Effects of Fertilizers on Biomass, Sugar Content and Ethanol Production of Sweet Sorghum

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a promising alternative crop for bioethanol production in developing countries. However, to extend the cultivative area of this crop, it needs to develop an appropriate growing protocol for farmers. This chapter describes the examination of different doses of fertilizers combined with manure and micronutrients, in various applied times, on biomass, sugar content and ethanol production of sweet sorghum. It was observed that the application of 90 N + 90 P2O5 + 60 K2O provided maximum stem yield and optimum contents of sugar and ethanol yield, however nontreatment of any among P, P2O5 and K2O caused significant reduction of biomass and ethanol production. Higher fertilization >90 N may provide greater productivity of this crop but it may cause lodging and economic deficit for farmers in developing countries. It was also found that the applied times of fertilization should be at 3–4 to 7–8 leaf stage. In contrast, when the fertilization was as close to the flowering stage caused remarkable reduction of stem yield and ethanol production. The supplementation of (NH4)2MO7O2.4H2O at 5 kg/ha provided an increase of 10–12 tons/ha of stem yield and a remarkable enrichment of ethanol production. Findings of this study are useful for farmers and agricultural extensionists to promote biomass and ethanol productivity of this crop for bioethanol production. This research also highlights a greater possibility of exploiting sweet sorghum cultivation in infertile and hilly, abandoned areas for ethanol production

Biological roles of momilactones: achievements, challenges, and promising approaches to exploit their beneficial properties

Momilactones are defined as every lactone derived from rice husk. To date, these compounds can only be naturally found in rice (Oryza lineage) and moss (Pseudoleskeella papillosa and Hypnum plumaeforme). Their basic structure refers to the (9β-H)-pimarane skeleton bearing a γ-butyrolactone. In this review, the beneficial properties of momilactones, especially momilactones A (MA) and B (MB), including allelopathy, antimicrobials, antioxidants, anti-chronic diseases, anti-inflammation, and anticancer, are highlighted. Additionally, the signaling roles of momilactones in the response of host plants against environmental stresses are discussed, raising the question of whether momilactones act as novel phytohormones that require further comprehensive clarification. In another aspect, we come up with promising approaches to the future exploitation of these valuable compounds based on the current knowledge of their bioactivity mechanisms, biosynthetic pathways, and isolation protocols. However, momilactone biosynthetic processes remain elusive. Moreover, challenges in researching these compounds are mainly due to difficulties in isolation procedures and the lack of commercial sources, which have been least improved over the last half-century. Accordingly, we propose promising strategies to address these present problems and promote the effectiveness of further research, including: i) to improve the efficiency of momilactone extraction and isolation from plant sources; ii) to increase momilactone production applying synthetic models; iii) to generate crops that accumulate greater momilactone contents through genetic engineering approaches; iv) to discover new applications that combine momilactones with other prospective substances for enhancing targeted biological properties and preventing undesirable impacts; and v) to employ smart farming for optimizing the application of momilactones, monitoring their levels, and promoting sustainable agriculture. This paper may provide valuable insights for future strategies, focusing on the exploitation of momilactones for human health-beneficial purposes and the development of green agriculture aligned with sustainable development targets

Application of monte carlo simulation method to estimate the reliability of design problem of the bored pile according to limited state

This paper applies Monte Carlo simulation method to estimate the reliability of bored pile for designing problem at “Tax Office of Phu Nhuan District”. Surveyed random variables are physico-mechanical properties of soil and loads are assumed that they follow the normal distribution. Limit state functions developed from design requirements of Ultimate limit state (ULS) and Serviceability limit state (SLS). Results show that the probability of failure is 0 and the reliability index of ULS is 9.493 and of SLS is 37.076 when examining coefficient of variation of soil and loads of 10%. The paper also considers the safety level when evaluating different coefficients of variation in the range of 10 ~30%. The authors suggest applying the reliability method to design calculation for other construction to help the engineers have a visual perspective, increase safety and avoid wastage

Optimization of protein extraction from "Cam" rice bran by response surface methodology

"Cam" rice bran was considered a waste product from rice, which is rich in natural compounds and protein owing to its outstanding nutritional value. This study aimed to establish an optimization model for extracting protein from rice bran, with two responses: extraction yield (%) and protein content (%). The variable parameters included were pH (8.5-9.5), stirring time (3.5-4.5 h), and enzyme incubation temperature (85-95°C). The coefficient of determination for both models were above 0.95, indicating a high correlation between the actual and estimated values. The maximum extraction yield and protein content were achieved when the conditions were set at pH of 9.02, stirring time of 4.02 h, and extraction temperature of 90.6°C. Under these optimum conditions, the predicted protein extracted from rice bran was 43.03% (moisture <13.0%), with an extraction yield of 15.9%. The findings of this study suggested that this protocol can enhance the utilization of rice bran and might be employed on a large scale in the food industry to exploit the nutritional source

Maize in Vietnam: Production Systems, Constraints, and Research Priorities

Crop Production/Industries,