Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Registration of “Melka”: Stable and High Yielding Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Variety for Highland Areas of Ethiopia
No full textFood security is a major challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia, due to factors like population growth, limited food production, malnutrition, and environmental degradation. Improving wheat yields in Ethiopia is crucial, but affected by diseases and environmental stresses. To address this, continuous research is vital to develop wheat varieties that are not only highly productive but also resistant to diseases and well-adapted to the specific conditions in Ethiopia. The “Melka” variety, a high-yielding, disease-resistant bread wheat variety, was developed under multiple evaluation stages before officially released, registered, and commercialized. “Melka” is a new variety, was introduced from CIMMTY, and has a pedigree name MANKU/3/MUU/FRNCLN//FRANCOLIN #1 and selection history CMSS13B00894S-099M-099Y-28M-0WGY. “Melka” is a bread wheat variety aimed at highland areas with good agronomic characteristics and late-maturing type. “Melka”, was a recently released variety, exhibits a significant yield advantage over standard check, with an overall mean of 30.54% Boru, and local check, with an overall mean of 58.10% Danda'a. It was recorded a better thousand-kernel weight (39.90 g) than standard check Boru (37.6 g), and local check Danda’a (32.70 g) and 71.7 hl /kg. Likewise, the “Melka” variety had bold seeds than checks. It possessed a 6.12% and 10.33 % HLW advantage over the Boru and Danda’a varieties respectively. Beyond its exceptional yield, this variety's distinctive feature lies in its enriched nutritional profile, particularly its high content of iron (Fe) 33.5 ppm and zinc (Zn) 38.1 ppm, which surpasses that of other available varieties. The recently released '“Melka”' wheat variety is stable and adaptable for Ethiopian highland agro ecologies. It exceeded standard checks in grain yield and is more resistant to stem, yellow and leaf rust diseases
Quality Stock Production of Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation: Restoration of Agarwood Source
No full textAquilaria malaccensis Lamk. is a critically endangered and economically important forest tree species of North-east India. In the current study, a biotization experiment was performed to show the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae on obtaining high-quality agarwood-producing plants. One-month-old seedlings were inoculated in a designed experiment with single and combined endomycorrhizal treatments. All inoculated seedlings showed significant biomass production than control seedlings. The Biovolume index (Bi) was higher in all inoculated plant seedlings than in non-inoculated control seedlings but Acaulospora spp. (EM2) treatment had a higher Bi (78.17±0.024) than the rest of the inoculation treatments. The Quality index (Qi) value was also high (1.22±0.024) in EM2 treatment followed by the Glomus spp. + Acaulospora spp. (EM1+EM2) treatment (1.10±0.031) and Glomus spp. (EM1) (0.83±0.014) treatment. Control seedlings had a lower value (0.14±0.021) of Qi than the rest of the treatments. The plastochrone interval index (Pi) of A. malaccensis after 60 days of inoculation was low in EM1+EM2 treatment as the time interval for initiation of 2nd leaf was 1 day than rest of the treatments in which the time interval was 4 days for initiation of the 2nd leaf primordia. Substantially, the leaf primordia appearance in the EM1+EM2 treatment was impetuous than rest of the treatments. In the control treatment, the 8th leaf primordia appeared on the 36th day and after that, there was no appearance of leaf primordia. Therefore, the EM2 treatment was the best single/alone treatment of mycorrhizal inoculation followed by EM1+EM2 synergistic treatment for quality stock production of A. malaccensis seedlings
An Experimental Study to Appraise the Role of Cina 30CH in Controlling Ascochyta Blight Fungus in Pisum sativum
