Volume 2 Number 2 (March 2017)

The Electrophoretic Profile Myofibrillar Proteins Extracted From Camel Muscles, Kept in Various Modes

Changes in electrophoretic profiles of myofibrillar protein (MFP) in the Longissimus thoracis (LD) of young camels (2 to 4 years), preserved by refrigeration has been treated or not by lactic acid solution 4% or citric acid 1%, were followed during the post-mortem time at the following times: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The cold preservation for 48 hours has not shown any particular distinctions in the protein profiles of this muscle. Changes related to the type of treatment were recorded during the storage time. Proteolysis of the myofibrillar fraction was earlier in this muscle in the case of treatment with one of two solutions of organic acids used, particularly in the case of using lactic acid. Indeed, these changes have affected at the first hour after slaughter the proteolysis of the myofibrillar proteins. Fragments of low molecular weight (42, 36, 33, 26, 23, 18, 16, 14 and 13 kDa) have been identified. The electrophoretic analysis showed that during refrigeration, LD treated with a solution of lactic acid is more sensitive to disruption phenomena and muscle protein proteolysis that lots of this muscle that even in the case of preservation by refrigeration only or by refrigeration

Chemical Composition of the Biomass of Saccharomyces cerevisiae - (Meyen ex E. C. Hansen, 1883) Yeast obtained from the Beer Manufacturing Process

Sideney Becker Onofre, Ivan Carlos Bertoldo, Dirceu Abatti, Douglas Refosco

Brewer's yeast was subjected to analytical studies to determine the chemical composition of its biomass. To this end, traditional methods of analysis were used to determine ribonucleic acid (RNA), mineral elements, amino acids and fatty acids. The results showed that proteins (49.63%), carbohydrates (31.55%), minerals (7.98%), RNA (8.12%) and total lipids (4.64%) predominate in the biomass composition. The amino acid profile of the protein is suitable for human nutrition, exceeding the recommendations from the FAO/WHO/UNU for essential amino acids. It is particularly rich in lysine and could be recommended as protein supplement in cereals. It was also observed that the yeast was an excellent source of some microelements, such as selenium, chromium, nickel and lithium; that it is also a good source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fibers; and that the content of lipids was low, with a predominance of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids with 10, 16 and 18 carbon atoms.

Evaluation of Land Suitability for Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) plantation in Lebanon

S. Kattar , K. Abou Rjeily, Z. Souidi, G. Aoun, R. Moukarzel, G. Kallas

Stone pine (Pinus pinea) is a typical Mediterranean tree well adapted to drought and high temperatures. It is a species of great interest and economical importance in Lebanon and has a strong beneficial impact on the local communities from the marketing of its edible nuts. This tree is threatened by human activities and fire that are leading to its degradation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to delineate and map the suitability of soils for the plantation and extension of the stone pine. For this purpose, the adopted research methods were composed of the following three steps: (1) identifying through available data and traditional methods the ability of the lands to be planted with stone pine (2) identifying the various factors influencing the growth and fruiting of the treeand (3) transforming and integrating all the data into geo-referenced thematic maps and introducing them into the Geographic Information System (GIS) suitable for delimiting Lebanese areas suitable for planting stone pines. The obtained results were presented in a form of 10 thematic maps (GIS layers) that represent the influence of each ecological factor on the land suitability for afforestation by stone pine. A final thematic map that illustrates the most suitable areas for Pinus pinea plantations was generated by superimposing the 10 GIS layers.

Environmental Changes and Effects on a Population of Smooth Newt Lissotriton meridionalis (Boulenger, 1882) (Amphibia, Urodela) in a Mediterranean Woodland

Antonio Pizzuti Piccoli

The population of Lissotriton meridionalis in the area of “Bosco di Palo” Natural Park are monitored since 1995. From 2004 to 2005 in the area it was carried out a massive cutting of dead trees with evidence of alteration of the undergrowth. The study aims to verify, through the index of the population estimate, if the species has suffered changes in the size of the population following environmental changes. For the research were chosen three ponds in the wood and the data collection took place from the breeding season of 1995 – 1996 to 2014 – 2015, in each of the seasons was made an estimation of the population density. The data obtained are been compared in order to make assessments on the conservation status and persistence of the species in the site, also as a result of environmental changes suffered by “Bosco di Palo” Natural Park. The analysis of the population estimate, used in this work as an index of the conservation status of the species in the Park, confirms that, in the previous period and in the period following the die-off of trees and cutting plant health, we have substantially the same values of population size.

Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) inoculation on growth in tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) and characterization for direct PGP abilities in Morocco

Moustaine M., Elkahkahi R., Benbouazza A., Benkirane R., Achbani E.H.

Plant Growth promoting rhizobacteria are a heterogeneous group of bacteria that can be found in the rhizosphere, at root surfaces and in association with roots. They benefit plants through Production of plant hormones, such as auxins, asymbiotic N2 fixation, solubilization of mineral phosphates, antagonism against phytopathogenic microorganisms by production of antibiotics, siderophroes, Chitinase and other nutrients ability to effectively colonize roots are responsible for plant growth promotion. An experiment was conducted in the field of National Institute of Agronomic Research of Meknes. Morocco. The experiment was a completely randomized design with six replicates. There were four treatments viz. T1: (control; N0 -PGPR), T2: (N0 +2027-2), T3: (N0 +2066-7) and T4: (N0+2025-1). The results indicated that a remarkable increase in root growth, namely length, the diameter of the rod and the total chlorophyll. A total of three different bacteria colonies were isolated and proceed with in vitro screening for plant growth promoting activities; phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia production and antimicrobial enzymes (cellulose, chitinase and protease) activity. Among the three bacterial strains, all bacterial strains are able to produce ammonia, IAA production and nitrogen fixation activity, one strain phosphate solubilizing activity, two strain are able to produce cellulase syntheses, Protease activity and Chitinase activity.

Integrated Weed Management Effect on Weeds and Seed Cotton Yield

Dr. N. Malarkodi

Integrated weed management is a system approach where by whole land use planning is done in advance to minimise the very invasion of weeds in aggressive forms and give crop plants a strongly competitive advantage over the weeds. Further, importance is given to involve more than one method of weed control in tackling the weeds so those broad spectrums of weeds are kept under check for longer period. A pre emergence herbicide take care of weeds only for a limited period and do not give long term weed control in a long duration crop like cotton where the problem of late emerging weeds arises and escape killing. So to attain a season long weed control, integration of chemical, mechanical and cultural methods holds a great promise in crop production. Hence, integrated weed management in cotton play important role in increasing crop production. Field experiments were conducted during 2013 and 2014, at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University) to study the effect of integrated weed management in rainfed cotton. The weed management practices consisted of pendimethalin (1.0 kg.ha-1) and (Calotropisgigantea leaf extract spray at three concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30%) in combination with power weeder operation twice and manual weeding twice. From the results of the experiments, it could be recommended that the integrated weed management practices like, application of PE pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + power weeding on 40 DAS (T11) recorded higher seed cotton yield and economic return.

Regulation of Seed Germination and the Role of Aquaporins under Abiotic Stress

Erina Kshetrimayum, Debee Prasad Sahoo, Jayeeta Mitra, Sanjib Kumar Panda

Aquaporins play a major role in governing the movement of water between neighboring cells during seed germination and are major players in response to abiotic stress conditions that affect water availability. Seeds of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Arkel) were used for studying cell growth, expression and function of aquaporins during seed imbibition, radicle emergence and growth.Water channel functioning checked by inhibitory test with mercuric chloride showed closed water channels prior to growth initiation. Addition of mercury scavenging agents dithiothreitol and β-mercaptoethanol along with the HgCl2 overcame the observed inhibitory effects in terms of moisture content. The presence of aquaporin inhibitors (HgCl2 and ZnCl2) and NaCl reduced seedling growth. Here we studied expression of a plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PsPIP1;2) and a tonoplast intrinsic protein (PsTIP1;1) by using the semi quantitative RT-PCR in the germinated seedlings exposed to different abiotic stresses. Treatment with NaCl, HgCl2 and ZnCl2 differentially regulated gene expression in radicle, cotyledon and plumule. NaCl and Hg, upregulated expression of PsPIP1;2 and PsTIP1;1 in radicle and expression of PsTIP1;1 was significantly upregulated in radicle and suppressed in cotyledon by Zn. A possible role for aquaporins in germinating seeds and seedling response to abiotic stresses is discussed.

