Watermelon production is affected by root-knot nematode (RKN), as all varieties of the crop are susceptible. Studies have been conducted to identify readily available and environmentally safe nematicides for the management of RKN. Aqueous and powdered extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson and Ficus mucuso Welw. ex Ficalho were applied alone and in combination. All data collected on growth, yield and nematode populations were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatments were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. Among the treatments, the combination of C. odorata and F. mucuso powders was the most effective, with higher growth and yield performance. The experiment showed that aqueous and powdered extracts of C. odorata and F. mucuso were effective in managing RKN in the field (see page 527)
Issue 4 (196)/2023
Unveiling the Nature of Carbon Decomposition on Different Organic Manure Sources: The Impact of Temperature Regimes in A Subtropical Climate
Abu Taher, Anwarul Islam Mondol, Harun Or Rashid, Muhammad Khairul Alam, Akhter Hossain Chowdhury, Sharif Ahmed
ABSTRACT. Organic sources are vital for crop nutrient management, but nutrient release from organic manure depends on temperature and other factors. We conducted a laboratory incubation study to investigate how temperature (15, 25, 35°C) affects the decomposition of common organic manure, which has not yet been explored in Bangladesh. The organic manures used in this study are poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC), bio-slurry (BS), cow dung (CD), water hyacinth compost (WHC) and rice straw compost (RSC), which were compared with a control treatment (only soil). Carbon mineralisation and CO2 emission from microbial respiration varied among organic manures and temperature regimes. The RSC- and WHC-treated soils had a higher C mineralisation than the other manures at 35°C. The mineralisation of C among the organic manures followed the order: RSC > WHC > CD > VC > BS > PM > control. Among the temperature regimes, C mineralisation followed the order 35°C > 25°C > 15°C. Manure mineralisation was associated with mineralisable C pools (carbon availability factor, Caf), and 16.4–36.5% organic C was released. Irrespective of temperature regimes, the highest easily mineralisable Caf was recorded in PM-amended soil, followed by VC-amended soil. RSC had the lowest Caf under all temperature regimes. The Caf values of all incubated manures were higher under a 35°C temperature regime. Compost preparation from organic manure and its utilisation as an integrated nutrient management component can play essential roles in mitigating climate change, reducing environmental degradation, and building more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
Keywords: carbon cycling; climate research; eco-friendly farming; nutrient reactivity; organic carbon shifts.
Utilisation and Contribution of Forest Resources to Improve Food Security in Dry Regions of Africa
Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera, Letticia Kudzai Kokerai, Nyasha Sakadzo, Emmerson Chivhenge, Taona Museva
ABSTRACT. The unsustainable harvest of forest resources in dry regions of Africa has contributed to forest degradation and increased the prices of forest resources in local markets. Many people in dry regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have been harvesting forest resources to supplement food sources due to poor crop production as a result of erratic rainfall. This review seeks to explore the utilisation and contribution of forest resources to improving food security in the dry regions of Africa. Forest resources are highly utilised by poor resource farmers in rural areas as a means of poverty alleviation, income generation and to improve human livelihoods. Resources such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to human nutrition, income generation, food sources and to improve living standards. NTFPs, such as honey, waxes and medicines, have been reported to contribute income in countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, creating more opportunities for rural people to improve their living standards and reduce food insecurity. These resources contribute to hidden hunger though the utilisation of fruit, vegetables, honey, wild meat and edible worms, especially to the children under five years of age. Climate change has also created variability in the availability of forest resources in dry regions, and this has altered their contribution to human livelihoods and food security.
Keywords: edible worms; human nutrition; indigenous fruits; medicine; non-timber forest products.
