Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
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Jharkhand and Organic Agriculture
No full textOrganic farming is not a recent origin in India. In ancient literature such as Rig-Veda, the use of animal dung as manure was highly emphasized. Approximately two-thirds of a million of the farmer populations in India are cultivating organically, but this a tiny portion of the farming community. As there are few states that have not done much development in organic farming like Jharkhand which became independent as a separate state 16 years ago. Approximately 0.08% of Jharkhand’s cultivatable land is being promoted to be free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Out of the net cultivated area of 31 lakh hectare (ha), only 26,310 ha is the area where organic cultivation is promoted. When we compare it with the states like Sikkim and Meghalaya, which have been or will be certified organic state by 2020, we get the real picture of farmers who are lagging behind. Lack of certification, lengthy procedure and low production initially are some of the reasons because of which farmers don’t opt for organic agriculture. Initiatives like Public Private Partnership, promoting animal husbandry, Contract Organic farming (COF), Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and raising public awareness are some steps that are required to develop organic agriculture, to improve human health and to save the environment
Nutrients and Leaf Plucking Effect on Growth and Yield of Cabbage
No full textThe experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during September 2016 to December 2016 to find out the growth, yield and economic benefit of cabbage as influenced by nutrients and leaf plucking. The research comprises of two factors: Factor A: NPK nutrients (four levels) as- N0 = control, N1 = N120P30 K100kg ha-1, N2 = N140P 40 K120kg ha-1, N3 = N160P50 K140kg ha-1and Factor B: leaf plucking (three levels) as- L0 = No leaf plucked, L1 = 4-leaves plucked and L2 = 6-leaves plucked. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. In case of nutrients, the highest gross yield (90.53 t ha-1) and marketable yield (68.95 t ha-1) were obtained from N3, while the lowest gross yield (60.26 t ha-1) and marketable yield (44.24 t ha-1) from N0. For dissimilar levels of leaf plucking, the highest gross yield (80.64 t ha-1) and marketable yield (62.08 t ha-1) were recorded from L1, whereas the lowest gross yield (74.13 t ha-1) and marketable yield (56.96 t ha-1) from L0. Due to combined effect, the highest gross yield (94.38 t ha-1) and marketable yield (71.91 t ha-1) were recorded from N3L1, whereas the lowest gross yield (58.75 t ha-1) and marketable yield (41.15 t ha-1) from N0L0. From the economic point of view, the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was2.35 noted from N3L1 and the lowest (1.63) from N0L0. It is evident that the N3L1 gave the best performance for the growth, yield and economic benefit of cabbage. So, N140 P 50 K120kg ha-1 with 4-leaves plucked may be considered as an optimum dose for cabbage production
Assessment of Some Production Practices on the Quality of Cocoa Beans (Theobroma cacao): A Case Study of Forest Savanna Transition and Semi-Deciduous Rainforest Zones of Ghana
No full textCocoa from Ghana is of premium quality but non-recommended farmer practices could impact negatively on the quality of cocoa beans. Therefore, this study sought to determine the effect of some agricultural practices that could affect the quality of cocoa beans from four districts in two ecological zones. Treatments included samples of cocoa beans from the two ecological zones produced using either recommended or non-recommended practice. Offinso and Tepa in the Ashanti region as well as Goaso and Sankore districts in Brong Ahafo region were purposively selected from each of the ecological zones for more accurate results. The study was both field survey and laboratory work. The survey involved the use of structured questionnaire to obtain primary data from the farmers and purchasing clerks. The laboratory work was a 4×3 factorial experiment in completely randomized design with three replications. Results from the survey were analysed with SPSS and showed that majority of the farmers practiced harvesting at correct interval, fermentation, drying, disease and pest control which affected the quality of cocoa beans. However, majority of farmers did not practice pruning, fertilisation, proper storage, hence affecting quality. The laboratory results indicated that practices in Offinso and Tepa in the Forest Transition Zone of Ashanti Region had significantly (P≤ 0.05) better influence on the physical, chemical, and microbial quality of cocoa beans than Goaso and Sankore in the Deciduous Forest Zone of Brong Ahafo region. Also, there were significant differences (P≤ 0.05) in the four districts for percentage mouldy beans, slaty, pH, fat content, mould count and faecal coliform. Moreover, recommended farmer practices had a significant effect on the final quality of beans than non-recommended farmer practices at the various districts. It is, therefore, concluded that fermentation, drying, harvesting and Disease and pest control, which were the key practices, significantly influenced the physical, chemical and microbial quality of cocoa beans irrespective of the ecological zones
