Volume 2 Number 5 (September 2017)

Distribution and Seasonal Occurrence of major insect pests of cotton in Uganda

Both surveys and field expriments were conducted to study the distribution and seasonal fluctuation of major cotton pests in Uganda. The surveys were carried out in 13 cotton growing districts including; Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono (Central region), Kamuli, Jinja (Eastern region), Amuria, Amolator, Pallisa, Serere (North-eastern region), Kasese, Nakasongola, Masindi and Kiryandongo (Western region), with laboratory rearing and the field experiment conducted at the national semi arid resources research institute (NaSARRI).Twenty cotton fields were selected from each district in four sub counties, 5 from each sub county giving a total of 260 fields for the study in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Each selected field was visited 3 times in each cropping season i.e. once at vegetative stage, once at Squaring stage and once at boll growth. For 2014 season. Cotton variety BPA2002, was sown on 16th, June, 2014 in plots, measuring 40 x 60 m2 at 4 seeds/hole and soil depth of 2.5 cm. Plant to plant and row to row distances were kept at 30 cm and 75 cm, respectively. Recommended agronomic practices with no pesticide application were applied throughout the cotton season. Densities of insect pests were recorded on ten days interval on randomly selected leaves from top, middle and bottom of the 30 plants selected. The insects were recorded from 2nd week of July till 4th week of November. On each sampling date, bollworm larval densities, Aphid counts, mite counts were evaluated on 20 randomly selected cotton plants per field in both 2013 and 2014 seasons respectively. Boll worm larvae collected were placed in plastic containers, reared in the laboratory until adult emergence, counted and added to the sweep net catches. For aphids and mite records were taken from upper, middle and lower leaves of randomly selected twenty plants (Shah et al., 2015). Adult boll worm moths, stainers and white flies were also collected using a sweepnet, where each field was divided diagonally and in the early morning and late evening insects were collected by sweeping through the field, the catches collected, separated by species, starved to death and then placed in alcohol for further morphological identification. Data was analyzed by ANOVA using general linear model procedures at 5% level of significance. Meteorological parameters like temperature and relative humidity during the study period were recorded. Correlation analysis was made to study the relationship between weather parameters and incidence of major insect pests of cotton by following standard statistical methods For the survey, high aphid occurrences were observed in Kasese, Serere, Wakiso and Mpigi districts respectively, Stainers (Mukono ,Serere, Pallisa and Kasese districts),Mites showed higher occurrences in all the districts surveyed with highest counts of bollworms observed in Kasese and Pallisa districts and for the seasonal fluctuation study, mites (Tetranychus urticae), peaked (38.4 individuals per plant), in the first week of September, Aphids (38 individuals per plant) in the last week of August, White flies (35 individuals per plant) in the last week of August, Jassids (17.5 individuals per plant) in the second week of October, and stainers peaked (10.5 individuals per plant) in the last week of September. In conclusion the districts surveyed appeared to be hot spots for a particular pest and farmers should now employ integrated pest management in order to reduce the pest pressure in their regions. This should be employed with proper timing of when a particular pest becomes a threat to the cotton crop based on the seasonal fluctuation data obtained.

Radioprotective action of venom of honey bee Apis mellifera Caucasica

Topchiyeva Shafiga, Babayev Elmar

The paper presents experimental data on the influence of the product of the activity of the honey bee Apis mellifera Caucasica on the life span of experimental animals irradiated with small doses of gamma radiation. The aim of the studies was to study the radioprotective effect of the pre-introduced zootoxin Apis mellifera Caucasica with a single gamma irradiation of 60Co mice at doses of 1.3, 5, 7, 10 Gy at irradiation dose rates of 1 Gr / min. Injection of venom followed by gamma irradiation of 60Co at a dose of D = 1, 3, 5 and 7 Gy at an irradiation dose rate of 1 Gy / min increased the life span of the experimental groups of mice ranging from 45% to 56 % and from 52% to 67%, respectively. An increase in the lifespan of experimental animals exposed to radiation with the preliminary introduction of the venom of the honey bee Apis mellifera Caucasica was revealed.

Study of the Monthly and Annual Behavior of Temperature and its Impact on Climate Change in Iraq for the Period (1982-2012)

Dr. Osama T. Al-Taai, Jamal S. A. Al-Rukabie, Iqbal H. Abdalkareem

Temperature in Iraq is an important meteorological factors because of its great impact on the daily life of human in terms of health, work and others. This research aims at identifying and studying the climate change in the study stations and during the specific period of time and its future impact on the climate of Iraq. This study analyzes the behavior of monthly and annual temperature data obtained from the (ECMWF) for selected stations from Iraq (Mosul, Baghdad and Basrah), which represent (Northern, Middle and Southern) Iraq, respectively, for the period of one and thirty years (1982-2012) and found the relationship between the temperature with period of study from 1982 to 2012 using some statistical methods (SLR and Rsqr), The lowest monthly average of temperature was in DEC and the highest monthly average of temperature was in JUL in all stations of the study, and found that the lowest annual average of temperature was in 1992 and the highest annual average of temperature in 2010 and for all stations, and found that there is a change climate in the month of MAY of Spring and the month of SEP of the autumn with the summer months (JUN, JUL and AUG), and found that there is a clear increase in the annual average temperature during the study period, where the Rsqr for Mosul station was (R2=0.4), Baghdad station was (R2=0.5) and Basrah station was (R2=0.4), with the possibility of dividing study stations (Mosul, Baghdad and Basrah) into three regions climate in terms of total annual average of temperature (low, high, and very high) respectively, and Predictability of future drought in Iraq.

Exploration and Identification of Spermatophyta Plants Division that are potentially can be used for Medicine at Evergreen Forest taman Nasional Baluran Indonesia

Joko Waluyo, Dwi Wahyuni, Pujiastuti, Nuri, Wiwien Suqih Utami

Indonesia is a country that has so many various floras. Nowadays Indonesia has more than 300.000 kinds of floras. More than 8000 kinds of plant belongto medicinal plants.WHO (World Health Organization) has stated about 80% of the population is still dependent on medicinal plants. Based on theAgriculture Ministry of Indonesia, the potential of medicine sales from 2010 to 2015 continues to increase. This is caused by the demand for medicine in 2010 reached 10 trillion rupiah. In 2015 is estimated to reach 20 trillion. Based on the Ministry of Agriculture (2007), traditional medicinal plants are not worth as much as the value of medicinal drugs, but the high value in demand for traditional medicine increases the value of traditional medicine sales from 2 trillion rupiah in 2003 to 7.2 trillion rupiah.The high number of needs is not equalwith the production capacity of medicinal plants. This is showedif Indonesia still importing medicinal materials with considerable value whereas in Indonesia hasso many medicinal materials especially from tropical forests of Indonesia.The absence of utilization of Indonesia's tropical forests is one of the factorsto do the research entitledExplorationand Identification of Spermatophyte Plants DivisionThat Are Potentially Can Be Usefor Medicineat Evergreen Forest Taman NasionalBaluran Indonesia. This Research conducted by using transect line method along the 100 meters enter the forest from the edge of the forest. The results from the exploration are found 22 types of medicinal plants which are included in 12 families and all of the medicinal plants can be use formedicine. The parts of the plants that can be utilized as a medicine are roots, leaves, flowers and even bark. From the parts of the medicinal plant leafs are the most potential parts for medicine. There are some various ways in utilizing medicinal plants starting with boiled, chewed, crushed and even mixed with other ingredients.

Comparison of Different Models in Estimating Standard Evapotranspiration in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Tumiar K Manik, Purba Sanjaya, R.A. Bustomi Rosadi

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the loss of water to the atmosphere by combined processes of evaporation from soil and plant surfaces and transpiration from plants. Since various factors affect ET, including weather, crops and soil parameters; numerous equations have been developed to quantify standard ET. The equations vary in data requirements from very simple, empirically based or simplified equations to complex, more physically based equations. This study used six methods in estimating standard evapotranspiration using data from September 2011‒August 2012 from Climate Station at Masgar (05o10’20” S, 105o10’ 49”E, 50 m dpl) Lampung, Indonesia. The six models are: Hargreaves-Samani 1985 (H/S), FAO 24 Radiation (24RD), FAO 24 Blaney-Criddle (24BC), FAO 24 Pan Evaporation (24PAN), Linacre (Lina), and Makkink (Makk). The results were analyzed using statistics methods in error indicators, which are: Root Mean Square Error(RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Logaritmic Root Mean Square Error(LOG RMSE), while the closeness among the models was analyzed using Index Agreement (IA). Direct measurement had been done using lysimeters (3x2x1) m. The study concluded that Makkink model is the suitable simple model that should be chosen in Lampung lowland area to calculate ETo when climate data is limited, besides the recommended FAO 56 Penman Monteith.

