International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT)
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Assessment of different sources of irrigation water on the proximate and mineral nutritional properties of selected leafy vegetables in the Offinso Municipality of Ghana
Full text linkThe study aimed to determine how irrigation water from different sources affected the quality of three leafy vegetables in the Offinso Municipality of Ghana. For the study, a 5x3 factorial Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with three replications was used. Two factors were considered: irrigation water sources at five levels (wastewater, groundwater, tap water, well water, and rainwater), and leafy vegetables at three levels (cabbage, lettuce, and amaranthus). The proximate and mineral nutritional compositions of three leafy plants were analyzed. This study assessed the impact of various irrigation water sources on the nutritional quality of three leafy vegetables commonly cultivated in the Offinso Municipality of Ghana. Proximate and mineral compositions were analyzed, with significant differences found among vegetable types and irrigation water sources. Cabbage irrigated with tap water recorded the highest crude fibre, while amaranthus irrigated with rainwater recorded the highest carbohydrate and zinc contents. Wastewater irrigation significantly increased calcium content in amaranthus but corresponded to lower Vitamin C levels. Findings highlight the nutritional trade-offs associated with wastewater irrigation, underscoring the need to carefully consider water-source selection for vegetable farming. Further research should explore contamination risks and food safety implications.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(2): 57-73, Dec 202
Evaluation of the physiological effect of Saccharomyces boulardii a candidate for the manufacture of probiotics isolated from Garcina mangostana fruit pericarps
Full text linkThis study aimed to isolate the Saccharomyces boulardii strain from Garcinia mangostana fruit from Kinshasa; to determine its thermoresistance; and finally, to determine its antagonistic effect towards Lactobacillus vaginalis and Staphylococcus aureus to determine its suitability for use as a probiotic. The results of this study show that Sacharomyces boulardii isolated from Garcinia mangostana fruit from Kinshasa is tolerant at 44°C and resistant only at 60 and 75°C. Sacharomyces boulardii isolated from Garcinia mangostana fruit in Kinshasa has no antagonistic effect on Lactobaccilus vaginalis and Staphylococcus aureus, so it lives in perfect synergy. Saccharomyces boulardii isolated from the fruit of Garcinia mangostana in Kinshasa could be a good candidate that may well contribute to the restoration of vaginal microbiota than other marketed strains. We therefore suggest that further studies on other probiotic selection criteria be carried out on the isolated strain, with a view to the scientific validation of our results.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(2): 165-170, Dec 202
The genotoxic properties of leaf extracts from three common congolese medicinal plants, Cogniauxia podolaena Baill. (1839), Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana (1872) and Emilia coccinea G. Don (1839) using the Ames test, the in vitro micronucleus test and the comet assay
Full text linkCogniauxia podolaena, Dissotis rotundifolia, and Emilia coccinea are widely used in the Democratic Republic of Congo to treat various ailments, but also as contraceptives, laxatives, painkillers, and to combat malaria. Although commonly used in traditional medicine, no genotoxicity or mutagenicity data exist for these species. This study aims to assess their potential in vitro genotoxic and mutagenic effects. The plant material was collected in Kinshasa and authenticated by botanist Blaise Bikandu at the herbarium of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Kinshasa. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and water extracts of these species were prepared and subjected to the AMES test, the comet assay, and the micronucleus test. Genotoxicity was assessed using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and benzo (a) pyrene (BaP). Extracts from C. podolaena tested positive in the AMES test, particularly on the TA98 strain, suggesting frame-shift mutations. Methanol extracts from all three plants caused dose-dependent DNA damage in the comet assay, while limited genotoxicity was observed for the aqueous extract of C. podolaena. Co-genotoxic effects were observed with EMS and BaP. Methanol extracts from all species and aqueous/EtOAc extracts from C. podolaena induced chromosomal abnormalities in the micronucleus test. The results suggest that these traditional medicinal plants contain genotoxic agents, warranting further toxicological studies.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(2): 127-137, Dec 202