Yield and Quality Performance of Carrot under Different Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources with Mulching Options
No full textAn experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur, Bangladesh to find out the effects of mulch and different manures and fertilizers on the yield components and quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.). Twelve treatment combinations were evaluated in two factors Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Different doses of manures and fertilizers viz. F0 = Control, F1 = Cowdung (CD) @ 10 t ha-1, F2 = Mustard Oil Cake (MOC) @ 0.25 t ha-1, F3 = Cowdung (CD) @ 5.0 t ha-1 + Mustard Oil Cake (MOC) @ 0.125 t ha-1, F4 = Urea @ 326.08 kg ha-1 + Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) @ 93.75 kg ha-1 + Muriate of Potash (MoP) @ 200 kg ha-1 and F5 = Cowdung (CD) @ 5 t ha-1 + Urea @ 163.04 kg ha-1 + Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) @ 46.87 kg ha-1 + Muriate of Potash (MoP) @ 100 kg ha-1 were applied under mulched (M1) and non-mulched (M0) conditions. Results from our study revealed that maximum fresh weight (3.57 kg plot-1), individual root weight (101.90 g), root length (14.64 cm), root diameter (3.27 cm), total yield (23.78 t ha-1), marketable yield (20.53 t ha-1) and beta-carotene content (8.78 mg 100-1 g) were recorded from F5 treatment. The mulching also had a significantly positive effect on maximizing the root yield components as well as beta-carotene contents over non-mulched treatment. On the other hand, the interaction effect of M1F5 performed superior in producing yield components and beta-carotene content of root compared to other combinations. The highest marketable yield (25.10 t ha-1) along with best economic gross return (TK. 2,47,167 ha-1) and the benefit-cost ratio (2.91) were also noted from M1F5. It was concluded that organic and inorganic sources of nutrients along with mulch effectively increase the carrot yield than the sole application of higher doses of manures and fertilizers
Influences of Genotype and Drought at Flowering and Grain Filling on Root Architecture Traits of Zea mays L.
No full textRoot architecture traits are important for plant productivity under soil water deficit. The main objective of the present investigation was to assess the effects of deficit irrigation at flowering and grain filling and genotype on maize root traits and grain yield. Twenty two maize genotypes were evaluated in the field under three irrigation regimes; well watering (WW), water stress at flowering (WSF) and at grain filling (WSG) using a split-plot design with three replications. WSF and WSG caused significant reductions of 28.69 and 20.26% in grain yield/plant and 35.53 and 25.51% in grain yield/ha, respectively. WSF caused a significant reduction in four root traits, namely number of aboveground whorls occupied with brace roots (9.31%), number of brace roots (18.27%), number of crown roots (11.50%) and root dry weight (28.31%), but caused a significant increase (elongation) in crown root length (9.90%). On the contrary, WSG caused significant increases in three root traits, namely number of brace roots (10.10%), number of crown roots (14.71%) and root dry weight (11.60%), but caused a significant reduction in branching density of crown roots (10.05%). Significant differences were observed among genotypes for all studied root traits and grain yield across all irrigation regimes. The best genotypes in grain yield under drought at either flowering or grain filling were characterized by more than one desirable root traits. The cultivars P-3444, Egaseed-77 and SC-128 were considered tolerant genotypes to drought at flowering and grain filling and would be recommended to future breeding programs for improving maize drought tolerance
Rooting Response of Thuja occidentalis L. to Different Soilless Media and Stem Propagation Techniques in Ghana
No full textAims: Studies were carried out to ascertain a suitable soilless medium which would enhance root development in Thuja occidentalis using stem cuttings and air-layered propagules.
