Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Effect of Treating Alfalfa Seeds with Gibberellin and Nano-fertilizer on Productive Characteristics and Protein Content in Hydroponic Cultures
This study was carried out in an experiment in an incubator designed for hydroponic seed germination with tight thermal insulation in the laboratories of the Department of Plant Production Technologies at the Technical College of Agriculture in Mosul, which is affiliated with the Northern Technical University in Iraq, where the seeds of the Dutch variety alfalfa (Medicago sativa. L) were germinated commercially and four times between 2022 and 2024. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors and three replicates in perforated dishes with dimensions of 28 cm in length and 19 cm in width (area 532 cm2) at a seed rate of kg / m2, resulting in an average seed weight of 53 g in one dish. The first experimental factor was the germination periods, while the second factor was soaking the seeds in solutions of varying amounts made from gibberellin and nano-compound fertilizer with the comparison treatment, which is soaking in water alone, as follows:
Gibberellin 100 ppm and given the symbol GA 100ppm-
Gibberellin 200 ppm and given the symbol 200ppm GA-
--Nano fertilizer 20:20:20 NPK at a concentration of 2000 ppm and given the symbol NPK2000ppm.
-Nano fertilizer 20:20:20 NPK at a concentration of 4000 ppm and given the symbol NPK4000ppm.
This study showed that the Gibberellin 200ppm GA treatment was significantly superior to the rest of the other soaking treatments in the characteristics of the height of the incubator (3.66 cm), as well as the wet weight of both seedlings and roots and their dry weight, which were (497.88, 56.97g/dish-1), respectively, The fresh and dried root weights were considerably greater in the same treatment, at (400.86 and 43.86 g/dish-1), respectively. while the comparison treatment was superior. Morally, it was significantly superior to the rest of the other soaking treatments in the characteristic of protein in the medium was (18.29%).
As for the times of hydroponic seed germination, there were no significant differences between the times in all the studied characteristics, which enhances the high degree of incubator isolation, the accuracy of implementing the experiment, and the accuracy of taking the results
Fungicidal Potentials of Leaf and Bark Extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Seed Fungi
In Nigeria, Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is an important grain legume which besides being a food crop serves as a major source of income for rural households. The action of pathogens on stored seeds causes huge post-harvest and economic losses to cowpea farmers in Nigeria. This research was aimed at isolating and identifying the spoilage pathogens of cowpea seed and testing the potentiality of ethanol extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum on the isolates. Spoilt cowpea seed samples were purchased from different markets in Anambra State. They were transported to Alpha Research Laboratory, Awka in sterile polythene bags for microbial isolation. The spoilage organisms were isolated from the seeds through microbial culture. The media used for the isolation were Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from the spoilt cowpea seeds. The findings indicated that Aspergillus aculeatus, Fusarium solani, Penicillium citrinum, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Aspergillus flavus were present. The pathogenicity test also showed that the above organisms were responsible for cowpea spoilage. These isolates were tested for their in-vitro antifungal activity against the leaf and bark extracts of Bryophyllum Pinnatum. The antifungal activity ethanol extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum on the isolated microorganisms were investigated using the disc method. Three different concentrations (25%, 50%, 100%) of extracts were used for the test. Fusarium solani showed the highest percentage of inhibition with antifungal medication while Penicillium citrinum showed the least percentage of inhibition with antifungal medication. The antifungal potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum extract on spoilage pathogens of stored cocoyam corms encourages more research on the active ingredient of the plant for easy use by farmers as alternative to commercial/ synthetic fungicides
Comparative Effect of Feeding Maiwa and Pearl Millet as Dietary Energy Source for Broiler Chicken
This study compared the effects of feeding broiler chickens, maiwa and pearl millet as dietary energy sources. The effectiveness, performance, and carcass features of broiler chickens given varying amounts of maiwa and pearl millet as dietary energy sources were evaluated in a feeding trial/experiment. The experiment used 200 day-old broiler chickens. The experiment was divided into two phases: starter and finisher. Five experimental meals containing 20 and 23% crude proteins were created for each phase. For T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, five experimental diets were developed with different inclusion levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% respectively. In a randomized completely block design (RCBD), each treatment was duplicated four times, with ten birds each replication. Feed and water were provided ad libitum from 2nd to the 9th week of age. The result of the experiment on percentage composition of the experimental diets indicated that crude protein and metabolizable energy are within the range adequate for raising broiler chickens. The daily feed intake values (53.80-57.05g; 120.30-124.35g; 82.79-85.35g) and the daily weight gain values (29.95-33.82g; 41.77-44.66g; 34.22-35.88g) obtained from the performance of broiler chickens revealed non-significant differences among the treatments in the three (3) phases. The dietary treatments had no effect on the carcass and visceral organ parameters of broiler chickens, with the exception of caecal weight and small intestine length, which differed significantly (P≤0.01), with values ranging from 0.41%-0.72% and 160.85-191.33cm, respectively. Thus, the study comes to the conclusion that broiler chickens can safely be fed maiwa and pearl millet along with other items as nutritional energy sources
Mitigation of Mangrove Forest Destruction in East Kalimantan Province
