Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Physicochemical Analysis of Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) Accessions
No full textTaro is an important staple meal for rural people in resource-poor nations in sub-Saharan Africa countries. This study looked at the proximate, mineral, and anti-nutrient content of whole taro corm. Understanding the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in taro is critical for creating conservation and enhancement initiatives. The aim of the study was to assess nutritional diversity and construct a taro pre-breeding population for high dry matter and low oxalate levels. One hundred and eighty eight taro accessions were procured and planted in alpha lattice design in 2019 at Ebonyi State University's teaching and experimental fields. The corms were picked from each accession, washed, and shipped to Nigeria's National Root Crop Research Institute Biochemistry Laboratory. The corms were freeze-dried, crushed, and analyzed for physiochemical parameters using the standard techniques of analysis provided by the Association of standard Analytical Chemists. Significant differences were observed among the taro populations in dry matter content at 22.53 %, ash at 2.46 %, crude lipid at 0.60 %, fibre at 1.74 %, crude protein at 7.79 %, carbohydrates at 9.97 %, and energy at 76.48 Kcal. Potassium content was at 638.91 mg/100 g, sodium at 28.39 mg/100g, calcium at 35.18 mg/100g, phosphorus at 117.61 mg/100g, iron at 7.78 mg/100g, zinc at 2.84 mg/100g, and manganese at 2.03 mg/100g. The soluble, insoluble, and total oxalate concentration was at 74.18 mg/100g, 218.76 mg/100 g, and 291.63 mg/100 g, respectively. A hierarchical cluster analysis of taro accessions revealed three distinct groupings, with cluster three distinguished by high dry matter content and an intermediate oxalate level. The findings revealed the existence of a considerable differential in nutritional content among the taro populations analyzed. Taro is divers in its dry matter and anti-nutrient content. Clustering the accessions according to their merit would aid breeders in sorting genotypes for eating quality metrics like high dry matter and low oxalate levels. These results, needs further work for reliability
Trend Analysis and Prediction of Cropped Area of Bangladesh
No full textThis systematic review is an effort to examine the trajectory of cropped area in Bangladesh using secondary data. This qualitative and descriptive analysis was conducted using numerous government's Statistical Yearbooks. The study revealed that single cropped area was shrinking, whereas multiple cropped area was flourishing. The expansion of areas was observed in both cereals and vegetables. Another significant finding was that a sharp growth was seen in both the net and gross cropped area. The cropping intensity was also gradually rising, which would allow practicing modern technologies to utilize existing and accredited areas. Further studies are required to understand the accredited farm areas in terms of policy-related factors. The study's results offer valuable insights for decision-makers in Bangladesh to preserve and utilize the farmland resources sustainably
Contribution of Sustainable Cocoa Production to Poverty Reduction in Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the contribution of sustainable cocoa certification programme to poverty reduction in Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 360 cocoa farmers (certified and non-certified farmers) from 3 major cocoa-producing states in the country. The Alkire-Foster method of multidimensional poverty index was used along with descriptive statistics to analyze the data collected. The study revealed that the annual average cocoa income of certified farmers and non-certified farmers is ₦954,791.7 and ₦663,742.4 respectively. More than half (63%) of the cocoa farmers are multidimensionally poor and the majority (80%) of them are non-certified cocoa farmers. Therefore, policymakers should develop programme that address multidimensional poverty among cocoa farmers, such as providing access to electricity, drinking water, health care, and sanitation. In addition, more awareness should be created on cocoa certification programme to encourage more participation among cocoa farmers
Assessing the Efficacy of Homoeopathic Medicine Gibberellic Acid 3X in Enhancing Yield Production in Neelam Mango Trees: A Comparative Pilot Study
No full textAims: Assess the influence of Gibberellic Acid 3X on yield production: Measure the effect of Gibberellic Acid 3X treatment on increasing the overall yield of Neelam mangoes, including the number of fruits, fruit weight, and fruit size, compared to the control group.
Study Design: A Comparative Pilot Study.
Place and Duration of Study: MNR Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital premises with good sunlight and ventilation, Sangareddy, between February 2023 to August 2023.
Methodology: The total sample size was taken as 6 Branches of 2 Trees. Three branches of a tree were divided into 3 groups. This is to ensure that the flowers of the mango tree will be receiving the same amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight. Gibberellic acid 3x was prepared according to rules and regulations of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India (HPI). Foliar application of medicine was done after the flowering of plant. The fruits are taken for analysis once they have matured.
