Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Effects of Water Stress on the Physiological Behavior, the Flowering and the Fruiting of Jatropha curcas L. Under Semi-controlled Conditions
No full textJatropha curcas L (J. curcas) sectors are increasingly promoted in the Sahel for biofuel production. Though, our understandings on the species responses to water deficit particularly of mature trees are still sketchy. So, this study aims at investigating the effects of water deficit on the physiological behavior, the flowering and the fruiting of J. curcas.
The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with 6 replications and 4 treatments.
The study was conducted at the research station of the National High School of Agriculture (ENSA) located at 4 km from Thiès, Senegal. The study lasted 113 days from April 1st to July 22nd 2013.
curcas trees at 21 months old, grown from seeds collected at ENSA were used for the study. The experimentation was conducted in semi-controlled conditions and the 4 treatments considered are: T0 (maximal evapotranspiration); T1 (75% of maximal evapotranspiration); T2 (20% of maximal evapotranspiration) and T3 (without watering). The crop evapotranspiration, the stomatal conductance, the leaf area index (LAI) as well as the flowering and the fruiting were monitored.
The results show that only severe water deficit (watering at 20% of maximal evapotranspiration) negatively affect the physiological traits (stomatal conductance and LAI) and the yields (fruits weight per tree and seed weight per tree) of J. curcas. However, only very harsh water deficit (watering at about 1% of maximal evapotranspiration) reduce flowering parameters (inflorescence size, number of male and female flowers). The flowering and the fruiting of J. curcas are less affected by water stress.
The experimentation concluded to a negative effect of only severe water stress on J. curcas physiological traits but fruits and seeds production are solely affected when water uptake of J. curcas declines under 20% of maximal evapotranspiration. This question must be deeply investigated trough long-term experimentation with more treatments in order to determine the threshold of water deficit at which J. curcas yield significantly declines
Effects of Extraction Method and Geographical Location on the Physico-chemical Properties of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) Butter
No full textAim: To determine the effects of extraction technology and geographical location on the quality of shea butter.
Study Design: Data for physico-chemical characteristics were entered into Micro soft Excel spread sheet and summarized into mean and standard deviations. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to assess the variation between the parameters. All analyses were carried out in triplicates. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to compare mean variance. Significance was accepted at 5% level of probability.
Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in selected villages in the Upper East, Upper West and the Northern regions of Ghana between August, 2015 and February, 2016.
Methodology: Oil samples from the chemical (C), mechanical (M) and the traditional (T) extraction methods (EM) and those from different shea butter extraction villages across the north of Ghana were evaluated to determine their effects on the physicochemical properties of shea butter. All analyses were carried out in triplicates and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test used to compare mean difference. Significance was accepted at 5% level of probability.
Results: The mean oil yield, saponification, iodine, acid, free fatty acid values were (50.04±3.35%; 40.21±7.21%, 39.09±2.46%), (160.79±1.50; 162.15±40, 193±8.58 mgKOH/g), (49.18±2.83; 49.58±1.39, 54.78±12.88 gI2/100g), (9.77±1.75; 12±0.27, 13.765±1.10 mgKOH/g) and (5.42±0.17; 4.69±0.04, 7.61±0.35 mg/KOH/g) for the CEM, MEM and TEM respectively. While the mean specific gravity, refractive index and peroxide values were (0.97±0.00; 0.92±0.02, 0.88±0.01), (1.46±0.00; 1.45±0.01, 1.47±0.00) and (2.25±0.15; 2.80±0.16, 3.55±0.30) respectively. The mean oil yield, saponification, and iodine values were (43.08±2.75%; 45.87±1.25%), (39.62±1.40%; 39.02±1.16%), (53.27±2.40%; 50.26±1.44%), (155.80±9.46; 127.50±5.96 mgKOH/g), (163.63±2.66; 155.45±1.30 mgKOH/g), (201.39±2.78; 193.29±3.59 mgKOH/g), (46.84±2.06; 43.93±1.47 gI2/100g), (39.19±0.99; 53.96±4.87 gI2/100 g), (66.19±1.52; 47.46±0.97 gI2/100g) for oil samples from (Jonga; Kpongo) in the Upper West, (Doba; Pusunamongo) in the Upper East and (Savelugu; Tantuani) in the Northern region of Ghana respectively. The acid value, specific gravity, refractive index and peroxide values were (9.60±1.11; 12.53±1.17 mgKOH/g), (15.46±1.00; 16.47±1.26 mgKOH/g), (12.81±0.90; 11.57±1.02 mgKOH/g), (0.85±0.16; 0.94±0.01), (0.98±0.01; 0.92±0.01), (0.88±0.02; 0.88±0.01), (1.46±0.01; 1.48±0.01), (1.52±0.11; 1.42±0.01), (1.47±0.01; 1.46±0.01), (2.67±0.05; 3.42±0.18 mEqKOH/g), (2.59±0.06; 2.65±0.02 mEqKOH/g) and (2.84±0.06; 2.26±0.02 mEqKOH/g) respectively.