Study of Mobile Phone Gratification Sought and Obtained by Aquaculture Farmers as Strategy for Advisory Services in Nigeria

Ifejika P.I, I.O. Oladosu, L.I. Ifejika, A.N. Asadu, P.T. Laniran

Mobile phone is strategic in the current effort to improve advisory services delivery and effectiveness of information sharing toenhance aquaculture entrepreneurship for food security, and wealth creation in the country. This prompted the study of mobile phone gratification sought and obtained among table size aquaculture fish food producers through the application of Uses and Gratification Theory. In pursuit of the set objectives, primary data was generated from 100 respondents in Niger State, Nigeria which was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistic tools. Personal profile revealed dominance of aquapreneur by people in middle age categories with mean age of 42 years and 4.5year of experience. Respondents top gratifications sought from mobile phone usage were to be accessible, connected, job accomplishment and socialization whereas obtained gratifications in enterprise were to support adoption of technologies, timely information, linkage to customers, quick response, and access to inputs. It was revealed that respondents had positive antecedent to mobile phone services subscription relating to caller tone, music, news alert, sports, and health. Socio-economic variables that correlate with gratification sought and obtained were marital status, religion, and education at 0.05 level. In view of the finding on responsible usage of mobile phone in aquaculture enterprise, more investment is required develop mobile phone applications and services. To sustain and improve on the benefits derived, respondents need capacity building to acquire more knowledge and skills to effectively participate in advisory services.

Bush meat sold on the markets in Kisangani: analysis addressed to the right on species conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In order to identify the game species sold on the central market of Kisangani and to check up the respectability of the regulation of hunting by the Congolese population, we collected data from January to August 2009 and from December 2014 to May 2015. The results indicate that 29,525 game carcasses marketed, belong to 8 orders, 13 families and at least 27 species. On the central market of Kisangani, Artiodactyla (40.06%) are the most sold followed by Primates (37.79%). The family Bovidae (37.98%) is the most represented followed by Cercopithecidae (37.61%). Based on counting carcasses, Cercopithecus sp (35.35%), followed by Cephalophus monticola (22.96%) are the most sold. The Low n° 82-002 which regulates hunting is not observed in Kisangani, as well as the ministerial decree n° 14/003 of 11 February 2014 relating to the conservation of nature. In fact, the regular hunting period is not observed. In addition, Loxodonta africana, Manis gigantea, Okapia johnstoni, and Pan troglodytes which are totally protected, Cephalophus sylvicultor, Potamochoerus porcus, and Syncerus caffer nanus which are partially protected are exploited. Therefore, it is essential to implement mechanisms for integrated management of wild fauna which respect the Congolese legislation and international conventions.

Microwave-Assisted Alkali Delignification Coupled with Non-Ionic Surfactant Effect on the Fermentable Sugar Yield from Agricultural Residues of Cassava

Pooja N. S, Padmaja G

Cassava stem, leaves and peel are agricultural residues generated as waste biomass during the cultivation and processing of cassava. The potential of these biomasses as feedstock for ethanol production depends on the effective deconstruction via pretreatment and saccharification. The effect of alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treatment on microwave (MW)-irradiated or steam-exposed aqueous slurry was compared with MW-irradiation (300 W) of alkali slurry in delignifying the biomass and degrading the polysaccharides. Cellulose was degraded to a higher extent than hemicellulose in the AHP treatments. The steam-exposed and AHP pretreated residues on saccharification with Cellic (Cellulase complex) alone or Cellic along with Tween 20 resulted in high conversion of carbohydrate to reducing sugars (RS) in leaves (64-70%) and peel (74- 78%), with slightly lower conversion in stem. MW-irradiation of alkali slurry (5 min.) followed by Tween 20 supplemented saccharification was a better strategy degrading cellulose and hemicellulose to very high extent. Tween 20 supplementation was beneficial in enhancing the RS release from the biomasses even when Cellic dosage was halved. Ultrastructural studies indicated the disappearance of starch granules from stem and peel samples after MW-irradiation and saccharification, while fragmented cellulose fibers were visible in leaf samples. The study showed that MW-assisted alkali pretreatment followed by saccharification with Cellic in presence of Tween 20 was very effective in releasing maximum sugars from these biomasses.

Maize Hybrids Yield as Affected by Inter and Intra Row Spacing

A. A Kandil, A. E. Sharief, A. M. A. Abozied

To study the effect of different, inter and intra-row on some new maize hybrids under on yield and its components. Two field experiments were carried out during summer seasons of 2014 and 2015. The results showed that highest ear length, ear diameter, grains weight/ear, shelling percentage, 100-grain weight and grain yield/fed. S.C 2055 hybrid was recorded the greatest value number of rows/ear. S.C 2066 hybrids recorded the highest number grains/row, the lowest ear length, ear diameter, grains weight/ear, shelling percentage and 100-grain weight. Sown maize plants in width rows (70 cm) produced the highest number of ear/plant, number of rows/ear and number grains/row and ear length, ear diameter, grains weight/ear, shelling percentage and 100-grain weight. Sown maize plants in hills 30 cm apart produced the greatest numbers of ears/plant and thick ears, highest grains weight/ear, shelling percentage and 100- grain weight. However, sown maize plants at hill spacing of 25 cm apart produced tallest ears. It could be concluded that sown S.C. 3084 hybrid at 60 cm row width and hill spacing of 20 cm apart maximized maize productivity under the environmental conditions of Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

Performance of canola (Brassica napus l.) genotypes under drought stress

Kandil A.A., A.E. Sharief, Salwa I. El-Mohandes, M.M Keshta

Drought is a wide spread problem seriously influencing rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production, mostly in dryland regions. To investigate the effects of water deficit on some canola (Brassica napus L.) genotypes. Four drought treatments i.e. 4800m3/ha, 3840m3/ha, 2880 m3/ha and 1920 m3/ha on yield and yield components of six canola genotypes i.e. Serw 4, Serw 10, Pactol, Line 51. Two field experiments were conducted during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016seasons. Results revealed that irrigation using 3840 m3/ha at four times came in the second rank for all studied parameters It increased above aforementioned traits using 1920 m3/ha as two times by 9.4, 26.2, 40.5, 45.6, 46.0,54.4, 20.5, 25.8 and 58.3%, respectively comparing by irrigation using 1920 m3/ha in two times as average of both seasons. Whereas, sown Serw 4 cultivar surpassed Serw 10 cultivar in plant height, No. of branches/plant, No. of silica/plant, seed weight/plant, seed, oil and protein yield/ha by 3.0, 21.8, 30, 21.6, 33.9, 26.7 and 37.9%, respectively as average in both seasons. It could be recommended that irrigation five times by 4800 m3/ha of Serw 4 cultivar significantly maximized seed, oil protein yield/ha.

Cashew Tree Gum: A Scientific and Technological Review

Cashew gum can be obtained from the exudate released from the stem of the species "Anacardium occidentale", commonly called cashew tree, a tree typical of Brazil and subtropical countries. It is a heteropolysaccharide complex that after hydrolysis presents a high content of monosaccharides with a varied composition depending on its origin. Due to its biological origin, the ability to form gels and the fact that it has properties similar to synthetic polymers, it is a great option for the application in several sectors of industry. In the food industry it can be used as a thickener and a stabilizer for juices, an emulsifier in salad sauces, a stabilizer in the emulsions of meats such as sausage, and in food compositions containing chocolate. In the manufacture of pharmaceuticals it may be used as an agent for suspending, emulsifying, disintegrating, binding, gelling, tabletting drugs with release control and also as a mucoadhesive agent. In medicine, studies also indicate a phytotherapeutic potential in the reduction of blood pressure and even in some types of cancer.

Bio Gas Generation from Biodegradable Kitchen Waste

Srinvasa Reddy.N., Satyanarayana.S.V., Sudha.G.

