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Effect of Farm Yard Manure on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
No full textThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of farmyard manure on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes at the agriculture research farm of Kabul University during the spring and summer seasons of 2024. Treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The variables measured included growth parameters, such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, and leaf area per plant, as well as yield parameters, including marketable yield, non-marketable yield, and total yield. Additionally, quality parameters were assessed, including shelf life and organoleptic characteristics. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using STAR software version 2.0.1. Results indicated that farmyard manures used in the study had a positive influence on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes. The highest plant growth, yield, and best quality fruits were recorded under the treatment containing the highest sheep manure (35 t/ha); it was on par with the treatments containing 20, 25, and 30 t/ha sheep manure. Thus, it is recommended for tomato crop growers to apply at least 20 t/ha of sheep manure for optimal growth and yield
The Effects of Dietary Phenylalanine on Antioxidant Activity and Muscle Quality of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Get PDFThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary phenylalanine on antioxidant capacity and muscle quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The study also examined how various inclusion levels of dietary phenylalanine affect flesh quality and the expression of genes related to protein utilization and muscle development in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Six isonitrogenous (37.92 ± 0.28% crude protein) and isolipidic (7.14 ± 0.15% crude lipid) diets were formulated with incremental levels of phenylalanine (0.38%, 0.94%, 1.32%, 1.75%, 2.23%, and 2.7%). A total of 1200 fish were divided into 24 cylindrical polypropylene tanks, with 50 individuals in each tank (initial individual weight of fish was 0.20 ± 0.07 g), and were run in four replicates in a completely randomized design for 8 weeks. Antioxidant capacity results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in the 2.23% group (P<0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the 2.23% Phe group was significantly lower than in other groups (P<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity was significantly lower in the first two groups (0.38% and 0.94% Phe) compared to other groups (P<0.05). Dietary phenylalanine levels led to improvements in muscle texture and the expression of genes associated with protein utilization and muscle development
Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Drinking Water in Selected Poultry Farms in Kabul Province, Afghanistan
Get PDFPoultry is a vital sector and an important source of income for many families in Afghanistan. Water quality is a key factor affecting poultry health and productivity. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources used in poultry farms in Kabul Province. Water samples were collected from 20 poultry farms and analyzed for total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) (Escherichia coli), pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, chlorine concentration, and turbidity. The results showed that TC and FC levels exceeded acceptable limits (>50 CFU/100 mL) in 65% and 10% of primary water sources, respectively. The median TC and FC values in primary water sources were 63 CFU/100 mL (range: 0–317) and 4.5 CFU/100 mL (range: 0–14), respectively. In secondary water sources, TC and FC exceeded permissible limits in 75% and 55% of samples, with median values of 266 and 84 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Significant differences in TC and E. coli levels were observed between primary and secondary water sources (p < 0.05), and among physicochemical parameters; turbidity and electrical conductivity exceeded recommended standards. A significant positive correlation was found between TC and FC (r = 0.603; p < 0.05), while both showed a significant negative correlation with chlorine levels (p < 0.05). These findings highlight substantial health risks associated with poultry farm water sources and underscore the need for improved water management practices to ensure safe, sustainable poultry production in Kabul Province
Effect of Storage Temperature on the Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Sensory Properties of Semi-Hard Cheese
Get PDFThis study investigated the impact of different storage temperatures (room temperature: 20°C and refrigeration: 4°C) on semi-hard cheese's microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties over 16 days. Cheese samples were made from fresh cow's milk and subjected to two different storage conditions. Various factors, including bacterial count (Standard Plate Count: SPC), pH, acidity, and sensory characteristics (color, texture, odor, taste, and overall acceptability), were determined at different time intervals (Days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16). Microbial analysis revealed no significant differences in SPC between the two storage conditions. Similarly, physicochemical parameters, including pH and acidity, showed minor fluctuations, with p-values greater than 0.05 in all cases. Sensory analysis indicated that the cheese's texture, color, and taste at room temperature were less acceptable than those stored in refrigeration. A comparison of the tested parameters (SPC, pH, acidity, and sensory attribute rating) and two storage temperatures (environment and fridge) measured under the two storage conditions using the Mann-Whitney U test showed that there were no significant differences between the two (p > 0.05). However, Spearman's correlation test demonstrated a significant correlation between storage time, microbial load (rs = 0.943), and acidity (rs = 0.831), particularly in refrigerated samples. The results suggest that storage temperature affects the spoilage rate in semi-hard cheese. These findings provide valuable insights into preserving semi-hard cheese and highlight the crucial role of refrigeration in slowing the spoilage process
