14^th International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture August 15-16, 2019 Rome, Italy

Biography:

Lorenzo Labrador is a Scientific Officer at the world Meteorological Organization’s (WMO)  Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme. He currently coordinates the activities of three Scientific Advisory Groups to  WMO and also coordinates the research-to-services Measurement-Model-Fusion project, aimed at producing global maps of total deposition of atmospheric pollutants on an operational or semi-operational basis.  Lorenzo trained as a physicist and went on to obtain a Ph.D in atmospheric Sciences from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany and the University of Heidelberg in Germany in 2005. After working in academia researching atmospheric chemistry for a number of years, Lorenzo moved to the UK’s Met Office in 2015 to work in the Satellite Applications Group, where he worked on developing deep convection products using satellite imagery. In 2018, Lorenzo started working in WMO’s GAW programme.  Lorenzo has a number of publications in peer-reviewed journals, dealing mostly on the subject of atmospheric chemistry

Abstract:

The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme coordinates high-quality observations of atmospheric composition from global to local scales with the aim to drive high-quality and high-impact science while co-producing a new generation of products and services. Exposure to atmospheric ozone is a major factor in crop yield  losses in many countries, resulting in billions of US $ in losses and having implications for future food security. Likewise deposition of excess atmospheric nitrogen can result in eutrophication of freshwater bodies, with potential impacts on the health of  water bodies  used for irrigation. Conversely, agriculture is the single largest contributor of ammonia pollution as well as emitting other nitrogen compounds, some of which can make it into the atmosphere and be deposited, potentially affecting crops elsewhere. To better understand and address the issues posed by deposition of atmospheric pollutants, WMO has a mandate to produce global maps of wet, dry and total atmospheric deposition for important atmospheric chemicals to enable research into biogeochemical cycles and assessments of ecosystem, food security and  human health effects. The most suitable scientific approach for this activity is the emerging technique of measurement-model fusion for total atmospheric deposition. This technique requires global scale measurements of atmospheric trace gases, particles, precipitation composition and precipitation depth, as well as predictions of the same from global/regional chemical transport models. The fusion of measurement and model results requires data assimilation and mapping techniques.

Biography:

Qi Wei, Male, Postdoctor in Hohai Univeraity. Mainly focused on High efficiency local irrigation and its greenhouse gas emissions  so on, and published more than 30 papers in the last 5 years.

Abstract:

Irrigation of brackish water (2-5 g L^-1) instead of fresh water, modify soil microbial activities such as carbon and nitrogen cycle, and thus affect soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, the effects of irrigation salinity on global warming potentials (GWPs) caused by N₂O and CO₂ emissions are rarely investigated. Pot experiments with three irrigation salinity levels (2, 5 and 8 g L^-1) were designed to study the responses of GWPs and the contribution of N₂O and CO₂ to various salinity levels. Results indicated that soil CO₂ flux reduced with the increase of irrigation salinity and was obviously lower than that from fresh water irrigated soil (CK). By comparison, for N₂O, 2 and 8 g L^-1 saline water decreased the cumulative fluxes by 22.6% and 39.6% compare to CK (p<0.05), respectively, whereas 5 g L^-1 saline water enhanced it by 87.7%. Overall, the cumulative GWPs of N₂O and CO₂ from irrigated soils using saline water (2-8 g L^-1) were 3.2%-51.1% lower than that from CK, with the relative change to CK at 2 g L^-1 salinity level significantly higher than those at 5 g L^-1 salinity level. These results suggested that the degree to which soil Ec affected soil microbial processes might vary significantly among irrigation salinity ranges. Reducing the salinity of irrigated brackish water can mitigate soil GHGs and provides a potential strategy for solving water resources scarcity and reducing soil salt accumulation.

Biography:

Hongfang ZHU has working on Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences since 2009. She has mainly engaged in the collection, arrangement and evaluation of pakchoi and Chinese cabbage germplasm resources, the selection of new varieties, the breeding of good species, the study of cultivation techniques, and the demonstration and promotion of the germplasm.

