Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Growth and Flowering Response of Cymbidium Orchid (Cymbidium erythrostylum) in Different Potting Media, NPK and Sucker Management
No full textAims: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of growing media including mineral nutrition and sucker management to determine the effective growing media composition for plant growth and early flowering.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted at Himalayan Orchid Farm, Godawari during 2013 to 2014. Three factors: media (viz. farmers’ media, bark + charcoal + litter, and bark only); NPK and sucker management (control and removal of side sucker) were evaluated under factorial design with four replications.
Results and Discussion: The result revealed that emergence of flower differed among the media and NPK level as media having bark only gave the highest number of flowering plants, while farmers practiced media was resulted in none flowering plants. The sucker retained management showed the higher vegetative growth; while sucker removed treatment gave the higher flowering plants. Similarly, bimonthly application of NPK 19:19:19 was found superior over control.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the emergence of flowers found excellent on the media having bark only among the potting media and NPK level as while farmers practiced media was resulted in none flowering plants. Thus, potting media having higher proportion of pine bark would be advised for early flowering in contrast to compost on the media
Phenology of ‘Magallanes’ Pummelo (Citrus maxima) Trees and Its Growth and Development as Influenced by Potassium Nutrition
No full textThis study aimed to determine the influence of potassium (K) fertilization on the vegetative growth, flowering and fruit development of 13-year old ‘Magallanes’ pummelo [Citrus maxima (Burm. Ex Rumph.) Merr.] trees. The experiment was conducted at South Davao Corporation (SODACO) farm, Davao city for 12-months duration. Five treatments were observed with increasing K levels were applied per tree: control (no fertilization), without K, 150 g K basal (recommended rate based on soil analysis), 225 g K basal, and 225 g K basal + foliar application. The critical stage of tree growth coincided with the months of May and August. Peak leaf flushing occurred in June and peak flowering with fruit set in April. The crucial stage of fruit development was noted two months after fruit set. Thus, optimum fertilization must be applied during these stages for maximum growth and production in ‘Magallanes’ pummelo. The vegetative growth of pummelo was not affected by increasing K rates. The recommended rate (150g K basal per tree) significantly increased canopy diameter by 76% but higher K rates did not increase tree height, due to the effect of fruit load and nutrient competition. On the other hand, increasing K rates to 50% higher than the recommended rate (225 g K per tree) increased the number of flushes by 36-100%. Flowering, fruit set and yield of ‘Magallanes’ pummelo were also enhanced by higher K rates. Flowering was increased by 4 times, fruit set by 86-100%, fruit number by 7 times, weight per fruit by 22-26%, and yields up to 9 times on trees composted with 225 g K rates. The fruit size (diameter and length), however, did not increase by increasing the K level
Seed Germination Variation among Crop Years from a Pinus sylvestris Clonal Seed Orchard
No full textMaternal effects were assessed by germinating seeds sourced over multiple years from the same cloned mother trees, comparing germination capacity and rate between crop years. The relationships between climatic variables, seed characteristics and germination capacity were determined, and thermal time parameters were used to predict seed dormancy release and germination under the climatic conditions in the year after seed collection. There were significant differences in seed weight (P < 0.05), seed length and embryo occupancy (both P < 0.001) among crop years. Temperature during the seed development period explained 70% of the variation in seed weight and 63% of the variation in embryo occupancy. Germination capacity was significantly (P <0.001) different among crop years, among temperatures and among chilling durations, and thermal time requirements for germination increased from older (2007) to younger (2012) seeds. The mean base temperature without chilling was 7.1°C, while after chilling it was 4.6°C and 3.6°C for four and eight weeks chilling respectively. The mean thermal time to 50% germination without chilling was 135.1°Cd, while after chilling it was 118.3°Cd and 154.0°Cd for four and eight weeks chilling respectively. This experiment demonstrates that year-to-year differences in the environment experienced by mother trees during seed maturation can affect seed germination characteristics
Growth and Volume Estimates of Teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) in Kanya Forest Plantation, Kebbi State, Nigeria
No full textThis study was conducted in order to estimate growth and volume production of Teak (Tectona grandis) in Kanya Forest Plantation, Nigeria. The plantation was divided in to six strata-based age classes (A=38, B=37, C=36, D=35, E=34, F=28, years). Five plots were randomly selected from each stratum. Trees within each plot were enumerated and measured. Variables measured include total height, diameter at the base, middle, top, and diameter at the breast height were taken from 30 temporary sampled plots of 25x25 m approximately from the center, 180 dominant trees were selected from 712 trees. Descriptive statistic was used to summarize the results while inferential statistic (correlation) was used to establish relationship growth and yield variables. Basal area and volume of sampled trees were computed using Excel as well as scatter plots, correlation analysis was achieved using SPSS statistical package version 20. The results of growth and yield values obtained from the dominant trees are (B=249.312 m3/ha, D=196.128 m3/ha, F=134.976 m3/ha, C=119.328 m3/ha, E=100.320 m3/ ha and A=86.976 m3/ha). The results showed that B was (37 years) the best and A (38 years) was the poorest. The results of correlation showed positive relationships with most of the tree growth and yield characteristics but negative relationships exist between age and some parameters that is to say as the age increases those parameters are decreasing