Conclusion: The MEM technology had values almost mid-way between CEM and TEM and therefore yielded butter of superior quality than the other two technologies and should therefore be encouraged even if at a smaller scale. Geographical effect on the quality of shea butter revealed that kernels from the Northern region produced good quality shea butter, followed by those from the Upper West and finally to the Upper East regions. The results showed significant differences in the oil samples extracted by the different extraction methods and from different geographic locations but all fell within the acceptable ranges for edible vegetables oils
Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Trichoderma harzianum as Biological Control Agents against Panama Disease of ‘Cavendish’ Banana Caused by Fusarium oxysporum F. Sp. Cubense Tropical Race 4
No full textThe study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM) and Trichoderma harzianum against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubenseTR4 on ‘Cavendish’ banana plantlets and to determine the growth performance of ‘Cavendish’ banana plantlets applied with Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and T. harzianum.
The experiment was laid-out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and replicated three times with five samples per replication. The treatments were as follows: T1- Negative control (w/out Foc), T2- Positive control (with FocTR4), T3- 5 g of VAM alone + Foc TR4, T4- 50 g of T. harzianumalone + Foc TR4, T5- 3 g of VAM + 50 g of T. harzianum+ Foc TR4, T6- 5 g of VAM + 50 g of T. harzianum+ Foc TR4, T7- 7 g of VAM + 50 g of T. harzianum+ Foc TR4.
Based on the result of the study, the different rates of VAM + T. harzianum delayed the symptoms appearance and reduced incidence and severity of Panama disease. Plantlets treated with 7 g of VAM + 50 g of T. harzianumreduced Foc TR4 development in terms of disease symptom appearance, has been delayed for seven (7) days; disease incidence which had a difference of 53.33%; disease severity had 36.67% compared with the Positive check.
On the effect of the agronomic characteristics, result showed significant differences from the data on the average plant height (cm) of ‘Cavendish’ banana plantlets at 60 and 90 DAT as well as the diameter of the pseudostem as influenced by VAM and T. harzianum
Secondary Traits and Selection Environment for Drought Tolerance at Flowering in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbreds and Their F1 Diallel Crosses
No full textThe objectives of this investigation were to identify secondary trait(s) for selection of high maize grain yield under drought stress conditions and to identify whether the best selection environment is the optimum or stressed one. Diallel crosses among diverse inbreds in tolerance to drought were evaluated in the field in two seasons under two contrasting environments; well watered (WW) and water stressed (WS) at flowering using RCBD in 3 replications. Results across seasons revealed significant differences among inbreds and among hybrids for most studied characters. Strong favorable and significant genetic correlations (> 0.91) were detected between grain yield/plant (GYPP) or drought tolerance index and each of yield components for inbreds and hybrids and days to anthesis (DTA), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), barren stalks (BS) and leaf angle (LANG) for hybrids. The traits DTA, LANG, kernels/row (KPR), kernels/plant (KPP), 100- kernel weight (100 KW) under both WW and WS environments and anthesis silking interval (ASI) under WS had high narrow sense heritability (h2n). Thus, low DTA and LANG and high rows/ear (RPE), 100KW, KPR and KPP could be considered secondary traits to drought tolerance. Selection for low PH and high KPP was more efficient in improving grain yield than selection for yield itself with a relative efficiency (RE) of -160.6 and 240.1%, respectively. Results concluded that choosing the optimum selection environment to achieve maximum gain is affected by the genotype and the trait of interest. With respect of GYPP of hybrids, the direct selection is the best, i.e. the optimum selection environment is the target environment, while for inbreds, the indirect selection is the best, i.e. the optimum selection environment for high yield under WS is the optimum environment (WW)
Genetic Improvement of Rice in Nigeria for Enhanced Yeild and Grain Quality - A Review
No full textThe development of rice with high yield and grain quality is one of the main goals of rice breeding programs all over the world. In Nigeria, Rice breeders have been successful in improving the crop for different characteristics, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. An example of rice variety developed for early maturity, high grain yield and quality is FARO 44(Sipi-692033), for tolerance to iron toxicity is FARO 52(WITA 4), for tolerance to African Rice Gall Midge is UPIA 2 (IWA 2) amongst others. A number of breeding methods such as Conventional Hybridization, Recurrent Selection, and Mutation breeding and Varietal Introduction from other countries can be used to create variability in rice to make improvement possible. Different research institutes in Nigeria, in collaboration with international NGOs have been intensifying efforts to improve the crop for different characteristics particularly for grain quality and high yield, adaptable to the country’s varying ecology. The development and introduction of tools of biotechnology into plant breeding have enhanced the breeding capacity of breeders, but these tools have not been fully integrated into rice breeding programs in the country. This paper highlights different breeding methods that can be used to develop new rice varieties, modify or improve already existing ones. Recommendations are also given in the direction of future research for enhancement of rice in Nigeria
Planting Distance Effects on Mango-sweet Gourd Agroforestry System in the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh
No full textAims: To evaluate the growth performance of sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata) under 3.5 years old Mango (Mangifera indicia L.) tree at planting different distances.
