Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Compatibility of Bio and Natural Compounds with Trichogramma evanescens (Westwood) for Pieris rapae Management in Cauliflower
No full textThe efficacy of a bio compound, Protecto (Bacillus thuringiensis) and botanicals extract (mixture of ginger, garlic, hot red pepper extracts and aloe vera) either in combination with Trichogramma evanescens releases or alone was evaluated in comparison to an insecticide, Uphold 36% SC (Methoxyfenozide/ Spinetoram) on Pieris rapae on cauliflower Brassica oleracea. Field experiments were conducted at Atfih District, Giza Governorate, Egypt in September 2020 and October 2021. Results revealed that, all the tested compounds combined with Trichogramma releases were more effective in reducing P. rapae population than when used alone. B. thuringiensis with Trichogramma releases caused 96.91% and 95.32% reduction in larval population in 2020 and 2021 respectively while the reduction in Pieris pupal pupation was 70.87% and 71.59% respectively during these two trials. Similar results were observed with botanical extracts. Parasitization by T. evanescens ranged between 91.95-92.77% in the plots sprayed with bio- and natural compounds during the trials in two years. Meanwhile, the insecticide treatment was the least effective in reducing P. rapae population (37.85% and 47.85% respectively). It could be concluded that either B. thuringiensis or the botanicals extract could be integrated with T. evanescens releases for the sustainable production of Cauliflower
Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Fingerprinting of Sugarcane Varieties Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers
No full textSimple sequence repeat (SSR) fingerprinting was chosen because of its high polymorphism, which enables precise analysis of genetic diversity, for the assessment of genetic variety among several sugarcane varieties. This method focuses on certain areas of the sugarcane genome and offers important insights into the distinctive genetic patterns and relationships between the many sugarcane types under study. To increase sugarcane production and resilience, crop development plans, breeding programmes, and conservation activities must be guided by the data obtained by SSR fingerprinting. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and fingerprinting of eight sugarcane varieties (Isd 16, Isd 20, Isd 21, Isd 24, Isd 28, Isd 29, Isd 30, and Isd 31) using four SSR primers. A simple and efficient method for DNA isolation was employed, and the primers successfully amplified a total of 59 bands from the eight varieties. The results showed that the marker SMC687CS exhibited the highest number of alleles and genotypes per locus, followed by SMC336BS and SMC334BS, while SMC119CG showed the lowest. The highest PIC value was obtained from the marker SMC687CS, indicating its high level of polymorphism. The four SSR markers were able to distinguish 56.25% of all the cultivars evaluated, with the highest linkage distance recorded between the varieties Isd 24 and Isd 28. This study identified and classified the eight sugarcane varieties, indicating genetic differences among them that coincide with their field performances
Influence of Different Types of Manure and Clove Size on the Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium salivum L)
No full textIn order to determine the effects of various types of manure and clove size on the development and productivity of garlic, an experiment was carried out at the Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, between November 2021 and April 2022. The experiment consisted of three sizes of garlic cloves (Viz. C1=small (50gm/100 cloves), C2=medium (70gm/100 cloves), C3=large (90gm/100 cloves)) and four levels of manure (Viz. M0= Control (No manure), M1= Cowdung (15t/ha), M2= Vermicompost (6t/ha), M3= Mushroom spent compost (6t/ha)). The two-factor experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and 12 treatments. Growth and yield of garlic were influenced by the different clove sizes. The C3 treatment had the most leaves (12.77), the largest bulb diameter (4.11 cm), the most cloves per bulb (25.49), the largest clove diameter (1.35 cm), the largest weight of 10 cloves per bulb (13.5 g), and the highest bulb output per hectare (9.43 ton). The growth and yield of garlic were significantly impacted by different level of manure. The M3 treatment produced the highest number of leaves (12.45), maximum bulb diameter (3.73 cm), highest number of cloves per bulb (24.44), highest diameter of cloves per bulb (1.08 cm), highest weight of 10 cloves per bulb (11.83 g), and highest bulb output per hectare (9.92 ton). The highest bulb yield (11.42 ton/ha) was obtained from M3C3 treatment combination, while the lowest bulb yield (5.49 ton/ha) was obtained from M0C1 treatment combination. So, it can be revealed that the M3C3 treatment combination appeared to the best for achieving the higher yield of garlic
An Experimental Study to Know the Effect of Nat Mur 30c in Prolonging Shelf Life of Sapota (Manilkara zapota L.)
