Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
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Effects of Mulching and Watering Frequency on Some Agronomic Performances of Cocoa Plants (Theobroma cacao L.) Produced in Nurseries
No full textThis study was carried out at Nkoemvone Agricultural Research Station in southern Cameroon, to help cocoa farmers monitor their cocoa nurseries during periods of drought or in areas where water resources are scarce and difficult to access. The objective of this work was to find the production methods for cocoa plants that could use the lowest watering frequencies through straw to ensure optimal growth and development of these plants in the nursery. It was carried out between September 2020 and June 2021 in a randomized complete block design. It comprised eighteen elementary plots, i.e. six treatments repeated three times. The number of cocoa plants tested was 360. That is, 20 plants per treatment. The treatments applied were NMWF1/2 days (control treatment); NMWF1/4 days; NMWF1/6 days; MWF1/2 days; MWF1/4 days and MWF1/6 days. At the end of work, three out of six treatments resulted in better agronomic performance. Firstly, MWF 1/2 days, which had a pH-water of 5.1, 7.97% organic matter, 25.34 cm mean cocoa plant height, 5.63 mm mean stem diameter, 10.97 mean leaf number, 9.26±0. 55 as the average length of the main roots, 52.13±5.70 as the average number of secondary roots, 45.97±2.04 % organic matter content of stems + leaves and 37.86±6.62 % organic matter content of roots at the end of the experiment. Then, there is MWF 1/4 days with 5.8, 6.44 %, 23.42 cm, 5.07 mm, 9.35 cm, 10.45±0.82 cm, 47.32±3.21 cm, 58.41±6.54 %, 47.62± 4.12 % respectively. Finally, NMWF 1/2 days showed 5.6, 5.21 %, 23.30 cm, 4.9 mm, 9.55, 10.15±0.58 cm, 51.75±5.11, 44.63±4.74 % and 28.41±7.67 % respectively in the same period. Although these three treatments resulted in more satisfactory growth and development than the others, we only recommend MWF 1/4 days treatment to the farmers for the purpose of this work
Genetic Analysis of Morpho-metric Traits and Correlations of Yield Parameters in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr)
No full textTop crosses comprising 2 testers and 8 lines were made in the screen house using Line × Tester model. Observations were made on days to flowering, pod maturity, harvest, pods per plant, branching pattern, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and yield/ha; crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate, moisture, ash and oil, as well as trypsin, tannins and phytate. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and the means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT), at 5% probability level. Genetic component analysis was carried out on the traits using Analysis of Genetic Design (AGD-R) package, to determine heritability, General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Abilities (SCA). Results of the study revealed that, positive GCA values were recorded by TGM954 (0.01), TGM120 (0.07), TGM553 (0.70), TGM555 (0.58), TGM574 (0.19), TGM584 (0.14) and TGX1904-6F (0.12) for 100 seed weight; TGM954 (76.83) and TGM584 (12.54) for seed yield. Generally, TGM954 was a better general combiner than TGM951, because it combined well with other varieties for yield and yield-related traits. High heritability estimates were recorded for 100 seed weight (84.10%), number of branches (86.61%), days to flowering (91.69%), pods per pod (88.48%) and seed yield (86.07%). It can be concluded, that, crosses using Line × Tester model is encouraged for trait transfer and enhancement of soybean seed yield
Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer Application on Biomass Production, Nutrient use Efficiency and Yield Parameters of Green Gram (Vigna radiata)
No full textThe research was focused on an ecologically sound and highly production of legumes particularly green gram through the application of Rhizobium and rock phosphate fertilizer. Therefore, biomass production, nutrient use efficiency and yield parameters were determined for two growing seasons (November 2019 - January 2020 and February - April 2020), at Chuka university horticultural research farm. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in green grams can improve sustainable soil fertility management and increased production. In Kenya, green gram is a major source of food security particularly in Tharaka Nithi County. However, green gram yields are usually low due to low phosphorous and nitrogen levels of the soil. A factorial experiment of 2 x 2 x 2 was laid out in a randomized complete block design. There were three factors, varieties (N26-nylon and KS20-uncle), phosphate rock (0 and 30 kg P ha-1) and Rhizobium MEA 716 (0 and 100 g ha-1) making a total of eight treatments which were replicated three times. Soil sampling and analyses were done before planting and after harvesting of green grams. Data on grain yield, total dry biomass, shoot and root dry weights. Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were done. Data was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at probability level of 5 %. Results for both wet and dry seasons indicated that variety KS20 under Rhizobium inoculation and phosphate rock fertilizer (R1P1V2) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher increase in shoot dry biomass (52.01 g plant-1), root dry biomass (7.60 g plant-1), total dry biomass (146.4 g plant-1), number of pods (84 plant-1) and yield (2158 kg ha-1). Also, there was significant (P<0.05) higher phosphorous use efficiency of 279.32 Kg/ha and nitrogen use efficiency of 1732 kg/ha in treatment R1P1V2 over other treatments. From these results it was concluded that variety KS20 (V2) performed better compared to N26 (V1) under combined application of Rhizobium and phosphate rock fertilizer. Hence, based on the findings, for sustainable and improved green gram production farmers in Tharaka Nithi County