Assessment of water quality of the Dhuppani waterfall and its advantages for the inhabitants of the Rangamati Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Full text linkThe present investigation aimed to evaluate seasonal fluctuations in water quality parameters of the Dhuppani waterfall, located in Rangamati, Bangladesh, with the goal of supporting local inhabitants and aquatic ecosystem conservation. Sampling was carried out over a one-year period from July 2022 to June 2023, encompassing the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. Water samples were collected from three designated stations and analyzed at the Water Quality Laboratory of the Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh. The parameters assessed included temperature, water transparency, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), pH, total alkalinity (TA), and total hardness (TH). The measured values ranged as follows: temperature (12.10 to 23.10°C), transparency (25 to 130 cm), EC (155 to 217 µS/cm), TDS (71 to 111 mg/L), DO (5.8 to 8.7 mg/L), BOD (0.49 to 1.05 mg/L), pH (6.10 to 8.20), TA (125 to 212 mg/L), and TH (72 to 185 mg/L). Analysis revealed that temperature, TDS, and BOD peaked during the pre-monsoon period and gradually declined through the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Conversely, EC and pH levels were found to be highest in the post-monsoon season, followed by the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. Total alkalinity was at its maximum during the monsoon season, decreasing progressively in the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon phases. In contrast, total hardness showed a peak in the post-monsoon, followed by the monsoon, with the lowest values recorded during the pre-monsoon season. In the waterfalls, DO was higher in the monsoon season when compared to the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons. Those physicochemical parameters furnish insights into water quality, ecosystem health, and potential water-related activities. The study provides baseline data on water quality from waterfalls in the Rangamati hill regions, which contributes to the long-term conservation of these aquatic ecosystems for human consumption and aquatic resource management.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(2): 74-84, Dec 202
Effect of natural sweeteners on the physicochemical, nutritional, sensory, and microbiological properties of carrot-coconut gel pudding
Full text linkThe market for sugar-reduced products is expanding rapidly due to increasing health awareness among consumers and advancements in sweetener technology. Consumers are actively seeking to reduce sugar intake, making sugar the primary ingredient targeted for reduction. Consequently, products labeled as "no added sugar," "sugar-free," or "low sugar" are gaining considerable popularity. Manufacturers are therefore developing innovative formulations to overcome challenges related to taste, texture, and consumer acceptability, ensuring the commercial viability of sugar-replaced gel puddings. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing refined sugar with natural sweeteners, dates, and honey, on carrot–coconut gel pudding. Seven formulations were prepared: a sugar-based control (S), honey-based samples (H1: 90g, H2: 80g, H3: 70g), and date-based samples (D1: 90g, D2: 80g, D3: 70g). Physicochemical properties, proximate composition, energy content, sensory attributes, and microbiological quality were analyzed. The results revealed that sample D1 (90g dates) exhibited the highest levels of crude fiber (12.88 ± 0.005%), vitamin A (30.85 ± 0.05 RAE/g), protein (4.12 ± 0.03%), fat (10.20 ± 0.00%), calcium (2.98 ± 0.02 mg/g), potassium (2.83 ± 0.02 mg/g), and sodium (68.90 ± 0.02 mg/g) among all formulations. In contrast, the sugar-based control demonstrated the highest energy value and overall sensory acceptability. No yeast or mold growth was detected in any sample during seven days of storage, while microbial load was comparatively higher in the control sample. Although sugar-based pudding exhibited higher energy content and acceptability, the date- and honey-based puddings-particularly the formulation containing 90g dates-offered significantly improved nutritional quality. These findings support the potential use of dates and honey as natural sweeteners for the development of healthier functional desserts.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(2): 30-38, Dec 202
Infestation and damage status assessment of white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) insect at boloso sore and boloso bombe districts of Wolaita Zone South Ethiopia
