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1
Glover, Max A. "Diallel analysis of Chinese and U.S. maize germplasm /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p1418022.
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Richbourg, Henry L. "QTL analysis for genes conferring tolerance to drought stress and damage from UV-B radiation." View electronic thesis, 2008. http://dl.uncw.edu/etd/2008-1/r1/richbourgh/henryrichbourg.pdf.
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Flint-Garcia, Sherry A. "Genetic analysis of stalk strength in maize /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3036825.
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Cooper, Jennifer L. "Gene expression analysis of Sucrose synthase1 and Shrunken1 in euploid and aneuploid maize /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3025614.
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Buckler, Edward St Clair. "Maize domestication and molecular evolution /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1997. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9842511.
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Thelen, Jay J. "Purification, characterization and molecular analysis of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from maize /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1998. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9901296.
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Mitchell, Brook D. "Turning corn silage analysis into economic value for the beef industry." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/35243.
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Master of AgribusinessDepartment of Agricultural Economics
Elizabeth Yeager
The corn silage market is typically focused heavily on the dairy market and results for corn silage plots are dedicated to the dairy industry specifically to get to the overall answer of $ Milk/Acre. The beef cattle industry is more interested in pounds of beef that can be gained from corn silage. There are roughly 6.2 million acres of corn silage in the US. Within that 6 million acres, roughly half is fed to beef cattle, but the corn silage industry has not focused on this aspect of the market. Within Mycogen Seeds there has been an ever increasing demand to find a way to deliver the corn silage plot data in a useable format for beef producers. By delivering corn silage plot data to beef producers, Mycogen has aspirations of increasing it’s market share of the corn silage market in Kansas as well as across the US, while at the same time increasing the awareness of how quality of a corn silage hybrid can affect a producers operation. This thesis examines corn silage plot info sample analysis and specific feed analysis calculations. With these specific calculations, the corn silage plot will illustrate information in a form that beef producers will understand, $ Beef Produced/Acre. At the same time, this thesis will examine the industry wide concept that tonnage is the only component that is important when selecting a corn silage hybrid. Finally this thesis will examine at what point ($/bushel) in the corn grain market does it make sense to start looking at utilizing corn silage over dry rolled corn by comparing price per MegaCalorie of energy by utilizing 25 year historical corn grain prices and using the Purdue Method of determining the cost of corn silage on a per ton basis.
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Guelpa, Anina. "Maize endosperm texture characterisation using the rapid visco analyser (RVA), X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) and micro-near infrared (microNIR) spectroscopy." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/96967.
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Thesis (PhD (Food Sc))--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Maize kernels consists of two types of endosperm, a harder vitreous endosperm and a softer floury endosperm, and the ratio of the vitreous and floury endosperm present mainly determines the hardness of the kernel. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple food in many countries, including South Africa, and is industrially processed into maize meal using dry-milling. For optimal yield and higher quality products, hard kernels are favoured by the milling industry. Despite many maize hardness methods available, a standardised method is still lacking, furthermore, no dedicated maize milling quality method exists. Using an industrial guideline (chop percentage), a sample set of different maize hybrids was ranked based on milling performance. Unsupervised inspection (using principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients) identified seven conventional methods (hectoliter mass (HLM), hundred kernel mass (HKM), protein content, particle size index (PSI c/f), percentage vitreous endosperm (%VE) as determined using near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and NIR absorbance at 2230 nm (NIR @ 2230 nm)) as being important descriptors of maize milling quality. Additionally, Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) viscograms were used for building prediction models, using locally weighted partial least squares (LW-PLS). Hardness properties were predicted in the same order or better than the laboratory error of the reference method, irrespective of RVA profile being used. Classification of hard and soft maize hybrids was achieved, based on density measurements as determined using an X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) density calibration constructed from polymers with known densities. Receiver operating classification (ROC) curve threshold values of 1.48 g.cm-3 , 1.67 g.cm-3 and 1.30 g.cm-3 were determined for the entire kernel (EKD), vitreous (VED) and floury endosperm densities (FED), respectively at a maximum of 100% sensitivity and specificity. Classification based on milling quality of maize hybrids, using X-ray µCT derived density and volume measurements obtained from low resolution (80 µm) µCT scans, were achieved with good classification accuracies. For EKD and vitreous-to-floury endosperm ratio (V:F) measurements, 93% and 92% accurate classifications were respectively obtained, using ROC curve. Furthermore, it was established that milling quality could not be described without the inclusion of density measurements (using PCA and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients). X-ray µCT derived density measurements (EKD) were used as reference values to build NIR spectroscopy prediction models. NIR spectra were acquired using a miniature NIR spectrophotometer, i.e. a microNIR with a wavelength range of 908 – 1680 nm. Prediction statistics for EKD for the larger sample set (where each kernel was scanned both germ-up and germ-down) was: R2 V = 0.60, RMSEP = 0.03 g.cm-3 , RPD = 1.67 and for the smaller sample set (where each kernel was scanned only germ-down): R2 V = 0.32, RMSEP = 0.03 g.cm-3 , RPD = 1.67. The results from the larger sample set indicated that reasonable predictions can be made at the fast NIR scan rate that would be suitable for breeders as a rough screening method.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mieliepitte bestaan uit twee tipes endosperm, ‘n harder glasagtige endosperm en ‘n sagter melerige endosperm, en die verhouding waarin die twee tipes endosperm aangetref word, bepaal hoofsaaklik die hardheid van die pit. Mielies (Zea mays L.) is ‘n stapelvoedsel in baie lande, insluitende Suid-Afrika, en word industrieël geprosesseer na mieliemeel deur van droë-vermaling gebruik te maak. Vir optimale produksie en beter kwaliteit produkte, word harde pitte deur die meule verkies. Ongeag die beskikbaarheid van verskeie mielie hardheid metodes, ontbreek ‘n gestandardiseerde metode nog, en verder bestaan ‘n metode om mielies se maalprestasie te bepaal ook nie. ‘n Monsterstel, bestaande uit verskillende mieliebasters, is op grond van maalprestasie ingedeel deur van ‘n industriële riglyn (chop persentasie) gebruik te maak. Inspeksie sonder toesig (deur gebruik te maak van hoofkomponentanalise (HKA) en Spearman’s rangkorrelasiekoëffisiënte) het sewe onkonvensionele metodes (hektoliter massa, honderd pit massa, protein inhoud, partikel grootte indeks, persentasie glasagtige endosperm soos bepaal deur gebruik te maak van naby-infrarooi (NIR) hiperspektrale beelding en NIR absorbansie by 2230 nm) identifiseer as belangrike beskrywers van maalprestasie. Daarbenewens, is Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) viskogramme gebruik om voorspellingsmodelle te bou deur gebruik te maak van plaaslik geweegte gedeeltelike kleinstekwadrate (PG-GKK) wat hardheidseienskappe kon voorspel met laer, of in dieselfde orde, laboratorium foute van die verwysingsmetodes, ongeag die gebruik van verskillende RVA profiele. Klassifikasie tussen harde en sagte mieliebasters was moontlik, gebasseer op digtheidsmetings soos bepaal met ‘n X-staal mikro-berekende tomografie (µBT) digtheids kalibrasie gebou vanaf polimere met bekende digthede. Ontvanger bedryf kenmerkende (OBK) kurwe drempelwaardes van 1.48 g.cm-3 , 1.67 g.cm-3 en 1.30 