Detection and enumeration of wheat grains based on a deep learning method under various scenarios and scales

Grain number is crucial for analysis of yield components and assessment of effects of cultivation measures.The grain number per spike and thousand-grain weight can be measured by counting grains manually,but it is time-consuming,tedious and error-prone.Previous image processing algorithms cannot work well with different backgrounds and different sizes.This study used deep learning methods to resolve the limitations of traditional image processing algorithms.Wheat grain image datasets were collected in the scenarios of three varieties,six background and two image acquisition devices with different heights,angles and grain numbers,1748 images in total.All images were processed through color space conversion,image flipping and rotation.The grain was manually annotated,and the datasets were divided into training set,validation set and test set.We used the TensorFlow framework to construct the Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network Model.Using the transfer learning method,we optimized the wheat grain detection and enumeration model.The total loss of the model was less than 0.5 and the mean average precision was 0.91.Compared with previous grain counting algorithms,the grain counting error rate of this model was less than 3%and the running time was less than 2 s.The model can be effectively applied under a variety of backgrounds,image sizes,grain sizes,shooting angles,and shooting heights,as well as different levels of grain crowding.It constitutes an effective detection and enumeration tool for wheat grain.This study provides a reference for further grain testing and enumeration applications.

Use of a post-production fractionation process improves the nutritional value of wheat distillers grains with solubles for young broiler chicks

Background： Post-production fractionation of wheat distillers grains with solubles（DDGS） increases their crude protein content and reduces their fiber content.This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of fractionation of wheat DDGS on apparent total tract digestibility（ATTD） and performance when fed to broiler chicks（0–21 d）.Methods： A total of 150,day-old,male broiler chicks（Ross-308 line;Lilydale Hatchery,Wynyard,Saskatchewan） weighing an average of 49.6 ± 0.8 g were assigned to one of five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design.The control diet was based on wheat and soybean meal and contained 20% regular wheat DDGS.The experimental diets contained 5,10,15 or 20% fractionated wheat DDGS added at the expense of regular wheat DDGS.Results： The ATTD of dry matter and gross energy were linearly increased（P 0.01） as the level of fractionated wheat DDGS in the diet increased.Nitrogen retention was unaffected by level of fractionated wheat DDGS（P 0.05）.Weight gain increased linearly（P = 0.05） as the level of fractionated wheat DDGS in the diet increased.Feed intake,feed conversion and mortality were unaffected by level of fractionated wheat DDGS in the diet（P 0.05）.Conclusions： Post-production fractionation of wheat DDGS improves their nutritional value by lowering their fiber content and increasing their content of crude protein and energy.These changes in chemical composition supported increased weight gain of broilers fed wheat DDGS.

Comparison of FT-NIR and NIR for evaluation of phyisco-chemical properties of stored wheat grains

Objectives:Storage studies were carried out in wheat grains with different moisture contents,level of infestation,and storage days.Material and Methods:Wheat grain samples were infested with Rhyzopertha dominica and stored for up to 90 days under ambient conditions.Every 45 days,samples of wheat were collected and evaluated for protein,fat,ash,1000 kernel weight,and hardness.Results:The physicochemical parameters,namely,protein,1000 kernel weight,and hardness decreased while fat and ash content increased with the storage.Methodology for identification of infested samples was developed in Fourier transform near infrared(FT-NIR)and near infrared(NIR)using infested wheat and control samples.The linear regression plots for different quality parameters gave an R2 value of 82.04%and 97.15%via FT-NIR and 81.61%and 98.07%via NIR.The RMSEP values by NIR were in the range of 0.03 to 0.7,whereas the RMSECV values of FT-NIR were in the range of 0.03 to 1.2.Conclusions:Both the models performed well for the cross validation studies;hence,they can be used in future for the rapid assessment of storage quality of wheat grains.