No full textThe Manilkara zapota, commonly known as sapota, is a popular fruit with a sweet and juicy taste. However, its shelf life is relatively short, which limits its storage and transportation potential. In this experimental study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Nat Mur 30 in prolonging the shelf life of sapota. To conduct the experiment, we divided the sapota fruit into two groups - the experimental group, which was treated with Nat Mur 30, and the control group, which was left untreated. The fruit was then stored under controlled conditions, and the changes in its physicochemical properties were monitored over time. Overall, our study suggests that Nat Mur 30 has a remarkable effect in prolonging the shelf life of sapota fruit. This finding has significant implications for the fruit industry, as it provides a cost-effective and safe solution for preserving sapota and enhancing its market potential
Optimal Weeding Interval for Grevillea robusta Nursery Seedlings
No full textWeeding for young tree seedlings is critical for their growth. Weeds offer stiff competition for water, nutrients, light and space with the companion crops. Most tree nurseries do not have a formal weeding interval, hence the need for the current research. A nursery experiment was set up to investigate the best weeding interval for Grevillea robusta seedlings for a period of 8 months in Njoro, Kenya. The experiment was laid down in a RCBD with 4 treatments replicated 3 times. The treatments were as follows: Continuous weeding, 1-month weeding interval, 2-months weeding interval and non-weeding. Data was analyzed using ANOVA while LSD was applied to separate the significantly different treatments at P<.05. Results showed that survival for non-weeding (83.33%) was significantly lower (P =.04) compared with 1-month and 2-months weeding interval (100.00 and 96.67%) respectively. Continuous weeding and 1-month weeding interval showed significantly higher height (23.00 and 25.27cm) respectively compared with 2-months weeding interval and non-weeding (17.67 and 13.83cm) respectively. On the other hand, 1-month weeding interval showed the highest root length (22.67cm) which was significantly different (P=.05) compared with non-weeding (15.67cm). Root biomass was significantly higher (P=.02) for 1-month weeding interval (4.67g) compared with non-weeding (2.50g). Grevillea robusta seedlings should be weeded at an interval of one month during the nursery period in order to attain favorable growth. Non-weeding compromises the seedling growth due to severe competition from weeds. Even though continuous weeding favors seedling growth, it is not economical due to high labor demand. Further research should be conducted using different soil mixtures and other species
The Sustainability of Carbon Markets for Climate-Smart Agriculture among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda
No full textThis study assesses the sustainability of Uganda's carbon markets in the context of climate-smart agricultural practices with the aim of aligning them with sustainable development goals. The research emphasizes integrating dimensions of sustainable development to proactively address food security and climate issues. Climate-smart agricultural practices that support the efficiency of small-scale farming enable farmers to generate income through the sale of carbon-related environmental services such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. While these practices contribute to the resilience of smallholder farmers' livelihoods, challenges arise from large project volumes with low transaction costs, resulting in insufficient carbon revenues for local communities. Furthermore, limited methods and complex procedures hinder progress. The study recommends involving national or international organizations to bridge the gap between farmer groups and the carbon market, with a focus on government policy and private sector collaboration to incentivize environmental services. In summary, establishing sustainable, climate-smart agricultural links to the carbon market can bring co-benefits including income diversification, poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation
Diversity and Regeneration Potentials of Some Non-Timber Forest Product Species (NTFPS) in Bagale Hill Forest Reserve, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State
No full textThis study assessed diversity and regeneration of some Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) species in Bagale Hills Forest Reserve Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Parameters evaluated included; species diversity of NTFPs in the study area and regeneration potentials of NTFPs in the study area. A sampling design consisting of an approximately 250m baseline and 5 transects of 20m was used. Thus, all NTFPs individuals, from seedlings to adult individuals, of each species were recorded and their DBH measured. The distance between consecutive transects was 50m. Diversity indices and Importance Value Index (IVI) of the species were determined using relevant formulae. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare results of Shannon Weiners Diversity Indices amongst transects and amongst tree, sapling and seedling species. The results of tree, saplings and seedling species in study site revealed 12, 9 and 10 species respectively. The individual trees, saplings and seedlings species were 41, 39 and 53 belonging to 7 families in the study site respectively. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was no significant difference in Shannon Weiners Diversity Indices among tree, sapling and seedling species in the forests (p ≥ 0.05). Results show species of NTFPs tree which included; Annona senegalensis, Adansonia digitata, Bombax Costatum, Detarrium microcarpum, Haematostaphis barteri, Hexalobus monopetalus, Parkia biglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Ximenia americana, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ziziphus Mauritania and Ziziphus spina-christi. The families with the highest number included Annonaceae, Fabaceae and Rhamnaceae which had 2 species each. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica were the most abundant in Transects I-III, while Parkia biglobosa, and was the most abundant in Transects IV-V. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis, Tamarindus indica and Parkia biglobosa are further shown to have the highest Importance Value Index in all Transects. Results further showed saplings species as they occurred in all the Transects with Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis and Detarrium microcarpum as the most abundant saplings species and highest Importance Value Index. Results showed seedling species of NTFPs encountered in all transects in which Hexalobus monopetalus, Ziziphus Mauritania and Detarrium microcarpum occurred as the most abundant seedling species. Shannon-Weiner (H´) Diversity Indices were; H´ = 1.16223, H´ = 0.86756, H´ = 1.62602, H´ = 1.05492 and H´ = 1.32966 in the respective transects. Shannon-Weiner (H´) Diversity Indices of all NTFPs trees, saplings and seedlings were; trees H´ = 2.39016, saplings H´ = 1.70359 and seedlings H´ = 1.86854 respectively
Effects of Legumes Tree Leaf Mulch Placement and N-Mineralization on Maize Productivity in a Tropical Rainforest Area
No full textNutrient depletion in the rainforest area is a land use constraint that needs urgent attention. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of legumes tree leaf mulch placement and N-mineralization on maize productivity in a rain forest area. Three common indigenous nitrogen-fixing leguminous trees (Albizia ferruginea, Albizia zygia and Spondias mombin) were randomly selected around the experimental site. Fifty (50g) of freshly collected leaves from these species were bulked and weighed into 20cm x 25cm litter bags. Three litter bags were placed above-ground and three below-ground (5cm deep) at three replicates per treatment. Maize was planted at a spacing of 90cm x 30cm. Fresh samples of each mulch were applied in a ring form to the three selected plant per plot in above-ground and below-ground (5cm deep) pattern two weeks after planting. The results showed that Albizia ferruginea had the highest percentage nitrogen (5.49%) and Spondias mombin had the lowest (3.49%). The percentage calcium composition of Albizia ferruginea and Albizia zygia was the same order of magnitude (0.22%), while that of Spondias mombin was 0.16%. The decomposition rate of the samples was highest in Spondias mombin with the lowest remaining weight of 2.92g and 3.16g in above and below ground litter bags respectively at week 10. Albizia ferruginea leaf had the highest nitrogen mineralization of 61.59% at above ground placement and Spondias mombin had the lowest of 52.18%. Nitrogen mineralization in the below ground placement was highest in Spondias mombin (67.32%) and lowest in Albizia zygia (40.39%). Generally, the above ground mulch placement decomposed faster than the below ground mulch placement at week 10. Albizia zygia was found to have outstanding performance on the height, girth and yield of maize. It is therefore recommended to poor resource farmers to allow Albizia zygia to thrive in and around their farms so that the leaves could be used as mulch for crop production
Investigating the Effect of Macroeconomic Variables on Agricultural Output in Nigeria
No full textThe research work investigated the effect of macroeconomic variables on agricultural output in Nigeria. The study used annual data spanning from the period 1995 to 2020. The agricultural output growth represented the explained variable while money supply, commercial bank loan on agriculture, exchange rate, interest rate, recurrent government expenditure on agriculture and inflation rate represented the explanatory variables which served as the selected macroeconomic variables under study. The stationary of the variables were checked using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test. The long run relationship was tested using the Johansen Co-integration technique. The OLS analysis was computed which shows that the model is statistically significance, judging with the p-value of the F-statistic. The analysis also presented that money supply, exchange rate and inflation have a positive relationship with agricultural output within the given period of study while commercial bank loan on agriculture, interest rate and recurrent government expenditure on agriculture have a negative link with the explained variable. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended among others things, that a favorable interest rate should be placed for farmers to easily access the loans of the financial institutions, which will ensure increase in the productivity of the sector
Influence of Cone Physical Characteristics and Extraction Exposure Period on Seed Yield of Pinus patula
No full textThis study examines the correlation between extraction exposure periods and cone physical characteristics on Pinus patula seed yield. Systematic random sampling was employed for tree identification in an even-aged clonal seed orchard, and the laboratory phase was laid down as a factorial experiment with two factors: cone physical characteristics and extraction exposure period at three levels. Seed counts were taken for cones categorized as; heavy, light, narrow, and wide at three extraction exposure periods 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours in a constant oven temperature of 65°C. The experiment had 12 (L1,H1,N1,W1,L2,H2,N2,W2,L3,H3,N3,W3)treatments with 60 cones per treatment. The time spent counting and returning cones during the inter-stage observation ranged from 10 to 15 minutes. Data collected were tabulated and means analyzed using ANOVA with results generated as per the objectives. The number of seeds released within the hours of exposure was captured as the seed extraction rate. The first six hours yielded the optimum number of seeds per cone with the mean highest number of seeds from wide cones. The lowest mean number of seeds released observed was 28, from light cones, while the highest mean number of seeds was observed to be 56 from wide cones. Cone sorting based on size before extraction is recommended for optimized seed yield. The stages of seed extraction employed here can be used in mechanized seed extraction cabinets equipped with timers at controlled temperatures