The present study was proposed to answer the problem of mangrove forest destruction through various policies of the East Kalimantan Regional government by using the literature study method followed up through Focus group discussion. As a result of this research, the implementation of policies carried out by the East Kalimantan Provincial Government can now be said to be successful, although there are still indicators that need to be improved, such as in the resource variable. Moreover, it was found that there were still problems that occurred with the management of the Mangrove Forest area in the previous government. There are recommendations from the results of this research to conduct a joint evaluation with the Central Government regarding the policy of private sector activity programmes, and there must be supervision after planting. Provisions in sectoral laws related to natural resources, apart from those that specifically regulate environmental protection as in Law 32/2009, are regulated in various forms
Effects of Different Copper Concentration on Growth and Nodulation of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)
An investigation was conducted to study the influence of copper (Cu) on the growth of shoot, root, and nodulation of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). A field pot experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design with six treatments and four replicates at Palachcholai, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka from September to November 2023. Six levels of copper concentration (control, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 mg copper/kg soil) was applied to the soil in the form of copper sulphate (CuSO4.5H2O) in which the green gram plants were grown. Exposure to copper at concentrations ranging from 100-250 mg copper/kg soil reduced total chlorophyll content, shortened root length, decreased plant biomass, and produced fewer leaves, and a lower number of nodules. Conversely, exposure to copper at 50 mg copper/kg soil increased the fresh shoot biomass, soil microbial respiration and soil pH. Additionally, the positive effects of copper were observed on tap root length, leaf area, and root volume. The copper at 50 mg copper/kg soil concentration enhanced the shoot biomass, the number of nodules and soil microbial respiration by 25% ,14%, and 22% respectively compared to the control while the copper concentrations ranging from 100 mg copper/kg soil to 250 mg copper/kg soil significantly inhibited the overall growth and nodule formation of green gram. The results clearly indicate that Cu is an important micro-nutrient, only it should be added in trace amount to induce plant growth and other physiological processes. However, copper at higher concentrations can act as a heavy metal and cause phyto-toxicity on plants
Estimation of Genetic Parameters in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes Evaluated Under High Temperature Yield Trial in Ethiopia
The study was carried out to estimate genetic parameters of 49 bread wheat genotypes and standard check evaluated at Kulumsa and Melkasa using alpha lattice design with two replications. The analysis of variance result showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all traits (P< 0.001), implying the presence of considerable genetic variability for these traits. Out of 50 genotypes, four genotypes such as EBW2113062, EBW2113039, EBW2113037 and EBW2113056 were the top yielding genotypes across the locations. Furthermore, 30 of the 50 genotypes gave grain yield above grand mean whereas 14 genotypes had grain yield above the check, Dursa(1295.05kg/ha). In the other word, about 60% of genotypes were with mean grain yield above the overall mean and 30% of them provided mean grain yield above the check, Dursa, variety. High and moderate heritability estimates were found for most of traits showing that the variation observed was mainly under genetic control. The highest PCV and GCV values were observed for grain yield at both locations indicating better opportunity for improvement in this trait via selection. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was generally higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters at both locations. The difference between PCV and GCV was large in TKW followed by PHT and Grain yield indicating that these traits are influenced by the environment. However, differences between them were small for most of the traits indicating low effect of environment on the expression of characters at both locations. The genotypic correlations between grain yield with thousand kernel weights and hectoliter weight were highly significant showing their important contribution to grain yield. Therefore, the identified genotypes with better performance could be utilized in advanced bread wheat yield trial targeted for high temperature condition in the country
The Regulation of Stress Responses in Fruit Crops is Influenced by Plant Hormones: A Review
Stress is a pervasive challenge in modern agriculture, impacting fruit crop yields and quality. This review explores the critical functioning of phytohormones in regulating fruit crop stress responses. Plant actions, such as abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene, play pivotal roles in orchestrating the physiological and molecular mechanisms that enable fruit crops to cope with a myriad of abiotic and biotic stressors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how these hormones interact and modulate stress-responsive pathways, influencing plant growth, development, and fruit production. Understanding the intricate interplay between plant hormones and stress responses is essential for developing innovative strategies to enhance stress tolerance in fruit crops, ultimately securing global food supplies and improving agricultural sustainability
Exploring Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development: A Comprehensive Review
Agroecology, as an interdisciplinary field, integrates ecological principles into agricultural systems to promote sustainability. This paper examines the pivotal role of agroecological approaches in fostering sustainable agriculture and rural development. Initially concentrated on enhancing crop productivity and resilience, agroecology has evolved to encompass broader dimensions, including environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. By emphasizing the sustainable use of resources and adopting diverse strategies, agroecology addresses contemporary challenges in agricultural production. This review synthesizes existing literature on the fundamental concepts and principles of agroecology, highlighting its profound implications for sustainable agriculture and rural development. By exploring agroecological approaches at various scales, from plot-level interventions to systemic changes within the food system, this paper underscores the critical linkage between agroecology and the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices and rural prosperity
Early Growth Response of Annona muricata (L.) Seedlings to Different Potting Media
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Annona muricata under four different treatments of organic manure in a screen house.
