Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
Not a member yet
588 research outputs found
Sort by
Study of Challenges Faced by Farmers Related to Irrigation Water for Increasing Crop Production
No full textThe objective of this study was to evaluate the groundwater scenario in Haveli block of Pune district in Maharashtra, India. An interdisciplinary approach and techniques in both natural and social sciences was used, to unravel how local hydrogeological conditions and institutional arrangements interact and contribute to water problems. The study also attempted to understand the sources of water available for irrigation, methods of irrigation followed by farmers and to suggest how to improve the surface water use for increasing crop yield and area coverage. The study helped to understand the scope for conservation and protection of natural water resources, reduce overexploitation of groundwater and mitigation of water scarcity faced by the community. Fortunately the present government policy encourages the use of micro-irrigation for promoting sustainable agriculture and to cover larger areas under assured irrigation
Impact of Foliar Application of Silicon and Selenium on Growth Characters, Yield, Physicochemical Characters, Oil Ingredients of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Variety Giza 6 under Different Planting Dates
No full textThe experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Center in Upper Egypt 2016-2017. We were aiming to see the effect of spraying Si (100 ppm) and Se (50 ppm) 4 times under different planting on productivity and oil quality oil variety Giza 6 under different planting dates. In this research; Si and Se with early sowing (1May) applications produced significant increases Length and branching, Attributes of productivity, oil quality of variety Giza 6.Results show that oil content ranged from 55.48% to 60.10%, The percentage of oil decreases with the delay of planting dates. There is a variation in the refractive index (1.464-1.468) with different dates or Si and Se. The acidity rate increases with the delay of cultivation. The peroxide value decreases with the first reset. And lower iodine number with first replant It contains Oleic (55.49- 60.05%). The oleic is reduced with delay in planting, while linoleic increases with the delay of planting and spraying with silicon and selenium. The highest value of O/L ratio was with early implantation and spraying with silicon and selenium. Unsaturated fatty acids exceed saturated fatty acids with silicon and selenium spray. 
Differential Response of Cotton Growth, Yield and Fiber Quality to Foliar Application of Spirulina platensis and Urea Fertilizer
No full textAims: Evaluation if foliar spray of destructed cells of Spirulina platensis along with urea fertilizer can contribute to cotton (Gossypium barbadense L. cultivar Giza-94) plant growth, contents of photosynthetic pigments, seed cotton yield, seed index, earliness, lint percent, fineness (Micronair) and strength (Pressely).
Study Design: Application of ascending rates of N fertilizer in 3 mainplot treatments and foliar spray with destructed cells of Spirulina platensis in 4 subplot treatments (Contained a non-treated control), with 3 replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The Departments of Microbiology and Cotton Research, Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr Elsheikh, Egypt (31º18′30″N & 30º48′14″E) during the two cotton cultivation seasons of years 2016 and 2017.
Methodology: Urea (46% N) at 96, 144 or 192 kg N/ha was applied in two equal doses as main-plot treatments. Spirulina platensis was grown and total proteins, contents of 16 amino acids and Fe, K, Mn and P of dried destructed cells were determined and used for foliar application in the rates of 6, 12 or 18 g cells/ha, used as sub-plot treatments. Area of each replicated sub-plot was 12.5 m2. Calcium super phosphate (15% P2O5), potassium sulphate (48% K2O) and Insecticides (when necessary) were supplemented as common treatments.
Results: Application of destructed Spirulina increased the plant leaf area, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and gibberellin contents, plant height, fruiting branches, open bolls/plant, seed cotton yield and seed index after ginning, fiber length, fineness (Micronair) and strength (Pressely) comparing to the corresponding non-sprayed plants. Urea at 192 kg N/ha along with destructed Spirulina exhibited superiority as enhancers of plant growth, yield and fiber qualities.
