Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment (ALSE) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal on Agricultural, Horticultural and Animal Sciences, Food Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Environmental Management in the field of Applied Life Sciences, published quarterly online and in print by “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS).
Latest Articles
Novel Application of Trichilia Heudelotii Planch: Effectiveness of Different Polarity of Organic Solvents of Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts on the Control of Cowpea Beetle
R.O. Uddin II, G.V. Awolola, S. Mustapha, O.H. Abdulazeez, O.T. Ilesanmi, S.A. Aliyu
ABSTRACT. Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea beetle) is a field-to-store pest causing over 90% losses of cowpea. The search for new plant-derived crop protectant that can be explored as alternative to synthetic pesticides is urgently needed. Thus, the phytochemical screening, as well as the bioactivity of different polarity of organic solvents of leaf and stembark extracts of Trichilia heudelotii (Meliaceae), was investigated against the field-to-store insect pest Callosobruchus maculatus in laboratory bioassay. The non-polar (hexane) and polar (ethanol) extracts [0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml] of the leaf and stem bark were added to 100 g of cowpea. The following parameters of the cowpea weevil life cycle were analysed at the various concentrations: adult mortality, oviposition rate, number of larvae and pupae, and emergence of first filial progeny. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins in both the non-polar and polar extracts. Furthermore, the various treatments used were significantly (p< 0.05) effective in controlling C. maculatus from 1 and also 30 days after treatment (DAT) for both the non-polar and polar extracts when compared to the control. However, the most effective treatment was observed with the polar (EtOH) stem bark extract at 1.5 ml, which caused more mortalities and fewer emergence of the insect. Our findings suggest that the non-polar and polar leaf and stem bark of T. heudelotii extracts could serve as a sustainable and potential alternative to synthetic chemicals in pest control. Keywords: Callosobruchus maculatus; Trichilia heudelotii extracts; bio-pesticide; insect pest control.
Adaptive Performance of Garlic Varieties under High Ganges River Floodplain Soil (Calcareous) of Bangladesh
M.S. Rahman, M.T. Islam, N.C. Shil, M.H. Rahman, M. Jahangir Alam, M.R. Islam
ABSTRACT. Any variety needs to evaluate at different locations, along with variable soils for asses their yield potentiality after its releasing. Thus, an experiment was conducted at Multi Location Testing (MLT) site, Kushtia Sadar Upazila, under High Ganges River Floodplain (AEZ-11) in Bangladesh, during three consecutive Rabi seasons of 2013-2014 to 2015-2016. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances of garlic varieties and economic profitability of these varieties at farmer’s field. There were three garlic varieties, namely BARI Rashun-1, BARI Rashun-2 and a local cultivar, which were evaluated at six dispersed locations as replications. Results observed that the highest yield (8.34-9.80 t ha-1) was obtained from BARI Rashun-1, which was followed by BARI Rashun-2 (7.43-9.48 t ha-1) and the local one (7.12-9.15 t ha-1). BARI Rashun-1 produced 3-12% higher yield over BARI Rashun-2 and 7-20% over the local cultivar, respectively in three consecutive years. Correlation analysis showed that there were positive and significant correlation among bulb yields with bulb length and individual bulb weight. Regarding the functional relationship, the traits like crop duration, plant population, plant height, bulb length, bulb width, individual bulb weight had positive contribution on the bulb yield. It was dependent on those traits, and accounted for 12, 36, 0.05, 45, 41 and 55% of the total bulb yield variation, respectively. The highest gross return (Tk. 3, 63,700 ha-1) and gross margin (Tk. 2,19,425 ha-1) were obtained from BARI Rashun-1. As such, this variety performed as the best, in respect of higher bulb yield potential, as well as the highest economic return among the tested varieties, which was followed by BARI Rashun-2. Therefore, the result of this study could be helpful for improving bulb production of garlic under High Ganges River Floodplain soil (calcareous soils) in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Allium sativum L.; yield potentiality; functional relationship; economics efficiency; adaptation.
Efficacy of Jatropha Curcas L. Seed Extract on Mortality of Cabbage Crop Larvae (Crocidolomia Binotalis Zeller: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
E.L. Baideng, J.J. Pelealu, B.H. Assa, H.A.W. Lengkey
ABSTRACT. Along with the awareness to obtain quality plant products, the use of plant-based insecticides is increasingly being used. One of the plants used as a plant-based insecticide is Jatropha curcas L. (Jarak pagar) because it contains toxic ingredients to kill cabbage caterpillar pests (Crocidolomia binotalis). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Jatropha curcas L. on the mortality of Crocidolomia binotalis cabbage caterpillars. The research method used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 7 × 3, consisting of seven treatment concentrations (0,000 ppm, 10,000 ppm, 20,000 ppm, 30,000 ppm, 40,000 ppm, 50,000 ppm, 60,000 ppm), with three replications. Observations were made at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 hours after application (HAA) of Jatropha. The research activities were carried out in two stages, namely 1) the extraction stage of Jatropha curcas L. seeds and the breeding of the Crocidolomia binotalis test larvae and 2) the testing stage with seven concentration levels of Jatropha curcas L. extract as a plant-based insecticide. ANOVA test showed that the treatments of Jatropha curcas L. extract gave the death effect on larvae [F-count > F-table (116.8 > 2.37)]. Dead larvae change color to black and their body shape will curve. The fastest larval death occurs 24 HAA, with a concentration of 40,000 ppm, which is 50%. At lower concentrations (30,000 ppm), which can kill larvae up to 50%, occurs 120 HAA. With a concentration of 50,000 ppm, 90% of larvae can be killed occurring 96 HAA.
Keywords: plant-based insecticide; Jatropha curcas L., Crocidolomia binotalis, mortality; concentration.
Assessment of Cassava Processing Technologies Usage Among Rural Women in Kwara State, Nigeria
A.O. Awoyemi, O.J. Adesokan, A.O. Kayode, K.F. Omotesho, K.K. Osasona
ABSTRACT. Technology usage has been identified as a major driver of increased productivity, waste management and economic efficiency. However, there seems to be some barriers to technology usage among rural women cassava processors Nigeria. This study therefore analysed the characteristics and constraints to technology usage among rural women processors in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was used to randomly select 120 respondents from six districts, namely Igbaja, Idofin, Oke-Ode, Omupo, Ora and Share. Primary data were used for the study and the data were collected by means of an interview schedule. Descriptive statistical tools, such as precision counts, frequencies and percentages, were used in analysing the data, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed the level of usage of cassava processing among rural women in the study area is moderately high. Major constraints to the adoption of cassava processing technologies includes: high cost of machines and maintenance, low level awareness and training, as well as inadequate finance. PPMC analysis showed that educational level and cassava processing experience was significantly related to the usage of improved cassava processing technologies in the study area with p≤ 0.05. Based on findings, training and effective monitoring by relevant stakeholders, adequate financing, sensitization and enlightenment campaigns will further boost cassava processors knowledge and attitude towards cassava processing technologies and automatically increase usage by the respondents.
Keywords: increased productivity; characteristics; adoption, constraints.
Essential Oil Composition of Thymus Fallax Fisch. & C.A. Mey. at Different Growing Altitudes in Mazandaran, Iran
H. Ghelichnia
ABSTRACT. Thymus fallax Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Lamiaceae) is a permanent plant that grows in some mountain rangelands of Mazandaran province in Iran. The aerial parts of Thymus fallax were collected during flowering stage from mountain rangelands of Mazandaran province, in North of Iran. Around samples were collected from three altitudes (2400 m, 2700 m and 3000 m a.s.l.), in mountain regions of Mazandaran province. The goal of current research was to assess the effect of altitude on the chemical composition and function of essential oil in Thymus fallax. The essential oil were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas spectrometry (GC-MS). Based on the results, the essential oil content is between 1.12 – 1.61% at different altitudes. The result of study show that the highest concentrated essential oil (1.61%) was extracted in the lowest altitude (2400 m), while it was opposite, (0.1.12%) in the highest altitude (3000 m). The main compounds of essential oil are: thymol (5.95% – 10.06%), carvacrol (13.63% – 69.04%), p-cymene (4.19% – 12.18%) and borneol (4.72% – 5.66%). According to the results, altitude has a negative effect on the percentage of essential oils and essential oil decreases with increasing altitude. The altitude has a negative effect on the percentage of thymol and the content of thymol decreased with increasing altitude. The altitude has a positive effect on the percentage of carvacrol and the content of carvacrol increased with increasing altitude.