Generation of Solid wastes in general and biodegradable waste in particular is increasing at house hold level over the last two decades. Per capita generation of the waste has been increasing steadily due to population growth and changing socio-economic characteristics and cultural habits and varies from 250g to 600g. Any material which can be decomposable by the action of microorganisms in a short period of time is called biodegradable Mostly food waste; vegetable peels and fruit pulp are biodegradable. These materials readily mix with the soil by the action of bacteria. During decomposition, these materials release carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide into the environment thereby contributes to air pollution and odour pollution. The gases that are released during the decay of biodegradable wastes can be captured for the economic utility and as well as to save the environment. An attempt is being made in this technical research paper to demonstrate the possibilities energy recovery from biodegradable kitchen waste that is collected from residential societies which can be utilized for the benefits of the society. Kitchen and food waste collected from a high end residential community of 300 families in Mumbai city suburbs is analyzed for the quantification of bio gas. Bio gas is captured through a fabricated anaerobic digester. Experimentation and results are discussed. The results are encouraging.

Characterization of Selected Honey in South-East Nigeria: Theoretical Translation

Nwoko C.I.A., Nkwoada A.U, Ubeh E.O, Njoku A.

With the vast honey bee species producing honey for international export and consumption in Nigeria, there is need for theoretical translation of quality assessment and characterization of honey for human consumption. The physicochemical and mineral contents of some selected honey in the five South east geopolitical states of Nigeria was performed for above mentioned application. The results were evaluated with 3D plot to identify the statistical significance of the parameters analyzed. The levels of glucose and fructose were accepted by codex alimentation standard and rejected samples B, C, and G. A correlation of similar botanical origin was demonstrated in sample B, C and G and similarly observed in their moisture content been > 21%. The pH and electrical conductivity showed no significant variation. The codex hydroxyl methyl furfural standard identified samples B, E and L to be “aged honey” or falsified honey in circulation. The 3D plot showed the significant variation of hydroxyl methyl furfural content of samples. A hypothesis was observed when the samples and previously analyzed Nigerian samples were compared; metal concentration levels of Group 1 elements > Group 2 > Transition metals in Nigerian honey and formed an identification trend.

Elemental Concentrations of Aerosols in the City of Gaborone

K. Moloi, T.S.Verma

This paper presents aerosol studies carried out in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. The Gaborone aerosol is varied consisting of elements from Si to Au. Traffic contribution to the aerosol of Botswana is clearly visible as illustrated by strong positive bromine and lead correlation. The use of unleaded petrol could be the cause of the decrease of ambient lead (Pb) and bromine (Br) concentrations when the present measurements are compared to previous measurements. The elements present in the aerosol of Gaborone range from silicon to lead.

Biogas Production Potential of Food Waste

P. Manonmani, Lurwan Muazu, M. C. Kamaraj, Mukesh Goel, R.Elangomathavan

At present our country is facing various problems, among that energy crisis has become more serious in next coming years. Both energy crisis and pollution problems could be controlled by adopting an alternative method of biogas production form waste products. Food waste is the best alternative for biogas production in a community level biogas plant. Hence in the present study, an attempt has been made to study the rate of biogas production in a lab scale biogas digester model for the efficient conversion of the food waste (starch –rich materials) generated from PRIST University Campus. The biogas production depends on the maximum biogas yield, the concentration of volatile solids of the input, the density of the effluent, the density of the biogas and the reaction rate constant, which are all substrate - or process - specific. The experiments were carried out for 40 days and the rate of gas production was measured by water displacement method. The pH value of the cow dung and food waste was initially measured and adjusted to nearer to neutral and gradually increased to acidic and again it got stabilised to the neutral pH which favoured the production of biogas. The percentage of total solids was 69.86, 93.56 and 25.67 for cow dung, food waste and digested slurry respectively. The percentage of volatile solids was 52.5, 86.3 and 18.9 for cow dung, food waste and digested slurry respectively. The percentage of volatile fatty acid was 285, 356 and 365 for cow dung, food waste and digested slurry respectively. Observations on daily basis were made on the constituent of biogas, pH, volume and rate of biogas production. The rate of biogas production continuously increased as days progressed and there was maximum yield in biogas after 20 days. Thus continuous feeding helps in daily biogas production and can be used at a small as well as larger scale to manage the organic waste and energy production for various applications.

Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Ripening Stage on the Vitamin C Contents of Selected Fruits Grown within Nsukka Axis of Enugu State

Ezeh Ernest, Okeke Onyeka, OzuahA.C., Onwubiko R.O.

Studies were carried out on the quantitative determination of vitamin C in fresh fruits (orange, cashew, pawpaw, lemon, grape) at different ripening stages using iodometric titration method. The study revealed that the vitamin C contents in the fruits at different ripening stages decreased in the following order: half-ripe < ripe < unripe. Orange was found to have the highest vitamin C content of 77.96 ± 0.44mg/100g while lemon has the least content of the vitamin with a value of 11.83 ± 0.10mg/100g.

Species diversity and distribution of ruderal flora on landfills in Maradi city, Niger

Waste management continues to be a critical environmental issue in cities. It impacts on the well being of the population, the environment and the biodiversity. In the city of Maradi, in Niger, more interest is given to the problem in order to understand the whole waste management system. It is in this context that this study is carried out to investigate on the role of ruderal flora on the municipal solid wastes dumpsites and landfill sites in Maradi city. The specific objectives are to determine the floristic diversity and distribution of ruderal flora on the municipal solid waste disposal sites, and to identify potential species that can play an important role in the phytoremediation of these sites. In total, 65 species belonging to 52 genera and 24 families were recorded. These species can be categorised into two groups containing anthropic and nitrophilic species according to the ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC) at 25% similarity. Characteristic species of the first group G1 are Amaranthus viridis and Cucurbita pepo, and Datura innoxia and Cucumis melo for the second group G2. Other ruderal species, namely Amaranthus spinosus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Celosia trygina L., Datura innoxia Mill., and an introduced woody species, Cuphea hyssopifolia Kunth., found are not included in the Maradi city list of species. Datura innoxia, Amaranthus viridis and Amaranthus spinosus are species known to tolerate different degrees of pollution and their ecology should be further study to better understand how they can be used for phytoremediation on this kind of sites.

Biological Removal of Malachite Green and Congo red by Some Filamentous Fungi

Ihsan Flayyih Hasan AI-Jawhari, Kadhmiyah Jawad AL-Mansor

Four strains of filamentous fungi were studied to a removal of Malachite green (MG) and Congo red (CR). These fungi were Aspergillus niger ,Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus versicolor and P. funigulosum. P. funigulosum showed that decolorization activity was higher than other fungi on solid medium containing MG and CR . The stastical method obtained that there was no significance between fungi . All these fungi were able to degradation dyes to other metabolites . The dry weight ( Biomass) of P. funigulosum reached to 1.10 ,1.02 in mineral salts medium (MSM) with MG and CR respectively , and the stastical methods obtained that there was no significance in dry weights between fungi .

Physiological Role of Humic Acid, Amino Acids and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth of Wheat under Reclaimed Sandy Soil

Ahmed A. Kandil, Ali. E.M. Sharief, Saleh E. Seadh, Dhurgham S.K Altai

In order to evaluate productivity of some wheat cultivars grown in sandy, saline soil under foliar spraying with humic acid, amino acids and nitrogen fertilizer levels. Highest chlorophyll b and carotenoid content, percentage of sodium and calcium, tallest plants and higher number of tillers/plant were achieved from Gemiza 9 cultivar. The highest relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR), chlorophyll and total chlorophyll values, higher flag leaf area and stem diameter were resulted from Giza 168 cultivar. While, higher percentages of proline, total phenols and potassium percentages were found from Shaka 93 cultivar. The earlier for a number of days to heading and flowering were resulted from Shaka 93 cultivar. Application of humic and amino acid mixture significantly enhanced total leaf area/plant, plant dry weight after 75 and 95 days from sowing (DFS), RGR, NAR, photosynthetic pigments, i.e. chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids and proline contents. In addition, highest total phenols, potassium and calcium percentages, height flag leaf area, tallest plants, highest stem diameter and number of tillers/plant compared with other foliar spraying treatments. Accordingly, it could be recommended that foliar spraying wheat plants Giza 168 cultivar with the mixture of humic acid and Amino acids with addition, mineral fertilizing with 262 kg N/ha to obtain the best growth characters of wheat under newly reclaimed sandy saline soil conditions.