Anthracnose Disease of Walnut- A Review

Mudasir Hassan, Khurshid Ahmad

Walnut (Juglans regia) an important commercial dry fruit crop, is attacked by several diseases causing economic damage and amongst them walnut anthracnose caused by Marssonina juglandis (Lib.) Magnus has posed a serious threat to this crop in India and abroad. Walnut anthracnose results in reduction in quantitative parameters such as size, mass and actual crop of nuts, failure in metabolic processes in leaves and change in biochemical indices. Premature loss of leaves results in poorly-filled, low-quality, and darkened kernels. The disease initially appears on leaves as brown to black coloured circular to irregularly circular spots. These spots eventually enlarge and coalesce into large necrotic areas. Later on these infected leaves turn yellow and drop prematurely. Infection of anthracnose disease on leaves occurred at relative humidity above 95 per cent and severity of infection was not influenced by temperature between 10-32oC but was significantly reduced below 10oC. Anthracnose of walnut has been reported to be caused by Marssonina juglandis (Lib.) Magnus,with Gnomonia leptostyla (Fr.) Ces. and de Not as its perfect stage reported that acervuli produced by fungus appeared early in the season as small black specks on the lower surface of diseased leaves. The pathogen(G. leptostyla) reportedly perpetuates primarily on infected leaf debris, and ascospores produced in perithecia act as the primary inoculum during spring. Burying (ploughing in) the fallen leaves in autumn and winter ,pruning of infected twigs and branches and adequate nitrogen fertilization has been recommended for the management of walnut anthracnose as well as under planting walnut saplings with annual and perennial legumes has been shown to increase foliage nitrogen content. Different formulations of mancozeb, dithianon, flusilazole and copper fungicides controlled anthracnose disease.

Perceived Effect of Climate Variability on Arable Crop Production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Okringbo I. J., Ibe M. N., Oduehie T. C.

The study examined the perceived effect of climate variability on arable production in of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured interview guide administered to 120 farmers. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select twelve communities and two agricultural zones. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive such as mean while, inferential statistics was used to test the null hypothesis. The findings showed that the perceived effect of climate variability on cassava in regards to poor yield, damage and breaking of plants due to windstorm. The hypothesis test showed that the mean of perceived effect of climate variability on arable crop production in Nembe agricultural zone was (3.6530) while that of Yenagoa Agricultural Zone was (3.3272). The Z – cal (6.747) was much higher than Z-tab (2.02). The study concluded that the food security status of rural farmers is threatened. Hence, it was recommended that farmers should form cooperative societies in order to cope with high cost of agricultural production and government should reduce tax on farm input purchased by farmers.

Effect of Different Levels of N.P.K. 15:15:15 Fertilizer Application on the Yield of Sweet Potato (Ipomea Batatas) in South-South Nigeria

Nmor E.I, Okobia Uche B.

This research was carried in Delta state Polytechnic School of Agriculture teaching farm in Delta state Polytechnic Ozoro in Isoko North local government area of delta state, Nigeria. There are different levels of fertilizer application suggested by various authorities. The need to elevate the effect of different levels of fertilizer application on the yield of sweet potato necessitated the study. Eighty vines of sweet potatoes collected from nearby farm were planted in complete randomized block design which was replicated three times. At establishment, twenty vines were dressed with 4.6kg fertilizer, another twenty 3.0kg, another twenty 7.4kg while the remaining twenty served as control. The parameters collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results shows that (table 2) potato treated with 7.4kg fertilizer had more leaves of 127, 145.3, 177.7, and 184.7 as against 63, 83.3, 105.3, 127, and 83, 108.3, 134.3, and 162.0 for 3kg and 4.6kg respectively whereas the control had 28.7, 40.2, 58.6, and 67.3. Table (3) shows that Potato 7.4kgfertilizer had better length of vine of 66.1, 69.8, 81.2, 96.9 and 64.8, 70.1, 95.1 and 113.2 for 3.0 and 4.6kg respectively.Table (4) shows that 7.4kg treatment had superior weight of tuber of 114.38 as against 53.17, 80.26 and 34.11 for 3kg, 4.6kg and control respectively. Conclusively, sweet potatoes treated with 7.4kg fertilizer performed better in terms of number of leaves, vine length and weight of tubers at harvest. However there was significant difference among the treatment. It is therefore recommended that 7.4kg should be applied per stand so as to improve yield of potato and profit of the farmers.

3D Arbitrary Channel Fabrication for Lab on a Chip Applications using Chemical Decomposition

Jahan Zeb Gul, Jinhee Na, Kyung Hyun Choi

This article demonstrate a simple method to use of three-dimensionally (3D) printed molds that are chemically decomposable for rapid fabrication of complex and arbitrary microchannel geometries. These complex microchannel are unachievable through existing soft lithography techniques. The molds are printed directly from hand held 3D printing pen that can print in midair, making rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices possible in hours. PLA based copper filament is used to print the arbitrary channels. The printed channels are then placed inside PDMS and PDMS is cured. The cured sample is then immersed in chemical solution (Acetic Acid + Sodium Chloride+ Hydrogen peroxide), which decomposes the PLA based copper channel thus leaving an empty channel inside the PDMS block. This method enable precise control of various device geometries, such as the profile of the channel cross-section and variable channel diameters in a single device.

Enhancement of protease production by Bacillus sp. and Micrococcus varians induced by UV-mutagenesis

Chibani Hiba Rahman, Fellahi Soltana, Chibani Abdelwaheb

Microbial proteases contribute nearly 40% of the total worldwide enzyme market. Hence, with the view of this significance, the main objective of the present study was to enhance protease production of two bacterial strains, Bcillus sp. and Micrococcus varians using UV mutagenesis. Induction of mutation in both strains was carried out at different exposure times: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 min at a distance of 10 between UV source and treated bacteria.Two best protease producer mutants for the two bacterial strains (UV-9 for Bcillus sp.and UV-18 forMicrococcus varians) were selected based on the clearance zone diameter of mutant colonies on 1% skimmed milk agar plates. UV-9 mutant showed 1.4 fold higher protease activity than the wild type in solid and liquid medium. However UV-18 mutant was found to produce 2.5 fold increases over the wild type on agar plates and 2.1 fold enhancement in liquid-medium assay.The two mutants were very effective in feather keratin-degrading in less than two days, UV- 18 was more efficient than UV-9.

Ecology factor and Venom of snake Macrovipera lebetina obtusa

Sh.A. Topchiyeva, H.A. Abiyev, E.T.Babayev

In this article presents experimental data, the basic composition of the venom of Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, captured from different regions of Azerbaijan, differing in degree of contamination by industrial emissions was studied. γ – radiospectrometric studies showed that the samples of venom also contain radionuclides as Ra228, Ra226, K40 and 137 Cs. It was established that the radiation dose (up to dose 1.35 kGy) for 3 minutes did not cause structural changes in the samples venom of vipera, but rather contribute to the stabilization of both toxicity and pharmacological activity while increasing the shelf life of aqueous solutions of vipera venom. At high doses (2.7, 4.05 and 5.4 kGy) γ-irradiation for 3 minutes there was a gradual decrease in toxicity (pharmacological activity of enzymes) of snake venom. We can assume that these data can be used in the identification of zootoxins and their metabolites, and these criteria can serve as a theoretical basis for the development of effective methods for diagnosis of poisoning zootoxins.

Climate Change farm-level Adaptation Measures among Soybean Farmers in Benue state, Nigeria

Ikyoosu B. M, Ezihe J.A.C, Odoemenem I. U.

This study analyses climate change farm-level adaptation measure among soybean farmers in Benue state, Nigeria. The study used multistage sampling technique and primary data were collected from 217 soybean farmers. Objective (i) was realized using descriptive statistics, viz. percentages and frequencies. Objective (ii) was achieved using stochastic frontier model. Objective (iii) made use of multivariate discreet choice model (MNL). Objective (v) was realized using Factor Analysis model (FA). Results of the multinomial logit analysis showed that Age positively influenced the use of crop diversification at 5% significant. Household size had positive relationship with the choice of crop diversification as farm-level adaptation measures. Farm size had a negative effect on the choice of multiple crop varieties. The stochastic frontier analysis showed that farm size was highly significant at 1% level of probability among soybean farmers. The computed mean of technical efficiency estimate was 0.12 and 0.90. The technical inefficiency model showed that land fragmentation (i.e. multiple farm plots) is significant at 5%, off farm employment is significant at 1%, both organic and inorganic had 10% significant technical inefficiency. The factor analysis revealed that the major constraints to climate change and farm-level adaptation measures among the soybean farmers were public, institutional and technological constraints; land, traditional beliefs and farm distance constraints; high cost of inputs, small scale production and knowledge of cropping or building resilience constraints; The study, therefore, recommends, inter alia, proactive regulatory land use systems that will make soybean farmers to participate in cooperative membership, have access to extension services to enhance their investment in climate change farm-level adaptation measures that has a long-term effect. More also, Government and non-governmental organizations should help the farmers in the area of provision and/ or facilitate the provision of input-based farm-level adaptation measure in the study area. Again, intensive use of already proven adaptation measures at farm-level by the farmers at their present resource technology will make them to reduce technical inefficiencies in the study area.