Bacterial Contamination and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Isolates from Tanker-Distributed Drinking Water in Kabul, Afghanistan
Get PDFWater quality is critical for public health, and access to safe drinking water is essential for preventing infectious diseases. In many areas of Kabul city, tanker-distributed water is an essential source, but its microbial quality remains uncertain. This cross-sectional study evaluated bacterial contamination and microbial resistance in tanker-distributed treated water in Kabul, comparing it to established standards. One hundred samples from 20 companies were collected between January and June 2024. Samples were cultured for total bacteria and coliform counts using spread plate and filtration methods. Confirmatory tests were performed on colonies. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by disk diffusion. The results indicated that all samples positive for bacterial contamination exceeded established standards, with 45% containing more than three species. None of the samples contained coliform bacteria. Seventeen distinct bacterial species were identified, including Acinetobacter baumannii (21%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10%). Additionally, the isolates displayed antibiotic resistance, posing significant health risks. Previously, there was a lack of reliable information regarding the bacterial contamination of water distributed by tankers. The results of this study revealed that bacterial contamination in water exceeded accepted standards. Additionally, pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms were detected. Therefore, relevant authorities must implement strict control and monitoring measures
Opportunities and Challenges to Afghanistan's Self-sufficiency in Livestock Production Sector
Get PDFAfghanistan is an agricultural country where livestock is the main source of income for most of the people. Although hundreds of thousands of metric tons of livestock products are produced, large amounts of animal products are still imported to the country. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the opportunities and challenges confronting Afghanistan's self-sufficiency in livestock products. The data were collected from 48 key professionals by semi-structured interviews using a pre-designed questionnaire. More than 52% of the respondents hold bachelor's/DVM degrees, while the rest have master's (35.4%) and PhD (12.5%) degrees in veterinary (72.1%) and animal science (27.9%) fields. About 80% of the respondents believed that Afghanistan has sufficient capacity to become self-sufficient in the animal products sector. At the same time, only half of them thought that Afghanistan is moving on the right track towards self-sufficiency in animal production. Destruction of pastures (95.7% ), neighboring countries' interventions in the market (95.1%) and importation of low-quality animal products (89.4%), insufficient scientific research projects (84.8%) and funds (84.5%) in the animal health and production sector, lack of proper packaging (87.2%) and suitable domestic market (80%) for animal products, traditional husbandry system (83.3%), shortage of concentrated feeds (78.3%) and excessive paperwork for the investors (69.6%) are the main challenges in front of self-sufficiency in animal products. The results of this study could help policymakers prioritize the animal health and production sector and adjust existing policies regarding animal products to meet the country's needs and accepted standards
The Impact of Beekeeping on Small Holder Farmers’ Household Income in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Get PDFBeekeeping is a vital component of rural economies, significantly contributing to household income, particularly in agricultural regions. This study employed a cross-sectional survey design to analyze the impact of market outlet choices and related socioeconomic factors on beekeeping income in Kandahar, Afghanistan. A structured questionnaire was administered to 310 randomly selected beekeepers across five key districts known for honey production. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to identify significant predictors of income and assess the effectiveness of various market strategies. This study examines the relationship between beekeeping and the household income of smallholder farmers. Using a multiple regression model, data from 310 sample households distributed across four districts and Kandahar City were examined. The findings revealed a positive relationship between beekeepers' income and beekeeping factors, such as family size and work experience. The research suggests that governments, in collaboration with relevant NGOs, can encourage wholesale opportunities and strengthen ties between producers and customers to address the honey demand gap and boost beekeepers' incomes. Although this study primarily focuses on Afghanistan, its findings apply to other rural agricultural regions, demonstrating the potential of beekeeping to promote economic growth and alleviate poverty. These findings can inform programs and policies aimed at enhancing the economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods of rural populations worldwide
