Journal of Tropical Crop Science
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Evaluation of Biomass Yield and Nutritional Composition of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Varieties Grown in Lowland Areas of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Full text linkThis study was conducted to identify the best performing soybean varieties for biomass yield, chemical composition, haulm and seed yield, and other agronomic characteristics under rain-fed conditions in the lowland areas of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. The experiment took place at three locations: Jari, Chefa, and Sirinka. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Twelve released soybean varieties “Afgat”, “Belesa-95”, “Boshe”, “Cheri”, “Dhidhessa”, “Gishama”, “Gizo”, “Korme”, “Pawe-03”, “Katta”, “Wegayen”, and “Wollo” served as treatments. Seeds were sown with a spacing of 40 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Each plot measured 3.2 m × 4 m, with 0.5 m and 1 m separating plots and blocks, respectively. Combined analyses across Jari and Sirinka indicated that the varieties “Afgat”, “Gishama”, “Gizo”, “Pawe-03”, “Wegayen”, and “Wollo” produced higher dry matter yields than others. “Gishama”, “Gizo”, “Pawe-03”, and “Wegayen” also had superior haulm yields. For seed yield, “Pawe-03”, “Gizo”, “Afgat”, “Gishama”, “Wollo”, and “Wegayen” outperformed the other varieties. Notably, the “Wollo” variety exhibited the highest protein content at both Jari and Sirinka. Based on these results, “Afgat”, “Pawe-03”, and “Wollo” are recommended for cultivation in the Jari, Chefa, and Sirinka zones. These varieties demonstrate strong potential for delivering high dry matter, haulm, and seed yields, as well as providing a valuable protein supplement for ruminants. Further research is recommended to investigate their optimal application in livestock feeding systems
How Do Groundwater Levels and Soil Moisture Influence the Peat Fire Vulnerability Index in Oil Palm Plantations?
Full text linkPeatland fires are a significant environmental issue, impacting local ecosystems and contributing to global climate change. This study evaluates the Peat Fire Vulnerability Index (PFVI) for sapric and hemic maturity levels under oil palm plantations in Pangkalan Pisang Village, Riau Province. Data on groundwater level, soil moisture, rainfall, and maximum temperature were collected from December 2021 to December 2022. The PFVI, modified from the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), was calculated and correlated with these variables. The groundwater level varied from 3 cm to 76 cm below the surface, with an average of 36.23 cm. In sapric blocks, 29% of the groundwater level was less than 40 cm, while 73% were deeper. In hemic blocks, 44% were less than 40 cm, and 56% were deeper. Soil moisture in the top 10 cm layer fluctuated between 32% and 55% (v/v) Results showed significant negative correlations between PFVI and groundwater levels (r = -0.173 to -0.889) and soil moisture (r = -0.835 to -0.808), indicating that lower groundwater levels and soil moisture increase fire risk. High PFVI values in July corresponded with the lowest rainfall (59 mm) and groundwater levels below 40 cm. The study highlights the importance of monitoring hydrometeorological conditions and soil properties to effectively predict and mitigate peatland fires. Our findings are crucial for developing strategies to manage peatland sustainability and reduce fire hazards, especially in tropical regions with prevalent oil palm cultivation
Optimizing Growth and Flavonoid Production in Kaempferia angustifolia Using Organic (Chicken and Cow Manure) and Inorganic Fertilizers
Full text linkKaempferia angustifolia originated in Southeast Asia and is widely used for its medicinal properties. One of which is from its flavonoids. The research aims to determine the optimal dosage of organic and inorganic fertilizers for promoting the growth and flavonoid production of K. angustifolia. The study was laid out in a split-plot design using organic fertilizers as the main plots (chicken and cow manure at 10 t.ha-1) and inorganic fertilizers as the subplots, consisting of 19 combinations of urea, SP36, and KCl. Each treatment has three replications. The results showed that there is no interaction between organic and inorganic fertilizers in affecting the growth of Kaempferia angustifolia. Plants treated with chicken manure at 10 tons per hectare have a higher fresh weight than those treated with cow manure. Plants without inorganic fertilizer application showed suppressed growth and yielded more rhizomes three months after planting. Inorganic fertilizer promoted more shoots and tillers, with the highest value obtained from 100 kg.ha-1 urea + 200 kg.ha-1 SP36 + 200 kg.ha-1 KCl application. The range of total flavonoids in inorganic fertilizer applications is 39.30-131.51% higher than the control, with the highest value observed at 200 kg.ha-1 SP36 + 200 kg.ha-1 KCl application. The results of this study would be useful for producing K. angustifolia for the medicinal industry, using either organic or inorganic fertilizers
Diversity of Sweet Corn Canopy Architecture for Intercropping Pattern Suitability with Cayenne Pepper
