Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International
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Evaluating the Yield Performance of Released Sesame Varieties in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
No full textThe experiment was conducted in western Tigray in Humera and Dansha (Kebabo) area during the main growing season of 2016 under rain fed condition with the aim of evaluating and identifying the well performing and high yielder sesame variety. The experiment consisted of nine varieties laid down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, Result of the combined analysis showed highly significant (p<0.01) difference among the varieties in days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, thousand seeds weight and grain yield. Among the nine sesame varieties the highest mean grain yield was recorded on Setit-2 (1111.89 kg ha-1), Setit-1 (1070.58 kg ha-1), Humera-1(976.42 kg ha-1) and local check (970.20 kg ha-1) followed by Adi (755.42 kg ha-1) whereas the lowest mean grain yield was recorded on Borkena (548.67 kg ha-1), BaHa - Zeyit (548.69 kg ha-1) followed by BaHa- Necho (616.28 kg ha-1) and Gonder-1 (683.09 kg ha-1). This indicated that the verities released by Humera Agricultural Research Center and the local check (Hirhir) were highly performed in Humera. Therefore, even though they were statically similar; Setit-2 was recently released and it can be concluded that variety Setit-2 well performed and can be recommended for the growers in the study area
Agricultural Valorization of Treated Effluent from Korhogo Wastewater Treatment Plant
No full textAims: The main objective is to evaluate the effluents of Korhogo’s wastewater treatment plant for irrigation and fertilization in agriculture.
Study Design: Characterization of outlet treated wastewaters has been firstly done. Then their suitability for irrigation has been determined and finally their fertilizing power has been assessed.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of geosciences, Korhogo’s wastewater treatment plant and laboratory. Sampling and analyses were carried out in January 2023, before agricultural field implementation started in February 2023.
Methodology: Firstly, Physico-chemical and microbiological analyses, allowed characterization of outlet treated wastewaters. A determination of their suitability for irrigation was then done through Sodium Adsorption Ratio calculation and water classification with Diagram of Richards. An assessment of their fertilizing capacity was finally carried out using these waters for irrigating and fertilizing crop plots (3x2 m), and consisting of determining firstly their biodegradability index, then their nutrient contents (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium), and the influence of their use on crop development and yield.
Results: The results show that several parameters meet standards for discharge of treated wastewater except total nitrogen, suspended matters and total phosphorus (67.67 mg/l, 271.33 mg/l and 18.30 mg/l). Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) value=3.78 and C3S1 class indicate that these treated effluents can be used for irrigation without salinization risk. As fertilizer, treated effluents brought to crops respectively 603 kg/ha of nitrogen, 162 kg/ha of phosphorus and 99 kg/ha of potassium for maize; and 368.5 kg/ha of nitrogen, 99 kg/ha of phosphorus and 60.5 kg/ha of potassium respectively for Okra. A yield of 12.2 kg of fresh maize and 3.15 kg of fresh okra was obtained for the plot irrigated by treated effluents, compared with 4.80 kg of fresh maize and 0.36 kg of fresh okra for the plot irrigated by well water.
Conclusion: This study has shown that outlet treated wastewater from Korhogo’s wastewater treatment plant is suitable for crops irrigation, contains sufficient nutrients enhancing crops development and yield
Ethnotaxonomy and Ethnobotanical Studies of Honey and Resinous Plants in the Tchamba Prefecture in Togo
No full textNatural plant products have gained increasing attention, but climate change and human activities have led to the degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. This study aims to contribute to the preservation of local knowledge related to the classification and use of honey-producing and resinous plants in the Tchamba prefecture, Togo. Ethnotaxonomic and ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-directed interview and focus groups in the four localities, involving 92 respondents. A total of 96 plants of beekeeping were identified, classified into 88 genera, 33 families, and 22 orders, with 16 ethnotaxonomic criteria used for classification. The most common criteria were "plant use" and "plant habit". The study highlights the rich local knowledge of plant uses for food, medicine, and rituals, emphasizing the importance of conserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage. These findings contribute to understanding how indigenous knowledge can support conservation and sustainable use of plant resources
Evaluation of Botanicals against Rice Case Worm Parapoynx stagnalis Zeller. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