Validation of reference genes in leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa in different developmental stages and tissues

Atta sexdens rubropilosa is an important leaf-cutting ant species considered as a pest in agricultural crop or reforestation areas. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a technique that can help us to understand the regulation and the function of a gene. However, its reliability depend on the data normalization. Different normalization strategies can be adopted for qPCR, reference genes has been cited as one of the most effective methods. It has not been identified a universal reference for all organism and experiment. In this way, the validation of reference gene is crucial step. This is the first study to evaluate reference genes for leaf-cutting ants. To this, we analyzed the expression levels of candidate reference genes (act, ef1-alpha, ef1-beta, GAPDH and rpl18) in different developmental stages (larva, pupa and worker) and tissues (head, mesosoma and worker without gaster) of A. sexdens rubropilosa. Four different algorithms (BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder and comparative ΔCt method) were used in statistical analysis of the stability of the genes and RefFinder was used to propose a consensus list for ranking the reference genes. Our results showed that the most suitable combinations of reference gene candidates were rpl18 and ef1-alpha for the different developmental stages and rpl18 and ef1-beta for the different tissues. In this work, we also report the obtaining from a putative acetylcholinesterase from A.sexdens rubropilosa (GenBank KY464935), which was used as a target gene to confirm the reliability of reference genes suggested.

Impact on Income Farmer Debt Bondage System Cengkeh (Case Study in Liwutung Village Pasan District Southeast Minahasa Regency)

Nelson H. Kario

Until recently known as the clove plantation crop that can provide the greatest revenue among plants cultivated population in Southeast Minahasa Regency. Although the level of selling price per kilo of dry high compared to most other plantation crops among the results, but the reality in practice is still a lot of farmers who still fall into the practice of debt bondage system that is very detrimental to farmers. The purpose of this research is: (a). Knowing the dynamics of debt bondage system applicable at the farm level. (2). Assessing the value of the losses suffered by farmers with their debt bondage system. Research was conducted during 3 months from July to September 2015. The location is determined purposive sampling with consideration as production centers. Respondents were selected by 20 farmers. Data collected included primary and secondary data. The data type for the primary data are: recording made by every owner of the garden at the time of measurement of the crop in the form of a notebook crops and types of other expenses such as shopping lists staple for the harvest progresses, wages harvest, pre-harvest such as ladders, rope as media binder stairs and media container yields while secondary data obtained from the department or the relevant authorities are technically fully understand the business development of the crop. The data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the source of bonded labor system is productive cycle, farmers' lack of funds to finance farming, relatively high maintenance costs as well as costs of urgency needs of school children especially in the beginning of the new school / college or religious holidays. The amount of bonded labor is determined by the length of time the next harvest or the condition indicator ovary. Great value losses experienced by farmers is Rp. 8,122,056.25 per harvest period.

An Experimental Investigation on Treatment of Tannery Effluent Using Azadirachta Indica

Dr. N. Muralimohan, S. Augustin, G. Meiyazhagan, P. Sethupathi, V. Ramesh

A preliminary investigation was carried out for the feasibile use of Azadirachta indica leafs powder as a natural coagulant to the treatment of tannery effluent. In this paper, Azadirachta indica leafs powder of 1, 2, 3 and 4mg/L dosages were used. Floc formation in coagulation process had been studied in the laboratory scale to determine the optimum dosage of natural coagulant. The above dosages were used in pre-treated tannery effluent with coagulants were considered to evaluate the percentage removal efficiency on the major pollutants of concern in in tannery effluent such as turbidity, TSS, TDS, COD and BOD. From the observed results, dosage of 3 mg/L gives better removal efficiencies with respect to turbidity, TSS, TDS, COD and BOD and appears to be suitable for tannery effluent treatment, when compared with other dosages.

Bacteriological Assessment of Meat Pie Sold at Ochanja Market Onitsha, Anambra State

Ezeh Ernest, Okeke Onyeka, Ozuah A.C., Agbanelo D.C.

Ten meat pie samples were purchased from different eatery points in Ochanja Main Market, Onitsha and analyzed for the presence of pathogenic bacteria using standard microbiology and biochemical techniques. The following bacteria genera were isolated and identified from the meat pie; Escherichia coli (39%), Staphylococcus aureus (35%), and Bacillus cereus (26%). The percentage distribution showed that Escherichia coli were the most prevalent in the meat pie samples while Bacillus cereus was the least. The meat pie samples sold within Ochanja Main Market were considered fit for human consumption since the distributions of the bacteria isolates were below standard threshold limit.

Hydrological Risk Assessment at Praia, Cape Verde

Jose Lino Silva, Joao Garrott Marques Negreiros

Hydrology modeling became a relevant topic for the Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde, Africa, due to negative impact risk to local population and its assets. The modeling via Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can help the decision-making process of space occupation and characterization for this type of risk. Under the municipalities of Praia, the phenomenon of flash flood is common, causing soil erosion and landslide. This constitutes a risk for the local habitat, particularly in districts with a lack of strong human infrastructures. To simulate, analyze and generate risk maps using GIS to help this county governance authorities for decision-making, thus, becomes the main aim of this article.

Biosynthesis and Degradation of Carotenoids in Ornamental Crops with specific reference to Chrysanthemum

Carotenoids are lipophilic secondary metabolites derived from the isoprenoid pathway, accumulated in most plant organs and widely used as an antioxidant. Carotenoids synthesized in chloroplasts are essential for protecting tissues against photo-oxidative damage in the green tissues of higher plants. The importance of carotenoids for plant growth and development is evident since at least two major phytohormones, strigolactones and abscisic acid, are derived from carotenoid precursors. In flowers, carotenoids synthesized in the chromoplasts provide colour to the petals, ranging from yellow to red, in order to attract pollinators and determines the commercial value of ornamental plants. On analysis in chrysanthemum, β, ɛ-carotenoids, lutein and its derivatives, reflecting the high expression levels of lycopene ɛ-cyclase (LCYE) were found in yellow petals compared to the ratio of β, β-carotenoids to total carotenoids found in leaves reflecting the high expression levels of lycopene β-cyclase (LCYB). Petals of the yellow-flowered cultivar Yellow Paragon showed increased accumulation and drastic componential changes of carotenoids as they mature, compared to petals of the white-flowered cultivar Paragon that showed drastically decreased carotenoid content during petal development.The white petals of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) contain a factor that inhibits the accumulation of carotenoids. All the white-flowered chrysanthemum cultivars tested showed high levels of CmCCD4a transcript in their petals, whereas most of the yellow flowered cultivars showed extremely low levels indicating that in white petals of chrysanthemums, carotenoids are synthesized but subsequently degraded into colourless compounds, which results in the white colour. Studying the regulatory mechanisms underlying carotenoid accumulation in ornamental plants at the molecular level will help in producing novel coloured cultivars by plant transformation.

Nanocrystalline Nickel Zinc Ferrite as an efficient alcohol sensor at room temperature

C.Mukherjee, D.Mondal, M. Sarkar, J. Das

In the present communication, nanocrystalline nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) has been successfully synthesized by temperature and spin controlled coprecipitation techinique. The structural and surface morphological characterizations of the sample have been analyzed by means of Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The minimum crystalline size of prepared NZF sample calculated from Scherer’s formula and is found to be 25 nm. FESEM images exhibit the porous nature of the sensing material with a number of active sites. In a comparative study on the sensing characteristics of nanostructured NZF pellet towards three primary alcohols viz. ethanol, propanol and butanol, the maximum sensitivity is found to be nearly 90% for 1000 ppm of the ethanol vapour at room temperature. The sensing response followed the order of ethanol > propanol > butanol with respect to time. The experimental results show that nanostructured NZF is a promising material for alcohol sensor. The sensor responses are quite stable and highly reproducible even at room temperature.