g.cm-3 is bepaal vir hele pit, glasagtige en melerige endosperm digthede, onderskeidelik, teen ‘n maksimum van 100% sensitiwiteit en spesifisiteit. Klassifikasie van die mieliebasters, gebasseer op maalprestasie en deur gebruik te maak van X-straal µBT afgeleide digtheid en volume metings soos verkry teen lae resolusie (80 µm) skanderings, was moontlik met goeie klassifikasie akkuraatheid. Vir heel pit digtheid en glasagtigtot-melerige endosperm verhouding metings is 93% en 92% akkurate klassifikasies verkry wanneer OBK kurwes gebruik is. Verder is dit vasgestel (deur gebruik te maak van HKA en Spearman’s rangkorrelasiekoëffisiënte) dat digtheidsmetings ingesluit moet word vir ‘n volledige beskrywing van maalprestasie. X-straal µBT afgeleide digtheid metings is gebruik as verwysings waardes om NIR spektroskopie voorspellings modelle te bou. NIR spektra is verkry deur van ‘n miniatuur NIR spektrofotometer, naamlik ‘n microNIR, bebruik te maak vanaf 908 – 1680 nm. Voorspellings statestiek vir die groter monsterstel (waar elke pit beide kiem-bo en kiem-onder geskandeer is) was vir HPD: R2 V = 0.60, RMSEP = 0.03 g.cm-3 , RPD = 1.67 en vir die kleiner monsterstel (waar elke pit was slegs kiem-onder geskandeer is) vir HPD: R2 V = 0.32, RMSEP = 0.03 g.cm-3 , RPD = 1.67. Die resultate van die groter monsterstel het aangedui dat redelike voorspellings moontlik is, teen die vinnige NIR skaderings tempo wat as rowwe vertoningsmetode geskik sal wees vir telers.
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Zhao, Zuo-Yu Weber David F. "Analysis of nondisjunction induced by the r-X1deficiency and the effect of nullisomy during microsporogenesis in Zea mays." Normal, Ill. Illinois State University, 1988. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ilstu/fullcit?p8818723.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 1988.Title from title page screen, viewed September 14, 2005. Dissertation Committee: David F. Weber (chair), Herman E. Brockman, Robert W. Briggs, Alan J. Katz, Glen E. Collier. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 104-111) and abstract. Also available in print.
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Badarch, Bayarbat. "Corn Yield Frontier and Technical Efficiency Measures in the Northern United States Corn Belt: Application of Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis." Diss., North Dakota State University, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/31867.
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About 75% of human food in the 21st century consists of just 12 crops, though specific crops vary among nations. Modern technology has allowed development of innovative food and non-food uses for these commodities. For instance, corn (maize (Zea mays L.)) is produced for many purposes, including food, livestock feed, biofuels, fiber for clothing, etcetera.
Scientists project the human population will reach 9.2 billion in next 20 years—an 18% increase from the 2020 population of 7.8 billion—resulting in increased demand for corn and other crops. Hence, farmers must increase total crop production to meet demand; however, local agricultural resource endowments such as climate, land and water availability, and soil attributes constrain production. Perhaps the quickest yield and efficiency improvements will result from farm management practices that tailor input applications to match accurate seasonal weather forecasts. Regional seasonal weather forecasts would enable farmers to optimize yields by reducing yield risk from extreme weather events, as well as from less extreme inter-annual weather variability. Improved productive efficiency is also critical to reducing environmental harms, e.g. contaminated runoff from excessive agricultural input use.
The objective of this dissertation is to estimate the corn yield frontier and efficiency measures based on agricultural input management and weather. This research contributes to an enhanced understanding of how the corn yield frontier responds to inter-annual weather variations, and how it may shift with climate change.
The first chapter summarizes three main topics—farm technology, climate change and weather variability, and methods for evaluating production efficiency. The second presents estimated corn yield frontiers and efficiency measures based on stochastic frontier and data envelopment analyses for nine North Dakota Agricultural Statistics Districts from 1994 to 2018. The third presents corn yield efficiency measures for five states: Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin from 1994 to 2018. The results reveal the major causes of inter-annual yield variation are variability of rainfall and temperature. Development of accurate growing-season weather forecasts is likely to result in high value-added for farmers and downstream agribusinesses. Federal, state, and private research funding in seasonal weather forecasting would probably be well invested.
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Xie, Wei. "Numerical analysis of corn flour melt flow in extruder die and extrusion of corn puffs with wheat starches /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1999. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9946317.
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Meyer, Louis J. "Tissue-specific orf and gene expression analysis in maize mitochondria /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2004. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p1422943.
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Owen, Gordon Thomas. "Energy analysis of various tillage and fertilizer treatments on corn silage production." Thesis, McGill University, 1985. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=63267.
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Xu, Zhiying. "Essays on applied production analysis in agriculture." Diss., Connect to online resource - MSU authorized users, 2008.
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Woodward, Wendy Marie. "Analysis of a non-functional allele of the maize regulatory gene pl /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1997. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9841194.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997.Typescript. Leaf 6 not included in numbering but content is complete. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-79). Also available on the Internet.
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Hao, Dayang. "Content extraction, analysis, and retrieval for plant visual traits studies." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/5704.
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Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 12, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.
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Pennington, Paul Douglas. "An analysis of interploidy crosses in maize." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2005. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:61594fab-c6a0-4d18-81d8-3578a7e678d4.
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Reciprocal crosses between plants containing different genome numbers have been demonstrated to show alternate phenotypes in many species and are often lethal. The effects of interploidy crosses on kernel development in maize (Zea mays) have been reassessed using markers for two cell domains: the aleurone and the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL); and by monitoring gene expression. The study confirms previous observations and offers novel insights into genomic interactions. Endosperms from maternal excess crosses (tetraploid mother, diploid father) displayed reduced mitotic activity, and an accelerated rate of differentiation generally, including early starch accumulation, and earlier, atypical aleurone formation. The BETL failed to form normally, being replaced with aleuronelike cells, except for a few interspersed cells. Gene expression was altered, including those encoding cell domain markers and storage molecules. Paternal excess endosperms (diploid mother, tetraploid father), showed an increase in cellular proliferation. Generally, differentiation was delayed: starch accumulation began late, and formation of the aleurone layer was delayed, and was morphologically highly irregular. BETL specification was also disturbed, with only a few cells showing characteristic wall modifications very late in development. Later development of the whole endosperm was characterized by ectopic gene expression, and zones of high cell proliferation. A greater proportion of the genome was mis-expressed in these crosses, reflecting the more extreme phenotype. Although expression levels of marker genes did not reflect the failure to develop a normal BETL, it may be that the cells in the BETL region had undergone an modified developmental program. This work is considered in the context of evolutionary models which state that different parental roles lead to differential expression of genes from their respective genomes, and is compared with evidence from arabidopsis. The current study is considered generally supportive of such models.
