Effects of Drought and Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Seed Nutrition and 15N and 13C Natural Abundance Isotopes in Soybean Under Controlled Environments

The objective of the current research was to evaluate the effects of drought and elevated CO2 on seed production and seed nutrition under controlled conditions in soybean. Soybean plants were subjected to ambient and elevated CO2 and under irrigated and drought conditions. The results showed that drought or drought with elevated CO2 resulted in high protein and oleic acid, but low in oil and linoleic and linolenic acids. Significant decrease of sucrose, glucose, and fructose concentrations was noticed, but high content of raffinose and stachyose was observed. Nutrients such as N, P, K, and some micro-nutrients were reduced under drought or drought with normal or elevated CO2 concentrations. Seed δ15N (15N/14N ratio) and δ13C (13C/12C ratio) natural abundance isotopes were also altered under drought or drought with ambient or elevated CO2 concentrations, reflecting nitrogen and carbon metabolism changes. The current research demonstrated that global climate changes may lead to changes in seed nutrition, and nitrogen and carbon metabolism. Efforts of breeders to select for these traits will sustain food source and food security for humans and livestock as soybean is a major source for protein and oil for human consumption and soymeal for animals

Effect of Increased Nitrogen Application Rates and Environment on Protein, Oil, Fatty Acids, and Minerals in Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Seed Grown under Mississippi Delta Conditions

Information on the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates and environment on sesame seed composition and nutrition is scarce. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application rates on sesame seed yield, protein, oil, fatty acids, and mineral nutrition. A two-year (2014, 2015) field experiment was conducted. Nitrogen fertilizer (urea ammonium nitrate) solution (UAN, 32% N) was applied by side dressing to four sesame varieties (S-34, S-35, S-38, S-39) at rates of 44.7, 67.2, 89.6 and 112.0 kg\ub7ha-1. Rate of 44.7 kg\ub7ha-1 was used as control since this rate is traditionally recommended in the region. Increasing nitrogen application rates resulted in higher protein and oleic acid contents in two varieties in 2014, and in all varieties in 2015. Increased protein and oleic acid were accompanied by lower total oil and linoleic acid. Increased nitrogen application also resulted in higher seed N, S, B, Cu, Fe, and Zn in 2014 in S-34 and S-35, but either a decline or no clear change was observed in seed levels of these nutrients in S-38 and S-39. In 2015, increased nitrogen application resulted in significantly higher seed N in all varieties, and higher S, B, Cu, Fe, and Zn in some varieties. A significant positive correlation was observed between nitrogen application rate and yield, and with seed levels of protein, oleic, acid, N, B, Cu, Fe, and Zn. A significant negative correlation was observed between nitrogen application rate and seed oil and linoleic acid. Thus, increased nitrogen fertilizer application resulted in higher seed protein, oleic acid, and some mineral nutrients, but lower oil and linoleic acid. However, this effect depended on variety and environmental conditions. Because higher protein and oleic acid are desirable traits for sesame seed nutritional value and oil stability, regional breeders should select sesame varieties for efficient fertilizer response

Use of a biochar-based formulation for coating corn seeds

The series of experiments summarized here were conducted with the objective to evaluate the benefits of using biochar for coating corn seeds. Seeds coated with a slurry containing bio-based ingredients and biochar were tested for germination and vigor, and for their potential to being infected by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, using a novel single seed incubator specifically designed for these purposes. Biochar-treated seeds were also planted for two years in experimental fields in the Mississippi Delta to evaluate their effect on corn yield and aflatoxin contamination of kernels. Experiments were conducted with two types of commercial biochar; one was obtained from hardwood residues and the other from coconut shells. Application of both types of biochar for coating the seeds did not affect seed germination and vigor. However, treated seeds showed increased wettability and a more rapid water uptake. This resulted in a 8.5% shortening of germination time. Microbiological analysis using plate culturing and qPCR methods showed that biochar was not conducive to the growth of A. flavus. This was also confirmed by analyzing soil samples that were collected from experimental fields located in the Mississippi Delta. Most importantly, although aflatoxin contamination was different in the two experimental years, aflatoxin contamination of corn kernels was not affected by biochar-based formulations

Analyse, modélisation, conception et mise en œuvre de contrôleurs numériques à réponse rapide pour des convertisseurs de commutation à haute fréquence et de faible puissance