Keywords: carvacrol; mountain rangelands.
Effect of Market Participation on Food Security Among Smallholder Sorghum Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
M.F. Salami, K.K. Osasona, G.O. Akinsola, S.U.O. Akanbi, M.T. Durosaye
ABSTRACT. It is paradoxical to note that food insecurity remains a menace among many African farmers’ households. There are arguments for and against smallholder farmers’ market participation as a pathway for ensuring household food security. The paper therefore examined the market participation- food security relationship using smallholder sorghum farmers in Kwara State, as a case study. Primary data were obtained from 112 sorghum farming households using the semi-structured interview survey method. Descriptive statistic (frequencies and percentages), Crop output market participation index, Logistic regression model and Tobit regression model was used to analyse the data obtained. The result revealed that market participation positively and significantly contributes to the food security status of the sorghum farmers. Also, household size, farm output quantity, access to market information, access to credit and farm power types were the factors influencing the level of market participation in the study area. Therefore, all factors that will aid farmers’ market participation should be pursued.
Keywords: food insecurity; tobit regression; farm output; credit.
The Importance of Quinoa (Quinoa Chenopodium Willd.) Cultivation in Developing Countries: A Review
A. Fathi, F. Kardoni
ABSTRACT. Quinoa is a dicotyledonous species for seeds and, therefore, is not known as a cereal grain and is a pseudo-grain, which is introduced nowadays as a new crop in the world. Population growth and the need for more food put additional pressure on the environment, especially on water resources and agronomic ecosystems. This has led to more attention to plants that grow at different latitudes and altitudes. Climatic and environmental changes affect agricultural inputs, especially water resources. So, the best way of adapting to the current situation is the introduction of low-water, salt-resistant, and drought-tolerant plants to the recent climatic changes. Water scarcity has become a serious problem in many countries. This restriction has had a significant impact on the development of countries. The plants which grow in arid and semi-arid regions are often exposed to adverse environmental factors, such as drought or salinity. Salinity and drought stress, more than any other factor, decrease crop yields around the world. These two abiotic stresses are the main limiting factors for crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Quinoa is an exceptional plant that can adapt to adverse conditions and can serve as a solution to the challenge of global food security. Recent droughts that occurred in the world have prompted governments to include plants in their development plans, which are adapted to the country’s existing water and soil conditions and have high nutritional value. This way, quinoa cultivation can ensure their food security in the coming years.
Keywords: food security; food value; global needs; drought; salt; nitrogen.
Evaluate Some New Inbred Rice and Male Sterile Varieties under DUS and VCU Experiments
S.H. Abou Khadrah, M.I. Abo Youssef, E.M. Hafez, A.A. Rehan
ABSTRACT. The main objective of study are evaluated some new inbred rice and male sterile varieties under Distinct, Uniform and Stability (DUS) and Value of Cultivated and Used (VCU) Experiments. A number of seven rice varieties were used, Sakha 101, Sakha 102, Sakha 104, Giza 177, Giza 178, Giza 182 and Egyptian yasmine; moreover, GZ 10154 and GZ 8564-Sp 70, as well as EGMS and CMS1 as promising lines to evaluating by DUS and VCU. The data were recorded on morphological and yield characters. The results could be concluded that: regarding to qualitative characteristics (PQ and QL), from 24 PQ and QL characters, the nine rice varieties recorded the same score for 19 characters; moreover, the rice varieties Egyptian jasmine was dissimilar in the score No. 24, 39, and 60, that referred to this variety belong to Indica type, while the rice varieties Sakha 101 and Giza 178 were similar only in score no.11, which belong to Japonica and Indica japonica types, that meaning these varieties were highly uniform and stability in qualitative characters than the other promising line GZ 10154. Regarding to quantities characteristics (QN), from 27 QN characters, nine rice varieties recorded the same score for 20 characters; moreover, the rice varieties Sakha 101, Sakha 102, Sakha 104, Giza 177, Giza 178, Giza 182, Egyptian yasmine and GZ 8564-Sp70 were similar in the score no. 1, 12, 23, 48, 49 and 50, while the promising line GZ 10154 was dissimilar in these scores during the two seasons, meaning that all these varieties were highly uniform and stability than the other promising, line GZ 10154. These results were conformed to VCU results, where the studied varieties recorded the highest grain yield/day. From these results could be concluded that all the varieties, except GZ 10154, accepted as a new rice release variety, but the promising line GZ 10154 required to more recurrent selection to increase their uniform, as well as CMS line was accepted could be evaluated under different conditions, but EGMS should be evaluated under heat stress conditions.
Keywords: DUS: Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability; VCU: Value for Cultivation and Used.
Evaluation of Cotton (Gossypium Spp.) Germplasm for Heat Tolerance under Normal and Late Planting Time
Emine Karademir, C. Karademir, B. Kolay, V. Sezener, H. Basal
ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to determine cotton (Gossypium ssp.) germplasm for heat tolerance under normal and late planting time. For this aiming 200 cotton genotypes and five check varieties (Gloria, SG 125, Flash, Ozbek 105 and Candia) were evaluated under two different temperature regimes and experiments were conducted according to the augmented design with four blocks. Field studies were carried out at the GAP International Agricultural Research and Training Center’s experimental area in Diyarbakır, Turkey, in 2016 cotton growing season. In the study heat susceptibility index was used for discriminate to the genotypes for heat tolerance. Genotypes were classified into four groups based on the heat susceptibility index. The results of this study indicated that five cotton genotypes (TAM 139-17 ELS, CIM-240, Haridost, MNH-990 and AzGR-11835) were in highly heat tolerant, 28 genotypes were found heat tolerant, 56 genotypes were in the moderately heat tolerant and other 120 genotypes were observed susceptible for heat tolerance. Based on the heat susceptibility index, five cotton genotypes can be used as parent for heat tolerance improvement in the cotton breeding program where high temperature is a limiting factor for seed cotton yield.
Keywords: cotton; abiotic stress; susceptibility; resistance; yield.
The Effect of Commercial Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers and Rhizobium Inoculation on Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) and Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)
F. Basdemir, S. Elis, S. Ipekesen, M. Tunc, B.T. Bicer
ABSTRACT. This research was conducted to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers and bacteria inoculation on yield and its components on pea and faba bean in Dicle University Agricultural Faculty, Diyarbakir, Turkey, during 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The experiment was laid out following a split-plot in completely randomized block design, with three replications. Fertilization treatments and cultivars were designed as main and sub factors, respectively. Data on plant height, plant biomass, pod weight, seed yield per plant, number of pods and number of seeds per plant, biological yield, seed yield and 100-seed weight were recorded at harvest. Number of nodules and nodule dry weight were record in flowering time. The effect of inorganic nitrogen, organic fertilizers and bacteria inoculation on grain yield, seed yield per plant, biological yield was significant at both pea and faba bean. Inorganic fertilizer (urea) was increased the grain yield (2147 kg/ha) and biological yield (4956 kg/ha) in faba bean, but close to control (2080 kg/ha and 4690 kg/ha). Organic-1, Organic-2 and bacteria treatments were decrease the grain yield and biological yield on pea and faba bean, and this decrease on pea was almost half over control. The effect of treatments on number of nodules per plant on pea and faba bean was significant. The highest number of nodules per plant on pea was in bacteria inoculation (125.9) and control (121.5), and differences among nitrogen (109.1), Organic-1 (97.3) and Organic-2 (109.3) treatments was no significant.
Keywords: pea; faba bean; fertilization; nodule; yield.
