scholarly journals Predicting black soldier fly larvae biomass and methionine accumulation using a kinetic model for batch cultivation and improving system performance using semi-batch cultivation

Author(s):  
Lydia Palma Miner ◽  
Jesus Fernandez-Bayo ◽  
Ferisca Putri ◽  
Deb Niemeier ◽  
Heather Bischel ◽  
...  

AbstractGlobal demand for poultry and associated feed are projected to double over the next 30 years. Insect meal is a sustainable alternative to traditional feeds when produced on low-value high-volume agricultural byproducts. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) are high in protein and contain methionine, an essential amino acid that is critical to poultry health. BSF larvae can be grown on many organic residues, however, larvae growth and quality vary based on feedstock and cultivation processes. Experiments were completed to monitor temporal changes in BSF larvae growth and composition using almond hulls as a growth substrate under batch and semi-batch processes and with varying substrate carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N). A logistic kinetic growth model was developed to predict larval biomass and methionine accumulations during batch production. Estimated ranges of model parameters for larvae maximum specific growth rate and carrying capacity were 0.017–0.021 h−1 and 9.7–10.7 g larvae kg−1 hulls dry weight, respectively. Methionine content in larvae increased from 11.1 to 17.1 g kg−1 dry weight over a 30-day batch incubation period. Larvae-specific growth and yield increased by 168% and 268%, respectively, when cultivated in a semi-batch compared to a batch process. Increasing C/N ratio from 26 to 40 increased density of methionine content in larvae per unit feedstock by 25%. The findings demonstrate a logistic model can predict larvae biomass accumulation, harvest time can achieve specific methionine contents, and a semi-batch process is more favorable for larvae biomass accumulation compared to a batch process.

Author(s):  
L Covarelli

AbstractA field experiment was carried out in 1996 in Central Italy in order to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120 kg h-1 N) of Virginia tobacco (cv. K394) in terms of net assimilation, growth and yield. Measurements of net leaf assimilation of CO2 were taken at midday under conditions of strong sunlight (Anhigh) using a portable infra-red gas analyzer and at decreasing photosynthetic photon flux density by shading the leaves with filters (An vs PPFD). For An vs PPFD measurements the Anmax value was calculated as the asymptote of the function proposed by CONNOR et al. (1). Growth was analysed by taking weekly samples to determine the fresh and dry weight and LAI (Leaf Area Index).Before topping, Anhigh (average assimilation found in lower, middle and upper leaves) rose in proportion to increased levels of N (14.7, 17.2, 20.2 μmolm-2 s-1, for 0, 60 and 120 kg ha-1 N respectively). After topping, Anhigh also grew with increased levels of N, but at a lower rate (6.8, 7.2 and 8.2μmol m-2 s-1, respectively).Similarly, for each of the three fertilization methods (N0, N60 and N120) the increase in Anmax in relation to N levels was greater before topping than afterwards (i.e. 18.7, 23.3, 26.3 μmolm-2 s-1 before topping compared to 7.5, 14.0 and 17.8 μmol m-2 s-1 after topping for each treatment respectively). The decrease of CO2 assimilation after topping was probably caused by the accumulation of soluble photo assimilates in the leaf which could have led to a feed-back control on leaf photosynthesis. In N60 and N120 treatments, which had the same leaf expansion rate of 0.14 m2 m-2 d-1 (m2 of leaf on m2 of soil per day), the rapid leaf expansion phase started about 40 days after transplanting, while it started some days later in N0 (rate of 0.11 m2 m-2 d-1). That phase ended at topping in N60 and N120, while in N0 it ended some days before topping. Biomass accumulation followed the same pattern of LAI. The rapid biomass accumulation phase was characterised by growth rates of 9, 16 and 19 g d.m. m-2 d-1, respectively for the N0, N60 and N120 treatments but did not end at topping. This confirms that assimilate accumulation occurred after topping but was not accompanied by leaf expansion. At fertilization rates of 0, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1 the yields of cured leaf tobacco were 3226, 4202 and 4839 kg ha-1 respectively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 2127
Author(s):  
Penka Petrova ◽  
Alexander Arsov ◽  
Ivan Ivanov ◽  
Lidia Tsigoriyna ◽  
Kaloyan Petrov