Study Design: The study was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the Screen House of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, from March to August 2018.
Methodology: Four treatments of organic manure were applied to the seedlings of A. muricata, namely T1 (Topsoil + River sand (control)), T2 (sheep dung), T3 (decomposed sawdust) and T4 (cow dung). Data on plant height, leaf count, collar diameter, root length, and leaf area were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan Multiple range test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of significance.
Results: The results showed that all the growth parameters improved with increasing time. Plant height and leaf count were significantly higher in T4 with mean values of 11.79c ± 0.29 and 4.58b ± 0.22, respectively, and T1 (11.25 ± 0.26 cm and 4.58 ± 0.22 respectively) and lowest in T3 (9.01 ± 0.24 cm and 3.74 ± 0.18 respectively). Leaf area was higher in T4 (10.87 ± 0.43 cm2) and lowest in T2 (8.55 ± 0.35 cm2). Root length and collar diameter were highest in T3 (17.15 ± 0.53 cm and 0.25 ± 0.03 cm respectively), root length was least in T1 (12.93 ± 1.72 cm), while collar diameter was lowest in T2 (0.21 ± 0.00 cm).
Conclusion: Cow dung potting media shows the greatest potential to promote robust vegetative growth of Annona muricata seedlings. Cow dung could be considered an accessible, affordable, and effective alternative to standard potting mixes for nursery propagation of A. muricata. These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing plant growth practices in soursop cultivation
Intervention of Smallholder Homegarden Agroforestry Enhanced Soil Fertility Status and Soil Organic Carbon Stock in Tigray Lowlands, Northern Ethiopia
Justification: To reverse the challenges of land degradation, improve soil fertility and access to feed and wood, communities in the lowlands of northern Ethiopia started to establish homegarden agroforestry (HAF) decades ago. However, limited information is available and there was information gap on the effects of homegarden agroforestry systems (HAF) on soil properties and soil organic carbon stock enhancement in the Tigray lowlands, Northern Ethiopia.
Aim: The objective of this was to explore the effect of conversion of mono-cropping systems (MCS) to HAF in Tselemti district, Tigray lowland, Northern Ethiopia.
Materials, Methods and Statistical Methods Used: Two land use types, HAF and MCS fields replicated 15 times were considered. Thus, 30 fields, 15 from HAF & 15 from MCS were used. From each field, 1 composite soil sample for analysis of soil nutrients and 1 undisturbed soil sample for soil bulk density (BD) determination were collected from a depth of 0-30cm. All values were subjected to SPSS version 20 and analyzed using paired samples t-Test statistics at 5% level of significance.
Results: The intervention of HAF resulted in significantly higher (p<0.05) and enhance SOC by 76% (1.66 +0.06 and 0.94 + 0.05 %); SOC stock by 82% (73+ 3 and 40+2); N by 75% (0.14 +0.02 and 0.08 + 0.01 %);avP by 37% (6.07 +0.58 and 4.42 + 0.21 ppm) and K by 26% (67.05+ 4.5 and 53.39+ 4.3 mg kg-1) (p<0.05) as compared to the MCS.
Conclusion: This study elucidated that home gardening can help for maintaining soil nutrients and soil organic carbon stock. Hence, additional HAF have to be established in the area and in areas with similar bio-physical and socio-economic set up and the government should establish programs and campaigns to disseminate HAF systems and promote the importance of the land use