Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Automation in Agriculture: A Robotic Approach to Weed Control for Greenhouse Cucumber Cultivation
No full textThe increasing global population has heightened the demand for efficient food production, leading to the adoption of compact cultivation methods such as greenhouses. However, weed growth within these controlled environments significantly challenges crop productivity. The application of robots can be a useful and economic choice. This study presents an innovative, purely mechanical system for weed control in greenhouses, specifically designed to operate autonomously on a monorail. The machine stops in the distance between the two main plant rows (cucumber) and its arm goes into the gap to deploy the weeds by rotating its blades. This is continued repeatedly. The cutting is by the rotational speed of the blade. Variable-speed motions of the blade were at 3500, 2500 and 1500 rpm for 3 types of moulinex, triangular, and circular blades. The movement speed of the arm was 10 and 30 rpm and the forward movement speed of the machine was 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 120 rpm. The results showed that different blades, blade speeds and engine speed affect significantly (p <0.05) the percentage of weeds being cut. Although the interactions of these factors have no significant effect on percentage; the average percentages by the blades have significant differences. Although the interactions between these factors were not statistically significant, the comparison of means revealed that at lower blade speeds, the blade type had a pronounced effect on weed-cutting efficiency. As blade speed increased, differences in blade performance diminished. The most effective combination was achieved using Moulinex blades at 3500 rpm with a 10-rpm arm speed, resulting in the highest percentage of weeds cut. These findings suggest that optimizing blade type and speed can significantly enhance the mechanical weed control efficiency in greenhouse environments
Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
No full textSoil quality declines due to the conversion of natural vegetation into farmland and grazing areas. The response of soil properties to land use and land cover changes (LULC) exhibits both spatial and temporal variations. This study aimed to assess the effects of LULC changes on the physico-chemical properties of soil in the Wojic watershed. Soil samples were collected from natural forests, bushland, shrubland, and cultivated lands across three landforms of the watershed (upper, middle, and lower) to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the soil associated with different LULC types. The LULC categories were compared using mean values and critical thresholds for selected physicochemical soil properties. Soil analysis was conducted using R software, employing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A normality test was performed before the post hoc analysis, and Tukey’s honest significance difference (HSD) test was utilized for mean separation among the LULC types. Additionally, a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated for the years 1997 and 2017. A simple linear regression model was developed to estimate soil physico-chemical properties over the past 20 years, using laboratory soil parameters and the NDVI for 2017. The pH values showed a slight decrease in cultivated land (from 5.7 to 5.4), bushland (from 7 to 6.6), and shrubland (from 6.5 to 6.2) over the study period. The analysis indicated a declining trend in physico-chemical properties, attributed to changes in vegetation cover and management practices. Consequently, the government needs to enforce policies and regulations that promote effective land resource management and utilization, with particular emphasis on the proper management and conservation of forests, bushlands, and shrublands, as well as measures to prevent increased land resettlement
Eco-Habitat Assessment of One of the Most Expensive Edible Mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake) in Genekha, Thimphu, Bhutan
No full textTricholoma matsutake (S. Ito & Imai) Singer is most expensive edible mushroom, naturally grown dispersed in temperate oak pine forested areas in Bhutan. It is ectomycorrhizal fungi with high ecological and economic value requiring an important ecological niche and symbiotic tree associates. The present study is an attempt to give an account on floristic composition and vegetation structure of Tricholoma matsutake habitat in Genekha, Thimphu. A total of 10 plots were enumerated with plot size of 20m X 20m, 5m X 5m and 2m X 2m for trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. PAST (Paleontological Statistics) 4.10 software was used for diversity analysis. A total of 58 species under 44 genera belonging to 26 families were recorded in the natural habitat of matsutake. The study revealed that T. matsutake is associated with Quercus semecarpifolia Sm., Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jack., Rhododendron spp., and Pieris formosa (Wall.) D. Don. J-shaped distribution curve of DBH and height class with fair regeneration status is obtained for associated species in the habitat. The Menhinick’s species richness of (2.26, 2) for both North facing habitat (NFH) and South facing habitats (SFH) indicated high species richness. Moderate and low diversity is indicated with Simpsons index 0.94 (NFH) and 0.76 (SFH), Shannon index 3.06 (NFH) and 2.49 (SFH) with moderately even distribution 0.74(NFH) and 0.73 (SFH) of species in the habitats. Sorensens similarity index of 0.9 indicated highly similar species composition between two habitats. This research provides current floristic and vegetation structure of Tricholoma matsutake habitat, that will have high significance in habitat management and conservation. 
