Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
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Effect of Foliar Spray of Zinc and Manganese on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Kinnow Mandarin (Citrus reticulate)
No full textIn the Fruit Orchard of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi sabo, in the Southern-Western region of Punjab, the current study, named "Effect of foliar spray of Zinc and Manganese on vegetative development, yield, and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin"(Citrus reticulate), was carried out from 2023 to 24, Applying a mixture of manganese and zinc sulfate to Kinnow plants that are five years old. The study employed a randomized block design with three replications. The inquiry involved the use of various treatments. T4-Zn+Mn (0.5%+0.25%), T5-Zn+ Mn (0.5%+0.35%), T6-Zn+ Mn (0.5%+0.45%), T7-Mn+ Zn (0.35%+0.4%), and T8-Mn+ Zn (0.35%+0.6%) are the groups that comprise T1-control, T2-zinc 0.5%, and T3-Mn 0.35%.The results showed that the best combinations for plant growth metrics, such as plant height (302 cm), mean fruit weight (182 gm), mean fruit length (7.26 cm), and mean fruit weight, were T8: 0.35%Mn+0.6%Zn and T5:0.5%Zn+0.35%Mn. diameter (9.20 cm), average fruit output per plant (482), and quality characteristics with the T5:0.5% Zn+0.35% Mn and T1 control, such as total soluble solid (11.16 Brix) and maximum acidity (1.94).The ideal concentrations of zinc sulfate (0.6% and manganese sulfate (0.35%) to boost output, enhance fruit quality, and promote kinnow vegetative growth
Optimization of Soil Temperature Dynamics under Different Irrigation Schedules, Tillage Methods, and NPK Fertilizer Application Rates
No full textSoil temperature is a critical factor influencing crop growth and development. This study investigated the effects of tillage, irrigation, and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium (NPK) fertilizer on soil temperature, exploring optimal management strategies for improved crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, using a central composite design in response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate the interactions between conventional, conservative, and zero tillage, irrigation deficit levels, and NPK fertilizer rates. Using response surface methodology (RSM) to study the effect of tillage, irrigation and NPK application on soil temperature for the study area is grossly lacking in literature.
The results showed that tillage, irrigation management, and NPK fertilizer application significantly impacted soil temperature profiles. A quadratic model accurately predicted soil temperature, explaining 82.71% of the variability. Optimum conditions were identified as 11.59% irrigation deficit, 596.41 kg/ha NPK application rate, and conservative tillage, resulting in a soil temperature of 23.74°C.
This research contributes to the understanding of complex interactions between tillage, irrigation, and NPK fertilizer on soil temperature, informing evidence-based strategies for sustainable agriculture. The findings underscore the importance of holistic management practices that harmonize tillage, irrigation, and NPK fertilizer to optimize soil thermal dynamics for enhanced crop growth and development
Zinc Dynamics in Soil, Transport and Assimilation in Plants
No full textThe global population is projected to increase by 25% by 2050, adding approximately 2 billion people, significantly intensifying the demand for food. Ensuring food production and accessibility enriched with essential minerals is crucial to addressing malnutrition. Currently, 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, with zinc (Zn) deficiency being a critical concern for crops, humans, and animals. Alarmingly, 50% of cultivated soils used for cereal production are Zn-deficient, exacerbating the problem. In plants, Zn is indispensable, contributing to enzyme activation, auxin synthesis, protein production, and maintaining membrane integrity. Natural and anthropogenic sources of Zn include surface water, soil, rocks, industrial activities, agricultural practices, fertilizers, and pesticides. Despite these sources, Zn deficiency remains a widespread issue because only a small fraction of the total Zn in soils is available to plants. This limitation arises from various soil transformation processes, such as sorption by clays, hydrous oxides, and organic matter, which reduce Zn bioavailability. Plants primarily absorb Zn in its divalent cation form (Zn²⁺) from the soil solution. Specialized Zn transporters play a crucial role in facilitating the diffusion of Zn across cell membranes, driven by membrane potential. Once inside, Zn is assimilated into various plant tissues, supporting critical physiological and biochemical processes. However, the limited availability of Zn in soils restricts plant growth and nutrition, ultimately impacting food quality and human health. Addressing Zn deficiency requires targeted strategies, including improving Zn availability in soils and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Enhanced understanding of Zn dynamics in soil-plant systems can help optimize Zn uptake, contributing to improved crop productivity and addressing the global challenge of malnutrition
The Climate Considerations in Revitalizing Agricultural Sector in the Province of East Kalimantan
