Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
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Field Performance of Improved Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties under Rainfed Condition of Bangladesh
No full textIn Bangladesh, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production is attributed to low yield of the local cultivars with an indeterminate growth habit, uneven ripening of capsules, seed shattering, susceptibility to waterlogging and lack of adequate research findings. A field experiment was conducted in the Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory, Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna to study the yield performance of some improved sesame varieties under rainfed conditions of Bangladesh. Six varieties of sesame viz. T6, Batiaghata local Til, Bina Til-1, BARI Til-2, BARI Til-3 and BARI Til-4 were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on various yield parameters during harvest. Almost all the yield attributes were found higher in BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til except capsule length (BINA Til-1 possessed the longest capsules). These two varieties were recorded extra branches per plant (7.07 and 6.93), more number of capsules per plant (89.15 and 84.60), higher number of seeds per capsule (84.79 and 80.20) and higher harvest index (25.46 and 24.49%). The values mentioned in the parentheses did not differ significantly. As expected from the results, BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til produced statistically similar seed yields on unit area basis (1.29 and 1.13 t ha-1). Seed yield (g plant-1 as well as t ha-1) was well correlated with dry matter (g plant-1), biological yield (t ha-1) and harvest index (%) as revealed by simple regression analyses. Based on the findings of the study, the variety BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til may be recommended for cultivation in Khulna region under rainfed condition as it showed better performance in terms of yield parameters
Historical and Current Perspective of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Cultivation in South Korea
No full textWe review edible mushrooms in South Korea, primarily focused on oyster mushroom (OM) (Pleurotus ostreatus), which shows the highest production among the mushrooms grown for industrial purposes, and it takes up almost 32% of the total production. We aimed to describe their historical uses, common cultivars, and specific characteristics that make them one of the most viable food sources or functional materials. About 15,000 mushroom varieties are known, and 2,000 varieties are possible as human food. Generally, OM has long been studied the most widely as an edible mushroom compared to the other mushrooms in South Korea. Recently, there has been a growing interest in food mushrooms as the production of O.M. is characterized by low greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal breeding in South Korea. Also, OM is often highlighted as nutritious side dishes to serve with rice. Thus, facilitating O.M. production and consumption could contribute to human health and environmental conservation in the near future. Over the years 2015–2020, Pleurotus sajor (PS) export increased by 189.9% (US$ 130,000) compared to 2010-2015. The O.M. cultivation tends to increase rapidly in developing countries for human food and compost or insect foods after cultivation, for example, internal use of culture media or sawdust dump of willow growing environmental conditions.
In South Korea, mushroom research has started in the 1960s by the horticultural research center of Rural Development of Administration. In the early 1970s, OM cultivation methods using paddy straw were first developed globally. In 1974, NONGGI-2-1-ho cultivar was developed. In 1976, various practices for water management, disinfection, and fermentation were developed, resulting in substantial yield increases. From 1986, labor-saving paddy straw binders, cutting machines, disinfection boilers, wager suppliers were produced and started being supplied to the farmers. In the 1980s, cotton waste was used as a substrate for cultivation of OM, where water content was identified as the dominant controlling factor for yields. Cotton waste is the best substrate material for summer OM. After using cotton waste, it is commonly replaced with paddy straw. Recently, growers use poplar sawdust, oak sawdust, and rice bran mixed at a ratio of 40:40:20 (v/v/v) instead of cotton waste. When adjusting the nutrients of a medium, the nitrogen content is the crucial factor in determining the yield of OM. There is an additional attempt to add functionality by using alternative plant materials, such as Hovenia dulcis known for liver protection and anti-cancer effects, as well as Acer tegmeutosum and Rhus verniciflura. Further research is in progress to search for and new medium materials effective for OM cultivation
Some Technological Treatments to Enlarge the Shelf Life of Puff Pastry
