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To replace the traditional manual cabbage harvesting method commonly practiced by Indian farmers, a self-propelled walk-behind electric cabbage harvester was developed at the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur. The key concept was to cut the cabbage head from its stem and push the cut cabbage head to a storage unit with the help of a real-time vision-based precise cabbage pushing mechanism. Two counter-rotating disk cutters were used as cutting tools. The performance of the developed harvester was evaluated in a field (20 × 12 m) with three Indian cabbage varieties i.e., Pusa Mukta, Pusa Drumhead and September Early. The developed harvester had a working width of 0.6 m and when operated at a forward speed of 0.25 m/s, the actual field capacity and field efficiency were found to be 0.029 ha/h and 54.86%, respectively. The maximum value of cutting efficiency was found to be 80% for Pusa Mukta variety. The maximum instantaneous power consumption for cutting, pushing, conveying and propelling was found to be 948.53 W. Economic analysis of the developed harvester was carried out and it was found that operational cost was 26.85% lower than traditional harvesting method. The break-even point of the developed cabbage harvester was calculated as 6.43 ha/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato, as the vegetable queen, is cultivated worldwide due to its rich nutrient content and unique flavor. Nondestructive technology provides efficient and noninvasive solutions for the quality assessment of tomatoes. However, processing the substantial datasets to achieve a robust model and enhance detection performance for nondestructive technology is a great challenge until deep learning is developed. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematical overview of the principles and application for three categories of nondestructive detection techniques based on mechanical characterization, electromagnetic characterization, as well as electrochemical sensors. Tomato quality assessment is analyzed, and the characteristics of different nondestructive techniques are compared. Various data analysis methods based on deep learning are explored and the applications in tomato assessment using nondestructive techniques with deep learning are also summarized. Limitations and future expectations for the quality assessment of the tomato industry by nondestructive techniques along with deep learning are discussed. The ongoing advancements in optical equipment and deep learning methods lead to a promising outlook for the application in the tomato industry and agricultural engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple leaf lesions present a challenge for their detection and recognition because of their wide variety of species, morphologies, uneven sizes, and complex backgrounds. This paper proposes an improved multi‐scale YOLOv8 for apple leaf dense lesion detection and recognition. In the proposed YOLOv8, an improved C2f‐RFEM module is constructed in the backbone network to improve the feature extraction of disease object. A new neck network is designed by using C2f‐DCN and C2f‐DCN‐EMA module, which are established with deformable convolutions and efficient multi‐scale attention module with cross‐spatial learning attention mechanism. Moreover, a large‐scale detection head is introduced for increasing the resolution of the small lesion targets, so as to further improve the detection ability for multi‐scale diseases. Finally, the improved YOLOv8 is tested on the common objects in context (COCO) database with 80 kinds of objectives and an apple leaf disease database with 8 kinds of diseases. Compared to the baseline YOLOv8 model, the proposed improved YOLOv8 increases the mAP0.5 by 3%, and decreases the floating‐point operations per second (FLOPs) by 0.3G on the COCO database. For the apple leaf disease database, the improved YOLOv8 outperforms in terms of mAP and FLOPs compared to other models, for parameters and model size, it is ranked second and third, respectively. Experimental results show that the improved YOLOv8 has better adaptability to multi‐scale dense distribution of apple leaf disease spots with complex scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the laboratory tolerance of the durum wheat cultivar (Douma 3) when treated with two levels of ascorbic acid (5 ppm and 10 ppm, in addition to a control treatment soaked in water) under two levels of salt stress (50 mM and 100 mM NaCl, in addition to a control). The experiment took place at the Field Crops Department labs, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Damascus, during the 2022–2023 agricultural season. The aim was to study the effect of ascorbic acid on seed reserve utilization efficiency, peroxidase enzyme activity, and its role in salt stress tolerance. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using factorial ANOVA with two replicates. The results showed significant differences between the treatments, with the priming of seeds soaked in a 5 ppm ascorbic acid solution (A1) significantly outperforming in terms of seedling dry weight (22.67 mg/seedling), remaining seed dry weight (7.5 mg/seed), seed reserve utilization efficiency (0.47 mg/mg), and salt tolerance index (89.80%). Simple correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between seedling dry weight (SDW), seed reserve utilization efficiency (SRUE) (0.881), and salt tolerance index (STI) (0.746 *). However, a negative and non-significant relationship was observed between the remaining seed dry weight (RSDW) and other traits. Moreover, SRUE had a significant positive correlation with STI (0.814). Both total soluble protein concentrations and peroxidase enzyme activity increased under salt stress conditions following pre-treatment with ascorbic acid compared to the control. The highest protein concentration and peroxidase enzyme activity were observed with the 5 ppm ascorbic acid treatment (A1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food security is a critical issue, necessitating greater attention to the relationship between agricultural productivity and the ecological environment. Super-wetting materials, with their unique micro-rough structures and low surface energy, hold significant potential for addressing challenges in agricultural engineering. This review explores the research landscape of super-wetting materials by analyzing their temporal distribution, institutional and scholarly contributions, co-occurrence networks, and emerging keywords. These analyses reveal the research strengths, hotspot distributions, evolving concepts, and development trends in the field. Additionally, recent advances in the application of super-wetting materials in agricultural engineering—such as agricultural films, controlled-release fertilizers, and pesticide spraying—are highlighted. In the future, super-wetting materials and their research prospects in agricultural engineering are proposed in combination with the development trend, which provides support and inspiration for cultivating and developing new quality productive forces in agriculture and promoting sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complex shape of corn kernels and the large difference in size, in order to establish a more realistic model of corn kernels, this paper tests and analyzes two representative corn varieties planted in Northern China, and each variety is divided into high and low moisture content as the research object. According to its natural shape, the corn kernels are subdivided into four categories: wide horse-tooth shape, narrow horse-tooth shape, pyramid shape and spherical shape. The geometric parameters are tested and analyzed, and the correlation between the characteristic dimensions is obtained. Through the Rocky software, the polyhedral modeling method was used to establish the corn kernel models of different shapes, and the contact parameters and mechanical parameters were measured and calibrated, which were used as the basis for the modeling of corn kernel groups. Finally, through the simulation analysis of the corn kernel accumulation process and the comparison of the test results, the influence of different contact parameters on the simulation test results is explored, and the influence trend of the simulation results is analyzed. The feasibility and accuracy of the corn kernel population model established by the polyhedron method used in this paper are verified, which provides a reference for studying the simulation parameters of corn kernel population modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of reference evapotranspiration values is crucial in climatological and hydrological research, agricultural engineering, and irrigation design. The