Effect of Graded Levels of Wheat Distillers Grains with Solubles on Nutrient Digestibility,Performance and Carcass Traits of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed Diets Based on Wheat and Field Peas

This trial was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of wheat distillers dried grains with solubles （DDGS） on nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics of pigs （21.8 to 112.3 kg） fed diets based on wheat and field peas. Forty crossbred pigs were assigned on the basis of sex and weight to one of five dietary treatments in a 5 x 2 （treatment x sex） factorial arrangement. The experimental diets were based on wheat and field peas and were formulated to contain 0, 4.86%, 9.71%, 14.57% or 19.42% wheat DDGS during the growing period and 0, 4.01%, 8.05%, 12.10% and 16.14% wheat DDGS during the finishing period. At the highest levels, ~vheat DDGS supplied 100% of the supplementary protein. The digestibility coefficient for gross energy showed a tendency towards a linear decline （P 〈 0.08 ） as the level of wheat DDGS in the diet increased while digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude protein were unaffected （P 〉 0. 05 ） by inclusion level of wheat DDGS. During the growing period （21.8 to 60.8 kg）, weight gain of pigs fed wheat DDGS declined （P〈0.01） linearly. The impairment in growth appeared to be associated with a decrease in feed in- take which also declined linearly （P 〈 0.01 ） with increasing inclusion level of wheat DDGS. Feed conversion was unaffected by level of wheat DDGS. During the finishing period （60.8 to 112.3 kg）, and over the entire experimental period （21.8 to 112.3 kg ）, weight gain and feed conversion declined linearly as the dietary inclusion level of wheat DDGS increased. Carcass traits were generally unaffected by the inclusion of wheat DDGS with the exception of a trend towards a linear （P = 0.10） reduction in lean yield and a linear increase （ P = 0.09） in loin fat as the level of wheat DDGS in the diet increased. Overall, these results suggest that wheat DDGS are inferior to field peas as a supplementary protein source for use in swine rations.

Quantifying major sources of uncertainty in projecting the impact of climate change on wheat grain yield in dryland environments

Modelling the impact of climate change on cropping systems is crucial to support policy-making for farmers and stakeholders.Nevertheless,there exists inherent uncertainty in such cases.General Circulation Models(GCMs)and future climate change scenarios(different Representative Concentration Pathways(RCPs)in different future time periods)are among the major sources of uncertainty in projecting the impact of climate change on crop grain yield.This study quantified the different sources of uncertainty associated with future climate change impact on wheat grain yield in dryland environments(Shiraz,Hamedan,Sanandaj,Kermanshah and Khorramabad)in eastern and southern Iran.These five representative locations can be categorized into three climate classes:arid cold(Shiraz),semi-arid cold(Hamedan and Sanandaj)and semi-arid cool(Kermanshah and Khorramabad).Accordingly,the downscaled daily outputs of 29 GCMs under two RCPs(RCP4.5 and RCP8.5)in the near future(2030s),middle future(2050s)and far future(2080s)were used as inputs for the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator(APSIM)-wheat model.Analysis of variance(ANOVA)was employed to quantify the sources of uncertainty in projecting the impact of climate change on wheat grain yield.Years from 1980 to 2009 were regarded as the baseline period.The projection results indicated that wheat grain yield was expected to increase by 12.30%,17.10%,and 17.70%in the near future(2030s),middle future(2050s)and far future(2080s),respectively.The increases differed under different RCPs in different future time periods,ranging from 11.70%(under RCP4.5 in the 2030s)to 20.20%(under RCP8.5 in the 2080s)by averaging all GCMs and locations,implying that future wheat grain yield depended largely upon the rising CO2 concentrations.ANOVA results revealed that more than 97.22% of the variance in future wheat grain yield was explained by locations,followed by scenarios,GCMs,and their interactions.Specifically,at the semi-arid climate locations(Hamedan,Sanandaj,Kermanshah and Khorramabad),most of the variations arose from the scenarios(77.25%),while at the arid climate location(Shiraz),GCMs(54.00%)accounted for the greatest variation.Overall,the ensemble use of a wide range of GCMs should be given priority to narrow the uncertainty when projecting wheat grain yield under changing climate conditions,particularly in dryland environments characterized by large fluctuations in rainfall and temperature.Moreover,the current research suggested some GCMs(e.g.,the IPSL-CM5B-LR,CCSM4,and BNU-ESM)that made moderate effects in projecting the impact of climate change on wheat grain yield to be used to project future climate conditions in similar environments worldwide.

Contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain yield under rainfed and irrigation conditions for winter wheat cultivars released in the past 30 years in North China Plain

To understand the contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain yield and its response to water supply in the improvement of winter wheat, 15 cultivars released from 1980 to 2012 in North China Plain（NCP） were planted under rainfed and irrigated conditions from 2011 to 2013, and the ear photosynthesis was tested by ear shading. During the past 30 years, grain yield significantly increased, the flag leaf area slightly increased under irrigated condition but decreased significantly under rainfed condition, the ratio of grain weight：leaf area significantly increased, and the contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain yield changed from 33.6 to 64.5% and from 32.2 to 57.2% under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. Grain yield, yield components, and ratio of grain weight：leaf area were positively related with contribution of ear photosynthesis. The increase in grain yield in winter wheat was related with improvement in ear photosynthesis contribution in NCP, especially under rainfed condition.

Effect of steam-flaking on chemical compositions,starch gelatinization,in vitro fermentability,and energetic values of maize,wheat and rice

Intact and steam-flaked grains of maize,wheat and rice（with whole hulls） were analyzed for chemical composition,starch gelatinization degree（SGD） and in vitro fermentation characteristics to investigate the influence of cereal type and steam-flaking（SF） processing on their nutritive values.The treatments were arranged in a 3×2 factorial design.Obvious differences（P〈0.001） in chemical composition and energetic values were observed among the different cereal types.SGD and gas production（GP） rate was significantly increased（P〈0.001） by SF processing.SF processing also increased（P〈0.01） the proportion of propionic acid and decreased the acetic：propionic acid ratio in vitro.Steam-flaking also increased organic matter digestibility and the energetic value of the cereal grains,especially rice.Based on these results,rice probably is more amendable to SF processing than maize and wheat.In conclusion,it is feasible to partially substitute maize grain with wheat or rice in ruminant diets,and steam-flaking can significantly improve the nutritional value of wheat and rice grains.

The Effect of Plastic-Covered Ridge and Furrow Planting on the Grain Filling and Hormonal Changes of Winter Wheat

Although plastic-covered ridge and furrow planting（RF） has been reported to produce substantial increases in the grain weight of winter wheat,the underlying mechanism is not yet understood.The present study used two cultivars,Xinong 538 and Zhoumai 18,and RF and traditional flatten planting（TF,control） with the objective of investigating the effect of RF on wheat grain filling and the possible relationship of hormonal changes in the wheat grains under RF to grain filling.The results indicated that RF significantly increased the grain weight,although the effects on grain filling were different： RF significantly increased the grain-filling rate and grain weight of inferior grains,whereas RF had no significant effect on grainfilling rate and grain weight of superior grains.The final grain weight of inferior grains under RF was 39.1 and 50.7 mg for Xinong 538 and Zhoumai 18,respectively,3.6 and 3.4 mg higher than the values under TF.However,the final grain weight of superior grains under RF was only 0.6 and 0.8 mg higher than under TF for Xinong 538 and Zhoumai 18,respectively.RF significantly decreased the ethylene and gibberellic acid content in the inferior grains and increased the indole-3-acetic acid,abscisic acid and zeatin ＋ zeatin riboside content in the inferior grains;however,no significant difference between RF and TF was observed for the hormonal content in the superior grains.Based on these results,we concluded that RF significantly modulated hormonal changes in the inferior grains and,thus,affected the grain filling and grain weight of the inferior grains;in contrast,RF had no significant effect on grain filling,grain weight and hormonal changes in the superior wheat grains.

Effect of Zn application methods on Zn distribution and bioavailability in wheat pearling fractions of two wheat genotypes

Pearling is an effective method for evaluating the distribution of chemical components in wheat grain. Five pearling fractions （representing approximately 20% of the original sample weight） of wheat grain were obtained using the JNMJ3 rice polisher for two cultivars with different methods of Zinc （Zn） application; the residual portion （approximately 80%） was ground as flour. Results showed that folJar or soil＋foliar Zn application methods effectively increased Zn concentrations and bioavailability in whole grain and pearling fractions, but soil Zn application was ineffective in field conditions. In addition, the concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu within wheat grain showed a diminishing trend from the outer layer to the inner portions of the wheat grain as the pearling level increased. These results cleady showed the distribution of minerals in wheat grain, especially in the outer part of the grain （bran）. The results also suggest that precise milling techniques combined with foliar Zn ap- plication could improve the Zn and Fe nutritional qualities of consumed flour and mitigate human Zn and Fe deficiencies.