Biomass Yield Enhancement of Dhaincha (Sesbania Species) Through Cultural Practices
S.C. Chanda, M.A. Razzak, M.A. Hossain, A.K.M. Golam Sarwar
ABSTRACT. Three separate field experiments were conducted to exploit biomass yield potential of dhaincha (Sesbania species) by different cultural practices. A total of six accessions from three Sesbania species, viz. S. bispinosa (#05, 71, 77 and 109), S. cannabina (#28) and S. sesban (#81), were used as experimental materials. Experimental treatments were population densities, viz. 180, 240 and 300 plants m-2; sowing dates, viz. 30 April, 15 May, 30 May and 15 June, and fertilizer doses, viz. 0 (without N/control), 10, 20 and 30 kg N ha-1. All the experiments were designed following randomized complete block design with three replications. Experiments on population density and sowing dates were conducted in control condition (without any fertilizer application). The N-fertilizer was applied as top dress at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and crops were harvested at 60 DAS. The maximum biomass (10.07 t ha-1) was obtained from 240 plants m-2. At 30 April sowing, plants produced the tallest height (199.69 cm), widest base diameter (1.02 cm), highest fresh weight (62.07 t ha-1) and biomass yield (14.73 t ha-1). There were no significant differences in biomass yield and yield contributing descriptors between 20 and 30 kg N ha-1. Among the species, S. bispinosa was the best performer in terms of biomass yield and yield contributing descriptors. It may be concluded that S. bispinosa (accession #71) could be cultivated with the population density 240 plants m-2, at 30 April, without any fertilizer application. In case of later sowing/cultivation, the 20 kg N ha-1 could be applied for the maximization of biomass yield.
Keywords: green manure crop; population density; sowing time; fertilizer management; total dry matter.
The Role of Pretreatment Parameters on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Two Fennel Cultivars
M. Khoshkharam, M.H. Shahrajabian, W. Sun, Q. Cheng
ABSTRACT. Fennel is one of the most important medicinal and spice plants and has become one of the most important economical medicinal plants in Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The germination ability and percentage are fundamental characteristics which influence the viability of the plants. Prechilling has meaningful influence on coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage, mean time for germination and germination rate, but uniformity of seed germination did not significantly influenced by it. The cultivar effect was significant on coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination rate. However, mean time for germination and uniformity of seed germination did not significantly affected by cultivar. All experimental characteristics, except uniformity of seed germination, significantly influenced by hormone. The maximum coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination ratio was related to 45 days moist prechilling treatment. Isfahan cultivar also had obtained the highest coleoptile and radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination ratio compare to Shiraz cultivar. It seems that application of endogenous GA3+KI and BA+KI concentration, which is provided mostly by chilling treatment, is the most effective factor for breaking the seed dormancy. On the basis of the results, usage of 45 days moist prechilling accompanied with application of GA3+KI and BA+KI in Isfahan cultivar was appropriate.
Keywords: kinetin; gibberellic acid; benzyladenine; germination percentage; germination rate.
Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Cherimoya (Annona Cherimola Mill.) at different Temperatures
A. Kheloufi, L.M. Mansouri, H. Khettache
ABSTRACT. Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) has an exceptional flavor and aroma, which makes it a fruit with great potential. However, little is known about its propagation by seeds. According to the scientific literature, the germination of cherimoya seeds is affected much more by external conditions than by internal conditions. Germination of cherimoya variety ‘Concha Lisa’ were tested for germination at constant temperatures of 25, 30, 40°C, and at room temperature, varying from 20-25°C, coupled with total darkness. Seeds were sown in Petri dishes (0.8% agar water), for 25 days of incubation. The kinetics of germination was determined according to five closely related parameters, viz. final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), time to 50% germination (T50) and seedling length (SL). The temperature of 30°C was found optimally suitable with 70.8% FGP, 17.5 days MGT and 3.91 cm SL, while the room temperature of 20-25°C slightly improved germination with only 25% FGP. Furthermore, significant decrease in FGP and SL was observed at 25°C and 40°C of temperature in comparison to 30°C. The analysis also revealed that cherimoya seed germination, day 10-15 after seed sowing is suitable for final counts. An overview on the emergence of cherimoya seedlings, during a 12-week period in pots is presented.
Keywords: agriculture; Annonaceae; custard apple; exotic fruit; fruit tree; seed quality.
Effect of Farmer-Herdsmen Conflict on Poverty Status of Farming Households in Kwara State, Nigeria
L.O. Adebisi, O.A. Adebisi, A.A. Opakunle, U.G. Asogwa, C.O. Farayola, T.O. Daodu
ABSTRACT. This study examines the effect of farmer-herdsmen conflict on poverty status of crop farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for the study and a three stage sampling technique was adopted in the selection of the respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for the purpose of extracting needed information from 110 crop farming households selected for the study. The data collected were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) Index, and Tobit regression model. The result of prevalence of poverty among the farming households, who experienced conflict and those who didn’t in the study area, was 19.23% and 10.34%, while the intensity of poverty was 1.38 and 0.99%, respectively. The severity of poverty, which measures the extent of poverty, shows poverty was more severe among the poor who experienced conflict with a poverty index of 0.0002 than the poor who didn’t experienced conflict, who had index of 0.0001. The Tobit regression model, which measured the effects of farmer-herdsmen conflict on poverty status of the farming household, indicates that the likelihood of being poor were more with large farming households, non-educated farming household heads, small farm size, low farm income households, low off-farm income and occurrence of conflict. The study therefore recommends that governments should designate some areas for the herdsmen as grazing field and also establish grazing reserves and communities in all the states, so as to reduce farmers-herdsmen conflict.
Keywords: expenditure; pastoralist; Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT); tobit regression.
Effect of Leventis Foundation Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme on Trainees’ Food Output in Osun State, Nigeria
K.A. Adeloye, A.O. Ajayi, A.O. Sotomi
ABSTRACT. The study assessed the effect of Leventis Foundation Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (LFYAEP) on trainees’ food output in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 248 ex-trainees of LFYAEP were selected and interviewed in the study area through a systematic random sampling technique using list of Leventis Foundation Agricultural School, Ilesa ex-trainees between the year 2010 and 2017 as sample frame. Data collected were presented using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 30.0±6.2 and their farming experience was 7.2±4.4. About 74.7 and 77.6% got information about the empowerment through their community leaders and media respectively; also, they all participated to better their lot in life. In addition, there were high knowledge and skill proficiency in all the farm enterprises engaged in after the empowerment. Furthermore, the respondents recorded increased food output in all the farm enterprises engaged in after the empowerment. The findings revealed that at p< 0.05, respondents’ reasons for participation (χ2 = 31.612) had significant association with their food output. Furthermore, at p< 0.05, farming experience (r = 0.483), age (r = 0.322), years of formal education (r = 0.153), knowledge possessed (r = 0.148) and skill proficiency (r = 0.221) of respondents had significant relationship with their food output. Finally, there was significant difference between food output before and after the empowerment (F = 65.59). The study concludes that there was a significant improvement in the quantity and quality of food produced by the ex-trainees after the empowerment programme. It was recommended that similar empowerment should be put in place for all youth to enhance productivity. Keywords: food security; farm management; ex-trainees.
Agrochemical Evolution of the Chernozemic Soil in the Superficial Horizon by Differentiated Nitrogen Fertilization
Adina Petruța Jipa, Danela Murariu
ABSTRACT. Soil fertility, upon which plant growth and hence crop yield and quality depend, embraces its content of plant food (nutrients), its organic matter content, its structure, its ability to supply water and its depth. Excessive use of fertilizers with nitrogen products of ion nitric accumulation in the soil (temporary) and in plants, which disturbs the balance of photosynthesis, causes the appearance of necrosis and burns on leaves, severe intoxication and even death by asphyxiation phenomena and cyanosis at ruminants, children and old people. One of the ways of soil pollution through agricultural technology is over-fertilization and, in particular, the administration of high doses of nitrogen fertilizers. Excess of nitrogen fertilizers, as well as their empirical application, have negative effects on harvest quality. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of five nitrogen levels and different type of fertilizers on the agrochemical evolution of the chernozemic soil in the superficial horizon. Field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Suceava, Romania, in two growing seasons (2017 and 2018) with five nitrogen levels (80 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha, 160 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha and 240 kg/ha) and two type of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and urea).
Keywords: ammonium nitrate; urea; chemical fertilizers; chernozemic soil.
