Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Identification of Climate-Smart Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Germplasm for Optimum Moisture Areas of Ethiopia
No full textEthiopia's Bread Wheat Breeding Program conducts annual multi-environment yield trials to develop advanced wheat genotypes for Ethiopian wheat cultivation, ensuring a steady supply of new and improved varieties to meet production and marketing challenges. The objective of this research was to assess potential yield and the interactions between genotype and environment in wheat across multiple environments, as every cultivar has a distinct response to soil and climate. The BLUP analysis reveals that the 22AA and 22KU trials in 2022, along with 21KU trials in 2021 yielded high grain production, indicating optimal testing locations for distinguishing bread wheat genotypes and agroecologies. The study found that seven out of sixteen trials exhibited a higher genetic variance for yield, indicating high genotype discriminating power, with estimates ranging from 0.043 to 0.989 for genetic variance, 0.084 to 1.147 for error variance, and 72.7 to 96.4 for heritability. EBW202471 and EBW202473 are stable genotypes with good yield performance across correlated locations, with EBW202471 showing the highest yield (4.98 t/ha) and Deka showing a lower yield (4.07 t/ha). Three wheat genotypes, EBW202471, EBW202472, and EBW202473, were found to be moderately resistant to moderately susceptible to stem and yellow rust among 20 wheat genotypes. Finally, the two genotypes, EBW202471 and EBW202473, were advanced to National Performance Trials to evaluate their performance alongside top genotypes from regional federal research centers and to be released as new varieties
Constraints Faced by Bt Cotton Seed Companies in Gujarat: A Comprehensive Analysis
No full textIndia's cotton industry is crucial to the economy, providing raw material for 75% of the textile industry and employing millions. Despite having the largest area under cotton cultivation globally, India faces challenges such as low productivity due to rain-fed farming. To address these challenges by enhancing productivity and pest resistance the Bt cotton producer companies were facing different constraints. Data from various stakeholders in Gujarat's Bt cotton seed market was collected and analysed using the Garrett Ranking Method to identify key factors influencing sales. The findings highlight the major constraints faced by Bt cotton producer companies includes the fixed price policy, lack of skilled manpower and seed adulteration. By improving access to quality seeds, enhancing farmer awareness and reforming seed policies, which significantly helps market dynamics in shaping the cotton seed sector
Non-Linear Models for Tree Aboveground Biomass and Volume Estimation in Agoi-Ibami Forest Reserve, Cross River State, Nigeria
No full textTree biomass and volume estimation based on allometric equations is a widely used non-destructive technique for estimating biomass, sequestered carbon, and volume worldwide. Non-linear models for the biomass and volume of individual trees in Nigeria's Cross River State's Agoi-Ibami Forest Reserve were fitted and validated in this study. In this study, two parallel lines transect of 1500 meters in length, separated by 500 meters, were established using the systematic line transects sampling method. Along each transect, ten sample plots, each measuring 50 m by 50 m, were placed alternately at 100 m intervals. Twenty sample plots in all were thus marked for the study. The estimation of biomass using a non-destructive method was used. To calculate the aboveground green biomass for each, the diameter at breast height and total height were employed. Agoi-Ibami Forest Reserve had a total value of 391N ha-1 for number of stem per hectare, 14 tree families, mean dbh of 26.04cm, height of 15.9m, and basal area of 50.21m2ha-1. Conversion factors were used to estimate stand biomass, carbon sink, and sequestered carbon dioxide (CO2). Non-linear models were fitted for volume and aboveground biomass estimation in the study area. All of the models were evaluated and validated using some assessment statistical criteria and residual graphs, and models with good fit were suggested for use. Curve Expert Software was used for the development of the non-linear regression models. According to the assessment criteria, the forest reserve's best non-linear volume and aboveground biomass models were the Ratkowsky, Weibull, and Logistic models. Fitted models should therefore be employed for the forest reserve's efficient and successful management
An Overview on Prospects of Biotransformation of Organic Waste: The Fuel of Future
No full textOrganic wastes can come straight from the source or be derived from MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) or food processing waste. Municipal organic waste primarily consists of lignocelluloses. It is widely known that the high stability of the components makes lignocellulose hydrolysis ineffective. Environmentally acceptable and effective alternatives to landfilling and incineration for the treatment of organic pollutants include thermal disintegration and biological treatment methods. However, the qualities of the waste also play a role in this. Anaerobic digestion, followed by aerobic stabilisation, biogas production, and anaerobic digestion allow for the co-generation of electrical and thermal energy as well as the manufacture of premium natural fertiliser. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the initial stage of a valorisation process to improve the production of fuels through fermentations. In this regard, MOW pre-treatment is essential to boost the effectiveness of biological processes.