No full textWheat bran is generally considered a byproduct of wheat milling industry, but it is a great source of fibers, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for human health. This study examined values of functional component for product from two bioprocessing (germination and fermentation) for wheat Giza171 variety. Also, it was examined for puff pastry (the pate) product, evaluated functional component (phenolic compound and antioxidant activity), sensory attribute, texture parameter, and mineral content. The results showed that total phenolic compound (TPC) and antioxidant activity (%RSA) values were highest in fermentation bran cell (with 2.5% yeast) (3465, 51.18), respectively. The volume increased with increasing percentage germination, while specific volume recorded the highest value for control (4.24). Sensory attributes of pate had the highest value from germination whole meal flour. Hardness decreased in all puff pastry from treatment compared with the control pate. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity for the product during storage period had the highest values for pate made from fermentation bran with 2.5% yeast during storage periods (TPC= 1960 and 1432.5; %RSA= 49.61 and 43.31, respectively). Also, mineral content increased for all treatments compared with the control. Functional whole wheat products with enhanced health-promoting value and safety without renouncing the good-tasting standards whereas required for consumers. In this concept, functional whole wheat was demonstrated for two bioprocessing: improve eating quality, nutrition and shelf life for pate product
Quality Assessment of Groundwater of Barind Area, Bangladesh using Integrated Hydrochemical Method
No full textThe study was conducted for assessing water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes of groundwater sources. Total 50 water samples were collected from different locations of Nachol and Niamatpurupazilla of Chapainawabgonj and Naogaon district in January 2019 and January 2020. Water quality parameters like pH, electrical conductivity (Ec), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), total hardness (TH), alkalinity, sulphate (SO4), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonia (NH4), phosphate (PO4), chloride (Cl), dissolved oxygen (DO), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were analyzed in the laboratory. All the analyzed parameters were compared with national and international drinking and irrigation water quality standards to understand the overall groundwater quality status of the study area. The study showed that the water samples of almost all the locations were suitable for consumption and irrigation
Assembling Blockchain and IoT for Smart Food-Supply Chain
No full textGlobalization and extreme competition in the market have made the food supply chain more complex than before. To address the complexities in the food supply chain, blockchain has become more evident than the traditional ways. Use of blockchain technologies can ensure the efficiency, transparency and reliability of the food supply chain starting from the farms to forks. This study focuses on the applicability of blockchain systems to the agriculture field and provides comparative analysis among the existing methodologies that are dedicated to uplift the security, effectiveness and reliability of blockchain based food supply chains. This research has also proposed a novel model that couples blockchain and IoT based sensor modules, which can be applicable in real-life scenarios. The proposed method essentially follows a multi-layer architecture where each layer is presented by means of a blockchain technology. Each layer is fed by the ambient conditions which may impact better quality of crops. The IoT module will ensure better farming as well as the blockchain system will ensure the quality of the end product. If the packaged food degrades in quality, the reason behind the degradation can be located by the model presented in this paper. The presented framework may reach promising efficiency in practical life but the framework implementation cost may create a burden for the investors
Assessment of Rural Women Agro Processing Activities in Improving Household Food Security in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological Zone of Nigeria
No full textThe study assessed rural women involved in agro-processing activities to improve household food security. Four hundred and twenty rural women, out of four hundred and sixty questionnaires distributed who were engaged in agro-processing activities served as respondents to this study. A well-structured questionnaire, was used in the collection of primary data. Secondary data were collected from journals and articles. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage as well as factor analysis. The hypothesis of the study was tested using Spearman Rank Correlation. This result revealed that Majority (72.17%) of the respondents were married. The major occupation among respondents was farming (71.30%). The household size of majority (52.17%) of the respondents was between 6 and 10, and 54.78% had a moderate level of involvement in agro processing activities. Respondents had level of food security (48.79%). The result of socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents revealed that involvement in agro processing activities enhanced the annual income of majority of the respondents. Transportation, capital availability, farm resources and source of information were major constraints. The study concluded that rural women, who were involved in agro processing activities improved the level of food security. The study recommends the provision of loan opportunities to farmers for agricultural process, proper distribution of capital, adequate reimbursement and monitoring for extension agents, creation of markets that are proximal to farm sites, provision of farm resources such as seeds, fertilizers, and processing equipment, with good medical centres made available
Conceptualising the Scale to Quantify E-Readiness of Farmers: Sri Lankan View
