Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
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Production Time and Nutritional Assessment of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Leaves for Ethno-botanical Uses in Bangladesh
No full textAim: Futility of current health care systems for nourishment is a challenge to health professionals and researchers. Moreover, the high economic load and side effects necessitates the identification of natural and cheap products for nourishment. Reflecting those points, this research was aimed to evaluate the nutritional properties of garden cress leaves along with suitable production time in Bangladesh.
Introduction: Garden cress has been used in different countries for nourishment and treatment of different types of diseases but is new to Bangladesh. Successful production practices are indispensible for meeting the economic demand. The present research work was designed to establish a suitable production time for high biomass yield and evaluation of nutritional properties of garden cress leaves for ethno-botanical uses.
Methodology: Factorial experiment with Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was used to accomplish the experiment replications in different months (July to October from 2017 to 2019). Seeds were shown in pots on 1st July, 1st August, 1st September and 1st October. Relevant data were taken at 40 days from sowing.
Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the production parameters such as shoot height (31.43 cm), root length (6.67 cm), leaf area plant-1 (35.38), shoot fresh and dry weight (1.57 and 0.33 g) was the highest in October planting. In case of nutritional assessment, an attempt was made to establish the variation of chlorophyll, vitamin C and nitrate concentration over planting time and minerals and proximate composition over garden cress seeds. The chlorophyll (1.0 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight), vitamin C (0.93 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight) and nitrate (391.00 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight) concentration was the highest in the October planting. Mineral content, i.e. sodium (73.67 mg 100 g-1 dry weight), potassium (1821.00 mg 100 g-1 dry weight) and calcium (578.67 mg 100 g-1 dry weight) was higher in leaves than seeds, except iron concentration, though proximate composition was higher in seeds than leaves, except moisture.
Conclusions: Winter planting (October) may attain higher biomass (leaf) production and its leaves could be a fresh source of bioactive compounds, minerals and vitamins
Nutritional Qualities of Ginger Mutant Lines Grown in the Humid Tropical Agroecology of Nigeria
No full textThe present study was aimed to determine the variations in nutritional qualities of 15 mutant lines and two landraces of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Fifteen (15) gamma (γ)-ray induced mutants lines and two landraces of ginger were planted in 2017 early cropping season in the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. To evaluate the nutritional qualities of these seventeen ginger genotypes at maturity, proximate analysis was carried out in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Using standard and official protocols of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Results showed that the ginger lines varied significantly (P < 0.01) in all their proximate attributes. The moisture content ranged from 10.13% (UG1) to 12.95% (UG2). Mean dry matter was 88.89%; UG1 and UG2 had the highest (89.89%) and lowest (87.05%) dry matter content, respectively. Mean crude protein was 7.74%; UG2-9-01 and UG2-11-03 had the highest (8.25%) and lowest (7.29%) crude protein respectively. UG1-5-38 and UG1-5-22 had the highest (8.12%) and lowest (6.41%) crude fibre content respectively. The oleoresin content ranged from (6.25%) in UG2-9-01 to (9.09%) in UG1-11-07. UG1-5-04 and UG1-5-22 had the highest (2.88%) and lowest (2.22%) ash content respectively. UG2-9-01 had the highest carbohydrate content of (65.10%). While UG1-5-52 had the lowest (61.27%) The result showed that the ginger lines used in this study had high mean carbohydrate (62.85%) and protein (7.74%) contents as such can be used as supplementary sources of these nutrients for human and livestock. UG1-7-24, UG1-11-07 and UG1-5-18 with high oleoresin contents of 9.11%, 9.09% and 9.05% respectively are recommended to ginger breeders as useful genotypes for improving other ginger lines through micropropagation techniques especially when breeding for oleoresin quality, which is an important quality of ginger. In conclusion, further evaluation and testing of these ginger lines is recommended
Technical Efficiency of Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Production in Molo Sub County, Kenya
No full textThis study focused on measuring farm level technical efficiency among smallholder Irish potato farmers in Molo Sub County and its determinants. Descriptive research design was applied. Cross-sectional data was collected through multistage sampling from smallholder Irish potato farmers located in Molo Sub County from April to June 2019. A Stochastic frontier approach assuming a Cobb-Douglas production function was adopted to analyze the level of technical efficiency and explain variations in this technical efficiency across farmers and estimation was done by applying the maximum likelihood method. Mean technical efficiency was 70.7%. The statistically significant variables with respect to the farm inputs were land (0.262), seed (0.629), fertilizer (-0.299) and fungicide (0.131) variables respectively. However, fertilizer variable had negative effects on Irish potato production. Education (-0.061), gender (-0.262), access to extension services (-0.078) and farmer group (-0.217) variables were significant and influenced technical inefficiency negatively.Increase in smallholder farmers’ literacy level, accessibility to extension services and farmer groups may improve Irish potato production technical efficiency. However, gender contribution towards Irish potato production technical efficiency needs a deeper understanding
