Study on the Potential of China’s Fruit and Vegetable Products Export to the RCEP Partners

China is one of the world’s major exporters of fruit and vegetable products,and the expansion of fruit and vegetable exports is important for increasing agricultural income.Based on time-varying stochastic frontier gravity model and trade inefficiency model,this paper empirically analyzes the influencing factors and trade efficiency of China’s fruit and vegetable products export to RCEP partners from 2001 to 2019.The results show that China’s GDP per capita,the population of importing countries,and common language conditions have positive effects on China’s fruit and vegetable products export to RCEP partners.GDP per capita of importing countries,the population of China,and geographical distance between trading parties hinder trade in fruit and vegetable products.The presence of trade inefficiencies constrains China’s fruit and vegetable products export to RCEP partners,with liner shipping connectivity and trade freedom having a positive relationship with export efficiency of fruit and vegetable products.Variable trade costs and fixed trade costs have a negative relationship with export efficiency of fruit and vegetable products,which hinder trade in fruit and vegetable products,while financial freedom and free trade agreements have no significant impact on export efficiency of fruit and vegetable products.

Application of Climatic Productivity in the Analysis of Vegetable Yield

[Objective] Climatic productivity was applied to forecast and analyse the vegetable yield. [Method] Climatic productivity model presented by Zhou and the long-range climate forecasting method were adopted to analyse characteristics of the change of climatic productivity potential at Beibei District in combination with the ac- tual vegetable yield. [Result] The change of climatic productivity at Beibei District was fluctuant in an stable overall trend. The difference of spatial distribution of cli- matic productivity was apparent, with high climatic productivity potential in the north- east; in the actual production, vegetable yield was declining and it was the same with the climate use efficiency; according to the prediction, the vegetable yield would increase slightly in the future 10 years. [Conclusion] This study provides bases for the reasonable plan and layout of vegetable plantation under the climatic condition at Beibei District, as well as the selection of vegetable cultivars.

Effects of long-term partial substitution of inorganic fertilizer with pig manure and/or straw on nitrogen fractions and microbiological properties in greenhouse vegetable soils

Partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers with organic amendments is an important agricultural management practice.An 11-year field experiment(22 cropping periods)was carried out to analyze the impacts of different partial substitution treatments on crop yields and the transformation of nitrogen fractions in greenhouse vegetable soil.Four treatments with equal N,P_(2)O_(5),and K_(2)O inputs were selected,including complete inorganic fertilizer N(CN),50%inorganic fertilizer N plus 50%pig manure N(CPN),50%inorganic fertilizer N plus 25%pig manure N and 25%corn straw N(CPSN),and 50%inorganic fertilizer N plus 50%corn straw N(CSN).Organic substitution treatments tended to increase crop yields since the 6th cropping period compared to the CN treatment.From the 8th to the 22nd cropping periods,the highest yields were observed in the CPSN treatment where yields were 7.5-11.1%greater than in CN treatment.After 11-year fertilization,compared to CN,organic substitution treatments significantly increased the concentrations of NO_(3)^(-)-N,NH_(4)^(+)-N,acid hydrolysis ammonium-N(AHAN),amino acid-N(AAN),amino sugar-N(ASN),and acid hydrolysis unknown-N(AHUN)in soil by 45.0-69.4,32.8-58.1,49.3-66.6,62.0-69.5,34.5-100.3,and 109.2-172.9%,respectively.Redundancy analysis indicated that soil C/N and OC concentration significantly affected the distribution of N fractions.The highest concentrations of NO_(3)^(-)-N,AHAN,AAN,AHUN were found in the CPSN treatment.Organic substitution treatments increased the activities ofβ-glucosidase,β-cellobiosidase,N-acetyl-glucosamidase,L-aminopeptidase,and phosphatase in the soil.Organic substitution treatments reduced vector length and increased vector angle,indicating alleviation of constraints of C and N on soil microorganisms.Organic substitution treatments increased the total concentrations of phospholipid fatty acids(PLFAs)in the soil by 109.9-205.3%,and increased the relative abundance of G^(+)bacteria and fungi taxa,but decreased the relative abundance of G-bacteria,total bacteria,and actinomycetes.Overall,long-term organic substitution management increased soil OC concentration,C/N,and the microbial population,the latter in turn positively influenced soil enzyme activity.Enhanced microorganism numbers and enzyme activity enhanced soil N sequestration by transforming inorganic N to acid hydrolysis-N(AHN),and enhanced soil N supply capacity by activating non-acid hydrolysis-N(NAHN)to AHN,thus improving vegetable yield.Application of inorganic fertilizer,manure,and straw was a more effective fertilization model for achieving sustainable greenhouse vegetable production than application of inorganic fertilizer alone.