A Review on Plant Genomes of Some Important Traditional Chinese Fruits and Herbs
M.H. Shahrajabian, W. Sun, Q. Cheng
ABSTRACT. Chinese medicinal herbs and fruits have grown rapidly and significantly in recent years and have a positive influence on improving people’s attention to their health and organic life style. According to the advancement of sequencing technologies and reduced costs, the genome sequencing data of medicinal plants are accumulating rapidly. Our aim was to review plant genomes of three important medicinal plants in China. There is an ample genetic diversity of plants with medicinal importance around the globe and this pool of genetic variation serves as the base for selection, as well as for plant improvement. Plant genomes are characterized by large variations of genome size and ploidy level. Comparative genomics provides a method to unravel the relationship between genomes, by describing conserved chromosomes or chromosomal regions between related species. It is also clear that it is possible to use plant genome as a tool for improving breeding strategies. However, certain limitations represent a number of challenges for the generation and utilization of genomic resources in many important medicinal plant species. This review has focused on plant genomes of some important horticultural plants, which are famous in traditional Chinese medicine, namely ginger, ginseng and goji berry. However, more researches are needed to introduce the genome research of medicinal plants.
Keywords: gene sequencing; ginger; ginseng; goji berry; horticultural crops; organic life.
The Effect of Salicylic Acid on Different Plant Processes – A Review
A. Ahmadi Shadmehri, A. Khatiby
ABSTRACT. Salicylic acid (SA) is a well-known signaling molecule that plays an important role in resistance against pathogens, as well as adaptation to some abiotic stress factors, such as drought, heavy metal toxicity, chilling, heat and osmotic stress and can be a factor effective treatment for plants. The impact of SA on different plant processes under optimal environmental conditions is controversial. Also, SA as a plant growth regulator may have a positive effect on the regulation of physiological and biochemical processes of different plant species, such as seed germination, seed production, respiration, vegetative growth, flower formation and photosynthesis. In addition, SA as a regulator of cell growth, could contribute to maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by induction of the alternative respiratory pathway and the regulation of antioxidant enzymes activity and to regulating gene expression by inducing a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. However, SA may act as a stressor, and may have a negative impact on different plant processes. Recent results indicate that the exogenous application of SA to plants have affect several on many physiological processes, such as control of ion absorption, stomatal closure and transport, reducing of stress and stimulation of growth and differentiation of plants, and also the controlled levels of SA in plants are important for improving performance and adaptation to environmental stimuli and emphasize its important role in plant health and protection. The present study investigated the effect of SA on different plant processes.
Keywords: signaling molecule; plant processes; stress.
Cultivation Possibilities of Some Common Beans Varieties under Second Crop Conditions
M. Tunc, B.T. Bicer, Z. Turk
ABSTRACT. This research was carried to determine the yield and yield components on some common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties in 2017 and 2018 years, in Diyarbakir, southeast Anatolia of Turkey. In the experiment, Onceler-98, Karacasehir-90, Yunus-90, Akman-98, Goynuk-98, Aras-98, Terzibaba, Adabeyazi, Cihan and Noyanbey cultivars were used. Experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with three replications. Plots were 6 m length with five rows, the inter-row and intra-row spacing were 0.7 m and 0.10 m. Seeds were sown after wheat harvest as second crops. The differences among cultivars were significant for number of days of flowering and maturity, plant height, number of pods and seeds per plant, grain yield and 100 seed weight. Number of days to flowering ranged from 48.0 to 62.8; number of days to maturity ranged from 99.8 to 113.8. The number of pods and seeds per plant varied from 12.8 to 30.8, and 24.3 to 105.6, respectively. Grain yield ranged from 792.3 kg ha-1 (Cihan and Noyanbey) to 2709 kg ha-1 (Goynuk-98 and Onceler-98). In the experiment area, high heat temperature and high evaporation throughout July and August, negatively affected the blooming, pollination and fertilization on cultivars of dwarf and determinate plant habit types. Brushy type and late-maturing varieties should be preferred under second crop conditions.
Keywords: dry bean; Phaseolus vulgaris; yield.
Effect of Cold Stratification on Seed Germination of The Multipurpose Fruit Shrub, Ziziphus Lotus (L.) LAM. (Rhamnaceae)
A. Kheloufi, L.M. Mansouri, K. Laib
ABSTRACT. Shrubs and trees of the genus Ziziphus are a good example of naturally occurring multipurpose plant species with great potential in arid regions. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cold stratification on seed germination and seedling growth of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Seeds were subjected to 0, 45, 90 and 120 days of cold stratification at 5°C. We also examined fruit, kernel and seed morphology. For each treatment period, four replicates of 50 seeds were incubated in plastic containers between two layers of moist sand at 15% and under greenhouse conditions for 15-day period. At the end of the experiment, the final germination percentage (FGP), shoot length and root length were assessed. The results clearly indicated that increasing duration of cold stratification improved seed germination. The most effective stratification period was 120 days where Z. lotus recorded 83% of FGP and 16.5 cm of total seedling length. Cold stratification treatments significantly increased shoot height, root length, as well as seedling total length. 120 days stratification treatment resulted in the highest shoot and root length (6.80 cm and 9.75 cm, respectively). An overview on the emergence of Z. lotus seedlings during a 15-day period was also illustrated.
Keywords: agriculture; arid region; buckthorn; Jujube; medicinal plants; seed quality.
Comparison of IPM Packages on Flower Thrips and Pod Borers Management
M.A. Hossain, M.M. Rahman, M.G. Azam, M.H. Imam
ABSTRACT. Effectiveness of integrated management approaches using blue sticky trap, pheromone trap, bio and synthetic insecticides were evaluated against major insects, like flower thrips and pod borers of mungbean at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur, Barishal and Pulses Research Centre, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh, respectively, during two consecutive years of 2018 and 2019. All of the management packages significantly reduced flower infestation, thrips population and pod borer infestation in mungbean. The highest percentage of reduction of flower infestation, thrips population and pod borer infestation was found in IPM package-3: installing blue sticky trap + two spraying of chlorfenapyr (Intrepid 10 EC) @ 1 ml/l + third spraying with (chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam), i.e. Virtako 40 WG) @ 0.15 g/l, followed by IPM package-1, IPM package-2 and recommended practice (spraying imidacloprid, i.e. Imitaf 20 SL @ 0.5 ml/l). The highest yield was also recorded from IPM package-3, which was statistically similar to IPM package-1, followed by IPM package-2 and recommended practice. Although the IPM package-3 provided the highest yield and return, followed by IPM package-1, but recommended practice (farmer’s practice) gave the highest benefit because of higher cost of IPM components brought down the profit margin of IPM packages. The components of IPM package-1, i.e. biopesticides, are ecologically safer than that of IPM package-3 (synthetic chemical insecticides). So, considering environment friendliness, the IPM package-1: installation of blue sticky trap and pheromone trap + two spraying of azadiractin (Biomeem plus 1EC) @ 1 ml/l + third spraying with spinosad (Success 2.5 EC) @ 1.2 ml/l would be the best package for controlling flower thrips and pod borers of mungbean with higher yield in the insects prone areas, without harming the ecosystem.
Keywords: integrated management; environment; yield; return; cost, benefit.
The Yield and Quality Properties of Chickpea Seeds (Cicer Arietinum L.) Affected by Harvest Times
S. Gürsoy
ABSTRACT. Harvesting of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds at right time of maturity is one of the important issues because pod dropping and shattering is a major problem during harvest. Also, the physical properties of chickpea seeds can be affected by harvest time. For this purpose, a field experiment was carried out to examine the effects of harvest times after physiological maturity on the seed yield per plant and the seed quality properties in chickpea production. The treatments used in the experiment consisted of five harvest times, which chickpea pods were harvested at physiological maturity (H1) and 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after physiological maturity (H2, H3, H4 and H5, respectively). The physiological maturity time (R7) was considered as the stage that leaves start to yellow and 50% of pods are yellow. Moisture content, dimension properties, hundred seed weight, true density, bulk density and porosity and seed yield per plant was determined in the study. The results showed that all measured variables were affected by harvest time. The true density and porosity increased with delayed harvest time. But, the other measured variables decreased when harvest was delayed.