Conclusion: The dual N/Spirulina combination expressed enhanced cotton growth, yield and qualities of fibers. The tested fertilization strategy is promising for enhanced cotton production economy
Fruit Setting in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties as Influenced by Genotype and Maternal Inheritance
No full textHand pollination was carried out among five varieties of cassava in reciprocals to investigate the influence of genotype and maternal inheritance on fruit setting in cassava varieties. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Three yellow flesh varieties (IITA-TMS-I011412, IITA-TMS-I011368 and IITA-TMS-I070539) with high β-carotene content and two white flesh varieties (IITA-TMS-I30752 and COB-7-25) with high dry matter content were crossed in a reciprocal, with no selfing to produce fourteen hybrid seeds. Data obtained were subjected to correlation analysis and two-tailed t-test. The result showed that both genotype and maternal inheritance influenced fruit setting in cassava species. The cross IITA-TMS-I011368 x IITA-TMS-I011412 gave the highest fruit set percentage (57.1) and was followed by IITA-TMS-I30752 x IITA-TMS-I011412 (39.8) IITA-TMS-I011368 x IITA-TMS-I070539 (26.5) IITA-TMS-I070539 x IITA-TMS-I011412 (24.9) and IITA-TMS-I30752 x IITA-TMS-I011368 (24.1). Significant reciprocal difference (p = 0.02) was recorded between the F1 and the reciprocal crosses, which implies that fruit setting in cassava is significantly influenced by cytoplasmic genes which are exclusively transmitted by the maternal parent. IITA-TMS-I011368 and IITA-TMS-I011412 were the best female and male parent across the five genotypes, with mean fruit set percentage of 24.9 and 28.8, respectively. In this regard, the best female and male parents (IITA-TMS-I011368 and IITA-TMS-I011412) are good candidates for generation of large populations of β-caroten-rich cassava varieties
Evaluation of Host Stinging Behavior of the Larval Ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea on Some Selected Host Plants
No full textBackground: In parasitoid insects, beside parasitism, there are two other behaviors that may increase leaf miner mortality: Feeding on the host (host feeding) and, host penalization without oviposition or feeding (host stinging).
Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate (host stinging) behavior of the larval ectoparasitoid D. isaea in field on some selected host plants.
Methods: The present study was carried out in Alejelat region. Four selected host plants were studied, chick pea (Cicer arietinum) and broad bean (Vecia faba) as a Winter host plants and, Cow pea (Vigna unguiculate) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were selected as summer host plants during the growing seasons 2018 and 2019. Samples were kept in plastic bags and transferred to be examined in the laboratory. Number of living L. trifolii larvae, and number of killed larvae according to feeding (no oviposition) by D. isaea were counted and recorded.
Results: On cow pea host stung larvae recorded (156 individuals/ 100 infested leaflets) occurred in 10th of August, with (r = +0.69**) between host stung larvae and the population of L. trifolii recorded). On kidney bean host stung larvae recorded (101 individuals/ 100 infested leaflets) occurred in 24th of August, with (r = + 0.85**) value between host stung larvae and the population of L. trifolii recorded. On the other hand, the percentage of host stung larvae ranged between (5.67% and 28.22%) and (15.88% and 42.30%) for cow pea and kidney bean respectively. On broad bean host stung larvae recorded (159 individuals/ 100 infested leaflets), with (r = +0.59*) between host stung larvae and the population of L. trifolii .On chick pea host stung larvae recorded (82 individuals/ 100 infested leaflets) with (r = +0.20ns) between host stung larvae and the population of L. trifolii. On the other hand, percentages of host stung larvae ranged between (8.45% and 36.60%) and (21.80% and 87.65%) for broad bean and chick pea respectively.
Conclusion: The highest percentage of host stung larvae recorded on chick pea 44.65% followed by kidney bean 24.21%, broad bean 18.45% and cow pea 12.97% respectively. On the other hand, the correlation coefficient value (r) between numbers of L. trifolii larvae and, host stung larvae recorded the highest on kidney bean +0.85** followed by cow pea +0.69**, Broad bean +0.59* and Chick pea +0.20ns respectively
Influencing Factors of Maize Production in South Africa: The Case of Mpumalanga, Free State and North West Provinces
No full textAims: Maize is of great significance in the national food security of South Africa. Maize production levels in South Africa continue to decline, further deteriorating the situation of increased food insecurity, unemployment and increased poverty levels in the face of increasing population. This paper investigated fundamental variables influencing maize yield in the South African major maize producing regions.