Effect of Salicylic Acid Application on Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Yield and Fibre Quality
Rukiye Kiliç, Çetin Karademir
ABSTRACT. This study was carried out to determine the effect of SA (salicylic acid) application on the yield, yield components, and fibre quality characteristics of cotton at different growth stages (squaring, flowering and squaring + flowering). The experiment was carried out at Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crop’s experimental area during the 2022 cotton growing season. The experimental design was a split-plot design with four replications. The main plot and sub-plots consisted of SA applications [Control (0.0 mM), squaring (1.0 mM), flowering (1.0 mM), squaring (0.5 mM) + flowering (0.5 mM)] and varieties (MAY 455, Stoneville 468, Fiona), respectively. SA application and variety interactions were significant in terms of the first boll opening days and the number of nodes. There were significant differences between varieties, except for the number of monopodial branches, number of bolls, chlorophyll content value, normalised difference vegetation index value, and micronaire and fibre strength. The MAY 455 cotton variety had the highest values in terms of seed cotton yield (2993.1 kg ha-1) plant height (62.14 cm), boll weight (6.51 g), seed cotton weight per boll (4.90 g), number of seeds per boll (29.46), number of nodes to first fruiting branch (8.65), fibre yield (1361.0 kg ha−1) and 100-seed weight (8.82 g), while the Fiona variety came to the fore in terms of number of days to first boll opening (118.0 d), number of sympodial branches (7.56), number of nodes per plant (17.79), ginning percentage (46.45%), fibre length (828.52 mm) and fibre reflectance (82.18 Rd). There was a slight increase in yield (223.8 kg ha−1) compared to the control. SA application may show different effects on each cotton variety, and the positive effect may increase by applying SA at different intervals.
Keywords: cotton; fibre quality; growth; physiology; salicylic acid; yield.
The Realization of Systematic Cadastre Works in the Perspective of the Sustainable Development of the Vineyard and Fruit-Growing Sector in Romania
Cristian Huțanu, Oprea Radu
ABSTRACT. In order to develop the vineyard and orchard sector in Romania from a sustainable point of view, the European Union primarily finances plantations with native varieties. To be able to talk about sustainable development and environmental protection, GIS systems should be structured by fields of activity and become an interface between man and nature. The integration of these projects within the systematic cadastre work would have the effect of obtaining a better reassessment of the agricultural potential of the area. Thus, the “Vasile Adamachi” didactic farm of the Iasi University of Life Sciences has reconfigured the cadastral plots, currently occupying a total area of 16.1 ha with vines and 12.2 ha with fruit trees. This project to modernise the vineyard/fruit-growing plantations was realised from the rehabilitation funds of the European Union, through the Payments and Intervention Agency for Agriculture. The creation by the Cadastre and Real Estate Publicity Agency of an integrated cadastre and land book system, as a “multipurpose” type system within the National Cadastre and Land Book Program, would help the Payments and Intervention Agency for Agriculture to identify agricultural real estate, which includes vineyards/fruit trees, and would encourage the owners of such plantations to access projects from the European Union funds for the modernisation, maintenance in good condition or expansion of vineyard and fruit-growing. Also, the technical-legal situation of the existing real estate at the administrative-territorial unit level could be obtained in real time.
Keywords: systematic cadastre works; tabulated agricultural real estate; vineyard and fruit- growing cadastral plots.
Prevalence and Characterisation of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolones Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Companion Animals
Andreea Paula Cozma, Iulia Elena Măciucă, Cristina Mihaela Rîmbu, Ioana Crivei, Șerban Moroșan, Lucia Carmen Trincă, Dorina Timofte
ABSTRACT. Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Enterobacterales producing beta-lactamase (TEM, SHV, OXA) or extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), as well as plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones (PMQR) (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS) in companion animals from the northeast region of Romania. A total of 124 faecal samples were collected aseptically from healthy dogs attending the veterinary practice for vaccination and cultivated on Brilliance ESBL medium (Oxoid, UK). The ESBL production testing was performed using the combination disc test. The identification of Enterobacterales strains was achieved using molecular identification and based on biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Identification of genes encoding for beta-lactamase enzymes and genes encoding plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones was performed by PCR according to the protocols previously described. After ESBL screening, 31 (31/124; 25%) extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Enterobacterales were obtained, and 67.74% (21/31) of them were confirmed as ESBL-producers. Regarding the Enterobacterales species, 27 (27/31; 87.1%) were Escherichia coli and 4 (4/31; 12.9%) strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the ESBL-producing isolates, the blaCTX-M-1 gene group was predominant (58.82%), followed by the blaCTX-M-9 group (41.18%). The blaTEM, blaSHV and blaOXA gene groups were identified in 54.83%, 29.03% and 3.22% of the analysed strains, respectively. The prevalence of PMQR genes was 22.58% and consisted only of qnrS (19.35%) and qnrA (3.22%) genes. The prevalence of ESBL strains related to the total number of analysed samples was 16.93% (21/124). The findings show a significant prevalence of ESBLs and PMQR genes in Enterobacterales strains isolated from the faeces of healthy dogs, implying that pets may pose a risk of transmitting ESBL strains to other animals or owners.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; companion animals; ESBL genes.
Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW
Comparing Fodder Production of Maize Varieties under Varied Nitrogen Levels
Haseeb Ahmad, Uzair Ahmed, Ikram Ullah, Hamza Masud
ABSTRACT. Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a significant role as a fodder crop, supporting rural populations and livestock. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a shortage of green fodder due to the unbalanced use of fertiliser and improper selection of maize varieties for fodder production. This research aimed to address the need for quality fodder by studying the effects of nitrogen (N) on new maize varieties, ultimately enhancing livestock production and agricultural sustainability. The experiment took place in the summer of 2022 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute in Pakistan. Adopting an RCB design with three replications, fodder maize varieties (Jalal, Kaptan and Jumbo) were tested with four N levels (0, 100, 150, 200 kg N ha−1) applied during sowing, knee (V4), and silking stages. The data upon analysis revealed that different maize varieties had a significant impact on the studied parameters. Maize varieties affected days to tasselling and silking, with the Jumbo variety recording the longest duration (59 and 62, respectively). Similar results were observed for days to milking, with the Jumbo variety taking the longest time (80 days). It also recorded a higher leaf number (11.5), leaf area (478 cm−2) and leaf area index (3.4). Fresh fodder (67,777 kg ha−1) and dry fodder yield (23,424 kg ha−1) were higher for the Jumbo variety. In terms of N application, tasselling (59) and silking (62) took more days when 150 and 200 kg N ha−1 was applied compared to the control. Compared to the control plots (83 days), 200 kg N delayed the milking stage by 10 days. A higher but statistically similar leaf count, leaf area and leaf area index were recorded with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1. The plant height of maize was also higher, with 150 (196 cm) and 200 kg N ha−1 (202 cm). Lastly, a higher fresh fodder and dry fodder yield was associated with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1. Based on these results, the Jumbo variety, with the application of 150 kg N ha−1, is recommended for cultivation for economic feasibility and to obtain a higher fodder yield of maize.
Keywords: dry fodder yield; fodder maize; fresh fodder yield.
Horizontal Flow Pilot Constructed Wetland for Dairy Wastewater Purification
Merima Toromanović, Jasmina Ibrahimpašić, Tibela Landeka Dragičević
ABSTRACT. Due to the natural energy sources used in constructed wetlands, minimal energy and chemicals are required for wastewater treatment. For the successful wastewater treatment via constructed wetlands, adequate pretreatment and a sufficient amount of oxygen are crucial. Constructed wetlands can be used to treat industrial wastewater, such as wastewater from the dairy industry, with prior degreasing. This study was conducted on a horizontal flow pilot constructed wetland located on a plot of land used by the Biotechnical Faculty in Bihać. The constructed wetland consisted of two fields planted with rushes (Typha latifolia) and reeds (Phragmites australis). The substrate and plants were not changed during the experimental period. We monitored the efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment (wastewater from the dairy industry) by season, varying the flow rate as well as the hydraulic retention time of the water in the device. The quality of the influent and effluent was monitored by determining analytical parameters. The constructed wetland showed the highest efficiency in the summer period, with a hydraulic retention time of 6 days, with removal efficiencies of 98.03% for ammonia, 98.19% for total nitrogen, 95.27% for total phosphorous, 94.50% for COD and 97.73% for BOD5. The organic substance removal efficiency across all four seasons was 94.68%.
Keywords: constructed wetland; dairy wastewater; hydraulic retention time; organic matter.