No full textRice, Oryza sativa L. is the staple food of two thirds of world population. Several insect pests are reported to cause damage to rice crop. Rice case worm, unlike other lepidopteran rice pests, have an aquatic larval period and hence depends on dissolved oxygen in the water drop it carries in its case, made from rice leaf. Application of insecticide spray, does not give much control of this pest. No botanicals are yet reported as effective against this pest. In the present study, six botanicals were tested on rice case worm under laboratory and field conditions. Of the six plants, Anamirta cocculus gave promising results at five percent concentration followed by Glyricida sepium under both field and laboratory conditions
Concentration Weathering of some Agrochemicals in Runoff and Soil Interface on the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Farm, Ilorin, Nigeria
No full textAgrochemicals are needed to boost agricultural productivity, but substantial quantities are either transported into surface water through runoff or leached into groundwater, which may eventually lead to environmental degradation and pollution. Although several studies have been carried out on the effects of agrochemicals o soil and water qualities but the rate of dissipation of agrochemicals along their pathways are not fully understood yet. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the level of dissipation of agrochemical elements and compounds as they moved along the furrow. Four experimental fields - NPK fertilizer, urea fertilizer, pesticides (organochlorine) and herbicides (glyphosate) were prepared for this study. The selected agrochemicals were applied on the experimental field and the concentration of chemical elements (electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, magnesium, potassium, glyphosate and organochlorine) along the furrow were measured at intervals (1 m on a 20 m row) using standard techniques. The range of electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, magnesium and potassium concentrations for runoff from NPK fertilizer applied field were: 95.75 - 174.51 µS/cm, 5.72 - 7.54, 0.21 - 0.68%, 0.09 - 0.36%, 0.1 - 0.47 mg L-1, 0.25 - 0.66 mg L-1, 4.63 - 7.88 mg L-1 and 7.28 - 16.15 mg L-1; for runoff from Urea fertilizer applied field, the range were: 176.25 - 186.33 µS/cm, 7.14 - 7.64, 0.21 - 0.48 %, 0.21 - 0.38%, 0.41 - 0.65 mg L-1, 0.23 - 0.49 mg L-1, 5.48 - 7.64 mg L-1and 8. 23 - 10.46 mg L-1. The range of electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and magnesium concentrations for runoff from glyphosate applied field were: 114.00 - 283.78 µS/cm, 6.49 - 7.82, 0.13 - 0.67 mg/kg, 0.03 - 0.09%, 0.41 - 1.60 mg L-1, 0.45 - 2.59 mg L-1, 8.35 - 12.76 mg L-1; and for runoff from organochloride applied field the range were: 344.37 - 380.48 µS/cm, 6.66 - 7.86, 0.30 - 0.56 mg/kg, 0.05 - 0.18%, 0.68 - 0.91 mg L-1, 0.81 - 1.45 mg L-1 12.48 - 14.68 mg L-1. The concentration of agrochemical elements and compounds disintegrate along the furrows on all agrochemical fields except in the case of pH
Typology of Plantain Cultivation in a Context of Climate Change in the Agroecological Zone of Haut-Sassandra, Central-West, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textThe Haut-Sassandra region (Côte d\u27Ivoire), experiencing climate change with its many consequences, continues to produce bananas even if the level has fallen in recent years. This work was carried out to understand the adaptation strategies of plantain farmers facing the consequences of climate change. The methodological approach consisted of listing banana plantations of more than one hectare in Haut-Sassandra and carrying out a survey on plantain cultivation practices observed in this agroecological zone. The survey carried out made it possible to list 34 banana plantations with areas of between 1.5 and 5 hectares. For the establishment of banana plantations, slash-and-burn crops are the most favored (100%). The most used crop type is the crop association (85%) (cocoa (65%), coffee (15%) and food crops (5%)). Only 15% of banana plantations were monoculture. The fight against the wind is achieved by hedges made up of plots of rubber and teak surrounding the banana plantations. Symptoms of biotic and abiotic diseases were observed in all the banana plantations investigated. To maintain sustainability and better banana production, Haut-Sassandra planters combine several agroecological practices
Growth and Reproduction Performance of the Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) Fed with Different Substrates Made of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches: A Case of Vermicompost Production, Abidjan, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textThe objective of the present study is to analyze the growth capacity and activity of the worm species Eudrilus eugeniae in different substrates based on palm oil empty fruit bunches as part of the production of vermicompost. To this end, 4 treatments were carried out by adding to palm oil empty fruit bunches other substrates readily available in the environment, notably Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings. 1.5 L plastic boxes were filled with 800 g of soil and 300 g of various precomposted substrates. In each box, 4 earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were seeded. A total of 4 treatments were carried out: T1 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + earthworms), T2 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), T3 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + grass clippings + earthworms) and T4 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + grass clippings + earthworms). For the different vermicomposts based on palm oil empty fruit bunches, growth parameters and Eudrilus eugeniae activity were better in treatments T3 and T4. These same treatments also showed significant variation in substrate quantity after vermicomposting. The combination of palm oil empty fruit bunches and green waste (Chromolaena odorata and grass clippings) would be ideal for the production of vermicompost with good agronomic potential to be applied as an organic amendment to cultivated plants