Bacillus licheniformis is a soil bacterium with many industrial applications. In addition to enzymes, platform chemicals, antibiotics and phytohormones, the species produces exopolysaccharides (EPSs) of various biological activities. This study revealed that Bulgarian isolate B. licheniformis 24 produced EPSs consisting of galactose, glucose and mannose with substrate-dependent ratio. From glucose, B. licheniformis 24 secreted EPS1, consisting of 54% galactose, 39% glucose and 7% mannose. From fructose, the strain formed EPS2, containing 51% glucose, 30% mannose and 19% galactose. Batch cultivation in flasks yielded 2.2–2.6 g/L EPS1 and 1.90–2.11 g/L EPS2. Four to five times higher yields of EPS were obtained from both substrates during batch and fed-batch processes in a fermenter at 37.8 °C, pH 6.2 and aeration 3.68 vvm. The batch process with 200 g/L of starting substrates received 9.64 g/L EPS1 and 6.29 g/L EPS2, reaching maximum values at the 33rd and 24th h, respectively. Fed-batch fermentation resulted in the highest yields, 12.61 g/L EPS1 and 7.03 g/L EPS2. In all processes, EPSs were produced only in the exponential growth phase. Both EPSs exhibited antioxidant activity, but EPS2 was much more potent in this regard, reaching 811 μM Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (versus 135 μM for EPS1). EPS1 displayed antibacterial activity against a non-O1 strain of Vibrio cholerae.


Author(s):  
Judy Mwende Wambua ◽  
Shadrack Ngene ◽  
Nicholas K. Korir ◽  
Winnie Ntinyari ◽  
Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango

Water scarcity of fresh water in Sub-Saharan has led to utilization of the wastewater in home gardening and also in commercial production of vegetables. Wastewater is associated with various substances including nutrients and heavy metals hence it is pertinent to evaluate its effects on growth and yield of vegetables. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of waste water released from the municipal council on the biomass accumulation in African leafy vegetables. Field experiments were carried out in two seasons and one greenhouse experiment. The field trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and in the greenhouse the treatments were arranged in Complete Randomized Design (RCD) replicated three times. Four leafy vegetables were the treatments replicated three times. The vegetables were irrigated with waste water. Plant samples were collected at 6 WAP and 12 WAP, partitioned and dried in an oven and later weighed using electronic weighing balance. The findings revealed differences in biomass accumulation into various organs. Black nightshade depicted the highest leaf dry matter in the greenhouse at both 6 weeks after plant (WAP) and 12 WAP (24.62 g and 81.12 g respectively). Cowpea showed the highest increment (7 folds) in leaf weight between 6 to 12 WAP as compared to was paltry 3.6 folds. The highest stem dry weight was obtained in the amaranth species at 6 WAP and 12 WAP both in the greenhouse; recording 32.59 g and 90.12 g respectively. A similar trend was noted in root dry weight and root: shoot ratio. Cowpea had the least biomass accumulation potential across all the parameters in both seasons and in the greenhouse. The increased biomass growth is an indication sufficient availability of nutrient that promoted vibrant plant growth and also less toxicity from the heavy metals. Therefore, waste water can be put into use to enhance improved productivity of African leafy vegetables.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
E. K. Al-Fahdawe ◽  
A. A. Al-Sumaidaie ◽  
Y. K. Al-Hadithy

A pots experiment was conducted at the Department of Biology/College of Education for Girls/University of Anbar during Autumn season of 2018-2019 to study the effect of the salinity irrigation water and spray by humic acid in some of morphological, physiological, growth and yield traits of wheat cv. IPa. The experiment was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor was assigned for irrigation by saline water at four level (S0, S1, S2 and S3), while the second factor was the foliar spraying of humic acid in three level (0.0, 1.0 and 1.5 g l-1). The results showed that there was significant reduction in plant height, vegetative dry weight, biological yield and chlorophyll leaves content when the plants were irrigated by saline water approached to 41.09 cm, 0.747 g, 0.849 g plant-1 and 38.67 SPAD, respectively at salinity level of 8.3 ds m-1 compared with the plants which irrigated by fresh water. The total carbohydrates were significantly decreased at the treatment of 8.3 ds m-1 reached 18.71 mg g-1. Spray levels humic acid achieved a significant increase in plant height, dry weight of the vegetative part, biological yield and chlorophyll leaves content sprayed at 1.0 and 1.5 g l-1 compared to no sprayed. Nitrogen concentration was significantly increased, while both phosphorus and potassium were decreased in the vegetative parts of wheat as the salinity of irrigation water increased. However, the increase of humic acid levels led to significant increasing in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentration.


HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 594e-594
Author(s):  
Charles J. Graham

Research is needed to better understand the influence of cell volume and fertility on watermelon transplant size and field performance in order to determine the most economic production practices. `Jubilee' watermelon transplants were grown using a 4 x 4 factorial experimental design consisting of 4 cell volumes (30.7, 65.5, 147.5, and 349.6 cm3) and 4 fertility rates (0, 1/4, 1/2, and full-strength Hoagland's solution). Transplant shoot dry weight significantly increased as cell volume and fertility increased. Increasing cell volume linearly increased watermelon number/ha and tons/ha for early and total harvest in 1995. The average weight per watermelon significantly increased for early-harvested fruit but not for total harvest as cell volume increased in 1995. Soluble solids concentration linearly increased with increasing cell volume for early and total harvests in 1995. Cell volume had no significant influence on the harvest parameters measured in 1997. In 1995, increasing fertility linearly increased watermelon number/ha and tons/ha for early harvests. Increasing fertility increased the soluble solids concentration linearly for early-harvested watermelons in 1997 but not in 1995. Fertility rate had no significant influence on any of the other harvest parameters measured in 1995 and 1997. The growing conditions and disease pressure in 1997 reduced melons/ha, yield, and soluble solids content when compared to 1995 values. The half-strength Hoagland's solution produced the greatest number of watermelons/ha, tons/ha, and the highest soluble solids concentration in 1995 and 1997. Pretransplant nutritional conditioning had no significant effect on total `Jubilee' watermelon production in Louisiana for 1995 and 1997.


Fermentation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Konstantins Dubencovs ◽  
Janis Liepins ◽  
Arturs Suleiko ◽  
Anastasija Suleiko ◽  
Reinis Vangravs ◽  
...  

The Kluyveromyces marxianus yeast recently has gained considerable attention due to its applicability in high-value-added product manufacturing. In order to intensify the biosynthesis rate of a target product, reaching high biomass concentrations in the reaction medium is mandatory. Fed-batch processes are an attractive and efficient way how to achieve high cell densities. However, depending on the physiology of the particular microbial strain, an optimal media composition should be used to avoid by-product synthesis and, subsequently, a decrease in overall process effi-ciency. Thus, the aim of the present study was to optimise the synthetic growth medium and feeding solution compositions (in terms of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium concentrations) for high cell density K. marxianus fed‑batch cultivations. Additionally, the biomass yields from the vitamin mixture and other macro/microelements were identified. A model predictive control algorithm was successfully applied for a fed-batch cultivation control. Biomass growth and substrate consumption kinetics were compared with the mathematical model predictions. Finally, 2‑phenylethanol biosynthesis was induced and its productivity was estimated. The determined optimal macronutrient ratio for K. marxianus biomass growth was identified as C:N:P = 1:0.07:0.011. The maximal attained yeast biomass concentration was close to 70 g·L-1 and the 2-PE biosynthesis rate was 0.372 g·L−1·h−1, with a yield of 74% from 2-phenylalanine.


Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1074
Author(s):  
Federico Zuecco ◽  
Matteo Cicciotti ◽  
Pierantonio Facco ◽  
Fabrizio Bezzo ◽  
Massimiliano Barolo

Troubleshooting batch processes at a plant-wide level requires first finding the unit causing the fault, and then understanding why the fault occurs in that unit. Whereas in the literature case studies discussing the latter issue abound, little attention has been given so far to the former, which is complex for several reasons: the processing units are often operated in a non-sequential way, with unusual series-parallel arrangements; holding vessels may be required to compensate for lack of production capacity, and reacting phenomena can occur in these vessels; and the evidence of batch abnormality may be available only from the end unit and at the end of the production cycle. We propose a structured methodology to assist the troubleshooting of plant-wide batch processes in data-rich environments where multivariate statistical techniques can be exploited. Namely, we first analyze the last unit wherein the fault manifests itself, and we then step back across the units through the process flow diagram (according to the manufacturing recipe) until the fault cannot be detected by the available field sensors any more. That enables us to isolate the unit wherefrom the fault originates. Interrogation of multivariate statistical models for that unit coupled to engineering judgement allow identifying the most likely root cause of the fault. We apply the proposed methodology to troubleshoot a complex industrial batch process that manufactures a specialty chemical, where productivity was originally limited by unexplained variability of the final product quality. Correction of the fault allowed for a significant increase in productivity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. IQBAL ◽  
H.A. RAUF ◽  
A.N. SHAH ◽  
B. SHAHZAD ◽  
M.A Bukhari

ABSTRACT Selection of tree species under agroforestry systems is crucial to sustain the productivity of a crop. In present study, allelopathic effects of the leaf litters of 5 trees named Rose wood (Dalbergia sissoo), Guava (Pisidium guajava), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) and Jaman (Syzygium cumini) species on wheat growth and yield was examined. Leaf litter of each tress species was mixed in soil with two doses @ 100 and 200 g of leaves of each species per pot. Higher shoot length, shoot dry weight, number of spikelets per spike and biological yield were recorded in 200 g sun dried Jaman (Syzygium cumini) leaves. Total number of tillers per plant and number of ears per plant were higher under the application of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves (200 g sun dried) as compared to other treatments. Spike length, grain yield per pot, number of grains per pot and harvest index were maximum in 200 g sun-dried Sacred fig (Ficu sreligiosa) leaves. Majority of the parameters were promoted at lower doses of leaves per pot, however, at higher doses they started inhibiting the growth and grain yield of wheat.