Environmental Efficiency Analysis of China’s Vegetable Production

To analyze and estimate the environmental efficiency of China’s vegetable production. Methods The stochastic translog frontier model was used to estimate the technical efficiency of vegetable production. Based on the estimated frontier and technical inefficiency levels, we used the method developed by Reinhard, et al.[1] to estimate the environmental efficiency. Pesticide and chemical fertilizer inputs were treated as environmentally detrimental inputs. Results From estimated results, the mean environmental efficiency for pesticide input was 69.7%, indicating a great potential for reducing pesticide use in China’s vegetable production. In addition, substitution and output elasticities for vegetable farms were estimated to provide farmers with helpful information on how to reallocate input resources and improve efficiency. Conclusion There exists a great potential for reducing pesticide use in China’s vegetable production.

Characterization of Soil Available Nitrogen in the Major Vegetable Production Areas of Pearl River Delta,China

A macro scale survey was performed to investigate the content of soil available nitrogen (N) and its spatial distribution in the main vegetable production areas of the Pearl River Delta.Preliminary enrichment-deficient index of available N was then developed,which was a base for increasing fertilizer application efficiency and vegetable yield as well as for constructing soil testing and fertilizing formula.In general,most of the vegetable growth areas in Pearl River Delta were N-deficient or medium-N-deficient.There was 30%-62% increase in yield of Chinese cabbage on the N-deficient soil after application of N; when soil available N content was less than 145 mg/kg,the yield increased with application of N fertilizer at a rate of 60-70 kg/hm2.

Efficiency and productivity analysis of vegetable farming within root and tuber-based systems in the humid tropics of Cameroon

The study analyzes the technical efficiency of vegetable farmers in root and tuber-based farming systems within selected sites of the humid tropics of Cameroon. Multistage sampling was used to collect primary data from a cross-section of vegetable farmers drawn from eight selected sites in Santa sub division, Northwest region of Cameroon. Stochastic frontier analysis was used to estimate the technical efficiency of vegetable farmer and to examine its determinants. The results showed that farmyard manure was the most productive factor input, followed by farm equipment and labor. The mean technical efficiency level was 67%, revealing production shortfalls and indicating possibilities of significantly increasing production with the current input Jevels. Female, as well as more educated farmers were found to be significantly more efficient than their counterparts. The results also showed that farmers become less technical efficient as farm sizes become larger. Our study findings suggest that smallholder farmers＇ access to manure, farm implements, and increased women participation in vegetable farming, will produce huge payoffs in vegetable production efficiency in Cameroon.

Price Paradox and Strategic Choice of "Vegetable Basket" in China

By using the analysis method of game theory,this paper analyzes the phenomenon of price paradox of "vegetable basket" in China and its reason as follows:the price paradox of "vegetable basket" in China is that if the vegetable is cheap,it will harm farmers,and if the vegetable is expensive,it will harm people;high-cost logistics,low negotiation status of vegetable growers and cooperation predicament are responsible for price paradox.Based on the theoretical basis of strategic choice-theory of intermediaries,it indicates that the intermediaries can realize effective transaction and save transaction cost.The strategic choice of solving price paradox of "vegetable basket" is put forward as follows:support vegetable growers' cooperatives,reduce transaction cost and raise the negotiation status of vegetable growers;develop the model of connection of agricultural products and supermarkets,and reduce the cost of transport and distribution;innovate upon intermediaries and develop the third-party logistics.

Analysis of Vegetable Production Trends and Dominant Varieties in Zhangjiakou City of Hebei Province

Based on the production data during 2008 and 2017 of 16 main vegetables in Zhangjiakou City of Hebei Province,the comparative advantage model was used to analyze the superior varieties in the main producing areas. The results indicate that there are seven main vegetable producing areas in Zhangjiakou City,and the development of main producing areas tends to become balanced: white radish,celery,leaf lettuce,and carrot of Shangyi,sweet pepper and tomato of Chongli,lettuce and Chinese cabbage of Kangbao,spinach,broccoli,carrots,and cauliflower of Guyuan,spinach and eggplant of Xuanhua,Chinese cabbage and lettuce of Zhangbei. These vegetables have a strong competitiveness.

Vegetable Seed Production and Marketing in China

Since 1980s achievements and experience in vegetable breeding, seed production, preservation, quality test, packing and marketing in China are reviewed.

