Volume 1 Number 3 (September 2016)

Modeling and Simulation of Resistive type Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

Shilpi Yadav, Lini Mathew, Kuldeep Singh Rajput

For upcoming smart grid one of the most essential topics regarding the implementation of Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCL) is associated to its possible outcome on the reduction of abnormal fault Current. Due to the enlarge fault currents level, SFCL is more likely to infiltrate into a medium voltage and low voltage transmission network to lower the capacity of electric devices and improve their stability. Excessive fault current is a serious problem when grid connection of the micro grids with the current power grids, to be solved after implementation of SFCL in the network. SFCL is irresistible solution to limit fault current. Quick protection to the power system is provided by resistive type SFCL model. At present no Simulink model of SFCL has been introduced in the MATLAB library software. In this paper a Matlab/Simulink model for a resistive type SFCL is proposed. This paper first introduces a resistive type SFCL model in Matlab/Simulink and then simulates different types of fault and analysis is done without SFCL and with SFCL. The study shows that SFCL not only reduce the magnitude of fault current to a satisfactory level, but also damp transient recovery voltage. SFCL also improves the power system transient stability, power quality and reliability by reducing the fault current instantaneously.

Effect of Arsenic in germination, growth and biochemistry of Rice (Oryza sativa)

Priyanka Biswas, Syed Yakub Ali, Pulak Kumar Patra*

Arsenic is a highly toxic metalloid element and occurs in many minerals, usually in conjunction with sulfur and metals, and also as a pure elemental crystal. Arsenic poisoning from naturally occurring arsenic compounds in drinking water remains a problem in many parts of the world. Arsenic contaminated water is also used in the agricultural field for irrigation purpose. The influence of 0, 1, 2 and 4mg/l sodium arsenite on germination, seedling growth and biochemistry of two varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa), Nayanmani and Satabdi was studied under controlled conditions. After 3 weeks the various parameters (percentage of seed germination, root and shoot length, dry biomass, chlorophyll, peroxidase, protein and ascorbic acid content) were estimated following standard procedures. It was observed that the root and shoot length, germination percentage, dry biomass, protein content, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid content and peroxidase activity decreased significantly with increasing exposure to arsenic in both the plant varieties. The study shows that arsenic is toxic to both rice varieties and affects adversely the normal rate of germination and growth through alteration in the plant biochemistry.

Time Series Study of Rhino Habitat and its Impact on Rhino Population in Gorumara National Park through Remote Sensing Technology

Sumita Ghatak, P.T Bhutia, Abhijit Mitra, Atanu Kumar Raha

Gorumara National Park located within the flood plains of Jaldhaka and Murty river in the Dooars area of Northern West Bengal has a mosaic of natural vegetation consisting of tall grasslands, woodlands, tropical semi-evergreen forests and tropical moist deciduous forests, part of which get inundated in recurring floods. The Greater Indian One Horned Rhinoceros which is the flagship specie of this National Park has positively responded to the regular Wild Life Habitat Management regime introduced since 1995 showing trends of steady increase in its population as the habitat manipulation resulted in the increase of the Rhino habitat. This review tries to establish the Rhino population dynamics vis a vis increase in Rhino habitat using Remote sensing technology over the years since the area comes under purview of Protected Area network management.

An Environmental Impact Assessment of Sewage Pollution in Madurai District

J.S.Amarnath, U. Sridevi

The study was conducted in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu to study the Environmental Impact Assessment of sewage pollution. The study revealed that the decline in crop production was directly related with the pollution intensity. The averting or defensive expenditure for drinking water and irrigation water included obtaining protected water, getting water from non-polluted areas, boiling the water and purchase of water filters. The agricultural damage function related the value of agricultural damages to averting expenditure of land and irrigation water and quality indices of land and water quality.Contingent valuation study revealed that the proportion of farmers WTP was higher in seriously affected category with 85.71 per cent study area and in low affected category, it was 28.57 per centwhich revealed that the willingness to pay varied according to pollution intensity. The amount of WTP was also higher for seriously affected farmers with Rs.1800 per year each in study area which was due to higher pollution intensity prevailing in these farms. Seriously affected farmers were interested and willing to pay whatever they were able to pay which might be due to high pollution prevailed in that category. The proportion of compensation was lower in seriously affected farms since the farmers in this category felt that the compensation principle would not be practical and time consuming. In seriously affected farms, household size and drinking water quality had positive influence on WTP. Age and Green index had negative influence on WTP. In low affected farms, household head’s education, household size and occupation dummy had positive relationship with the willingness to pay while green index had negative influence on WTP.

Effect of Temperature on the Biology and Predatory Potential, of Harmonia Dimidiata (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Feeding on Myzus Persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Aphid

The influence of five constant temperatures i.e 16±1°C, 20±1°C, 24±1°C, 28 ±1°C and 32 ±1 ˚C was investigated on the biology and predatory potential of Coccinellid beetle, Harmonia dimidiata (Fab.), (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), feeding on Myzus persicae aphid. The results revealed that temperature has significant effect on the development time and with increasing temperature, the development time may significantly decrease. Maximum duration was observed at low temperatures and minimum at high temperature level for egg incubation period, larvae, pupa and egg to adult emergence. The number of eggs per female beetle was maximum (656.8±7.08) at 24 ± 1˚C and minimum (184.6±5.16) at 28 ± 1˚C. The results further indicate that at high temperature level 32 ± 1˚C the female could not produce eggs. The predatory potential of larvae, male and female beetle was maximum 827.7±13.39, 14183.0±543.76 and 15375.0±549.98 aphids at 24 ± 1˚C. The results indicate that temperature has profound effect on fecundity and predatory potential as well as development of H. dimidiata. The optimum rearing temperature for this Coccinellid predator was found to be 24 ±1°C followed by 20 ±1°C. It has high potential against M. pericae and thus can be utilized as part of integrated pest management program for the management of this economically important aphid pest.

Efficacy of sequential sprays of different fungicides against early blight Alternaria solani (Ellis and Martin) in potato Solanum tubrosum L.

S. A. More, M. R. Deshmukh, Madhuri Katkar

Potato is one of the world's fourth most important food crop belongs to family solanaceae. More than one billion peoples consume potatoes and richest source of energy highest dry matter, energy and edible proteins. The field experiments on Efficacy of sequential sprays of different fungicides against early blight Alternaria solani (Ellis and Martin) in potato Solanum tubrosum L. was conducted during kharif season on potato (cv. K. Pukharaj) for consecutive three years. The experiment was laid out in RBD design with 6 treatments and 4 replications. The results revealed that spray of Chlorothalonil 75 WP (0.25%) @ 2.5 gm/ liter of water followed by Hexaconazole 5 EC (0.05%) @ 0.5 ml /liter of water and then Chlorothalonil 75WP (0.25%) @ 2.5 gm/liter of water at 10 days interval was found significantly superior in controlling the early blight on potato The yield differences due to spraying of fungicides were significant and the highest yield (18.10 t/ha) was obtained in same treatment.