Abstract:

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora Brassicae, is a serious soil-borne disease in worldwide. In recent years, progression of clubroot is rapid and serious in Shanghai, China. In this study,  The inheritance of clubroot resistance (CR) were determined in pakchoi using F₂ segregation population that were developed by crossing highly resistant line ‘CR38’ and susceptible line ‘CS22’. Two novel QTLs, qBrCR38-1 and qBrCR38-2, was identified by BSA-seq (Bulked Segregant Sequencing) resistant to P. brassicae physiological race 7. Two significant peak qBrCR38-1 and qBrCR38-2 were observed by three statistical methods between interval of 19.7-20.6Mb in chromosome A07 and 20.0-20.6Mb in chromosome A08, respectively. In addition, Polymorphic SNPs identified within target regions were converted to kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assays. In target regions of qBrCR38-1 and qBrCR38-2, there were twenty SNP sites identified, eleven KASP markers of which are significantly associated to CR (P<0.05). Seven candidate genes were identified and found to be involved in disease resistance (TIR-NBS-LRR proteins), defense responses of bacterium and fungi and biotic/abiotic stress response in the target regions harboring the two QTLs.  Two novel QTLs and candidate genes identified from the present.

Biography:

Shihong Yang received his PhD from Hohai University in 2011. Since 2011, he has been a faculty member as a Postdoctor (2011-2013), Associate Professor (2013-now) in Hohai University. His interests include water-saving irrigation technologies and their environmental effect. He has published >50 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers. He received a first prize of national science and technology progress awards, five provincial or ministerial science and technology progress awards, and several individual awards. As the PI, he has received >12 governmental funds.  

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Irrigation mode is an important factor in regulating ecosystem services from croplands. However, there are no studies on the effects of rice irrigation mode practiced on the ecosystem service value (ESV) of paddy fields. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Thus, we present the results of a field experiment study of ecosystem services and their economic values provided by paddy fields under different irrigation modes in Taihu Lake region of China. Conclusion & Significance: The results showed that nine kinds of rice paddy ecosystem services were clearly affected by irrigation mode of rice. Compared to traditional flooding irrigation (FI), controlled irrigation (CI) led to more than half reduction of irrigation water input while maintaining high rice yield. The positive ESV of CI paddy fields were reduced by 10.00% due to the reduction of air temperature, groundwater conservation and soil organic matter accumulation values. Meanwhile, application of water-saving irrigation also reduced negative ESV of paddy fields by 38.20% compared to FI treatment. CI management significant reduced the negative ESV of agricultural non-point source pollution and water resource depletion by 61.27% and 25.47%. In summary, total ESV of CI paddies were 43.41 ×10³ CNY ha^-1, reduced on average by 3.43% compared to FI fields.  According to the results of this study, 4.85 billion m³ of irrigation water will be saved and 1.83 billion CNY of ecosystem service value provided by gas exchange in paddy field will be increased in the event of a comprehensive promotion of rice water-saving irrigation in the Taihu Lake region of China. Our results suggest that CI can increase the ESV of paddy fields while drastically reducing irrigation water input and ensuring the crop yields.

Biography:

Servet KEFI has completed her B.Sc. in 1983 and M.Sc. in 1985 at Agricultural Faculty of Aegean University, TURKEY and Ph.D. in 1995 in Dept. of Agriculture & Forestry, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA. She had worked as extension specialist, researcher and director, respectively in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (1986-2004); General Secretary of the Executive Committee of Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Research Grant Group of the Scientific & Technological Research Council of Turkey, TUBITAK (2004-2007); Turkish Delegate of Food Quality & Safety Programme Committee in EU 6^th Framework Programme (2005-2007) and Chair of Food & Agriculture Domain Committee in COST (16.05.2006-14.02.2007). Currently she is giving lectures at Kastamonu Univ., Fac. of Engineering and Architecture, Dept. of Genetics and Bioengineering. Her research areas include plant tissue culture applications (mainly in potato); plant growing, breeding and seed production techniques (potato & wheat). She has published more than 15 papers. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: As being the first cultivated wheat in the Fertile Crescent, diploid einkorn wheat (2n=2x=14, AA), Triticum monococcum L. subs. monococcum, was domesticated 9500 years ago in Karacadag Mountains of South-East Turkey. Nowadays it has been grown in only marginal lands of Turkey, Caucasus, Europe and Morocco. After having disappeared because of its replacement by high yielding modern wheat cultivars, recently einkorn wheat has been re-introduced in some countries, especially for organic farming, due to its high resistance to pests and diseases, adaptation to harsh climates, ability to provide acceptable yields on poor soils even with low/without inputs and high nutritional value. In order to maintain and utilize the genetic diversity of einkorn wheat, it is necessary to develop in situ conservation program to provide continuity of cultivation of its landraces; characterizing, analyzing and documenting of its accessions and identifying its genes for useful agronomical and nutritional traits to employ in breeding programs.   Materials and Methods: Local 45 einkorn wheat lines, selected from 500 single rows planted by each single spikes collected from 50 farmers’ fields in Kastamonu/Turkey, were sown in autumn (9 November 2017) and in spring (20 February 2018) and were harvested on 30-31 July 2018 and on 8 August 2018, respectively. Morphologic and agronomic traits were observed and measured during growing period of plants and quality properties of harvested seeds were determined by using “Single Kernel Characterization System (SKCS)”. Findings: All of the einkorn wheat lines in the trial showed “facultative” growth habit, flowering well when sown both in autumn and in spring. Although lines sown in autumn had more yield, the same lines sown in spring provided higher quality and more resistance to lodging due to being shorter. Conclusions: Einkorn wheat lines sown in autumn and in spring seasons showed a significant variation for traits, which can be used for einkorn breeding program.   