Penman-Monteith method, endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and numerous research studies, is widely regarded as the gold standard. However, its extensive data requirements limit its applicability in regions with sparse meteorological networks or limited measurement capabilities. The Hargreaves method, which requires only basic air temperature inputs, offers an alternative solution. The aims of this study were to calibrate the Hargreaves model for Central European climate conditions, considering altitudinal dependence, and to evaluate the temporal stability of the model parameters. In the first part of the research, we regionalized the Hargreaves coefficients using a curve-fitting method to ensure the best accuracy across 60 climatological stations in Slovakia. The regionalization of the Hargreaves coefficient improved accuracy by 10.1%, reducing the weighted absolute percentage error (WAPE) to 17.9%. However, our results showed that the accuracy of the modified Hargreaves model decreased with the increasing altitude of a climatological station. Incorporating altitude into the Hargreaves equation significantly improved model accuracy in stations at higher altitudes, providing a consistent level of accuracy across all climatological stations, regardless of their location and altitude. The results also indicated that the optimal model coefficient values change over time, showing a decreasing trend of –0.5 for the B coefficient and –0.1 for the C coefficient between the periods 1981–2000 and 2001–2020. Although regionalizing the Hargreaves model coefficients for local conditions can achieve good model performance, the model's accuracy is not stable over time. Thus, periodic validation of the model is necessary for short-term applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combating climate change and promoting sustainability are agricultural experts' priorities in Iraq. Using environmentally friendly fertilizers on strategic crops is considered a milestone for accomplishing that. This study aimed to determine the effect of Bio Health fertilizer spraying on some growth qualities of two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, during the winter season 2023-24. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in a split-plot arrangement with three replicates, and the experiment included two factors, the first in the main plots such as two wheat cultivars (Ibaa 99 and Adina), while the second factor in the secondary plots was spraying with Bio Health at concentrations of 800, 1600 and 2400 mg/L, in addition to the control treatment (without spraying). The results showed the superiority of the Ibaa 99 cultivar in plant height, the area of the flag leaf, the number of total branches, chlorophyll content, dry weight of the flag leaf, dry weight of the plant, crop growth rate and biological quotient with an increase of 3.64, 15.77, 5.01, 3.38, 7.33, 3.31, 3.34 and 5.73%, respectively. The results also showed the superiority of spraying with Bio Health at a concentration of 1600 mg/L compared to the comparative treatment, the number of total branches, the dry weight of the plant, the growth rate of the crop and the biological yield, with an increase of 28.39, 48.88, 13.21, 12.10 and 23.19%. As for the study's two factors overlap, the results demonstrated a considerable superiority between the two qualities, the height of the plant as well as its dry weight, and the combination of Bio Health spraying at a concentration of 1600 mg/L for the Ibaa 99 cultivar achieved the highest averages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A validated texture-analysis method to evaluate product quality in frozen or cooked legumes is needed to support high-quality vegetable production but is not currently established in the literature. Peas, lima beans, and edamame were investigated in this study due to similar market use as well as growth in plant-based protein consumption in the United States. These three legumes were evaluated after three different processing treatments (blanch/freeze/thaw (BFT); BFT+microwave heat (BFT+M); BF+stove-top cooking (BF+C)), using both compression and puncture analysis following an American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) texture analysis method and moisture testing following an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard method. Texture analysis results showed differences between legumes and processing methods. Compression analysis identified more differences between treatments within product type than puncture for both edamame and lima beans indicating compression might be more sensitive to texture changes in these products. Implementation of a standard texture method for legume vegetables for growers and producers would provide a consistent quality check to support efficient production of high-quality legumes. Due to the sensitivity obtained from the compression texture method in this work, compression should be considered for future research into a robust method to evaluate edamame and lima bean textures throughout the growing and production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural engineering is a foundation of agriculture and guarantee for realizing agricultural modernization, which generally refers to agricultural engineering technology, agricultural engineering discipline and agricultural engineering construction. With the expansion of agricultural engineering service objects as the main line, this paper analyzes the development process and characteristics of agricultural engineering in typical countries and regions such as the United States, Europe and East Asia, and extracts and summarizes the general rule of the development of agricultural engineering in the world. According to this rule, deductive reasoning is made on the development status and the current stage of China’s agricultural engineering, and the enlightenment is summarized in combination with China’s national conditions and rural revitalization needs. The results show that according to the expansion of service objects, the world's agricultural engineering has experienced the evolution of four stages: Agricultural engineering technology stage serving simple agricultural production; occurring and development stage of agricultural engineering discipline mainly serving agricultural production; the stage paying equal attention to agricultural production and rural construction; biological system engineering stage with the service object expanded to biological system; the development of agricultural engineering in the world is characterized by focusing on production in the early stage and paying equal attention to production and life in the later stage. Its development is greatly affected by the development of other science and technology, and the driving force of change comes from social needs. Combined with the stage and characteristics of China’s agricultural and rural development, as well as the common development strategy of agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, the inspiration for China from the development laws of world agricultural engineering is that currently China should vigorously develop the agricultural engineering that focuses on both agriculture and rural areas development, which is in the third stage of agricultural engineering development; and China should also promote the development of biological system engineering, that is to promote agricultural engineering towards the fourth stage. This study explores and summarizes the development laws of agricultural engineering in the world based on service object expansion, which can provide reference for a comprehensive understanding of the direction and trend of agricultural engineering development in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main cause of damage to maize during harvesting and processing is impact damage. This study aimed to investigate the evolution of impact damage to maize kernels under different impact velocities and orientations. Based on the damage characteristics observed in impact tests, an elastoplastic model has been established to accurately simulate the damage behaviour of maize kernels. The microscopic impact behaviour of maize kernels was presented by the finite element method. The results indicated that there were differences in the evolution of damage for different damage morphology in maize kernels. The nature of surface damage was the diffusion and reflection of stress waves, while the nature of local breakage was the concentration of tiny cracks and the release of elastic potential energy. The nature of fracture was the combined effect of compressive and tensile stresses. Meanwhile, under the surface damage, the maximum stresses in the contact area of maize kernels subjected to front orientation