1978 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Pearman ◽  
S. M. Thomas ◽  
G. N. Thorne

SummaryEight amounts of nitrogen ranging from 0 to 210 kg N/ha were applied to two tall and one semi-dwarf variety of winter wheat in the spring of 1975 and 1976. The tall varieties were Cappelle-Desprez and Maris Huntsman; the semi-dwarf variety was Maris Fundin in 1975 and Hobbit in 1976. Interactions between varieties and nitrogen were few and small compared with the main effects. All varieties produced their maximum grain yields with 180 kg N/ha. The yield of the semi-dwarf varieties, but not the others, decreased slightly with more nitrogen.Cappelle-Desprez yielded less grain than the other varieties in both years. In 1975 the yields of Maris Fundin and Maris Huntsman were similar and in 1976 Hobbit yielded more than Maris Huntsman. The varieties had similar numbers of ears at maturity and similar patterns of tillering. The semi-dwarf varieties had most grains per spikelet, and hence grains per ear, and Cappelle-Desprez had least. The semi-dwarf varieties had the smallest grains. The semi-dwarf varieties had less straw than the other varieties and hence the largest ratios of grain to total above-ground dry weight. The decrease in dry weight of stem and leaves between anthesis and maturity was similar for all varieties. In 1975 the efficiency of the top two leaves plus top internode in producing grain was the same for all varieties, but in 1976 Hobbit was more efficient than the other two. There were some small differences between varieties in nutrient uptake that were not related to differences in growth. Maris Fundin tended to have a greater phosphorus and potassium content than the tall varieties. Hobbit contained slightly less nitrogen than the tall varieties at maturity, and had a smaller concentration of nitrogen in the grain.Applying 210 kg N/ha doubled grain yield in 1975. Applying nitrogen resulted in a largeincrease in number of ears and a small increase in number of grains per ear due to the development of more fertile spikelets per ear. Nitrogen decreased dry weight per grain, especially of the semi-dwarf varieties. With extra nitrogen, straw dry weight at maturity, shoot dry weight atanthesis and leaf area were all increased relatively more than grain yield, and stems lost moredry weight between anthesis and maturity than without nitrogen. The year 1976 was exceptionallydry and nitrogen had only small effects in that it affected neither straw dry weight nor numberof ears but slightly increased grain yield by increasing the number of spikelets and number of grains per spikelet. It also increased leaf area proportionately to grain yield. In 1975 nitrogen increased evaporation of water from the crop before anthesis but decreased it after anthesis, even though it continued to increase the extraction of water from below 90 cm.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (01) ◽  
pp. 2225-2233
Author(s):  
M. O. Agba ◽  
◽  
A. A. Markson ◽  
J. O. Oni ◽  
G. A. Bassey ◽  
...  

Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible mushroom is an essential food product. Recognised as one of the cheapest sources of proteins, their high nutritional and anti-nutritional properties are of immense importance to humans. The present study evaluated the effect of sawdust and dried plantain leaves on the growth and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus. Sawdust and dried plantain leaves were composted into seven substrates; as single substrates and at different combinations. The composted substrates include sawdust 100 % (M0), Dry plantain leaves 100% (M1), Dry plantain leaves + sawdust at the ratio of 1:4 (M2), 2:3 (M3), 3:2 (M4), 1:1 (M5) and 4:1(M6). Growth parameters of interest assessed flush include mycelia running rate (MRR), area of pileus, length of the stipe, the girth of the stipe, fresh weight and dry weight, number of fruit body, total yield and biological efficiency. At the end of the three weeks spawn running period, M0 was overall best in supporting mycelia running rate with a mean MRR of 16.00 cm. M1 substrates produced mushroom with longer and bigger stipes (7.17 cm) at the first flush. A higher number of fruit bodies (82.66), total yield (130.35 g), and biological efficiency (43.45 g) were all seen in M0 substrates. Sawdust at 100 % (M0) proved to be the best substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document