Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Effects of Irrigation Regimes on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
No full textAims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different irrigation depths and intervals on cucumber yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, to develop sustainable irrigation strategies for water-limited environments.
Study Design: The experiment employed a split-plot randomized complete block design with three irrigation depths (D1: 100% ETc, D2: 85% ETc, D3: 70% ETc) as main plots and three irrigation intervals (I1: daily, I2: 2-day, I3: 3-day) as sub-plots.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Agricultural Engineering Department, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, during the dry season between February and April 2024.
Methodology: The Darina F1 cucumber variety was grown under drip irrigation. Yield and water consumption were monitored throughout the growing season. Irrigation volumes were calculated based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and WUE was determined as the ratio of yield to total irrigation water applied. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, and treatment means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% probability level.
Results: The highest yield (8,738.79 kg/ha) was achieved under full irrigation (D1), while the highest WUE (155.30 kg/m³) was observed under D3, representing a 15% improvement over full irrigation. Daily irrigation (I1) produced the highest WUE (196.52 kg/m³), approximately 37% higher than 2-day intervals. The interaction between depth and interval revealed that D3I1 (70% ETc with daily irrigation) achieved the optimal balance between yield and water use efficiency, with a WUE of 210.18 kg/m³.
Conclusion: 70% ETc irrigation combined with daily water application offers a sustainable approach for cucumber production in water-limited environments, balancing yield and water conservation. Full irrigation with daily intervals remains the most productive approach where water availability is not constrained
Analysis of Selected Climate Variables Affecting Cocoa Output in Cross River State, Nigeria (1993-2023)
No full textThis study investigated the impact of selected climate variables on cocoa output in Cross River State, Nigeria, from 1993 to 2023 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The data for this study were sourced secondarily, covering temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, sunshine hours, evaporation, wind, and cocoa output. The findings revealed that 83.4% of the variation in cocoa output was explained by climatic factors. In the long run, maximum temperature and rainfall had a positive and significant effect on cocoa yields, increasing output by 58.665% and 3.147%, respectively, while relative humidity negatively impacted yields by -2.460%. Other variables, such as minimum temperature, sunshine hours, evaporation, and wind speed, had insignificant long-term effects. In the short run, maximum temperature significantly reduced cocoa output by -19.256%, whereas relative humidity, sunshine hours, and evaporation contributed positively to cocoa production. The study also found an error correction term of -0.512, indicating that 51.2% of the deviations from the long-run equilibrium are corrected annually, suggesting a moderate adjustment speed. These findings highlight the need for policymakers to promote climate-smart agriculture and invest in research, while farmers adopt adaptive practices like pest control and shade management. Stakeholders, including NGOs and the private sector, can support with awareness, innovation, and funding to mitigate climate risks and sustain cocoa production in Cross River State
Assessing the Influence of Water Supply Schemes on Agriculture: A Case Study of Unnichchai Irrigation Scheme in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
No full textThe allocation of water from irrigation reservoirs to urban drinking supplies directly reduces the quantity available for agricultural use. Understanding this impact is crucial for evaluating changes in agricultural performance and crop yields. This study aimed to assess the effects on agricultural performance of Unnichchai irrigation scheme by assessing water availability and comparing key performance indicators before and after the implementation of the drinking water initiative. Results indicate that average output per crop area, output per unit command area, output per unit irrigation supply, and output per unit water consumed increased after the introduction of the drinking water scheme. During Maha season, these values improved from Rs.107,340/ha, Rs.92,674/ha, Rs.80.05/m3 and Rs.11.60/m3 