were 20.08 MPa, 10.71 MPa for side orientation, and 13.56 MPa for bottom orientation. Under the local breakage, the front orientation with the highest number of cracks occurred at a velocity of 27.3 m s−1, while for the side orientation, it occurred at 24.6 m s−1, and for the bottom orientation, it occurred at 26.2 m s−1. The results can be extended to the study of impact damage in irregularly shaped grains, which was beneficial for controlling product quality and optimising the design of relevant mechanical parameters in agricultural engineering and food engineering fields. [Display omitted] • Damage morphology of maize kernels was summarised. • Evolution rules of damage in multi-orientation maize kernels were explored. • Impact dynamic response of multi-orientation maize kernels was obtained. • Differences in impact damage of multi-orientation maize kernels were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is one of the most important crops produced globally. It contains a wide variety of valuable compounds and has interesting functional properties. Moreover, many by-products and wastes are generated from its collection to its consumption. Bananas are highly perishable due to their high moisture content and an appropriate post-harvest technology and agricultural engineering would prolong its shelf life. Drying is an important and the widely used method of food processing. In addition, drying can also promote the development of value-added products. The quality of dried banana is highly dependent upon the drying method and conditions. Conventionally, bananas are sun- or hot-air-dried. However, these methods are often slow processes and the products obtained have poor quality, so other alternate drying technologies have been developed. This review focuses upon conventional and new drying technologies and pre-treatment methods. The hybrid drying techniques minimize the undesirable effects of drying on banana quality, improve the drying efficiency and provide superior quality products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to study some engineering factors for a locally manufactured machine, It cuts agricultural residues to make animal feed, in the workshops of the Agricultural Engineering Department/Faculty of Agriculture/Ain Shams University for the academic year 2021- 2022. The effect of three-speed knives cutting speed (1000,1200,1400 rpm) and three-speed feeding speed (0.75,1,1.25 m/s) and the knife cutting angle with two angles (15°.30°) was studied at a knife clearance of 2.5 mm and a moisture content of 5.3%. With an electronic system with sensors to operate the machine and without. Among the technical indicators that have been studied are productivity, cutting power consumption, specific energy, machine operating costs and the thrust power, The results showed that the performance of machine with an electronic system(senser) to a maize chopping machine is better than a maize chopping machine without In terms of specific energy consumption, machine operating costs, at constant clearance of 2.5mm and moisture content 5.3% and an optimum knife speed of 1400 with cutting angle (30°), The maize chopping machine with an electronic system (sensor) of specific energy consumption (0.0027 kw.h/kg), machine operating costs (0.2159 LE/kg) and highest productivity (105,170 kg/hr) at cutting angle (30°). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiment of half diallel cross among eight maize inbred lines was carried out during spring 2021.The varietal traits for F1 cross and parents with local hybrid were conducted during autumn 2021 Field of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok, using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications .The results were revealed that the analysis of variance for genotypes and general and specific combining ability were significant effect on studied traits, also the ratio of degree of dominance is less then one for all traits . The cross 7x8 gave the heighest value ( 219.35g) for grain yield per plant and the same cross gave positive significant heterosis over mid parent, best parent and local hybrid .The heritability were high for number of ear per plant and ear diameter with value( 0.55) and( 0.45) respectively, the expected genetic advance was low for yield and yield components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indonesia, coconuts play a crucial role, and peeling them is essential for their utilization. Traditionally, coconuts were peeled manually using tools like machetes, but with the advancement of technology, machines are now being used to expedite the process. This study evaluated the performance of various coconut peeling machines in coconut production centers. The research methodology employed a combination of observational and descriptive approaches. Each peeling tool, including the traditional lewang, machete, and modern peeling devices, was tested using 150 samples of mature coconuts, ten nuts per trial using each of the three methods, and five replicates. The data collected was organized into tables and graphs to provide a descriptive analysis. The comprehensive study spanned over two months and took place at the Laboratory of the Indonesian Palm Crops Instrument Standard Testing Institute (IPALMSTI), situated in the agricultural lands beneath the coconut trees in the North Minahasa District, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The study's findings revealed that, utilizing a modern coconut coir peeling machine reduced the peeling time significantly to 7.45 seconds, with a successful peeling rate of 241.48 nuts per 30 minutes. It was evident from the results that the optimization of peeling machines can have a substantial impact on productivity. Moreover, there is potential for enhancing the traditional lewang tool through ergonomic improvements or material enhancements to improve its performance. Considering these results, governments should consider providing subsidies to smaller coconut producers to facilitate the adoption of machine peeling tools. This initiative could enhance productivity and create new employment opportunities within the industry. The traditional lewang tool, with an average time of 9.48s, is relatively efficient but can be further improved. Ergonomic enhancements or material upgrades can reduce fatigue and increase speed. Providing ergonomic training for traditional tool users can also enhance efficiency. Governments or organizations can subsidize farmers or smaller producers to adopt machine peeling tools. Future solutions should merge technology with costeffectiveness to benefit small-scale farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted during April--June, 2024 in the department of Agricultural Process Engineering, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidhyapeeth Akola, Maharashtra, India to determine the physical, chemical and frictional properties of shelled and unshelled tamarind. Standard methods are used to calculate all the engineering properties. Moisture content was determined by hot air oven method and the color was determined by digital colorimeter. The obtained results of the study were: the mean length, width and thickness of unshelled and shelled tamarind were 81.36 mm, 22.31 mm, 15.28 mm and 75.01 mm, 17.41 mm, 10.24 mm respectively. The mean bulk density, true density and porosity of unshelled and shelled tamarind were 370.01 kgm-3, 719.7 kg m-3, 48.39% and 512.35 kg m-3, 912.73 kg m-3, 43.49% respectively. The mean arithmetic Mean Diameter, Geometric Mean Diameter, sphericity index, surface area of unshelled and shelled tamarind were39.65mm, 30.02mm, 0.38, 2866.80 mm2 and 34.22 mm, 23.45 mm, 0.332, 1754.24 mm2 respectively. The mean moisture content and color values of unshelled and shelled tamarind are 23.64%, L*=47.606, a*=8.944, b*=21.604 and 23.14%, L*=37.178, a*=11.22, b*=20.404 respectively. This study analyzed the critical differences between the engineering properties of unshelled and shelled tamarind fruit, providing valuable insights for optimizing the design and operation of machinery used in tamarind processing. Understanding these properties can improve handling, reduce processing losses, and enhance the efficiency of equipment used in cleaning, sorting, and packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability-focused design research is witnessing a change in approach with the emergence of More-than-human Design (MTHD), which challenges human-centered thinking by incorporating nonhuman perspectives into the design process. However, implementing MTHD presents challenges for design researchers and practitioners, such as understanding non-verbal species. Despite the techniques developed to facilitate such an understanding (e.g. contact zone), the growing literature on MTHD lacks