Efficacy of Aqueous and Powdered Leaf Extracts Of Chromolaena odorata (Asterales: Asteraceae) and Ficus mucuso (Rosales: Moraceae) Botanicals on Root-Knot Nematode Infecting Watermelon in Kwara State, Nigeria
Oluropo Ayotunde Apalowo, Nkechi Betsy Izuogu, Halimat Shola Baba, Isaiah Olusesan Adepoju, C.M. Olajide, Muhammed Adewole Adeyemi, Olusegun Samuel Balogun
ABSTRACT. Watermelon production in Kwara State, Nigeria, is affected by root-knot nematode (RKN), as all varieties of the crop are susceptible. The aim of this study was to identify readily available and environmentally safe nematicides for the management of RKN. The field was located at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin and set out in a randomised complete block design, with four replications. Aqueous and powdered extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson and Ficus mucuso Welw. ex Ficalho were applied alone and in combination. There were seven total treatments: C. odorata aqueous, F. mucuso aqueous, C. odorata powder, F. mucuso powder, C. odorata and F. mucuso aqueous, C. odorata and F. mucuso powder, and the control. Data were collected on growth, yield and nematode populations. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatments were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. The essential oil of each botanical was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The vine length (185.61) and yield (2401.05) of plants treated with botanicals were significantly higher than those of the control at P<0.005. The nematode population was also significantly lower in plants treated with botanicals than in the control (318.30 and 230.00, first and second year, respectively) at P<0.005. Among the treatments, the combination of C. odorata and F. mucuso powders was the most effective, with higher growth and yield performance. The experiment showed that aqueous and powdered extracts of C. odorata and F. mucuso were effective in managing RKN in the field. Keywords: Botanicals; C. odorata; extracts; F. mucuso; watermelon.
Effect of Different Leonardite Doses and Cross-Sowing Methods on the Growth and Yield of Red Lentil
Betül Kolay, Ali Rıza Öztürkmen
ABSTRACT. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different cross-sowing methods and different doses of leonardite on the growth of red lentils under rain-fed conditions. Treatments consisted of different cross-sowing methods (control, 45° cross-sowing and 90° cross-sowing) and different leonardite doses (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 kg ha−1). The trial was carried out in Diyarbakır province in Türkiye. The same rate of leonardite was applied to the same plots for two consecutive years to observe the two-year effect of leonardite in the experiment, which was established with four replications according to the factorial experimental design in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 production seasons. A positive effect of leonardite application was observed on the number of nodules and fresh root weight in the first production season. The highest nodule number (11.84) was obtained with 2500 kg ha−1 and the highest fresh root weight (0.24, 0.25 and 0.24 g) was obtained at 500, 1000 and 1500 kg ha−1 doses, respectively. The highest plant height, number of main branches, and number of pod parameters were obtained at a dose of 1500 kg ha−1 in the second production season (36.63 cm, 3.95 and 17.43, respectively). The highest grain yield (889.5 kg ha−1), dry root weight (0.125 g) and number of nodules (50.01) were obtained at a dose of 1000 kg ha−1 in the second production season. It was determined that different sowing methods did not affect grain yield in either production season.
Keywords: cross-sowing; leonardite; red lentils.
The Contributions of Wildlife to People’s Livelihoods and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Jesse Zvikonyaukwa, Kudakwashe Musengi, Clarice P. Mudzengi, Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera
ABSTRACT. Wildlife has the potential to support people’s livelihoods and economic development in many African countries. The objective of the review was to evaluate the potential contribution of wildlife to people’s livelihoods and economic development in Africa. Several databases were searched to identify articles that have explored the contributions of wildlife to people’s livelihoods and economic development. The results indicate that wildlife contributes both consumptive and non-consumptive resources towards people’s livelihoods, with bush meat being the greatest consumptive contribution and employment the greatest non-consumptive contribution. Revenue collected from tourists, trophy hunting, and game viewing have been used for infrastructure and rural development. However, wildlife has declined in many African countries due to land redistribution, drought, habitat fragmentation, human population growth, and illegal hunting. Setting up law enforcement agents and creating community-based wildlife management could restore the benefits of wildlife.
Keywords: bush meat; edible fruits; game viewing; trophy hunting; wildlife resources.
© by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