The Analysis of Determinants of Production and Optimization of Garlic Farming in Sembalun District East Lombok Regency
No full textEach farming aims to maximize farming income but is constrained by the quantity of inputs. The limited quantity of input is faced by farmers who cultivate garlic plants. One solution is to utilize production inputs available at the location where farmers live, such as organic fertilizers, to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers. The purpose of the study is to analyze the influence of the use of production inputs on production quantity and to determine the level of efficiency of the use of each production input. The purpose of the research was achieved through the collection of primary data from the results of the garlic farming survey in Sembalon District, East Lombok Regency. As a respondent, 71 farmers cultivate garlic. The research location is in Sembalun Bumbung village and Sembalun Lawang village. The number of sampling units in each village was selected using a proportional random sampling technique of 44 farmers in Sembalun Bumbung village and 27 farmers in Sembalon Lawang village. Production quantity and input quantity data were analyzed by multiple regression followed by an analysis of the ratio of marginal production value to the price per input unit to determine the status of efficiency in the use of production inputs. The results of the study showed that the use of organic fertilizer inputs, ZA fertilizers, and phonska fertilizers had a real effect on the production quantity. The use of organic fertilizers is not optimal, while the use of ZA fertilizers and phonska fertilizers needs to be reduced to increase efficiency
Evaluation of Fungicides Efficacy for the Control of Yellow Rust (Puccinia striiformis f.s.tritici) Disease on Bread Wheat, Arsi Highlands of Ethiopia
No full textTwo new verification test fungicides namely Cayunis EC 325 (Bixafen 75g/L +Spiroxamine 150g/L + Trifloxystrobin 100g/L), and Tridium 70 WG (Mancozeb59.7%+Azoxystrobin 4.7%+Tebuconazole 5.6%WG and evaluated with standard checks called Nativo SC 300(trifloxystrobin 100 gm/lt + tebuconazol 200 gm/lt) were evaluated the efficacies in controlling the yellow (stripe) rust. The objective of the study was to evaluate and verify the efficacy of new fungicides against yellow rust disease control and recommend for registration. The trial was conducted in non-replicated with replication of sites at Meraro substation and Kulumsa agricultural research center, and Boru Chilalo farmers’ field. The test fungicides of Cayunis 325 EC and Tridium 70WG had decreased the disease severity to the lowest level of 20% at all locations but 60% to 90% disease severity was recoded on the unsprayed treatment. The highest grain yield was recorded from cayunis 325 EC treatment was recorded 5861, 6428, 5398kgha-1 whereas Tridium 70 WG was recorded 2878, 6035 and 3224kgha-1at Kulumsa, Meraro and Boru chilalo respectively. Although the differences of test fungicides were not statistically significant, treated plots consistently produced higher yields, thousand kernel weights, and hectolitre weights than untreated plots. The result revealed that Bixafen 75g/L +Spiroxamine 150g/L + Trifloxystrobin 100g/L), and Mancozeb59.7%+Azoxystrobin 4.7%+Tebuconazole 5.6%WG fungicides were effective in controlling yellow rust disease and improving high grain yield than trifloxystrobin 100 gm/lt + tebuconazol 200 gm/lt and unsprayed control treatments in all tested experimental sites and recommended for registration
Impact of Controlled Release NPK (16:16:16) Fertilizer on Soil Total Nitrogen Content, Nitrogen Uptake, and Growth of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) in Jatinangor Inceptisols
No full textThe potential for sweet corn in Indonesia is very high, however, its cultivation often experiences problems, one of which is that the planting land has a low fertility level. Optimizing the use of fertilizer is one way to increase soil fertility and increase the growth of sweet corn. Using controlled-release NPK fertilizer is the best way to ensure that nutrient availability meets plant nutrient needs. This experiment aims to obtain the best effect and treatment of coating and time on total soil N content and N uptake of sweet corn plants. The experiment was carried out from June to September 2021 at the Experimental Garden and Laboratory of Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor. This experiment used a Split Plot Repeated Observation Design experiment over time with 12 treatment combinations and 3 replications consisting of 3 levels of coating treatment, namely without coating (C0), 5-6% coating (C1) and 11-12% coating (C2); and 4 treatment time levels, namely 15 days after planting (W1), 30 days after planting (W2), 45 days after planting (W3), and 60 days after planting (W4). The research results show that; (1) there is no interaction between the coating factor and the time factor on total soil N content and plant N uptake; (2) There is an independent influence of the coating factor on soil N-total and plant N uptake. Coating treatments of 5-6% (C1) and 11-12% (C2) produced lower total soil N content and plant N uptake compared to the treatment without coating (C0); and (3) There is an independent influence of the time factor on the total N content of the soil, but it has no significant effect on plant N uptake. The longer the application time is followed the higher the total N content of the soil and plant N uptake
Valuation of Proceed PlusTMMD and Verification of CelestTop312.5FS Fungicides for the Control of Loose Smut of Wheat in Southeastern Ethiopia
