Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
Not a member yet
375 research outputs found
Sort by
Selection of Suitable Genotypes Based on Physiological and Morphological Traits in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
No full textAims: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) as one of the most important oilseeds in the world, has a special role in cultivation and plant breeding research. Especially, the properties of rapeseed oil compounds, which have high oleic acid, antioxidant and positive effects on cholesterol, blood sugar control, blood pressure and cancer, make it one of the healthiest and most important edible oils in the world and an alternative to use Other vegetable oils have been introduced in recent years. Evaluation of different genotypes of Rapeseed in terms of different traits and selection of the most appropriate genotypes can be effective in realizing the goals of plant breeding.
Study Design: In order to conduct the experiment, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Varamin region of Iran in 2019-2020.
Methodology: Each experimental plot had 4 rows of cultivation at a distance of 50 cm. The seeds were planted at a distance of 10 cm from each other and all steps such as watering and weeding were done regularly and manually.
Results: The results of analysis of variance at the level of 0.01 indicated that the evaluated genotypes have significant differences in terms of all traits except the number of grains in the pod. In the means comparison of the traits, grain yield and oil percentage traits, which were selected as the most important traits, the Licord genotype was selected as the most favorable genotype. Based on the correlation analysis between the traits, the trait of grain yield had a positive and significant correlation with the traits of thousand grain weight, number of pods in the main stem, pod weight, days to flowering and oil percentage. Based on analysis of the main components, the first five components accounted for more than 74% of the variance of the total data. The drawn polygon diagram also identified Licord, Hyola-401, SLM046, Modena and Option 500 genotypes as desirable genotypes.
Conclusion: Non-invasive independent predictors for screening esophageal varices may decrease medical as well as financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability
Ecological Study of Aspilia africana and Sida acuta and the Comparative Study of Their Phytochemical Constituents
No full textAspilia africana and Sida acuta are two plant species that are widely distributed across Africa and are used in traditional medicine for various ailments. In this study, we aimed to compare their ecological characteristics and phytochemical constituents. Field surveys were conducted in selected sites across Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria to assess the distribution and abundance of the two species. Data on soil type, rainfall, temperature, and altitude were also collected to determine the ecological factors that influence their growth and distribution. Our results showed that A. africana was more widely distributed and had a higher abundance than S. acuta. A. africana was found in a wide range of ecological conditions, including grasslands, savannas, and secondary forests. S. acuta, on the other hand, was found mainly in disturbed habitats such as farmlands, roadsides, and waste grounds. Both species were found to be adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but A. africana had a higher preference for sandy soils while S. acuta was more commonly found in loamy soils. Phytochemical screening was carried out on samples of the two species collected from different sites. The presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenols was determined using standard procedures. Our results showed that both species contained varying concentrations of these secondary metabolites. A. africana had higher concentrations of alkaloids, saponins and tannins (4.20±0.05 mg/100g) of total saponins, (1.18±0.04 mg/100g) of total glycosides, (8.22±0.40 mg/100g) of total alkaloids, (0.40±0.01 mg/100g) of total steroids, and (2.23±0.03 mg/100g) of total tannins, while S. acuta had higher concentrations of flavonoids and saponins (0.28±0.05mg/100g) of total saponins, (0.55±0.02 mg/100g) of total flavonoids, (2.31±0.03 mg/100g) of total alkaloid, (1.51±0.02 mg/100g) of alkaloids, (1.85±0.04 mg/100g) of total steroids. These findings suggest that A. africana and S. acuta may have different medicinal properties and potential applications. Flavonoids and phenols have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, while alkaloids and tannins are known for their antimicrobial and analgesic activities. Further studies are needed to explore the pharmacological activities of their phytochemical constituents and validate their traditional uses in African medicine
Bioprospects of Tree Species in Bioremediation of Bauxite Residue
No full textRed mud or bauxite residue is a highly alkaline toxic by-product that is generated during the production of aluminum by Bayer’s process. Around 1.5 tons of bauxite residues are produced for generating 1 ton of alumina. The toxicity of bauxite residue is a major catastrophe due to its disposal management as it limits the growth of plant species because of high alkalinity and salinity. In the present study, bioprospects carried through the cyanobacterial strains (viz. Phormidium and Oscillatoria) with the planting of tree species have potentially shown successful outputs on the physical and chemical attributes of bauxite residue. The cyanobacterial strains were combined along with the microbial cultures of VAM (vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza) and PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) to enhance root length, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, plant height, and chlorophyll content. The inoculated seeds of a few plant species namely, Siamese cassia, Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex. Benth., Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Ex DC., Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.)., and Prosopis juliflora var. juliflora were raised to study the effect of bioremediation of bauxite residue for revegetation. Further, we also found that S. cassia, A. auriculiformis, D. sissoo, P. dulce, and P. juliflora var. juliflora thrived well on the amended bauxite residue with other useful inoculums
Evaluating Habitat Distributions and Conservation Challenges of Himalayan Newt (Tylototrinus verrucosus Anderson, 1871) in Thinleygang, Punakha District, Bhutan
No full textAims: This study reports the distribution of Tylototriton verrucosus in different habitats and its conservation challenges in the locality.