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Finnegan, Patrick Michael. "RNA synthesis in maize mitochondria : the identification of autonomously replicating RNA species and a kinetic analysis of transcript accumulation." Thesis, McGill University, 1989. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=75931.
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Transcription in mammalian and yeast mitochondria proceeds from a few well defined promoters, with processing of polycistronic transcripts producing the mature RNAs. The levels of different sequences in the steady-state RNA populations depend on differential promoter strengths, transcription attenuation and/or selective termination, and differential RNA stabilities. To gain insights into the processes governing transcription and RNA levels in plant mitochondria, a system using isolated maize mitochondria, which synthesize bona fide mitochondrial RNAs, was developed and partially characterized with respect to exogenous requirements and sensitivity to inhibitors of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis.Although initiation and processing probably occur at reduced levels in isolated maize mitochondria, endogenous DNA templates are extensively transcribed at the same relative rates as in vivo. Isolated maize mitochondria were used to demonstrate that differential rates of both synthesis and turnover help determine the steady-state abundances of various mitochondrial RNA sequences and that mitochondria from certain lines possess an autonomously-replicating, RNA-based genetic system.
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Pfunde, Cleopatra Nyaradzo. "Parent characterization of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) and combining ability for tolerance to drought stress." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007536.
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Quality protein maize (QPM) has enhanced levels of two essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan compared to normal maize. This makes QPM an important cereal crop in communities where maize is a staple crop. The main abiotic factor to QPM production is drought stress. Little information is available on the effect of drought stress on QPM. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (i) conduct diversity analysis of QPM inbred lines using morpho-agronomic and simple sequence repeat markers, (ii) screen available QPM inbred lines and F1 progeny for tolerance to seedling drought stress, (iii) determine the combining ability and type of gene action of QPM inbred lines for tolerance to seedling drought stress, grain yield and endosperm modification. The study was conducted in South Africa, at the University of Fort Hare. Morphological characterisation of 21 inbred lines was done using quantitative and qualitative traits. A randomised complete block design with three replicates was used for characterizing the inbred lines in the field. Genstat statistical software, version 12 (Genstat ®, 2009) was used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics. Analysis of variance was performed on all quantitative data for morphological traits. Data for qualitative traits was tabulated in their nominal classes. Traits that contributed most to the variation were days to anthesis, days to silking, anthesis-silking interval, plant height, number of kernel rows, ear length and grain yield. Cluster analysis grouped the inbred lines into three main clusters. The first cluster was characterised by tall and average yielding lines, while the second cluster showed the least anthesis-silking interval, and had the highest yield. Cluster three consisted of lines that were early maturing, but were the least yielding. Genetic distances between maize inbred lines were quantified by using 27 simple sequence repeat markers. The genetic distances between genotypes was computed using Roger’s (1972) genetic distances. Cluster analysis was then carried out using the neighbour-joining tree method using Power Marker software version 3.25. A dendrogram generated from the genetic study of the inbred lines revealed three groups that concurred with expectations based upon pedigree data. These groups were not identical to the groups generated using morpho-agronomic characterisation. Twenty one QPM inbred lines were crossed using a North Carolina design II mating scheme. These were divided into seven sets, each with three inbred lines. The three inbred lines in one set were used as females and crossed with three inbred lines in another set consisting of males. Each inbred line was used as a female in one set, and as a male in a second set. Sixty three hybrids (7 sets x 9 hybrids) were formed and evaluated in October 2011, using a 6x8 alpha-lattice incomplete block design with three replicates under glasshouse and optimum field conditions. A randomised complete block design with three replicates was used for the 21 parental inbred lines. Traits recorded for the glasshouse study were, canopy temperature, chlorophyll content, leaf roll, stem diameter, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, fresh and dry root and shoot weights. Data for the various traits for each environment, 25 percent (stress treatment) and 75 percent (non-stress) of field capacity, were subjected to analysis of variance using the unbalanced treatment design in Genstat statistical package Edition 12. Where varietal differences were found, means were separated using Tukey’s test. Genetic analyses for grain yield and agronomic traits were performed using a fixed effects model in JMP 10 following Residual Maximum Likelihood procedure (REML). From the results, inbred lines that were not previously classified into heterotic groups and drought tolerance categories were classified based on their total dry weight performance and drought susceptibility index. Inbred lines L18, L9, L8, L6 and L3, in order of their drought tolerance index were the best performers under greenhouse conditions and could be recommended for breeding new varieties that are tolerant to seedling drought stress. Evaluation of maize seedlings tolerant to drought stress under glasshouse conditions revealed that cross combination L18 x L11 was drought tolerant, while cross L20 x L7 was susceptible. Total dry weight was used as the major criteria for classifying F1 maize seedlings as being resistant or susceptible. General combining ability effects accounted for 67.43 percent of the genetic variation for total dry weight, while specific combining ability effects contributed 37.57 percent. This indicated that additive gene effects were more important than non-additive gene action in controlling this trait. In the field study (non-drought), the experimental design was a 6x8 alpha lattice incomplete block design with three replicates. On an adjacent field a randomised complete block design with three replicates was used to evaluate the parental inbred lines. The following variables were recorded: plant height, ear height, ears per plant, endosperm modification, days to silking and days to anthesis, anthesis-silking interval, number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and grain yield. General analyses for the incomplete lattice block design and randomised complete block design for hybrid and inbred data respectively were performed using JMP 10 statistical software. Means were separated using the Tukey's test. Genetic analyses of data for grain yield and agronomic traits were conducted using a fixed effects model using REML in JMP 10. The importance of both GCA (51 percent) and SCA (49 percent) was observed for grain yield. A preponderance of GCA existed for ear height, days to anthesis, anthesis-silking interval, ears per plant and number of kernels per row, indicating that predominantly, additive gene effects controlled hybrid performance under optimum field conditions. The highest heritability was observed for days to silking (48.27 percent) suggesting that yield could be improved through selection for this trait. Under field conditions, variation in time to maturity was observed. This implies that these inbred lines can be recommended for utilisation in different agro-ecologies. Early maturing lines such as L18 can be used to introduce earliness in local cultivars, while early maturing single crosses such as L18 x L2, L5 x L9, L3 x L4 and L2 x L21 could be recommended for maize growers in drought prone areas such as the former Ciskei. Single crosses L18xL11, L16xL18, L8xL21 and L9xL6 had good tolerance to seedling drought stress. On the other hand, single crosses L18xL11 and L11xL13 had high grain yield and good endosperm modification. All these single crosses could be recommended for commercial production after evaluation across locations in the Eastern Cape Province. Alternatively they can be crossed with other superior inbreds to generate three or four way hybrids, which could then be evaluated for potential use by farmers in the Eastern Cape.