Design and Fabrication of Densified Biomass Briquette Maker Machine

The project we designing & fabricating is to reduce the problems of Cutting Trees for fire logs. “Leaf Log Maker Machine” is designed to make dry leaves get compressed and made to logs as a fuel. Typically, dead leaves are dumped a lot in landfills and one of the problems with leaving wet leaves to decompose like this is that they give off methane 20 times more poisonous gas than carbon dioxide. In contrast, when leaves are burnt, they only give off the carbon they absorb while on the tree they add nothing extra to the environment. This machine is compact, easily accessible & eco-friendly. It can also able to compress wood wastes, papers & tin cans. This machine is to make fuels from the natural resources like dry leaves, instead of cutting them. This machine is easy to understand the operation to user. It had come over many changes and modifications within it.

Phyto-mediated Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles by Cassia auriculata and its Characterization with reference to E-waste Management

An eco-friendly loom has been taking up in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles using Cassia auriculata. The leaf extract of Cassia auriculata acts as reducing as well as capping agent. Synthesis of copper nanoparticles was initially confirmed by the visual observation i.e color change (dark green color). The synthesized copper nanoparticles were primarily characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Further, the formation of amorphous and crystalline phase was analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction pattern. The size and morphology of the synthesized Copper nanoparticles was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the elemental composition was analyzed by EDAX. The present study is a preliminary investigation to know about the capability of Cassia auriculata to synthesize copper nanoparticles from its salts. The results of the present study confirmed that the leaf extract of Cassia auriculata be capable of recovering copper from printed circuit boards in the form of nanoparticles in near future.

Effects of used engine oil polluted-soil on seedsâ€™ germination and seedlingsâ€™ growth characteristics of some tropical crops

Ezenwa Ngozi J., Adieze Ifechukwu E., Aririatu Lawrence N.

The ability of Phaselous vulgaris, Zea mays L., Solanum lycopersium and Sorghum saccharatum to germinate and grow in unpolluted soils, 1% w/w and 2% w/w used engine oil polluted soils were investigated. Twenty (20) seeds of each plant species were sown in the various polluted and unpolluted soils and germination were monitored for 7 days, and subsequent growth for 7 weeks. The numbers of germinated seeds were counted daily from the 2nd to the 7th day, and percentage germination recorded. Plants’ growth parameters (shoot heights and leaf area) of the seedlings were assayed and recorded on the 3rd, 5th and 7th week. Percentage germination varied for the various plant seeds. S. saccharatum had the best germination in polluted and unpolluted soil with 100%, 95% and 90% germination as against the least germination 100%, 65% and 25% observed in S. lycopersium in unpolluted, 1% w/w polluted and 2% w/w polluted soils, respectively. In terms of growth, P. vulgaris had the best performance in unpolluted and polluted soils with mean shoot heights of 47.8 cm, 41.3 cm and 28.4 cm as against S. lycopersium with mean shoot heights of 10.8 cm, 5.8 cm and 3.6 cm in unpolluted, 1% w/w and 2% w/w polluted soils, respectively at the end of the study. The results of this study showed that used engine oil inhibited the germination of these seeds in a dose depended manner, and that inhibition of seeds’ germination does not connote inhibition of subsequent growth. This highlights the need to prevent agricultural soil pollution with used engine oil.

Does fertilization practices increase residual nitrate nitrogen in soil irrigated with treated wastewater? An experimental trial on maize

Mohamed Naceur Khelil, Seloua Rejeb, Jean Pierre Destain, Dimitri Xanthoulis

Treated wastewater has significantly improved DM yield compared to ground water. The form of nitrogen provided by the water was determinant in drawing yields. Irrigation with ground water (where nitrogen is as nitrate) induces a faster migration of nitrogen at depth. In contrast, using treated wastewater (where nitrogen is as ammonium), resulting in a relative distribution of the remaining nitric smaller in the lower profile and therefore higher in the surface, especially after the second year (2010). In addition, the relative distribution of nitrates in the soil surface is even more important in the presence of organic manure. All happens as if a certain amount of ammonium provided by treated wastewater is retained in the organic compounds of manure. Yields were significantly lower in irrigation with treated wastewater in the second year and especially when fertilization was given in additional. If the soil can be used for storage of the nitrogen supplied by the treated wastewater during the first year of irrigation (24 kg N-NO3/ha before irrigation to 115 kg N-NO3/ha after irrigation), to the second year the capacity drops (to 64 N-NO3/ha) and a significant increase in nitrate leaching occurs. Therefore, unlike the contribution of manure that seems enrich the topsoil nitrate nitrogen, at least during the first campaign, mineral fertilization unreasoning causes faster migration of nitrogen at depth.

Effect of Trichoderma Fortified Compost on Disease Suppression, Growth and Yield of Chickpea

Trichoderma species are commonly used as effective biological control agents against phytopathogens especially the soil-borne fungi while some isolates are able to ameliorate plant growth. In the present study, Trichoderma fortified compost with different substrates were evaluated to reduce the pre-emergence and post-emergence seedling mortality, diseases of stem and root of chickpea caused by several soil-borne fungal pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii at different growth stages in the field under natural epiphytotic conditions. Among the twenty isolates of T. harzianum, Co-7 showed the most effective antagonist against the test pathogens in dual culture method. In field experiment, subsequently it was used for inoculum preparation with colonized wheat grain and mixed with well-matured decomposed composting materials like, saw dust, cow dung, tea waste, water hyacinth and poultry manure. Trichoderma fortified compost with poultry manure was found significantly effective in reducing pre-emergence and post emergence seedling mortality, disease incidence and disease severity of chickpea in the field. Interestingly, all the treatments significantly increased but Trichoderma fortified compost with poultry manure was the best to boost seed yield and quality.

Endemic Fluorosis and Occurrence Gastrointestinal Disorders in Prakasam District A.P.

B. Tirumala Rao, Dr B. Venkateswarlu, Dr.C.V.Narasimha Murthy

Fluoride has been known to cause significant effect on human health through drinking water. Excessive ingestion of fluorides not only causes dental and skeletal fluorosis but also leads to gastro intestinal disturbances. Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India is having severe fluorosis. In the present study epidemiological survey was conducted in five villages of Prakasam district regarding the incidence of Gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bloody vomiting, Pain in the upper part of the abdomen and blotting in the upper abdomen after eating. The results showed that nausea was found in 23 % of population. Loss of appetite was found in 18 % of villagers. Indigestion, bloody vomit was very low (6%) Experimental results show that male albino rats with ingestion of 4mg/L of fluorides for 120 days caused damage to the intestinal mucosa and sub mucosa. The possible reasons for the gastrointestinal problems and mechanism of action of fluorides on gastrointestinal tract was discussed.

Influence of Human Urine on Rice Grain Yield (Orzya sativa L.) and Selected Soil Properties in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria

C. Njoku, J.O. Agwu, B.N. Uguru, C.N. Mbah

An experiment was carried out at Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria to study the influence of human urine on rice grain yield, selected soil physical and chemical properties in Abakaliki southeastern Nigeria in 2014 and 2015. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block designed (RCBD) with human urine applied in the following rates: A = Control (no application of treatment); B = 2 kilolitres/ha; C = 4 kilolitres/ha and D = 6 kilolitres/ha. Treatments were not applied in 2015 to test the residual effect. In general, human urine improved rice grain yield, bulk density, total porosity, hydraulic conductivity, moisture content, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, pH, available phosphorus and exchangeable bases in 2014 it was applied and the following year as residual effect. An increase in the rate of urine application also resulted to an increase in rice grain yield and higher improvement in soil properties studied.

Changes in Selected Soil Physical Properties and Maize Yields as Affected by Animal Wastes Application in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria

Njoku C., Ibekwe, Uguru B.N3.,Agwu J.O., Mbah C.N.