Study Design: Opportunistic collection and measurements in diverse habitats (forest, stream, paddy fields, and roads) were gathered in the post-monsoon seasons. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was employed to gather perceptions and awareness of locals on the occurrence and survival of Himalayan newt. A 3200m2 area was surveyed by dividing it into 32 plots for sampling (8 plots per habitat type).
Place and Duration of Study: The study area is located in Thinleygang (27.66°N by 89.83°E), in Punakha district.
Methodology: Opportunistic sampling across diverse habitats (forest, stream, paddy field, and roads) recorded 70 newt individuals. Questionnaire surveys (n=30) gathered local perceptions. Data on habitat distribution, threats, and awareness were analyzed to inform conservation challenges faced by the species.
Results: A population of 70 newts was observed. Female dominance was noted (1:1.45). Morphological traits showed minimal sexual dimorphism. The highest density occurred in paddy fields (31.05/100 m²). People were aware of newts, but habitat changes, pollution, and habitat loss were perceived threats. Altitude and slope showed no significant correlation with newt distribution in the study area. Conservation was deemed important due to cultural beliefs and habitat deterioration.
Conclusion: Newts were prevalent in various habitats, with the highest occurrence in paddy fields (52%), followed by forests (24%), streams (22%), and roadsides (2%). Their activity was influenced by weather conditions, being more frequent during rainy periods and specific duration of the day. Habitat preferences and behavior varied during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Conservation concerns were evident, with perceptions of population decline attributed to human-induced threats like land use change, pollution, and habitat loss. Potential conservation strategies include preserving existing habitats, creating new aquatic environments, and promoting traditional agricultural practices
Effect of Copper Sulfate Induction on Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content
No full textAims: Plants need an appropriate amount of nutrients such as copper for growth and development. However, excess of copper may interrupt plant development and cause stress that led to biochemical compounds being synthesized. The influence of a high copper sulfate concentration on phenolic and flavonoid content in Phyllanthus tenellus plants was investigated.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a government compound at MARDI Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia (2° 59' 31.7292'' N 101° 41' 56.706'' E), from April 2021 to Jun 2021.
Methodology: The experiment was conducted using a vertical column planting system under a side-netted rain shelter. The plants were subjected to 0.5 M copper sulfate sprayed after 60 days of planting and harvested 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after sprayed for further analysis. Total phenolic content was calculated as mg gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid content was measured as quercetin equivalent.
Results: Highest total phenolic and flavonoid content was detected after 0.5 hours of copper sulfate application and started to decrease towards 24 hours after sprayed. Treated samples showed a 1.18-fold increase in total phenolic content and 1.4-fold increase in total flavonoid content compared to control untreated samples after 0.5 hours of sprayed. Control samples showed stability in both total phenolic and flavonoid content throughout the harvesting periods. Phenolic is the major secondary metabolites in Phyllanthus tenellus plants.
Conclusion: Data revealed that the application of 0.5 M copper sulfate is able to enhance total phenolic and flavonoid content in Phyllanthus tenellus plants. The study suggested that the optimum harvesting time is 0.5 hours after copper sulfate application
Effects and Cost-Benefit of Low and High Protein Levels in Snail Diets with Constant Levels of Energy and Calcium
No full textSnails are invertebrates with soft segmented shells. Snail farming is still at the infant stage compared to other farming enterprises because of limited information on the nutrient requirement of the animal. Therefore, a 12-week study was conducted to determine the effect of snails’ diets containing low and high Crude protein (CP) levels with constant level of energy and calcium on the growth performance of African giant land snail Archachatina marginata. In a completely randomized design, a total of 120 snails of the same weight and breed were randomly allotted to five (5) different dietary treatments: PR1 (20% CP), PR2 (22% CP), PR3 (24% CP), PR4 (26% CP) and PR5 (28% CP) with constant energy (2.6 Mcal/kg Metabolizable Energy) and calcium level. The snails were placed in 12 experimental compartments each measuring 0.5x 0.5m2. Results revealed that the body weight gain, feed intake, cost of feed per kg weight gain and dressing percentage yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at the 28% CP. Furthermore, results showed significant (P< 0.05) interactions between protein across the treatments performance indices, shell length, shell width, feed cost per kg weight gain and dressing percentage yield. Feed intake decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at 20% CP level while the FCR values decreased (p < 0.05) at 28% CP level. Shell length, width and thickness was enhanced (p < 0.05) at 20% CP level. Also, the Feed cost per kg weight gain was observed to be significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at the 24% CP. The results obtained in the present study showed that the dietary protein of 24% CP, with constant energy of 2.6Mcal/kg ME is optimally suitable for the growth of African giant land snails Archachatina marginata at reduced cost
Assessment of Some Tree Species in Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria with Potential of Enriching Organic Cosmetic Production