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Wijesundara, Sunetra M. "Correction and diagnosis of boron deficiency in corn." Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/101338.
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Field experiments were conducted during the 1985 growing season on six soils in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region and one from the Piedmont region to determine the response of irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) to boron application. Two treatments applied to each of the soils consisted of 1) a control and 2) both band and foliar boron applied at rates of 2.0 and 0.5 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, as Solubor when corn plants were in the V5 to V6 growth stage. Corn grain yields averaged 13,485 kg ha⁻¹ across treatments on the seven soils. Based on published calibration data for the hot water soluble boron procedure, a corn grain yield response to boron application was not expected on any of the seven soils. Nevertheless, boron application increased corn grain yield from 13,485 kg ha⁻¹ on the control treatment to 14,300 kg ha⁻¹ on the plus boron treatment for one of the seven soils, an Altivista loamy sand. This soil had a hot water soluble boron concentration of 0.56 mg kg⁻¹ and a Mehlich 3 extractable boron concentration of 0.78 mg kg⁻¹. The six soils for which boron application did not increase yields had hot water soluble boron concentrations from 0.55 to 0.92 mg kg⁻¹ and Mehlich 3 extractable boron concentrations from 1.02 to 1.33 mg kg⁻¹. The boron concentration in whole corn plants sampled at the V5 to V6 growth stage was 6.7 mg kg⁻¹ on the Altivista soil where boron application increased corn grain yields and ranged from 9.6 to 103.1 mg kg⁻¹ on the six soils where boron application did not increase yields. The boron concentrations in ear leaves sampled at the early silk growth stage ranged from 8.5 to 18.6 mg kg⁻¹ and in corn grain from 0.66 to 3.31 mg kg⁻¹ on the control treatments of the seven soils. Ear leaf and grain boron concentrations were 10.7 and 0.74 mg kg⁻¹ for plants grown on the control treatment on the Altivista loamy sand, respectively. It can be concluded that, of the plant tissue and soil test procedures evaluated, boron concentration in whole young plants and Mehlich 3 extractable B were the most promising for diagnosis of boron deficiency in corn plants. Nevertheless, research is required on more soils before boron concentrations in young plants and Mehlich 3 extractable B can be used as a routine procedure for detection of boron deficiency in corn plants.M.S.
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Sousek, Nicholas D. "Enhancing grain marketing decisions: farm breakeven analysis and grain sales management." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/35770.
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Master of AgribusinessDepartment of Agricultural Economics
Daniel M. O'Brien
In recent years, the price volatility in agricultural commodity prices, as well as agricultural input costs, has drastically increased. Today’s famer is faced with difficult decisions concerning when to market their crop, as well as when to secure various inputs. An increase in information availability, coupled with increasing price fluctuations, can make these decisions even more difficult for producers. Although seasonal trends, forecasts, and technical market analysis can be helpful, market efficiency prevents accurate prediction of agricultural prices. Because marketing decisions can be difficult to make, the easiest decision for a producer to make is to not make one at all. However, failure to make sound risk management decisions can be extremely costly to a producer. There are two primary factors that impact a producer’s bottom line: cost of production and grain marketing decisions. Each producer has their own unique cost of production that changes throughout the year. Variable input costs can be volatile within a single growing year, and often the need for certain inputs changes. Marketing decisions and timing can be an even bigger factor in a producer’s gain or loss. Since price prediction is impossible, a producer’s time may be better spent focusing on information they can control. The purpose of this thesis was to test and evaluate a cost of production, crop insurance, and grain marketing calculator with a group of corn and soybean producers in Southeast Nebraska. It is hypothesized that providing customers with a multifaceted, integrated farm management and marketing decision making tool should help them be able to make more profitable risk management and marketing decisions. By knowing how factors as changing expenses impact cost of production and how grain sales impact revenues and profitability per acre, it is hypothesized that users will make more profitable farm management and marketing decisions. In October and November of 2014, twenty corn and soybean farmers were presented with the Grain Marketing Calculator. Grain sales in the 2014 and 2015 crop years were to be entered into the calculator by participating producers as they make their grain sales. Annual production history (APH), revenue protection insurance information, actual or expected yields, and total acres of each crop were entered into the calculator during the initial producer calculator rollout. Generalized costs were entered into the calculator prior to the producer rollouts. Participants were able to change the generalized costs to their actual costs if they chose to do so. Data were gathered from the participants using the Grain Marketing Calculator in March of 2015. Participants weighted average futures sales, weighted average cash sales, percent of APH sold, and percent of total production sold were collected. In March of 2015, the same information from another group of producers who did not use the Grain Marketing Calculator was collected. The two groups average results were compared to each other and regression analyses were done to determine statistical significance of the impact on the test groups’ results. At the end of the experiment, feedback was gathered from participants and improvements were suggested.
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Siisii, Clara N. "The European Union supply and demand for barley and corn : an econometric policy analysis study /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2000. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9988700.
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Briggs, Amanda C. "Probit and ordered probit analysis of the demand for fresh sweet corn." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2003. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0001185.
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Pasha, Mehrdad. "Analysis of flow, breakage and coating of corn seeds in a mixer." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2015. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/11991/.
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In the seed processing industry, rotary batch seed coaters are widely used for providing a protective coating layer to the seeds consisting of various ingredients including fertilisers and crop protection chemicals. Seed motion and mixing are important in ensuring uniform coating; hence the focus of this work is to address the mixing efficiency and coating uniformity of corn seeds in a rotary batch seed mixer. In the present study, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is used to analyse the motion and coating uniformity of the seeds. A comprehensive study has been carried out addressing the influence of the shape of corn seeds for accurately simulating their flow in the mixer using two commonly used techniques: (i) manipulation of coefficient of rolling friction of spherical particles, and (ii) clumping multiple spheres. Both methods were successful in simulating the flow of seeds in the mixer, however the former method is found to be an empirical approach rather than predictive. A coating model is used for predicting the coating uniformity of corn seeds in the mixer. Effect of various process parameters on variation of coating mass among the seeds is investigated. For the seed mixer, the baffle clearance gap, baffle geometry and position of the atomiser disc were found to be the key influential process parameters affecting the coating uniformity of corn seeds. Other process parameters such as the base rotational speed, baffle angle, width and curvature had less effects on coating variability. A study has also been carried out on tailoring the existing methods of measuring the extent of breakage of particles for seeds. Four breakage criteria were proposed and assessed for consideration of mass of broken seeds, and the most suitable methods are suggested. The simulations developed here are generic and can be applied to a wide range of coating processes, such as particle and tablet coating. The proposed methodology for measuring the extent of breakage of corn seeds can also be used for other types of seeds.