Keywords: harvest stage; seed quality; physiological maturity; density.
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Novel Application of Trichilia Heudelotii Planch: Effectiveness of Different Polarity of Organic Solvents of Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts on the Control of Cowpea Beetle
R.O. Uddin II, G.V. Awolola, S. Mustapha, O.H. Abdulazeez, O.T. Ilesanmi, S.A. Aliyu
ABSTRACT. Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea beetle) is a field-to-store pest causing over 90% losses of cowpea. The search for new plant-derived crop protectant that can be explored as alternative to synthetic pesticides is urgently needed. Thus, the phytochemical screening, as well as the bioactivity of different polarity of organic solvents of leaf and stembark extracts of Trichilia heudelotii (Meliaceae), was investigated against the field-to-store insect pest Callosobruchus maculatus in laboratory bioassay. The non-polar (hexane) and polar (ethanol) extracts [0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml] of the leaf and stem bark were added to 100 g of cowpea. The following parameters of the cowpea weevil life cycle were analysed at the various concentrations: adult mortality, oviposition rate, number of larvae and pupae, and emergence of first filial progeny. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins in both the non-polar and polar extracts. Furthermore, the various treatments used were significantly (p< 0.05) effective in controlling C. maculatus from 1 and also 30 days after treatment (DAT) for both the non-polar and polar extracts when compared to the control. However, the most effective treatment was observed with the polar (EtOH) stem bark extract at 1.5 ml, which caused more mortalities and fewer emergence of the insect. Our findings suggest that the non-polar and polar leaf and stem bark of T. heudelotii extracts could serve as a sustainable and potential alternative to synthetic chemicals in pest control. Keywords: Callosobruchus maculatus; Trichilia heudelotii extracts; bio-pesticide; insect pest control.
Adaptive Performance of Garlic Varieties under High Ganges River Floodplain Soil (Calcareous) of Bangladesh
M.S. Rahman, M.T. Islam, N.C. Shil, M.H. Rahman, M. Jahangir Alam, M.R. Islam
ABSTRACT. Any variety needs to evaluate at different locations, along with variable soils for asses their yield potentiality after its releasing. Thus, an experiment was conducted at Multi Location Testing (MLT) site, Kushtia Sadar Upazila, under High Ganges River Floodplain (AEZ-11) in Bangladesh, during three consecutive Rabi seasons of 2013-2014 to 2015-2016. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances of garlic varieties and economic profitability of these varieties at farmer’s field. There were three garlic varieties, namely BARI Rashun-1, BARI Rashun-2 and a local cultivar, which were evaluated at six dispersed locations as replications. Results observed that the highest yield (8.34-9.80 t ha-1) was obtained from BARI Rashun-1, which was followed by BARI Rashun-2 (7.43-9.48 t ha-1) and the local one (7.12-9.15 t ha-1). BARI Rashun-1 produced 3-12% higher yield over BARI Rashun-2 and 7-20% over the local cultivar, respectively in three consecutive years. Correlation analysis showed that there were positive and significant correlation among bulb yields with bulb length and individual bulb weight. Regarding the functional relationship, the traits like crop duration, plant population, plant height, bulb length, bulb width, individual bulb weight had positive contribution on the bulb yield. It was dependent on those traits, and accounted for 12, 36, 0.05, 45, 41 and 55% of the total bulb yield variation, respectively. The highest gross return (Tk. 3, 63,700 ha-1) and gross margin (Tk. 2,19,425 ha-1) were obtained from BARI Rashun-1. As such, this variety performed as the best, in respect of higher bulb yield potential, as well as the highest economic return among the tested varieties, which was followed by BARI Rashun-2. Therefore, the result of this study could be helpful for improving bulb production of garlic under High Ganges River Floodplain soil (calcareous soils) in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Allium sativum L.; yield potentiality; functional relationship; economics efficiency; adaptation.
Efficacy of Jatropha Curcas L. Seed Extract on Mortality of Cabbage Crop Larvae (Crocidolomia Binotalis Zeller: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
E.L. Baideng, J.J. Pelealu, B.H. Assa, H.A.W. Lengkey
ABSTRACT. Along with the awareness to obtain quality plant products, the use of plant-based insecticides is increasingly being used. One of the plants used as a plant-based insecticide is Jatropha curcas L. (Jarak pagar) because it contains toxic ingredients to kill cabbage caterpillar pests (Crocidolomia binotalis). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Jatropha curcas L. on the mortality of Crocidolomia binotalis cabbage caterpillars. The research method used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 7 × 3, consisting of seven treatment concentrations (0,000 ppm, 10,000 ppm, 20,000 ppm, 30,000 ppm, 40,000 ppm, 50,000 ppm, 60,000 ppm), with three replications. Observations were made at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 hours after application (HAA) of Jatropha. The research activities were carried out in two stages, namely 1) the extraction stage of Jatropha curcas L. seeds and the breeding of the Crocidolomia binotalis test larvae and 2) the testing stage with seven concentration levels of Jatropha curcas L. extract as a plant-based insecticide. ANOVA test showed that the treatments of Jatropha curcas L. extract gave the death effect on larvae [F-count > F-table (116.8 > 2.37)]. Dead larvae change color to black and their body shape will curve. The fastest larval death occurs 24 HAA, with a concentration of 40,000 ppm, which is 50%. At lower concentrations (30,000 ppm), which can kill larvae up to 50%, occurs 120 HAA. With a concentration of 50,000 ppm, 90% of larvae can be killed occurring 96 HAA.
Keywords: plant-based insecticide; Jatropha curcas L., Crocidolomia binotalis, mortality; concentration.
Assessment of Cassava Processing Technologies Usage Among Rural Women in Kwara State, Nigeria
A.O. Awoyemi, O.J. Adesokan, A.O. Kayode, K.F. Omotesho, K.K. Osasona
ABSTRACT. Technology usage has been identified as a major driver of increased productivity, waste management and economic efficiency. However, there seems to be some barriers to technology usage among rural women cassava processors Nigeria. This study therefore analysed the characteristics and constraints to technology usage among rural women processors in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was used to randomly select 120 respondents from six districts, namely Igbaja, Idofin, Oke-Ode, Omupo, Ora and Share. Primary data were used for the study and the data were collected by means of an interview schedule. Descriptive statistical tools, such as precision counts, frequencies and percentages, were used in analysing the data, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed the level of usage of cassava processing among rural women in the study area is moderately high. Major constraints to the adoption of cassava processing technologies includes: high cost of machines and maintenance, low level awareness and training, as well as inadequate finance. PPMC analysis showed that educational level and cassava processing experience was significantly related to the usage of improved cassava processing technologies in the study area with p≤ 0.05. Based on findings, training and effective monitoring by relevant stakeholders, adequate financing, sensitization and enlightenment campaigns will further boost cassava processors knowledge and attitude towards cassava processing technologies and automatically increase usage by the respondents.
Keywords: increased productivity; characteristics; adoption, constraints.
Essential Oil Composition of Thymus Fallax Fisch. & C.A. Mey. at Different Growing Altitudes in Mazandaran, Iran
H. Ghelichnia
ABSTRACT. Thymus fallax Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Lamiaceae) is a permanent plant that grows in some mountain rangelands of Mazandaran province in Iran. The aerial parts of Thymus fallax were collected during flowering stage from mountain rangelands of Mazandaran province, in North of Iran. Around samples were collected from three altitudes (2400 m, 2700 m and 3000 m a.s.l.), in mountain regions of Mazandaran province. The goal of current research was to assess the effect of altitude on the chemical composition and function of essential oil in Thymus fallax. The essential oil were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas spectrometry (GC-MS). Based on the results, the essential oil content is between 1.12 – 1.61% at different altitudes. The result of study show that the highest concentrated essential oil (1.61%) was extracted in the lowest altitude (2400 m), while it was opposite, (0.1.12%) in the highest altitude (3000 m). The main compounds of essential oil are: thymol (5.95% – 10.06%), carvacrol (13.63% – 69.04%), p-cymene (4.19% – 12.18%) and borneol (4.72% – 5.66%). According to the results, altitude has a negative effect on the percentage of essential oils and essential oil decreases with increasing altitude. The altitude has a negative effect on the percentage of thymol and the content of thymol decreased with increasing altitude. The altitude has a positive effect on the percentage of carvacrol and the content of carvacrol increased with increasing altitude.