Full text linkThis fruit devastating pest of white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Hempitera: Diaspididae) insect is an economically important pest and damages the mango fruit by sucking the sap through its piercing-sucking mouth part from mango leaves and fruits. Since the 2010 outbreak in Ethiopia due to a poor internal quarantine system this insect pest was distributed and invaded the whole mango-producing region in the country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the infestation and severity status of WMS insects to get evidence for upcoming management investigations. The survey was carried out at Boloso Bombe and Boloso Sore districts in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone in 2023. Among mango-producing farmers by using a semi-structural questionnaire 45 farmers were intervened through random selection. Geographic location and ten samples of mango leaf were collected from four cardinal directions per tree of each stop for examining the infestation and severity status of WMS. The occurrence of this pest at study locations was in 2016 as interviewed farmers respond. Since then, due to a lack of attention by farmers currently, it was distributed and covered the whole study area. As confirmed by this study the infestation ranged from 60 to 100% and damage or severity rated from moderate to very high. Among surveyed locations, 29% of mango farms were very highly, 52% highly and 20% moderately damaged. From the total study area, almost 31% of mango farms reduced 100% yield and the reduction of yield ranged from 50% to 100%. Before the outbreak of this invasive insect pest, the study area farmers were harvesting nearly 272 kg of mango fruit per tree and at normal times yield reduction was almost 43 kg per tree. After the prevalence of WMS insect per tree yield was almost 44 kg and the reduction of yield was alarmingly increased to 228 kg per tree as shown by this study data. Even though this insect pest is a devastating pest of mango fruit, however, it can be controlled through different management practices. Therefore, the management practice of this pest is categorized into three such as cultural, biological and biochemical. Culturally managed by Mango tree pruning, planting resistant materials, using proper spacing, cleaning or sanitation, burying infected residues and fruits, smoking different repellents of dry grass, animal dung, mango leaves and lemon bark or lemon mixed organic materials in one smoking can/pot and hanging inside mango tree. Foliar Spraying of various botanical extracts such as Neem seed extract (Azadirachta indica). Several concoctions made from ash, soap and goat urine were mixed and sprayed on infested mango fruit leaves and twigs. Various predators and parasitoids are used as Biological control. Soil drenching of systemic chemical insecticides also can control this insect pest. The way to control this serious damage and hinder the expansion of this invasive insect pest, integrated experimental investigation using the above-explained mechanisms will be advisable to enhance mango fruit yield.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 28-37, December 202
Effect of grass-legume silage on production and milk composition of Friesian cross cows in Imbo region of Burundi
Full text linkThe study determined the effects of feeding Cenchrus purpureus- Velvet bean, or Maize stalk- Velvet bean silage on milk production and quality. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in R4.4.1 software was used for data analysis. Results from the study showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in milk production among treatments. The mean milk production was different between the blocks (P < 0.05). The mean milk production was higher (7.53±1.52 kg) for cows fed on maize stalk-Velvet bean silage than cows fed on Cenchrus purpureus-Velvet bean silage (5.36±1.07 kg) and fresh mixed grass-legume (4.29l±1.07 kg). Results also showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in milk SNF, lactose and salt, while there were no significant differences (p˃0.05) on milk fat and protein contents for all the experimental diets. The study concluded that the incorporation of maize stalk: Velvet bean silage ratio (80:20) could prevent the dry season feed scarcity, increase milk production and consequently increase the household income.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 48-53, June 202
The release and registration of bread wheat variety (Kulito) for low moisture stress areas of South Ethiopia
Full text linkBread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most valuable crop in Ethiopia. The low yield of existing varieties has been partly attributed to high wheat rust pressure and recurrent drought in the country. Field experiments were carried out in Halaba, Inseno, and Lanfero, South Ethiopia, during 2019, 2020, and 2022 cropping seasons, with the objective to obtain rust-resistant and high-yielding genotypes for low moisture stress areas. Under regional variety trials of 2019 and 2020, fifteen advanced lines and a local check variety, Ogolcho (released in 2011), were grown using four replications in a randomized complete block design. Plant height was 83.25, 87.73 and 78, 68 cm; yield was 3.18, 3.72 and 4.43 tons ha-1; and 