Biography:

E. Vanessa Campoverde is a University of Florida/IFAS Extension Educator/Agent. Vanessa's work is focused on empowering her clientele with research-based trainings including but not limited to Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Best Management Practices (BMP), work safety and financial literacy. Prior to joining UF/IFAS in 2008, she worked at the International Potato Center in Peru. Vanessa holds a master’s degree in Plant Pathology from UF and a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. She is a member of Florida and National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Association of International Agricultural and Extension Education, American Society for Horticultural Science, American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators, The American Phytopathological Society and Epsilon Sigma Phi Associations, where she has served on several committees. Vanessa was also the 2015 UF/IFAS Award for Excellence in Internationalizing Extension recipient. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys travelling and try international cuisine.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: United States land grant universities have a third mission in addition to research and teaching, called Extension. At the University of Florida (UF) Extension is located within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and is called UF/IFAS Extension. Extension agents/educators provide research-based, practical information to agricultural producers and other clients. South Florida’s subtropical climate allows for production of a variety of crops, however, the same favorable environmental conditions are also ideal for many production challenges year-round.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: UF/IFAS Extension faculty developed, implemented and evaluated educational programs outcomes and impacts in commercial agriculture production for five years in south Florida. Programs delivered included classroom workshops, one–on-one consultations and site visits to nurseries.

Findings: The UF/IFAS Commercial Agriculture/Ornamental Extension Agent trained 2,245 participants in 64 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshops conducted in English and Spanish.  652 participants out of 1,165 (55.9%) answered a survey and reported an average class satisfaction of 4.4 out of 5.0 Likert scale (Where 1= least, 5= greatest value) and knowledge gain of 4.0 out of 5.0 in identification of pests threatening south Florida agriculture. Training covered such pests as Oriental Fruit Fly (OFF) and Giant African Land Snail (GALS), including their management.

Conclusion & Significance: To date UF/IFAS Extension continues to provide timely and relevant tropical agricultural education on a variety of topics to producers who rely on unbiased and research-based educational trainings. It is estimated than for every $1 invested in agricultural research and Extension, there is a return of $20 to the community.

Biography:

Sarah Bliss has been involved with Wobelea Pty Ltd since 1991. During this time the first post-harvest disinfectant for agricultural fruit and vegetable washing in Australia was developed by Wobelea Pty Ltd. In recent years Sarah has worked on developing new technology based on food additives for pre and post-harvest applications in the agricultural industry. Sarah has commented on the issues surrounding Melon Safety and pathogens affecting Mango’s and is passionate about ensuring new knowledge is passed onto growers. Sarah has worked ensuring recent field trials of the new technology were developed in conjunction with Peracto Pty Ltd, Tasmania (2017-18) to ensure efficacy and residue data were collected to support registration.

Sarah is passionate about correctly identifying critical control points from paddock to plate and using new technology to disinfect water to allow for future opportunities to bridge the gap between technology and growers. Knowledge is key to ensure quality water is used on growing crops to reduce harmful pathogens in the field, thus reducing the pathogen loading in the packing, storing and transport of produce.

Abstract:

Biography:

Mehrazd Honarvar currently working as Asst. Professor of Hort. Science, Department of Horticultural Science, Branch of Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants, Estahban Branch, Islamic Azad University, Estahban, Iran.