Growth and Yield Response to Fertilizer Application and Nutritive Quality of Huckleberry (Solanum scabrum Mill.) Varieties Cultivatedin the Mount Cameroon Region
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of fertilizer on growth, yield and the nutritive value of three varieties of huckleberry (“White stem”, “Bamenda” and “Foumbot”). The treatments were NPK (20:10:10) at levels 0, 100, 150, 200Kg/ha and 10 Mg/ha poultry manure and the experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The Kjeldahl procedure was used for crude protein determination. The lipid content was determined with the soxlet reflux heat extraction method. The ß-carotene content was determined using spectrophotometry. Results indicated that plants supplied with 200 Kg NPK/ha fertilizer treatment had the highest plant height (66 cm) and leaf number (242) in “White stem” and “Bamenda” varieties respectively and these were significantly different from the control (P = 0.05). Leaf area was highest in “Foumbot” variety (343.1 cm2). The longest tap root length and number of primary lateral roots were noted particularly in “White stem” control plants and this was significantly different (P = 0.05) from plants supplied with fertilizers. Plants supplied with 10 Mg/ha poultry manure recorded the highest total yield for “White stem” (44.83 Mg/ha) while plants supplied 200 Kg NPK/ha had maximum yield for the “Bamenda” and “Foumbot” varieties (36.96 and 31.84 Mg/ha respectively). The “White stem” variety had the highest crude protein (303.8 mg/100 g) and ß-carotene content (1.9 mg/100 g); “Bamenda” variety had the highest total lipid (8.15%), and crude fibre (14.15%) contents, while total ash was highest in “Foumbot” (16.54%). Appropriate fertilizer levels would considerably improve huckleberry yield as well as improve income of vegetable farmers
Effect of Herbagreen Foliar Fertilizer on Growth and Productivity of Maize in the Mid-altitude Zone of Rwanda
No full textMaize (Zea mays L) is still largely a subsistence food crop under promotion as a food security crop and source of income for smallholders. It is grown in the mid altitude zone of Rwanda. Herbagreen is a Bio fertilizer, used successfully in agriculture in different countries of the world.
The objective of this study was to determine the maize response to herbagreen foliar fertilizer application and determine the optimum rate for maximum yield. This was done in Randomized Complete Bloc Design (RCBD) with four treatments, replicated in four times. Four treatments of herbagreen rates including T1 as control, T2=0.31Kg/ ha-1, T3=0.63Kg/ha-1and T4=0.94Kg ha-1 of herbagreen foliar fertilizer. This was applied to a population of 53.333 plants/ha. The planting spacing was used at 75 cmX50 cm with 2 plants per hill. Analysis of variance for the different parameters measured showed that there was a high significant (p<0.001) among treatment for number of leaves, ear weight and grain yield. The effect of herbagreen foliar fertilizer differed significantly (p<0.05) for male flowering, female flowering, ear length, ear diameter and plant height. The maximum grain yield was 4.922 t ha-1 recorded with the application of 0.94 kg ha-1, followed by 0.63 kg/ha which produced 4.629 t ha-1 also 0.31 kg ha-1of herbagreen yielded 4.589 t ha-1 and lastly the minimum grain yield was found in control plots where it produced 3.569 t ha-1 The control plots did not receive any herbagreen foliar fertilizer. The optimum herbagreen foliar fertilizer rate for maximum grain yield was 0.94 kg ha-1 from the regression equation and the predicted grain yield at this rate was 4.8 t ha-1. Herbargreen foliar application can increase Maize yield to a certain extent. However, further experiments need to be done to ensure the sustainability of the application
Assessment of Woody Species Diversity in Different Ecological Zones of Taraba State, Nigeria: A Strategy for Conservation
No full textThis study assessed woody species diversity in different ecological zones of Taraba State. The objectives were to determine the abundance, distribution and comparison of woody species diversity in order to protect and monitor the forest ecosystems. Data were obtained through the woody species survey, and the study area was stratified into three ecological zones and two protected areas. Five plots each measuring 50 × 50 m were sampled in each protected area. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, ANOVA and LSD. A total of 3760 individual woody stands were recorded in the study. A total of 60, 34 and 32 species were also encontered in Montane Forest, Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna, respectively. Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve had the highest species richness value (49) followed by Wasaji Forest Reserve (26) while Gashaka Gumti National Park had the lowest value (13). The Shannon diversity index of woody species in the protected areas were 2.96, 2.90, 2.48, 2.20, 2.46, 2.48 and 2.53 in Ngel Nyaki, Wasaji, Baissa, Jen Giginya and Gashaka, respectively while their corresponding evenness values were 0.76, 0.89, 0.77, 0.79, 0.86 and 0.76, respectively. The higher species richness and Shannon Wiener diversity indices can be attributed to low disturbance and habitat conditions of the ecosystems. While the lower diversity indices could be as a result of overexploitation of woody species. Sorensen’s similarity indices between the ecological zones were 0.11, 0.01 and 0.84 for Montane Forest, Southern Guinea Savanna and Northern Guinea Savanna, respectively. Species diversity differs significantly (P<0.05) among the ecological zones and protected areas. Therefore, more priority areas should be identified and conserved for sustainability
Response of Maize Forage Yield and Quality to Nitrogen Fertilization and Harvest Time in Semi−arid Northwest China
No full textAim: Maximizing the soil nutrient of grain and forage maize production is vital to guarantee enough grains and fodder supply to meet the human and livestock demand. This study was done to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization and harvest time on growth, yield and quality of fodder maize (Zea mays L.).