Analysis of Yield Attributing Characters of Different Genotypes of Wheat in Rupandehi, Nepal

Field experiment was conducted at National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi with the objective to identify high yielding superior wheat genotypes for Rupandehi district of Nepalduring 2014. Experiment was laid out in one factorial Randomized completely block design with ten wheat genotypes including both released and promising; Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Pasang Lahmu, Bijaya, BL 3623, Bhirkuti, NL 297, BL 4316, BL 3978 and BL 4347with three replications. The results showed that the grain yield of BL 3978 was found higher (4.03 t ha-1) than other genotypes followed by BL 4347 (3.93t ha-1). BL 3978 have also higher number of effective tillers m-2 and test weight. Among release varieties, NL 297 show higher yield (4 t ha-1) followed by Bhirkuti (3.43 t ha-1)and Bijaya (3.37 t ha-1). From this experiment it can be concluded that BL 3978 was found promising among all genotypes however should be tested at on-farms before promoted for general cultivation in Rupandehi district of Nepal.

Diversity study of Drumstick (Moringaoleifera Lam.) using Microsatellite markers

Amao A.O., Echeckwu C.A., Aba D.A., Katung M.D., Odeseye A.O.

The study of the magnitude of genetic diversity existing within thirty one accessions of Moringaoleifera collections made within and outside Nigeria was conducted using ten Randomised Amplified Polymorphic DNA and tenMicrosattellite markers.None of the RAPD showed amplification bands. Five out of the Microsattellites markersamplified, four primers MO1, MO10, MO15 and MO41 were polymorphic in nature while the marker MO6 produced only a monomorphic band.PIC value was highest for the primer MO41 with 0.75 followed by primer MO1 with 0.68 while, the lowest PIC value was recorded by the primer MO15 with 0.11.A total of 19 alleles were produced by the four primers and the number of alleles ranged from two to nine with an average of 4.75 alleles per primer. The maximum number allele frequency was generated by primer MO15 followed by MO10.The gene diversity varied from 0.12 to 0.78 with an average of 0.52, PIC content of the SSR primers ranged from 0.11 to 0.75 with an average of 0.48 with primers MO 41 followed closely by primer MO1 having maximum numbers of allele number, PIC and gene diversity. Hence, the primer pairs MO41and MO1 can be considered in future molecular studies of Moringaoleifera.The Cluster analysis was able to group the thirty one accessions into two main clusters with four sub clusters. Six of the accessions were found to be duplicated or closely related with one or two other accessions having 0.00 genetic distances between them. The clusters were having some accessions grouped based on same area of collection, however there still existed groupings that were not having link with area of collection.

Effect of pre-sowing Application of Nitrogen, Potassium and Sulfur and its relationship on Egyptian Cotton Productivity

Amany A.El-Ashmouny, Kholoud A.El-Naqma, Azza A. El-Hendawy

Fertilizer use in till systems must be aligned with a correct interpretation of soil chemical attributes and cotton demands. The objectives of this work were evaluate the effect of pre-sowing application of urea, potassium and sulfate on the yield of cotton and soil chemical attributes of till cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) over two harvesting years. The experiment was arranged in complete randomized block design; the doses of an activation macronutrients were the quarter of recommended dose of them. We were applied the recommended doses of N, P,K on soil. The cotton plants in the experimental plots were manually harvested on October 25, 2015 and October 15, 2016. The soil samples were collected between cotton rows in all plots before sowing on March 27, 2015 and April 1, 2016 at depth of (0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm) for soil fertility analyses. -The increasing doses of N,K,S induced a higher values when we addition mixture of urea , potassium and sulfate on plant height, no. of fruiting branches, no. of open bolls before harvest, boll weight, seed cotton yield/ kentar, lint % , micronaire values and pressely values. -On the other hand, % earliness increased by control and reduced by addition the mixture of nutrients. -The mixture (N+k+S) treatment had the highest values of available N and S in the first and second respectively compared with the control treatment. -The addition of potassium Sulphate had gaven a highest values of available K in the first and second seasons respectively compared with the control treatment. -The Mixture treatment had gaven a highest values of N:K which reflected on a Lint% and seed cotton yield/fed at the first and second season , respectively -The control treatment had highest values of N: S ration which affected on seed cotton. It gave a lowest values of seed cotton yield/fed. But the treatment of mixture (N + K + S) gave moderate values of N:S ratio while it was gave a highest values of seed cotton yield / fed. -The highest values of N concentration in fourth leaf (last mature leaf) due to treatment with N (urea) in the first and second seasons. But it had gaven a lowest yield compared with the control treatments. -The highest values of K concentration led to K (potassium sulfate) treatment compared with the control in first and second seasons, respectively -The highest values of N: K ratio was obtained with N ( urea ) treatment. It led to decrease in the seed cotton yield / fed but the highest values of yield / fed was obtained when added all mineral fertilizers as a mixture in soil when N: K was as a compared on control treatments. - The second treatment which caused a highest in yield after mixture treatment was k (potassium sulphate ) , it had gaven ( 9.01 & 9.64 ) yield/fed while N:K was (0.34 & 0.32 ) in the first and second seasons respectively.

Extraction and Quantification of Carpaine from Carica papaya Leaves of Vietnam

Do Thi Hoa Vien, Tran Van Loc

Our previous research indicated that carpaine and its derivative pseudocarpaine extracted from Carica papaya leaves had anti-cancer activity. In this study, we extracted the total alkaloid from Carica papaya leaves, then extracted carpaine and quantitative analyzed carpaine in the total alkaloid. Carica papaya leaves was crushed, and then extracted with EtOH to obtain the total extract. This extract was extracted with suitable solvent to obtain total alkaloid. Continued to extract the total alkaloid by using open column chromatography and crystallizing method to purify carpaine. The research result showed that the total alkaloid in Carica papaya leaves was 0.2% comparing with dried material. Quantitative analyze of purified carpaine by HPLC determined that carpaine was the main alkaloid with the content was 63% of the total alkaloid extracted from Carica papaya leaves.

Callus induction and plant regeneration via leaf segments of three accessions of African rice (Oryza glaberrimaStued.)

R. G. Diawuoh, G. Y. P. Klu, H. M. Amoatey, S. A. Otu, K. Asare

A study conducted with the aim of developing a protocol for callus induction and plantlet regeneration in vitro from leaf segments of three accessions of African rice (O. glaberrimaSteud.) indigenous to Ghana. Leaf segments of the accessions namely, Guame, N/4 and SARI 1 were assessed for callus induction and plantlet regeneration ability on different concentrations of plant growth regulators, incorporated into Murashige and Skoog, (1962) (MS) basal medium. Frequency of callus induction which was achieved on MS medium supplemented with (0-10) mg/l 2,4-D differed significantly (p≤0.05) among the accessions, as well as among the levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) tested. Highest callus induction frequency was exhibited at a concentration of 6 mg/l 2,4-D for all three accessions.Sub-culturing of callus on regeneration medium, which consisted of MS supplemented with (1:0-5) mg/l NAA:BAP resulted in no plantlet regeneration in all tested accessions. Instead, prolific root formation was observed.

Age of Transplant and Row Spacing Effects on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Chilli Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

M. E. Essilfie, H. K. Dapaah, E. Boateng, R. J. Damoah

Two field experiments were conducted for two years (2013 and 2014) at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-campus from May to September to evaluate the effect of three transplanting ages (30, 37 and 44 days) and four row spacing (30 x 30 cm, 40 x 30 cm, 50 x 30 cm and 60 x 30cm) on growth, yield and yield components of pepper. The experimental design used was a 3 x 4 factorial in randomized complete block design with three replicates for both experiments. The results showed that 44 aged transplants had the highest yield during the 2013 cropping season, tallest plant in both cropping seasons, highest number of branches and canopy width for the entire 2014 cropping season. The 30 aged transplants differed significantly from the other aged transplants in number of fruits per plant and widest fruit diameter during the 2013 cropping season. The 40 x 30 cm row spacing had the tallest plant and highest number of branches from 8 to 10 weeks after transplanting in both cropping seasons. The 30 x 30 cm row spacing differed significantly from the 50 x 30 cm and 60 x 30 cm row spacing in fruit yield during the 2013 cropping season. The 60 x 30 cm row spacing had the longest fruit length and the heaviest fruit weight per plant during the 2013 cropping season. It is concluded that for high fruit yield, farmers are to transplant pepper seedlings at 44 days using 30 x 30 cm row spacing.