Genotype x environment interaction and stability analysis in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

N.K. Yadav, S.K. Ghimire, B. P. Sah, A. Sarker, S.M. Shrestha, S.K. Sah

Genotype x environment interaction was evaluated under eight environments during lentil growing season of 2013/14 and 2014/15 for grain yield and their component characters of twenty one promising genotypes selected from previous trial of lentil. The variances estimated due genotype, environment and genotype x environment interaction were found to be different significantly for all the characters studies indicating distinct nature of genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interactions in phenotypic expression. High estimates of sum of square (SS) for all the traits are expressed by environment. The explained percentage of grain yield by environment, genotype and genotype environment interaction were 54.86, 19.86 and 25.28 respectively. To find out the effects of GEI on grain yield and its attributing characters, the data were subjected to Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) .The results finally indicated that AMMI stability value and AMMI biplot are informative methods to explore stability and adaptation pattern of genotypes in practical plant breeding and in subsequent variety recommendations. In addition, finding mega environments help to identify the most suitable lentil cultivars that can be recommended for areas within the mega-environment in either one or more test locations. The genotype RL39 (1.254 mt ha-1 ) and LL10071 (1.196 mt ha-1 ) produced higher grain yield) than all other genotypes over the environments and performed better at most of the places. The genotypes ,F2003-49L, Arun, 39-S-66L, RL-44, and ILL10071 were found to be comparatively stable as their performance were hardly affected by the G x E interaction and thus would perform well across a wide range of environments. These genotypes produced higher grain yield than all checks.

Remote Sensing in Agriculture

Anindya Sundar Ray

Remote sensing is defined as the art and science of gathering information about objects or areas from a distance without having physical contact with objects/areas being investigated. Remote sensing is the science and technology of making inferences about material objects from measurement made at a distance without coming into physical contact with the object under study. Remote sensing is a tool to monitor the earth’s resources using space technology in addition to ground observations. Remote sensing is the science and technology of making inferences about material objects from measurement made at a distance without coming into physical contact with the object under study. Spectral signature of any object that detect by remote sensing is the main principle. Remote sensing technology uses the visible, infrared and microwave regions of radiation to collect information about the various objects on the earth surface. The responses of the objects of different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are different. The typical responses are used to distinguish object such as vegetation, water, bare soil, concert and other similar features. Remote sensing is two types viz, active and passive remote sensing. Passive remote sensing: It makes use of seasons that detects the reflected/emitted electromagnetic radiation natural sources. Active remote sensing: It makes the use of seasons that detects reflected responses from object that are irradiated from artificially generated energy sources, such as radar. There are three types of platforms-air based, ground based and satellite based. The various applications of remote sensing in agriculture are- crop condition monitoring, detection of plant stress, vegetative indices, canopy transmission and crop stress, cropping system analysis, application on forestry, drought monitoring and its assessment, flood mapping and its assessment, ground water exploration, storm and flood warning, water availability and location of canals, wildlife inventory and fire surveillance etc.

Transboundary Pollution in the Capital City of Botswana

K. Moloi, T.S. Verma

This paper presents aerosol studies carried out in the capital city of Botswana. The use of backward air mass trajectories has shown that elevated concentrations of fine particles correspond to situations when the air mass originated in the Pretoria and Johannesburg region in South Africa. This illustrated transboundary pollution and also served as an example of long distance transport. The results also show a significant contribution of a local generated pollution. The data has been subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) in order to make source apportionment.

Partial Mitochondrial DNA Barcode of Rafflesia Mira Fernando & Ong, 2005 (Syn. Rafflesia Magnifica Madulid, Tandang, Agoo, 2005) Using MatR with Phylogenetic Analysis of Selected Rafflesia Species in the World

Milton Norman D. Medina, Reggie Dela Cruz

In this paper, partial DNA barcode of R.mira syn. R.magnifica a critically endangered holoparasitic plant from Maragusan Compostela Valley Province was provided using mitochondrial gene sequence matR. Partial matR sequences generated from 3 replicates of R.mira (syn.R.magnifica) showed very close genetic variability between Philippine endemic species R. speciosa and R. manillana as shown in phylogenetic tree using neighbor-joining with bootstrap support and confirmed by pair-wise distance analysis.

Relationship of Extent of Participation and Impact of National Watershed Development programme by the Beneficiaries

Miss K.U. Deshmukh, Dr. R. P. Kadam, Dr. G.S. Pawar

The present investigation was conducted in Beed and Nanded district of Marathwada region in Maharashtra State. The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between profile of beneficiaries with their extent of participation and impact of NWDP. The data were collected with the help of pre-designed interview schedule by contacting 200 respondents i.e. 100 beneficiaries from watershed villages and 100 non-beneficiaries from non-watershed villages. The result revealed that majority (70.00%) of the beneficiaries having middle aged, followed by 38.00 per cent of the beneficiaries were educated up to secondary school level, while 52.00 per cent of the beneficiaries were having medium family size. Further it was observed that 53.00 per cent of the beneficiaries were from higher caste i.e. major castes – Maratha, Brahmin, while 49.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having semi medium land holding, whereas 60.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium area under irrigation. It was also found that 66.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium annual income, while 46.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium social participation, whereas 61.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium level of extension contact, and 52.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium level of economic motivation. Also the result showed that education, family size, land holding, area under irrigation, annual income, social participation, extension contact and economic motivation were found to be positively and significantly related with extent of participation and impact of NWDP.

Determination of Pesticide Residues in curry leaf in local markets of Hyderabad, India

Swarupa Rani, S Shashi Vemuri, V.Venkateswara Reddy

Studies were conducted for determining the residues of commonly used pesticides in curry leaf samples collected periodically from different markets of Hyderabad, India during 2013 - 2014. A total of 120 samples were collected from five selected markets of Hyderabad every month and analysed using QuEChERS method on LC-MS/MS. The most commonly detected pesticide residues were of Profenophos (22.5%), Ethion (20%), Cyfluthrin (16.67%), Bifenthrin (8.33%), Chlorpyriphos (7.5%), Dimethoate(7.5%), Triazophos (5.83%), Phorate (4.17%), Methyl parathion (3.33%) , cypermethrin (2.5%), Fenpropathrin (2.5%), Monocrotophos (2.5%), Acetamaprid(1.67%), Methamidophos(1.67%). Acephate, Allethrin, alpha cypermethrin ,Fipronil, Carbendazim, Deltamethrin, Malathion, Quinalphos all (0.83%) indicating that, curry leaf samples contained detectable level of the pesticides residues for which Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) are not fixed. As there are no MRLs for curry leaves, it should be considered as most important to fix MRLs to ensure food safety and consumer health and to create awareness among the farmers about the application dose, method of application and Pre Harvest Intervals. The mismanagement or non-availability of proper information about the pesticide application can lead to contamination of pesticide residues in curry leaf. The findings of this study provided important data about contamination of pesticide residues in curry leaf sold in the local markets of Hyderabad and hence, it is essential to conduct monitoring studies in other curry leaf growing agro climatic regions, which may serve as basis for future policy about the standards and quality control of pesticides.