No full textPeas are grown all over the world and are considered an important component of the human diet due to their numerous health advantages and vital components, which include fibre, proteins, complex carbohydrates, vitamin B, folate, and minerals. One of the most destructive diseases is Ascochyta blight, which in large pea-growing areas can cause yearly output losses of 10% to 40%. Considering agro-homoeopathy, a very new and successful farming technique This study assessed the effectiveness of Cina 30, a potentized homoeopathic medication, in reducing the impacts of Ascochyta blight disease in Pisum sativum plants. The overall sample size is 15 plants. There were three groups: A, B, and C, where A represents placebo, B represents fungicide, and C represents CINA 30CH. Each group has five plants for parameter analysis which include Length of the root, Length of the shoot, Length of the pods, Number of leaves, Number of pods. The recorded data was analyzed statistically by using the ANOVA single factor test. The three study groups' respective variances in the plant parameters—root length, shoot length, pod length, number of leaves, and number of pods—were 41.33, 2864.33, 5.25, 394.33, and 9.33. The calculated value of F is 12.76 which is more than the table value of F crit 3.47 at 5% level with degree of freedom v1 = 4 and v2 = 10. The obtained P value 0.00061 is less than 0.01, which is strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the research hypothesis. According to the findings of this study, CINA 30CH is as effective as a fungicide in improving the features of Pisum sativum that are influenced by the Ascochyta blight fungus
Management of Watersheds as a Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Zone Unit for the Development of the City: A Case Study of Karangmumus Watershed at Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
No full textThe changing land use affects the social and economic characteristics and environmental issues in a watershed. To support sub-watershed management, land use scenarios and the level of community involvement must be improved. This research is a study to analyse and evaluate the condition of the Karangmumus watershed covering 365.25 km2 which is mostly located in Samarinda City, the capital of East Kalimantan Province. Research was conducted with various sources of data analysed using descriptive quantitative methods. In assessing the condition of a watershed, it is absolutely necessary to have debit data and other data to support the analysis and evaluation. In reality, currently the quantity and quality of flow data is still far from expected. This is due to the difficulties that cause the flow data collection process can not be done in all places, but only in certain watersheds. In the watershed monitoring carried out, there are still obstacles, one of which is the continuity of observation
Assessment of Growth Performance and Blood Profile of Rabbit Bucks Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal
No full textThe study was conducted to assess growth performance and blood profile of rabbit bucks fed dietary inclusion levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MoLM). Thirty (30) rabbit bucks (739.83 to 805.17 g) were balanced for weight and allocated to five groups of 6 rabbits and replicated six times with a buck per replicate in a complete randomized design. Five diets were formulated with incorporation of MoLM at 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 and 30.0% and denoted as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Results on growth performance parameters were not influenced by dietary treatment. Rabbits fed control diet, diets containing 7.5, 15.0 and 22.5% had highest and similar dress weight while those on diet containing 30.0% recorded the least dress weight. Heart weight was highest and similar for rabbit fed control diet, diets containing 7.5, 22.5 and 30.0% while those on diet containing 15.0% had the least heart weight. Rabbits on control diet had highest kidney fats while rabbits on diet containing 7.5 and 30.0% recorded the least and similar kidney fats weight. Bile, left kidney and liver weight were lower for rabbits fed 30.0%. Rabbits fed control diet, diets containing 7.5, 15.0 and 30.0% had highest and similar MCHC while rabbits on diet containing 22.5% recorded the least MCHC. Rabbits on control diet and diet containing 30.0% had the highest) and least lymphocytes, respectively. Rabbits fed control diet, diets containing 7.5 and 15.0% recorded highest and similar neutrophils while rabbits fed diet containing 30.00% had least neutrophils. Rabbits on control diet, diets containing 7.5 and 15.0% had highest and similar albumin while rabbits fed diets containing 22.5 and 30.0% recorded the least and similar albumin. Rabbits on control diet, diets containing 22.5 and 30.0% recorded highest and similar ALP while rabbits on diets containing 7.5 and 15.0% had the least and similar ALP. It is concluded that inclusion MOLM up to 30% had no adverse effect on their growth performance, blood profile reduced kidney fat and liver weight kidney weight. It is therefore recommended that Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be included in the diets of rabbit bucks intended for breeding purposes up to 30.0%