1000-seed weight was 38.10, 33.07 and 39.54 g, respectively, for Halaba, Inseno and Lanfero. Plant height was 80.86, 81.61, 80.07, and 85.84 cm; yield was 4.09,4.23, 4.16, and 3.56 tons ha-1; and 1000-seed weight was 38.41, 35.46, 39,58, and 37.57 g, for the high yielding genotypes ETBW9131, ETBW9152, ETBW9077, and the check variety Ogolcho, respectively. Under variety verification trials of 2022, genotype ETBW9131, a local check variety, Ogolcho and a standard check variety, Biftu (released in 2022), were grown. The yield was 4.58, 3.35, and 2.96 tons ha-1 for ETBW9131, Biftu, and Ogolcho, respectively. For its high yield, moderate susceptibility to stem rust and moderate resistance to yellow rust, ETBW9131 has been released and registered by the variety name ‘Kulito’ for cultivation in low moisture stress areas of Halaba, Inseno, Lanfero, and other areas with similar agro-ecologies.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 109-114, June 202
In-vitro effectiveness of aqueous extract of organic compost against Helminthosporium turcicum (cryptogamic disease pathogen of maize)
Full text linkSustainable agriculture requires the application of biofertilizers and biopesticides in farming systems. The aim of the study was to analyze in-vitro the effect of aqueous extracts from organic compost on the development of cryptogamic disease in maize plants for yield improvement. The study was carried out in the laboratory using a pure strain of Helminthosporium turcicum previously isolated from infected maize leaves showing symptoms of the disease. Aqueous substrates of unsterilized and sterilized composts, with the concentrations 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL were respectively mixed with liquid PDA at 19.5; 19 and 18 mL for a final volume of 20 ml, then aseptically poured into 90 mm diameter Petri dishes under the laminar flow hood. After solidification, 7 mm-diameter mycelial discs from young H. turcicum cultures were deposited on the agar pellets. 48 hours after incubation, mycelial growth was measured 4 times until the positive control Petri dish was invaded by mycelial filaments. The results showed that the mycelial growth of the H. turcicum strain in the presence of the sterilized aqueous compost extract was significantly reduced. Increasing the concentration significantly inhibited strain growth to the order of 95.89% at a concentration of 2 mL sterilized aqueous compost extract. Similarly, in the presence of the unsterilized aqueous compost extract, the mycelial growth of H. turcicum was also reduced. The Increasing concentration inhibited the pathogen growth by up to 76.92%, at the concentration of 2 mL. These results showed that the aqueous extract of organic compost contains compounds that could be responsible for producing suppressive substances accountable for the mechanisms inhibiting the mycelial growth of H. turcicum.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 62-73, December 202
Assessing mechanized, conservation, and small-scale tillage impacts on Alexander wander wheat performance in Bamenda, Cameroon
Full text linkTillage practices constitute the major initial applications of farm power and machinery during crop cultivation. They comprise all soil-related manipulations aimed at preparing a good seedbed for appropriate crop growth. In order to improve crop yields while enabling sustainable soils, tillage practices executed during crop production in a particular region need to be assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of tillage practices on Alexander wander wheat growth, and yield in Bamenda, Cameroon. An experiment was conducted during the cropping seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the College of Technology of the University of Bamenda, Cameroon laid out in a randomized complete block design comprising five tillage treatments namely; mechanized tillage (disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing), conservation tillage (no-tillage, and strip tillage), and small-scale tillage (burning in ridges (“Ankara”), and traditional ridge tillage). Disc ploughing was conducted using a 3-disc standard right-handed disc plough followed by disc harrowing using an offset disc harrow. Tillage significantly influenced wheat performance (growth parameters, and yield attributes) during both the 2023, and 2024 cropping seasons. Ankara produced the best wheat performance followed by traditional ridge tillage. Disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing came third, while no-tillage, and strip-tillage practices produced the poorest wheat growth parameters, and yield attributes during both years. Thus, small-scale tillage practices (Ankara and traditional ridge tillage) are recommended for Alexander wander wheat production in Bamenda, Cameroon followed by mechanized tillage (disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing).
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 20-27, December 202