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Samuels, RC. "Application of hazard analysis (HACCP) in starch production by the wet milling of maize." Thesis, Cape Technikon, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/819.
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Thesis (Masters Diploma (Food Technology))--Cape Technikon, Cape Town,1993This study is based on the Hazard Analysis in the Wet Milling of maize for the production of starch at the Bellville plant of African Products. Wet milling of maize is a highly specific and completely integrated system developed to separate the major components of the kernel as completely as possible. Many microbiological problems existed in the process at this plant which could not be solved over the years. Microbial analyses were done throughout the plant and high microbial counts were obtained at various sampling points. In applying HACCP, the following major hazards were identified: The presence of Faecal Streptococci, Sraphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Faecal coliforms, Fusarium, Dip/odia, Aspergillus, Penicillium and various Yeast strains. The follOWing Critical Control Points (CCP's) were identified in the wet milling process: Maize trucks, in-process water, steeping, storage tanks, Reineveld, wet mlxmg boxes, Laidlaw, drying and bagging off point. The follOWing were done as part of the HACCP plan: i) modifications of the plant were suggested, ii) different sanitation programmes were evaluated, iii) monitoring of cep's, and iv) training of personnel. In general, a regular sanitation programme need to be exercised in the wet-milling plant to prevent a build up of microbial populations at various sampling points. High S02 levels can be maintained throughout the plant to achieve this. The final starch will then be used for Industrial starch. Criteria to monitor the CCP's were suggested. Hazard Analysis is an effective method to improve the quality of the final product.
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Roberts, Darrin F. "An environmental assessment of sensor-based variable-rate nitrogen management in corn." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4544.
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Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 26, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.
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Heine, George F. "Functional analysis of P1, a model R2R3 MYB domain transcription factor." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1148487881.
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Higgins, Todd R. "An economic analysis of the value of grazing winter cover crops." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/36221.
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Master of AgribusinessDepartment of Agricultural Economics
Jason S. Bergtold
Cover crops can be used as forage for cattle and other grazing animals. This research investigated the net returns of using cover crops for forage or grazing under four scenarios. These scenarios were: 1) a mixed crop and livestock producer who owns a herd of cattle and has both dry or pregnant cows and weaned calves available to graze corn stover and cover crops; 2) a crop farmer who purchases stocker cattle for the purpose of grazing the cover crop and corn stover; 3) a crop farmer who leases out a corn stover and cover crop field to a livestock producer (and who provides value-added services to the livestock producer for a fee); and 4) an integrated operation with crops and cattle where cover crops are not grown and hay is fed to cattle during the winter months. Each of these scenarios had different budgets, risks, and profit potentials. The research aimed to address the risks and profit potentials for each scenario. The stocking density was initially set at three cows and 31 steers for a period of 90 days, and alternatively, three cows and 25 steers for a period of 120 days. Two sets of cattle pricing data were used: the average historical prices from 1992 to 2011 and reported prices from a regional stockyard for the period of November 2016 to March 2017. The results showed that the initial stocking densities used for scenarios one and two were too low to provide profitable net returns regardless of pricing data used. Net returns for scenario three were also not profitable based on the services rendered and the management fee charged. Scenario four was profitable on one occasion. November steers with a 500 lb. average starting weight fed hay and concentrate for 120 days resulted in a positive net return of $375. A second analysis was done using stocking rates of 50, 75, or 100 steers to determine if increasing stocking density would result in a positive net return using only the 2016/2017 pricing data and only evaluating net returns on 2.0 and 2.5 lbs. of average daily gain. Positive net returns were achieved at various start weights and average daily gain rates at stocking rates of 75 and 100 animals. No positive net returns were realized at the stocking rate of 50 animals/100 acre field. The management fee charged for providing management services under scenario three was adjusted based on stocking densities to determine if a positive net return could be achieved at the set fee rate of $0.875/head/day. At that rate, no stocking rate resulted in a positive net return. Using the cost data, less the $900 field lease income, a breakeven pricing point for the management fee was determined for each stocking density and grazing duration within the scenario. Management of cost factors to achieve greater chances of profitability and additional research needs are discussed.
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Bast, Laura E. "Evaluation of nitrogen recommendations for corn based on soil analysis and remotely sensed data." The Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243864743.
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Liu, Yanyan. "Papers on agricultural insurance and farm productivity." Diss., Connect to online resource - MSU authorized users, 2006.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Dept. of Economics, 2006.Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 19, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-68). Also issued in print.
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Rifaat, Mahmoud M. "Studies on maize beta glucosidase gene-enzyme system." Diss., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53601.
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Maize ß-glucosidase is implicated in phytohormone catabolism, disease resistance mechanisms, and also the catabolism of various ß-D-glucosides. The enzyme expressed in maize sporophytes is encoded by a highly polymorphic locus, Glul (chromosome 10). In the present study, maize ß-glucosidase was purified to homogeneity by using differential solubility and chromatography. The enzyme is soluble and synthesized adaptively after germination. The isoelectric point (pl) of the native enzyme is 4.9-5.0 and its temperature and pH optima are 40°C and 6.8, respectively. The active enzyme is temperature·sensitive and composed of two identical, non-covalently associated and catalytically inactive polypeptides (60 kD each). Enzyme catalysis shows dominant aryl ß-glucosidase and ß-fucosidase activities compared to cellobiase activity. Activity is (1) influenced by the configuration of the C-4 and C-6 atoms on the glycone moeity and by the substrate chain length, (2) possibly mediated by an imidazole ring and a terminal α-amino group in the enzyme catalytic and binding sites, respectively, (3) dependent on intra-chain disulfide bonds to maintain the enzyme conformation, and (4) inhibited competitively by the end product, glucose. The sporophytic specificity of Glul expression might be controlled by tightly linked cis- and trans- acting regulatory elements. One of the several null mutations, with an apparent allelism to Glul locus, (l) complements in trans when combined with normal Glul alleles, and (2) probably affects a shift in the tissue-specific expression of Glul locus (from sporophytic to gametophytic). Another structural gene, GIu3, encoding a soluble, sporophyte-specific, and electrophoretically-invariant ß-glucosidase isoenzyme is present based on hydrodynamic properties, size, surface net charge, peptide map, quaternary structure, and enzyme kinetics.Ph. D.
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Logan, Amanda Lee. "The application of phytolith and starch grain analysis to understanding formative period subsistence, ritual, and trade on the Taraco Pennisula, Highland Bolivia." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4596.
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Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 21, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.
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Bast, Laura Elizabeth. "Evaluation of nitrogen recommendations for corn based on soil analysis and remotely sensed data." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1243864743.