In this paper, several organic wastes, pre-treatment processes and microbial degradation techniques are reviewed and analysed. Also, the limitations of various techniques are pointed out. The fundamental scientific features are highlighted and details are given on the technological parameters. An insight towards challenges faced in biodegradation of lignocellulosic waste material is provided. Researches reveal the fact that there is vast hope in the availability of sugars after pre-treatment which may be very crucial for biofuel generation
Apparent and True Digestibility in Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822 FED Soyabean Meal Based Diets Supplemented with Protease
No full textSoyabean meal (SBM) could be a suitable replacement for the expensive fishmeal but for its low digestibility in fish. However, protease supplementation could improve digestibility of SBM based diets. Therefore, apparent and true digestibility in Clarias gariepinus fed SBM based diets supplemented with protease were investigated. Six diets containing varied inclusion levels of protease (ppm) in solvent extracted soybean-based diets (SESBD) were formulated; Control (without protease), SS100 (100), SS200 (200), SS300 (300), SS400 (400), SS500 (500). The Clarias gariepinus (n=720) weighing 12.00±0.10g were fed to satiation with the diets for 12 weeks. Each treatment was in triplicate. Protease supplementation significantly (P<0.05) influenced the weight gain of C. gariepinus with the higher value in fish fed SS400 (44.63±3.13) and least value in control diet (32.03±0.65). FCR had a significantly (P<0.05) least value in C. gariepinus fed SS400 (1.62±0.18) but similar (P>0.05) to C. gariepinus diet SS300 (1.88±0.11). Supplemental protease in soyabean-based diet improved (P<0.05) apparent protein digestibility of C. gariepinus on diet SS400 (87.38±1.10) but similar (P>0.05) to C. gariepinus on diet SS200 (87.29±0.97). Also, true lysine digestibility was enhanced with protease supplementation in soybean-based diet with the higher value in diet SS200 (95.90±0.07). Optimal FCR occurred SESBD of 350ppm dietary inclusion (R2= 0.8147) of protease. The findings suggest that, protease supplementation in solvent extracted soyabean based diet could improve growth performance and amino acid digestibility in C. gariepinus at 350ppm inclusion level
Impact of Climate Change on the Environment: A Synthesis Study
No full textClimate change has a significant impact on both physical and social components of the environment. Every component of the environment has been suffering the impacts of climate change. All components of the environment are interrelated through the exchanging of energy and matter; hence they actively interact. Major components of the environment like the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere are open systems to impact climate change. This paper describes the major impacts of climate change on major components of the environment. This study investigated the current state, wide-range global research trends, and different concerns on the impacts of climate change on the sustainable tourism. Global climate change represents a grand challenge for society, one that is increasingly influencing tourism sector investment, planning, operations, and demand. This study synthesized a total of 36 studies on climate change by sourcing published material from the review that was performed in indexed databases namely Dimensions, Web Science, Elsevier Scopus, and Google Scholar. Therefore, the study found that human beings are the major contributors to climate change through anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions that worsened during the Green Revolution. Climate change outcomes through the loss of valuable ecosystem goods and services, degrading the most of keystone species sites. In other ways, loss of biodiversity, changes in atmospheric composition, changes in chemical reactions in soil, changes in water quality, availability, and hydrologic cycles, and frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions. Of course! The effects of climate change are wide-ranging and diverse, impacting many areas and facets of daily life. Therefore, this study recommends implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to internalize the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and enforcing stringent environmental regulations and standards to limit emissions and pollution. Support global efforts and agreements to combat climate change, such as the Paris Agreement
Biochemical Responses of Wheat Leaf Rust Disease by Using Silica and Orange Oil Nanoparticles
No full textThe potential antifungal activity of different applications of biologically and chemically synthesized silica nanoparticles (NPs), orange oil NPs, and fungicide (Crwan® 25% EC) was investigated to control leaf rust disease of wheat. The obtained data showed that disease severity significantly decreased in all treated wheat plants compared to the control. Additionally, all applications enhanced the number of grains and grain weight /spike. The significant effects of different applications increased chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenolic, and protein contents. Moreover, they increased the activities of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes compared to the control. Finally, the fungicide, Crwan® and the bio-synthesized silica nanoparticles (400 ppm), yielded the best results in our study compared to other applications, while orange oil NPs (200 ppm) were the least effective