The study was conducted at Abakaliki to determine the changes in selected soil physical properties and maize yields as affected by animal wastes application in Abakaliki southeastern Nigeria in 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatment replicated five times. The treatments were poultry droppings at 5 tha-1 (PD), cow dung at 5 tha-1 (CD), mixture of PD + CD at 5 tha-1 and control (C) – non application of amendment. Bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, aggregate stability and mean weight diameter were determine in the laboratory using appropriate procedure while plant height, leaf area index and grain yield were also, measured in the field using recommended methods. The results showed positive changes in selected soil physical properties and maize yield in the two cropping seasons with the application of animal wastes. Also, improvement in soil physical properties and maize yields were higher in the second cropping season when compared to the first cropping season. Poultry dropping is recommended for farmers to use as fertilizer in maize production because plots treated with poultry droppings recorded the highest maize grain yield in the two cropping season than other treatments.

Trees Lose Their Leaves Later in Agroforestry Systems

In Brazilianagroforestry systems (AFS), Cordia oncocalyx trees, a native species of Caatinga, lose their leaves late in relation to the trees of the same species occurring in secondary forest. Our hypothesis is that, due to environmental features, the trees of the AFS maintain better water status. This work aims to present environmental humidity (rainfall, soil moisture and air relative humidity) and trees (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration) data to explain the late loss of leaves in anagrosilvopastoral system (AGP) in the Brazilian semiarid region compared to a secondary forest (SF).Meteorological data were obtained from two weather stations installed in the AGP and SF areas. The physiological traits were measured using an infrared gas analyzer. There was a correlation between physiological processes (transpiration and stomatal conductance) and soil water content in plants of AGP, but not in SF, showing some independence of the plants of this system to variations in soil moisture. This indicates that AGP plants may have developed the physiological and anatomical features that enable to them to keep photosynthesis even when climatic conditions are more severe. Although the most inhospitable environmental conditions in the AGP system, the lower density of plants, and therefore less competition for water, favoring photosynthesis longer, causing the leaves to fall later.

Annual Biomass Production, Chemical Composition and In- sacco Degradability of Different Cultivars of Moringa oleifera

Types of plant cultivars and seasons often affect production and productivity of fodder biomass and nutritional quality to animals. Selection of suitable cultivars and better understanding of year round biomass production are indispensable for improving quality feed supply to animals. Black Seed Moringa (BSM-L) and White Seed Moringa (WSM), the two local cultivars and Black Seed Moringa (BSM-T) cultivar of Thailand origin of Moringa oleifera were cultivated in the fodder research field of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) during the period of 19 August 2014 to 23 December 2015. An agronomical trial was conducted to determine the biomass yield of the three cultivars in different seasons of a year under common agronomical practices. The effect of the cultivars on the daily relative growth rate (RGR), chemical composition and in-sacco dry matter (DM) degradability were also evaluated. The cultivar response to biomass production performances, chemical composition and nutritional values were analyzed in an ANOVA of a Randomized Block Design (RBD), while the differences in the rate and extent of the DM degradability in-sacco determined using three rumen cannulated bulls were analyzed in an ANOVA of 3x3 Latin Square Design. The annual biomass yield of BSM-L tops (114.5 t/ha fresh; 22.7 t/ha DM) was significantly higher than that of WSM (29.0 t/ha fresh; 5.80 t/ha DM) or BSM-T (83.5 t/ha fresh; 16.0 t/ha DM). No significant difference in chemical composition (224.9, 222.4 & 223.8 g.kg-1 DM of crude protein (CP), respectively, and 450.9, 455.3 & 435.4 g.kg-1 DM of neutral detergent fiber, respectively) or nutritional value (47.4, 46.7 & 45.3% of potential, and 62.8, 64.2 and 63.6% of effective degradability of dry matter) was found for the cultivars. BSM-L had a significantly higher survivability (97.2%), prune number per plant (3.50) and RGR (15.6 mg DM/day) than WSM (25.0%, 2.30 & 4.20 mg DM/day) or BSM-T (55.6%, 3.10 & 10.8 mg DM/day) respectively. The hot and dry, and hot and humid climate having a Heat Index (HI) range of 25o to 35o F and monthly total rainfall of 130 mm to 332 mm were suitable for cultivation of all the Moringa cultivars. It was concluded that considering biomass production and its quality in terms of chemical composition and nutritional values, Black Seed Moringa (Moringa oleifera) may be cultivated as a plant fodder crop for the production of feed for ruminant animals.

Thiamethoxam in Papaya (Carica papaya Linnaeus) Agroecosystems

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a profitable fruit of economic and food importance in Mexico and Central America. Veracruz is the state in Mexico with the highest cultivable area, eventhough its production presents numerous phytosanitary problems, which are being faced with the use of the pesticide thiamethoxam. The aim of this study was to make a diagnosis of the use and management of thiamethoxam in papaya agroecosystems in the municipality of Cotaxtla, Veracruz. Two surveys were applied, one to a 30% of the total number of producers organized by an association dedicated to papaya culture, and the other survey was through key informants, both surveys were designed using the snowball sampling, a non-probability sampling technique. The results indicate that 6% of papaya producers use mainly the pesticide thiamethoxam, which belongs to the chemical group of neonicotinoids. It was found out that for five years there have been records of thiamethoxam use in vertisoils. During the cycle of papaya cultivation the producers use a maximum dose of 3 L/ha and a minimum dose of 250 ml/ha per crop cycle. One hundred per cent of those who apply thiamethoxam are not aware of its use and efficient management, nor of the damage they are doing or have caused to agroecosystems.

Impact of the Mixed Consortium of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the Growth and Yield of Rice (ORYZA SATIVA L.) under the system of Rice Intensification (SRI)

S. Merina PremKumari, B.Jeberlin Prabina

The effect of inoculation of indigenousarbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) co-inoculated with Azospirillumlipoferum(strain Az204) and phosphobacteria (Bacillus megaterium - strain PB2) on the growth and yield of rice under the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in the nursery and field was studied by conducting a field trial at Agricultural College & Research Institute, Madurai. The indigenous AMF was isolated from rice fields of this Institute and were identified as Glomus sp., Gigasporasp. and Acaulospora sp. These AMF were mass multiplied in maize plants using vermiculite as substrate and used as mixed consortium AMF. The mat nursery was prepared and AMF inoculated at the rate of 100g/m2. Also treatment was done using Azospirillum and phosphobacteria on treatment wise. At the time of transplanting seedling dip was done for the 8-day old rice seedlings using the same microbial inoculants. In the main field seed also application of mixed consortium AMF along with Azospirillum and phosphobacteria was carried out based on the treatment schedule. The results of the field trial revealed that the seedlings in the nursery showed vigorous growth and AMF colonization and spore count were recorded the maximum in the treatment with AMF, Azospirillumand 75% RDF of N and P. In the main field also there was increased growth and yield of rice plant in the same treatment due to the inoculation of mixed consortium AMF co-inoculated with Azospirillum on rice variety, ADT43 in the presence of 75% N and P. The yield of rice in this treatment recorded 11.8% higher than with 100% NP alone, besides saving 25% NP. We conclude that the mixed consortium ofindigenousAMF inoculation at the nursery and main field under SRI increased growth and grain yield of rice.

Perception towards Family Planning and its Implication to Environmental Sustainability: The Case of two Selected Kebeles in Aroresa Woreda in Sidama Zone, Ethiopia

Zenebe Shuite Argado

This study was conducted aiming at to assess perception of couples towards family planning and its relevance to environmental sustainability and to identify factors hindering family planning practice. Sample respondents for study comprises 90 couples in rural and 28 in urban. Data was collected by using random systematic and simple random sampling methods. The instruments used for data collection were interview and focus group discussion. The research found that there is promising level of awareness on family planning and main source of information were health extension agents. Reported reasons in sought of large number of children were old age support, son or daughter preference, considering children as a wealth, and labor support, religious prohibition. Nearly half of respondent couples approve contraceptives with more approval of women in both settings. Most of the respondents showed positive attitude towards family planning. Furthermore, half of the rural and nearly less than half of the urban respondents approve the importance of family planning for environmental sustainability. During the study period 23.2% of urban and 18.9% of rural couples were using some method of family planning; among which 21.4 of urban and 16.7% of rural women were using modern methods, hence, awareness level and practice in family planning showed a gap in both urban and rural. In general, urban showed more favorable attitude and practice than rural couples in family planning. Despite of their lower practice in family planning, rural respondents likely showed more favorable attitudes towards relevance of family planning for environmental sustainability.