Study Design: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was employed to select maize producing farmers in the major maize producing provinces, namely Mpumalanga, Free State and North West provinces of South Africa. Furthermore, three districts were selected from which maize farmers were then selected.
Methodology: Using linear multiple regression for a sample of 202 maize farmers, maize yield as a dependent variable was regressed against land size, fertilizer usage, labour, herbicides and seeds as independent variables. The paper employed the Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate parameters. The data obtained from the field were subjected to analysis using inferential statistics using SPSS v20.
Results: The study showed that fertilizer, labour, and herbicides used in the production of maize in the study area were positively and statistically significant at a 5% confidence interval (P<0.05) with elasticity coefficients of 0.55, 0.47 and 0.198 respectively. The independent variables computed in the model had positive elasticity coefficients indicating a direct positive relationship between the input variables and maize output. The study also revealed that farmers in the study area were applying fewer amounts of fertilizer than the recommended rates per hectare.
Conclusion: The study recommends that the South African government should supply inputs to maize farmers at subsidized rates to promote correct application rates and attain higher yields. The promotion of good quality extension services to foster good agricultural practices in the production of maize is also recommended
Evaluation of the Appropriateness of the Current Sugarcane Out-grower Support Programs towards Improving Yields in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe
No full textProblem: Sugar production has drastically reduced over the years due to several reasons. The effects of the Land Redistribution Program (LRP) on agriculture, price controls, associated inflationary economic conditions, and hostile international foreign policies have formatted years of economical upheavals affecting sugarcane production. The infrastructure which had been developed to the point of being among the most sophisticated irrigation systems in the world, is threatened with collapse. Approximately 872 out-grower farmers, largely beneficiaries of the Fast Track Land Reform and Redistribution Program, have acquired sizable tract of land hoping to build the sugar industry but numerous problems beset the sector players.
Objectives: To find solutions to the sugar production through investigating and looking into the appropriateness of the out-grower support for this end.
Methods: Out-growers, beneficiaries of the Land Reform program and targeted sugar producers were observed to be the best source of information on how best to revitalize sugar production in Zimbabwe. Probability random sampling technique to select the out-growers was used. A list of all the out-growers was drawn and using the Kth term every eighth name was picked until a sample of 100 was reached. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Five-point Likert scale close-ended questions were used in the questionnaire followed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient analysis for internal validity and reliability testing. GraphPad InStat Software (version 5, GraphPad Software, San Diego, California USA) was used for relative statistical comparisons between estimates with. P values of 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The population age groups of out-grower farmers were mixed with majority of them falling between 46 to 55 years with the majority of the farmers having 10 to 19 years of experience in sugarcane farming business. Most out-growers were educated holding at Ordinary (O) level of education. Out-growers who did ordinary level and above proved to be following the standard sugarcane procedures. A relatively high proportion of respondents followed the standard sugarcane growing procedures although the farmers did not possess enough business managerial skills. There was a notable difference in production between farmers that had formal sugarcane growing training than those that did not have. A significant proportion of lending institutions charged rather exorbitant interest rates and lacked flexibility required by the farmers.
Conclusion: The general business operating environment for out-grower farmers was rather hostile with short loan repayment periods, reduced yields per hectare and low profit margins. The sugarcane out-growers were not keen to form syndicates for buying inputs or repairing infrastructures.