Results: The "Gibberellic Acid 3X - Alcoholic potency" group had the highest mean weight (563.94 grams) and circumference (18.106 cm), followed by the "Gibberellic Acid 3X - Water potency" group with slightly lower values (556.67 grams for weight and 17.771 cm for circumference). Additionally, the "Gibberellic Acid 3X - Alcoholic potency" group had the longest mean length (18.833 cm), followed by the "Gibberellic Acid 3X - Water potency" group (17.646 cm). Overall, the "Gibberellic Acid 3X - Alcoholic potency" group displayed the highest measurements in weight, circumference, and length among the three groups.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the potential of homoeopathic medicine, specifically Gibberellic Acid 3X, as an effective alternative for addressing enhancing yield production in Neelam mango trees when applied via foliar spray method on flowers. It opens doors to exploring more sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to mango cultivation and warrants further investigation and application in agricultural practices
Effect of Foliar Application of Zinc on Zn-fortification and Morph-Physiological Responses of Rainfed Wheat Yield: A Review
No full textWheat is a staple food in Pakistan and plays a vital role in the country's agriculture. It is one of the country's most widely cultivated and consumed crops, providing millions of people's food and livelihoods. The study reviewed the literature on the effect of foliar application of zinc on zinc-fortification and the yield of wheat grown under rainfed conditions. The review analyzed a range of studies that investigated the impact of the foliar application of zinc on wheat growth and grain quality. The results showed that foliar application of zinc significantly improves the zinc content of the wheat grain, which has important implications for addressing zinc deficiency in areas where it is prevalent. Additionally, the review revealed that zinc treatment leads to a noticeable increase in wheat yield, demonstrating its potential to improve agricultural productivity in rainfed farming systems. The review concludes by highlighting the need for further research to optimize the application rate and timing of foliar zinc application to maximize its benefits for wheat production under rainfed conditions.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRAC
The Importance of Community Empowerment through Strengthening Farmer Groups in the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Way Terusan Central Lampung, Lampung Province Indonesia
No full textThis study aims to examine and determine the implementation of activities in strengthening the Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in Way Terusan Forest Management Unit (KPH) of Central Lampung, Lampung Province. This study is conducted because apparently only about 87% of 42 forest farmer group still actively run their program. The research was conducted on August - September 2022 using direct observation research method by collecting primary and secondary data. There were 42 respondents that represented the 42 KTH as a research data. The data is analyzed by using descriptive approach that includes both descriptive qualitative and descriptive quantitative research. Based on the results, it is known that the implementation of activities in strengthening farmer groups in KPH Way Terusan are: forming the KTH and involving them in all activities, such as the Fire Care Community activity, Community capacity building based on needs, Improving community welfare through the development of creative economy businesses, Establishing Community Self - Help Forestry Extension Officers (PKSM) and the Establishment of Community Polhut Partners (MMP). The success of strengthening this KTH are supported by :(1) Understanding the potential and weaknesses of the group (39 respondents), (2) Considering the opportunities and challenges that will be faced in the future (28 respondents), (3) Choosing various alternatives that exist to overcome the problems faced (33 Respondents), (4) Organizing group and community life in harmony with the environment on an daily basis (42 respondents), (5) Have expertise and partners in promote results the forest after participate in programs implemented by KPH (40 Respondents). The conclusion of this research is 42 respondents agree that success reinforcement on KTH is supported with exists increase connection life group and coexistent society with environment in a manner continuous
Comparative Assessment of Regeneration, Structure and Species Diversity of Woody Vegetation in Disturbed and Undisturbed Sites of a Secondary Montane Forest, Kenya
No full textSecondary montane forest is created by either natural or artificial disturbances resulting in open canopies. It is an important resource in relation to economic and ecological values, however, it faces over-exploitation. The objective of this study was to compare regeneration, forest structure and species diversity of woody vegetation between disturbed and undisturbed sites of the South-Western (SW) Mau forest reserve in Kenya. A nested research sampling design was used, whereby, plots of 500 by 500 m were demarcated in Itare, Maramara and Ndoinet blocks. In disturbed sites, canopy openings were randomly selected to constitute the sample units. In undisturbed sites, sample plots of 30 by 20 m were randomly nested. Regeneration, forest structure and species diversity were then determined per sample unit. Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction was then used to compare the three parameters in disturbed and undisturbed sites of the forest. A total of 41 gaps were selected (7 large, 11 medium and 23 small gap sizes) in disturbed sites while a total of 19 sub-plots (Itare 5, Maramara 6 and Ndoinet 8 times) were laid in undisturbed sites. There was a significant difference in forest structure between disturbed and undisturbed sites of the forest (P = 0.01, P value adjustment method: BH). The forest was invaded by Piper capensis, Ribes spp. and ferns in disturbed sites which affected the three woody vegetation population parameters. Therefore, enrichment planting was recommended in disturbed sites to conserve biodiversity within the forest