Economically, the demand for these ornamentals necessitates that the difficult-to-root phenomenon should be solved.
Study Design: A 2 x 6 factorial in a randomised complete block design replicated three times was the experimental design used for the stem cutting experiment. While a complete randomised design with 6 treatments which were replicated three times used for the air-layering experiment.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Horticulture, KNUST, Ghana, between June 2009 and August, 2009.
Methodology: In the stem cutting propagation experiment, six media types; 100% topsoil, 100% palm-mix, a mix of 50% teak sawdust and 50% coconut coir, a mix of 50% palm-mix and 50% coconut coir, a mix of 50% palm-mix and 50% teak sawdust and a mix of 50% palm-mix, 25% teak sawdust and 25% coconut coir and two stem cuttings being straight and heel stems giving twelve (12) treatment combinations was used and replicated three (3) times. For the air-layering experiment, air-layers were made on the selected branches of the plant. Different media were colour-tagged.
Results: Results from the study showed that, a mix of 50% teak sawdust and 50% coconut coir was the most suitable soilless medium, with regards to its physico-chemical properties, and promoted the highest number of rooting. With respect to the root length, the mix of 50% palm-mix and 50% coconut coir recorded the longest root. The best soilless medium that promoted rooting in the air-layered propagule was a mix of 50% palm-mix and 50% teak sawdust.
Conclusion: Thus for propagation works in Ghana, the 50% teak sawdust+50% coconut coir and 50% palmix + 50% coconut coir and their variations be experimented on other difficult-to-root ornamental plants to validate its use as the best soilless medium for most difficult-to-root ornamental plants
Field Studies on Supper Parasitism of the Larval Pupal Endoparasitiod Opius pallipes on the Tomato Leaf Miner Liriomyza bryoniae and the Serpentine Leaf Miner Liriomyza trifolii in Libya
No full textObjectives: The present study aimed to investigate Super parasitism behavior of the larval pupal endoparasitoid O. pallipes in the field on two leaf mining insect hosts L. trifolii and L. bryoniae in Alojelat region during the winter growing season 2016/2017 using Broad bean (Vecia faba), as a host plant.
Methods: Broad bean (Vecia faba), was targeted as a host plant because it has a heavy infestation by the two leaf mining insects combined with a good population of O. pallipes. 100 parasitized larvae were collected. Larvae were checked and the number of the parasitoid immature stages were counted. Solitary parasitized and supper parasitized larvae were counted for the two insect hosts.
Results: Super parasitism caused by O. pallipes females on L. trifolii recorded high numbers during December and April and reached its peak on December 31th recording (36 superparasitized larvae/100 parasitized ones), while the host population recorded (136 L. trifolii larvae/100 leaflets) at the same time. Super parasitism decreased to its lowest number on March 4th recording (6 super parasitized larvae/100 parasitized ones) where the host population recorded (251 larvae/ 100 leaflets) at the same time. While, super parasitism caused by O. pallipes females on L. bryoniae recorded high numbers during December and April and reached its peak at December 17th recording (27 super parasitized larvae/100 parasitized ones), while the host population was (73 larvae/100 leaflets), The lowest number of super parasitism was observed on March 11th (4.0 super parasitized larvae/100 parasitized ones) when the host population was (142 larvae/100 leaflets) at the same time.