Mathematical Modeling of Sun and Solar Drying Kinetics of Fermented Cocoa Beans

Olabinjo O.O., Olajide J.O., Olalusi A .P.

In this study, thin layer drying experiments were conducted to compute drying characteristics of fermented cocoa beans in open sun and indirect natural convection solar dryer. The drying experiments were conducted at the same time for comparison. Three different thin layers drying of the fermented beans were examined under field conditions for Akure, Nigeria. The drying process took place only in the falling rate period. The drying curves obtained from the experimental data were fitted to thirteen (13) different thin layer mathematical models. All the models were compared according to three evaluation parameters. These include coefficient of determination (R2), Root mean square error (RMSE) and Chi-square (X2).The results showed that increasing drying air temperature resulted to shorter drying times. The Vermal et al. model was found to be the most suitable for describing the drying curve of the convective indirect solar drying process of cocoa beans with R2 = 0.9562, X2=0.0069 and RMSE=0.0067; while, the Midilli and Kucuk model, best described the drying curve of fermented cocoa beans under open sun with R2 = 0.9866, X2=0.0024 and RMSE=0.0023.

Screening of different Rice entries against Rice Gall Midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason)

Atanu Seni, Bhima Sen Naik

In order to develop rice cultivars for resistance to the gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), some rice entries were screened under natural field conditions at the Chiplima, OUAT, Odisha under All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project during kharif 2016. Gall midge incidence as silver shoot was recorded on 30 and 50 days after transplanting and scoring was done. Highest incidence of silver shoot was recorded in TN-1 (36.71% SS after 50 DAT) whereas 12 entries viz., W 1263, INRC 3021, Sudu Hondarawala, PTB 26, RP 4686-48-1-937, RMSG-11, WGL 1147, WGL 1127, WGL 1121, WGL 1131, WGL 1141, JGL 27058 were found resistant to gall midge damage. Based on the reaction of the different entries the presence of biotype 1 was identified.

Morphological and physiological variation among different isolates of Alternaria spp. from Rapeseed-Mustard

To find out the Morphological variation on growth and sporulation of Alternaria species of Alternaria leaf blight of mustard from 10 representative geographical locations of Bangladesh, this experiment was conducted at Plant Pathology Laboratory, Oilseed Research center, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Inistitute (BARI), Joydevpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh. All the isolates showed high level of variability in in-vitro in respect of radial mycial growth, colony colour, sub surface colour, colony shape, colony texture, zonation (surface and sub surface), length and width of conidia, beak length and number of septa. The maximum and minimum radial mycial growth was recorded 90 mm in isolate NATAb and 83.67 mm in isolate GAZAb, respectively at 14 days after incubation. Significant variation in conidial length, width, beak and no. of conidia observed in all isolates. The length of conidia ranged from 41.56 to 117.54µm with 3 to 11 transverse and 0 to 3 vertical septa. The width and beak length varied from 10.34 to 23.12 µm and 16.78 to 72.65 µm ,respectively. Surface colour were olivacious green to black and circular shaped colonies were observed in all isolates on PDA medium. Colony texture were cottony to velvety. Subsurface colour varied from light brown to black and pinkish. Zonation found in some isolates and some did not produce on both surface and subsurface. All conidia were murifrom and light brown to deep brown in colour. Potato Carrot Dextrose Agar medium (PCDA) and 25 o C temperature were found optimum for different isolates for mycelial growth and sporulation.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A New Sour-Milk Product for Prevention and Treatment

U.A. Zhumabayev, R.S. Naimanbayeva, N.O.Ibragimova, O.U.Agabek, AU Issayeva

Based on camel milk, a new multicomponent, specialized fermented dairy bio-product "Inulakt-Fito" was developed for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its expressed hypoglycemic, antioxidant effect was established in experimental alloxan diabetes.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of salt stress callus of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

K. Kalimuthu, A.Vanitha, Vajjiram Chinnadurai, R. Prabakaran

Ethanolic and methanolic salt stress callus extracts of Solanum melongena L. were tested for in vitro antimicrobial and free radical scavenging assayssuch as DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+(2,2’Azinobis (3-ethyl benzo-thizoline-6-sulfonic acid) . In both the extracts the zone of inhibition is higher in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureusand Streptococcus pyogenesat 90 µl concentration against the control. The antifungal activity of these extracts also the zone of inhibition is higher at 90 µl concentration against the control. The DPPH activity of different concentration of solvent extracts (1 mg/ml to 5 mg/ml) along with standard ascorbic acid among the five different concentration (50 µg/ml to 250 µg/ml) of extracts tested, the higher percentage of inhibition was observed in 250 µg/ml of methanol extract followed by ethanolic extract against the standard ascorbic acid. In ABTS+ activity the absorbance was increased with the increasing concentrations of both methanolic and ethanolic callus extracts.

Records of Arthropod Species Sampled from Avocado Plant (Persea americana Mill) in Small-scale Agro-ecosystems at Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro

Avocado, Persea americana Mill, plays a central role in distribution of both beneficial and detrimental arthropods thereby influencing local species diversity in agro-ecosystems adjacent to Afromontane forests at Mount Kilimanjaro in North-eastern Tanzania and Taita Hills in South-eastern Kenya. However, little is known about arthropod species that inhabit avocado trees in the two study areas despite the fact that the crop forms the major part of agro-ecosystem in the East African highlands. A novel survey was, therefore, carried out for two years between August 2012 and July 2014 to establish arthropod species in avocado orchards along South-eastern slopes of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Taita Hills. A total of sixty one species of arthropods were recorded from the avocado crop through fruit observation and canopy sampling. The present arthropod checklist provides baseline knowledge for scientists in evaluating beneficial and pest status of each species inhabiting avocado plant in the East African agro-ecosystems.

Collaborative Livelihood Strategy: A Reflection of Social Network in Economic Activity (Case Study in Small Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesian)

Research was aimed to analyze the existence of household livelihood strategy and to identify agreements constituting livelihood strategy adopted by households in small island community. Data were collected from questionnaire given to 200 respondents who lived in five small islands, such as Ambon Island, Saparua Island, Gorom Island, Selaru Island, and Kisar Island. Respondents were selected with simple random sampling. Depth interview was also conducted with key informant in each island to verify questionnaire data. Some findings were then obtained. It was found that 83.5% respondents have built social network based on kinship, while 38.5% created network based on friendship and 48% was based on neighborhood. Agreement in network may take few forms such as borrow-lend activity (63%), output marketing (59.5%), and using farming output as collateral (42%). Therefore, it was concluded that kinship is the most influential base underlying the economic activity of community in small islands.

Identification of Distribution the Pineapple Mealybug Wilt Disease in the Pineapple plant in North Tapanuli

Arta Junita Hutahayan

Pineapple is one of the commodities of horticultural crops of fruits that have been developed by generations of people in the North Tapanuli Regency. Pineapple is a commodity mainstay of the community, where the planting spread in several districts, such as Sipahutar, Pangaribuan, Siborongborong and Tarutung. Sipahutar District is a pineapple production center in North Tapanuli Regency. Pineapple from Sipahutar, famous since the first because it has advantages compared with other pineapple that has a sweeter taste, water content slightly and texture more dense. The problem in pineapple cultivation lately is wilting mealybug disease because the losses incurred are very large. The purpose of this study was to detect and study infections from mealybug wilt disease in the field and the spread of mealybug wilt disease in some villages of pineapple planting centers in North Tapanuli region. The results of this study are expected to be information in controlling mealybug wilt disease in pineapple plants

The Quality Characteristics of Camel Sausage Formulated with Different Levels of Whey Protein Powder

Engy F. Zaki

In this study camel sausage was formulated with different levels (1, 2, 3 and 4%) of whey protein powder (WPP). Raw and cooked sausage samples were evaluated for physical properties, cooking measurements, shrinkage, color parameters, emulsion capacity (EC) and emulsion stability (ES) and sensory attributes. Using whey protein powder increased pH value, moisture retention, emulsion capacity and emulsion stability while, the cooking loss and shrinkage were decreased. Camel sausages formulated with 4% whey protein powder (WPP) had higher emulsion stability and emulsion capacity, lower cooking loss, better color and more acceptable than other sausage samples. However addition of 4% whey protein powder can be improved the quality characteristics of camel sausages.

Isothermal and Batch Adsorption Studies of Malachite Green Oxalate Dye onto Activated Carbon from Snail Shell

Ikhazuangbe P.M.O., Eruotor M.O.