No full textThe purpose of this study is to identify the concept of food estate which placed on the basis of integration sectors and sub-sector accordingly to an agribusiness system in order to utilize the resources optimally and sustainably. Furthermore, professionally managed, supported by qualified human resources, appropriate technology as well as environmentally qualified referred to the existence climate data (especially on the rainfall and its temperature) using agro-based approaches. Knowledge and capacity of the farmers need to be improved so that available technology can be applied properly. In lack of synergy among authorized agencies, the establishment of Food Estate Management Authority is also recommended. A set of action plans as recommendations for the policy makers in the province of East Kalimantan has been formulated
Living Hedges and Household Food and Nutrition Security in Cote D'ivoire
No full textSoil degradation is a major problem, particularly for Ivorian rice farmers who grow rainfed rice on slopes or flood plains. To remedy this situation, some households are adopting agroforestry practices, in particular living hedgerows. This study analyzes the economic impact of the adoption of living hedgerows on the food and nutritional security of rice-growing households in Côte d'Ivoire. Data were collected from 456 households in the regions of Tonkpi in the west, Poro and Tchologo in the north, using stratified random sampling, with each village considered as a stratum. Then, the two steps of the propensity score matching (PSM) method were used to identify the factors involved in the adoption of living hedges and to measure the effect of this adoption on household food and nutritional security. The results obtained from the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis indicate that the adoption of living hedges improves the food and nutritional security of adopters by an average of 67% and 266.67% respectively. The study therefore recommends improving human capital through training in rice plot selection, raising awareness of the benefits of agroforestry practices, and capacity-building for producers in the use of living hedgerows
Assessment of Farmer’s Attitude towards Drip and Traditional Irrigation System in Junagadh District, Gujarat
No full textCotton (Gossypium herbaceum) is a leading natural fiber crop that is cultivated for its soft, fluffy staple fiber. Drip irrigation is a method of irrigation wherein water is carried to the plant under low pressure, through small diameter plastic pipes and delivered at the root zone drop by drop through an emitting device. The research was conducted in Junagadh district, utilizing a multistage sampling technique. A total of 160 farmers comprising 80 drip irrigation user and 80 conventional irrigation system users were surveyed. Likert’s scale with three point scale was used to analyse attitude towards the drip and traditional irrigation system by using 10 statements for each respondents. The farmers in the research area having positive attitudes toward the drip irrigationmethods as positive trend with value 66.25% was observed among drip respondents. This positive attitude reflects the behavioural intention towards the acceptance of irrigation systems. The study also revealed that 48.75% of the non-adopter farmers had the positive attitude toward the traditional irrigation methods whereas 51.25% of them had a negative and neutral attitude
Growth and Yields Performance Evaluation of Maize Raised on Termite Mound and Surrounding Soils
No full textTermites are social insects and the mounds they develop are considered to be a waste. They fed on agricultural products and wooden structures and hence, they are considered to be destructive. The resultant mound soil is an agricultural soil which is rich in nutrients, but its usefulness in agriculture and construction industry had not been explored. Thus, the study evaluated the Growth and yields performance of maize raised on termite mound and surrounding soils in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Maize was cultivated on the termite and surrounding soils as well as on their 50-50% mixture by weight and the data of the yields of maize was subjected to statistical analysis using T test at 95% confidence level. The yields of maize cobs per stands for termite mound soil in plots 1, 4, 7 were 1,2,1; for the surrounding soil in plots 3,6,9 are 1,1,1 and for the mixture of the surrounding; and the termite mound soil were 3,2,2. The yields of maize cultivated on plots 1, 4, 7 (TMS); 2, 5, 8 (TMS+SRS); 3, 6, 9 (SRS) using t-distribution table were O.75<u<l .87 or l.31±O.56; l.68<u<2.92 or 2.30±0.62; 0.75<u<l.25 or 1.00±0.25. Mound soil had high nutrient content and high shear strength, thus it can be used for soil amendment. The findings from the study added to the knowledge database on soil fertility and can be adopted for similar work in any part of the country
Evaluation of Conophor Nut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Protein Isolates, Hydrolysate and Ethanolic Extract Ameliorating Potential on Hepatological and Renal Dysfunction of Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
No full textAim: This study aimed at extracting bioactive components from conophor nut as a probable nutraceutic in the treatment of diabetes.
Place and Duration: Food Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, and Biochemistry Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, from June 2023 to September 2023.