before implementation, to Rs.239,081/ha, Rs.248,930/ha, Rs.117.17/m3 and Rs.25.84/m3, respectively after implementation. Similarly, for Yala season, values increased from Rs.108,457/ha, Rs.66,195/ha, Rs.7.04/m3 and Rs.7.57/m3,to Rs.358,558/ha, Rs.330,580/ha, Rs.29.45/m3 and Rs.25.02/m3, respectively. Water performance indicators also showed variation. Average relative water supply for the Maha season increased from 0.54 (2000–2011) to 1.36 (2012–2019), while for the Yala season, it improved slightly from 0.72 to 0.74. However, the relative irrigation supply decreased for the Maha season from 0.31 to 0.25 during the same periods, whereas it increased in Yala from 0.72 to 0.78. Average cropping intensity improved from 1.83 to 1.91 between the two periods. The average irrigation ratio during the Maha season was 0.78 for the period 2000–2011, but it increased to 1.0 for the period 2012–2019. For Yala season it increased from 0.47 (2000–2011) to 0.92 (2012–2019). Despite concerns, the study concludes that the overall performance of the Unnichchai irrigation scheme improved even after the implementation of the drinking water supply project, suggesting effective management of competing water demands. However, the system’s performance remains lower compared to other major irrigation schemes in Sri Lanka, necessitating targeted interventions to achieve further improvements
An Overview on Amaranthus cruentus L.: Alternative Source of Crop, its Economical Uses and Associated Beneficial Microbes
No full textAmaranthus cruentus L.is a medicinally important locally available tropical plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. In present scenario, this plant is designated as ‘alternative source of crop’ or ‘Pseudocereal’ having various nutritional properties (Protein, carbohydrate, fatty acid, Vitamins, Minerals). Moreover, this plant has various medicinal properties also i.e. antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, immune stimulation, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, antimalarial etc. This plant has Worldwide distribution and short growing period of time. It is also regarded as Fodder crop and other industrial uses. The microbes associated with this plant help to protect the host plants from both pathogenic microorganisms and adverse climatic conditions by secreting different types of bioactive secondary metabolites i.e. phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, terpenes, tannins, alkaloids, quinones, anthocyanin, saponin, steroids and promote growth and development of the plant. Some unique features of this plant are also descried here. This review intends to expand the understanding of taxonomic characteristics of this plant, economic uses, associated beneficial microbes and their application for sustainability of this alternative source of crop. The cultivation of A. cruentus possess a good attraction among both the researchers and farmers and cultivation procedure is more easy than other species. Some species of this genus are not cultivated yet, they are under process. Additionally, this species is more adorably cultivated due to the high nutritional value of its seeds
Mechanization Levels of Some Crops in the Gezira Scheme, Sudan
No full textAgricultural mechanization level means ratio between mechanical energy to total energy (sum of animal, human and mechanical energies) used in crop production. Crop production practices in the Gezira scheme depend on two energy sources, labor and machinery. The objectives of this study were to quantify and compare the level of mechanization for some selected crops in the Gezira scheme. The selected crops were cotton, wheat, groundnut, sorghum, pigeon pea, chickpea and onion. Data about production practices, from seedbed preparation to harvest, for these crops were collected from the farmers and engineers. Labor data included operated area, number of labors and daily working hours. Machinery data included machine type, work rate and fuel consumed. The collected data were entered into excel-sheets and energy was calculated using the standard procedures. The level of mechanization was calculated for two scenarios, the traditional and improved farming systems. The results showed that the level of mechanization in the traditional farming system varied from crop to another, it was 20.4, 25, 26.1, 41.8, 61.4, 80.6 and 96.7% for groundnuts, cotton, onion, pigeon pea, sorghum, chickpea and wheat crops, respectively. The results indicated that there are possibilities to improve level of mechanization by some interventions; this improves to groundnut, cotton, onion, pigeon pea, sorghum, chickpea and wheat will reach 69.1, 62.1, 54.9, 74, 98.7, 99.4 and 98.9%, respectively. However, this improvement requires additional fuel by 99.9, 82.4, 79.7, 74.3, 66.2, 24.2 and 40 l/ha for these crops, respectively. The study concluded that the level of mechanization is weak for some crops and there are opportunities for improvement. Conducting further comparison between the costs of manual and mechanized operations for these crops is recommended