studies reflecting on how these techniques are utilized in the design process. In this paper, we present a case study on designing olive harvesting tools from a MTH lens, where designers used contact zone, plant interviews, plant persona, and experience map to explore the perspectives of olive trees and incorporate them into ideas in collaboration with farmers and agricultural engineers. The results indicate the significance of reconsidering decentralization in MTHD from the standpoint of entanglements among techniques and incorporating various knowledge types to manage tensions arising from perspective shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of high-performance computing technology, the number of scientific publications regarding computational modelling of applications with the Discrete Element Method/Modelling (DEM) approaches in agricultural engineering has risen in the past decades. Many granular materials, e.g. grains, fruits and soils in agricultural engineering are processed, and thus a better understanding of these granular media with DEM is of great significance in design and optimization of tools and process in agricultural engineering. In this review, the theory and background of DEM have been introduced. Some improved contact models discussed in the literature for accurately predicting the contact force between two interacting particles have been compared. Accurate approximation of irregular particle shapes is of great importance in DEM simulations to model real particles in agricultural engineering. New algorithms to approximate irregular particle shapes, e.g. overlapping multi-sphere approach, ellipsoid, etc., have been summarized. Some remarkable engineering applications of the improved numerical models developed and implemented in DEM are discussed. Finally, potential applications of DEM and some suggested further works are addressed in the last section of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the Basic General Education study program, sixth-year students must be able to distribute quantities in equal parts to solve the problems presented, developing the ability to divide. However, in the Agricultural Engineering Educational Unit. Juan José Castelló Zambrano deficiencies have been identified in the learning of the division in sixth year students. The objective of this research is to develop a teaching strategy based on gamification for the development of the ability to divide in sixth grade students. The research was carried out in the Agricultural Engineering Educational Unit. Juan José Castelló Zambrano of Basic General Education. A mixed approach research was carried out with quantitative and qualitative results with a pre-experimental design, with pre-test and post-test. The sample consisted of 30 students of said educational level. As a result of the implementation of the teaching strategy, it can be experimentally demonstrated that the teaching strategy based on gamification contributed to the development of division skills in the sixth-year students of the EGB Educational Unit Ing. Agr. Juan José Castelló Zambrano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted from February, 2024 to March, 2024 at the Department of Agricultural Process Engineering, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra, India to investigate the various engineering properties of garlic bulbs and garlic cloves. The engineering properties viz., physical, gravimetric and frictional properties, were studied for whole garlic bulbs and garlic cloves by considering their importance in developing different agricultural and post-harvest processing machinery. The weight 11.41 g, length (polar diameter) 33.69 mm, width (equatorial diameter) 29.51 mm, thickness 27.58 mm, arithmetic mean diameter 30.26 mm, geometric mean diameter 30.10 mm, shape index 0.88, sphericity 0.90, surface area 63.05 cm2, cross-sectional area 53.75 cm2, bulk density 449.50 kg m-3, true density 930.45 kg m-3, porosity 51.69%, moisture content 56.70% and angle of repose of garlic bulb 50.54° were obtained. Similar properties were determined for garlic cloves. The L, a and b values for garlic bulb and garlic cloves were 82.95, 0.23, 10.66 and 74.42, 0.28, 12.48, respectively. The water activity of garlic was found to be 0.98±0.02. The coefficient of friction of the garlic bulb and garlic cloves was measured for the selected testing surfaces such as mild steel (MS), stainless steel (SS), wood, glass and fiberglass which was considered in hopper design. The compression force required to loosen the cloves from the garlic bulb was calculated as 61 N. By integrating these engineering properties into the design process, manufacturers can develop equipments or machineries that are more efficient, durable and capable of producing high-quality garlic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogging is an important natural disaster that affects agricultural production, and the planning of farmland drainage facilities is crucial for disaster reduction. This research proposes an engineering layout method of integrated gate station external discharge control technology for the current situation of drainage engineering in agricultural waterlogging in China. This technology integrates strong discharge pumps on self-discharge gates, forming an integrated engineering layout mode. In addition, an optimization control equation and solution method for drainage were established to minimize energy consumption and find the optimal flow distribution combination and startup combination strategy. Through practical application, this technology can effectively reduce the cost of drainage and provide a new solution for the construction of agricultural drainage projects in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to testing 25 genotypes (5 parents + 10 diallel + 10 reciprocal crosses) using full Diallel mating design in winter season 2021-2022 for F2 generation of common wheat, in two locations. The first was in Qlyasan Agricultural Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences; University of Sulaimani located (Lat 35° 34′; N, Long 45° 21′; E, 765 MASL), the second was in Koya Agricultural Station-Ministry of Agricultural (Lat 36° 04′; N, Long 44° 37′; E, 582 MASL). The results of the study confirmed that the mean squares of genotypes was highly significant for all characters in both locations, the same for the mean squares for gca with the exception of grain weight plant-1 in Qlyasan location which was only significant. The mean square for sca was highly significant for most characters at Qlyasan location, while at Koya location it was significant only for grain weight plant-1. The mean square for rca was significant for spike weight plant-1 at Qlyasan location and 1000-grain weight at Koya location and not significant for the other characters. The Diallel cross 1×4 at Qlyasan location and the reciprocal cross 2×1 at Koya location showed the best performance for grain weight plant-1 recording 58.083 and 40.941g plant-1 respectively. The magnitude of σ² sca was more than σ² gca for all characters in both locations indicating the importance of non-additive gene effects in controlling these characters. Heritability in broad sense for Diallel crosses due to grain weight plant-1 was found to be high in both locations, while for reciprocal crosses was low, and it was low for narrow sense for all crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during two seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at the Grdarasha Research Station of the Agricultural Engineering Sciences College-Salahaddin University-Erbil. The experiment was designed as factorial within randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates. The first factor included three target seeding rates of Triticale (×Triticosecale wittmack, variety Admiral (200, 250, and 300 seeds.m-2 ), while the second factor was three grain size grades whole, thousand kernels weight (TKW) 47.32 g, heavy seeds, TKW 54.04 and light seeds TKW 40.18 g. The results revealed to no significant influence of seeds weight or seeding rates and their interaction on this trait excluding whole sample seed (ungraded) at the rate target of 300 seeds.m-2, which was significantly reduced flag leaf area. Leaf area index was significantly varied among seed weight and target seeding rates or by their interactions. The plant height of triticale although it was higher for heavy seeds and higher target seeding rates, but it was not reached significant level, either by seed grade or target seed rate and their interactions in both. Plant height ranges from 88.00 for heavy seeds at rate 300 seeds.m-2 to 83.00 for light seeds at rate 200 seeds.m-2 for the season 2019-2020. The highest tillers number was recorded for seed rate 300.m-2 with whole ungraded seeds (176.00). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the demand for mechanisation of sunflower segmented harvesting and tray insertion for drying, an intelligent tray insertion dryer was designed and developed. The machine integrates the functions of disc picking, disc flipping, bar clipping, lifting and inserting, and uses SolidWorks for accurate mechanism design and simulation, incorporating the YOLOv5 model for efficient recognition of flower discs and the LeGO-LOAM algorithm for accurate navigation and map building. In the experiment, 81 sunflower samples were collected to analyse data on disc diameter, plant height, rod diameter and stalk diameter, and to verify the recognition accuracy of the YOLOv5 model in different directions. The results showed that the precision of disc recognition was 95.54%, accuracy was 89.94%, recall was 95.54% and F1 value was 0.89. Using the LeGO-LOAM algorithm tested at different path lengths, the root-mean-square error of the navigational build trajectory was 0.15 m, with a standard deviation of 0.10 m. This technological integration improves the operational efficiency and supports the mechanisation of sunflower insertion tray drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to the increasing demand for green fodder in Iraq to sustain livestock, alfalfa cultivation primarily focuses on fodder production, while seed yield is deemed of secondary importance. Meeting this demand requires implementing diverse agricultural strategies aimed at enhancing alfalfa seed yield, notably through the application of plant growth regulators (growth retardants). Therefore, this study aims to know the possibility of increasing seed yield and determining the appropriate spraying stage and concentration using the growth inhibitor Ethephon to increase seed yield of the local variety of alfalfa. A field experiment was carried out from October 2021 to the end of August 2022 at the Experimental Field at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq. The main objective of the study was to find out the effect of Ethephon concentrations (0, 250, 500 and 750) mg/L and three stages of foliar application (vegetative growth, beginning appearance of flower buds and 50% flowering) on seed yield and its components of alfalfa local variety. The layout of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) arranged in a split plot, with three replications. Foliar application stages were used as main plots while the Ethephon concentrations were used as sub-plots. Spraying of Ethephon at 750 mg/L resulted in a significant increment in the number of stems m-2, number of ripe racemes per stem, number of pods per raceme, biological yield, seed yield and harvest index. The highest seed yield (550.3 kg/ha) of alfalfa was obtained when plants were sprayed with Ethephon 750 mg/L at vegetative growth, which produces significantly highest number of racemes per stem and number of pods per raceme compared to other concentrations of Ethephon. The mean seed yield amounted to 453.2 kg/ha and it was significantly higher compared to Ethephon concentrations of 0 and 250 mg/L but at par with 750 mg/L concentration of Ethephon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is one of the main directions of ensuring the country's national security. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the collection of the main varieties of wheat cultivated in Iraq, according to a complex of morphological and physiological characteristics, along with the determination of grain quality indicators, and to identify the most promising varieties into the breeding process. This experiment was conducted in the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, during 2020-21 and 2021-22 by planting 10 genotypes of soft wheat 5 Russian genotypes viz.; - Mors-1, Tymur, Medved, Astrak, Varon-39and 5 Iraqi genotypes viz., Ibaa-99, Tamuz-3, Abigrab-3, Iraq and Ibaa-95. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with one factor and three replicates. The results showed significant differences in the effect of genotypes on the studied traits. Russian genotype Astrak was the best in average plant height with an average of 84.8cm and 82.8cm for both seasons, respectively, Iraqi genotype Tamuz-3 was the best in average weight of spike with an average of 2.4g and 2.8g for both seasons, respectively, the highest average in number of spikelets per spike reached to 19.5 in season 2021-22. Iraqi Genotype Iraq also recorded the highest average length of spike 9.5cm in the season 2020-21, and the best 1000 grain weight was 39.9g in season 2020-21. Iraqi Genotype Ibaa-95 recorded the best average length of spike 9.6 cm in the 2021-22 season and the best number of spikelets per spike reached to 14.2 in the season 2020-21 and the best number of grains, spike was 48.3 grains in season 2021-22. Genotype Abigrab-3 also recorded the highest average number of grains reached 40.4 grains in the season 2020-21, and recorded the best weight of 1000 grains reached 42.3g in the season 2021. Genotype Tymur recorded the best weight of 1000 grains reached 39.9g in season 2020-21, and recorded the best weight of spike 2.7g and the best weight of grain/spike 2g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-complexity network models are challenging to execute on agricultural robots with limited computing capabilities in a large-scale pineapple planting environment in real time. Traditional module replacement often struggles to reduce model complexity while maintaining stable network accuracy effectively. This paper investigates a pineapple detection framework with a YOLOv7-tiny model improved via pruning and a lightweight backbone sub-network (the RGDP-YOLOv7-tiny model). The ReXNet network is designed to significantly reduce the number of parameters in the YOLOv7-tiny backbone network layer during the group-level pruning process. Meanwhile, to enhance the efficacy of the lightweight network, a GSConv network has been developed and integrated into the neck network, to further diminish the number of parameters. In addition, the detection network incorporates a decoupled head network aimed at separating the tasks of classification and localization, which can enhance the model's convergence speed. The experimental results indicate that the network before pruning optimization achieved an improvement of 3.0% and 2.2%, in terms of mean average precision and F1 score, respectively. After pruning optimization, the RGDP-YOLOv7-tiny network was compressed to just 2.27 M in parameter count, 4.5 × 10 9 in computational complexity, and 5.0MB in model size, which were 37.8%, 34.1%, and 40.7% of the original YOLOv7-tiny network, respectively. Concurrently, the mean average precision and F1 score reached 87.9% and 87.4%, respectively, with increases of 0.8% and 1.3%. Ultimately, the model's generalization performance was validated through heatmap visualization experiments. Overall, the proposed pineapple object detection framework can effectively enhance detection accuracy. In a large-scale fruit cultivation environment, especially under the constraints of hardware limitations and limited computational power in the real-time detection processes of agricultural robots, it facilitates the practical application of artificial intelligence algorithms in agricultural engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The online detection of fertilizer solution information is a crucial link in the implementation of intelligent and precise variable fertilization techniques. However, achieving simultaneous rapid online detection of multiple fertilizer components is still challenging. Therefore, a rapid detection method based on spectrophotometry for qualitative and quantitative identification of four fertilizers (typical N, P, and K fertilizers: KNO3, (NH4)2SO4, KH2PO4, and K2SO4) was proposed in this work. Full-scan absorption spectra of fertilizer solutions at varying concentrations were obtained using a UV–visible/near-infrared spectrophotometer. By assessing the linear fit between fertilizer concentration and absorbance at each wavelength within the characteristic band, the characteristic wavelengths for KNO3, (NH4)2SO4, KH2PO4, and K2SO4 were identified as 214 nm, 410 nm, 712 nm, and 1708 nm, respectively. The identification method of fertilizer type and the prediction model of concentration were constructed based on characteristic wavelength and the Lambert–Beer law. Based on the above analysis, a four-channel photoelectric sensor was designed with four LEDs emitting wavelengths closely matched to characteristic wavelengths for fertilizer detection. A detection strategy of "qualitative analysis followed by quantitative detection" was proposed to realize the online detection of four fertilizer types and their concentrations. Evaluation