Methodology: Protein isolate (CNPI) was produced via alkaline solubilisation of defatted conophor nut flour using NaOH. Hydrolysate was prepared by fermentation using Lactobacillus fermentum BGT10 for 24, 48 and 72 hours (CNPH24, CNPH48, CNPH72) respectively while the ethanolic extract (CNE) was prepared by steeping defatted conophor nut flour in 95% ethanol. Diabetic model rats were subjected to hyperlipidemic diet for 4 weeks and then induced by single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared solution of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). The rats were randomly divided into 18 groups of five (5) rats each; negative control group, diabetic control group, reference (positive) control group as well as the treatment group; CNE, CNPH24, CNPH48, CNPH72 and CNPI administered dose dependently namely, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Oxidative stress was evaluated in liver and kidney by antioxidant markers, and also kidney functions were determined in diabetic control and treated rats.
Results: When compared with diabetic rats, oral administration of treatments at a concentration of 1000 mg/kg daily for 28 days showed significant reduction in biochemical parameters of liver and kidney for CNE, CNPH24, CNPH48, CNPH72 and CNPI respectively. Furthermore, the treatment resulted in significant increase in SOD, GSH, GST and CAT and decrease in MDA in the liver and kidney respectively.
Conclusion: Results from the study suggest that CNE, CNPH24, CNPH48, CNPH72 and CNPI may effectively normalize dysfunctional antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetics in a dose-dependent manner
Impact of Foliar Application of Urea and Nano Urea Levels on Quality, Physiological and Leaf Nutrient Content Attributes of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) cv. Kagzi in Vertisols of Jhalawar District in Rajasthan
No full textThis study attempted the efficacy of various Urea and Nano urea treatments on Kagzi lime fruit characteristics, such as weight, length, breadth of juice recovery, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, TSS/Acidity ratio ascorbic acid content, and pH value of juices. There were some significant differences in the reaction of Kagzi lime to these treatments. The Urea treatment at 2% (T4) always gave the top values for the fruit weight, length, breadth; juice recovery, TSS content, TSS/Acidity ratio; ascorbic acid content, and juice pH. While the Nano urea treatments showed positive effects, Urea treatment at 2% had the overall better performance. This implies that Urea at this level was superior in improving the fruit quality factors, which may be used to optimize Kagzi lime cultivation methods. In particular, the variables such as fruit characteristics, juice properties and nutritional content, chlorophyll content; relative water contents in leaves of leaf nutrient contents were positively influenced by 2.0% treatment Urea application These protocols led to significant improvements in fruit weight, length, and width being greater as good juice contented and TSS which increased considerably the levels of Ascorbic acid were improved, chlorophyll content enhanced while there were reduced effects despite that resulted from this prophylactic treatment. Moreover, it resulted in the maximum level of leaf nitrogen and phosphorous. These results show that Urea has significant influences on the quality of acid lime cv. The highest favorable results were noticed in the 2.0% Urea treatment administered by Kagzi lime
Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Strain-specific Antibody Titres in Naturally Infected or Vaccinated Bulls in Kenya
No full textFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a global viral infection that causes vesicular lesions in and around the mouth and feet, causing reluctance of animals to eat or move. In Kenya, bulls raised for AI receive vaccinations against FMD, but it is unclear if these animals experience vaccine-induced immunity. No research has been conducted to determine if animals in endemic areas develop natural immunity or whether animals in disease-free regions might be seropositive. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and levels of foot and mouth disease virus infection-triggered and vaccine-induced antibodies. A cross-sectional study was conducted on bulls farmed for AI production and vaccinated against FMD. Antibodies were quantified using a virus-neutralization test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Tukey and Dunn post-tests, respectively, were used to examine the data using the GraphPad InStat program. Additionally, the Spearman test was employed for correlation analysis and the t-test for intergroup differences analysis. A statistically significant P value was defined as less than 0.05. Findings showed protective antibody levels were present in 23%, 10.3%, 2.6%, and 7.7% of the animals in the FMD non-endemic region against the FMD virus strains O, A, SAT 1, and SAT 2, respectively. The protection provided by the O strain virus was significantly greater than that of SAT 1 (P = 0.01). In the FMD endemic area, all sampled animals showed protection levels at 100%, 100%, 100% and 29% for virus strains O, A, SAT 1, and SAT 2 respectively with the antibody titres showing significant differences (P < 0.05) for all the intergroup analysis except between strains O vs SAT 1 and A vs SAT 1 (P > 0.05). To conclude, the current research suggests that FMD may be making a comeback in the areas where the illness is not established. Furthermore, it seems that sperm recovery upon freezing is somewhat mitigated by FMDV-specific antibodies. The study advises monitoring FMD in areas where the illness is not endemic and confirms the current findings with larger sample sizes to enable more informed decision-making