VNMKV Recommended Improved Farm Implements Adopted by the Farmers

Sanap J.G., kadam R.P, Pawar G.S.

The study was conducted in purposively selected three talukas viz., Jintur, Parbhani and Purna of Parbhani District of Marathawada region of Maharashtra state during the year 2014-15. From each taluka, four villages selected purposively and from each village10 respondents were selected purposively, there by constituting a total sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected by using personal interview method. The collected data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted with the help of appropriate statistical tools. Majority of respondents were found having medium level of adoption of improved farm implements. It was observed that farming experience, social participation, extension contact, economic motivation and risk orientation had non-significant relationship with adoption of recommended improved farm implements whereas education, land holding, annual income and source of information had significant relationship with adoption of recommended improved farm implements by the respondents.

Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Air conditioners filters and Carpets

Haitam Khalaf Almoffarreh, Faris Mohammed Alsaleh, Mansur Sultan Alruwaili

Background: Objective: To study the level of colonization by bacteria, and fungi/molds in air conditioners and carpets used in homes, offices,university classrooms, prayer room and laboratories. Methods: A total of 25 different settled dust samples from air conditioners, and carpet vacuum cleaners were investigated in this study. One gram of each sample was emulsified into 9.0mL sterile normal saline. 10-fold dilutions were made in normal saline and 100 µL of each suspension was inoculated onto 2 plates of SabouraudDextrose Agarincubated at 25 °C for 48-72hrs, while 50 µLwas inoculated onto MacConkey and Blood agar plates which were incubated at 37 °C for 48hrs. Results: of the settled dust samples examined, 72 % were found to harbor molds, bacteria and yeasts. Of the total bacteria isolated, Bacillus spp. comprised 60.3%, S.epidermidis (20.7%), S. aureus (17.2%), Gram negative bacilli (1.7%). On the other hand, Aspergillusspp. made up 26.9%, of the total mold isolates, followed byPenicillium spp. (20.9%), Yeast (13.4%), Rhizopus spp. (7.5%), Zygomycetes spp. (3%), Aspergillusniger (3%), Lichtheimiacorymbifera (3%), Microsporum spp. (1.5%) and Unidentified mold in 20.8%. The mean bacterial concentration found was 1.33 x 105Cfu/g of dust. Conclusion: The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and molds in the dust samples of the air conditioner filters, and home carpets indicated that our environment is full of microorganism that may affect people’s health and expose them to different diseases, this mandates regular cleaning and safe removal of dust from A/C filters and carpets.

Use of Local Materials In The Preservation of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) Seeds

Ajayi S., Eyong O. O.

Storage of Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) was carried out using different local materials to evaluate the most appropriate storage material relative to the extension of its shelf life. The materials were kept moist by wetting them throughout the period of study (8 weeks). The local materials used were sandy soil, jute bag, clay pot and Plantain leaves. Three different parameters were used to assess the effectiveness of these local materials. The parameters were weight loss, colour change and shrinkage.Colour and shrinkage were evaluated visually. For weight loss, storage materials were significantly different (p

Ethno Botanical Survey of Plants Used For Malaria Treatment in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria

Oyelakin A. O., Tairu H. M., Olawale B. R.

Malaria remains a global scourge particularly in Nigerian rural areas where sanitation is poor and access to health facilities is also poor. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Igboora, Ibarapa Central North Local Government Area of Oyo State on latitude 7. 53° and longitude 3.08°. A semi structured questionnaire was administered on thirty three respondents in the study area. Information obtained included the plants used in the treatment of malaria, parts used, time of collection, the availability of the plants, mode of preparation and mode of administration. The respondents were mostly males ranged from 30 to 92 years and were mainly herbalists, farmers and teachers. Twenty eight recipes were obtained from the respondents while thirty three plant species were documented for the management and treatment of malaria in the study area. The plants belong to 25 families. Two plants, Carica papaya and Cymbopogon citratus were particularly very common in the recipes with a percentage occurrence of 70%.The more prominent families in the recipes obtained were the Asteraceae, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Anarcadiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae. The major mode of preparation is mainly by concoction while infusion or decoction may be used in a few cases. Leaves are the most common plant parts used although the bark or whole plants are used in some cases. The juice from Citrus aurantifolia and water from fermented seeds of Zea mays in most cases constitute the solvent in which other plants are boiled. The lists of plant and recipes obtained are provided. This study highlights potential sources for the development of new antimalaria drugs from indigenous medicinal plants found in Igboora, Nigeria.

Wheat Flour Fortification With that of Defatted Seed of Citrulluslanatus (Cucurbitaceae): Effects on Organs Biometry

Meite A., Ouattara H., Dally T., Bouafou Kgm. , Kouame Kg. , Kati-Coulibaly S.

This study used to determine the effects of wheat flour fortification with that of defatted seed of Citrulluslanatus(Cucurbitaceae)on organ biometry.Thirty rats (30) team up into five per group were fed during 14 days with the six diets prepared: Diet made with casein (RTC); diet containing classic bread (RPC) and diets based on bread in which the wheat flour has been substituted by defatted seed flour of Citrulluslanatus(RPFd) at different proportions 5 % (RPFd5); 10% (RPFd10); 15 % (RPFd15); 20% (RPFd20).After the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and kidney, liver, stomach, ileum and spleen were removed and weighted.Result showed that relative kidney weight of rats fed with RTC (0.84±0.08) and RPC (0.90±0.05) were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than that of rats fed with RPFd (0.69±0.04 to 0.75±0.02). Relative weight of the other organs of rats fed with RPFd (0.24±0.11to 0.28±0.06) do not show a significant difference(p ≥ 0.05) when compared to that of rats fed with RTC and RPC. This study suggested that except for kidney, the wheat flour fortification with that of defatted seed of Citrullus lanatushave not effects on the biometry of others organs.