Mycorrhizal Inoculation Effect on Water Deficit Tolerance of Cashew Seedlings (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Soil Nutrients Availability
No full textThis research aims to evaluate the effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in improving the resilience of cashew seedlings to water deficit and soil nutritional status. The split-plot experimental design was used. The treatments consist of two factors, the two-level water regime (30% useful water reserve and 70% useful water reserve) in main plots and the three-level inoculation (no inoculation, Glomus mosseae and Glomus aggregatum) in subplots. Each treatment is replicated nine times. The study was conducted at Agronomic Experimentation Station of the University of Lomé between June to November 2020. Induction of deficit hydric started three months after the setting up of the trial and lasted two months. At the end of the water shortage cycle, growth parameters were measured and leaf and soil samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Parameters assessed include mycorrhization rate, relative water content, leaf proline content, malondialdehyde content, mycorrhizal dependency, plant biomass and mineral content of the soil. The results show good mycorrhization rate, 70.86% for Glomus aggregatum and 54.92% for Glomus mosseae with mycorrhiza dependency of 12.87% and 11.74% respectively. Mycorrhizal inoculation reduced water stress symptoms in addition to the plant's intrinsic protective mechanisms. This was reflected in lower leaf proline and malondialdehyde content and improved relative water content of stressed but inoculated plants compared to uninoculated plants. The AMF also improved the availability of mineral nutrients in the soil, which resulted in better growth of inoculated plants under both water stress and normal watering conditions. The overall assessment of the research suggested that AMF can be used to improve cashew seedlings resistance against drought and to improve their growth through improvement of soil nutrient availability
Efficiency of Some Herbicides and Fungicides on Management of Common Bean Damping-off and Root-rot Diseases
No full textThe three tested herbicides and fungicides caused significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani the causal of common bean damping-off and root-rot diseases compared with control treatment. This inhibition was gradually increased by increasing the concentration of the tested herbicides and fungicides. Moreover, the fungus F. solani was greatly affected by the tested herbicides and fungicides than the fungus R. solani. Furthermore, the tested fungicides were more efficient than the herbicides in this regard. There was significant decrease in both damping-off and root-rot severity with significant increase in the survived plants due to the treatment with the tested herbicides and fungicides. No damping-off and root-rot were recorded in case the tested herbicides, fungicides and non-infested soil. Highest percentages of damping-off, root-rot and lowest survived plant were recorded in case of soil infested with any of the two pathogens. In addition, the combination between the tested herbicides and fungicides with any of the tested pathogens resulted in significant reduction to damping-off and root-rot severity with significant increase in the survived plants compared to plants grown in soil infested with any of the two tested pathogens and did not receive such a treatment. The treatment with any of the tested herbicides and fungicides and grown in soil infested with any of the two pathogens resulted in remarkable increase in the total phenolic compounds compared to the values of plants grown in soil infested with any of the two causal fungi (control plants). Gradual increase in the values of total phenolic compounds was occurred by increasing the time of inoculation with the pathogens and the highest increase in the total phenolic compounds was occurred by the tested fungicides compared with the tested herbicides. The percentages of the estimated nitrogen and protein content in common bean green seeds were increased due to the treatment with the tested herbicides and fungicides compared with the green seeds of plants grown in soil infested with any of both pathogens. The tested fungicides caused considerable increase in the percentages of total nitrogen and protein when compared to the tested herbicides
Ethno-botanical Studies and Survey of Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plants of Chang-La (17,688 ft) and Taglang-La (17,582 ft) Region of Union Territory of Ladakh
No full textThe paper deals with the ethno-botanical studies and survey of rare and endangered medicinal plants of Chang-La and Taglang-La and surrounding villages (Meru, Lato, Gya, Sasoma and Rumtse). Although the region looks barren and lifeless, it actually represents a treasure house of diversity of plants with high medicinal, aromatic value and also fulfils other useful purposes (such as food, fodder, fuel and ritual requirements). Predominant species of these areas are:- Geranium wallichianum, Carum carvi, Aconogonom tortuosum, Cremanthodium elisii, Corydalis stricta, Oxytropis microphylla, Cicer microphyllum, Rosa webbiana, Caragana versicolor, Artemisia macrocephala, Dracocephalum heterophyllum, Hippophae rhamnoides, Astragalus tibetanus, Thalictrum foliolosum, Delphinium brunonianum. The medicinal plants surveyed during tour was widely used in Sowa- rigpa system of Indian medicine for curing various diseases and ailments as it has no side-effects compared to allopathic medicines. The present paper documents ethno-botanical information of sowa-rigpa traditional medicinal usage by the local people. Around 54 medicinal plants species botanical name, sowa-rigpa name, medicinal use, family, habitat and part uses are enumerated in this paper
Analysis of Mechanized Agriculture in Southern Region of Ethiopia, Particularly in Central Zones