Main recommendation: Out-growers should be provided with funding and training to allow them to utilize resources adequately to generate incomes that will allow them to support the agricultural activities efficiently without relying on input support from commercial plantation owners. Out-growers need to be encouraged to form partnerships for to enable them to advantages in reducing production costs
Preparation, Characterization and Biological Efficacy of Eucalyptus Oil Nanoemulsion against the Stored Grain Insects
No full textNanotechnology has enormous potential for developing alternative pest control strategies and reducing the risk of insecticide molecules. The present study aimed to develop a stable nanoemulsion (NE) of eucalyptus oil (EO) by the spontaneous emulsification method and evaluate its insecticidal and repellent effect against Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhizopertha dominica (F.) and Tribolium-castaneum (Herbst.). The prepared nanoemulsion formulation having a small particle size 8.57 nm with polydispersity index (PDI) 0.28. The study of the stability and physicochemical properties showed that the prepared formulation had good physical stability without any change in the macroscopic parameters. In addition, results showed that theinsecticidal activity of the prepared NE was higher than the original EO against the three tested insect speciesand the mortality increased with increasing concentrations and extending of exposure time. The contact toxicity of NE film revealed that, adults of R. dominica was more susceptible to all treatments followed by S. oryzae adults, while adults of T. castaneum was the least susceptible one, however, adults of S. oryzae was more susceptible followed by T. castaneum adults while, adults of R. dominica was the least susceptible one according to the fumigant toxicity and repellency. Our results suggested that the prepared formulation may be used in an integrated pest managementprogramfor controlling stored grain insects
Input-use Efficiency of Irrigation Farmers in Southwest Nigeria
No full textThis study estimated the technical and water-use efficiency of irrigation farmers in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to interview one hundred and eighty-five irrigation farmers. Descriptive statistics, Data Envelopment Analysis Program (DEAP) and Tobit regression model were used to describe and analyze the determinants of inefficiency among irrigation farmers. The result of the descriptive statistics showed that there were more male farmers (82.2%) with a mean household size of 3.7. The mean area of irrigated land was 1.29ha. with about 84 percent of farmers cultivating on rented land. The average income from irrigation farming was N 38,650.27 per month. The sprinkler irrigation (Centre Pivot) was used by 85.4% of the farmers. The water fee for farmers was N 10,000 and the average cost of diesel for irrigating their farmland was estimated to be N 34,400 per production. The variation in input use and the output produced is considerably large. The DEAP results showed that on average, the farmers achieved only 79% Constant Return to Scale (CRS) technical efficiency, 85% Variable Return to Scale (VRS) technical efficiency and 22% water use efficiency. The Tobit regression results showed that farmers’ characteristics like age (0.008), household size (0.048), area of land irrigated (0.000), income (0.075) and drip irrigation method (0.041) were significant under CRS, whereas gender, education, experience, labour and sprinkler irrigation method were not significant. Under VRS model, significant variables includes age (0.032), gender (0.003), education (0.080), experience (0.059) and area of land irrigated (0.000), while gender (0.004), household size (0.086), education (0.027), experience (0.045), area of land irrigated (0.000) and labour (0.089) were significant for sub-vector VRS. It appears that farmers have little incentives to use water in an efficient way. In this sense, a public-private partnership could trigger better management of irrigation facilities and efficient water use among farmers
Beef Cattle Livestock Business Income Analaysis in West Binjai District, Indonesia
No full textThe income analysis function is to measure the success or failure of business activity, find the main components of income, and whether that component can still be improved or not. This study aims to analyze the income of beef cattle fattening business in West Binjai District, Indonesia. The research method is a census, which also known as a complete enumeration method, where all individuals in the population are investigated or interviewed as respondents. This type of research is a quantitative descriptive study. The population in this study was all beef cattle breeders with the aim of maintenance for fattening. The data collection method was carried out by the census of 37 farmers. The data used in this study include primary data and secondary data. The results showed that the beef cattle fattening business in the study area was an economically profitable activity for beef cattle farmers that were 86,703,940 rupiah per year, and the average net income received by beef cattle business farmers was Rp. 7,225,328 per month. In terms of business, feasibility is a type of activity that feasible to cultivate and developed because of the Revenue Cost Ratio value 1.38