Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
Not a member yet
375 research outputs found
Sort by
A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid against Mosaic Virus Disease in Capsicum annum
No full textIndia is the world's leading producer, consumer, and exporter of chilli, a commodity with significant worldwide value. Pests, diseases, and viruses pose serious risks to chillies, resulting in large losses every year. A phenolic derivative that is widely distributed in the kingdom of plants, salicylic acid, is known to regulate a number of physiological and biochemical processes, including thermogenesis, plant signaling or defense, and response to biotic and abiotic stress. Salicylic acid's potential as a plant regulator led to the conduct of this study to ascertain its potentized form's effectiveness in varying potencies in preventing Chilli mosaic virus disease in Capsicum annum plants and improving plant parameters. Four groups were used in the study: Group A, B, C and D were administered for placebo, 6C, 12C, 30C respectively. The parameters analyzed in each group are plant height, number of chillies, weight of the chilli, size of the chilli, number of leaves and total yield. The ANOVA single-factor test was used to statistically assess the obtained data. The variations in plant parameters (plant height, number of chilies, weight of the chilli, size of the chilli, number of leaves, and total yield) amongst the four study groups were, respectively, 148.25, 219.58, 67739.8, 14.48, 75.6, and 6.71. At the 5% level, the computed value of F is 11.55, greater than the table value of F crit 2.77 with degrees of freedom v1 = 5 and v2 = 18. Strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the research hypothesis is provided by the obtained P value of 0.000041, which is less than 0.01. According to the findings of this study, Salicylic acid is effective in enhancing the parameters of capsicum annuum infected with the Chilli mosaic virus at varying potencies
Dynamics of Woody Species Composition and Diversity as a Result of Conversion of Open Grazing Land to an Exclosure in Northern Ethiopia: The Case of Tigray Lowlands
No full textExclosures have been establishedon open grazing lands to tackle environmental degradation in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray region. However, little has been know with regard to the effect of establishing exclosures on open grazing lands especially in Lowlands of Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the effect of conversion of grazing lands to an exclosure on woody species composition and diversity at Tselemti district, which was taken as testing site to represent the lowlands of Tigray. To collect data on vegetation, three line transects, parallel to each other and across the slope were laid in the exclosure and open grazing lands systematically at 150 meters interval. Along each transect line, six sample plots measuring 20m×20m were laid down at 100 meters intervals from each other. So, a total of 36 plots (18 from grazing land and 18 from exclosure), measuring 20m*20m, were established along 6 transects for vegetation sampling. 41 and 16 woody species were recorded in the exclosure and grazing land respectively. Shannon diversity, richness, evenness and density were found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in exclosure than grazing land. It can be concluded that conversion of open grazing lands to exclosures is a viable option to restore degraded vegetation. For this reason, additional exclosures have to be established on previously degraded open grazing lands in the area and areas with similar biophysical setup
Evaluation of the Sustainability Status of Arabica Coffee-based Eco-farming on Sembalun’s Drylands, East Lombok Regency
No full textAims: This study aims to evaluate the application of eco-farming practices to support the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming in the drylands of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency. Specifically, it aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of eco-farming in creating a sustainable agricultural system, (2) evaluate the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, and (3) identify solutions that enhance the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming and the well-being of local farmers.
Study Design: The study follows a mixed-methods design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in the Arabica coffee farming areas of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, over a period of two months
Methodology: Arabica coffee farmers in Sembalun were selected as the primary unit of analysis. Data collection involved direct interviews, field observations, and documentation of farming practices. The gathered data were analyzed using Multiaspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA) with Exsimpro software to assess the sustainability across five dimensions: ecology, economy, sociocultural aspects, institutional factors, and technology.
Results: The findings reveal varying levels of sustainability across the evaluated dimensions. The sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun is considered good, with an average score of 64.58, indicating that current farming practices meet sustainability standards. Sustainability solutions for Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun involve a holistic approach, including agroforestry, farmer empowerment through training and cooperatives, product diversification, and support from government and private sectors to balance economic and environmental goals.
Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, highlighting the role of eco-farming practices in improving ecological balance, economic viability, social welfare, institutional support, and technological advancement in farming. The findings suggest several actionable recommendations for policy enhancements to support long-term sustainability and improve farmer well-being in this region
Chemical and Functional Properties of Pasting Producing from Plantain, Mesquite Seed Flours and Rice Bran
No full textThe goal of the study was to see whether plantain flour could be blended with rice bran and mesquite flour to produce composite flour that might be included in the diet of some people with health issues. According to the findings, the chemical composition of the top-rated enriched composite flour showed 10.41 to 14.70 % moisture, 3.37 to 11.70 % protein, 62.79 to 80.74 % carbohydrate, 1.35 to 1.71 % ash, 3.68 to 0.37 % fibre and 0.30 to 0.58 % fat. Mineral composition showed calcium 3.08 to 4.00 mg/100g, potassium 5.03 to 6.65 mg/100g, zinc 0.038 to 0.053 mg/100g, iron 0.029 to 0.038 mg/100g and sodium 0.51 to 0.80 mg/100g. Functional properties showed swelling capacity 3.85 g/g to 4.26 g/g, bulk density 0.40 to 0.44 g/cm3, solubility 6.94 to 17.35 % , water absoption capacity 58.00 to 59.80 %. Therefore, adding up to 30% of rice bran and mesquite flour to the composite flour mix would enhance its nutritional value
Socio-economic Variables Influencing the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) in Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Among Farmers in Yobe State, Nigeria
No full textThe study assessed socio-economic variables influencing the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agricultural extension service delivery among farmers in Yobe state, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area; examine the use of ICTs among the farmers in the study area; and determine the relationship between selected socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and the use of ICTs in the study area. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed. Data were obtained primarily from 130 respondents through structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, and multiple regressions. The results on socio-economic characteristics revealed that majority (67.7%) of the respondents were male, married and within the active age group of 26-40 years (54.6%). Majority (49.2%) had no formal education with a mean household size of 5.35 indicating over dependency on family labor. The respondents (34.6%) had 11-20 years of farming experience but lack ICT proficiency training and were not members of any cooperatives while (57.7%) cultivates between 2-4 hectares in which (47.7%) earns between ₦100, 001-₦300, 000 per annum. Mobile phone, internet and radio were the most frequently used ICT tools by farmers in the study area. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed a high coefficient of multiple determinations (R2) of 0.711. This indicates that 71.1% of the total variables were caused by changes in the independent variables. Educational level, farming experience, computer literacy, and annual income are statistically significant at p≤0.01 level of significance. The study concludes that farmers utilize a limited number of ICTs, although these tools are moderately available and accessible. The study recommended that awareness on the use of ICTs such as the internet and computer for agricultural information transfer and retrieval should be encouraged, dissemination of agricultural information through radio and television programs as well as mobile phone would be recommended for greater agricultural production
Analysis of Beef Cattle Farming Development for Enhancing Food Security and Regional Development in Simalungun Regency, Indonesia
No full textSimalungun Regency possesses substantial geographic potential, including ample land area and a suitable climate, conducive to the development of the beef cattle farming sector. This study aims to analyze the development of beef cattle farming to enhance food security and regional development in Simalungun Regency. The analysis employs the Location Quotient (LQ) and SWOT methods to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the development of beef cattle farming in this region. The findings indicate that the beef cattle farming subsector in Simalungun Regency is a base subsector with an average LQ value > 1, signifying significant development potential. Internal supporting factors include strategic geographic location, adequate human resources, and institutional support, while external opportunities encompass high market demand and government backing. Implementing these strategies is expected to optimally develop beef cattle farming in Simalungun Regency, significantly contributing to food security and promoting sustainable regional economic growth
The Quality of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Corm Flour on Various Tropical Habitat
No full textAims: to provide information on the Quality of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Corm Flour on Various Tropical Growing Media.
Study Design: The research design used in this study is descriptive research, a research method used to investigate the condition of the object directly in a non-experimental manner.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Soil Laboratory, The Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University, Indonesia, between June 2023 and February 2024.
Methodology: The data collection method employed involves gathering primary data through direct observation of the objects and their environments according to the observation parameters. The stages of the research conducted include a pre-survey to gather information regarding the growing habitats of taro. After the pre-survey, a survey is conducted at several locations with terrestrial, semi-terrestrial, and neuston habitats. Once the taro habitats are identified, the determined locations are explored to select sampling points. Four sample points are taken at each taro growth location. The samples collected are the largest taro corms that are ready for harvest. Subsequently, the processing and observation of the taro corm flour are carried out.