Performance of Starter Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Rejected Mango Fruit Pulp and Maize Offal Mix
No full textThe study was conducted to determine the performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing rejected mango fruit pulp - maize offal mix. The extracted mango pulp was evenly mixed with maize offal (Dusa) in a ratio of 2:3 (RMFP: MOM). The mixture was sun dried for 5 days until moisture of less than 12% was achieved. Five diets were prepared in which RMFP-MOM partially replaced maize at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% representing treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. A total of (200) day-old ROSS chicks averaged 44.24 g were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments, balancing for body weight. Each treatment group made up of forty birds, was replicated four times and each replicate had ten (10) birds in a completely randomized design (CRD). Result of the proximate analysis revealed that, RMFP-MOM contains 9.59 % crude protein, 0.99% ether extract, 3.02 %, moisture, 11.51 % crude fibre, ash was 5.47 %, 75.85 % nitrogen free extract and 3127.79 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Phytochemicals and minerals found included Phytates (0.13%), tannin (2.53%), mycotoxin (3.76%), citric acid (0.1%), calcium (0.98%) and phosphorus (0.17%) while ADF, NDF and hemicellulose were found at levels of 10.10 %, 45.10% and 35.00 % respectively. Result on performance of the starter broiler chickens revealed significant effects (p<0.05) of RMFP-MOM on final body weight (FBW), daily weight gain (DWG) and daily feed intake (DFI) which all declined at T5 (20 % RMFP-MOM). Result on digestibility showed that, there was significantly lower (p<0.05) digestibility of ether extract in T1 (80.73 %). Cost of feed consumed was significantly lower (p<0.05) at T5. Gross revenue was ₦4000 across treatments while gross profit was higher at T5. Given the nutrients profile of RMFP-MOM as revealed by the result of the proximate analysis, it was inferred that these materials are valuable feedstuff in broiler nutrition as the use of RMFP-MOM in the diets of the broiler chicken up to 15% maintained growth rates at levels comparable to the control. The result of this study also revealed that broiler chickens can be reared at cheaper cost with the inclusion of RMFP-MOM at 15%. It was recommended that, 15 % RMFP-MOM be used in broiler diets
Production Challenges of Maize in Pakistan: Biotic and Abiotic Factors and Management Approaches
No full textMaize production in Pakistan faces numerous challenges that hinder large-scale cultivation as well as production. These challenges are primarily biotic, includes weeds, nematodes, disease pathogens, and pests (both vertebrate and invertebrate). Furthermore, there are a number of abiotic obstacles, including soil-related problems, unfavorable weather, nutritional deficits, agronomic, logistical, and societal limitations. Given the growing global population, many of whom rely on maize as a staple food, and its industrial uses, this paper recommends several solutions. Key strategies include adopting proper pest control measures through cultural, chemical, and other methods. For example, pests can be managed by adjusting planting depth expanding the number of extension agents in the area, establishing plant quarantine laboratories, providing soil amendments, and enhancing soil and water management. Cooperatives should be established by farmers to make agricultural inputs more accessible. Furthermore, the government should consider purchasing surplus maize from farmers and offering price incentives to boost the national food reserve, so assisting in resolving the world food issue
Costs and Returns Analysis of Cassava Production in Ijebu-North Local Government Area, Ogun-State, Nigeria