Participatory Evaluation of Productivity, Fertility Management, and Dissemination of Irrigated Exotic Vegetables in the Sahel, West Africa

We conducted on-farm participatory experiments and activities for 3 years at three sites in the Fakara district of western Niger to demonstrate, verify, and evaluate crop productivity due to fertilizer application, economic benefits, and the dissemination of crop technology. We tested combinations of manure and mineral fertilizer on 13 exotic vegetables: bell pepper, cabbage, carrot, chili, eggplant, lettuce, melon, onion, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomato, and zucchini. Farmers’ selectivity was evaluated as the number of plots that farmers selected to carry out their own trials. The application of 110 kg·N/ha manure plus 13.7 kg·N/ha mineral fertilizer increased overall vegetable yields by 161% (P < 0.01). The improvement of soil fertility increased the yield of subsequent rainfed millet by 124% (P < 0.05). Less-experienced female farmers could afford to grow cabbage, onion, lettuce, potato, and pumpkin, which yielded 4.8 - 11.4 t/ha fresh weight. Daily management by women in the vegetable gardens gave regular opportunities to chat and thus disseminate the technology.

Utilization of Vegetable Waste Juice by Purple Non-Sulfur Bacterium (Afifella marina Strain ME) for Biomass Production

This experiment was conducted to determine the possibility of utilization of vegetable waste juice in the production of purple non-sulfur bacterium Afifella marina biomass. Bacterium was cultured in four diluted such as, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% (v/v) vegetable waste juices. In addition synthetic 112 media were used as control to compare the growth characteristics of Afifella marine. The bacterium Afifella marina grew well in 10% diluted vegetable waste juice in anaerobic light condition with the highest production of 5.02 g/l dry cell weight in fifth day of culture, whereas the highest total carotenoid production of 0.87 mg/g dry cell weight was recorded in third day of culture. The highest dry cell weight productions recorded in 10% of VWJ was significantly higher compared to four other treatments (F = 14.63;p = 0.00). However, the total carotenoid production of bacteria in 10% VWJ showed no significant difference compared to the carotenoid production in 112 synthetic media, but was significantly higher compared to three other treatments (P = 0.00). The bacterium, Afifella marina has the ability to use vegetable waste juice at certain level for the production of bacterial biomass.

Impact of Organic Vegetable Production System in Kiambu and Kajiado Counties of Kenya

Though there are many documented reasons that make farmers to adopt organic farming system, economic benefits present a major motivation. The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of organic production system on profitability of smallholder vegetable production systems in the two counties so as to appraise its contribution to improvement of rural livelihoods. The study collected data on costs and returns for a sample of 208 smallholder vegetable farmers who were composed of 78 organic and 130 conventional farmers. Impact of organic production system was evaluated using propensity score matching technique. Organic vegetable production system was found to have a positive significant impact of increasing farm gross margin by US$0.58 representing 89.5% among smallholder producers in Kiambu and Kajiado Counties of Kenya. The study recommended promotion of organic production system as a tool that can be used to improve livelihoods especially in the rural areas.

Socio economic impact of vegetable production in Senegal:a case study of Niayes area

Vegetable production plays a very important role not only as a source of foreign exchange for Senegal and an appreciation of the dietary needs of populations,but also in the context of the policy of diversification.Thus the aim of this analysis is to measure the important economic impact and vegetable industrial actors,find the limited factors of the horticulture development and the perspectives for improving the vegetable production in the area.Our results show that the National production of fruits and vegetables is estimated approximately at 370,000 tons and the Niayes zone constitutes 80%of the domestic production.Horticulture is a sector which creates employments in that area with important incomes earned by both producers and the various intermediaries(commercial process) .The volume of exports has reached 14,321.588 tons in(2002-2003) against 11,125.132 tons in(2001-2002) witnessing than an increase of 28.7%,but the one of imports is very important and represents an outflow of foreign currency estimated at about 3 billion per year.

Responses of Vegetation and Primary Production in North-South Transect of Eastern China to Global Change Under Land Use Constraint

A regional model of vegetation dynamics was revised to include land use as a constraint to vegetation dynamics and primary production processes. The model was applied to a forest transect in eastern China (NSTEC, North-South transect of eastern China) to investigate the responses of the transect to possible future climatic change. The simulation result indicated that land use has profound effects on vegetation transition and primary production. In particular, land use reduced competition among vegetation classes and tended to result in less evergreen broadleaf forests but more shrubs and grasses in the transect area. The simulation runs with land use constraint also gave much more realistic estimation about net primary productivity as well as responses of the productivity to future climatic change along the transect. The simulations for future climate scenarios projected by general circulation models (GCM) with doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration predicted that deciduous broadleaf forests would increase, but conifer forests, shrubs and grasses would decrease. The overall effects of doubling CO2 and climatic changes on NSTEC were to produce an increased net primary productivity (NPP) at equilibrium for all seven GCM scenarios. The predicted range of NPP variation in the north is much larger than that in the south.