Crop Diversification and Sustainability in a Cocoa Agroforestry System in Meme Division South West Region, Cameroon
No full textThe diversification of crops and trees in cocoa agroforestry plays a major role in ecosystem goods and services. This study investigated the effects of crop diversification in a cocoa agroforestry farms. The study is aimed at identifying crops, crops preference and profitability in a cocoa agroforestry. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaires and field observations. A sample size of 118 respondents was identified for the study. Forty (40) farmers each were interviewed in Matoh and Bole while 38 farmers interviewed in Njombe Mbonge. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Descriptive statistics were used and Chi square (X2) Goodness-of–fit test was performed to check for association at . Results showed that 65 % of farmers had farm sizes between 2-5 hectares with majority of the farmers being males (72.8 %). The major crops farmers diversified in cocoa agroforestry were plantain, cocoyam, cassava, maize, bush mango, bitter cola and Njangsang. The preferences for cultivation of these crops were mainly for food, income and shades. All respondents (100%) cultivated cocoa for income (X2 cal=113.5, x2tab=7.81). NTFPs were cultivated mainly for income with 61.0 %, for Njangsang (X2 cal=25.1, x2tab=7.81), 37.3 % for Bitter cola (X2cal=17.8, x2tab=7.81) and 47.5 % For Bush mango (X2cal=28.5, x2tab=7.81). An average net farm income (NFI) of 187699.8 FCFA and 238252.9 FCFA was obtained per hectare just for cocoa only and cocoa + diversified crops respectively. A net profit margin of 0.49 and 0.54 were obtained for cocoa only and cocoa + diversified crops respectively. This study recommends that diversifying cocoa with crops and some economic trees will yield better income and improved biodiversity
Analysis of Fungal Flora of a Soil Near Biology Laboratory of COOU ULI
No full textIn order to suggest the most effective management strategies, an analysis of the fungal flora in the soil next to the biology laboratory at the COOU Uli campus was conducted. By plating washings from skin surfaces and liquid taken from soil samples in test tubes containing sabourd dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA), which had been mixed with streptomycin sulphate to prevent bacterial growth, fungi were isolated, characterised, and identified. 48 hours were spent incubating the inoculated tubes at 28 2°C. The genera of the isolated fungus include Aspergillus (40%), Mucor (30%), Fusarium (10%), Penicillium (10%), and Geotrichum (10%), with Aspergillus accounting for the majority of their occurrences. This study revealed that the two common genera of fungi were Aspergillus and Mucor, and that the number of colony forming units of the two genera in the soil studied exceeded the tolerance limits in foodstuffs specified by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF). As a result, it is advised that proper precaution should be taken when interacting with soil samples from the study areas
Impact of Native Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris) Based Agroforestry Practice for Livelihood Improvement and Biodiversity Conservation: Insights from South-Western Zone of Bangladesh
No full textThis study aims to explore the impacts of native date palm (Phoenix sylvestris) based agroforestry practices on the livelihood status and biodiversity conservation practices in south-western zone of Bangladesh. To conduct this exploratory study, data were collected from 70 farmers of Chaugachha upazila (sub-district) under Jessore district of Bangladesh using a pre-tested structured questionnaire during the period of May to June 2022. Findings of the study revealed that a wide range of plant species were available in the study area. Among these plant species, palms comprised the highest proportion (42%) while native date palm (Phoenix sylvestris) is the most dominant (38%) among the palm species. It is evident that native date palm based agroforestry practice has significant contributions to improve the livelihood of rural farmers, as majority of the farmers (47%) had moderate status of livelihood improvement while 32% of the farmers had high status of livelihood improvement. Despite facing a variety of challenges, the farmers are willing to continue this agroforestry practice in order to receive benefits from a wide range of aspects (human, social, natural, physical and financial). Most of the farmers of the study area depends on traditional knowledge and practices to manage their agroforestry system. So, proper initiatives need to be taken by the policy makers with provision to participatory training on improved agroforestry management practices and input support services (e.g. planting material, fertilizer, irrigation facility, farm equipment etc.). Priority should be given to ensure easy access to marketing and value chain system for the farmers to make this agroforestry practice economically profitable and a viable option for the rural farmers. This will also lead to develop a sustainable biodiversity management system in Bangladesh