Study Design: The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four treatments replicated three times.
Place and Duration of Study: Field experiment was conducted in 2014, 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons at the Dingxi Experimental Station, Gansu Province Northwest China.
Methodology: The treatments were fertilizer rates applied planting at 0. 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1 (referred to as N0, N100, N200, and N300, respectively).
Results: It was found out that N300 treatment increased forage yield at 60 days after sowing (DAS) (by 127, 48 and 15%), at 90 DAS (by 83, 45 and 16%), at 120 DAS (by 78, 41 and 13%) and at 153 DAS (by 86, 46 and 14%) as compared to N0, N100 and N200 respectively. Application of N300 increased grain yield by 79, 56 and 8% compared to N0, N100 and N200 respectively; and also increased crude protein (%) across years and growth stages, respectively, by 42, 19 and 3%. At a lesser magnitude, application of N200 also increased forage and grain yield compared to N0. Acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre was decreased with N fertilization (i.e., N100, N200 and N300) compared with N0, which consequently increased relative feed value.
Conclusion: From this study, N300 treatment appear to be the optimal rate of N fertilization for improved forage yield and quality of maize in the semi−arid Loess Plateau
Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth of the Seedlings of Deinbolia pinnata Schum. & Thonn: An Underutilised Multipurpose Species
No full textAims: A pot experiment conducted to assess the effects of organic fertiliser (cow dung) and inorganic fertiliser (urea) on the growth of Deinbolia pinnata Schum. & Thonn seedlings
Study Design: The experimental design was A Complete Randomized Design replicated ten times.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Multipurpose Tree Species Multiplication and Improvement Unit Nursery at Forestry Research Institute Of Nigeria (FRIN) for a period of sixteen weeks
Methodology: The design include 2.5kg of cow dunged tiontilizer application
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 + 5kg of soil,5.0kg of cow dung + 10kg of soil, 7.5 kg of cow dung + 15 kg of soil and urea 0.5 g of urea +5 kg of soil 1.0 kg of urea +10 kg of soil and 1.5 kg of urea = 15 kg of soil with control (no fertilizer application).
Results: It was found out that fertilizer application had a significant effect on all the growth variables at 0.05 probability level. The best performance was recorded in the seedlings raised with cow dung with a mean value in plant height (20.59 cm), a number of leaves (36) and a number of branches (32) while the control has the highest mean value in collar diameter (6.96 mm).respectively.
Conclusion: It is recommended that organic fertilisers should be applied in raising Deinbolia pinnata seedlings. These research advocates for the use of naturally produced fertilisers as products from such is safe for human consumption. this can also reduce the harmful effect of an inorganically produced crop on mankind
Determinants of the Quantity of Non-timber Forest Products Collected from Forests of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan, Nigeria
No full textThe study was carried out to access the determinants of the quantity of non- timber forest products collected from Block A and Golf course forests of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Samples of one hundred and five respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using well structured interview schedules. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions. The study showed that all the respondents involved in the collection of NTFPs were female and native of the area with the average age of 51 years. Majority were not educated, were married with 5-7 household size, 11-20 years of experience and are closer to forest by 2-5 km. The study further revealed that eight types of NTFPs which includes firewood, bamboo, palm kernel, water leaf, pseudocolocynth, gum tree, Oil bean seed and drum tree were collected with the total weight of 12,385 kg. Firewood formed the highest quantity of NTFP collected. There was significant relationship between the quantity of NTFPs collected and the factors that are affecting it. Labour cost, transportation cost and extent of sales were significant at 1%, cost of tools and household size were significant at 5% while years of experience was significant at 5% probability level thus play a crucial role in the quantity of NTFPs collected. The problems militating against the collection of NTFPs were cost of transportation, restricted access to the forest, seasonality and perishability of the NTFPs. Thus, it can be concluded that IITA forest serves as a reservoir of NTFPs which are useful for food, medicine, cooking and wrapping or preservation of food items. The study therefore recommends that studies should be conducted on the domestication and conservation of NTFPs that are useful especially for medicinal purposes and for food to reduce pressure on the forest and ensured continuous supply and availability to the people that needs the