Keywords: carvacrol; mountain rangelands.
Effect of Market Participation on Food Security Among Smallholder Sorghum Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
M.F. Salami, K.K. Osasona, G.O. Akinsola, S.U.O. Akanbi, M.T. Durosaye
ABSTRACT. It is paradoxical to note that food insecurity remains a menace among many African farmers’ households. There are arguments for and against smallholder farmers’ market participation as a pathway for ensuring household food security. The paper therefore examined the market participation- food security relationship using smallholder sorghum farmers in Kwara State, as a case study. Primary data were obtained from 112 sorghum farming households using the semi-structured interview survey method. Descriptive statistic (frequencies and percentages), Crop output market participation index, Logistic regression model and Tobit regression model was used to analyse the data obtained. The result revealed that market participation positively and significantly contributes to the food security status of the sorghum farmers. Also, household size, farm output quantity, access to market information, access to credit and farm power types were the factors influencing the level of market participation in the study area. Therefore, all factors that will aid farmers’ market participation should be pursued.
Keywords: food insecurity; tobit regression; farm output; credit.
The Importance of Quinoa (Quinoa Chenopodium Willd.) Cultivation in Developing Countries: A Review
A. Fathi, F. Kardoni
ABSTRACT. Quinoa is a dicotyledonous species for seeds and, therefore, is not known as a cereal grain and is a pseudo-grain, which is introduced nowadays as a new crop in the world. Population growth and the need for more food put additional pressure on the environment, especially on water resources and agronomic ecosystems. This has led to more attention to plants that grow at different latitudes and altitudes. Climatic and environmental changes affect agricultural inputs, especially water resources. So, the best way of adapting to the current situation is the introduction of low-water, salt-resistant, and drought-tolerant plants to the recent climatic changes. Water scarcity has become a serious problem in many countries. This restriction has had a significant impact on the development of countries. The plants which grow in arid and semi-arid regions are often exposed to adverse environmental factors, such as drought or salinity. Salinity and drought stress, more than any other factor, decrease crop yields around the world. These two abiotic stresses are the main limiting factors for crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Quinoa is an exceptional plant that can adapt to adverse conditions and can serve as a solution to the challenge of global food security. Recent droughts that occurred in the world have prompted governments to include plants in their development plans, which are adapted to the country’s existing water and soil conditions and have high nutritional value. This way, quinoa cultivation can ensure their food security in the coming years.
Keywords: food security; food value; global needs; drought; salt; nitrogen.
Evaluate Some New Inbred Rice and Male Sterile Varieties under DUS and VCU Experiments
S.H. Abou Khadrah, M.I. Abo Youssef, E.M. Hafez, A.A. Rehan
ABSTRACT. The main objective of study are evaluated some new inbred rice and male sterile varieties under Distinct, Uniform and Stability (DUS) and Value of Cultivated and Used (VCU) Experiments. A number of seven rice varieties were used, Sakha 101, Sakha 102, Sakha 104, Giza 177, Giza 178, Giza 182 and Egyptian yasmine; moreover, GZ 10154 and GZ 8564-Sp 70, as well as EGMS and CMS1 as promising lines to evaluating by DUS and VCU. The data were recorded on morphological and yield characters. The results could be concluded that: regarding to qualitative characteristics (PQ and QL), from 24 PQ and QL characters, the nine rice varieties recorded the same score for 19 characters; moreover, the rice varieties Egyptian jasmine was dissimilar in the score No. 24, 39, and 60, that referred to this variety belong to Indica type, while the rice varieties Sakha 101 and Giza 178 were similar only in score no.11, which belong to Japonica and Indica japonica types, that meaning these varieties were highly uniform and stability in qualitative characters than the other promising line GZ 10154. Regarding to quantities characteristics (QN), from 27 QN characters, nine rice varieties recorded the same score for 20 characters; moreover, the rice varieties Sakha 101, Sakha 102, Sakha 104, Giza 177, Giza 178, Giza 182, Egyptian yasmine and GZ 8564-Sp70 were similar in the score no. 1, 12, 23, 48, 49 and 50, while the promising line GZ 10154 was dissimilar in these scores during the two seasons, meaning that all these varieties were highly uniform and stability than the other promising, line GZ 10154. These results were conformed to VCU results, where the studied varieties recorded the highest grain yield/day. From these results could be concluded that all the varieties, except GZ 10154, accepted as a new rice release variety, but the promising line GZ 10154 required to more recurrent selection to increase their uniform, as well as CMS line was accepted could be evaluated under different conditions, but EGMS should be evaluated under heat stress conditions.
Keywords: DUS: Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability; VCU: Value for Cultivation and Used.
Evaluation of Cotton (Gossypium Spp.) Germplasm for Heat Tolerance under Normal and Late Planting Time
Emine Karademir, C. Karademir, B. Kolay, V. Sezener, H. Basal
ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to determine cotton (Gossypium ssp.) germplasm for heat tolerance under normal and late planting time. For this aiming 200 cotton genotypes and five check varieties (Gloria, SG 125, Flash, Ozbek 105 and Candia) were evaluated under two different temperature regimes and experiments were conducted according to the augmented design with four blocks. Field studies were carried out at the GAP International Agricultural Research and Training Center’s experimental area in Diyarbakır, Turkey, in 2016 cotton growing season. In the study heat susceptibility index was used for discriminate to the genotypes for heat tolerance. Genotypes were classified into four groups based on the heat susceptibility index. The results of this study indicated that five cotton genotypes (TAM 139-17 ELS, CIM-240, Haridost, MNH-990 and AzGR-11835) were in highly heat tolerant, 28 genotypes were found heat tolerant, 56 genotypes were in the moderately heat tolerant and other 120 genotypes were observed susceptible for heat tolerance. Based on the heat susceptibility index, five cotton genotypes can be used as parent for heat tolerance improvement in the cotton breeding program where high temperature is a limiting factor for seed cotton yield.
Keywords: cotton; abiotic stress; susceptibility; resistance; yield.
The Effect of Commercial Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers and Rhizobium Inoculation on Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) and Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)
F. Basdemir, S. Elis, S. Ipekesen, M. Tunc, B.T. Bicer
ABSTRACT. This research was conducted to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers and bacteria inoculation on yield and its components on pea and faba bean in Dicle University Agricultural Faculty, Diyarbakir, Turkey, during 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The experiment was laid out following a split-plot in completely randomized block design, with three replications. Fertilization treatments and cultivars were designed as main and sub factors, respectively. Data on plant height, plant biomass, pod weight, seed yield per plant, number of pods and number of seeds per plant, biological yield, seed yield and 100-seed weight were recorded at harvest. Number of nodules and nodule dry weight were record in flowering time. The effect of inorganic nitrogen, organic fertilizers and bacteria inoculation on grain yield, seed yield per plant, biological yield was significant at both pea and faba bean. Inorganic fertilizer (urea) was increased the grain yield (2147 kg/ha) and biological yield (4956 kg/ha) in faba bean, but close to control (2080 kg/ha and 4690 kg/ha). Organic-1, Organic-2 and bacteria treatments were decrease the grain yield and biological yield on pea and faba bean, and this decrease on pea was almost half over control. The effect of treatments on number of nodules per plant on pea and faba bean was significant. The highest number of nodules per plant on pea was in bacteria inoculation (125.9) and control (121.5), and differences among nitrogen (109.1), Organic-1 (97.3) and Organic-2 (109.3) treatments was no significant.
Keywords: pea; faba bean; fertilization; nodule; yield.