of the sensor's performance showed its high stability, with an accuracy of 81.5% in recognizing fertilizer types. Furthermore, the relative error of the sensor detection was substantially less than ±15% for the fertilizer concentrations not exceeding 80 mg/L. These results confirm the capability of the sensor to meet the practical requirements for online detection of four fertilizer types and concentrations in the field of agricultural engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is measuring the differences in color properties of potato sticks and oil by frying using Wock Skillet during three separate frying sessions. The measurements indicators were optical properties, RGB Bands: (Red, Green, Blue Bands), Intensity, and browning index of potato sticks and oil. The research was conducted in the laboratory of the Agricultural Engineering Department. The results showed a clear color change in the potato slices with the time of frying, and they also showed a clear color change in the number of times the oil was fried. The relationship between the oil browning index and the frying duration were happened. the oil browning index increased from 67.81 at the beginning of frying to 72.24 at the second minute, then to 75.18 in the fourth minute, then to 82.35 in the sixth minute, then to 84.49 in the eighth minute until it reached 87.75 at the tenth minute it end of the first frying process. The second frying time increased from 75.97 at the beginning of frying to 77.15 in the second minute, then to 78.92 in the fourth minute, then to 83.52 in the sixth minute, then to 86.93 in the eighth minute until it reached 88.18 in the tenth minute. In the third time also, the values increased from 76.44, 78.72, 82.54, 84.91, 88.53 and 90.15 in minutes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, respectively. While it was predicted that there would be a direct relationship between the potato browning index and the period of frying. And also, a direct relationship between the potato browning index and the number of frying times. as it increased from 48.11 in the fourth minute, then to 54.24 in the sixth minute, then to 61.83 in the eighth minute until it reached 69.50 in the tenth minute at the end of the first frying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of soft skills, such as interpersonal relationships and collaborative communication in a foreign language, are key aspects which should be taken into consideration in any career guidance project. English for Specific Purposes within the Life Sciences (in this case, English for Agricultural Engineers, English for Horticultural Engineers, English for Biotechnology / Genetic Engineering and English for Food Engineering) requires consistent interdisciplinary partnership seeking knowledge transfer and the creation of professional networks across various socio-humanistic disciplines. Therefore, our transdisciplinary cooperation ranges on an institutional level within the ULS "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, including the contribution of members from the languages and teacher training/counselling department for the purpose of enhancing higher quality educational practices and learning attitudes. The major aim of our on-going interdisciplinary project promotes opportunities for students in natural science engineering and related areas, where communication remains an important issue. For this purpose, the specific aims which are targeted in the educational and English courses consist in the design of a set of didactic strategies informed by shared practices and the development of communicational learning materials. The course English for Life Sciences employs content-based resources from specialty disciplines, providing accessibility to recent research in English. Insights on teaching strategies and textbook development have been shared by colleagues from the teacher training department within our university. We also wish to bring a contribution to the mission put forth by our university, i.e. investing in human capital at all levels, enabling students to achieve applied entrepreneurial training for all areas of life and natural sciences (agriculture and farm management, horticulture, silviculture, genetic engineering, biology, food science, etc.), which would be conducive to a greater relevance of our educational programs for the community at large. Finally, from a joint perspective, the English courses, along with the pedagogical module provided for our undergraduates, highlight the quality of training students how to think and learn on a lifelong basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the direction of Salahaddin University in Erbil's College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, study was carried out to investigate how local quail performed biochemically, histologically, and immune-wise when varied levels of Salvia indica (SI) additive were added at high stocking density. For a 42-day trial, 216 one-week-old local quails were divided into four treatments at random, with three replicates for each treatment, in cages measuring 60 by 30 by 25 centimeters. The following was the design of the feed treatments: Positive control (12 birds/replicate), Negative control 20 birds per replicate at a high stocking density, 20 birds per replicate plus 0.2% of SI additive, and 20 birds per replicate plus 0.4% of SI additive. When compared to a negative control, the results indicated that 0.4% SI supplements with high stocking density produced the best live body weight and weight gain. When compared to positive and negative controls, the cholesterol level of female quails considerably (P<0.05) decreased in both SI with high stocking density; however, no significant variations were seen with either of the SI additives with high stoking density. Furthermore, when compared to the positive control, the LDL content in female quails was considerably (P<0.05) reduced by both supplements of SI with high stocking density and negative control. When treated with SI, the height of the jejunum villus was significantly (P<0.05) higher than when treated with both positive and negative controls. The size of Fabricius follicles was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by the addition of SI treatments, but no significant difference was seen between the two SI additives with high stocking density. In summary, adding Salvia indica to a diet with high stocking density enhanced the quail population's biochemical markers, immunological response, and jejunum histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to study the physiological quality of bean treated with levels of zinc during the physiological maturation stage. The work was carried out at Fazenda Ponte da Braúna and at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Center for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at the Federal University of Espírito Santo. Bean seeds of the cultivar Peanut were treated with Zn at concentrations of 0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10 g kg-1 of seeds and sown in the field. The variables analyzed were seed moisture, 1000-seed weight, length, width and thickness of pods and seeds, germination, germination speed index, shoot length, root length, shoot and root dry matter. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in the factorial 5 x 7 (zinc doses x maturation periods), with four replications of 25 seeds. The seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim treated with zinc at 10 g kg-1 seeds showed the highest values of pod length, thickness, and width. The seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim showed the highest germination means and GSI after 35 days from anthesis. The treatment of seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim with zinc does not influence the seedling characteristics. Seed treatment with zinc does not interfere with the seed maturation time of the bean cultivar Amendoim. The physiological maturation of seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim occurs after 42 days from anthesis. The seed water content of the bean cultivar Amendoim at the stage of physiological maturation is 19%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of nonlinear dampness in the cab of agricultural engineering vehicles is examined by analyzing the vibration reduction system of a specific agricultural loader. Firstly, the specific loader was tested under different conditions. Then, the nonlinear vibration reduction system model of the cab-seat-human body is established by using the measured frame vibration signal as input. Finally, the multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to optimize the root mean square (RMS) value of vertical acceleration of the cab and seat. The test results show that the seat vibration is significantly greater than the acceleration of the cab floor under driving and working conditions, so the seat vibration is amplified and the seat parameter setting is unreasonable; the engine and the working device are also an important part of the cab vibration source, in addition to the uneven road surface. Comparing the RMS values of the vertical acceleration of the cab and seat, which were calculated by the model and obtained from the vehicle test, the error does not exceed 6%, indicating that the model's accuracy meets the requirement. The vehicle experiment proves that the RMS value of the vertical acceleration of the cab and seat is reduced by 16% and 53%, respectively, after optimization. This study provides a theoretical basis for the design of the damping system for the cab of agricultural engineering vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manual farm work with the traditional flail, beating out grain from the sheaf-corn, was an arduous, labour-intensive task. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, machines (driven by water, wind or horse-power) started to take over—firstly in Scotland and northern England, then further south. Farm workers, losing their winter-time employment with the flail, rose up in 1830 in anger against the machines. Their riots and disorder were violently repressed and threshing machine development resumed. New machines were proudly displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Improvements over the following years concentrated on steam-powered machines, and on achieving better power utilisation and cleaner grain separation. Competitive trials—and careful measurements of efficiency—played a major role in machine development. The threshing machine became a widely visible symbol of technological progress in agriculture and contributed substantially to Britain's growing agricultural engineering industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the global context of rural development in developing countries, the integration of digital technology into agriculture has emerged as a pivotal strategy for modernizing rural areas and boosting agricultural productivity. A focal point of policy initiatives, digital village construction aims to harness digital technology to empower rural development. Despite widespread recognition of its potential benefits for agricultural development, empirical evidence on its specific impacts, particularly on farmland scale operation, remains scarce. This study investigates the relationship between digital village construction and farmland scale operation in China, leveraging data from Sichuan Province's rural revitalization strategy and Peking University's Digital Village Index. Our analysis reveals a significant enhancement in farmland scale operation, particularly in non-poverty and non-border villages, after addressing potential endogeneity in the estimation. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that digital village construction drives scaled operation and management through improved agricultural production efficiency, the establishment of agricultural industry systems, and the advancement of agricultural engineering projects. However, its impact varies across village types, underscoring potential disparities in rural development. These findings suggest that continued investment in digital village construction is essential to stimulate rural development, focusing on leveraging digital technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and providing targeted support for remote and underserved rural areas to bridge the digital gap and foster inclusive growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptability to unstructured objects and the avoidance of target damage are critical challenges for flexible grippers in fruit-picking robots. Most existing flexible grippers have many problems in terms of control complexity, stability and cost. This paper proposes a flexible finger design method that considers contact behavior. The new approach incorporates topological design of contact targets and introduces contact stress constraints to directly obtain a flexible finger structure with low contact stress and good adaptability. The study explores the effects of design parameters, including virtual spring stiffness, volume fraction, design domain size, and discretization, on the outcomes of the flexible finger topology optimization. Two flexible finger structures were selected for comparative analysis. The experimental results verified the effectiveness of the design method and the maximum contact stress was reduced by about 70%. An adaptive two-finger gripper was developed. This design allows the gripper to achieve damage-free grasping without additional sensors and control systems. The adaptive and contact performances of the grippers with different driving modes were analyzed. Practical grasping tests were also performed, including evaluation of adaptive performance, stability, and maximum grasping weight. The results indicate that gripper 2 with flexible finger 2 excelled in contact stress and adaptive wrapping, making it well-suited for grasping unstructured and fragile objects. This paper provides valuable insights for the design and application of flexible grippers for picking robots, offering a promising solution to enhance adaptability while minimizing target damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraq Journal of Market Research & Consumer Protection / Al-Mağallaẗ al-ʿIrāqiyyaẗ li-Buḥūṯ al-Sūq wa-Ḥimāyaẗ al-Mustahlik is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soil-engaging components play a critical role in agricultural production and engineering construction. However, the soil-engaging components directly interacting with the soil often suffer from the problems of high resistance, adhesion, and wear, which significantly reduce the efficiency and quality of soil operations. A large number of featured studies on the design of soil-engaging components have been carried out while applying the principles of bionics extensively, and significant research results have been achieved. This review conducts a comprehensive literature survey on the application of biomimetics in the design of soil-engaging components. The focus is on performance optimization in regard to the following three aspects: draught reduction, anti-adhesion, and wear resistance. The mechanisms of various biomimetic soil-engaging components are systematically explained. Based on the literature analysis and biomimetic research, future trends in the development of biomimetic soil-engaging components are discussed from both the mechanism and application perspectives. This research is expected to provide new insights and inspiration for addressing related scientific and engineering challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is a major challenge faced by countries around the world due to the large increases in population numbers, climate change, and the problems it causes in agricultural production, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes. Most oat varieties are characterized by their long stems, and this makes them effective Sink for the deposition of dry matter that can be directed to the grain in the case of the use of growth inhibitors (such as Cycocel and ethylene) that suppress the longitudinal growth of the stems and increase its diameter, as well as increase the number of effective branches, reduces the risk of lodging, thus increasing the grain yield. This experiment was conducted in the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, during the winter season of 2020-2021, to assess the effects of growth inhibitors Cycocel )CCC( and calcium carbide CaC2 (which generates ethylene), used three replications of a randomized complete block design (RCBD), Eight treatments were tested, including spraying CCC at concentrations of 200, 400, and 600 mg/L and ground application of CaC2 at 2 g/plant individually and in combination. The findings revealed that all treatments led to an increase in grain yield and a decrease in plant height compared to the control treatment. Notably, the C600 + CaC2 treatment exhibited significant superiority over other treatments in grain yield (5.52 t/ha), total dry matter (20.14 t/ha), and Harvest Index (25.21). These results suggest that growth inhibitors can effectively modulate the source-sink relationship, thereby enhancing grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the genetic variations of Oat cultivars under in sufficient of irrigation. A field experiment was carried out at the fields of with College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences ;University of Baghdad - Al-Jadriya during 2020-2021 seasons. The experiment was carried out using a Completely Block design within split-plot arrangement using three replicates under two treatments (verities and irrigation intervals). The main plots were irrigation intervals with moisture(50%, 25%, and 10%), while sub-plots were the varieties (Genzania, Anatolia, Plmula, Algoda, and Al-Shifa).The results showed that the third irrigation level had 75% flowering at highest averages93.67 days, and the V4 variety had the lowest average to weight of 250 grains about (7.67 g ).While there was a significant differences among irrigation interval 75% flowering compared with other traits ( 22.8),(24.6 )and ( 7.75) respectively. While the Alogoda produced the highest yield (7.49 ton .h-1 ) compared with the lowest Plmula gave (5.83 ton h-1 )There are differences among of varieties under irrigation intervals.The highest genotypic coefficient to yield (94.7%) and the highest value of heritability was (98.75%).to the flowering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of bio stimulators )chitosan and Appetizer( in reducing the heat stress on maize during spring season .Field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm, Coll. of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadiriya, Iraq, during the seasons of 2020 and 2021. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Blocks Design within split plot arrangement, with three replicates. Where the main plots included two cultivars of maize (Baghdad3 and cultivar 5018), while the sub plots included five levels of chitosan and Appetizer:(soaking seeds with Chitosan at a concentration of 100 and 500 mg L-1, and spraying with Chitosan 100 mg L-1, and spraying Appetizer in two and three stages in addition to the two control treatments, which are soaking seeds with distilled water and dry seeds. The results showed that the cultivar 5018 was superiored in grain yield 11.82 and 11.08 Mg ha-1in both seasons. The treatment of spraying Chitosan gave the highest grain yield 13.26 and 12.94 Mg ha-1, spraying the Appetizer in two stages gave 13.32 and 12.54 Mg ha-1, and spraying Appetizer in three stages gave 13.70 and 12.97 Mg ha-1for both seasons. The interaction was significant in most of the studied traits. So we recommend the use of Chitosan spray at a concentration of 100 mg L-1and Appetizer spray at a concentration of 1.25 ml L-1in two or three stages to reduce the effect of heat stress on maize planted in the spring season to increase grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to determine some genetic parameters of summer squash (cucurbita pepo L.), half diallel cross among eight inbred lines carried out in summer season 2021 at field of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok. The experiment lay out using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the mean square for all genotypes was highly significant effect in all studied traits. The inbred lines LBL2 and CNS2881 was superior in yield plant-1 obtained 9.67 kg and 10.94 kg, the crosses (CNS2881 x PEP1670) and (PEP1670 x N33133) recorded the highest value 13.83 and 13.53 respectively. The crosses (PEP512 x, CNS2881), (CNS2881 x PEP1670) and (PEP1670 x N33133) revealed significant heterosis for most traits. The heritability in broad sense was higher than narrow sense heritability in all traits ranged between 0.949 and 0.827 for fruit diameter and fruit weight. The average degree of dominance was higher than one in all traits except fruit length and fruit diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate delayed germination and immature embryos of carrot seeds; This research was implemented at vegetable field of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during two sequent seasons (fall and spring). The experiment was conducted using factorial within Randomized Complete Block Design arrangement with three factors and replicates (3X3X2). The aqueous barley sprouts extract (B0, B1) (0, 100 g.L-1 ) represented the first factor. Trehalose (T0, T1, T2) (0, 50, 75 mmole.L-1 ) represented the second factor. Calcium (C0, C1, C2) (0, 1, 2 ml.L-1 ) represented the third factor. Results showed the effectiveness of third order interaction treatment B1T2C1 in increasing germination speed and percent for the seeds of royal umbel (92, 97%); secondary umbel (90.67, 94.67%); and tertiary umbel (75.68, 86.33%). The mentioned treatment increased embryo length for the seeds of primary (royal) umbel (1628.3 µm), secondary umbel (1620.3 µm); and tertiary umbel (874.7 µm ). in compare with the lowest percents that found in B0T0C2 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at two locations, Grdarasha Research Field Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University – Erbil and Aquban special farm using randomized complete block design (RCBD) during two seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to study the effect of different plant densities and compost fertilizer of solid waste management and sorting of Akre district-Duhok province and NPK (20:20:20) fertilizer on growth and edible portion characteristics of Gundelia rosea. The results indicated that the plants of the two years age in the both locations produce the highest value of length, dimeter, fresh and dry weight of edible portion with space increasing between plants and rows. While, total fresh and dry weight increased with decreasing the distance between plants and rows. Compost and compost + NPK fertilizer significantly increasing all edible portion parameters in both locations. The interaction between density and fertilizer resulted that D5 and compost and compost +NPK treatment produce the maximum rate of length, dimeter, fresh and dry weight of edible portion, while D1 and compost and compost + NPK record the highest total fresh and dry weight production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following an overview of the agricultural engineering sector and grain-related activities in Tunisia, we employ a systems modeling approach to analyze the grain grading system. This analysis exploits the Objectives-Oriented Project Planning (OOPP) method. Then, we propose a model presenting the operation of this intricate system, enabling us to identify the governing information. We present a general model of the Information System for the grain grading system. Finally, we discuss the various results obtained from this application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018, rabi 2018-19 and kharif 2019 at Dr. NTR College of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh to study the influence of drip fertigation on maize growth parameters. The experiment was laid out in split plot design consisting of three irrigation levels (0.6 ETc (I1), 0.8 ETc (I2) and 1.0 ETc (I3)) and four nitrogen levels consisting of fertigation levels (80% RDN (N1), 100% RDN (N2), 120% RDN (N3) and Manual application (N4) on sandy clay loam soil. A drip fertigation system with venturi assembly was designed and fertigation date and quantity of nitrogen in each fertigation were calculated and applied. The results shown that, in all the seasons, the plant height at all the stages of observation, drip fertigation at 120% RDN (N3) recorded tallest plant height followed by N2, N4 and N1. The lowest days for maturity was observed in I1 treatment followed by I2 and I3 during kharif 2018. During rabi 2018-19, the lowest days for maturity was observed in I1 treatment followed by I2 and I3. During kharif 2019, the lowest days for maturity was observed in I1 treatment followed by I2 and I3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curriculum for undergraduate Agricultural Engineering does not usually include much laboratory practice. In order to address this, here we propose the design of a practical class on legume-rhizobia symbiosis, using an interdisciplinary approach that takes elements from botany, agriculture, and microbiology. The students perform an assay to stimulate nodulation in chickpea seedlings through inoculation with Mesorhizobium strains recommended as commercial inoculants, and evaluate improvement in plant growth as a result of nitrogen fixation. The experiment could serve as a springboard to discuss the importance of plant-bacteria interactions in the cultivation of a regionally relevant crop. It may also encourage the use of abilities of different kinds, including the appropriate manipulation of lab materials, the active engagement of scientific thought, the application of knowledge to specific real world scenarios and collaborative teamwork, all of which will be of paramount importance throughout the students' careers. The class can be easily adapted for other degrees connected to environmental microbiology, as well as for other symbiotic pairs that may include significant crops from other regions around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]