergillus spp. The discovery of an invertase-producing strain of A. niger LP5 has enabled its application for enzyme utilization in the invert sugar preparation process. The adult worker bee populations fed by longan syrup from both boiled and invertase-added sources showed an increasing trend. Artificial syrup made from longan fruit to feed honey bees when natural food sources are limited can be applied.

First Report on the Shoot Blight Disease of Gaenari (Forsythia koreana) Caused by Septotinia sp. in Korea (Septotinia sp.에 의한 개나리 가지마름병(가칭) 발생)

  • Ji Hye Woo;Mikyeong Kim;Kun-Woo Lee;Sang-sup Han;Byeongjin Cha
    • Research in Plant Disease
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    • v.29 no.3
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    • pp.234-242
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    • 2023
  • In early spring, water-soaked lesions appeared on the petals and leaves of gaenari (Forsythia koreana), and the tissues were necrotic and dry. Cankers appeared on the infected branches around late spring and the above part of a branch withered and died. However, it was very rare that the base of the cankered-branch died. The identical fungi were isolated from the lesions on various tissues, and they grew with white colonies on potato dextrose agar medium. The fungus grew most actively at 23℃ and produced many sclerotia of various sizes. In a pathogenicity assay in which mycelial and sclerotial suspensions were inoculated on each organ of forsythia, it was found that the pathogen infects the flower only, but not the leaves or branches. Symptoms on the flowers spread to the next leaves and branches over time and the infected branches were eventually withered. To identify the isolates, DNA sequences of four phylogenetic markers including ITS, LSU, Tub2, and CAL were analyzed and all isolates were identified as a species in the genus Septotinia. This is not only the first report of gaenari (forsythia) shoot blight caused by the fungus Septotinia sp., but also the first report on the genus Septotinia as a plant pathogen in Korea.

Evaluation of Nutrient Condition and Fruit Quality of 'Campbell Early' Grapevines in Hwaseong Area (화성지역 '캠벨얼리' 포도원의 수체영양과 과실품질의 평가)

  • Lee, Y.C.;Moon, B.W.
    • Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.28-35
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    • 2003
  • This study was conducted to investigate the nutrition status, growth and fruit quality of 'Campbell Early' grapes in Hwaseong area. Organic matter content of 3 vineyard soils was significantly lower than standard value. P2O5 and K contents of Y vineyard and P2O5 of C vineyard were very high. But there were no significant differences in contents of Ca, Mg and CEC. Compared to the standard value. T-N, Ca and Mg contents of petiole were adequate. P2O5 contents of Y and C vineyard and K contents of Y vineyard were significantly higher than standard value. Berry firmness, color and bloom occurrence on fruit skin showed no differences among 3 vineyard. Soluble solids content poorly, yield per tree and goods fruit of C vineyard decreased significantly compared to the fruit in Y and H vineyards. Russetted fruit of Y vineyard, colored fruit of H vineyard, and unfertilized fruit, cracked fruit, and bitter rot were observed frequently.

A Pollen Analysis on the Environmental Changes during the Later Half of the Postglacial Age around the Basin of Onyang River, Asan (화분분석을 이용한 아산시 온양천 유역의 후빙기 후기 환경변화)

  • PARK, Ji-Hoon
    • Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.39-48
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    • 2010
  • This is a case study to research the environmental changes that occurred during the Latter Half of the postglacial age around the Basin of Onyang River in Asan, Korea. In line with this purpose, the author performed a pollen analysis and a radiocarbon dating on the deposits of alluvial fan around the upper Geumgok River, a tributary of Onyang River. Sampling point was at the altitude of about 67.5 meters, which belongs to the central zone of the cool temperate forest. The followings are the results of the study. The study area has passed through SC-I (the coniferous forest period in which Pinus was dominant), SC-II (the deciduous broad-leaved forest period in which Quercus and Castanea were dominant) and SC-III (the mixed conifer and deciduous broad-leaved forest period, in which Pinus, Quercus and Ulmus/Zelkova were dominant) respectively since about 3,000 yrB.P. SC-I period and SC-II period are presumed to be between about 3,000 and 2,000 yrB. P., and SC-III period to begin after 2,000 yrB.P. In comparison with the nationwide pollen zone during the postglacial age, SC-I and SC-II periods are contrasted with the R-IIIa zone and also the SC-III zone with the RIIIb zone. In addition, it is assumed that Pinus densiflora forest luxuriated there since 2,000 yrB.P. due to the destruction of forests, and that a lot of Fagopyrum pollen appeared; altogether, it was the so-called human interference period, from which forests began to be markedly destroyed. It is concluded that in those days inhabitants leaded agricultural life.