No full textWheat is considered one of the utmost grown agricultural grain crops in the world to meet the food requirements of the domain’s population. In Ethiopia, wheat is one of key cereal crops whose area of cultivation and volume of produced boosted year after year. However, the production and productivity of wheat is truncated by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, wheat loose smut disease caused by Ustilago tritici is one of quality and quantity incurring diseases but getting lower research attention. A field experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate and verify the efficacy of fungicides against wheat loose smut diseases and put updated recommendation for users. It was executed at three loose smut hot spot locations, Meraro on-station, Kulumsa main center and Wonjigora on farm in 2023 main cropping season. Two different fungicides including the test fungicide (CelestTop312.5FS) and standard check (Proceed PlusTMMD), as well as untreated plot were used as a treatment. The trial was laid out in non-replicated plots at three sites where locations were considered as replica. The result of the research finding revealed that fungicide treated treatments significantly reduced loose smut diseases severity to the lowest level possible over the nil application. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p ≤ 5%) between the test and check fungicides in reducing loose smut diseases severity. Test fungicide revealed comparable level of efficacy on loose smut diseases severity reduction compared to the standard check. There was highly significant difference (p ≤ 5%) hectoliter weight between fungicide treatments and nil application of fungicide but insignificant variation in grain yield and thousand seed weight. Both fungicide treatments also revealed significant diseases management advantage than untreated plots. Thus, the newly verified fungicide CelestTop312.5 FS at a rate of 200ml fungicide with 1 to 2 liters of water as wetting agent for 100 Kg of wheat seed is found to be very effective in controlling loose smut diseases and is recommended for registration. Similarly, proceed PlusTM MD at a rate of 0.004 liter fungicide per kilogram of seed is suggested for further use for producers to control wheat loose smut diseases as sole or integrated disease management options
Challenges and Advances in Managing of Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat: Insights from Ethiopian Agriculture
No full textWheat, a vital staple crop feeding 35% of the global population, faces significant threats from plant diseases and climate change, with Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) being one of the most severe challenges. FHB, primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum, leads to substantial yield losses and mycotoxin contamination, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA), which pose serious health risks and complicate international trade. In Ethiopia, FHB prevalence can reach up to 90% in regions with high humidity and warm temperatures during wheat anthesis, severely affecting grain quality. Over 20 Fusarium species have been identified in the country, further raising concerns about mycotoxin contamination. Current management strategies include cultural practices such as crop rotation and tillage, fungicide applications, and breeding for resistance. However, these methods are not fully reliable, and integrated approaches are essential to sustainably manage FHB and mitigate resistance development. This review synthesizes existing research on FHB, focusing on its impact in Ethiopian agriculture and exploring effective management strategies to improve wheat productivity and food security
Evaluation of Different Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Cultivars for Yield and Biomass Production
No full textIn a field experiment conducted at Girija Prasad Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Center, Morang, Nepal, spanning from April to August 2022, the study aimed to assess the yield and biomass production of various okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) varieties, including Arka Anamika, Chandani, Chiranjeevi F1, F1 Glory, Gunjan, JK1666, OH-940, Punjab Selection, R35 Selection, and Swastik-2. Results unveiled significant variability among the varieties, with F1 Glory (0.91 Kg/m2) and Punjab Selection (0.96 Kg/m2) emerging as top performers in average yield per m2. Conversely, Arka Anamika, Gunjan, and JK1666 exhibited the lowest yields. Notably, Punjab Selection (4.17 Kg/m2), OH-940 (4.28 Kg/m2), and Swastik-2 (3.86 Kg/m2) showed the highest fresh biomass, while Gunjan had the lowest biomass. F1 Glory demonstrated the highest harvest index (1.14), followed by Chandani and Punjab Selection (both 0.88). These findings underscore the significant impact of varietal selection on okra productivity, highlighting the potential of Punjab Selection and F1 Glory for further exploration in vegetable cultivation and biomass production. The study underscores the importance of varietal selection in enhancing okra productivity and biomass production. Farmers should consider planting high-yielding varieties such as Punjab Selection and F1 Glory to maximize their yields and biomass. Additionally, further research is needed to explore optimal cultivation practices and management techniques tailored to these high-performing varieties. This study provides actionable recommendations for farmers to improve okra cultivation practices, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity in Nepal and comparable agro-ecological conditions
Role of CRISPR in Crop Improvement: A Review
No full textThe meals and agriculture sectors have witnessed good sized advancements due to the state-of-the-art improvements in agricultural biotechnology and genetic engineering, that have more advantageous the essential characteristics of plant agronomic tendencies. A extensively used technique for inducing focused deletions, insertions, and precise sequence adjustments throughout numerous species and mobile kinds is collection-particular nucleases (SSNs)-based centered genome editing. Commercial adoption of genome modifying gear, which include zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and siRNA-mediated RNA interference, has been significant. However, the whole landscape of lifestyles sciences underwent a paradigm shift with the invention of the CRISPR/Cas9 machine as a flexible tool for genome modifying. Initially recognized as a virological defense DNA segment in bacteria and archaea, the clustered Regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) machine has revolutionized molecular biology. Through modern molecular organic strategies, CRISPR/Cas9 enables unique modifications in any crop species. Its efficacy, reproducibility, and specificity have earned CRISPR/Cas9 the moniker of a "leap forward" in biotechnology