No full textThe study on Costs and Returns of Cassava production was carried out in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun state in Nigeria in 2023. Given the importance of cassava in the lives of the farmers and the general public in Ijebu-North LGA, there is need to examine the current trend whether the farmers make profit or not by engaging in cassava production per hectare in the area. This gap will help to encourage farmers to cultivate cassava as a means of improving family living standards. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and determined the farm profit per hectare of the cassava farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) cassava farmers as respondents. The tools used for data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and profitability analysis. The results showed that 75.8% of the cassava farmers are male, 79.2% of the cassava farmers are married, 50.8% are within the age bracket of 51 years and above, 99.2% of the respondents are educated i.e. they have obtained at least a First school leaving certificate, 50% have an household size of 6-10 persons per family, 65.8% of the respondents have a farming experience of 11 years and above, 47.5% of the respondents have a farm size of 4ha and above and 100% of the respondents have personal savings as their major source of capital. The Profitability analysis revealed that the total variable cost (TVC) of producing cassava per hectare was N185,500 and the total fixed cost (TFC) of producing cassava per hectare was N72,015 giving a total cost (TC) per hectare of N257,515. The total revenue generated per hectare was N368,000 with a gross margin of N182,500. The finding further revealed that a profit of N110,485 with N1.43k made on every naira invested into the business. On cassava production constraints, the farmers ranked Lack of Credit/loan facilities, Poor extension facilities and Lack of improved cassava varieties as the three top major constraints. The study recommends that youths should be encouraged to engage themselves in cassava production on a large-scale basis in the study area
Correlation of Selected Germination Indices for Melia volknesii Seed Collected from Kibwezi Seed Orchard
No full textMelia volkensii is an important drought tolerant dryland species with characteristics that make it adoptable to harsh environments. The species is primarily propagated by seeds that are produced in fruits (drupes) that contain a single nut with each nut having two to five seeds. To collect data on the germination indices of M. volkensii, fruits were collected from a seed orchard in Kibwezi and the nuts were extracted immediately. The nuts were stored in open containers for three months and seeds were extracted from the nuts. The extracted seeds were stored for two weeks prior to experimentation and prepared for germination testing. The seeds were then germinated in the glasshouse at KEFRI Seed Center Muguga and nursery at KEFRI Kibwezi using shallow drills and light covering. The sown experiments were then covered with a transparent polythene bag and observed for 25 days. Germination data was collected on daily basis for 25 days and analyzed to generate germination indices. The output was subjected to ANNOVA using Genstat Version 14, and correlations were done. Onset germination was observed between day five and six with 77% germination in the glasshouse and 54% germination in the nursery. Peak germination was reached between day 19 and day 24, with germination rate highest between day 7 and day 19. From the current study, germination outcomes related positively with all other indices with the exception of T50, the index whose increase corresponds with poor germination outcomes. Comparatively, Mean Daily Germination, Germination Value, and Peak Value (indices that indicate a fast germination rate) had a strong positive correlation to germination percentage for the sown M. volkensii seeds
Evaluating the Pathogenic Effects of Three Cuticle-Degrading Enzymes from Beauveria bassiana on Various Life Stages of Bactrocera zonata
No full textBackground: This study focused on managing Bactrocera zonata, an invasive Tephritid fruit fly that attacks a variety of fruits, by applying cuticle degrading enzymes (CDE) extracted from Beauveria bassiana, a phytopathogenic agent for the biological control of insect pests, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis.
Methodology: Proteases, lipases, and chitinases were among the cuticle-degrading enzymes with varying molecular weights of 19–47 kDa, 32 kDa, and 49.47 kDa, respectively. The crude enzymes that were extracted and employed at doses of 1.5, 3, 5, 7, and 10µL were applied to larvae, pupae, and adults.
Results: At 10µL/mL, the death rates for larvae and adults were found to be 78.50±2.10% and 80±2.15%, respectively. Lower amounts (1.5µL/mL) resulted in a mortality rate of 13.33±1.92%, with control coming in second. The treated insects showed a low proportion of adult emergence (10±2.63%) from pupae, while the untreated group of insects showed a greater percentage (65.0±5.77%) of adult emergence.
Conclusion: The outcome demonstrated that concentration affected both adult emergence from pupae and mortality. Consequently, the pathogenicity of B. bassiana mycelium against B. zonata was increased by the addition of CDE