Influence of Irrigation Regimes on Quality Attributes of Olive Oils from Two Varieties Growing in Lebanon

An increasing interest on supplemental irrigation is observed in modern olive orchards because of its effect in increasing yield. In this study, the effect of three irrigation regimes (0, 60 and 100% ETC) on quality and chemical composition of olive oil is assessed in Baladi and Edlbi varieties planted in Lebanon. Significant differences (p

Environmental Assessment of Vehicular Emission in Port-Harcourt City, Nigeria

Port Harcourt is a coastal city located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, with very short dry season and long heavy rainy season periods. The objective of this study was to assess air pollution level from vehicular emission during the rainy season period. Three locations in the city noted for high traffic congestion were selected for the study. Air sampling in these locations were carried out for 11 days, covering peak and off peak periods. The following air pollutants were measured namely; nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (CxHy), as well as climatic elements – ambient temperature and relative humidity. The air pollutant levels obtained were compared with local and international standards. CO complied with international standard, but exceeded local standard. There is need for effective air pollution monitoring and control, this will go a long way to reduce the health risk associated with air pollution in the city.

Non- Chemical Management of Apple Scab- A Global Perspective

Apple scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Wint. is the most widespread disease in apple orchards worldwide. In order to manage apple scab and produce a marketable crop, growers across the globe have relied on 10 to 18 applications of synthetic chemicals at an annual cost of US$202 to $506 per hectare. Until recently, fungicidal control was perceived as the only economical control measure but this perception is changing because of the high costs of new molecules such as the strobilurine-based fungicides, increased fungicide resistance in populations of V. inaequalis, and increased appreciation of environmental costs and consumers negative perceptions of fungicide use. For all these reasons cited above, interest is increasing to develop alternative strategies to manage apple scab. These changes include re-designing orchards so that cultivars with differential susceptibility can be treated with fungicides based on different schedules and using post-harvest treatments, such as leaf shredding or application of biological control agents. New knowledge of the resistance mechanisms in Malus may also present new management options. Despite the increased complexity of integrated scab management, it can prove more sustainable as it involves the use of more than one method and reduces the risk of development of resistance to fungicides in the pathogen population. Ultimately, sustainability will depend on the cost effectiveness of integrated approaches as compared to total dependence on fungicides to control apple scab.

Characteristics Explorati on of NIiCuZn Nano-Composite coated Permanent Magnets

T. Narasimhulu, Mallikarjuna Rao Pasumarthi

This paper presents the synthesis of compound using Citrate Precursor Sol- Gel Method and Ball millingfor grinding the compound. X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD) confirmed the formation of single-phase cubic spinel structure. The average crystallite size was calculated using XRD pattern and confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The electromagnetic properties were investigated using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and molar magnetic susceptibility measurements. The magnetic measurements have proved that the entire preparation method has considerable effect in enhancing the magnetic properties of the system. And an application of PMBLDC machine design with ferrite coated permanent magnets having competitive power density and efficiency. The influence of temperature variation on the magnets on the electric machine performance is also observed.

Effect of an Endomycorrhizal Inoculum on the Growth of Argan Tree

The aim of this work is to study the effect of a composite endomycorrhizal inoculum on the growth of argan tree plants under nursery conditions. Analysis of the obtained results after ten months of inoculation showed a significant effect on the growth of the inoculated plants as compared to the controls. Indeed, the mean values of arial fresh weight (27.54 g) and root (23.64 g). The length (59.87 cm), the collar diameter (3.93 cm) and the number of branches (7.37) of the inoculated plants are superior to those observed in the control plants, 13.36 g, 13.43 g, 35.83 cm, 2.83 cm and 4.66 cm, respectively. In addition, frequency (100%), intensity (63.66%) and arbuscule contents (51.79%) and vesicles (25.52%) are very important. The roots of the control plants are not mycorrhizal. The mean number of spores formed in the rhizosphere of the inoculated plants is 246 spores per 100 g of soil. These spores are those of 29 endomycorrhizal species belonging to six different genera: Acaulospora, Scutllospora, Pacispora, Glomus, Entrophospora and Gigaspora. Representatives of the Glomus genus are the most dominant.

Some new observations on the Volvariella genus Speg. 1898

Three fungal species of the Volvariella genus were described in this study. Volvariella bombycina and Volvaria speciosa were harvested at the level of the Mamora forest. V. media was collected from one garden grass in the city of Kenitra, this species is new to the Moroccan fungal flora.

In Vitro Study on total Phenols, Flavonoids Content and DPPH Activity of Withania Species

Nishtha Raj, Ayushi Agarwal, Neelam Chaturvedi

The escalating interest in appraisal of antioxidant power of herbal plant as medicine, the current study was carried out to explore the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of Withania somnifera root and Withania coagulan fruit in-vitro. Antioxidant activity; total phenol,total flavonoids and DPPH free radical scavenging assay of Withania somnifera root and Withania coagulans fruit aqueous extracts were determined by using reference standards gallic acid, quercetin and ascorbic acid, respectively. The highest total phenols content (mgGAE/g) and total flavonoids content (mgQE/g) was found to be 33.1±0.82 and 1.86±0.01 respectively in aqueous somnifera root extracts as compared to coagulans fruit extract . The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the both extracts was increased with the increasing concentration and was observed high in aqueous extract insomniferaroot (IC50= 54) than coagulans fruit (69μg/ml) aqueous extract.Thus,Withania somnifera root has potent antioxidant activity and may serve as a good pharmacotherapeutic agent which could be explored to provide affordable medicines to masses.

Study on Performance of Different Fodder Crops under Low Cost Green House Hydroponic Fodder Production System

A.Krishna Murthy, G.Dhanalakshmi, Kalyan Chakravarthy

Hydroponics play most significant role in augmenting fodder shortage and helps for dairy production efficiently. A study was conducted to assess the performance and suitability of different crops under low cost green house hydroponic fodder production unit at SHE&CS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Yagantipalle. Four varieties of cereals grains and four verities of Pulses were tested. One kilogram grain each of the variety was soaked for 12 hours in water for sprouting in air tight condition for 36 hours. The sprouted seed was spread in trays of size 2.5 ft X 1.5ft and kept in the Hydroponic Unit. Automatic sprinkling of water was managed by cyclic timer. Chemical fertilizer was not used. Data on sprouted seed weight and weight of biomass after 5 days was recorded using electronic weighing balance. The high biomass yield after 5days in cereals was recorded in Bajra followed by sorghum, Barley and Maize. Among pulses Pillipesara yielded highest weight followed by Cowpea, Lucerne and Horse gram. Highest plant height among cereals was recorded in Barley and cowpea in pulses. The difference among all the varieties in respect of biomass yield and plant height was found to be significant. Negative correlation was found between plant height and biomass yield.

Influence of Growth Regulators on Shedding of Broad Bean, Growth, Yield and Seed Quality

A. E. Sharief, M. M. El-hamady

In order to study the effect of foliar spraying of growth regulators on growth,seed yield and seed quality, two field experiments were conducted at an extensive field during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons to determine following foliar spraying of Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) concentrations, i.e. 0, 20, 40 and 60 ppm and Kinetin (Kin) concentrations, i.e. 0, 15, 30 and 45 ppm after 35 and 50 days from sown. Accumulative NAA levelsof to 60 ppm significantly increased total chlorophyll, plant height (cm),branches number/plant, number of shedding flowers, shedding %, pods and seeds number/plant,seedsnumber/pod, seed yield/plant, 100-seed weight (g), seed yield (ton/ha) and protein % in both seasons.Naphthalene Acetic Acid foliar spraying up to 60 ppm exceeded of total chlorophyll, plant height (cm), branchesnumber/plant, number of shedding flowers, podsnumber/plant, seedsnumber/pod, seedsnumber/plant, seed yield (g) /plant, 100-seed weight (g), seed yield (ton/ha) and protein % by 11.47, 23.92, 92.88, 20.53, 11.87, 23.48, 14.16, 24.91, 26.15 and 13.23%, respectively as the average of both seasons. But, reduced the shedding percentage by 11.91% as the average oftwo seasons. Kinetin (Kin) foliar spraying up to 45 ppm significantly increased total chlorophyll, plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of shedding flowers, shedding %, pods and seeds number/plant,number of seeds/pod, seed yield/plant, 100-seed weight (g), seed yield (ton/ha) and protein % in both seasons. It could be noticed that foliar spraying of Kinetin (Kin) concentrationsup to 45 ppm exceeded total chlorophyll, plant height (cm), branchesnumber/plant, number of shedding flowers, podsnumber/plant, seedsnumber/pod, seedsnumber/plant, seed yield /plant, 100-seed weight (g), seed yield (ton/ha) and protein % by 12.16, 19.39, 61.64, 5.60, 5.56, 6.96, 5.64, 18.75, 13.38 and 4.39%, respectively as average of both seasons. But, reduced the shedding % by 14.73 % as the average of both seasons.It could be recommended that foliar spraying of Naphthalene Acetic Acid up to 60 ppm and Kin of 45 ppm improved seed yield/ha by 38.2% compared without foliar application.