Abstract:

Khorasani thyme (Thymus transcaspicus Klokov) is an important thyme species of Lamiaceae family. This species is an evergreen and aromatic herb with culinary and medicinal use. Thymus transcaspicus is distributed in Iran and Turkmenistan. There is no report on in vitro propagation of Khorasani thyme. This study was conducted in Thymus transcaspicus for studying the factors affecting tissue culture on this species for the first time. For this purpose, different concentrations of BAP (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.5, 2 and 3 mg l^-1) and IBA (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg l^-1) were added into MS and MS/2 media. The best result for disinfection obtained with the using 70% alcohol for 5 sec. and 20% Clorox for 10 min. The results indicated that MS/2 medium was more effective in terms of explant growth compared with MS medium. The results demonstrated that, application of 1.5 mg l^-1 IBA plus 0.5 mg l^-1 BAP increased plant height, leaf width, and internode length as well as internode number. Furthermore, application of 1 mg l^-1 IBA plus 3 mg l^-1 BAP increased leaf length, fresh and dry weight and plant number. According to the results, application of 1.5 mg l^-1 IBA improved root number and root length, while application of 1 and 2 mg l^-1 increased root diameter in thyme plants.

Biography:

Zhirayr Chitchyan is a Lecturer of the Chair of Animal Husbandry and a Research Scientist in Armenian National Agrarian University (2016-present). He received a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences in Animal Husbandry, Armenian National Agrarian University (2014-2017). He completed Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics, Armenian National Agrarian University (2008-2012) and Master`s Degree in The Insurance job in Agri food system, Armenian National Agrarian University (2012-1014). He is Research worker in The Appear project Building Organic Agriculture in Armenia BOAA, responsible for organic animal production in ICARE Armenia (2018-present). He is a Coordinator of training courses within the frames of the program of State Assistance to construction of "smart farms" in the Republic of Armenia (2019-2021). He was the Research Scientist of the project << The research of biological and economic characteristics of imported cattle breeds to the Republic of Armenia>> in Scientific Center of Risk Assessment and Analysis in Food Safety Area SNCO (2016-2018).

Abstract:

Research has been conducted in Lusadzor community of Tavoush province in Armenia to determine the processability of milk samples collected from Jersey and Simmental cows for cheese manufacturing. The chemical composition as well as physical–chemical and technological parameters of the milk samples have been analyzed experimentally. In addition, the researchers estimated physical, chemical and organoleptic parameters as well as the yield of the cheese produced from the bulk milk collected from Jersey and Simmental cows. The results of the research proved that the milk samples collected from Jersey and Simmental cows possess the necessary physical–chemical and technological properties and can be used as high-quality raw material for manufacturing brine-ripened (pickled) cheese. The highest content of dry matter, observed in the milk collected from Jersey cows, stemmed from the high contents of fat, protein and minerals. The content of lactose (milk sugar) and physical characteristics (density, freezing temperature) did not vary significantly across the samples. The rennet clots formed in the milk collected from Jersey cows were characterized by higher structural–mechanical parameters and syneresis. Jersey milk possesses the qualitative characteristics that best contribute to high cheese yield, which allows for the most efficient cheese production. Cheese manufactured from Jersey milk is distinguished by less water content, higher fat and protein contents and higher organoleptic indicators, which all together improve the quality of cheese turning it into a highly competitive product.

Biography:

Adamu Muhammad was born 46 years ago (03-09-1973) in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. He obtained his B. Agriculture and M. Sc. Crop Science in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. He completed his PhD in Agronomy at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. He is currently the Head of Department of Crop Science, Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate School and was one time the Director of Examinations and Registration of the Kebbi state University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals nationally and internationally.

Abstract:

Potato is a temperate crop requiring low temperatures for growth and yield. Production of potato in the semi-arid lowland Nigeria is restricted to periods of low temperatures that prevailed from early November to late February. The general approach for potato in this region is to relate the planting date to coincide with the period of relatively low temperatures, as high temperature inhibits growth and yield. Based on the above, field experiments were conducted in two locations at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, during 2016/2017 dry season. The aim was to determine the most appropriate planting date and most suitable variety in the study area. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four Planting dates (1^st November, 15^th November, 1^st December and 15^th December 2016) and four potato varieties (Bertita, Diamant, Lady-christl and Nicola). The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Results revealed that stand count, plant height, number of leaves per plant, shoot dry weight, number of tubers per plant, weight of tubers per plant, mean tuber weight, mean tuber diameter and fresh tuber yield were higher when planted on 1^st - 15^th November. Bertita proved to be the most robust in terms of growth; and with Nicola, in terms of yield compared to the other varieties. Based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that, planting of potato from 1^st November to 15^th November coupled with either Bertita or Nicola give the highest potato yield in the study area.