Innovative Seed Treatment for Cassia siamea Lam. Germination and Carbon Stock Analysis in Varied Stem Sizes for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Mitigation
No full textThis study investigates seed treatment effects on Cassia siamea germination and assesses carbon stock potential across stem size classes. The germination test involved six treatments, including immersion in various water temperatures and chemical solutions. Carbon stock potential across eleven stem size classes of Cassia siamea was assessed through air drying, oven drying, and ash weight measurements following standardized methods. Results highlight significant variation in germination rates among treatments, with immersion in concentrated H2SO4 showing the highest efficacy. Carbon stock in wood varies significantly across stem size classes. However, regression analysis revealed that there was no significant relationship observed between the wood carbon stock and stem size class of C. siamea. Findings suggest non-linear growth patterns in carbon accumulation, influenced by factors beyond stem size. Insights from this research aid in optimizing seedling establishment and maximizing carbon sequestration potential in Cassia siamea, supporting climate change mitigation efforts through afforestation initiatives. Moreover, implications for sustainable land management, particularly in contexts like roadside tree planting in India, underscore the practical relevance of these findings in combating rising atmospheric carbon concentrations
Study on Sex Determination and Variation in Gender Expression of Individual Trees in a Population of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don. From Dense Temperate Forests of Northern India
No full textConifers are reported to exhibit predominantly monoecious behaviour however, numerous species and some genera show uncertainties regarding their gender expression. The factors influencing the sexual differentiation of strobili in monoecious or dioecious conifers remain poorly understood. To investigate this unpredictable phenomenon in conifers, we selected three populations representing pure stands of Cedrus deodara in dense temperate forests of Northern India, specifically one in Uttarakhand and two in Himachal Pradesh. Each site was surveyed, and total 900 trees were marked as male, female, monoecious and neutral trees based on their reproductive behaviour and sexual representation. Selection criteria were based on the reproductive age of Cedrus deodara, as it attains maturity when it reaches a height of 19 to 20 meters. Our findings revealed that Cedrus deodara exhibits subdioecious behaviour, characterized by the occurrence of four basic sex forms such as male trees, female trees, monoecious trees, and neutral trees. Yearly observations from 2014 to 2016 unveiled that Cedrus deodara does not exhibit consistent reproductive behaviour. Instead, the species displays a fascinating pattern of alternation between dioecy and monoecy. Additionally, it was also found that individual trees demonstrated change in their expression of sex during each reproductive cycle. These findings underscore the complexity of sex determination and reproductive plasticity in Cedrus deodara. The study has revealed that the monoecious behaviour was more dominant than the dioecious behaviour, and the individual tree changes its sexual representation depending upon the rate of seed production the previous year. This research pave the way for future investigations into the factors influencing sex expression and reproductive behaviour in conifers and will contribute to our broader knowledge of plant sexuality and plant evolution
A Feasibility Analysis of P.I.R. Swadaya Oil Palm Plantations in East Kalimantan
No full textIn the framework of East Kalimantan's regional economic development, one of the important development sectors, apart from oil and gas, is agriculture, especially the oil palm plantation subsector, among others in the scheme of the People's Nucleus Plantation (PIR) Swadaya scheme. This study aims to analysis the PIR Swadaya oil palm development program in East Kalimantan, mainly in terms of financial feasibility through financial analysis. Study used primary and secondary data. To find those data, methods of interviews and list of questionnaires are used. The financial potential projection is carried out during the economic life of the plant for 25 years, and to identify the state of the business against the possibility of fluctuations in the discount value, calculated the condition of the oil palm plantation venture independently with a discount of 10%, through Sensitivity analysis shows that NPV, IRR, PP and B / C ratio at varying interest rates of 8%, 12%, 15% and 20% investment is still safe
