This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality of winter wheat grain and soil properties in three tillage systems (TS): (1) Conventional (CT), (2) reduced (RT), and (3) no-tillage (NT). In the CT system, shallow ploughing (at a depth of 10–12 cm from soil surface) and pre-sow ploughing (at a depth of 18–22 cm from soil surface) were performed after the harvest of the previous crop (peas). In the RT system, the shallow ploughing was replaced by field cultivation, whereas pre-sow ploughing was by a tillage unit. In the NT system, a herbicide treatment with glyphosate (4 L ha−1) replaced the ploughing measures, whereas a tillage unit including a cultivator, a string roller, and a harrow was used before wheat sowing. Higher wheat yields were recorded in CT than in NT (by 4.3%) and in 2016 compared to 2015 (by 23.4%). The tillage system differentiated spike number m−2, whereas study years affected spike number m−2, grain weight per spike, and 1000 grain weight. Study years also influenced all quality traits of the grain, whereas tillage systems—only grain uniformity and ash content of the grain. A less uniform grain with a higher ash content was produced in NT than in CT and RT systems. Organic C content in the soil was higher in NT than in CT and RT systems. In turn, total nitrogen and phosphorus contents were higher in the soil from NT and RT than CT, whereas potassium and magnesium contents—in RT and NT compared to the CT system.

Cocoyam [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] also known as taro is regarded as an important staple crop in the Pacific Islands, Asia and Africa. But, Africa has been unpopular in the taro international market though it accounted for the highest share of the global taro production level in the last two decades. Therefore, this study explores the global taro production outlook in two decades (2000–2019) with a special focus on African countries noting their challenges and limitations. Also, industrial, nutritional and health benefits of taro were discussed to showcase other viable potentials of the crop beyond its usefulness as a food security crop on the African continent.

Introduction Vegetable oils are an essential element of the diet contributing to preservation of health, but they also have a significant role in skin care. Among vegetable fats, an important group comprised fruit seed oils, which play an important role in health prophylaxis. Owing to their beneficial effects on the skin, they are used in cosmetology as well 1. Alongside other oils in this group, apricot kernel oil is valuable and worthy of interest 2. Apricot Prunus armeniaca L. , a plant of the family Rosaceae, well-known for its delicious fruit, is widely distributed in most countries of the world 2 4. The fruit of the apricot is distinguished by high dietary value and is a valuable raw material for the processing industry. The kernel is a good source of protein, essential amino acids, carbohy

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of production technology intensity on grain quality of four species of spring wheat: common wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. aestivum L.), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta [L.] Thell) and dicoccum wheat (Triticum dicoccum [Schrank] Schübler). Two levels of production technology intensity were applied in the experiment: medium mineral fertilisation (N -70, P -30.5 and K -99.6 kg ha -1 ), seed priming and weed control; high mineral fertilisation (N -140, P -30.5 and K -99.6 kg ha -1 ), seed priming, weed control, two treatments against diseases, insecticide and growth regulator. Tested wheat grains were collected from the crop years 2011-2013. To assess the baking quality of tested wholegrain flour, gluten quantity and quality, falling number and Mixolab parameters were determined. Rheological properties of wholegrain wheat dough were affected mostly by wheat species and crop year. Among the analysed species, spelt wheat was characterised by the highest wet gluten content, amylolytic activity (C4) and starch retrogradation (C5). Dicoccum wheat was characterised by the lowest gluten content and the lowest resistance time of dough (T1) and stability. Dicoccum wheat had also the highest protein weakening (the lowest Cs and C2). Crop year had a significant effect on starch gelatinisation (C3), amylolytic activity (C4), retrogradation (C5) and gelatinisation time (T3-T2). Wheat cultivated under high level of production technology intensity was characterised by higher gluten content and lower final temperature of starch gelatinisation (D3).