Study Design: The experiment was laid out following the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) arrangement with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Kalibari char which is situated by the side of Brahmaputra River adjacent to the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period of November 2013 to March 2014.
Methodology: The experiment consisted of five different treatments viz. T0 (sole sweet gourd and sole mango trees), T1 (Sweet gourd grown 0- 0.5 m distance from the tree), T2 (Sweet gourd grown 0.5- 1.0 m distance from the tree), T3 (Sweet gourd grown 1.0-1.5 m distance from the tree) and T4 (Sweet gourd grown >1.5 m distance from the tree) and ten mango tree yield.
Results: The result showed that different morphological characteristics of sweet gourd were increased gradually with increasing distance from the tree base. The highest yield of sweet gourd was 25.8 t/ha obtained from treatment T0 (Sole sweet gourd). Among the different distances, the highest yield of sweet gourd was 23.7 t/ha in T4 (>1.5 m distances from the tree base) and the lowest was 16.2 t/ha in T1 (0-0.5 m distances from the tree base). On the other hand the best fruit yield of mango (8.6 t/ ha) was recorded in without sweet gourd association. In association with sweet gourd the fruit yield of mango was recorded (5.9 t/ha).
Conclusion: The yield of sweet gourd as a vegetable under sole cropping condition gives the best result in association with mango trees, the further the distance from the tree, the higher the yield of sweet gourd
Optimization of Storage Conditions of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Bagged Pics Containing Biopesticide (Lippia multiflora) Leaves by Factorial Design in Cote d’Ivoire
No full textThis study aims to optimize storage conditions of two cowpea varieties grains in PICS bags containing leaves of Lippia multiflora. It was to assess, through a full factorial design, the effect of three factors (variety, biopesticide dose, storage duration) on the merchantability (moisture, water activity, mass loss, damages) and contamination levels of ochratoxin A (OTA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total aflatoxins (AFT) of cowpea grains during 8 months. The grains were collected from producers of the Loh-Djiboua region (5°50 \u27North 5°22\u27 West). After the hulling, the grains have not undergone any treatment were sent to the laboratory for storage. The lots treated with leaves Lippia multiflora recorded lower values than those of control groups whatever the parameter studied. Indeed, the damages of grains are 7.60±0.16% and 39.66±1.77% respectively for the treated and control groups. Concerning mycotoxins, treated groups have concentrations of 4.01±0.06 µg/kg and 1.14±0.01 µg/kg respectively for OTA and AFB1. As against untreated groups have concentrations of 22.50±0.87 µg/kg and 8.41±0.48 µg/kg respectively for OTA and AFB1. These results reflect an action of leaves on insect activity and toxigenic molds. The results of full factorial design indicate that action of leaves of Lippia multiflora is independent the cowpea variety conserved. Furthermore, the mathematical model derived from this plan allows a prediction of values of parameters studied with Pearson coefficients (R2) equal to 0.99. Thus, the treatment with leaves Lippia multiflora of stock of cowpea has a positive impact on conservation of merchant and health quality of grains with a persistence up to 8 months. This inexpensive and easy to use treatment should be vulgarized among farmers
Appraisal of Efficiency of Fadama Maize Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria
No full textThis study appraised the efficiency of fadama maize farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 180 respondents selected through multistage sampling technique with the aid of structured questionnaire supplemented with oral interview. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and the stochastic frontier production function. Results of the analysis revealed that; 68% of the respondents were male, 93% were married, and 67.9% had formal education with average farm size of 5.95 hectares of land. The result further revealed that 75.5% of the respondents made use of family labour, and 5 was recorded as mean household size. The results of profitability analysis showed that N307,200 was the mean net revenue and Total Variable Cost (N82,229.29) accounted for 95.5% of the Total Cost (N86,067.97). The estimation of the stochastic frontier production function showed that age, cost of seed, depreciation and operating expenses were negatively correlated with farm output, indicating that an increase in these variables brings about decrease in farm output. Contrarily, a positive relationship existed between farm output and family labour; farm size as well as hired labour, implying that an increase in the variables results in increase in farm output. The result further revealed that farm size; family labour and cost of seeds were statistically significant at 1% i.e. these were the variables influencing the level of maize output in the study area. The Technical Efficiency (TE) of the fadama maize farmers varied significantly between 0.48 and 0.97 with a mean technical efficiency of 0.82. The