Assessing Good Post-Harvest Practices and Barriers among Cocoa Farmers and Licensed Buying Agents in Southwest, Nigeria
No full textThis study assesses the post-harvest practices and barriers among cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Agents (LBAs) in Southwest Nigeria. The research utilizes primary data collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 200 cocoa farmers and 120 LBAs in the region, analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis. Findings reveal that although there is a high level of awareness of good post-harvest practices among farmers, adoption is hindered by cultural beliefs, labour constraints, and inadequate financial incentives. LBAs face similar challenges, including limited access to information, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints. The analysis highlights that education, experience, and access to credit significantly influence the adoption of GPHP among farmers and LBAs, while older age and larger family sizes negatively impact farmers' adoption rates. The study concludes that targeted educational programs and training, improved infrastructure, financial support, strengthened extension services, market stability mechanisms, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and ongoing research and development are essential to improve post-harvest practices in the cocoa sector. These measures will not only enhance the quality and marketability of Nigerian cocoa beans but also contribute to the economic well-being of farmers and the broader community. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the influencing factors, the cocoa sector in Southwest Nigeria can achieve significant advancements in post-harvest handling, thereby supporting sustainable development and increasing economic returns
Interaction between Local Institutions in a Context of Centralized Governance of the Nazinga Game Ranch (NGR), Centre-south of Burkina Faso
No full textThe Nazinga Game Ranch (NGR), located in the south-central region of Burkina Faso, was established to promote sustainable socio-economic development and the harmonious and sustainable management of wildlife resources. This article analyzes inter-institutional interactions in the governance of the Nazinga Game Ranch (NGR) within a context of state-centralized governance. It focuses on examining the conflicting, collaborative, and indifferent relationships between the local institutions involved. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a literature review, interviews, and focus groups. Data processing and analysis were carried out using R software. The results highlight that two institutions, namely the Forestry Administration (UGN) and the Village Hunting Committees (CVC), occupy a central position in the conflicts. Projects and programs were found to play a significant role, cooperating with most of the institutions involved, except for the prefecture and among themselves. Relationships of indifference were identified between the UGN's partner projects and programs, local associations, the CVCs, and the Village Development Committees (CVDs), as well as between the Guiaro prefecture and the municipal government, and between the municipal authorities of the two neighboring communes. The analysis in terms of intensity shows that the conflicts, although not reaching maximum intensity, affect the management of the NGR. Furthermore, some collaborations, particularly those involving NGOs, play a decisive role
Rhizome Propagation Methods of Lowland Bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
No full textBamboo is a plant species that has a range of economic, environmental, and sociocultural importance. Bamboo can be propagated through sexual and asexual propagation methods. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. This study aims to evaluate different rhizome cutting materials that are relatively suitable for large-scale plantations. The materials for propagating bamboo by vegetative means are whole or portions of the rhizomes, each with a single culm having two to six basal nodes, preferably 1- to 2-year-old culms from the peripheral portion of the clump having 2, 4, 6 basal nodes and 1.5-2 cm, 2-4 cm, and 4-6 cm in diameter. The design of the experiment is a split plot design with three replications and nine plots. This experiment is laid in 1029 m2 (21 m x 49 m). The size of each plot is 45 m2 (15 m by 5 m), and the distance between plots and plants in plots is 2 m. The number of nodes is assigned in the main plot, and the diameter of the planting material is assigned in the subplot. There are a total of 9 treatment combinations and a total of 108 planting materials. Significantly higher (P = 0.01) mean survival rate (59%) was observed in the planting material with two basal nodes and 2-4 cm diameter and the planting material with six nodes and 2-4 cm diameter. Further research is crucial to devise effective vegetative propagation methods for large scale plantations without compromising the survival capability of the planting materials