Childhood Lead Poisoning and Associated Health Impacts- A Brief Review

Rida Fatima, Uniba Tariq, Masooma Mehmood, Ghazala Yaqub

This brief review article is about childhood lead poisoning and associated health impacts. Lead poisoning is regarded as an important pediatric environmental health issue within the world. Children are considered to be at greater risk of lead poisoning than adults. Various sources of lead incudes soil, air, water, food and lead based paints etc. Exposure to lead particles during the processes of inhalation and ingestion is common in young children. Breastfeeding women with r lead levels may cause lead exposure to the infants. Lead exposure leads to various kinds of diseases even at a very young age like Acute Clinical toxicity, Subclinical toxicity, Haematological toxicity, Neurological toxicity, Brain dysfunctionings , Poor Academic performance, Memory retention problems , Poor problem solving skills. Additionally, the likelihood of ADHD, Hearing loss, Malfunctioning in vitamin D metabolism, Stunted growth, adverse effects in Kidneys, Encephalopathy, Stomach cramps and irritation. Lead concentration in blood can be diagnosed through blood tests .For children, the level greater than 45 mcg/dL should always be treated. The treatment method used depends upon the concentration level of lead in blood . This elimination of lead from blood will require collaboration and participation of governments at all levels.

Impact Analysis of Oil Pollution using Change Detection Techniques in Kuwait

Shafiullah G.

The present study reveals impact of oil pollution in the environment of Kuwait. The change detection techniques were applied to analyze the changes. The present study has been analyzed using digital satellite data such as 1990, 1993, 1999 and 2006. Based on hierarchy the data were applied various image processing technique like, principal component analysis, change detection analysis between 1993 to 1999 and 1999 to 2006, filtering techniques, classification, accuracy assessment and post classification methods. The results are revealed that the majority (90%) of the oil pollution occurred in the southern part of Kuwait.

Determination of DNA Methylation Levels with CRED-RA Technique in the Genome of Sunflower Seedlings (Helianthus annuus L.) Subjected to Zinc Stress

E. Bolukbasi, E. S. Aras

Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental problem all over the world. It is known that high concentration of heavy metals in soils and waters cause genotoxicity and damage to most of the functional biomolecules. This event is a potentially dangerous for every living organism from plants to humans. The aim of this study was to determine the methylcytosine levels in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genome and changes in methylation patterns under heavy metal of zinc stress. Sunflower seeds were treated with different concentrations of zinc (0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280ppm) for 3 weeks. The overview of the seedlings showed that the growth and development of seedlings were inhibited by 80ppm and following the increase of concentrations. The genomic DNA was extracted 3 weeks after zinc treatments. DNA band variations were revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. And then, levels of methylcytosine in the genome were detected with the technique of coupled restriction enzyme digestion-random amplification (CRED-RA). CRED-RA is a significant technique which uses methylation-sensitive enzymes, HpaII and MspI for determining the methylation patterns. According to the RAPD and CRED-RA analysis, GTS rates adapted with RAPD profiles, when compared, the highest rate was 92.85% at 20ppm zinc concentration. The lowest rate was 83.33% at 640ppm zinc. Additionally, total methylation and full-methylation rates decreased until 160ppm zinc stress and then started to increase at 320ppm and more concentrations of zinc stressin comparison to the control groups. Similarly, the maximum percentage of non-methylation was detected 5.7% at 160ppm zinc stress. According to results of RAPD and CRED-RA analysis, very important polymorphism and methylation changes were observed in sunflower plants subjected to zinc stress.

Effect of Vermicompost on Yield and Yield Components of Two Corn Cultivars

Saeed Samsami

This study was performed for evaluation of vermicompost Effect on yield and yield components of two corn cultivars. First factor included cultivars (S.C 704, B.C 666) and second factor included vermicompost treatments (control, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), also some properties were studied such as highest plant height, number of seeds,1000-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index%.Totally, according to result, S.C 704 had best results and it treatment showed highest plant height (221.6 cm), number of seeds (773.4),1000-seed weight (150.46 g), seed yield (9.7 t ha-1), biological yield (19412 kg/h), harvest index% (50.36%). Between vermicomposttreatment, application of 75% led to 61, 43, 73, 65, 80 and 80 percentage of highest plant height, number of seeds, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index% in compare to control.

Bioassay of the Ultrastructural characteristics in the kidney and liver of the African catfish, Clariasgariepinus juveniles exposed to graded concentration of zinc

Akaahan T . J., Akogwu S.A., Olabanji F . M.

Bioassay in the structural deformation of the kidney and the liver of African catfish, Clariasgareipinus exposed to graded concentration of zinc was determine for a period of 96 hours. The stock solution was prepared with zinc and the fish juveniles were exposed to the following concentration in mg/L : 0.5, 0.75. 1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 with a control of 0.0mg/L where the zinc was not introduced. The kidney and the liver of the dead fish were dissected and subjected to histology test.The regression plot of the probit value transformed mortality against the concentration of zinc showed a strong relationship with the death of the fish exposed to the concentration of the metal with R2 value of 0.8725. Similarly the regression plot of the percentage mortality of the fish juveniles with zinc concentration indicate a very strong relationship with the toxicity of the metal that results to death of the fish at varied concentration with a R2 value of 0.99754. All the same probit transformed mortality and the log transformed concentration of zinc depict a very weak relationship between zinc toxicity and the lethality of the fish with a very low R2 value of 0.0873. All the same no death was observed in the control throughout the 96 hours period of the study while the lowest death of 15% was recorded in the 0.5mg/L and the highest of 60% in the 1.50mg/L concentration of zinc. The LC50 was determined to be 1.25mg/L during the study time. The result of the bioassay in the ultrastructural characteristics showed pathological lesion in the kidney and vacuolation of the hepatocytes of liver of the fish. The DO of the water was below the recommended level for the survival of the fish in the waters that the concentration of zinc was introduced and may cause distress to the fish. The fish showed erratic movement and distressful behavoiur where they were exposed to zinc and eventually the ones that could not tolerate the toxicity of the metal died. The study conclude that the fish should not be exposed to the elevated concentration of zinc as it is toxic and recommend that anthropogenic activities that release zinc into the environment should be controlled.

Supplementary effect of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Silage on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Local Lambs Grazing Natural Pasture in Tembaro District, Southern Ethiopia

Tegene Negesse, Gebremariam Gebremichael, Mohammed Beyan

Effect of supplementing Hawassi-83 sweet potato silage (SPS) containing 70% vine and 30% tuber on growth performance and carcass traits of grazing lambs were evaluated through on-farm feeding trial in Tembaro district, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Treatment diets formulated were: T1= grazing alone; T2, T3 and T4 were grazing plus SPS supplemented (DM basis) at 1, 2 and 4% of lamb’s body weight, respectively. At the age of 120 days after planting, vine cuttings were harvested at 3 cm above the ground and wilted under sunlight for 12 hrs. The tubers and vines were then chopped and mixed at the ratio of 70%:30% ( vine:tuber) and put in an air tight linen sack lined with plastic sheet, compacted with wooden stick, tightened with a rope and covered with plastic sheet to ensure anaerobic fermentation and ensiled for 30 days. Samples of natural pasture (NP) from the grazing area were harvested at the beginning and end of the trial. Five lambs (5-6 month-old; 14.3±0.5kg) were randomly assigned to each of the four treatment diets and fed for 84 days. Crude protein content of SPS was 14.07% and that of the NP at the beginning and end of the trial were 10.73 and 8.13%, respectively; and in-vitro DM digestibility of SPS was 84.74% and that of NP at the beginning and end of the trial were 65.4 and 51.77%, respectively. The DM intakes of lambs significantly (p

