Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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An Overview of Biodiversity in Bhutan
No full textBhutan is included in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Because the country's total forest cover surpasses 70%, the exclusive hotspot is a paradise for rich biological diversity. Some of the world's most endangered species can be found in Bhutan's five national parks, four wildlife sanctuaries, one strict nature reserve, a network of biological corridors, and even outside the Protected Areas. The country’s documentation of its rich flora and fauna is in the early stage, and to document the biological diversity in Bhutan, more research needs to be carried out. Bhutan’s biodiversity faces a major threat from anthropogenic activities and climate change
Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Tada Shonga Irrigation Scheme Soil
No full textThis research was conducted to analyze the soil physico-chemical properties of Shonga Irrigation Scheme to ascertain its suitability for rice production. The study was carried out in the dry season of 2019. Disturbed soil samples were collected from the 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil layers in five identified areas in the irrigation scheme. The samples were sent to the Soil laboratory of the Lower Niger River Basin for physical and chemical analysis. Most of the soils were strongly acidic to moderately acidic with pH values ranging between 4.8 and 5.7. The organic carbon and organic matter ranged from 0.13 to 0.19% and 0.03 and 0.32%, respectively which implies low fertility. Calcium values ranged between 2.1 and 3.75 cmol/kg, with the low values related to the soil pH status. Magnesium values averaged 2.48 and 1.95 cmol/kg in the top and lower soil layers, respectively. Exchangeable Acidity (EA) values ranged between 0.20 and 3.40 cmol/kg in the surface horizon and between 0.2 and 5.4 cmol/kg in the sub-surface horizons. Available phosphorus had an average of 40.05 and 23.14 ppm in the surface and sub surface soil layers, respectively. Analysis of variance techniques was used for significant differences within chemical properties. For all tests, a threshold of P=.05 was used to define statistical significance. Soil pH and available phosphorus were within the recommended land suitability requirement for rice cultivation. Organic carbon, organic matter, calcium and magnesium were not within the recommended range for rice production. Organic carbon and organic matter can be supplied through the incorporation of organic manure
Chemical and Functional Properties of Different Rice Varieties from Ebonyi and Anambra States Nigeria
No full textThe chemical and functional properties of selected rice varieties commercially cultivated in Ebonyi and Anambra States of Nigeria were evaluated. Four rice varieties each (IR-8, 1416, Faro 44 and 306) from these States were analyzed for the mineral, vitamin, functional and phytochemical properties. The mineral contents of the rice samples were a range of copper (0.01-0.06mg/100g); Calcium (0.31-0.55mg/100g); lead (0.04 to 0.12 µg/g); Iron (0.54-1.26mg/100g); Zinc (0.92-1.76mg/100g), Phosphorus (12.25-28.68mg/100g). Potassium (58.01-74.02mg/100g); Manganese (0.05-0.23mg/100g) and Magnesium (0.19-0.58mg/100g). Vitamin contents of the rice samples had a range of thiamine B1(0.02-0.08mg/100g); Riboflavin B2 (0.10-0.28mg/100g) and niacin B3 (2.35-3.48mg/100g). The functional properties were in range of bulk density (0.71-0.83g/cm3); water absorption capacity (2.60-4.00g/ml); swelling index (1.20-1.82); gelation temperature (82.00-90.000C); amylose (17.88-27.50%) and amylopectin (73.54-81.85%). The phytochemical contents of the rice samples were in a range of tannin (0.01-02mg/100g); Phytate (4.27-9.28mg/kg); Oxalate (0.02-0.40mg/100g); flavonoid (1.14-5.58%) and carotenoid (473.59-4542.97mg/100g). The results of the mineral contents showed that the selected varieties were generally low in Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium; high in calcium and potassium but low in lead content. The results of the vitamin contents showed that the selected varieties had low level of Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) and good level of Niacin (B3). The result of the functional properties showed that the selected rice varieties were showed lowest in bulk density and water absorption capacity; moderate in swelling index and gelatinization temperature; however. 306 and1416 had good level of amylose whereas IR-8 and Faro 44 had good levels of amylopectin. Results also showed that the selected varieties were generally low in phytochemical contents and wouldn’t pose nutritional risk when consumed. The result of this study can go a long way to an effective utilization of our indigenous varieties thus adding value to the crop
Factor Affecting Purchase of Quality Wood: Understanding Perceptions of Wood Workers Using Logistic Regression Model