Biomass Yield Enhancement of Dhaincha (Sesbania Species) Through Cultural Practices
S.C. Chanda, M.A. Razzak, M.A. Hossain, A.K.M. Golam Sarwar
ABSTRACT. Three separate field experiments were conducted to exploit biomass yield potential of dhaincha (Sesbania species) by different cultural practices. A total of six accessions from three Sesbania species, viz. S. bispinosa (#05, 71, 77 and 109), S. cannabina (#28) and S. sesban (#81), were used as experimental materials. Experimental treatments were population densities, viz. 180, 240 and 300 plants m-2; sowing dates, viz. 30 April, 15 May, 30 May and 15 June, and fertilizer doses, viz. 0 (without N/control), 10, 20 and 30 kg N ha-1. All the experiments were designed following randomized complete block design with three replications. Experiments on population density and sowing dates were conducted in control condition (without any fertilizer application). The N-fertilizer was applied as top dress at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and crops were harvested at 60 DAS. The maximum biomass (10.07 t ha-1) was obtained from 240 plants m-2. At 30 April sowing, plants produced the tallest height (199.69 cm), widest base diameter (1.02 cm), highest fresh weight (62.07 t ha-1) and biomass yield (14.73 t ha-1). There were no significant differences in biomass yield and yield contributing descriptors between 20 and 30 kg N ha-1. Among the species, S. bispinosa was the best performer in terms of biomass yield and yield contributing descriptors. It may be concluded that S. bispinosa (accession #71) could be cultivated with the population density 240 plants m-2, at 30 April, without any fertilizer application. In case of later sowing/cultivation, the 20 kg N ha-1 could be applied for the maximization of biomass yield.
Keywords: green manure crop; population density; sowing time; fertilizer management; total dry matter.
The Role of Pretreatment Parameters on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Two Fennel Cultivars
M. Khoshkharam, M.H. Shahrajabian, W. Sun, Q. Cheng
ABSTRACT. Fennel is one of the most important medicinal and spice plants and has become one of the most important economical medicinal plants in Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The germination ability and percentage are fundamental characteristics which influence the viability of the plants. Prechilling has meaningful influence on coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage, mean time for germination and germination rate, but uniformity of seed germination did not significantly influenced by it. The cultivar effect was significant on coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination rate. However, mean time for germination and uniformity of seed germination did not significantly affected by cultivar. All experimental characteristics, except uniformity of seed germination, significantly influenced by hormone. The maximum coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination ratio was related to 45 days moist prechilling treatment. Isfahan cultivar also had obtained the highest coleoptile and radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination ratio compare to Shiraz cultivar. It seems that application of endogenous GA3+KI and BA+KI concentration, which is provided mostly by chilling treatment, is the most effective factor for breaking the seed dormancy. On the basis of the results, usage of 45 days moist prechilling accompanied with application of GA3+KI and BA+KI in Isfahan cultivar was appropriate.
Keywords: kinetin; gibberellic acid; benzyladenine; germination percentage; germination rate.
Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Cherimoya (Annona Cherimola Mill.) at different Temperatures
A. Kheloufi, L.M. Mansouri, H. Khettache
ABSTRACT. Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) has an exceptional flavor and aroma, which makes it a fruit with great potential. However, little is known about its propagation by seeds. According to the scientific literature, the germination of cherimoya seeds is affected much more by external conditions than by internal conditions. Germination of cherimoya variety ‘Concha Lisa’ were tested for germination at constant temperatures of 25, 30, 40°C, and at room temperature, varying from 20-25°C, coupled with total darkness. Seeds were sown in Petri dishes (0.8% agar water), for 25 days of incubation. The kinetics of germination was determined according to five closely related parameters, viz. final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), time to 50% germination (T50) and seedling length (SL). The temperature of 30°C was found optimally suitable with 70.8% FGP, 17.5 days MGT and 3.91 cm SL, while the room temperature of 20-25°C slightly improved germination with only 25% FGP. Furthermore, significant decrease in FGP and SL was observed at 25°C and 40°C of temperature in comparison to 30°C. The analysis also revealed that cherimoya seed germination, day 10-15 after seed sowing is suitable for final counts. An overview on the emergence of cherimoya seedlings, during a 12-week period in pots is presented.
Keywords: agriculture; Annonaceae; custard apple; exotic fruit; fruit tree; seed quality.
Effect of Farmer-Herdsmen Conflict on Poverty Status of Farming Households in Kwara State, Nigeria
L.O. Adebisi, O.A. Adebisi, A.A. Opakunle, U.G. Asogwa, C.O. Farayola, T.O. Daodu
ABSTRACT. This study examines the effect of farmer-herdsmen conflict on poverty status of crop farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for the study and a three stage sampling technique was adopted in the selection of the respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for the purpose of extracting needed information from 110 crop farming households selected for the study. The data collected were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) Index, and Tobit regression model. The result of prevalence of poverty among the farming households, who experienced conflict and those who didn’t in the study area, was 19.23% and 10.34%, while the intensity of poverty was 1.38 and 0.99%, respectively. The severity of poverty, which measures the extent of poverty, shows poverty was more severe among the poor who experienced conflict with a poverty index of 0.0002 than the poor who didn’t experienced conflict, who had index of 0.0001. The Tobit regression model, which measured the effects of farmer-herdsmen conflict on poverty status of the farming household, indicates that the likelihood of being poor were more with large farming households, non-educated farming household heads, small farm size, low farm income households, low off-farm income and occurrence of conflict. The study therefore recommends that governments should designate some areas for the herdsmen as grazing field and also establish grazing reserves and communities in all the states, so as to reduce farmers-herdsmen conflict.
Keywords: expenditure; pastoralist; Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT); tobit regression.
Effect of Leventis Foundation Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme on Trainees’ Food Output in Osun State, Nigeria
K.A. Adeloye, A.O. Ajayi, A.O. Sotomi
ABSTRACT. The study assessed the effect of Leventis Foundation Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (LFYAEP) on trainees’ food output in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 248 ex-trainees of LFYAEP were selected and interviewed in the study area through a systematic random sampling technique using list of Leventis Foundation Agricultural School, Ilesa ex-trainees between the year 2010 and 2017 as sample frame. Data collected were presented using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 30.0±6.2 and their farming experience was 7.2±4.4. About 74.7 and 77.6% got information about the empowerment through their community leaders and media respectively; also, they all participated to better their lot in life. In addition, there were high knowledge and skill proficiency in all the farm enterprises engaged in after the empowerment. Furthermore, the respondents recorded increased food output in all the farm enterprises engaged in after the empowerment. The findings revealed that at p< 0.05, respondents’ reasons for participation (χ2 = 31.612) had significant association with their food output. Furthermore, at p< 0.05, farming experience (r = 0.483), age (r = 0.322), years of formal education (r = 0.153), knowledge possessed (r = 0.148) and skill proficiency (r = 0.221) of respondents had significant relationship with their food output. Finally, there was significant difference between food output before and after the empowerment (F = 65.59). The study concludes that there was a significant improvement in the quantity and quality of food produced by the ex-trainees after the empowerment programme. It was recommended that similar empowerment should be put in place for all youth to enhance productivity. Keywords: food security; farm management; ex-trainees.
Agrochemical Evolution of the Chernozemic Soil in the Superficial Horizon by Differentiated Nitrogen Fertilization
Adina Petruța Jipa, Danela Murariu
ABSTRACT. Soil fertility, upon which plant growth and hence crop yield and quality depend, embraces its content of plant food (nutrients), its organic matter content, its structure, its ability to supply water and its depth. Excessive use of fertilizers with nitrogen products of ion nitric accumulation in the soil (temporary) and in plants, which disturbs the balance of photosynthesis, causes the appearance of necrosis and burns on leaves, severe intoxication and even death by asphyxiation phenomena and cyanosis at ruminants, children and old people. One of the ways of soil pollution through agricultural technology is over-fertilization and, in particular, the administration of high doses of nitrogen fertilizers. Excess of nitrogen fertilizers, as well as their empirical application, have negative effects on harvest quality. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of five nitrogen levels and different type of fertilizers on the agrochemical evolution of the chernozemic soil in the superficial horizon. Field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Suceava, Romania, in two growing seasons (2017 and 2018) with five nitrogen levels (80 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha, 160 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha and 240 kg/ha) and two type of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and urea).
Keywords: ammonium nitrate; urea; chemical fertilizers; chernozemic soil.