Assessment of Livestock Feed Resource and Effect of Supplementing Sweet Potato Vine Hay on Growth Performance and Feed Intake of Grazing Local Goats in Aleta Chuko District, Sidama Zone SNNPRS, Ethiopia

Tegene Negesse, Adugna Gebregiorgis, Ajebu Nurfeta

Through a diagnostic survey and feeding trials (Aleta Chuko Woreda, SNNPRS), availability of common feed resources and effect of sweet potato vine hay (SPVH) and concentrate (50%wheat bran +50% noug cake) supplementation to local bucks on growth performance were assessed at farmers’ management levels. Out of 150 households (HHs) interviewed it was found that natural pasture, crop residues, fodder tree and industrial by products are main feed resources; livestock are mainly kept for milk production and income but small ruminants only for income and average livestock holding per HH was 6.69 TLU. Yearling bucks (16.9 ± 3.21 kg) were assigned into four treatment diets in a RCBD design. One animal from each of four treatment diets were given to each of four farmers selected. Bucks were grazing natural pasture from 8:00 to 17:00h and supplemented with 88g concentrate (T1), 88g concentrate + 171.2 g SPVH (T2), 88g concentrate +316.9 g SPVH (T3) and 88g concentrate + 461.3 g SPVH (T4) on DM basis. Goats under T2, T3 and T4 consumed higher (p < 0.001) total DM than those of T1. The DM (88, 259, 405 and 549), OM (75, 217, 335 and 455), CP (23, 49, 72 and 91), NDF (37, 97, 148 and 199) and ADF (20, 58, 90 and 122) intakes and daily weight gain (32, 48, 58 and 69g/head/d) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of supplementation of SPVH (T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). It can be concluded that supplementing bucks up to 461gDM/head/d SPVH gave highest growth rate.

Economics Analysis of Catfish Production in Anambra State, Nigeria

Ume S.I., Ebeniro .L.A., Ochiaka C.D., Uche F.O.

The study was on economics of catfish production in Anambra State of Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and oral interview were administered on sixty catfish farmers selected from the state. Percentage response was used to determine the farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics and constraints to catfish production. Semi log functional form was used to analyze the effect of farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics on their output. The profitability in catfish was determined using gross margin and profit analysis. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics shows that majority of the catfish farmers were male (83.3%) and of the age bracket of 31-40 (40%). Most of the catfish farmers were literate (91.7%) and operated on pond size of 5m2 (50%). The socioeconomic determinants to catfish farmers’ output were educational level, farming experience and membership of cooperative. The gross margin of N323,600 and profit of N155,100 were recorded. The gross margin of N322,600, profit of N153,000, benefit cost ratio of 1.40, expense structure ratio of 0:48 and a gross ratio of 0.2123 were recorded. The major constraints to catfish production in the study area were cannibalism, poor access to credit, poor access to extension services, high cost of building material, high cost of feed and poor fish breed and scarcity of fingerling (13.3%). Recommendations offered included improving farmers’ access to improve fingerlings and education through seminars and workshops.

Economics Efficiency of Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)Production in Anambra State, Nigeria (A Stochastic Frontier Profit Function Approach)

Ume S. I., Onyekwere M.U., Okoye F.U., Eluwa A.N

The study estimated the economic efficiency of rabbit production in Anambra State of Nigeria employing a stochastic Profit Function Approach. The study was based on primary data obtained from sixty randomly selected rabbit farmers in Anambra State. Stochastic Cobb - Douglas profit function and descriptive statistics technique were used to analyse economic efficiency level and the constraints in rabbit production respectively. The results analysis of the data revealed that wage rate, price of feed/feed supplement, flock size and price of drug and medications were the determinants of the profit level of the enterprise. More so, level of education, farming experience, membership of cooperative and access to credit were the major determinant factors to economic efficiency of rabbit enterprise. The major factors that limited rabbit production in the study area were poor access to credit, poor extension contact, feeding problem, high mortality rate, pests and diseases problems. There is the need to increase farmers access to credits, encouraging youth and experienced farmers to remain in rabbit production through provision of improved inputs at subsidized prices, encouragement of adult education, workshops and semina,r and motivation of the extension agents in order to be efficient in their duties.

Increasing Nitrogen Availability for Rice Growth in Irrigated System in Sourou Valley (Burkina Faso)

Bandaogo Alimata, Fofana Bidjokazo, Sansan Youl

Nitrogen is the main nutrient that is limiting yield in irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) systems. The availability of N can affect phosphorus and potassium plant uptake and reduce rice yieldsThe effect of fertilizer nitrgogen (N) (prilled urea PU) and briquettes—urea supergranules (USG) on rice nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake,soil total N were investigated in Sourou valley in Burkina Faso in pot experiment the dry season of 2013 on acid soil and alkaline soil. Pot experiment was carried out using a factorial design with the rice variety FKR62N.Field experiment was also carried out in the wet season 2013 in acid soil with two rice varieties (FKR 19 and FKR 62N) using a split plot design.The results indicate that soil total N was higher in the acid soil compared to the alkaline soil during the panicle and flowering stages. Urea Deep Placement (UDP) significantly increased N, P and K uptake. Higher nitrogen content was recorded by urea deep placement with USG throughout the experiment. The amount of total N, P and K increased in rice plant with the UDP during the study.Field experiment also showed that USG application was 13% superior to PU application and gave more yields with the two varieties. The best combination was obtained with rice variety FKR 62N. This study suggests that farmers may derive more yields from the use of USG technology than broadcasting.

The Effect of Bank Creditson Increasing the Wheat Production

Tahereh Taj

Financial requirements of the farming sector have increased tremendously over the last few decades due to theextended use of fertilizers, biocides, improved seeds, mechanization etc. this study was performed to evaluation of bank credit effects on increasing the wheat production. Endogenous Switching regression was performed to analysis; it is assumed that farmers have financial constraints. So that increased liquidity, be converted an increase in the funds immediately. The supply function (Gi) to be introduced that it is a function of the amount of the loan and other variables. The first groups of farmers have used credit for their farming activities and the second group of farmers who have not used credit for their farming activities.analysis of variances showed that there were significant differences between groups; groups included those who have not used facilities (G1), Individuals who have used only micro facilities (G2), Individuals who have used only the duty credits (G3), finally, people who have used both types of facilities (G4). G2, G3 and G4 showed higher benefit of production in compare to production benefit of G1. Highest to lowest production benefits were obtained by G4≥G3>G2>G1.