Results: The terrestrial habitat is the best condition to improve the quality of taro flour (Colocasia esculenta) compared to the semi-terrestrial and neuston habitats. The terrestrial habitat consistently shows higher nutrient content, including fat, total carbohydrates, sucrose, total sugar, crude fiber, and starch. The environmental conditions in the terrestrial habitat, such as optimal water availability, light intensity that supports photosynthesis, and adequate nutrients, provide an ideal environment for the accumulation of essential nutrients in taro corms.
Conclusion: It was found that the habitat in which taro corms grow has a significant influence on the quality of the corms. The terrestrial habitat appears to be the most supportive environment for the accumulation of these nutrients, followed by the neuston habitat, and lastly, the semi-terrestrial habitat
The Reproductive Biology of Auchenoglanis biscutatus and Protopterus annectens from Lower River Benue Wadata, Makurdi-Nigeria
No full textData on the reproductive biology of Auchenoglanis biscutatus and Protopterus annectens were collected between april 2019 to march 2020. Reproductive parameters including sex ratio was determined as number of males by number of females, gonadosomatic index as total gonad weight by body weight and expressed in percentage while fecundity was obtained via volumetric and gravimetric methods. There was a slight dominance of males over females of both species (1.1:1) with more immature individuals caught within the study period. Higher GSI, gonad length and gonad weight (0.87±0.06, 15.94±0.89 and 3.01±0.19) were recorded in Auchenoglanis biscutatus during dry season while GSI and gonad weight (4.06±0.62, 5.63±0.45) of Protopterus annectens and number of mature fishes (0.35) were higher during rainy season. The relative fecundity for Auchenoglanis biscutatus investigated had no significant difference in both seasons (7.99±0.94, 8.22±0.78) while the relative fecundity for Protopterus annectentens differed significantly among the wet and dry seasons (3.43±0.94, 0.48±0.22). The relative fecundity of Protopterus annectens (11.59±2.04) was higher than that of Auchenoglanis biscutatus (8.04±0.75).it was concluded that the study of the sex ratio indicates that males were higher than females
Diversity of Seedlings in the Kerangas Forest Kersik Luway Nature Reserve
No full textThe Extreme Kerangas Forest is an edapic type of kerangas forest dominated by a much higher quartz sand content than the soil. However, the vegetation in this area is still abundant and the species have their own criteria that are very distinctive and different from other forest types. This paper describes in detail the investigation of seedling variety in the extreme Kerangas Forest of the Kersik Luway Nature Reserve. The research focuses on sapling vegetation in a 1-hectare area of this unique forest type, which is distinguished by high quartz sand content in the soil. The study methodologies are thoroughly described, including the application of the sensus method. The investigation found 38,225 unique saplings representing 16 species from 13 different groups. The most common species were Tristania obovata, Ilex hypoglauca Laec, Podocarpus neriifolius D.Don, Ficus sp. and Calophyllum glaucum. These species thrive in the Kerangas forest's nutrient-poor, acidic soils. According to the report, conservation efforts should prioritize the preservation of these unique ecosystems as well as the rehabilitation of barren areas containing rare species. The severe Kerangas forest in the Nature Reserve is home to a broad assortment of species that have evolved to thrive in harsh environments
Silvicultural Management Impact on Soil Mycorrhizal Association in Tigray Parklands Agroforestry Practices
No full textArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a vital role in plant growth and nutrient uptake. This study examined the effects of canopy distance and pruning frequency on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spore density and root colonization in tree species of the Hawzen District, Northern Ethiopia. Experimental plots were established with varying distances from the canopy and pruning regimes. AMF spore density ranged from 63.33 to 277.67 spores per 100 g of dry soil, with a mean of 147.25 spores. Despite different canopy distances and pruning frequencies, no significant variations in spore density were observed, suggesting an uneven distribution. All essential AMF structures were found in the tree roots, including hyphae, vesicles, and arbuscules. Total root colonization (TRC) was 95.36%, with arbuscular colonization (AC) at 13.10%, vesicular colonization (VC) at 9.11%, hyphal colonization (HC) at 31.63%, and mycorrhizal hyphal colonization (MHC) at 20.68%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in TRC, AC, HC, and MHC among treatments, indicating a robust mycorrhizal association. However, VC remained unaffected. Canopy distance and pruning frequency have influence AMF distribution, The presence of all AMF structures in the tree roots emphasizes the crucial role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in promoting plant growth and resilience in the Hawzen District