No full textWoodworkers purchase wood from farmlands as well as from the timber markets, transport them and later convert them into usable products keeping in mind their profitability and customer relationship. Wood with problems not only devoid woodworkers with profit, in turn, affect customers with low quality products. This research is, therefore, formulated to understand factor affecting wood workers ‘choice of quality wood in Multan timber market, Pakistan. A total of 60 respondents were interviewed by administering questionnaire using snow-ball sampling technique. The wealth of information obtained thus analyzed using logistic regression technique to draw meaningful inferences. The results revealed that wood problem related to Insect’s pests and diseases (B= .234, Wald 3.687, sig .05), wood defects (B=-.294, Wald 3.833, Sig -.050) and perception of safe transportation (B= 3.833, Wald= 5.479, sig =.019) positively affect wood workers’ choice of quality wood purchase. The research concluded that woods available in timber markets should be free from insect pests and defects damage to save woodworkers and customers premiums. This might entail trainings organized by government for consumers and wood workers to identify wood problems and purchase quality woods
Effect of Different Rates of Liquid Trichoderma harzianum on Growth Enhancement of Tissue Cultured Abaca Seedlings
No full textThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different rates of liquid Trichoderma harsianum on the growth enhancement of tissue-cultured Abaca seedlings. There are six treatments replicated four (4) times with 5 samples per replication. The following were the treatment: T0-control, T1- 50 ml of L.T, T2- 40 ml of L.T, T3-30 ml of L.T, T4- 20 ml of L.T, and T5-10ml of L.T/liter of water. Based on the results, it did not successfully reject the null hypothesis on plant height, pseudostem girth, leaf count per plant, leaf area per plant, and the number of primary roots of Abaca seedlings treated with liquid Trichoderma harsianum. While the two parameters successfully rejected the null hypothesis, there is highly significant that developed greater lengths for their shoot and root lengths treated with liquid Trichoderma harsianum. When compared to the control, the use of Liquid Trichoderma harsianum can significantly increase abaca growth. Treatment 3 of Abaca seedlings with 30 ml of liquid Trichoderma harsianum was the most effective of the five treatments with this substance. The correlation between treatments and parameters is also favorable
Evaluation of Trees Species Diversity, Abundance and Soil Physicochemical Properties of Ukpon River Forest Reserves, Cross River, Nigeria
No full textCurrent status of species diversity, composition and abundance provides guidance for their management and assessment of their ecological usefulness. In this study trees species diversity, abundance and soil properties of Ukpon River Forest Reserve was assessed. Line transect method was using to establish 4 sample plots of 50 x 50 m. Data on vegetation were collected using the appropriate tool and soil samples from the plot were collected with the aid of soil auger. Tree species composition, abundance and diversity indices were estimated using the appropriate formulae and soil samples analyzed following standard methods. A total of 194 individuals in 60 species belonging to 26 families were encountered in the study area. The dominant families are Leguminaceae, Moraceae, Fabaceae, Burseraceae, Apocynaceae, Calsalpinaceace and Euphorbiaceae. The total basal area estimated for tree species was 147.615m2 with Bombax bounpozen having the highest of 11.09m2 and relative dominance (RDo) of 7.51% while Piptadeniastrum africana has the highest relative density (RD) of 7.73% and importance value index (IMI) of 15.63%. Based on their relative density, 68.34% of the trees were Rare, 18.33% Threatened or Endangered, 5% Abundant/ Occasional and 3.33% Frequent. The study had a high Shannon – Weiner index value of 3.04 and Margalef richness of 20.67 and low dominance index of 0.06. The soil properties such as Clay, Organic matter, Phosphorus, Calcium, Cation Exchangeable capacity and Base Saturation were high. The pH value of 5.77 shows the soil were moderately acidic. These properties have been shown to improve soil fertility status and moisture content needed plant growth. Although the tree species diversity in the study area was high, some species appears to have been threatened while majority were rare, sustainable conservation effort should be geared towards ensuring their continuous existence
Capparis spinosa var. inermis Turra: Presentation, Uses and Socio-economic Benefits
No full textThe caper (Capparis spinosa var. Inermis Turra) is a bushy sub-shrub, 30 to 50 cm high. It is a small "sarmentose" shrub with unarmed twigs belonging to the Capparaceae family. It is a species of Saharo-Arabian and Mediterranean origins, which is characterized by food, ecological, socio-economic and ornamental importance. It is also known for its medicinal and therapeutic virtues, which are very interesting given the pharmacological activities of the phytochemicals present in the different parts of the caper tree (roots, leaves, buds, fruits, bark and seeds). Its mode of propagation is by seed or by semi-woody, woody, semi-herbaceous and herbaceous cuttings
Effects of Different Potting Media on the Germination and Early Growth of Newbouldia laevis. (P. Beauv.) Seem.