Adsorption efficiency, kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the adsorption of Malachite green oxalate onto activated carbon from snail shell was carried out. The cleaned Snail shell was carbonized at 400oC, crushed and sieved before it was activated with 0.1m HCl at 800oC in a furnace. Batch adsorption experiment was carried out at variable concentration, time and temperature while other factors are kept constant. The adsorption isotherms used show that the correlation coefficient of Freundlich isotherm is closer to unity compare to that of Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption follows the Pseudo second order kinetic with adsorption capacity of 1.7544 (mg/g) and rate constant of 0.471(g/mg.min). The thermodynamic parameters: change in enthalpy, ∆H = 15.90 KJ/mol, change in entropy ∆S = 60.16J/mol. K and the change in Gibbs free energy ∆G = -1.69, -2.98, -3.64, -3.24, -3.43 and -3.51 KJ/mol at 303, 308, 313, 318, 323 and 328K respectively. These results show that activated carbon from snail shell has the potential of a good low cost adsorbent for the removal of this hazardous dye from wastewater.

The nesting ecology of weaverbirds in Ekona farms, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Ecological factors play a key role in determining nest construction and success in weaver birds. The objective of this survey was to determine the ecological role on the nest construction in weaver birds in Ekona farms. The research data was collected from March – August 2016, by randomly laying six transects of 1km long and 100m wide each within the study area, and four different locations were visited also to observe the daily nesting-activities of the weaver birds. The ecological data of the weaver birds nesting behaviour was observed and recorded, against the day-period, weather and seasonal changes. The data was analysed using Chi-square and Pearson correlation statistical models. The result showed a positive correlation between the weaver birds’ population and nest density in both seasons (R2=0.5407 at P < 0.05). Moreover, from the analysis, the relationship between nest-building and plant-type used recorded significance (X2= 69.1040, df= 28 at P < 0.05). In addition, it was observed that nest-building in the sunny weather was more intense than in rainy weather, 54.57% for sunny, 42.86% for rainy and 2.7% for cloudy weather conditions. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship (X2= 830.752, df=44 at P< 0.05) between weaver birds’ activities and the day-period. The study has revealed that both the seasonal and weather changes can affect the nest-building activities of the weaver birds in Ekona farming area.

Use of Remote Sensing Data to Detect Environmental Degradation in the Oil Rich Region of Southern Nigeria between 2003 and 2015

Ojiako J.C, Duru U.U

The oil spill management system aims to achieve a knowledge- based system which can choose the most suitable method of response in shorter time by analyzing the various sensitivity factors of coastal environment, affecting parameters on oil spill movement, environmental concerns in oil spill response, and consequent monitoring and clean-up measurements. The major advantage of this integration is the ability to extract oil spill parameters such as location, linear size and spill areas. Spatial and temporal information, i.e. oil spill distribution at the sea, its frequency and evolution in time allow the scientists to establish the major cause and source of oil spills, and then outline the risk areas. This study has demonstrated the application of GIS and remote sensing as a decision support tool for oil spill management. Its objectives are to perform image classification and accuracy assessment, to perform post classification change detection for oil spill detection and to perform trend of change analysis for oil spill growth trend. Methodology involves planning stage, data requirements, data acquisition, data processing and results presentation. The results indicated that the annual growth rate of water bodies is decreasing at -0.16% from 2003 to 2015, settlements decreased at a rate of -1.16% from 2003 to 2015 while Mangrove and vegetation decreased significantly at the rate of -2.82% and -1.92% respectively from 2003 to 2015, this is by far the most significant decrease in the study area, as oil spill degrades farmland and plantations there by rendering it useless for economical purposes, the results also indicated that degraded environment increased at a rate of 3.39% from 2003 to 2015. It was further recommended amongst others that further studies should be on oil spill management in Gokana L.G.A as this will provide additional information on how to manage the effects of oil spill in Gokana L.G.A.

The Effect on Solubility and pH of Sodium Chloride Solution by Magnetic Field

Anjali Leal, P. S. Tarsikka

On the whole world’s major environmental problem is water pollution, due to pollutant water increases in microscopic harmful living organism’s counts and it causes change in water odour, taste and colour, which causes the spread of dangerous epidermal diseases. A physical treatment using magnetic field it is beneficial for the control and removing of the scale formation on the walls and heating equipment’s but the efficiency of this treatment is still a controversial question. In the present study, like physical parameters total dissolved salts (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of sodium chloride solution have been evaluated under the effect of different strength of magnetic field (0.05T-0.15T) for different exposure time (3 hours, 5hours and 7 hours). The electrical conductivity and total dissolved salts rapidly increasing with the exposure of time and pH is increase with time as compared to control but for 3 hours is more and for 7 hour is less. Data collected during the experiment was analyzed statistically (SPSS-20.0). This analysis shows that the increase in TDS, EC and pH under the effect of magnetic field was significant (p < 0.05). The regression analysis was used to show linear relation between TDS and EC of water.

Bioremediation of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soil from Abandoned Asa Dam Road Dumpsite

Abdus-Salam Nasiru, Ademola Olamide Sodiq, Oyewumi-Musa Rukayat Titilayo

The dispersion pattern of heavy metals in soils surrounding municipal solid waste dumps was studied in a major area at Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, Kwara State. Soil samples were collected at three depths i.e.,0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm. The bioremediation capacity of five plants (Amaranthushybridus, Celosia agentea, Tithoniadiversifolia, Manihotescunlenta, Ipomeabatatas) grown on the dumpsite were studied for different metals. The moisture contents of the soil samples and plants were 4.55 - 18.58% and 3.75 - 13.78% respectively. The pH of soil and plants ash contents was in the range of 6.7 – 7.5 and 6.35 – 21.0 respectively. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy method was employed in the determination of the concentration of Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cd, Ca and Pb in both plant and soil samples. Amaranthushybridus and Celosia agentea were found to hyper-bioaccumulate, Tithoniadiversifoliabioaccumulate heavy metals mildly while Manihotescunlenta hyper-accumulate Iron. Cadmium and Lead were not detected in the plants. Nitrate concentration increases progressively down the soil profile and highest in Tithoniadiversifolia among the plants.

Integrated Pest Management in Portugal: from Policies to Practices

Integrated pest management is an ecosystem approach to crop protection that combines different control methods to reduce pesticide use and to obtain safe food products with lower environmental impact. It has increased in Europe and since 2014, it is mandatory for farmers as a basis for their crop protection strategy. Using the Portuguese context as a case study, the evolution of integrated pest management adoption is analyzed. Country statistics and survey-based data are used to highlight technical differences among farmers, their motivations and attitudes that give rise to environmental benefits and food safety. A survey was applied to vineyards and apple and pear orchards in integrated pest management and in organic and conventional farming. The collected data were related with farmer profile, farm description, farmers’ motivations towards sustainable farming practices, technical itinerary and practices related to pesticide use. A total of 177 questionnaires were applied. Integrated pest management farmers are motivated to adopt biological, biotechnical and cultural solution, even if more expensive, and to give up toxic pesticides, to reduce agricultural impacts, while producing healthier and safer products. Practices that affect crop protection and soil conservation varied between agricultural systems, and can be used as lessons to improve their quality.

Determinants of Rice Production and Marketing in low Producer Farmers: the Case of Fogera Districts, North-Western Ethiopia

Astewel Takele

Ethiopia is emerging as an important rice growing country in Eastern Africa. However, there are several constraints which drastically affect rice production and its marketing system under smallholder farmer’s condition. This study aimed at examining the socioeconomic determinants of rice production and marketing in low producer farmers in the study area. A sample of 160 rice producer and 50 traders were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The result of the study showed that sex of household head is positive and statically significant in explaining rice production at 5% significant level (p

Assessment of the Relative Suitability of Three Different Soils for Dry Season Lettuce Production in Ghana

Benette Yaw Osei, Martha Agyiri, Emmanuel Kwasi Aseidu, Kofi Agyarko

The research was conducted at the project site of the University of Educatoion, Winneba - Mampong campus between mid - November 2007 and Mid-April 2008. The main objective of the study was to compare the relative suitability of three soils in supporting lettuce production in the dry season. The treatments were Calcic Vertisol (Akuse scries), Rodic Nitisol (Ejura sesries) and Chromic Luvisol (Bediest series). The randomized complete block design was used in a pot experience with the three treatments and each replicated three times. Plant height, fresh leaf mass, leaf dry matter yield, fresh root mass, gravimetric moisture content, total porosity, drainability and bulk density were the parameters considered. From the result Bediesi Series recorded the highest growth rate as measured by plant height (266.5mm), fresh leaf weight (30.6g), leaf dry matter weight (4.9g) at 7 weeks after transplanting as well as been the most succulent with 84% succulent. Fresh root weight however, was highest with Akuse Series followed by Bediesi Series and Ejura Series in that decreasing order. Ejura Series recorded the least value for all growth and yield parameters measured. For soil parameters, Akuse Series recorded the highest value for porosity (43.0%) and gravimetric moisture of 6.43 throughout the period of field drying for 8weeks. Ejura Series Bediesi Series also recorded the highest value for drainability after 25 minutes of drainage, followed by Bediesi Series and then Akuse Series. The result of this work indicated that the Bediesi Series is the best soil type among the soils evaluated for lettuce production in the dry season in Ghana.