Full text linkThe intercropping system has become increasingly important due to the limited availability of agricultural land and the growing population. Sweet corn is one of the potential crops for intercropping; however, its compatibility with companion plants varies among genotypes. This study analyzed the canopy diversity of 10 sweet corn genotypes and their impact on temperature, humidity, and light intensity. The research was conducted at the Pasir Kuda Experimental Station, Bogor Agricultural University, from June to August 2024, using ten hybrid sweet corn genotypes in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each genotype was planted in plots measuring 3.75 m², with a 25 cm × 75 cm spacing, resulting in 30 plants per bed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical analysis identified three clusters of genotypes based on ten morphological traits. The first cluster included “Verona”, “Talenta”, “Paragon”, SM12 x SB13, “Exotic”, and “Secada”. The second cluster consisted of “Arinta”, SB8 x SM6, and SM12 x SM1, while the third cluster included SM1 x SM9. Temperature and humidity measurements revealed significant differences among clusters, influencing photosynthetic efficiency and yield potential. Denser canopies exhibited lower temperatures, higher humidity, and reduced light intensity, whereas more open canopies displayed higher temperatures, lower humidity, and increased light intensity. The study also analyzed cob weight, length, and diameter, as well as critical factors for yield potential and photosynthetic efficiency. Based on the results, genotypes with denser canopies from Cluster One (“Verona”, “Talenta”, “Paragon”, SM12 x SB13, “Exotic”, and “Secada”) are recommended for intercropping with cayenne peppers due to their favourable microclimate compatibility
Evaluation of Maize Covered Smut (Ustilago maydis) Management Options in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Full text linkMaize, one of the most important cereal crops in the world, faces severe production constraints in Ethiopia due to covered smut disease. Field experiments were conducted at Sirinka and Cheffa during the 2022-2023 cropping seasons to evaluate management practices against maize covered smut. Seven treatments consist of five fungicides, cow urine, hot water, and untreated control, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study found notable variations in disease intensity, maize grain yield, and yield components among the treatments. The application of proceed plus fungicide and the use of cow urine treatments were effective in reducing maize covered smut disease and higher yields of maize compared to other treatments and control plots. The combined analysis indicated that the highest maize grain yield (3120 and 2806 kg.ha-1) was recorded from carboxin + thiram + imidacloprid, and triadimefon fungicide-treated plots, followed by cow urine seed treatment (2649 kg.ha-1), while the lowest (1601 kg.ha-1) was recorded from untreated control plot. The highest net benefit (125310 ETB) was obtained from carboxin + thiram + imidacloprid, followed by Triadimefon (112986.8 ETB) and cow urine (107084.5 ETB) treated plots. Therefore, based on the partial economic analysis result, carboxin + thiram + imidacloprid fungicide and cow urine as a seed treatment are recommended for maize producers
Development of Rapid Viability Test Using Urine Sugar Analysis Paper for Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Seeds
Full text linkSeed testing is important for determining seed quality. Seed testing must be easy, quick, and accurate. This study aimed to develop a rapid method for assessing peanut seed quality using Urine Sugar Analysis Paper (USAP). USAP is commonly used for detecting human urinary glucose and is currently being developed for evaluating seed quality. Three experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the most effective seed-cutting size (whole, halved, and seeds cut into six pieces) and soaking periods (0, 3, 6, and 9 hours) based on glucose and protein leakage, as well as specific gravity of the soaking water. The optimal method identified in Experiment 1 was then used to test all five seed lots in USAP Experiment 2, which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seed quality testing using the USAP method at various levels of seed viability. Experiment 3 investigated the correlation between USAP test results and other viability and vigor test parameters, including germination percentage, first count germination, speed of germination, and electrical conductivity. The results of experiments indicated that cutting seeds into six pieces and 6 6-hour soaking period was the most optimal. Experiment 3 showed that USAP testing correlated with viability and vigor testing across various peanut varieties. Protein and density testing using USAP were negatively correlated with germination percentage, first count germination, and germination speed parameters, but positively correlated with electrical conductivity. However, glucose leakage was not detectable using USAP
Overview of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) Breeding and Prospects in Ethiopia: A Review
Full text linkThe world has faced challenges to produce more food to feed the growing population. Improved crop varieties key inputs for significant increases in production and productivity. Finger millet is thus one of a highly nutritious and food security crop. In Ethiopia, major achievements were made for major crops; however, the time and resources devoted to improving finger millet are low compared to other cereal crops. As a result, there is little scientific intervention aimed at improving finger millet. Besides, the crop is constrained by biotic, abiotic, and socioeconomic factors. As a result, the productivity of finger millet is far below its potential. Nowadays, there is an initiation and effort to develop improved finger millet varieties; hence, yield increases have been achieved in Ethiopia over the years. The available genetic resources, wide adaptability of the crop, and the current growing acreage have at times been considered opportunities to boost crop production and productivity. Strong research efforts and the transfer of technologies have to be strengthened in the country, and such efforts must be made in finger millet potential areas of the country. Thus, to lift the value as an alternative food crop capitalizing on these opportunities could ensure food and nutrition security in Ethiopia and the world. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review and document information on the breeding achievements made, as well as key challenges, opportunities, and interventions, to provide insight into the future of finger millet breeding in Ethiopia