Yield and water use responses of winter wheat to irrigation and nitrogen application in the North China Plain

With increasing water shortage resources and extravagant nitrogen application, there is an urgent need to optimize irrigation regimes and nitrogen management for winter wheat（Triticum aestivum L.） in the North China Plain（NCP）. A 4-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three irrigation levels（W1, irrigation once at jointing stage; W2, irrigation once at jointing and once at heading stage; W3, irrigation once at jointing, once at heading, and once at filling stage; 60 mm each irrigation） and four N fertilizer rates（N0, 0; N1, 100 kg N ha-（-1）; N2, 200 kg N ha-（-1）; N3, 300 kg N ha-（-1）） on wheat yield, water use efficiency, fertilizer agronomic efficiency, and economic benefits. The results showed that wheat yield under W2 condition was similar to that under W3, and greater than that under W1 at the same nitrogen level. Yield with the N1 treatment was higher than that with the N0 treatment, but not significantly different from that obtained with the N2 and N3 treatments. The W2 N1 treatment resulted in the highest water use and fertilizer agronomic efficiencies. Compared with local traditional practice（W3 N3）, the net income and output-input ratio of W2 N1 were greater by 12.3 and 19.5%, respectively. These findings suggest that two irrigation events of 60 mm each coupled with application of 100 kg N ha-（–1） is sufficient to provide a high wheat yield during drought growing seasons in the NCP.

Integrated management strategy for improving the grain yield and nitrogen-use efficiency of winter wheat

Understanding of how combinations of agronomic options can be used to improve the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency（NUE） of winter wheat is limited. A three-year experiment involving four integrated management strategies was conducted from 2013 to 2015 in Tai＇an, Shandong Province, China, to evaluate changes in grain yield and NUE. The integrated management treatments were as follows： current practice（T1）; improvement of current practice（T2）; high-yield management（T3）, which aimed to maximize grain yield regardless of the cost of resource inputs; and integrated soil and crop system management（T4） with a higher seeding rate, delayed sowing date, and optimized nutrient management. Seeding rates increased by 75 seeds m^-2 with each treatment from T1（225 seeds m^-2） to T4（450 seeds m^-2）. The sowing dates were delayed from T1（5 th Oct.） to T2 and T3（8 th Oct.）, and to T4 treatment（12 th Oct.）. T1, T2, T3, and T4 received 315, 210, 315, and 240 kg N ha^-1, 120, 90, 210 and 120 kg P2O5 ha^-1, 30, 75, 90, and 45 kg K2O ha^-1, respectively. The ratio of basal application to topdressing for T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6：4, 5：5, 4：6, and 4：6, respectively, with the N topdressing applied at regreening for T1 and at jointing stage for T2, T3, and T4. The P fertilizers in all treatments were applied as basal fertilizer. The K fertilizer for T1 and T2 was applied as basal fertilizer while the ratio of basal application to topdressing（at jointing stage） of K fertilizer for both T3 and T4 was 6：4. T1, T2, T3, and T4 were irrigated five, four, four and three times, respectively. Treatment T3 produced the highest grain yield among all treatments over three years and the average yield was 9 277.96 kg ha^-1. Grain yield averaged across three years with the T4 treatment（8 892.93 kg ha^-1） was 95.85% of that with T3 and was 21.72 and 6.10% higher than that with T1（7 305.95 kg ha^-1） and T2（8 381.41 kg ha^-1）, respectively. Treatment T2 produced the highest NUE of all the integrated treatments. The NUE with T4 was 95.36% of that with T2 and was 51.91 and 25.62% higher than that with T1 and T3, respectively. The N uptake efficiency（UPE） averaged across three years with T4 was 50.75 and 16.62% higher than that with T1and T3, respectively. The N utilization efficiency（UTE） averaged across three years with T4 was 7.74% higher than that with T3. The increased UPE with T4 compared with T3 could be attributed mostly to the lower available N in T4, while the increased UTE with T4 was mainly due to the highest N harvest index and low grain N concentration, which consequently led to improved NUE. The net profit for T4 was the highest among four treatments and was 174.94, 22.27, and 28.10% higher than that for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Therefore, the T4 treatment should be a recommendable management strategy to obtain high grain yield, high NUE, and high economic benefits in the target region, although further improvements of NUE are required.