Conclusion: O. pallipes females reached its highest numbers at the low population levels of the insect host on either L. trifolii or L. bryoniae with low preference towards L. trifolii so, super parasitism by O. pallipes recorded slightly high numbers on L. trifolii larvae compared with L. bryoniae
Performance of Selected Phytochemicals and Botanical Nutrient on Physiological Features of Okra Varieties against Yellow Vein Clearing Mosaic Virus
No full textA two-factorial field experiment on okra was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April to August, 2017. The study aimed to find out the physiological responses of okra varieties against Yellow vein clearing mosaic virus under a management progamme to control the disease. Four okra varieties viz. BARI dherosh-1, Green finger, Nuffield and Orca onamika were selected as first factor and two phytochemicals (Imidacloprid and Sobicron) and one botanical nutrient namely Peak performance nutrients (PPN) were used as the second factor. The plants were grown and natural inoculum has relied upon the infection of Yellow vein clearing mosaic virus. Physiological features of okra plants were significantly affected by Yellow vein clearing mosaic virus. So that, regular physiological activities of okra varieties were hampered due to the attack of the virus. The highest exclusive chlorophyll content, net assimilation rate, intercellular carbon-di-oxide concentration, stomatal conductivity and respiration rate were recorded in Green finger and the lowest in Orca onamika. Sobicron with PPN also gave the highest net chlorophyll content, net assimilation rate, intercellular carbon-di-oxide concentration, stomatal conductivity and respiration rate and the lowest were recorded when no phytochemicals and PPN combination was used. Green finger with the application of Sobicron with PPN showed the best performance of these physiological responses compared to other okra varieties and phytochemicals combinations. All of these physiological changes are closely related to reduced rates of photosynthesis as well as effects on chloroplast number, ultrastructure and chlorophyll metabolism, deterioration of chloroplast structure, pigment composition and electron transport. So that, less energy is produced thus resulting the suppress of proper physiological functions of okra plants
Assessment of Production Constraints of Large Cardamom in the Eastern Hills of Nepal
No full textLarge Cardamom, one of the high value spice crop has gained renewed interest among farmers since last decade in Nepal. Higher net return and suitability in wider range of mid hills in Nepal is a major factor attracting this crop for the replacement of other crops. Despite profitability, there are major challenges in production due to biotic factors. Serious yield losses in this crop has reported during past 10 years and as this is perennial, farmers are disappointed with the current production and profitability for long run. In this study, an attempt has been made to explore potential causes of the decline in in eastern hills of Nepal. For this, household survey was conducted in five districts of eastern Nepal during 2016. Lack of disease resistant/tolerant varietal option and inadequate management practices are reported to be the major problems for promoting disease spread in the eastern region. The public sectors have been unable to fulfil the high demand of new saplings. Rhizome rot remains the most prevalent disease in studied districts followed by wilting. The study suggest plan of actions to implement for the good orchard management to address the problem of biotic factors in short run; technology development and adoption to mitigate biotic problems in large cardamom in long run
Effect of Some Thinning Practices on Yield and Fruit Quality of Sewi Date Palm Grown in Farafra Region
No full textThe present study was carried out during two successive seasons (2016 and 2017) at El-Frafra Oasis District, Egypt. Female ‘Sewi’ date palms of healthy, nearly homogenous in growth, as well as fruiting ability, were selected. The selected palms were pruned after harvesting and leaf bunch ratio was adjusted to 8 leaves per bunch during both seasons of study. The effect number of bunch per palm (8, 10 or 12) and thinning % by cutting out a number of strands from the centre of the bunch enough to remove about (0, 10, 20 and 30%) and their combinations were investigated. Anyhow, the influence was evaluated through the response of the different (productivity, fruit physical and chemical properties) to the specific and interaction effects of both investigated factors. The obtained results revealed the greatest fruit weight per bunch was always in significant concomitant to 8 bunches per palm +zero thinning % during both seasons. Moreover, the highest fruit weight per palm was significantly coupled to 12 bunches/palm + zero thinning level. However, the highest values of fruit weight (g) and fruit dimensions were significantly induced by 8bunches/palm + 30 thinning %. Anyhow, the heaviest fruit pulp weight was significantly coupled with (8 bunches /palm +30% thinning) the highest fruit seed weight was exhibited significantly by (8bunches/palm +30% thinning level) and (10 bunches/palm +30% thinning level). Meanwhile, the lowest fruit moisture content was significantly coupled with the 8bunches/palm +30% thinning level. However, the highest value of TSS % and total sugars % was significantly coupled with 8 bunches/palm + 30% thinning. Overall, the use of 8 bunches/palm with 30% thinning level of strands from the center of the bunch was the best in most of the measurements studied