Chemical and Functional Characterization of Baobab (Adansonia Digitata L.) Seed Protein Concentrate using Alcohol Extraction Method

This study investigated the characteristics of baobab protein concentrate prepared using alcohol extraction method. Baobab fruit and the seeds were washed out, cleaned to remove dirt, sundried for three days and finally ground in an electric mill, sieved and stored. The flour was defatted with hexane under constant magnetic stirring for 3hrs. The slurry was vacuum filtered through filter paper and the residue was used for subsequent extraction. The result obtained showed that alcohol extraction method significantly (p

Response of hydro-physical properties of a Chromic Luvisol in Ghana to different methods of application of Mucuna pruriens as a soil amendments

Benette Yaw Osei, Kofi Agyarko, Kwabena Kyere, Emmanuel Kwasi Asiedu

The study assessed the response of hydro-physical properties of Chromic Luvisol to different methods of application of Mucuna pruriens as a soil amendments in two separate experiments. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used with the following treatments: 7.04t/ha Mucuna pruriens as green manure (GM), 7.04t/ha Mucuna pruriens as live mulch (LM), 7.04t/ha Mucuna pruriens as in-situ mulch (IM) and a control plot which had no Mucuna pruriens as soil amendment. Data were collected on gravimetric (θ_g) and volumetric moisture content ( θ_v), residual moisture storage(R), sorptivity(s), cumulative infiltration (I), bulk density (ρ_b), total porosity (f), aeration porosity (ξ_a), aggregate stability (ASt) and soil temperature, for assessment of hydro-physical properties of the soil. The results from the experiments indicated that Mucuna pruriens as live mulch used as amendment significantly reduce bulk density (ρ_b), increased total porosity (f) and aeration porosity (ξ_a) thus it gave significant improvement on those soil physical properties measured while Mucuna pruriens as in-situ mulch improved aggregate stability (ASt) and gave optimal soil temperature. In the assessment of soil volumetric moisture content ( θ_v), residual moisture storage(R), sorptivity(s), cumulative infiltration(I), the study shows that Mucuna pruriens as in-situ mulch recorded the optimal values and was closely followed by Mucuna pruriens as live mulch.

Bioadsorption of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ on Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Leaves

Herein, the efficiency of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves as biosorbent for lead and copper was investigated. The particle size distribution was determined by Granulometric analysis and the functional groups were identified by FT-IR spectroscopy. The effects of contact time, pH and initial metal ions concentration were investigated. The experimental kinetic data were well fitted by the pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity up to 71 mg g-1 and 37 mg g-1 for Cu2+ and Pb2+ respectively. The selectivity was examined in a binary ions solution where the adsorbent showed preference for lead over copper.

Genotype by environment interaction and stability of extra-early maize hybrids (Zea Mays L.) for yield evaluated under irrigation.

M. S. Koroma, M. Swaray, R. Akromah, K. Obeng-Antwi

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop produced in Ghana. However the change in environmental conditions, the expansion of maize to new agro-ecologies coupled with inadequate maize varieties available for the different environments affects yield improvement programmes in Ghana. Hence, the study is to investigate the influence of genotype by environment interaction on the maize hybrids and to identify stable and high yielding hybrids with superior agronomic for famers use in the country. The objectives of the study was to investigate the influence of genotype by environment interaction on the maize hybrids and to identify stable and high yielding hybrids with superior agronomic performance for famers use in Ghana. Thus, fifteen extra-early maize hybrids and three locally released checks were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two locations in Ghana. The experiment was carried out at KNUST and Akomadan which represent the forest and forest transition zones of Ghana. Nine of the hybrids out of the fifteen hybrids evaluated produce above the average yield and the effect of genotype, location and genotype by location interaction was significant for grain yield. The GGE biplot used in this study revealed that TZEEI-1 x TZEEI-21, TZEEI-6 x TZEEI-21, TZEEI-15 x TZEEI-1 and TZEEI-29 x TZEEI-21 were high yielding and stable hybrids because they were closer to the ideal. The GGE biplot also identified Akomadan as the most ideal testing environment for these hybrids under irrigation.

Forecasting Biomass Loss and Carbon Released to the Atmosphere as a Result of Habitat Conversion of Eastern Selous-Niassa TFCA

Adili Y. Zella, Josephat Saria, Yohana Lawi

Terrestrial climate change predictions use various models that are based on atmospheric parameters combined with projected carbon emission scenarios. Increased levels of carbon emissions into the atmosphere are accelerated by human activities and are the main reason of climate change (CC). CC threatens networks of protected areas (PAs) and forced many species out of PAs. Unfenced PAs gives species opportunity to migrate from one PA to another or other unprotected areas to sustain their climatic niche. Many PAs in SADC countries including transfrontier conservation areas (TFCA) are unfenced; hence, connectivity of PAs uses corridors. However, many of these corridors are unprotected and advocacies adaptation of reserved fauna and flora under CC. This paper explains the less known amount of biomass loss and carbon released to the atmosphere as result of habitat conversion of eastern corridor of Selous – Niassa TFCA which connecting the two PAs of Tanzania and Mozambique. Specifically, the study predicts amount of biomass loss, amount of carbon released to the atmosphere and amount of conservation profit disposed as a result of habitat conversion from 2015 to 2035. Existing data on spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) of eastern corridor of Selous – Niassa TFCA from 1986 – 2016 was analysed and used to forecast LULC from 2015 to 2035 by using CA-Markov model. The forecasted LULC from 2015 to 2035 was analysed to get intended results. The results revealed that, an average amount of 29559.8 tons of biomass (above ground + below ground + deadwood) loss annually from 2015 to 2035. Consequently, average amount of 40217.2 tons of carbon (above ground + below ground + deadwood) released to the atmosphere annually from 2015 to 2035 equivalent to US$ 160868.6 per annum if REDD+ implemented. The study concludes that, there is a need to include virgin corridors into core PAs network or formulation of sustainable conservation strategies that will consider climatic niche of both flora and fauna without compromising livelihoods of corridor dwellers.

Functional plasticity and tolerance to drought conditions of 11 apple tree varieties grown in Morocco

Ouassat S., Allam L.

In this study, 11 varieties were grown in the experimental chamber in order to determine the morphological, anatomical and physiological characteristics of each. The experimental protocol was carried out under controlled conditions of irrigation, temperature and hygrometry. The values obtained of the thickness, the cuticle, length of the ostiole, density and size of the stomata and then of stomatal and cuticular sweat have made it possible to calculate the stomatic resistance of each variety and to evaluate its potential to adapt to drought conditions. We have highlighted significant differences related to variety through the Duncan test. 4 groups are identified and the results are discussed in this article.

The Effects of Climate Change Phenomena on Cocoa Production in Malaysia

Ali Chizari, Zainalabidin Mohamed, Mad Nasir Shamsudin, Kelly Wong Kai Seng

Climate change is arguably one of the most important factors influencing agricultural production in developing countries such as Malaysia. Therefore, it becomes important to explore the impacts of climate change on agricultural yield and production. Cocoa was brought to Malaysia for commercial planting in the 1950s. The cocoa industry grew to become the third major commodity crop in Malaysia after oil palm and rubber. In 2013, Malaysia became 28th among the Cocoa-producing countries in the world. The way forward requires increased understanding and awareness to cope with the interdependencies and interactions of natural resources and climate change, the vulnerabilities and interdisciplinary efforts. This study applied the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) co-integration approach over the periods (1980 – 2014). There are two main methods including the Regional Climate Model (RCM) which can reasonably produce appropriate projections that can be used for climate scenario generation in a country-scale. Based on this information, this study considered three scenarios: 1) First Scenario, Rainfall changes 2) Second Scenario, Temperature changes 3) Third Scenario, Scenario 1 and 2 simultaneously. Preliminary results from the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model applied indicated that despite the projected changes in the climate variables (temperature and rainfall), in scenario 1 (the projected changes (5% increase) in rainfall), cocoa yield is expected to decline from 0.148 tonne per hectare (t/ha) in 2015 to 0.143 t/ha in 2020. The average trend compared to the baseline is positive and expected to develop by +3.83% annually. In scenario 2 (the projected changes (2% increase) in temperature), cocoa yield is expected increase from 0.149 t/ha in 2015 to 0.155 t/ha in 2020. The average trend compared to the baseline is positive and expected to increase by +1.76% annually. Similarly, in scenario 3 (the projected simultaneous changes (+5%) and (+2%) in rainfall and temperature respectively), cocoa yield is expected to increase from 0.154 t/ha in 2014 to 0.189 t/ha in 2020.