Contribution of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) – Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Intercropping to Productivity of the System in Semi-deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana
No full textThis study was conducted to assess the growth, yield and cost effectiveness of okra-cowpea intercropping system at the Plantation Section of Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, during the major rainy season of 2017. The okra was planted on 1st May, 2017 and the cowpea introduced at varying planting dates i.e. at the same time, 1, 2, 3 and 4 WAP. Sole okra and cowpea served as control. The experimental plots were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven (7) treatments and replicated three (3) times. The data collected were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the treatment means separated by least significance difference (LSD) at 5% probability. Results showed that time of introduction of the cowpea caused a reduction (P < 0.05) in the growth and yield of the component crops. The partial equivalent ratio of cowpea planted at the same time with okra and one week later was greater (P < 0.05) than the component okra whiles that of okra was greater than cowpea in 2, 3 and 4 weeks. The Land Equivalent Ratio of all the intercrops was greater than 1 showing that intercropping okra with cowpea was beneficial. The highest Gross Monetary Returns, Land Equivalent Ratio and Monetary Equivalent Ratio of GHȻ 7,039.40, 1.75 and 1.31, respectively were recorded in okra intercropped with cowpea 2 WAP. Okra sown with cowpea at the same time recorded a disadvantage (0.84) in Monetary Equivalent Ratio. To ensure higher yield and economic returns, cowpea could be introduced into okro 2 weeks after planting okro
Biotechnological Upgrade of High Fibre-low Protein Industrial Plant By-products in Broiler Diets: Carcass and Organs Characteristics
No full textAims: To explore the possibility of utilizing bio-fermented industrial plant by-products (composite mixture of fermented palm kernel meal, brewers dried grains and molasses) as supplementary crude protein source in broiler production.
Study Design: Two hundred and eighty-eight (288) day old birds were picked and randomized into six treatments in a completely randomize designed experiment.
Place and Duration of Study: Research study was carried out at the Teaching & Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti between June and September, 2016.
Methodology: The composite of the palm kernel meal (PKM), brewer dried grains (BDG) and molasses were prepared using a ratio of 50 L of water to 25 kg of PKM, 25 kg of BDG and 2.5 L of molasses. The fermented composite of palm kernel meal, brewer dried grains and molasses (PBMC) was dried before incorporation into experimental diets as protein supplement at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35% inclusion levels in a completely randomized designed experiment. The control diet had no composite of PKM, BDG and molasses. At the end of the experiment, birds were randomly selected from the 6 treatments, weighed and sacrificed. After slaughtering, the carcasses were scalded at 55-60°C in water bath for 30 sec before de-feathering. The data collected were subjected to One Way Analysis of Variance using Minitab computer model (Version 16). The dressed chicks were eviscerated and some carcass cuts and weights of organs determined.
Results: The live weight of broilers fed the diet 1 (control diet without PBMC) was statistically similar (P>0.05) to those obtained for broiler finisher birds fed 15, 20, 25 and 35% PBMC but significantly different (P<0.05) from broilers fed 30% PBMC, respectively. Similar results were obtained for the dressed and eviscerated weights. There were predominant similarities among the weights of the determined carcass cuts and internal organs.
Conclusion: The use of PBMC can be safely practiced to further improve the utilization of PKM and BDG in poultry diets at a maximum inclusion level of 20%. This inclusion level supported carcass characteristics and standard weights of organs at the end of the finisher phase of broiler production
Farmers’ Perception and Micro-level Climate Adaptation Strategies in Bundelkhand Region, India
No full textThis study develops an understanding on human dimension approach of adaptation with special context to Indian agriculture. The study conducts a micro-level assessment of farmer’s perception and adaptation responses based on survey data analysis of 200 farm household from two districts, i.e., Jalaun and Jhansi of Bundelkhand region. The study finds perceive and adapt cognitive condition to the main adaptation condition. The study recognizes the importance of social relations for developing an understanding of climate change. Government sources are found to be less impactful in delivering climate information along with other hypothesized sources. The study results provide a useful guide for identifying region-specific adaptation strategies options like, adoption of disease resistant seed varieties and use of new plant protection chemicals to deal with climate change. The role of government needs to be escalated in providing appropriate and adequate climate information to the farmers. Policy action is needed in creating awareness, increasing faith on reliability and accuracy of climate information services by the government
The Effects of Organic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus L.) Grown in a Lath House
No full textAmaranthus is also known as African spinach is a good source of carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron and micronutrients. It is believed to have been used widely among hunter-gatherers. The objective of the experiment was to find the effects of organic fertilizers on amaranthus growth, development and yield. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and each replicated five times. Plant growth and yield increased (P<0.05) on amaranths fertilized with stillage. Kraal manure followed the stillage in terms of performance with the control (no fertilizer) recording the least significant effect on growth and yield of amaranthus. Because of stillage's impact on the growth and yield of amaranthus, it is recommended for a grower aiming for high yields of amaranthus using organic fertilizer