A Review on Plant Genomes of Some Important Traditional Chinese Fruits and Herbs
M.H. Shahrajabian, W. Sun, Q. Cheng
ABSTRACT. Chinese medicinal herbs and fruits have grown rapidly and significantly in recent years and have a positive influence on improving people’s attention to their health and organic life style. According to the advancement of sequencing technologies and reduced costs, the genome sequencing data of medicinal plants are accumulating rapidly. Our aim was to review plant genomes of three important medicinal plants in China. There is an ample genetic diversity of plants with medicinal importance around the globe and this pool of genetic variation serves as the base for selection, as well as for plant improvement. Plant genomes are characterized by large variations of genome size and ploidy level. Comparative genomics provides a method to unravel the relationship between genomes, by describing conserved chromosomes or chromosomal regions between related species. It is also clear that it is possible to use plant genome as a tool for improving breeding strategies. However, certain limitations represent a number of challenges for the generation and utilization of genomic resources in many important medicinal plant species. This review has focused on plant genomes of some important horticultural plants, which are famous in traditional Chinese medicine, namely ginger, ginseng and goji berry. However, more researches are needed to introduce the genome research of medicinal plants.
Keywords: gene sequencing; ginger; ginseng; goji berry; horticultural crops; organic life.
The Effect of Salicylic Acid on Different Plant Processes – A Review
A. Ahmadi Shadmehri, A. Khatiby
ABSTRACT. Salicylic acid (SA) is a well-known signaling molecule that plays an important role in resistance against pathogens, as well as adaptation to some abiotic stress factors, such as drought, heavy metal toxicity, chilling, heat and osmotic stress and can be a factor effective treatment for plants. The impact of SA on different plant processes under optimal environmental conditions is controversial. Also, SA as a plant growth regulator may have a positive effect on the regulation of physiological and biochemical processes of different plant species, such as seed germination, seed production, respiration, vegetative growth, flower formation and photosynthesis. In addition, SA as a regulator of cell growth, could contribute to maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by induction of the alternative respiratory pathway and the regulation of antioxidant enzymes activity and to regulating gene expression by inducing a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. However, SA may act as a stressor, and may have a negative impact on different plant processes. Recent results indicate that the exogenous application of SA to plants have affect several on many physiological processes, such as control of ion absorption, stomatal closure and transport, reducing of stress and stimulation of growth and differentiation of plants, and also the controlled levels of SA in plants are important for improving performance and adaptation to environmental stimuli and emphasize its important role in plant health and protection. The present study investigated the effect of SA on different plant processes.
Keywords: signaling molecule; plant processes; stress.
Cultivation Possibilities of Some Common Beans Varieties under Second Crop Conditions
M. Tunc, B.T. Bicer, Z. Turk
ABSTRACT. This research was carried to determine the yield and yield components on some common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties in 2017 and 2018 years, in Diyarbakir, southeast Anatolia of Turkey. In the experiment, Onceler-98, Karacasehir-90, Yunus-90, Akman-98, Goynuk-98, Aras-98, Terzibaba, Adabeyazi, Cihan and Noyanbey cultivars were used. Experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with three replications. Plots were 6 m length with five rows, the inter-row and intra-row spacing were 0.7 m and 0.10 m. Seeds were sown after wheat harvest as second crops. The differences among cultivars were significant for number of days of flowering and maturity, plant height, number of pods and seeds per plant, grain yield and 100 seed weight. Number of days to flowering ranged from 48.0 to 62.8; number of days to maturity ranged from 99.8 to 113.8. The number of pods and seeds per plant varied from 12.8 to 30.8, and 24.3 to 105.6, respectively. Grain yield ranged from 792.3 kg ha-1 (Cihan and Noyanbey) to 2709 kg ha-1 (Goynuk-98 and Onceler-98). In the experiment area, high heat temperature and high evaporation throughout July and August, negatively affected the blooming, pollination and fertilization on cultivars of dwarf and determinate plant habit types. Brushy type and late-maturing varieties should be preferred under second crop conditions.
Keywords: dry bean; Phaseolus vulgaris; yield.
Effect of Cold Stratification on Seed Germination of The Multipurpose Fruit Shrub, Ziziphus Lotus (L.) LAM. (Rhamnaceae)
A. Kheloufi, L.M. Mansouri, K. Laib
ABSTRACT. Shrubs and trees of the genus Ziziphus are a good example of naturally occurring multipurpose plant species with great potential in arid regions. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cold stratification on seed germination and seedling growth of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Seeds were subjected to 0, 45, 90 and 120 days of cold stratification at 5°C. We also examined fruit, kernel and seed morphology. For each treatment period, four replicates of 50 seeds were incubated in plastic containers between two layers of moist sand at 15% and under greenhouse conditions for 15-day period. At the end of the experiment, the final germination percentage (FGP), shoot length and root length were assessed. The results clearly indicated that increasing duration of cold stratification improved seed germination. The most effective stratification period was 120 days where Z. lotus recorded 83% of FGP and 16.5 cm of total seedling length. Cold stratification treatments significantly increased shoot height, root length, as well as seedling total length. 120 days stratification treatment resulted in the highest shoot and root length (6.80 cm and 9.75 cm, respectively). An overview on the emergence of Z. lotus seedlings during a 15-day period was also illustrated.
Keywords: agriculture; arid region; buckthorn; Jujube; medicinal plants; seed quality.
Comparison of IPM Packages on Flower Thrips and Pod Borers Management
M.A. Hossain, M.M. Rahman, M.G. Azam, M.H. Imam
ABSTRACT. Effectiveness of integrated management approaches using blue sticky trap, pheromone trap, bio and synthetic insecticides were evaluated against major insects, like flower thrips and pod borers of mungbean at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur, Barishal and Pulses Research Centre, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh, respectively, during two consecutive years of 2018 and 2019. All of the management packages significantly reduced flower infestation, thrips population and pod borer infestation in mungbean. The highest percentage of reduction of flower infestation, thrips population and pod borer infestation was found in IPM package-3: installing blue sticky trap + two spraying of chlorfenapyr (Intrepid 10 EC) @ 1 ml/l + third spraying with (chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam), i.e. Virtako 40 WG) @ 0.15 g/l, followed by IPM package-1, IPM package-2 and recommended practice (spraying imidacloprid, i.e. Imitaf 20 SL @ 0.5 ml/l). The highest yield was also recorded from IPM package-3, which was statistically similar to IPM package-1, followed by IPM package-2 and recommended practice. Although the IPM package-3 provided the highest yield and return, followed by IPM package-1, but recommended practice (farmer’s practice) gave the highest benefit because of higher cost of IPM components brought down the profit margin of IPM packages. The components of IPM package-1, i.e. biopesticides, are ecologically safer than that of IPM package-3 (synthetic chemical insecticides). So, considering environment friendliness, the IPM package-1: installation of blue sticky trap and pheromone trap + two spraying of azadiractin (Biomeem plus 1EC) @ 1 ml/l + third spraying with spinosad (Success 2.5 EC) @ 1.2 ml/l would be the best package for controlling flower thrips and pod borers of mungbean with higher yield in the insects prone areas, without harming the ecosystem.
Keywords: integrated management; environment; yield; return; cost, benefit.
The Yield and Quality Properties of Chickpea Seeds (Cicer Arietinum L.) Affected by Harvest Times
S. Gürsoy
ABSTRACT. Harvesting of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds at right time of maturity is one of the important issues because pod dropping and shattering is a major problem during harvest. Also, the physical properties of chickpea seeds can be affected by harvest time. For this purpose, a field experiment was carried out to examine the effects of harvest times after physiological maturity on the seed yield per plant and the seed quality properties in chickpea production. The treatments used in the experiment consisted of five harvest times, which chickpea pods were harvested at physiological maturity (H1) and 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after physiological maturity (H2, H3, H4 and H5, respectively). The physiological maturity time (R7) was considered as the stage that leaves start to yellow and 50% of pods are yellow. Moisture content, dimension properties, hundred seed weight, true density, bulk density and porosity and seed yield per plant was determined in the study. The results showed that all measured variables were affected by harvest time. The true density and porosity increased with delayed harvest time. But, the other measured variables decreased when harvest was delayed.
Keywords: harvest stage; seed quality; physiological maturity; density.