Mechanical strength of wheat grain varieties influenced by moisture content and loading rate

Mechanical shear resistance of wheat grain is a significant concern for the designers and researchers related to the design of threshing,handling and processing machinery of the field crops.The grain mechanical properties directly affect the machine geometry and its operational parameters.The present study was carried out to determine the shear resistance of five wheat varieties(Locally names;TD-02,Sindhu-1105,Benazir,China and SKD-118)influenced by moisture content(16.7%,18.7%and 19.5%)and loading rate(3 mm/s,6 mm/s and 9 mm/s).However,some physio-dimensional properties(length,width,thickness,slenderness ratio,surface area and sphericity)were obtained at different moisture contents.The results showed that the shear resistance reduced by increasing the moisture content and loading rate.The average shear resistance decreased from 10.45 N to 3.74 N for 3-9 mm/s loading rate at moisture content of 16.7%to 19.5%.Thus,the maximum correlation(r=0.905)of shear resistance obtained at 16.7%,whereas minimum correlation(r=0.692)obtained at 19.5%.The shear resistance of wheat grain was highly significant(p<0.05)at 9 mm/s for 19.5%.Shear resistance decreased with an increase in the moisture content in the grain whereas deformation is increasing with the increase of moisture content.However,the maximum bulk density of wheat grain obtained at 19.5%for SKD-118,while the minimum obtained at 16.7%for TD-02.It is recommended that the design and modification of wheat grain processing equipment should be executed on the physio-mechanical properties of grain varieties.

Effects of condensed distillers solubles and drying temperature on the physico-chemical characteristics of laboratory-prepared wheat distillers grain with solubles

Samples of wheat distillers grain with solubles were prepared at 15%,30%,and 45%condensed distillers solubles(CDS)and dried under 40°C,80°C,and 120°C to examine the effects of CDS level and drying temperature on their chemical,physical,flow,compression,thermal,and frictional properties.As CDS level increased,protein and ash contents increased while fat and fiber contents decreased.Fat and acid detergent fiber contents were also markedly affected by drying temperature.While CDS level,drying temperature,and their interaction significantly affected a number of the physical properties,results suggest that CDS level had a stronger influence.Samples with high CDS level,for example,were significantly finer,denser,less flowable,and less dispersible than those with lower CDS.These samples also had significantly higher thermal diffusivity and coefficient of internal friction and produced pellets with higher failure stresses than those with lower CDS.Their pellet density increased with CDS level and was also significantly affected by drying temperature.Further,the samples were classified as fairly flowable and floodable and their compression characteristics were adequately described by the Kawakita-Ludde model.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air,surface soil and wheat grain near a large steel-smelting manufacturer in northern China

The total concentrations and component profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs） in ambient air,surface soil and wheat grain collected from wheat fields near a large steel-smelting manufacturer in Northern China were determined.Based on the specific isomeric ratios of paired species in ambient air,principle component analysis and multivariate linear regression,the main emission source of local PAHs was identified as a mixture of industrial and domestic coal combustion,biomass burning and traffic exhaust.The total organic carbon（TOC） fraction was considerably correlated with the total and individual PAH concentrations in surface soil.The total concentrations of PAHs in wheat grain were relatively low,with dominant low molecular weight constituents,and the compositional profile was more similar to that in ambient air than in topsoil.Combined with more significant results from partial correlation and linear regression models,the contribution from air PAHs to grain PAHs may be greater than that from soil PAHs.

Transcriptome analysis of wheat grain using RNA-Seq

With the increase in consumer demand,wheat grain quality improvement has become a focus in China and worldwide.Transcriptome analysis is a powerful approach to research grain traits and elucidate their genetic regulation.In this study,two cDNA libraries from the developing grain and leaf-stem components of bread wheat cultivar,Nongda211,were sequenced using Roche/454 technology.There were 1061274 and 1516564 clean reads generated from grain and leaf-stem,respectively.A total of 61393 high-quality unigenes were obtained with an average length of 1456 bp after de novo assembly.The analysis of the 61393 unigenes involved in the biological processes of the grain showed that there were 7355 differentially expressed genes upregulated in the grain library.Gene ontology enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that many transcription products and transcription factors associated with carbohydrate and protein metabolism were abundantly expressed in the grain.These results contribute to excavate genes associated with wheat quality and further study how they interact.