L'objectif de la thèse est de concevoir des compensateurs discrets qui permettent de compenser les non-linéarités introduites par les différents éléments dans la boucle de commande numérique, tout en maintenant des performances dynamiques élevées, des temps de développement rapide, et une structure reconfigurable. Ces compensateurs discrets doivent également avoir des temps de réponse rapide, avoir une déviation de la tension minimale et avoir, pour un étage de puissance donné, un temps de récupération rapide de la tension. Ces performances peuvent être atteintes par des compensateurs discrets conçus sur la base de techniques de contrôle linéaires et non linéaires. Pour obtenir une réponse rapide et stable, la thèse propose deux solutions : La première consiste à utiliser des techniques de contrôle linéaires et de concevoir le compensateur discret tout en gardant la bande passante la plus élevée possible. Il est communément admis que plus la bande passante est élevée, plus la réponse transitoire est rapide. L obtention d une bande passante élevée, en utilisant des techniques de contrôle linéaires, est parfois difficile. Toutes ces situations sont mises en évidence dans la thèse. La seconde consiste à combiner les techniques de contrôle linéaires avec les techniques de contrôles non linéaires tels que la logique floue ou les réseaux de neurones. Les résultats de simulations ont permis de vérifier que la combinaison des contrôleurs non-linéaires avec les linéaires ont un meilleur rendement dynamique que les contrôleurs linéaires lorsque le point de fonctionnement varie. Avec l'aide des deux méthodes décrites ci-dessus, la thèse étudie également la technique de l annulation des pôles-zéros (PZC) qui annule la fonction de transfert du convertisseur. Quelques modifications des techniques classiques de contrôle sont également proposées à partir de contrôleurs numériques afin d améliorer les performances dynamiques. La thèse met également en évidence les non-linéarités qui dégradent les performances, propose les solutions permettant d'obtenir les meilleures performances, et lève les mystères du contrôle numérique. Une interface graphique est également introduite et illustrée dans le cas de la conception d'un convertisseur abaisseur de tension synchrone. En résumé, cette thèse décrit principalement l'analyse, la conception, la simulation, l optimisation la mise en œuvre et la rentabilité des contrôleurs numériques. Une attention particulière est portée à l'analyse et l'optimisation des performances dynamique à haute fréquence et pour de faibles puissances des convertisseurs DC-DC abaisseur de tension. Ces convertisseurs fonctionnent en mode de conduction continue (CCM) à une fréquence de commutation de 1 MHz et s appuie sur des techniques de contrôle linéaires et non linéaires de façon séquentielle.The objective of the thesis is to design the discrete compensators which counteract the nonlinearities introduced by various elements in the digital control loop while delivering high dynamic performance, fast time-to-market and scalability. Excellent line and fast load transient response, which is a measure of the system response speed, with minimal achievable voltage deviation and a fast voltage recovery time for a given power stage can be achieved through the discrete compensators designed on the basis of linear and nonlinear control techniques. To achieve a stable and fast response, the thesis proposes two ways. One way is to use linear control techniques to design the discrete compensator while keeping the bandwidth higher. It is well-known fact that the higher the bandwidth, the faster is the transient response. Achieving higher bandwidth through linear control techniques sometimes becomes tricky. All those situations are highlighted in the thesis. The other way is to hybridize the linear control techniques with the nonlinear control techniques such as fuzzy logic or neural network based control techniques. Simulation results verify that hybridization of nonlinear controllers with the linear ones have better dynamic performance over linear controllers under the change of operating points. Along with using the two methodologies described above, the thesis also investigates the pole-zero cancellation (PZC) technique in which the poles and zeros of the compensator are placed in such a way that they cancel the effect of the poles or zeros of the buck converter to boost the phase margin at the required bandwidth. Some modifications are also suggested to the classical control techniques based digital controllers to improve the dynamic performance. The thesis highlights the nonlinearities which degrade the performance, a cost-effective solution that achieves good performance and the mysteries of digital control system. A graphical user interface is introduced and demonstrated for use with the design of a synchronous-buck converter. In summary, this thesis mainly describes the analysis, design, simulation, optimization, implementation and cost effectiveness of digital controllers with particular focus on the analysis and the optimization of the dynamic performance for high-frequency low-power DC-DC buck converter working in continuous conduction mode (CCM) operating at a switching frequency of 1 MHz using linear and nonlinear control techniques in a very sequential and comprehensive way.VILLEURBANNE-DOC'INSA-Bib. elec. (692669901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Relationship between Aflatoxin Contamination and Physiological Responses of Corn Plants under Drought and Heat Stress

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Effects of Harvest-Aids on Seed Nutrition in Soybean under Midsouth USA Conditions

Interest in using harvest aids (defoliants or crop desiccants) such as paraquat, carfentrazone-ethyl, glyphosate, and sodium chlorate (NaClO3) have become increasingly important to assure harvest efficiency, producer profit, and to maintain seed quality. However, information on the effects of harvest aids on seed nutrition (composition) (protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids) in soybean is very limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of harvest aids on seed protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids in soybean. Our hypothesis was that harvest aid may influence seed nutrition, especially at R6 as at R6 the seeds may still undergo biochemical changes. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 under Midsouth USA environmental conditions in which harvest aids were applied at R6 (seed-fill) and R7 (yellow pods) growth stages. Harvest aids applied included an untreated control, 0.28 kg ai ha−1 of paraquat, 0.28 kg ai ha−1 of paraquat, and 1.015 kg ai ha−1 of carfentrazone-ethyl (AIM); 6.72 kg ai ha−1 sodium chlorate, 1.015 kg ai ha−1 carfentrazone-ethyl; and 2.0 kg ae ha−1 glyphosate. Results showed that the application of harvest aids at either R6 or R7 resulted in the alteration of some seed composition such as protein, oil, oleic acid, fructose, and little effects on amino acids. In addition, harvest aids affected seed composition constituents differently depending on year and growth stage. This research demonstrated the possible alteration of some nutrients by harvest aids. This research helps growers and scientists to advance the understanding and management of harvest aids and investigate possible effects of harvest aids on seed nutrition