Comparative Economic Analysis of Cassava Mosaic Disease-Resistant Varieties and Non-Resistant Varieties Production in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

Rachel G. Isonguyo, Raphael A. Omolehin

Comparative Economic Analysis of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD)-resistant Varieties and Non-Resistant Varieties (NRV) Production in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria is the research. The CMD, which causes reduction in yield to about 20-30%, or 90-100% is a problem to farmers. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 80 CMD-resistant varieties and 80 NRV farmers, while descriptive statistics, net farm income and production function analysis were used in analyzing the data. The study was to provide useful information to students, policy makers, investors and researchers to aid them in their various fields. The study revealed the socio-economic characteristics, such as farming experience, educational level, number of extension contact and farm size to positively influence the CMD-resistant varieties farmers’ income. The R2 of 0.83454 variability in the income of the CMD-resistant farmers was explained by the socio-economic variables in the model. The R2 of 0.6696 variability for the non-CMD-resistant farmers' income was also explained by the socio-economic variables in the model. The CMD varieties production at ₦91,270 Net Farm Income against ₦41,170 of NRV productions, indicated both productions' profitability. Average rate of return indicated every Naira invested by CMD-resistant farmers, earned ₦2.49 profit, while NRV farmers earned ₦1.67 profit. CMD-resistant farming was thus, more profitable than the NRV farming. The Z-test of the mean income (3.5271) at 1% level of significance against tabulated Z-value (1.96) causes the hypothesis' rejection. Production of CMD-resistant varieties was more profitable and farmers are, advised to produce it and form cooperatives for .wider dissemination of research information.

Growth Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different wastewater media

Restaurant wastewater are a major cause of environmental pollution with the indiscriminate release of the effluent to the environment resulting in blocking of drainages and eutrophication thereby causing serious threat to aquatic life. The growth pattern of a dietary rich oily wastewater degrading bacteria strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different wastewater media composed to mimic the possible constituents of restaurant wastewater was investigated in this study. There was noticeable microbial growth in the synthetic and domestic wastewaters after 48h while the detergent wastewater and heated oil-detergent wastewater did not support the strain’s growth. The decrease in the fat content with a corresponding increase in the ash content after 120h was due to the test strain’s metabolic activity, which is slightly higher in domestic wastewater than the heated oil-detergent solution. Also, the potassium (K+), Mg2+, Fe2+ and Ca2+ contents increased within the same period in both media except in the domestic wastewater where the Ca2+ content reduced. Protease enzyme activity (46.440mM/min) was considerably higher in the domestic wastewater than lipase (3.322mM/min) and amylase activity (14.244mM/min) after 72 hours of incubation. The pristine genetic properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa altered when cultured in various wastewaters probably due to variation in the composition of the substrates.

Allelopathic Effects of Sweet Basil (Ocimumbasilicum L.) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of some Poaceous Crops

Awadallah B. Dafaallah, Sara Al. Ahmed.

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments werecarried out at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan in season 2014/15 to study the allelopathic effectsof aboveground parts ofsweet basil (Ocimumbasilicum L.) on seed germination and seedling growth of some poaceous crops.Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of aboveground parts ofsweet basilon seed germination of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), millet (Pennisetumglaucum [L.]R. Br.), maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (TriticumvulgareL.).Six concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) of the aqueous extract of the aboveground parts of sweet basilwere prepared from the stock solution(50 g / l). Treatments, for each crop, were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. The seeds were examined for germination at three days after initial germination.Greenhouse experimentswere conducted to study the allelopathic effects of powder of aboveground parts ofsweet basil on seedling growth of the same poaceous crops. The powder of aboveground parts was incorporated into the soil at rate of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% on w/w bases in pots. Treatments, for each crop, were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. The experiments were terminated at 30 days after sowing and the plant height, number of leaves and root length of crop seedlings were measured as well as plant fresh and dry weight.Data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance procedure. Means were separated for significance using Duncan`s Multiple Range Test at p  0.5. The results showed that the aqueous extract of aboveground parts of sweet basil significantly reduced seed germination of the tested poaceous crops and there was direct negative relationship between concentration seed germination. Also, the results showed that incorporating powder of aboveground parts into the soil significantly decreased plant height and root length of crop seedlings as well as seedling fresh and dry weight. In addition, the reduction in seedling growth was increased as the powder increased in the soil. Based on results supported by different studies, it was concluded that sweet basil has allelopathic affects on seed germination and seedling growth of the poaceous crops.

Effects of Electromagnetic fields on the Physicochemical Properties of Waste Water Samples from Selected Industries in Akure Metropolis

Boboye B., Adetuyi F. C., Balogun O. B.

Wastewater is one of the most critical problems of both middle and low income countries is improper management of vast amount of wastes. The research is to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewaters and also to asses the effect of the Electromagnetic field (EMF) on the physicochemical factors of the waste waters Waste water samples were collected from two industries in Akure Metropolis. The waste water samples were subjected to physicochemical analyses before and after exposure to Electromagnetic field (EMF) at 1150nT, 1310nT, 3000nT, 5000nT. The presence of some bacteria in the waste water collected from different companies showed their occurrence at different hours during the treatment of the wastewater sample with different EMF strength. a. From the two industries, before EMF treatment industry A had the highest pH value (7.74), Temperature (27.00oC), Total Solid (277.00mg/l.), Total Disolved Solids (256.00mg/l.) Industry B had Total hardness (994mg/l), Chemical Oxygen Demand (13.20mg/l), Potassium (13.23g/l), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (9.60mg/l) Zinc (1.24ppm) and Copper (0.07ppm). From the two industries, after EMF treatment pH (6.47), Turbidity (0.29NTU), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (4.60), Chemical Oxygen Demand (5.40). Industry B had Chloride (10.47mg/l), (600 mg/l). Sulphate (8.70mg/l), after exposure to EMF, the values above listed shows physicochemical factors reduced significantly. Therefore from the study, it was observed that EMF treatment has a significant effect on the bacteria load and physicochemical condition of the waste water samples.

Yellow Cassava Attributes Influencing its Utilization among Cassava Processors in Oyo State, Nigeria

R. G. Adeola, K. Y. Ogunleye, I. F. Bolarinwa

The research focused on attributes determining utilization of Yellow cassava (YC) varieties. Two of the four agricultural zones in the state namely; Ogbomoso and Oyo zones were covered in the study. Structured interview schedules were used to elicit information from 302 cassava processors who were selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. Data was presented using descriptive statistics and analysed with inferential statistical tools. Findings showed age of respondents was 46 years, about 92% were females with more than two-thirds (75.5%) having formal education. Awareness of YC was substantial among sampled processors. Virtually all the respondents (99.3%) claimed to be aware of TMS 01/1368 variety of YC and majority were using this particular variety. Extension agents from Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP), Harvest plus and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) formed leading sources of information on YC varieties among the respondents. Gari and Fufu were the common products people in the study area made from YC. The processors are favourably disposed to utilization of YC. Critical constraints faced in the utilization of YC were non availability of market for YC products and inadequate information on the potentials of yellow root cassava. Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed that taste of YC products (r=0.813), consumer’s acceptability of the products (r=0.758) and multiple usage of the YC (r=0.818) are important attributes that influences the utilization of YC. More awareness campaign on potential of YC should be made so as to create market for its products thereby increasing the income of the processors.

Life Cycle Analysis of the panela agroindustry: Intensification for its development

The research made it possible to identify sensitive environmental factors generated in all the operations carried out in an intensified panela agroindustry for the purposes of diversification, productivity, quality and safety. Results of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), according to the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology show that in all impact categories, the industrial stage of the production of honey, panela and sugar, cause greater environmental impact, being the two latter the most representative. However, according to the Ecuadorian environmental legislation, the impacts of the panela agroindustry are considered to be moderate and cataloged type II, therefore it does not require intensive corrective practices. However, it requires preventive actions aimed to mitigate impacts, considering that it is a subsector of the sugar cane industry that is present as production units throughout the country, where there are favorable conditions for the cultivation of sugar cane.

Assessment of the Effects of Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) on the Output of Dry Season Rice Farmers before and after Scheme Participation in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Sidi S.H., Abubakar B. Z, Ango A. K.