No full textThe interest of consumers around the world is presently increasing toward the use of organic cosmetics. Forest tree extracts play a major role in organic cosmetic productions. This study evaluates forest tree species within semi-arid region of Nigeria with potential to enrich cosmetic industry. Extracts of six (6) common forest tree species found within semi-arid region of Nigeria were collected and incorporated into soap and cream productions. The forest tree species were Acacia nilotica, Adansonia digitata, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camadulensis, Moringa oleifera, and Salix babylonica. A comparative analysis before and after using the soaps and creams for ten (10) months by eight (8) volunteered individuals were carried out to determine the efficacy of the products. The result shows a complete disappearance of all the skin issues of those with skin conditions such as skin blemishes, acne, pimples, skin discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, body odor, and sores after ten months of usage. Skin glowing, smoothness, and even toned complexion were observed from those without skin conditions. Therefore, the development of cosmetic ingredients from various species of forest tree extracts can be an interesting option. It will encourage the cosmetic industries to go into large planting of different forest tree species needed for their cosmetic production and as a result the environmental pollution and degradation will be reduced
Effect of Tree Species Composition and Food Selectivity on the Population Density of Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in Forest Patches of Lagwa, Aboh-Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
No full textAims: Effect of tree species composition and food selectivity on the population density of the Sclater’s guenon was carried out to determine how habitat composition and food preferences affect population density of the Sclater’s monkeys in the study area.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in forest patches of Lagwa community in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State (December 2019-November 2021).
Study Design: The point centered quarter method was used to collect data on trees species, while the visual observation and line transect methods was used to collect data on food preference and population density of the monkeys.
Methodology: The research was carried out within the wet and dry season. Faecal examination was used for collecting information on plant and fruit species consumed.
Results: The most dominant tree species were Khaya ivorensis and Treculia africana with important value index (IVI) of 35.13 and 26.73 respectively, while Bosqueia angolensis was the least dominant species with IVI of 0.99. Tree species with diameter at breast height class of 41cm and above were absent in Eziudo, Obo and Umunekere communities. Dacryodes edulis, Elaeis guinensis, Mangifera indica and Musa balbisiana were the most consumed plant species. The mean troop sizes were 3.21±1.42 for the dry season and 2.78±1.25 for the wet season, with troop density for both seasons as 0.03±0.02.
Conclusion: The findings presents the relationship between the Sclater’s monkey’s diet and their habitat, and how habitat changes can cause changes in the feeding pattern, type of food and meals consumed. Sensitization campaigns and provision of alternative food sources for humans can reduce disturbance of the habitat and further sustain the population of the monkeys
Modelling Tree Height-Diameter Relationship in a Mixed Forest Plantation
No full textThe diameters and heights of the trees are two of the most important measurements in a forest inventory for biomass estimation and sustainable management. Measuring tree height in a forest stand is time consuming and costly, it is necessary to develop models that accurately estimate tree heights from easily measured variables (tree diameter). This study aims to develop models for estimating tree height in a forest plantation located in North-central, Nigeria. The systematic sampling method was used to twenty-one 0.09 ha sample plots in study area. Data on tree height and diameter were collected. Artificial neural network (ANN) model, support vector regression (SVR) model, and four empirical nonlinear models were tested for estimating tree height. The models were evaluated using the Coefficient of Determination, Residual standard Error, Mean Bias and Akaike’s Information Criterion. The results showed that the SVR model best predicted tree heights in the study area than the ANN and empirical nonlinear models. The SVR model explained about 94% variance associating with the dependent variable. The SVR model can be conveniently used for predicting the height of trees in the study area
Harnessing the Power of Rhizosphere Bacteria for Enhanced Soil Nutrient Accessibility and Plant Nutrient Absorption
No full textThe rhizosphere, the region of soil influenced by plant roots, is teeming with bacteria that play a crucial role in enhancing soil nutrient accessibility and promoting plant nutrient absorption. These bacteria interact with plants and soil in ways that have profound implications for agricultural productivity and sustainability. This article provides an in-depth exploration of rhizosphere bacteria, their diverse functions, and their influence on soil nutrient availability and plant nutrient uptake. It presents real-world examples, highlighting how these bacteria can be harnessed to benefit agriculture, such as in biofertilizer development and precision farming. The article also discusses ongoing research and innovations in this area, shedding light on the potential applications and challenges of utilizing rhizosphere bacteria in agriculture. By leveraging these microorganisms, we can foster sustainable agricultural practices that maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Through a deepened understanding of the microscopic world beneath our feet, we can tap into the power of rhizosphere bacteria, creating a more sustainable agricultural future