Corn-Soybean Rotation Systems in the Mississippi Delta: Implications on Mycotoxin Contamination and Soil Populations of Aspergillus flavus

The effect of corn-soybean rotation on mycotoxin contamination in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill.) grains has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, this research investigated the effect of corn-soybean rotation on aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in respective grains. The results showed that aflatoxin levels in soybean averaged 2.3, <0.5, 0.6, and 6.8 ng/g in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, while corn aflatoxin levels were 16.7, 37.1, 2.4, and 54.8 ng/g, respectively. Aspergillus flavus colonization was significantly greater (P≤0.05) in corn (log 1.9, 2.9, and 4.0 cfu/g) compared to soybean (<1.3, 2.6, and 2.7 cfu/g) in 2005, 2007, and 2008, respectively. Aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolates were more frequent in corn than in soybean in all four years. Higher fumonisin levels were found in corn (0.2 to 3.6 μg/g) than in soybean (<0.2 μg/g). Rotating soybean with corn reduces the potential for aflatoxin contamination in corn by reducing A. flavus propagules in soil and grain and reducing aflatoxigenic A. flavus colonization. These results demonstrated that soybean grain is less susceptible to aflatoxin contamination compared to corn due to a lower level of colonization by A. flavus with a greater occurrence of non-aflatoxigenic isolates

Soybean Seed Sugars: A Role in the Mechanism of Resistance to Charcoal Rot and Potential Use as Biomarkers in Selection

Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, is a major soybean disease resulting in significant yield loss and poor seed quality. Currently, no resistant soybean cultivar is available in the market and resistance mechanisms to charcoal rot are unknown, although the disease is believed to infect plants from infected soil through the roots by unknown toxin-mediated mechanisms. The objective of this research was to investigate the association between seed sugars (sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, glucose, and fructose) and their role as biomarkers in the soybean defense mechanism in the moderately resistant (MR) and susceptible (S) genotypes to charcoal rot. Seven MR and six S genotypes were grown under irrigated (IR) and non-irrigated (NIR) conditions. A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2012 and 2013 at Jackson, TN, USA. The main findings in this research were that MR genotypes generally had the ability to maintain higher seed levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose than did S genotypes. Conversely, susceptible genotypes showed a higher level of stachyose and lower levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. This was observed in 6 out of 7 MR genotypes and in 4 out of 6 S genotypes in 2012; and in 5 out of 7 MR genotypes and in 5 out of 6 S genotypes in 2013. The response of S genotypes with higher levels of stachyose and lower sucrose, glucose, and fructose, compared with those of MR genotypes, may indicate the possible role of these sugars in a defense mechanism against charcoal rot. It also indicates that nutrient pathways in MR genotypes allowed for a higher influx of nutritious sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) than did S genotypes, suggesting these sugars as potential biomarkers for selecting MR soybean plants after harvest. This research provides new knowledge on seed sugars and helps in understanding the impact of charcoal rot on seed sugars in moderately resistant and susceptible genotypes

Agricultural practices altered soybean seed protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and minerals in the Midsouth USA

Information on the effects of management practices on soybean seed composition is scarce. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effects of planting date (PD) and seeding rate (SR) on seed composition (protein, oil, fatty acids, and sugars) and seed minerals (B, P, and Fe) in soybean grown in two row-types (RT) on the Mississippi Delta region of the Midsouth USA. Two field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 on Sharkey clay and Beulah fine sandy loam soil at Stoneville, MS, under irrigated conditions. Soybean were grown in 102 cm single-rows and 25 cm twin-rows in 102 cm centers at seeding rates of 20, 30, 40, and 50 seeds m–2. The results showed that in May and June planting, protein, glucose, P, and B concentrations increased with increased SR, but at the highest seeding rates (40 and 50 seeds m–2), the concentrations remained constant or declined. Palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid concentrations were the least responsive to SR increases. Early planting resulted in higher oil, oleic acid, sucrose, B, and P on both single and twin-rows. Late planting resulted in higher protein and linolenic acid, but lower oleic acid and oil concentrations. The changes in seed constituents could be due to changes in environmental factors (drought and temperature), and nutrient accumulation in seeds and leaves. The increase of stachyose sugar in 2010 may be due to a drier year and high temperature in 2010 compared to 2009; suggesting the possible role of stachyose as an environmental stress compound. Our research demonstrated that PD, SR, and RT altered some seed constituents, but the level of alteration in each year dependent on environmental factors such as drought and temperature. This information benefits growers and breeders for considering agronomic practices to select for soybean seed nutritional qualities under drought and high heat conditions