Effect of Zinc and Boron on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
No full textThe study was carried out to find out the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on growth and yield of okra (BARI Dherosh 1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments of the experiment were, T0 (without Zn or B), T1 (20 kg Zn ha-1), T2 (30 kg Zn ha-1), T3 (10 kg B ha-1), T4 (20 kg B ha-1), T5 (20 kg Zn ha-1 + 10 kg B ha-1), T6 (20 kg Zn ha-1 + 20 kg B ha-1), T7 (30 kg Zn ha-1 + 10 kg B ha-1) and T8 (30 kg Zn ha-1 + 20 kg B ha-1) were undertaken to evaluate the best results of the study. The highest plant height was found in T8 (30 kg Zn ha-1 + 20 kg B ha-1) but the highest number of leaves plant-1 was recorded from T7 (30 kg Zn ha-1 + 10 kg B ha-1). On the other hand, the maximum leaf area index, SPAD value, mean fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit dry matter (%), number of fruits plant-1, fresh fruit weight plant-1 , fruit yield plot-1 and fruit yield ha-1 were found in T7 (30 kg Zn ha-1 + 10 kg B ha-1), while the control (T0) showed lowest performance for the respected parameters. It is strongly concluded that 30 kg Zn ha-1 with 10 kg B ha-1 combination may be helpful for okra cultivation in the field level to increase okra production
Allocative Efficiency of Maize Production in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThis study analyzed the allocative (cost) efficiency of maize production in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 100 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier cost function model. Results revealed that 87% of the respondents were males with 99% of the farmers in their working age group of between 21-60 years. Most (81%) of them were married with 52% of the maize farmers having household size of more than 5 people. Also, 52.0% had post primary school education. The results of the maximum likelihood estimate parameters of the stochastic frontier cost function revealed that cost of maize output, cost of labour, cost of fertilizers, cost of seeds and cost of transportation were significant at 1% level of probability. The allocative efficiency indices revealed that allocative efficiency of the sampled farmers ranged from 1.05 to 3.25 with a mean of 1.31, implying that an average farmer in the study area has costs that are about 31% above the minimum defined by the frontier. This shows that 31% of their costs are wasted compared to the best farmers producing the same maize output using the same technology. The study therefore recommends that adequate farm inputs should be provided at low cost to the farmers and adequate training should be given to the maize farmers in the area of minimizing their expenses on farm inputs in order to avoid cost wastage and become more efficient in allocation of their resources
Straw, Seed Yield and Quality of Three Linum usitatissimum L. Cultivars in Relation to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Plant Density
No full textMethodology: Two field experiments were conducted on the Experimental Farm at El-Gemmeiza Research Station, Gharbia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during two successive winter seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Aims: To investigate the effect of three nitrogen fertilizer rates, i.e. 30, 50 and 70 kg N feddan-1 [one feddan (fed) = 4200 m2] and three plant densities, i.e. 1500, 2000 and 2500 seeds m-2 on flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) yield and its quality of three cultivars of flax, i.e. Sakha 3, Giza 11 and Giza 12.
Results: Results in combined analysis of the two seasons showed that Sakha 3 cultivar significantly produced the maximum total plant height, technical stem length, upper branching zone length, No. of seeds capsule-1, total fiber percentage, fiber yield plant-1, fiber yield fed-1, fiber length and fiber fineness. Meanwhile, the highest No. of basal branches plant-1, straw yield plant-1, straw yield fed-1 and seed oil content were recorded with Giza 12 cultivar. While, Giza 11 cultivar gave the maximum stem diameter, No. of upper branches plant-1, No. of capsules plant-1, No. of seeds plant-1, seed index, seed yield plant-1, seed yield fed-1, harvest index, oil yield plant-1 and oil yield fed-1. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates from 30 up to 70 kg N fed-1 caused significant increases in almost straw, fiber, seed and oil yields and its related traits of flax, on the other hand, fiber fineness which significantly decreased with increasing nitrogen rates. Flax plants growing at 1500 seeds m-2 markedly gave the greatest No. of basal branches plant-1, stem diameter, straw yield plant-1, upper branching zone length, No. of upper branches plant-1, No. of capsules plant-1, No. of seeds plant-1, seed yield plant-1, harvest index, oil yield plant-1 and fiber yield plant-1. Meanwhile, the maximum total plant height, technical stem length, straw yield fed-1, seed yield fed-1, oil yield fed-1, total fiber percentage, fiber yield fed-1, fiber length and fiber fineness were obtained from flax planting at 2500 seeds m-2. The maximum fiber yield were recorded from the interactions among treatments Sakha 3 X 70 kg N fed-1, Sakha 3 X 2500 seeds m-2, 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2 and Sakha 3 X 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2. Meanwhile, the maximum seed and oil yields fed-1 were recorded from the interactions between treatments Giza 11 X 70 kg N fed-1, Giza 11 X 2500 seeds m-2, 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2 and Giza 11 X 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2.
Generally, it could be concluded that Sakha 3 cultivar under soil fertilized by 70 kg N fed-1 with plant density of 2500 seeds m-2 to maximizing fiber yield fed-1, while Giza 11 cultivar with the same rates of nitrogen and plant density to maximizing seed and oil yields fed-1