Effect of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides to Weeds Control in Corn Field

Mohammad Hassan Baniasadi

The aim of this comparative study was evaluation of pre and post emergence herbicides Effect to control weeds in corn field. Experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included: no weed control, weed, complete mechanical control, Nicosulfuron herbicides (two liters per hectare) as pre- and Erradican 4 liters per hectare as post emergence. Some properties were studied such as the dry weight of weed species, plant height, seed number on the cob, seed yield, 1000seed weight, biological yield. Totally, result showed that application of herbicide led to reduction of damages caused by weeds, also, it was determined that using of Nicosulfuron+ Erradican had highest effect on weed control in compare to Nicosulfuron or Erradicanaplication. application of Nicosulfuron, Erradican, Nicosulfuron+ Erradican and complete mechanical control showed 45, 38, 58 and 84% seed yield increasing in compare to no weed control.

Land Suitability Assessment for Maize and Paddy Production in Bogur Microwatershed Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

The main aim of this study was to assess the soils of Bogur microwatershed in Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka for sustainable production of maize and paddy. Seven land qualities including water availability index (W), oxygen availability (O), nutrient availability index (NAI), water retention (I), rooting conditions (R), excess of salts (Sa) and topography (T) were selected and their suitability evaluated. Four soils series: Singhanhalli, Bogur, Mugli and Venkatapur and seventeen soil units including SGH-c-d4-Be1 belonging to Singhanhalli series; MGL-cl-d3-De2 belonging to Mugli series; BGR1-sl-d4-Ce2, BGR2-c-d5-Be1, BGR3-sl-d4-Ce3 and BGR4-cl-d5-Ce2 belonging to Bogur series; and VKP1-sc-d4-Ce2, VKP2-sl-d3-Ee4, VKP3-c-d5-Be1, VKP4-sl-d2-Be1, VKP5-scl-d4-De3, VKP5-scl-d3-De2, Vkp5-scl-d4-Be2, VKP5-scl-d3-Ce2, VKP6-cl-d4-Ce2, VKP7-sl-d2-De3, and VKP8-sl-d4-De3 belonging to Venkatapur series, were identified. Singhanhalli series covers 78.5 ha (10.3%); Mugli series covers 22.1 ha (2.9%); Bogur series covers 237.3 ha (31.2%); and Venkatapur series covers 406.6 ha (53.5%). One mapping unit, VKP2-sl-d3-Ee4 which accounts for 10.2 ha (1.3%) of the study area, was not evaluated for crop production because it is a non-cultivable land. The results revealed that 33.8 ha (4.4%) is moderately suitable, 312.7 ha (41.1%) is marginally suitable and 387.7 ha (51%) is not suitable for maize; whereas for paddy, all sixteen mapping units which account for about 734.2 ha (96.5%) of study area is marginally suitable. These results could be used as baseline information needed for mapping specific soil resource constraints for sustainable production of these crops in the study area.

A Physico-Chemical study of different Fig (Ficus Carica L.) varieties in Haramosh valley, Gilgit-Pakistan

The present study was conducted to analysis the basic physico-chemical properties of four Figs (Ficus carica L.) varieties i.e. English Fig, wild fig, dark brown fig and dark black fig and its by-products was prepared in Haramosh valley.Fresh fig fruits were picked or harvested when they begin to soften and the color change indicates maturity. Then washed, cut in quarters, pulped and then the pulp was processed into fig jam and squash. The physico-chemical analysis i.e. pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, reducing sugar, moisture content and ash content of four fresh varieties of fig were determined while physico-chemical analysisof by-products (Jam and squash) prepared from three fig varieties including english, dark brown and dark black fig was also determined. The results showed that pH and moisture content were gradually decreased in all samples during storage interval whereas TSS, titratable acidity, reducing sugar and ash content increased. Regarding physico-chemical analysis of by-products TSS, acidity, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar increased while pH decreased during storage interval.The maximum mean value for pH, moisture content and ash content was found in English fig however for TSS and reducing sugar maximum value was observed in dark black fig. Data regarding titratable acidity highest value was recorded from wild fig. Furthermore pysico-chemical properties of by-products shows that maximum mean value of pH was detected in dark brown fig whereas maximum value of acidity, TSS, reducing sugar and total sugar was recorded from English fig, however maximum value of non-reducing sugar was observed in dark black fig. It may be concluded from the study that English fig is favorable for a long period of storage.Moreover it is concluded that processing of fig fruit pulp into jam and squash resulted in a significant increase in physico-chemical characteristics such as TSS, titratable acidiy and sugar content however decreases its pH. The processing of fig fruit pulp into jam and squash ensures the safety and quality of the by-products without losing its nutritional and antioxidant benefits.

Effect of Thermo Chemical Processing on Storability of Sugarcane Juice

Bonny Mathew, Mini.V., Jessy M. Kuriakose, Shajan V.R., Jayakumar G.

A study has been undertaken at Agricultural Research Station, Thiruvalla with an objective to study the effect of thermo chemical processing on storability of sugarcane juice to develop a protocol for preservation of sugarcane juice. Fresh sugarcane juice was subjected to ten different treatments. Juice under different treatments was analyzed before preservation and after preservation. The scores for sensory qualities (colour, taste, smell and overall acceptability) reduced significantly with the advancement of storage. Change in physico- chemical characteristics (pH, TSS, titratable acidity and Brix: acid ratio) also followed the same decreasing trend during storage period. The treatment T5 recorded the highest scores in sensory evaluation and it recorded the highest Brix: acid ratio after the storage period, indicating better consumer acceptability. The results revealed that good quality beverage from sugarcane juice with satisfactory storage stability of 30 days at refrigeration could be prepared by adding 0.5ml lime juice, 0.2ml ginger extract and 125 ppm of sodium meta bisulphite per 100 ml of sugarcane juice and microwave pasteurization of the treated juice for one minute. This protocol for preservation of sugarcane juice with microwave pasteurization and preservatives will be very useful for commercial preservation of sugarcane juice.