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Laude, Tonette. "Quantitative Genetic Analysis of 16 Maize Populations Adapted to the Northern U.S. Corn Belt." Diss., North Dakota State University, 2013. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/27216.
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Genetic diversity is essential for genome sequencing and a key contributor to increase frequency of favorable alleles for maize improvement. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic components, assess the genetic diversity, and propose the heterotic grouping of a large sample of short-season maize populations based on multiple traits. Sixteen maize populations were included in a diallel mating design that followed Gardner-Eberhart Analysis (GEAN) II to estimate variety (vi) and heterosis (hij) genetic effects. The general combining ability (gi) estimates were also determined and used to classify the populations based on their genetic diversity. Data were generated in partially balanced single lattice experiments across North Dakota (ND) locations in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Combined analyses of variance showed significant differences among genotypes. Heterosis effects explained the most among diallel entries sum of squares for grain yield, while vi effects had greater influence on grain quality traits. The gi effects agreed with the genetic effect that had larger contribution to the total among diallel entries sum of squares for various traits. Three groups were formed based on the genetic distances (GD) of the gi estimates. Four heterotic groups were established based on sij estimates for grain yield. Close correspondence was observed between the groups formed using GD and sij. The heterotic grouping among populations agreed with their genetic background information and heterotic group?s specific and general combining ability (HSGCA) estimates. The EARLYGEM 21 populations having exotic background were assigned to a unique heterotic group. The heterotic groups established among these populations will increase breeding efficiency to improve and develop genetically broad-based populations. Inter-population recurrent selection programs can be employed for population crosses with high grain yield and above average grain quality formed by parental populations belonging to different heterotic groups. Intra-population recurrent selection programs can also be established for the parental populations identified with desirable grain quality traits. These populations will serve as unique germplasm sources of short-season diverse inbred lines to produce the next generation of diverse northern U.S. hybrids. New heterotic patterns have been established as a source of new commercially viable single-cross and population hybrids. [Full abstract in document contains symbols]University of the Philippines Doctoral Studies Fund
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Popelka, Paul. "Net present value analysis of an automated grain aeration system technology on stored corn." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/19034.
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Master of AgribusinessAgricultural Economics
Allen M. Featherstone
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze whether the use of automated aeration systems for reducing moisture in corn during storage provides sufficient net present value for Nebraska corn farmers. The objective is to examine if an automated aeration system provides sufficient energy savings, marketing opportunities and reduced drying costs before corn delivery to an elevator. On-the-farm corn storage has steadily increased and harvesting corn before the moisture has achieved the desired targets cost farmers in drying charges and shrink. Farmers are interested in whether automated aeration systems can remove enough moisture from grain, without over-drying the bin, without spending a large amount of time determining when to run their grain bin aeration fans. Data for this project were obtained from four privately owned 60,000 bushel grain bins outfitted with the IntelliAir™ BinManager™ automated aeration system. Moisture samples were taken from each of the trucks hauling grain to the bin and again after removal of the corn after the automated system had ran for 9 months. Energy usage, drying charges, and shrink were calculated for the initial corn moisture averages and the moisture at the time of removal. Each bin was examined using Net Present Value (NPV) analysis to determine whether the energy savings were enough to offset the initial installation cost and annual expenses of the project. After the NPV was estimated for each of the bins, a sensitivity analysis of how corn price changes and no aeration required would affect the NPV analysis. Finally, an analysis of the total costs savings of a continuously ran aeration system was compared to the automated aeration system. The conclusion of the NPV analysis was that adding an automated aeration system would be profitable under most scenarios. More studies are needed to determine the profitability of automated aeration systems in different regions, moisture inputs, and bin sizes.
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Murano, Peter S. "Response surface analysis of high fructose corn syrup cakes emulsified with sucrose esters and mono- and diglycerides." Diss., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/54252.
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Cakes were formulated with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a replacement (0, 50, and 100% based on weight) for sucrose, and corn oil as a total replacement for hydrogenated vegetable shortening. Two different emulsifiers were used: sucrose esters (SE) or mono- and diglycerides (MDS). Nine different treatment variations were evaluated, which differed according to the level of HFCS (0, 50, and 100%) and the choice of emulsifier (none, MDG, and SE). Objective tests were performed on the cake batters, and both objective and sensory tests were applied to the baked cakes. Microscopic examination of the batter and cake supported the starch gelatinization observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the differences in dispersion of the oil phase with and without emulsifiers. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to predict the levels of HFCS required with and without emulsifiers to produce cakes of relatively high volume, moistness, tenderness and low aftertaste.
Cakes prepared with HFCS as a partial or complete replacement for sucrose had acceptable objective and sensory characteristics when sucrose esters were used as the emulsifier and corn oil was used as the lipid source. RSM analysis predicted that a high-volume, moist, tender, and low-aftertaste cake would result if prepared with 3 g SE emulsifier and HFCS at a level of 0 to 39%. In an SE emulsified cake having total replacement of sucrose by HFCS, RSM predicted a high-volume, moist, and tender cake but with increased aftertaste. However, aftertaste may not be perceptible with the addition of a suitable flavoring to the cake formula.Ph. D.
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Grossen, Grace Elizabeth. "Agricultural Trade Performance and Potential: A Retrospective Panel Data Analysis of US Exports of Corn and Soybeans." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/93225.
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There are a variety of international issues that disrupt the global trade market, an important one being national policies on the regulation of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Many crops have been genetically modified for reasons from herbicide resistance to correcting dietary shortfalls. This study evaluates the United States' exports of corn and soybeans from 1998 to 2016 to identify unusual shocks in trade values. In particular, this study quantifies how the importers' policy stance on the GMO issue impacts bilateral trade values. I estimate a gravity model with both ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimations. Residual analysis is used to assess the difference between actual trade and the trade levels predicted by the models. The results suggest that anti-GMO policies reduce trade values by an average of 11%. The largest difference between predictions and actual trade values is seen in corn exports to the European Union. Between 1998 and 2016, this forgone trade in corn was valued at $52.7 billion, which is $2.77 billion per year on average. This value is similar to the annual average value of U.S. exports of corn to Japan in the same period, $2.46 billion. The results have important implications for the agricultural industry. For developing nations, adoption of GMO crops could increase productivity and help alleviate poverty. Ultimately, the decision to adopt is up to the consumer, so the factors of consumer knowledge and opinions of GMOs are not to be ignored.Master of Science
There are a variety of international issues that disrupt the global trade market, an important one being national policies on the regulation of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. This study evaluates the United States’ exports of corn and soybeans from 1998 to 2016 to identify unusual drops in trade values. In particular, this study quantifies how the importers’ policy stance on the GMO issue impacts bilateral trade values. I estimate a gravity model with various estimation methods. Residual analysis is used to assess the difference between actual trade and the trade levels predicted by the models. The results suggest that anti-GMO policies reduce trade values by an average of 11%. The largest difference between predictions and actual trade values is seen in corn exports to the European Union. Between 1998 and 2016, this forgone trade in corn was valued at $52.7 billion, which is $2.77 billion per year on average. This value is similar to the annual average value of U.S. exports of corn to Japan in the same period, $2.46 billion. The results have important implications for the agricultural industry. For developing nations, adoption of GMO crops could increase productivity and help alleviate poverty. Ultimately, the decision to adopt is up to the consumer, so the factors of consumer knowledge and opinions of GMOs are not to be ignored.