Dynamic change of net primary productivity and fractional vegetation cover in the Yellow River Basin using multi-temporal AVHRR NDVI Data

An exponential relationship between net primary productivity (NPP) and integrated NDVI has been found in this paper. Based on the relationship and using multi-temporal 8 km resolution NOAA AVHRR-NDVI data, the spatial distribution and dynamic change of NPP and fractional vegetation cover in the Yellow River Basin from 1982 to 1999 are analyzed. Finally, the effect of rainfall on NDVI is examined. Results show that mean NPP and fractional vegetation cover have an inclining trend for the whole basin, and rainfall in flood season influences vegetation cover most.

Assessing the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change based on climate exposure, vegetation stability and productivity

Background: Global warming has brought many negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, which makes the vulnerability of ecosystems one of the hot issues in current ecological research. Here, we proposed an assessment method based on the IPCC definition of vulnerability. The exposure to future climate was characterized using a moisture index(MI) that integrates the effects of temperature and precipitation. Vegetation stability, defined as the proportion of intact natural vegetation that remains unchanged under changing climate, was used together with vegetation productivity trend to represent the sensitivity and adaptability of ecosystems. Using this method, we evaluated the vulnerability of ecosystems in Southwestern China under two future representative concentration pathways(RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) with MC2 dynamic global vegetation model.Results:(1) Future(2017–2100) climate change will leave 7.4%(under RCP 4.5) and 57.4% of(under RCP 8.5) of areas under high or very high vulnerable climate exposure;(2) in terms of vegetation stability, nearly 45% of the study area will show high or very high vulnerability under both RCPs. Beside the impacts of human disturbance on natural vegetation coverage(vegetation intactness), climate change will cause obvious latitudinal movements in vegetation distribution, but the direction of movements under two RCPs were opposite due to the difference in water availability;(3) vegetation productivity in most areas will generally increase and remain a low vulnerability in the future;(4) an assessment based on the above three aspects together indicated that future climate change will generally have an adverse impact on all ecosystems in Southwestern China, with non-vulnerable areas account for only about 3% of the study area under both RCPs. However, compared with RCP 4.5, the areas with mid-and highvulnerability under RCP 8.5 scenario increased by 13% and 16%, respectively.Conclusion: Analyses of future climate exposure and projected vegetation distribution indicate widespread vulnerability of ecosystems in Southwestern China, while vegetation productivity in most areas will show an increasing trend to the end of twenty-first century. Based on new climate indicators and improved vulnerability assessment rules, our method provides an extra option for a more comprehensive evaluation of ecosystem vulnerability, and should be further tested at larger spatial scales in order to provide references for regional, or even global, ecosystem conservation works.

Use of Natural Antioxidants in Meat and Meat Products

Antioxidants are used to minimize lipid oxidation. Antioxidants can act as metal chelators and free radical or oxygen scavengers, which can slow the progression of lipid oxidation. Lipid oxidation may have negative effects on the quality of meat and meat products, causing changes in sensory attributes such as color, texture, odor and flavor, and nutritional quality. Several synthetic antioxidants have been used to successfully prevent lipid oxidation in the meat industry, but consumers are concerned about the health risks related to consumption of some synthetic antioxidants. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in natural antioxidants. Nowadays, compounds obtained from natural sources such as grains, oilseeds, spices, fruit and vegetables have been investigated to decrease the lipid oxidation. In this review, the potential effects of natural antioxidants were evaluated that are widely used in meat and meat products.

Functional Vegetable-Based Sausages for Consumption by Children

The dislike food preferences that children registered regarding vegetables and fish compromise the exposure to those iodine sources and may contribute to cause a nutritional deficiency in this micronutrient, causing serious damage of the brain and the central nervous system. Functional foods are becoming well-established in the market, focused on by an adult consumer more interested in healthy eating habits but without the motivation to optimize natural food preparation or to promote a wide variety of food in their diet. This article presents evidence of a new functional product concept, 100% vegetable, fermented soya based and salted by a red algae, that was approved by 900 parents who chose the sensorial features: distinctive aroma (57.9%), soft texture (38.4%), sausage shape (21%) and attractive color (77.9%). Three different varieties were developed: carrot (50% w/w), sugar-beet (50% w/w) and tomato (40% w/w) mini sausages, with tofu (20% w/w) and 0.8 % (w/w) of seaweed, reflecting trends that the younger consumer demands. The sensorial tests performed, after quality control assays, received very satisfactory acceptance by the potential buyer.