Effect of Customized Nutrient Mixture on Yield of Okra in Onattukara Sandy Plain

Mini V. , Usha Mathew

A study was conducted in the Onattukara sandy plain (AEU 3) of Kerala to assess the available nutrient status of the region to develop a multi nutrient mixture for balanced crop nutrition and to evaluate the effect of multi nutrient mixture on growth and yield of okra. Two hundred georeferenced soil samples were drawn at random from twenty soil series of the Onattukara region and analysed for 13 soil fertility parameters. The soil was very strongly acidic with high level of phosphorus, low oxidisable organic carbon and available potassium and wide spread deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc. Micronutrient fertilizer requirement was computed based on the available micronutrient status of the region and crop requirement. A multi nutrient mixture having a composition of Zn (9.5%) + B (2.6%) +Cu (1.2%) +Mg (2.4%) +N (0.46%) @ 20kg ha-1 was developed and the effect of multi nutrient mixture was assessed in the field experiments using okra variety Varsha Uphar as the test crop. Application of soil test based NPK and secondary nutrients + foliar application of 0.5 per cent solution of computed dose of nutrient mixture @ 5 kg ha-1 in two splits at 15 DAS and 30 DAS (T7) yielded significantly higher (11.3 t ha-1) over rest of the treatments with a B: C ratio of 3.02. Soil status of micronutrients in the experiment site before the experiment was Zn (0.27 mg kg-1), Cu (0.21 mg kg-1) and B (0.17 mg kg-1). After two consecutive applications of multi nutrient mixture, the soil status of Zn, Cu and B were in the range of 0.62 to 1.58 mg kg-1, 0.74 to 0.99 mg kg-1 and 0.19 to 0.31 mg kg-1 respectively. In general the highest nutrient content and uptake in shoot and fruit were recorded by T7. Application of multi nutrient mixtures customized for agro ecological units and crops ensured increased yield and sustained soil health.

Effect of Fly Ash on Crop Coverage around coal-fired Thermal Power Plant in Rural India

Subhas Adak, Kalyan Adhikari, Koushik Brahmachari

Fly ash coming out from Kolaghat thermal power plant, West Bengal, India affects the crop coverage in the surrounding area (

A Review on Active Packaging: An Innovation in Food Packaging

K. A. Mane

Innovative packaging such as active packaging is the result of consumers demand for packaging that is more advanced and creative than what is currently offered. Active packaging aiming at extending shelf life or improving safety while maintaining quality is progressing towards the incorporation of natural active agents into more sustainable packaging materials. Depending on the requirements of packed food, the application of appropriate active packaging systems can significantly reduce food quality deterioration. Different active packaging systems are Oxygen scavengers, Carbon dioxide emitters and scavenger, Ethylene scavengers, Ethanol emitters, Moisture absorbers, Antimicrobial agents, Flavour/odour absorbers, Temperature-controlled packaging.

Effect of spacing on growth, flowering and corm production of gladiolus (Gladiolus sp.) cv. American Beauty

Kuldip Kumar, C. N. Singh, V. S. Beniwal, Rohit Pinder

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant density on growth, flowering corm and cormel production of gladiolus (Gladiolus sp.) cv. American Beauty at the farm of the Department of Horticulture, C.C.R (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications and three spacing’s viz. S1 (40cm x 20cm), S2 (30cm x 40cm) and S3 (40cm x 40cm). The observations were recorded for various vegetative, floral and corm parameters. Maximum germination percentage (86.71%), plant height (105.66cm) and number of leaves per plant (8.01), number of days taken for initiation of spike (94.13 days), number of spikes per plant (0.96), length of spike (81.56cm ), number of florets per spike (17.86) and duration of flowering (18.54 days) was found with 30cm x 40cm spacing (S2). However, number of corms per plant (1.31), number of cormels per plant (21.56), weight of corms per plant (57.68g), weight of cormels per plant (36.43g) was found maximum with 40cm x 40cm spacing (S3) which was at par with S2, whereas, yield of corms and cormels per plot (3.18) was found maximum with 40cm x 20cm spacing (S1). Hence, 30cm x 40cm spacing can be recommended for the commercial cultivation of gladiolus.

Treatment of Drinking Water in Economical Cost Perspective

M Badar, M Ahsan Zia, Muhammad Idrees, Fatima Batool, Hafiz RehanIqbal

It is observed that most economical way in treating the drinking water for humans with coagulation treatment cost is Rs.1.25 per litre calculated in case of open surface water but only Rs.0.15 cost for ground and water storage tanks samples, after treatment it is sure water is safe for drinking purpose. But boiling treatment of drinking water is not economical as compare to coagulation treatment because it covers the Rs. 2.5 to Rs. 1.0 it depends on nature of water quality to treat. This cost was applicable and useful for human’s drinking water treatment and save the medical treatment cost from suffering the painful water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. Aluminium sulphate is coagulated which economical but with low price available and we must use it for canal water treatment because 5 to 10 percent toxins are present. In case of ground water and storage water tanks, treatment we no need coagulant we just need boiling of drinking water then it is sure that toxins and other organic material vaporized and drinking water free of low toxicity and safe to health.

Development the Economical Chemical Treatment Plant for Chromium Recovery From Tannery Waste Water

M Badar, M Saeed iqbal, Fatima Batool

The provided data given by the Tanneries Association, the normalwaste on everyday basis from all the leather industries in district Kasur is assessedabove 193 tons as wet salted weight, including 9,000 skins of buffaloesand cattle, and 11,050 to16,000 hides ofgoat and sheep processed every day. A mutualwastewater treatment plant may be a large or a complex factory for collecting on every day basisis about 16,000 m3 of high contaminated waste water as processing itfor the producing clean water for the discharging into a water body with 10 of tons of semi-solidsludge is disposed with a suitable manner. It is estimated that 160 tones per annum of chromium in terms of basic chromium sulfate (BCS) is discharged as waste in the effluent. This can be recovered and recycled. For this purposes, precipitation techniqes is used for separation of chromium from tannery wastewater. In this process,precipitants agent is lime as best one and 97% chromium recovery with help it. Economics cost of process is very low as Rs. 10. It is very attractive way to install the chromium recovery plant.

Management of Germplasm Collections in Chickpea

Kuldip Kumar, S. Sardana, M. Singh, N.K. Gautam

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop and ranks second in area and third in production among the pulses in the world.About 150 accessions were desi types and remaining 10 kabuli types. Similarly, kabuli germplasm maintained at International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) was screened for 29 traits including reaction to major biotic and abiotic stresses and promising donor sources have been identified. Collaborative efforts among different research institutes through national network should be made to evaluate chickpea germplasm systematically at several locations. To narrow down the gap between germplasm available and the germplasm utilized in the breeding programmes, it is imperative to document the germplasm providing a complete spectrum of genetic variability in the collection. Efforts should also be made towards germplasm enhancement through incorporation of genes from secondary and tertiary gene pools into a suitable genetic background. A good number of accessions conserved in various genebanks may be duplicates and efforts are required to identify and eliminate them using molecular markers.Over 13,500 accessions were evaluated for resistance to race 1 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri at ICRISAT resulting into identification of 160 accessions with stable resistance (Haware et al., 1992).