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Alodailah, Sattam Sonitan. "The Generation of Recombinant Zea mays Spastin and Katanin Proteins for In Vitro Analysis." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2017. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1062897/.
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Plant microtubules play essential roles in cell processes such as cell division, cell elongation, and organelle organization. Microtubules are arranged in highly dynamic and ordered arrays, but unlike animal cells, plant cells lack centrosomes. Therefore, microtubule nucleation and organization are governed by microtubule-associated proteins, including a microtubule-severing protein, katanin. Mutant analysis and in vitro characterization has shown that the highly conserved katanin is needed for the organization of the microtubule arrays in Arabidopsis and rice as well as in a variety of animal models. Katanin is a protein complex that is part of the AAA+ family of ATPases. Katanin is composed of two subunits, katanin-p60, a catalytic subunit and katanin-p80, a regulatory subunit. Spastin is another MT-severing protein that was identified on the basis of its homology to katanin. In animal cells, spastin is also needed for microtubule organization, but its functionality has not yet been investigated in plants. To initiate an exploration of the function of katanin-p60 and spastin in Zea mays, my research goal was to generate tools for the expression and purification of maize katanin-p60 and spastin proteins in vitro. Plasmids that express katanin-p60 and spastin with N-terminal GST tags were designed and constructed via In-Fusion® cloning after traditional cloning methods were not successful. The constructs were expressed in E. coli, then the recombinant proteins were purified. To determine if the GST-tagged proteins are functional, ATPase activity and tubulin polymerization assays were performed. While both GST-katanin-p60 and GST-spastin hydrolyzed ATP indicating that the ATPase domains are functional, the results of the tubulin polymerization assays were less clear and further experimentation is necessary.
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N'Guessan, Yapo Genevier. "Economic impact of ethanol production on U.S. livestock sector : a spatial analysis of corn and distillers grain shipment." Diss., Manhattan, Kan. : Kansas State University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/397.
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Savernini, Maira Q. M. "An Econometric Analysis of the Relationship among the U.S. Ethanol, Corn and Soybean Sectors, and World Oil Prices." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1236980228.
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Ryan, Andrea L. "Assessment of spatial variability of silage corn quality and biomass using remote sensing and GIS techniques." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/30294.
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The Matsqui area of the Lower Fraser Valley exhibits extreme soil heterogeneity, as the alluvial soils in the area have been deposited by the Fraser River as a series of coarse-textured ridges and finer-textured depressional areas. This variability poses some obvious problems with respect to agricultural management. The main aim of this study was to evaluate soil spatial variability in four fields, and to relate this soil variability to corn production and quality.
Site conditions, topography, and soil chemical and physical variables were related to corn biomass and nutrient concentrations using conventional correlation/regression analyses, and more spatially representative techniques such as those provided by remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Variations in such biophysical variables as soil moisture, elevation, and bulk density had consistent impacts on corn productivity, although these effects varied from field to field, being influenced by inherent soil properties and individual field management.
Good relationships were found between pixel brightness values extracted from digitized colour infra-red photos and corn quality variables. In three out of four fields, near infra-red pixel values gave good estimates of total corn crude protein content. Significant relationships were also found between pixel brightness values and corn phosphorus and calcium contents in certain fields.
The spatial variability of corn quality and biomass could be quantified using image analysis classification techniques. The resulting classified images indicate to the farm operator where high vs low quality corn is being produced, and thereby provide a tool for selectively managing and harvesting the fields.
The relationships and quantification of corn productivity and quality in the fields can further be improved through incorporation of the image data with the biophysical data base using GIS techniques. A multiple regression equation showing a significant relationship between elevation and pixel brightness values, and total corn phosphorus concentration was incorporated within the GIS to produce a quantitative corn quality map for the field exhibiting this relationship. The GIS overlay capability facilitates the classification of several corn variables, and allows the results to be displayed in a spatial manner. For example, corn biomass and quality maps were overlain using GIS techniques, to produce a combination map which then reflected both the quality and quantity of corn found in the field.
Through integration of remote sensing and GIS techniques, soil and crop variability can be displayed in a spatial manner. The output from such procedures can aid farm operators in making selective field management and harvesting decisions.Land and Food Systems, Faculty of
Graduate
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Avuletey, Richard. "Analysis of technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers: a case study in Tsolo magisterial district in O.R Tambo district in the Eastern Cape of South Africa." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016191.
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Maize is the most important cereal crop grown in South Africa. This crop is produced throughout the country under diverse conditions and in diverse environments. The study only focuses on technical efficiency because it is an important subject in developing agriculture where resources are limited, but high population growth is very common. In such a setting, increased output will depend more on efficiency improvements and assessing the scope for such efficiency improvements within the system is a crucial need. The objective of the study was to determine the level of technical efficiency and to identify the socio-economic and institutional characteristics as well as the entrepreneurial spirit that influence the technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers in the Tsolo magisterial district. Purposive and Snowball sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from 120 small-scale farmers. The stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level of technical efficiency. The Multivariate OLS was used to analyze the socio-economic factors and institutional characteristics that have influenced the technical efficiency of maize production. A similar linear regression model was used to estimate the influence of positive psychological capital and entrepreneurial spirit on the technical efficiency of maize production. The stochastic results revealed that small-scale farmers in Tsolo are technically efficient at 98 percent in maize production and experience increasing return to scale (1.37), which means that increase in the use of inputs, will as well increase their productivity and efficiency. The inefficiency model results indicated that age, years in farming, household size and extension contact significant and 3 variables, namely, as years in farming, extension contact and farm size are significant in the OLS model. Lastly the results of the linear regression indicated that, out of the 4 variables estimated in the entrepreneurial spirit, self-efficacy and resilience were significant with respect to its responsiveness to total maize output.
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Khajuria, Chitvan. "Genomic, expression and functional analysis of genes from larval gut of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)." Diss., Kansas State University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/2461.