inefficiency model results showed that number of times of livestock disturbance; variety of seeds grown and level of formal education coefficients were negative suggesting an increase in these variables decreased the technical inefficiency and consequently increased the efficiency. The proportion and prominent constraints reported by the farmers were; lack of storage facility (95.6%), high cost of fertilizer (64.8%), inadequate credit facility (54.1%) and bad road (50.9%). The study concluded that fadama maize production was a profitable and lucrative economic activity, having empirically examined and appraised the efficiency of fadama maize farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. It is now recommended that; fadama, farmers should be provided with credit facilities to enable them finance their farming enterprises, modern inputs should be made available to the farmers at affordable rate by the Agro service centers of each Local Government Area of the State and efforts should be made by research institutes to generate new improved technologies on fadama production
Food Security Status of Artisanal Fishers and Concerns of Bycatch in Nigeria
No full textThere have been concerns about the part of the catch that is not the primary target of the fishing effort of artisanal fishers along their household food security status. This aimed the study to examine bycatch occurrence and usage, estimate the food security status of fishing households and highlight constraints faced by fishing households in Nigeria. Data collected from one hundred and fifty six (156) artisanal fish farmers of Lagos, Ondo and Kogi States of Nigeria between June 2015 and July 2016 were used for the analysis. The study used descriptive statistics as well as United States Household Food Security Survey Module to fulfil its objectives. The results revealed that majority (95%) of artisanal fishers indicated that introduction of a bycatch reduction device will raise the unit cost of effort and this cost increase induces a reduction in the profit maximizing level of effort and also reduces profit. 50.64% of fishing households were food secured while inadequate capital, lack of extension services, poor fishing gears, water pollution, poor value addition, poor storage facilities, unavailability of fish, lack of formal education, poor access to information, destruction of fish habitats and breeze among others were the constraints faced by artisanal fishers and the major reason they encourage bycatch. The study suggests that government should consistently give support to the extension agents and research institutes so as to give quality education to these farmers on importance of bycatch reduction; embrace effective bycatch reduction devices at minimum cost; implement proper policies that would eliminate these constraints by giving attention to the technical, social and regulatory approaches of bycatch and access to financial capital should be improved
Effect of Biochar on Macronutrients Release and Plant Growth on Degraded Soil of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
No full textThis study consisted of laboratory incubation and pot experimentation. Laboratory incubation was conducted at the Chemistry Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Lafia. The pot experimentation was done in the screen house of faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University Lafia campus during the dry season of 2015 to assess weekly macronutrients (NPK) release in soil amended with locally produced sawdust and rice husk biochar and the growth and nutrient uptake of maize grown on the same soil. The experimental design used was complete randomized design (CRD) and the treatments consisted of three levels of rice and sawdust biochar: 0, 60, 120 g factorially combined to form 9 treatments. The result showed that, in the first week of incubation, 120 g of rice husk and sawdust biochar produced the highest levels of pH (6.58 and 6.69), Nitrogen (0.56 gkg-1 and 0.48 gkg-1), available phosphorus (27.61 mgkg-1 and 27.73 mgkg-1) and potassium (0.26 cmolkg-1 and 0.23 cmolkg-1) respectively. However, the second week of incubation recorded a reduction in nitrogen (0.39 gkg-1 and 0.44 gkg-1) released with application rates of 120 g of both rice husk and sawdust biochars respectively. There was increased in available phosphorus (35.00 mgkg-1 and 37.20 mgkg-1) and potassium (0.26 cmolkg-1and 0.23 cmolkg-1) and soil pH (6.73 and 6.88) respectively in the second week. In the third week of incubation, there was a continuous decline in soil N (0.35 gkg-1 and 0.36 gkg-1) but, P. K and soil pH consistently showed an increase. Rice husk and sawdust biochar applied at 120 g was significantly (p<0.05) higher in a number of leaves (7.00 and 8.00); growth height (50.73 cm and 20.67 cm); fresh weight (102.82 g and 26.18 g); dry weight (15.11 g and 2.69 g) respectively. N P and K uptake by maize plants were also significantly (P<0.05) influenced by rice husk biochar application. 120 g of rice husk biochar produced the highest value of maize uptake of N (2.51 gkg-1); P (62.62 mgkg-1) and K (4.28 cmolkg-1). Then, 120 g of saw dust biochar produced maize that took in the highest values of N (3.70 gkg-1); P (59.40 mgkg-1) and K (4.00 cmolkg-1)