Estimating the Plant Nutrient Uptake of Selected Maize Varieties in Sri Lanka's Dry Zone at Various Fertilizer Rates
No full textMaize is a coarse cereal mostly grown in Sri Lanka's dry zone. Since intense agriculture quickly reduces the soil's fertility, it is crucial to implement appropriate fertilizer management techniques in order to sustain greater output levels. There has been no current research conducted to measure maize's nutrient absorption. Thus, at the Field Crops Research and Development Institute Mahailluppallama in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka (08.600N, 80.270E, 137masl) during Yala, 2022 an experiment was carried out to estimate the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) uptakes of selected maize varieties at the flowering stage under various nutrient management options. Three replicates of a two-factor-factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design were employed. The fertilizer level (F1 - Zero fertilizer, F2 - Present Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation, F3 - 1.5 times of present DOA inorganic recommendation, and F4 - DOA organic fertilizer recommendation) and variety (V1-Pacific 339, V2- MIMZHY 4, V3- Badra) were the two factors tested. The findings showed that whereas P and K uptakes were significantly (P<0.05) greater in Pacific 399 and Badra, respectively, there was no significant difference in N uptake between the maize types at the flowering stage. When no fertilizer was applied, total N was considerably (P<0.05) lower than in F2 and F3, but comparable to F4. Regarding varying fertilizer levels, no discernible significant variation in the overall uptake of P and K was found. All types had comparable total dry weights at 50% blooming; however, under F2 and F3, it was higher than under F1. As a result, whereas N uptake varied according to the various fertilizer application levels, P and K uptake varied amongst types. Overall, it can be said that varying fertilizer levels did not affect the variations' P and K uptake. Variations in fertilizer application levels did not affect N uptake, but varieties did. Thus, while the soil's natural fertility state can supply P and K, proper administration of N fertilizer is necessary for improved growth
Potential of Agroforestry Practices on Woody Species Diversity and Composition: Implication for Conservation of Indigenous Trees in Selected Districts of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
No full textHuman activities such as expanding farmland, producing charcoal, and harvesting construction materials and fuel wood are major contributors to forest degradation and biodiversity loss in Northern Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess woody species' diversity, composition, and threat levels in different agroforestry practices to prioritize their conservation. As the result three potential Agroforestry practices were purposively identified and selected for the study. A total of 45 sample plots, 15 plots from each agroforestry practices such as Woodlot agroforestry (WLAF) (10m x 10m), Homegarden Agroforestry (HGAF) (20m x 10m), and Parkland agroforestry (PLAF) (50m x 100m). Data on woody species were analyzed using Past version 2.17c and SPSS version 20. The results identified 36, 26, and 21 woody plant species from 31, 23, and 19 genera, as well aswell as 22, 16, and 15 families in HGAF, PLAF, and WLAF, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found among the agroforestry practices in terms of tree density, species richness, species abundance, and Shannon diversity, though species evenness did not vary. The Importance Value Index (IVI) highlighted the top species in HGAF as A. etbaica (75.2), F. albida (33.1), and A. seyal (30.6). Species with low IVI values, such as B. polystachya (1.56), R. vulgaris (1.57), G. ferruginea (1.62), and C. aurantiifolia (0.90), require significant conservation efforts. In PLAF, the key species were F. albida (131.03), A. seyal (59.33), and C. africana (26.21). In WLAF, E. globulus (61.8), A. seyal (8.83), and C. edulis (31.4) were the most abundant, frequent, and dominant. Trees and shrubs in HGAF and WLAF had smaller stem diameters compared to those in PLAF. However, WLAF had greater tree height and basal area (BA, m²) than both HGAF and PLAF, with HGAF also showing a higher BA than PLAF (p ≤ 0.05). The study concluded that HGAF and PLAF are vital for sustaining local livelihoods, providing food, and conserving biodiversity. These agroforestry systems enhance natural forests and help prevent the extinction of woody species. Therefore, developing and enhancing HGAF, and PLAF in densely populated landscapes should be integral to biodiversity conservation strategies