Growth Response of Bambara Groundnut to the Application of Rhizobium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. in Matriconditioning and Nitrogen-Phosphate Fertilization
Full text linkBambara groundnut has the potential to be an alternative food source of protein and carbohydrates. However, the quality of the seeds is not guaranteed, which can affect plant growth. The experiment aimed to determine the growth response of Bambara groundnut to the application of nitrogen fixation bacteria (Rhizobium sp.) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.) integrated into matriconditioning and nitrogen-phosphate (NP) fertilizer. The experiment was conducted in Situraja-District, Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia from November 2020 to April 2021. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot randomized complete block design replicated three times. The main plot was NP fertilizer level (0, 50, and 100% of recommended dose), and the sub-plot was seed invigoration (untreated, matriconditioning + Rhizobium KPB2 + Pseudomonas BPF9, and matriconditioning + Rhizobium KPB5 + Pseudomonas BPF9). Corncob biochar was used as the carrier in matriconditioning. The seed invigoration treatments using matriconditioning + Pseudomonas BPF9 + Rhizobium either KPB2 or KPB5 isolate significantly improved the plant growth (field emergence, plant height, leaf number, canopy diameter, and leaf chlorophyll content). Furthermore, when these invigoration treatments were accompanied by chicken manure 2 t.ha-1 significantly increased the leaf number without adding NP fertilizer
Insect Diversity of Mangrove Ecosystems in Beras Basah Village, Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Full text linkThis study aimed to investigate the diversity of insects, including stingless bees (Heterotrigona) in the mangrove ecosystem of Beras Basah Village, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The mangrove plantation in Beras Basah Village contained 11 species, including Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora. stylosa, Avicennia marina, Sonneratia alba, Bruguiera gymnorhizza, Xylocarpus granatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, Lumnitzera racemosa, and Nypa fruticans. Additionally, five flowering plant species were identified in the vicinity: Antigonon leptopus, Asclepias curassavica, Helianthus annuus, Calliandra grandiflora, Portulaca grandiflora. Other plant species recorded in the area included Cocos nucifera, Pandanus amaryllifolius, Leucaena leucocephala, Ziziphus mauritiana, Albizia chinensis, and Terminalia catappa. Insect identification from four observations using sweep nets, yellow sticky traps, and blue pan traps resulted in the collection of 1,525 individual insects belonging to eight orders, 17 families, and 19 genera. These insects included ten predators and pests, comprising five Odonata species (Neurothemis terminata, Orthetrum sabina, Orthetrum testaceum, Potamarcha congener, Zyxomma obtusum) and five ant species (Camponotus spp., Crematogaster spp., Nylanderia spp., Odontoponera denticulate, Pheidole spp.). The insect functional status within the mangrove area was determined to include seven species of scavengers, 12 species of herbivores, two species of pollinators, 19 species of predators, one species of parasitoid, and four species of insect disease vectors. This study provides valuable insights into the insect diversity and ecological roles within the mangrove ecosystem of Beras Basah Village, contributing to a better understanding of the conservation and management of this important habitat
Environmental Risk Analysis and Control For the Development of Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Full text linkRealizing sustainable urban agriculture is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets that must be achieved. This research was conducted to analyze and explain environmental risk control for the development of sustainable urban agriculture. The research location was in East Jakarta, one of the cities in Indonesia that has implemented urban farming practices. Identification of urban agricultural environmental risks caused by biotic and abiotic factors determined of 17 categories of questions that can be represented in this research. Three risk assessment scales were used, low, medium and high risk. The environmental risk of urban agriculture caused by biotic and abiotic factors was found to have the highest risk in the air dust category. Based on the research results, it was concluded that, in general, respondents had quite effective knowledge of environmental risks but needed to increase their knowledge and deeper understanding of creating sustainable urban agriculture. Urban agriculture, due to its social, economic, and environmental benefits, should be considered part of a dynamic urban system during planning and implementation