Evaluation of the Effect of Different Fungicides on Potato Brown Leaf Spot Alternaria alternata in Greenhouse
Get PDFOne of the successful strategies to increase the yield of potatoes is the management of diseases and pests during the whole growing period. Potato brown spot caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr) Keissler is one of the most destructive diseases of potatoes worldwide. The present study compared two different fungicide programs under greenhouse conditions during 2022. Firstly, the resistance of five local potato varieties (Lora, Kofre-hemaloni, Kofre-Gibson, Evalovetion, and Morabell) was evaluated under greenhouse conditions to the pathogen to find the most susceptible variety for further experiment. The degree of infection by the pathogen was calculated. The study demonstrated that the Lora variety had the most tolerance, and the Morabell variety was sensitive to the pathogen. Then, the effects of three common chemical fungicides (Mancozeb®80%, Penconazole®20%, and Topguard®30% (Flutriafol (6.94% + tebuconazole (20.8%) were tested against the pathogen using the most sensitive potato variety (Morabell) in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) under greenhouse condition. The means of infection was calculated over ten days. Specific doses of the fungicides had a significant effect in reducing disease. The severity of the disease decreased with the increased use of all the applied fungicides. The study revealed that Mancozeb and Penconazole with 1g per liter doses were the most effective treatment in controlling brown leaf spots in potatoes
Genetic Analysis and Variability Assessment of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) Lines Based on Vegetative Traits
Get PDFGenetic diversity is essential to a plant species' ability to survive, adapt, and thrive in a constantly shifting environment. It also forms the basis for crop development's efficient selection process. Therefore, breeding programs that present a high level of genetic variability in germplasm collections benefit significantly from an understanding of the genetic processes responsible for the inheritance of this trait. Therefore, this research aims to estimate the genetic analysis and variability of Bambara groundnut based on vegetative components using multivariate analyses. A randomized complete block design, including three replications, was utilized to evaluate five genotypes of Bambara groundnuts. The seeds were divided into three groups: large, medium, and small seed sizes. Statistical analysis was conducted in SAS version 9.4 to estimate ten vegetative characters' variance components and heritability. Most vegetative variables in the current study showed significant variations between the five genotypes, fifteen combinations of seed size and genotypes, seed size categories, and the interaction between genotype and seed size categories. The estimation of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) varied from 0 to 20.36%. Moreover, the high values of GCV (20.36%) and PCV (28.18%) resulted from the wide canopy trait, while moderate GCV and high PCV were registered from the number of petioles, number of leaves, number of branches, and dried biomass. The low GCV and high PCV were recorded for fresh biomass and high plant growth. More research should be conducted to enhance these Bambara genotypes in various environments
Optimizing Waste Transfer Station Siting in Kabul Using GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Get PDFEfficient siting of waste transfer stations is vital for reducing operational costs, improving recycling outcomes, and minimizing environmental impacts in rapidly urbanizing cities like Kabul. Despite the Kabul Urban Design Framework (KUDF, 2018) identifying nine proposed locations for transfer stations, not a single facility has been implemented, largely due to financial limitations and uncertainty over the technical suitability of those sites which resulted in delays in implementation of transfer stations and inefficient sorting and hauling of waste to the Gazak 2 landfill limiting recycling efforts and landfill diversion due to mixed and contaminated waste. This study applies a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, incorporating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC), to identify spatially optimal locations for waste transfer stations in Kabul. Four criteria—proximity to main roads, residential areas, water bodies, and terrain slope—were evaluated and weighted using expert input. Results show that only 18.16% of Kabul’s land is highly suitable for transfer station siting, with buildings and roads being the most influential factors. When overlaid with the KUDF-proposed sites, six of nine were found to be located within suitable or highly suitable zones. The remaining sites require further reassessment due to proximity to sensitive areas or infrastructural constraints. The findings highlight the critical role of spatial decision support in addressing implementation delays and improving solid waste logistics. This study provides a replicable framework and practical guidance for Kabul Municipality and other cities facing similar challenges in optimizing waste management infrastructure