No full textE-agriculture is vital for supporting the development in agricultural sector. Before developing any e-agriculture technology, it is essential to measure e-readiness as it will be an indicator to foresee the application of the developed technology. This has necessitated the concept of e-readiness. The literature has not yet adequately assessed the farmers’ e-readiness level due to a lack of contextually appropriate assessment tools. This study aims to identify factors that contribute to measure e-readiness of farmers in Sri Lanka and constructing and standardising a scale that can be used to quantitatively score e-readiness across each of these factors. The study utilized the criteria 8Cs developed by Rao and embraced a structured literature review approach to identify measurement items to 8Cs. To finalise the statements, the study used mean value and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. The analysis of the literature demonstrates that most of the indicators of e-readiness related to technology infrastructure, human skills, people and accessibility and connectivity. However, the challenge is to construct a comprehensive model that would incorporate all the major driving forces of an economy that would directly effect on the improvement of e-agriculture. We proposed 89 independent measures across eight factors. This paper provides a first attempt to conceptualise the scale to quantify the e-readiness of farmers in Sri Lanka utilizing the criteria 8Cs. The proposed assessment framework would rectify the areas excluded by the existing e-readiness tools and provide a more inclusive foundation for measuring and monitoring e-readiness in agricultural community. The study will be useful to know farmers’ preparedness and ability to use technological devices. The e-readiness measurement will be utilized to evaluate the farming community’s readiness to engage in e-activities such as e-commerce, e-learning and e-government
Effect of Germination Period on Some Functional and Engineering Properties of Sorghum Flour
No full textSorghum (red and white) were germinated for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h to determine the effect of germination on some functional and engineering properties of sorghum flour. The bulk density results for the red and white germinated sorghum are 0.620-0.673 g/cm3 and 0.477-0.620 g/cm3, respectively. Water absorption capacity values for the two samples are 116.630-125.970% and 81.643-98.293% while the oil absorption capacity ranged from 62.917 to 85.750% and 44.933 to 61.980%, respectively for the two samples. The dispersibility test for the two samples gave 85.67-87.33% and 83.00-84.67%. The swelling power at 55 °C are 2.54-2.67 and 2.70-3.26, at 75 °C, 3.62-4.68 and 3.85-4.56, and at 90 °C, 2.98-4.79 and 6.29-7.23, respectively for the two samples. For the engineering properties, the specific heat capacity ranged from 0.14 to 0.45 kJ/kg K and 0.12 to 0.14 kJ/kg K, thermal conductivity, from 0.55 to 1.67 W/mK and 1.01 to 1.24 W/mK and thermal diffusivity from 0.13 to 0.82 m2/s and 0.11 to 0.12 m2/s, respectively for red and white germinated sorghum flours. It can be concluded from this study that increased the values of bulk density, WAC, OAC, and dispersibility test of the two samples with the increase in germination period with the optimum germination period of 72 h. Engineering properties results indicated that germination had a beneficial effect on the thermal conductivity of the germinated red sorghum and the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the white germinated sorghum with 96 h having the best result for both samples
Influence of Day-length Enhancement through Night-breaking by Artificial Lighting on Off-season Dragon Fruit Production
No full textThe effect of artificial lighting in order to enhance day length for off-season dragon fruit production was examined for the first time in Bangladesh. A two factorial experiment was conducted at dragon fruit orchard of Agricultural Research Station, Pahartali, Khulshi, Chattogram to find out the best lighting duration and bulb for off-season dragon fruit production. Two factors were bulb and lighting duration for this experiment. The performance 6 hours lighting duration was significantly superior than other treatments in case of bud/pillar (43.80), fruit/pillar (43.80), fruit length (9.31 cm), fruit breadth (8.5 cm), individual fruit weight (344.62 g), yield (16.58 t/ha). 100 W IB having light intensity 225.96 lux showed superior performance over other treatments in case of bud/ pillar (49.44), fruit/pillar (34.56), fruit length (9.54), fruit weight (336.99 g), TSS (9.28%), yield (18.13 t/ha). The treatment combination (100 W IB for 6 hrs lighting) produced the highest number of fruit/ pillar (36.33), bud/pillar (54.00), fruit length (9.66 cm), fruit breadth (8.99 cm), yield/ pillar (12.41 kg) and yield (19.85 t/ha).In control dragon fruit was unable to produce flowering due to short day length. So artificial lighting of 6 hrs with 100 W IB from 18 pm to 24 am was superior method for off-season dragon fruit production
Response of Cotton to Conservation Tillage Plus Wheat Straw Management and Nitrogen in Wheat Based Cropping System
No full textZero tillage straw retained with optimum N is an important strategy to increase soil fertility and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-cotton system. A 3 years field experiment was conducted during 2014, 2015 and 2016 to study the impact of two tillage techniques [zero tillage plus wheat straw retained- ZTsr and conventional tillage-CT straw burnt (CTsb, with disc plow, tiller, rotavator, and leveling operations)] and four nitrogen rates namely 0, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1 on cotton yield and soil fertility. Results indicated that bolls/plant–1, weight per boll, seed cotton yields, lint percentage and N recovery efficiency were highest with 150 kg N ha–1. Interaction tillage into N indicated that ZTsr had graeter bolls plant-1, bolls weight, seed cotton yields, lint percentage and N recovery efficiency compared to CTsb. ZTsr had more soil organic matter (SOM) and total soil nitrogen (TSN) compared to CTsb. ZTsr with 150 kg nitrogen per hectare enhanced cotton yield and soil fertility on sustainable basis in arid environment of Dera Ismail Khan