Effect of Weather Parameters on Incidence of Leaf Miner (Lirimomyza trifolii Burgess) Infesting Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
No full textA field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 to study the influence of various meteorological parameters on the population dynamics of leaf miner infesting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The study was carried out at the Central Experiment Station, Wakawali, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. During Rabi 2022-23 the leaves were infested by leaf miner, L. trifolli ranged between 12.02 to 41.03 per cent. While in Rabi 2023-24 it ranged from 4.30 to 43.13 per cent. The peak pest infestation was observed during the 8th and 10th SMW in Rabi 2022-23 and Rabi 2023-24, respectively. However, pooled data on both the years revealed that the leaves infestation was in the range of 8.16 to 39.98 per cent and peak was observed during the 9th SMW. During rabi 2022-23 the leaf miner showed a significant negative correlation with evening relative humidity (r=-0.684**), while significant positive correlation with evaporation (r=0.617**). During rabi 2023-24 the pest showed a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.0.589*), bright sunshine hours (r=0.600*), wind speed (r=0.935**) and evaporation(r=0.847**), while significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity (r=-0.702**) and evening relative humidity(r=-0.564). The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated that, the weather parameters contributed to 90 per cent in Rabi 2022-23 and 95 per cent in Rabi 2023-24 of total variation in the population of leaf miner on tomato
Plant-Derived Pest Control: Molecular, Ecological & Technological Perspectives
No full textAims: To explore and synthesize current knowledge on botanical pest management, emphasizing plant-pest interactions from evolutionary, molecular, and ecological perspectives. This study evaluates plant-based compounds and biotechnological approaches as sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
Study Design: A comprehensive review of scientific literature on botanical pest management, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches.
Methodology: The study reviews data on plant chemical defenses, molecular interactions, and biotechnological innovations for sustainable pest control. It analyzes plant-derived compounds\u27 capacity to disrupt pest physiology with minimal ecological impact. Insights from genomics, molecular biology, and ecology are integrated to propose a sustainable pest management framework.
Results: Botanical pesticides demonstrated effectiveness in targeting pest physiological pathways while reducing ecological disturbances. Molecular studies revealed significant interactions between plant-derived compounds and pest systems, supported by advanced biotechnological methods. Genomic and ecological research underscored a balanced approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental harm.
Conclusion: Botanical pest management is a promising, sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. It addresses current agricultural challenges while fostering long-term ecological sustainability. The findings highlight the potential of plant-based strategies to advance precise, eco-friendly pest control methods aligned with global sustainability goals. Further research is essential to validate and expand these solutions across diverse agricultural systems
Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Selected Fields under Maize Production in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
No full textThis study was conducted in the Kongwa District to assess the fertility status of soils of the selected fields under maize production to understand fertility variability among soils and recommend appropriate fertilizer rates. The study involved randomly selected 24 maize fields. Composite soil samples were collected in these fields at 0–20 cm deep and characterized for soil fertility status. Results indicated that 48% of the soils were sandy clay loam and 26% were sandy loam. The remaining fields had clay or loamy sand textural classes. The soil pH ranged from extremely acidic (3.52) to moderately alkaline (7.7), organic carbon ranged from very low to medium (0.19-1.60%) and total N were very low to low (0.01-0.15%). Also, results indicated that 42% of soils had P deficiency and 16.7% had inadequate S levels. In addition, 45.8% of the soils had inadequate exchangeable K and exchangeable Mg levels ranged from very low to high (0.29-4.06 cmol(+) kg-1). Exchangeable Ca was low to very high (1.06 to 10.04 cmol(+) kg-1) with favourable base saturation for crop production. The CEC ranged from very low (2.62 cmol(+) kg-1) to medium (18.9 cmol(+) kg-1). Extractable micronutrients such as Cu, Fe, and Mn were adequate but Zn was inadequate in 58% of the soils. Categorizing nutrient status in soils of the study area showed that fertility is poor regarding N, P, K, Zn, Mg, and Ca. Hence, the studied soils need external nutrient inputs and proper management to optimize crop production