Effect of Irrigation Levels on Yield Performance of Black Cumin

Karim M., R.M. Himel, J. Ferdush, M. Zakaria

An experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Horticulture Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Salna, Gazipur during the period from 20 November, 2012 to 12 April, 2013 to determine the optimum level of irrigation for better yield and quality of black cumin. There were six different irrigation levels (I1 - no irrigation, I2 - three irrigation, I3 - four irrigation, I4 - six irrigation, I5 - eight irrigation and I6 - ten irrigation). Results revealed that the number of primary branches (6.33), secondary branches (11.84), tertiary branches (6.29), number of capsule per plant (18.64), capsule length (1.89 cm), diameter of capsule( 1.05 cm), number of seed per capsule (107.8), fresh seed yield per plant (3.84g), dry seed yield per plant (3.26g), 1000 seed weight (2.40g) and seed yield (1.77 t/ha) were observed maximum in I6(ten irrigation).

Combined Toxicity and Bioconcentration of Fluoride and Arsenic in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Gamini Sahu, Shamsh Pervez, Aditi Niyogi Poddar

Laboratory experiments were performed to examine the combined toxic effects of two important aquatic contaminants viz., arsenic and fluoride on African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Additionally, the bio concentration factors (BCFs) of the two contaminants in tissues and blood of catfish were also determined. The LC50 for sodium fluoride and arsenic trioxide were determined to be 619.3 mg L-1, 30.3 mg L-1, respectively. Erratic swimming movements with hyperactivity, loss of equilibrium, augmented air gulping and decreased food consumption were observed in the experimental groups. In co-exposure groups of arsenic and fluoride, the concentration of fluoride in fish tissues increased with increasing water fluoride concentration in the test aquaria with significant differences (P

Physicochemical Properties of Two Fish Ponds in Akure, Implications for Artificial Fish Culture

Olukunle O. F, Oyewumi O. O

The physicochemical analyses of water samples collected from Ponds located at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA and Pond in Oda Road, Akure were conducted using standard laboratory techniques.The values of the parameters ranged from pH7.10±0.06b - 8.39±0.01c, conductivity 1.03±0.57c- 7.72±1.16bmS/cm, TDS 5.17±0.58c - 3.85±0.58bmg/l, turbidity 1.87±0.09c - 0.60±0.06b NTU, TSS 2.12±0.01c - 1.17±0.01bmg/l, BOD 12.60±0.06b - 12.63±0.09bmg/l, DO 62.77±0.03c- 41.67±0.01bmg/l, alkalinity7.64±0.01b- 7.98±0.04bmg/l, sulphate 1.10±0.01a - 1.01±0.04amg/l, phosphate 2.13±0.09b - 2.06±0.01b mg/l, nitrate 4.13±0.01c - 2.86±0.01bmg/l.However, there should be periodic or constantwater qualitycontrol of fish ponds in order to ensure conducive environment for fish safety.The physico-chemical parameters investigated in this study, were within the range recommended for good fish production, indicating that the environmental conditions in these pond waters offer conducive conditions for fish survival and growth hence, increased productivity from fish ponds.

The Family of Carabidae (Coleoptera) in Artvin Hatila National Park of Turkey

Temel Gokturk, Alim Celik

The faunistical studies on the family Carabidae (Coleoptera) species in Artvin Hatila National Park in Turkey. In this study, totally 32 species belonging to Pterostichinae, Brachininae, Carabinae, Platyninae, Lebiinae, Nebriinae and Harpalinae subfamilies of Carabidae were collected from Artvin province during 2011-2014. Among these, Amara lucida Duftschmid, Amara aulica Panzer, Brachinus elegans Chaudoir, Brachinus crepitans Linné, Carabus scabrosus Olivier, Anisodactylus binotatus Fabricius, Carabus coriaceus Linnaeus, Carabus mulsantianus Paykull, Carabus graecus Dejean, Harpalus affinis Schrank, Harpalus caspius Panzer, Ophonus cribricollis Dejean, Ophonus azureus Fabricius, Ophonus subquadratus Dejean, Pterostichus anthracinum Illiger are the first records from Artvin.

The Relationship between Surface Soil Moisture with Real Evaporation and Potential Evaporation in Iraq

Dr. Osama T. Al-Taai, Safa H. Hadi

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between surface Soil Moisture (SSM) of both Real Evaporation (E) and surface Potential Evaporation (SPE) for thirty years during the period of (1985-2014) for the eight stations (Sulaymaniya, Mosul, Tikrit, Baghdad, Rutba, Kut, Nukhayib, Basrah) in Iraq, from (NOAA) and taking advantage of some statistics such as the Simple Linear Regression (SLR) and the Spearman Rho test. Calculated the monthly average for Soil Moisture, Real Evaporation and Potential Evaporation, and found to increase the values of SPE in hot months and decreased in cold months while opposite to SM There was a strong inverse relationship between them, where the correlation coefficient was in Sulaymaniya -0.91, in Mosul -0.89, in the Rutba -0.92, in Tikrit -0.89, in Baghdad -0.89, in Nukhayib -0.89, in Kut -0.87, and in Basrah -0.83, and there is a high correlation in stations (Basrah, Kut, Nukhayib, and Rutba), while there is an average correlation in the stations (Baghdad and Tikrit), and there is low correlation in the stations (Sulaymaniya, Mosul), we also note an inverse correlation between RE and PE, where there is a low correlation in Sulaymaniya and medium correlation in the Mosul and Rutba stations, and there is a high correlation in the stations (Tikrit, Baghdad, Nukhayib, Kut, and Basrah).

Microclimatic Modeling and Analysis of a Fog-Cooled Naturally Ventilated Greenhouse

Debajit Misra, Sudip Ghosh

In the present paper, a thermal model has been presented for predicting the thermal environment inside a fog cooled naturally ventilated greenhouse. Experiments were conducted on a polyethylene covered greenhouse having 250 m2 ground area located at Coochbehar (latitude: 26.2o N, longitude: 89oE), West Bengal, India. The greenhouse was cooled by intermittent fogging with three distinct fogging cycles during the experiments. The greenhouse air temperature profiles as predicted by theoretical model were validated for different fogging cycle configurations. The model prediction and experimental results build up a good match (co-efficient of correlation was in range of 0.85 to 0.97). It was observed that fogging cycle configuration (spray time and spray interval combination) influences greatly the cooling performance of the fogging system. Further analysis revealed that greenhouse temperature could be maintained 2-5oC below the ambient temperature by employing suitable fogging cycle, maintaining the relative humidity within acceptable level.

Pathogenicity of Helminthosporium rostrata on rice varieties widely grown in Morocco

The plants of rice varieties (Arco, Thaibonnet and Elio) were inoculated with three isolates of Helminthosporium rostrata (HR1 HR2 and HR3), isolated for the first time in Morocco from the rice seed of Taibonnet variety at the end of the growing season. The results obtained showed that all the isolates are able to induce the disease on rice plants and sporulate on the foliar lesions. HR1, HR2 and HR3 was respectively the most pathogenic on Elio (I.C = 113), Arco (I.C = 212.5), and Taibonnet (130.48). The symptoms induced by the isolates are similar to those induced by Helminthosporium sativum on rice.