No full textThe central zone of southern Ethiopia is one of the well-known regions of Ethiopia for agricultural food production; the main crops found in the central zone are; fruits and vegetables, cereal crops like teff, maize, sorghum, bean, pea, haricot bean, wheat, rice, barley. Cash crop, Coffee, Ginger, Pepper, Sugarcane. Oil crops for oil manufacturing in the food industry, soybeans, peanuts, sunfowers, and groundnut are harvested for human consumption. Feed crops for cattle or livestock consumption barley, beets, grasses for domestic animals to graze and store as hay or silage. Currently, poverty is commonly observed in both urban and rural areas in this region, mostly familiar within the rural part of the whole country. One of the main causes of food insecurity is unplanned and traditional rain feed agricultural habits.Prsently the farmers of southern region of Ethiopia are following the traditional methods for the land preparation, sowing and other allied operations of their farms. However to reduce the povetry, economic growth and living style of this region community mechanized agriculture is only one of the the solution. To enhance productivity by using a mechanized agricultural system using advanced farm machineries, tools and optional water sources for small-scale households as well as bulky massive irrigation to feed the rapidly growing population is very essential. However, mechanization is one of the most important categories to improve overall agricultural production. The use of advanced agricultural machinery and irrigational supplemented mechanized farming has a direct impact on food security and rural development strategies. Therefore; the present study is conducted to assess data on mechanized agriculture including the use of improved machinery, water resource, and irrigated farming methods in southern Ethiopia, particularly in central zones
Homobrassinolide on Growth, Minerals and Vitamins of Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) Rhizome
No full textThe application of homobrassinolide on the growth, mineral content and vitamin content of Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) rhizome grown in Nizamabad, Telangana State, India was studied. Homobrassinolide application as foliar spray to turmeric on the 20th, 40th and 60th day from sowing resulted in enhanced growth of turmeric rhizome in terms of fresh and dry weights. The promotion of growth was associated with increased levels of minerals in terms of calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) of turmeric rhizome. Further, the contents of Vitamin B fractions [Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B2), and Riboflavin (Vitamin B3)] and Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid of the turmeric rhizome were also found enhanced indicating the ability of homobrassinolide in positively monitoring nutrient value in turmeric rhizome
Evaluation of Fungicides against Downy Mildew (Peronospora destructor Berk) of Onion (Allium cepa) in Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia
No full textAims: To evaluate the efficacy of tested fungicides against downy mildew of onion and determine the appropriate interval of fungicides application.
Study Design: The experiment was laid out down in randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatments.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in farmers field of Aloshe village; Goba district of Bale zone in 2018/2019 during “Bona Season”.
Methodology: Locally available onion variety and two tested fungicides (Mancozeb (Mancozeb 80 Wp) and Ridomil (Ridomil Gold MZ 68WG) were used. Locally available variety of onion was planted in a plot size of 3m x 2.4m with three replications. Each two fungicides were applied at interval of seven day, fourteen and twenty one day interval including unapplied fungicide plot as control.
Results: The result indicated that, both fungicides (Mancozeb and Ridomil) were effectively reduces the severity level of the disease. The higher plant height(42.5cm), bulb weigh (289g), total weight of the bulbs (114Qt/ha) and lower severity (8.35%) were recorded from weekly application of Ridomil, fourteen day application of Ridomil and weekly application interval of Mancozeb. The higher marginal rate of return of 2833.45% and 1999.07% were recorded from weekly and fourteen applications of Mancozeb and Ridomil respectively.
Conclusion: The minimum application frequency of three times of Ridomil in fourteen days and weekly interval application of Mancozeb were effective against downy mildew and profitable
Diversity among Morphological Traits of Segregating Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] Genotypes in Umudike, Nigeria
No full textGenotypes of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) normally exhibit high variability in their morphological characters. A field experiment was carried out in 2017 at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria to assess the morphological diversity among the population of 68 first filial generation (F1) sweet potato genotypes (Ligri PC) derived from seeds produced through poly cross systems from the International Potato Center, Kumasi, Ghana, including two local check varieties (UMUSPO3 and TIS87/0087). A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to set up this experiment. The morphology descriptor was used to evaluate the genotypes of sweet potatoes on sixteen characters that covered both folial and fresh storage root morphology. The data were then subjected to an analysis of variance to identify any differences between the measured morphological parameters and agronomic variables. Using cluster analysis, it was established that all of the genotypes could be categorized into four distinct groups based on their physical characteristics. Consequent, a vast gene pool would provide for effective recombination to create a viable sweetpotato variety with high agricultural value