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Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Entomology
Larry L. Buschman
Kun Yan Zhu
Genomic information for lepidopteran insects, particularly agricultural pest species, is very limited but urgently needed due to their economic importance and biodiversity. The huge economic losses ($ 1-2 billons / year) caused by the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis, Hübner, ECB) makes this insect species one of the major pests of corn in the United States and western world. Management of ECB by conventional methods is limited but has had a great success by transgenic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn, which targets insect gut. However, the widespread use of Bt corn may lead to the development of Bt resistance in ECB. Knowledge of genes expressed in the insect gut is considered crucial for understanding basic physiology of food digestion, their interactions with Bt toxins and pathogens, and for discovering new targets for pest management. A large database of 15,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was established from the ECB larval gut. To our knowledge, this database represents the largest gut-specific EST database from a lepidopteran pest. Analysis of 10 aminopeptidase-like genes between Cry1Ab–resistant and –susceptible ECB larvae revealed that aminopeptidase P-like (OnAPP) gene is a strong candidate for its role in Bt toxicity and resistance. The RNA interference mediated reduction in the transcript level of OnAPP gene in ECB larvae resulted in their reduced susceptibily to Cry1Ab. Analysis of the chitinase-like gene (OnCht) revealed its essential role in regulating chitin content of peritrophic membrane (PM). Our results suggest that OnCht may influence food digestion, nutrient absorption or movement of digestive enzymes through the PM and can be an important target for insect management. We also identified and characterized six genes involved in the innate immune defense response in ECB and showed that the expression of these genes were induced when challenged with bacteria. In addition to these results, this research generated significant genomic information for the development of microarray from the larval gut of ECB. The establishment of the feeding-based RNA interference technique could potentially help in delivering dsRNA orally to ECB for high throughput screening of effective genes to be targeted for insect pest management.
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Katz, Michael. "A systems analysis of the contribution of legume crops to energy conservation and a profitability in the corn cropping program /." Thesis, McGill University, 1985. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=65360.
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Mylroie, Leif Saxon. "SPATIAL DISPERSION OF THE FUNGUS ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS IN CORN EARS: A SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF UBIQUITIN MRNA." MSSTATE, 2009. http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-07022009-093901/.
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Aflatoxin is a carcinogen produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus that causes millions of dollars in agriculture losses in the southeastern US. This thesis examines the dispersal of A. flavus on two corn inbred lines, resistant (Mp313E) and susceptible (B73), which differ in total aflatoxin accumulation after infection with A. flavus. After inoculating corn kernels with the fungus an RNA analysis was used to determine the location (number of kernels away from inoculation site) and abundance of A. flavus at weekly intervals. A. flavus started its spread at 7 days after inoculation (DAI) on both corn lines. The B73 corn line showed a constant spread of 3.4mm per day until the entire ear was infected at 21 DAI. The spread on Mp313E did not proceed beyond 3 kernels away from the inoculation site following 7 DAI. The results are significant because they show a faster rate of spread than previously reported and they help quantify the ability of Mp313E to mitigate infection.
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Lu, Weiting. "Corn stover as a biofuel feedstock in Iowa an analysis of farmer interest, concerns and price /." [Ames, Iowa : Iowa State University], 2008. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1461877.
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Mqadi, Lwandle. "Production function analysis of the sensitivity of maize production to climate change in South Africa." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02132006-083959.
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Peng, Wei. "Improving Nitrogen Management in Corn- Wheat-Soybean Rotations Using Site Specific Management in Eastern Virginia." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/29485.
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Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient input to crops and one of the major pollutants to the environment from agriculture in the United States. Recent developments in site-specific management (SSM) technology have the potential to reduce both N overapplication and underapplication and increase farmers' net returns. In Virginia, due to the high variability of within-field yield-limiting factors such as soil physical properties and fertility, the adoption of SSM is hindered by high gridsampling cost. Many Virginia corn-wheat-soybean farms have practiced generating yield maps using yield monitors for several years even though few variable applications based on yield maps were reported. It is unknown if the information generated by yield monitors under actual production situations can be used to direct N management for increased net returns in this area.
The overall objective of the study is to analyze the economic and environmental impact of alternative management strategies for N in corn and wheat production based on site-specific information in eastern Virginia. Specifically, evaluations were made of three levels of site-specific information regarding crop N requirements combined with variable and uniform N application. The three levels of information are information about the yield potential of the predominant soil type within the field, information about yield potentials of all soils within the field (soil zones), information about yield potentials of smaller sub-field units which are aggregated into functional zones. Effects of information on expected net returns and net N (applied N that is not removed by the crop) were evaluated for corn-wheat-soybean fields in eastern Virginia. Ex post and ex ante evaluations of information were carried out.
Historical weather data and farm-level yield data were used to generate yield sequences for individual fields. A Markov chain model was used to describe both temporal and spatial yield variation. Soil maps were used to divide a field into several soil management units. Cluster analysis was used to group subfield units into functional zones based on yield monitor data. Yield monitor data were used to evaluate ex post information and variable application values for 1995-1999, and ex ante information and variable application values for 1999.
Ex post analysis results show that soil zone information increased N input but decreased net return, while functional zone information decreased N input and increased net returns. Variable application decreased N input compared with uniform application. Variable application based on soil zone information reduced net return due to cost of overapplication or underapplication. Variable application based on functional information increased net return.
Ex ante results show that information on spatial variability was not able to increase farmers?net return due to the cost of variable N application and information. Variable rate application decreases N input relative to uniform application. However, imprecision in the spatial predictor makes the variable application unprofitable due to an imbalance between costs of under- and over-application of N. Sensitivity analysis showed that value of information was positive when temporal uncertainty was eliminated.
The ex post results of this study suggest there is potential to improve efficiency of N use and farmers?net returns with site specific management techniques. The ex ante results suggest that site specific management improvements should be tested under conditions faced by farmers including imperfect information about temporal and spatial yield variability.Ph. D.
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Ben-Belhassen, Boubaker. "Econometric models of the Argentine cereal economy : a focus on policy simulation analysis /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1997. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9842508.
Full text
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Drouet, Marc Philippe. "An economic analysis for subsurface irrigation of maize in Quebec /." Thesis, McGill University, 1989. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=59547.
Full textAbstract:
The purposes of this thesis are to examine experimental results obtained with subsurface irrigation of maize in 1988, and to provide preliminary plans and an economic analysis for the subsurface irrigation of maize in Richelieu County, Quebec. A mean increase in maize yield of 3.7 % was observed in 1988 on experimental plots with subsurface irrigation at the Charbonneau farm. However, a review of results obtained at the same experimental site from 1982 to 1988 indicated that the mean increase in maize yield with subsurface irrigation was 29 %.Plans for two possible water supply systems designed to provide 180 mm a year of irrigation water for the subsurface irrigation of 1,250 ha in Richelieu County were considered. An economic analysis indicates that subsurface irrigation using groundwater has the greatest net benefits with an internal rate of return of 22.92 % and benefit to cost ratios of 1.90, 1.72 and 1.56 for discount rates of 8 %, 10 % and 12 % respectively. However, much of the groundwater in this region is saline and its use for irrigation may need to be restricted. Subsurface Irrigation using surface water from the Yamaska River was also profitable with an internal rate of return of 17.31 % and benefit to cost ratios of 1.66, 1.46 and 1.30 for the same discount rates.