The scientific laboratory “Ecophysiological Research”

The scientific laboratory “Ecophysiological Research” is located on the 1st floor of the “Agrochemistry” building on the territory of the University. The laboratory conducts scientific research in 5 areas. These include:

-Soil-water analysis and agrochemical research;

-Analytical analysis of food products;

-Food microbiology;

-Molecular biological research;

-Selection and seed production of agricultural crops and analysis of cotton fiber quality, etc.

The laboratory conducts the following basic analyses and studies in the field of “Soil-water analysis and agrochemistry”.

Soil analysis: determination of the mechanical composition of the soil, its acidic, alkaline or neutral state, its pH value, the amount of humus – the level of organic matter, the amount of basic nutritional elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, the amount of microelements – boron, manganese, zinc, copper, etc., the level of total salinity, etc.

Water analysis: pH level, electrical conductivity (EC) – water salinity level, wastewater composition – nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, ammonium and heavy metal pollutants, hardness level, calcium and magnesium content, etc.

Agrochemical research: The effectiveness of fertilizers is assessed, the effect of substances applied to the soil is studied, agrochemical maps are compiled, the nutritional status of plants is analyzed, and the effectiveness of land reclamation measures is determined.

In the direction of “Analytical analysis of food products” – Moisture (water content), ash content (organic and inorganic content), pH level, energy value (energy value), fat, protein, carbohydrate content, water-soluble dry matter, mass and concentration of the product in its original state, salt (NaCl), sugar (sucrose), acidity, sugar (sucrose), acidity, vitamins B, A and E for the alcohol group, enzyme activity, antioxidant content, identification of allergenic substances in food, etc.

“Food microbiology” – determination of the total number of colony-forming microorganisms. This indicator indicates the microbiological state and sanitary level of the product. Escherichia coli group – indicates a violation of hygiene rules. Escherichia coli (E. coli) – identifies the types of bacteria that cause intestinal infections. Enterobacteriaceae – indicates a sign of internal contamination. Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. The state of growth of microorganisms during the shelf life of the product. The level of hygiene in the processes of storage, production and distribution of the product.

“Molecular biological research” – DNA and RNA extraction, determination of the quality and quantity of genetic material (spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), simple (conventional) PCR for determining the genetic sequence, real-time PCR (qPCR): detection of genes, determination of gene expression or detection of dentin in biological samples), detection of GMOs (genetically modified organisms), analysis of transgenic organisms (for example, agricultural crops), genetic identification of bacteria, viruses and fungi, etc.

“Agricultural Crop Selection and Seed Production and Cotton Fiber Quality Analysis” – Analysis of the biological purity of seeds (purity of the variety, impurities from other varieties). Determination of germination, moisture, mass of seeds. Checking the presence of diseases or pests in seeds. When analyzing the quality of cotton fiber, fiber length (staple): determining whether it belongs to the short, medium or long fiber type, fiber strength (tensile strength): how strong it is, microns: the degree of fineness of the fibers. color: whether the fiber is white, gray or yellowish, moisture level: assessing compliance with technical standards. degree of transparency and dirtiness. (affects the quality of the spun yarn).