No full textThe research was conducted at the screen house of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. The study was carried out from January to May 2021 to access the effect of different potting media on germination and early growth of Newbodia laevis.
Treatments were laid out in a Complete Randomize Design (CRD) with four replications. The germination parameters measured were days to germination, germination period and germination percentage while the growth variables measured includes plant height, collar diameter and number of leaves. The potting media used were T1 (topsoil and cow dung), T2 (topsoil and goat dung), T3 (topsoil and poultry dropping), T4(topsoil and sawdust), T5 control (topsoil only).
Data collected were subjected to R software, using the following packages: plyr, car, gvlma, one-way tests, user friendly science, ggplot. Results obtained indicated that T1 had the highest germination percentage (85%) followed by T2 and T3 with germination percentages of 82% and 80% respectively. T4 had the poorest germination percentage (60%). The results also showed that the treatment had direct effect on the seedling early growth; the highest mean collar girth was observed in T1 with 1.85 cm while the least was observed in T4 with 0.72 m. The highest mean height was observed in T2 with 22.15 cm while the least was observed in T4 with 7.23 cm. Also, the highest mean number of leaves was observed in T2 with 21leaves while the least was observed in T4 with 7 leaves. Based on the findings of these experiments it is recommended that for maximum growth and optimum germination of Newbodia laevis, T1 and T2 should be used, sawdust had poor germination and growth performance and thereby is not recommended for the early growth of Newbodia laevis seedlings
Assessment of Conflict between Humans and the Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in relation to Plant Species Utilization in Aboh-Mbaise Communal Forest, Imo State, Nigeria
No full textAims: Assessment of conflict between humans and sclater’s guenon in relation to plant species utilization was carried out to determine the conflict between humans and monkey, and identify the plant species parts utilized by the monkeys in area.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Lagwa community forest, Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, between December 2019 and November 2021.
Study Design: The Point transect and visual observation methods were used to collect data on population and food availability.
Methodology: The research was conducted during the dry and wet seasons. Questionnaire were used to collect information on conflict between humans and guenons, while visual observation and faecal examination were used to identify plant species and part utilized.
Results: Habitat loss, raiding of farms, destruction of roof tops, and food scarcity were the causes of conflicts between monkeys and humans, while awareness creation and establishment of wildlife sanctuary were ways of reducing conflicts between monkeys and humans. Twenty six plant species were utilized by the monkeys for cover. Pear (21%), oil palm (16%), and mango (13%) were the most utilized during the dry season, while Pterocarpus erinaceous (15%), Dacryodes edulis and Treculia africana (11%) were utilized mostly during the wet season. The monkeys consumed more seeds (63%), less fruits (25%), and leaves (13%) during the wet season, and fruits (71%), leaves and seeds (14%) during the dry season.
Conclusion: The findings of this research is a guide to understanding the conflict that exist between humans and the sclater’s guenon, as well as communicate the type of plants and parts consumed by the animals. Awareness creation on the need to regenerate the remaining fragmented habitat and establishment of a rehabilitation centre for the animals can be a conflict reduction measure, and can provide alternative food sources for the animals
Assessment of Population Abundance, Density and Habitat Preference of Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in Aboh-Mbaise Communal Forest, Imo State, Nigeria
No full textAims: We assessed the population abundance, density and habitat preference of sclater’s guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri) in Aboh-Mbaise communal forest to inform conservation efforts for the species now and in the future.
Study Design: We used the point count sampling method to estimate population size.
Place and duration of study: The study was carried out in Lagwa communal forest, Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, between December 2019 and November 2021.
Methodology: We laid-out eight 2.5-km transects in a land area of 28,500km2. We enumerated and measured trees using the point-centered quarter method.
Results: Results of this study indicated that they were 738 individual monkeys, 392 in dry and 346 in the wet seasons. The population density was 0.04 ± 0.01 individuals/km2, with troop sizes of 4.09±0.83 and 3.68 ± 0.75 for dry and wet seasons, respectively. The monkeys were sighted mostly in secondary forest, sacred groves, and economic trees. Most of the trees were within the diameter-at-breast-height class of 21cm-30 cm. A total of (304) plant species were used by the monkeys for cover in both seasons; these included Dacryodes edulis, Elaeis guinensis, Magnifera indica, Treculia africana and Pterocarpus erinaceous.
Conclusion: The findings of this research is a prelude to understanding the population dynamics and habitat structure of the sclater’s guenon in the study area. Massive sensitization of the locals, regeneration of the remaining fragmented habitat and establishment of a wildlife sanctuary are needed to allow conservation of the species and its habitat