Effect of Sowing Dates and Planting Methods on Quality of Different Order Umbels in Fennel, Fennel Quality as Effected by Different Planting Methods and Time

Hans Raj, V.P.S. Panghal, Makhan Lal, D.S. Duhan, Kuldip Kumar

The present experiment was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science and Laboratory of Seed Science & Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of times and methods of sowing on quality parameters of fennel. The experiment consisted of five dates of sowing (10th, 20th, 30th October, 9th and 19th November) and two planting methods (direct seeding and transplanting). The results showed that seed quality parameters of fennel were influenced significantly by sowing dates. The seed quality parameters like test weight, germination percentage, seedling length and seed vigor index-1 were higher at 10th October sowing/transplanting crop. Regarding planting methods, all the parameters related to quality were found better in direct sown crop than transplanted crop. Test weight of all the main, primary and secondary umbels decreased with delayed sowing and was maximum in case of main umbel seed than primary and secondary umbels. Germination percentage and seed vigor index decreased with delay in sowing from umbels of all categories, irrespective of date of sowing and planting methods. It may be concluded that crop sown on 10th October with direct sown method at Hisar produced bold seed with better seed quality during both the years.

Gut bacterial influence on susceptibility of lepidopteran pests to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki

Hanamant Gadad, A S Vastrad, Krishnaraj P. U

Influence of gut bacteria on susceptibility of lepidopteran pests viz., Spodoptera litura, Helicovepa armigera, Plutella xylostella and Crocidolomia binotalis to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki was studied by antibiotic mediated elimination of gut bacteria. Bioassay was performed against laboratory reared and field collected larvae of test insects to study the influence of gut bacteria on susceptibility of lepidopteran pests to B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. Results indicated that both lab and field population of test insects were more susceptible in the presence of gut bacteria by recording lower LC50 values against B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. Field population of test insects viz., S. litura, H. armigera, P. xylostella and C. binotalis recorded LC50 values of 0.62, 0.48, 0.77 and 0.44 g/l, whereas laboratory population recorded LC50 values of 0.37, 0.32, 0.48 and 0.29 g/l respectively. In the absence of gut bacteria both laboratory reared and field collected larvae found less susceptible by recording higher LC50 values. Antibiotic treated field collected larval population of test insects viz., S. litura, H. armigera, P. xylostella and C. binotalis recorded LC50 values of 0.74, 0.54, 1.07 and 0.56 g/l respectively. Similarly antibiotic treated laboratory reared larval population of test insects recorded LC50 values of 0.49, 0.38, 0.57 and 0.43 g/l respectively.

Efficacy of Organic Products as Black Pepper Foliar Fertilizer

Yap Chin Ann

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), known as “King of spices”, is a perennial export oriented cash crop in Malaysia. To furnish the pepper berries according to the world demand, integrated fertilizersregimes in black pepper is becoming relevant today . An investigation was conducted to determinethe influence of newly developed foliar fertilizer when used in combination with soil NPK fertilizeron different growth parameters of the black pepper cultivar SemongokAman. The plants were applied with different rate of NPK compound fertilizer (N:12%, P:12%, K:17%: Mg:2%) and foliar fertilizer.The plants were allowed to grow for upto12 months of age for taking observations on differentvegetative growth parameters. Considering the realization of highest response for five important growth parameters viz., plant height (59.30 cm), plant dry weight (99.68 g), plant root length (74.92cm), dried black pepper yield (572.52 g) and relative growth rate, RGR (1.65g g-1 day-1) after 12 months of planting, it may be concluded that the application of foliar fertilizer supplementation at 5ml/L of water along with 50% of soil NPK fertilizer may be the best nutrient schedule under this agro-climatic condition.

Effect of salt and sugar osmotic stress on the viability and morphology of Saccharomyces boulardii

Changes in the viability, composition and morphology of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardiiwerefollowed inhyperosmoticYPD broths withNaCland sucrosein concentration ranges from0.2 to 2M. Samples were observedbyscanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. SEM revealed changes inthe morphology (swelling) in the walls ofthe yeasts grown in high-osmolarity broths. TEM showed that, as a result of the high osmolarity, the cell wall was thickenedand vesicles were formed in the cytoplasm. The growth kinetics results indicated thatS. boulardiicould be considered as anosmotolerantyeast, since it could still grow and reach concentrations of3.4x105 and 3.6x107 CFU/mL at sucrose concentrations of 2.0 M and 1.5Mrespectively. The results also suggested thatthis yeast could also be consideredhaloduric sincecell concentrationsof3.9x106 and 3.4x105CFU/mLcould be maintained in broths with 0.4 and 1.4MNaCl respectively. S. boulardii was still able to produce 0.5% ethanol in the 2.0 M broth.

Effect of Thidiazuron used as an Elicitor in the Production of Capsaicin on Total Protein and Phenolic Amounts, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Pepper Plants

Cemil Islek, Bengu Turkyilmaz Unal, Esra Koc, Dilek Kaya

The effect of thidiazuron (TDZ) used as an elicitor on the total phenolic, total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, and production of capsaicin in the cell suspension culture of Maraş-1 pepper seeds was determined. TDZ was applied in four levels (0, 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.4 mM) and at three times (days 8, 10, and 12) to the cell suspensions. The content of the capsaicin in suspended cells was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography after extraction with ethyl acetate. It was identified that TDZ had a variable effect on the capsaicin accumulation. The highest capsaicin content was determined by84.859 µg/g f.w. at 0.4 mM TDZ 10d. The highest increase by 181.48% at 0.2 mM TDZ 10d, the highestdecrease by 49.83% at 0.4 mM TDZ 10d was determined intotal phenolic amount. The total protein amount decreased at 0.4 mM TDZ 8dand 12d. The highest SOD (457.983 enzyme units/g f.w.) and CAT (0.143 enzyme units/g f.w.) activities at 0.4 mM TDZ 8d, the lowest SOD (73.526 enzyme units/g f.w.) and CAT (0.030 enzyme units/g f.w.) activities at 0.2 mM TDZ 12d were measured.

An Economic Evaluation of Investment in Mucuna solannie Production

N. Uwaezuoke, Boniface Obah, Stanley I. Onwukwe, Kevin C. Igwilo

Mucuna solannie, a perennial crop, is a Fabaceae found in the South East of Nigeria and in some African and Asian countries. It exhibits interesting properties as a food additive, where it serves as viscosifier. It has, hence, been tested and used to formulate a drilling mud. The drilling mud formulated from it compares quite fine with other muds; with excellent rheological properties. It is suitable for top hole sections. The purpose of Mucuna solannie farming, as a cash crop, is to maintain adequate supply for continued application in the drilling industry; hence, it is a business venture. Also, a comprehensive list of processing equipment has been provided. The study gives the first pass assessments of the requirements for production and processing, necessary for sustained supply. A suitable farm location has been found in South-East Nigeria. Square planting pattern, on 10 hectares area of land, based on one plant per hill, with no filler crops, has been shown to yield 63.9 metric tonnes per year. An initial minimum investment of about $820,920 is required for seeds, land rent, equipment costs and other contingencies; with projected minimum revenue of $283,500 per year, at 22% DCF ROR, if the venture must remain profitable.