The study assessed the effects of Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) on the output of dry season rice farmers before and after participation. A multistage sampling technique was used to select farmers for the study. Data for the study were collected from 250 farmers using structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the showed that the age of the majority of the farmers fall between the ages of 30-39 years, married and had one form of education or the other. Based on the findings, the main source of information (46.8%) regarding the awareness of GESS programme was the district heads and majority (94.4%) of the farmers were registered with the scheme. About 40% of the farmers registered with the scheme because inputs provided by the scheme are supplied to only register farmers at a subsidized rate. The result of t-test analysis showed a significant difference (P

Spatial characterization of common blossom thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) in smallholder avocado orchards along slopes of Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro

Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an important flower pest of avocado crop (Persea americana Mill) at Taita Hills in South-eastern Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro in North-eastern Tanzania. However, its geographical distribution is not known in the East African avocado cropping systems. In order to generate the spatial data of the common blossom thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), a survey was carried out in small-holder avocado orchards along altitudinal gradient (900 - 1800m.a.s.l.) of Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro using a white coloured beating tray and camel brush. Once the specimens of thrips were taxonomically verified, the abundance data was tabulated into three altitudinal zones, namely; lowland (900-1199m.a.s.l.), sub-montane (1200-1499m.a.s.l.) and montane (1500-1799m.a.s.l.). Frankliniella schultzei was recorded in all altitudinal zones of both transects with mean abundance being highest at Taita Hills (5.4) compared to Mount Kilimanjaro (0.9). However, abundance of the pest was greater in cooler highlands (>1200m.a.s.l.) than warmer lowland areas (

Stem Cells from a Biological Perspective in Animals: A Review

M. A. Khan, Archana Jain, J. Shakkarpude

Cells are the smallest living units of living system. Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide to produce more stem cells. Embryonic stem (ES) cells are the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, an early-stage embryo. (Thomson et al., 1998). ES cells are pluripotent and give rise during development to all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. Adult stem cells, also called somatic stem cells, they are stem cells which maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found (Behrens et al., 2014). Pluripotent adult stem cells are rare and generally small in number, but they can be found in umbilical cord blood and other tissues. Embryonic stem cells can be grown relatively easily in culture. Adult stem cells are rare in mature tissues. Cell potency is a cell's ability to differentiate into other cell types. Stem cells resembling totipotent blastomeres from 2-cell stage embryos can arise spontaneously in the embryonic stem cell cultures. (Macfarlan et al., 2012). New research related to multipotent cells suggests that multipotent cells may be capable of conversion into unrelated cell types. In one case, fibroblasts were converted into functional neurons. Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition.

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on the Microbial Load of Waste Water Samples from Selected Industries in Akure Metropolis

Adetuyi F. C., Boboye B., Balogun O. B.

Wastewater is any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence which can serve as habitat for pathogenic microbes and can constitute to health hazard of the populace. The present study was designed to enumerate and identify microorganisms in wastewaters and to investigate the effect of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) on the populations and identities of bacteria in the wastewaters from selected industries in Akure Metropolis. Wastewater samples were collected from two different industries in Akure Metropolis. The waste water samples were subjected to microbiological analyses before and after exposure to Electromagnetic field (EMF) at 1150nT, 1310nT, 3000nT, 5000nT. The presence of some bacteria in the waste water collected from different companies showed their occurrence at different hours during the treatment of the wastewater sample with different EMF strength. It was observed that at the early part (hours) of the experiment the heavy presence of microbes were seen but as the experiment progresses the microbial population were observed been reduced. It is therefore recommended that wastewater from industries should be treated with EMF before discharging them to the other water bodies so as to avoid contamination. This will help reduce microbial population that constitute a serious hazard to public health. And could also help protect other life forms inhabiting the water body and thus guard against ecological imbalance of the microbiota.

Response of Irrigated Groundnut to Polythene Mulching on Broad Bed and Furrows during the Low Temperature Months in Nigeria

Hakeem Ayinde Ajeigbe, Babu Nagabushan Motagi, Shiyanbola Abiodun Abdulsalam

Experiments were conductedduring 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 dry seasons to evaluate the response of selected groundnut varieties to Polythene Mulching (PM) onBroad Bed and Furrows (BBF)in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria.The treatments consisted of Polythene mulch vs without mulch (control) and four groundnut varieties,laid outin Split plot design with four replications. The result showed that polythene mulch positively and significantly influenced the phenological and physiological variables as well as the yield and yield component of groundnut.Plot withPM emergence at mean of 8 days earlier and attained days to 50% flowering and maturity 11 and 10 days earlier than the control.Polythene mulch had positive and significant effects on all of the phenological, growth and yield parameters (100 seed weight,Spad Chlorophyll Meter Reading, LAI and shelling percentage) of groundnut. These effects ranged from 5% advantage in Spad Chlorophyll Meter Reading at 40DAS to 29% at LAI 60DAS.Mean pod yield of the mulch treatments (3401 kgha-1) was 39% higher than the control (2102 kgha-1). Samnut-24 had highest pod yield of 4009 kgha-1under the polythene mulch treatments. Polythene mulch also increased the haulm production by 26% over the control treatment (4775 vs 3505 kgha-1). The experiment showed that it is possible to produce high groundnut pod and haulm yields using PM onBBFin the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria..

Assessment of Yield and Yield Attributing Characters of Hybrid Maize using Nutrient ExpertÂ® Maize Model in Eastern Terai of Nepal

Samjhana Khanal, Bishal Dhakal, Keshav Bhusal, Lal Prasad Amgain

Indiscriminate use of fertilizer and lack of site specific nutrient management technology is the main cause of low maize productivity in Nepal. Thus, field experiments on farmer’s field were conducted on maize to assess the productivity at two sites of Jhapa district viz. Damak and Gauradaha using Nutrient Expert® Maize model from November 2015 to May 2016. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design consisting two treatments viz. NE (Nutrient Expert recommendation) and FFP (Farmer's Fertilizer Practice) with twenty replications. The result revealed significant differences in terms of grain yield, stover yield, biological yield, and yield attributing characters. NE based practices produced higher grain yield (9.22 t ha-1), which was 86.6 percent higher than FFP (4.94 t ha-1). Similarly, higher average cob number m 2 (8.2), average kernel rows cob-1 (14.2), average kernels number row-1 (589.9) and test weight (361.4 g) were recorded in NE based practice. Thus, NE based practice can be adopted for obtaining higher productivity in eastern terai region of Nepal.

Nitrogen Adequacy of Green Fertilizer in the Production of Vegetables

Adielle Rodrigues da Silva

The production of vegetables is an agricultural activity of great economic importance for the generation of income for the producers, and an indispensable partner in proposals of public policies that aim at the sustainable and human development. In this way, organic production systems are used that use agroecological techniques that contribute to soil fertility and provide healthy food production, such as green manuring using nitrogen-fixing species. Therefore, the present article intends to analyze works on the nitrogen utilization of the green manure, through a review of data collected in the specialized scientific literature. For this, the study was based on an exploratory bibliographical review to survey the concept of nitrogen utilization, to provide the basis for understanding the use of green manuring in the cultivation of vegetables, aiming at food safety and environmental sustainability. Thus, the main data collected show the contributions of green manure in the cultivation of vegetables, pointing out that there are possibilities for the use of sustainable systems, evidencing the effects of incorporation of biomass from nitrogen fixing species on soil fertility and vegetable yield grown organically. Thus, the use of green manures can be an alternative to reduce the application of the amount of synthetic mineral fertilizers and to return nutrients withdrawn from the soil. Despite this, it is still a challenge to implement and maintain this practice, since the conventional system is still widely used by many producers.

Bioremediation of Nitro-aromatics: An Overview

N.S. Kasture

Since last two three decades due to industrialization, globalization there is tremendous change in human life that means to fulfil the need various industries are flourishing. We are facing the problem of environmental pollution and also facing hazards to biodiversity. So it becomes our duties to remediate the environment by using scientific tool like bioremediation. This is emerging as an effective innovative technology for treatment of a wide variety of contaminants. Bioremediation involves various approaches like phytoremediation (plants) and rhizoremediation (plant and microbe interaction). Bioremediation is most effective technology for treatment of soil and water which are mostly contaminated by human activities. It is an economical process that means operation cost is less. In current review contamination of water and soil by nitro-aromatic compounds and the role of bacteria and fungi and their enzyme activity to enhance bioremediation process is studied by literature review. Nitro-aromatic compounds are used worldwide as explosives, pesticides and as a feedstock for the manufacture of many products, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, fungicides and plastics. On the contrary, nitro-aromatic compounds are released into the biosphere exclusively from the anthropogenic sources. Nitro-aromatic compounds do not only come from manmade sources; they also are formed by some natural processes, such as photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. Extensive production and indiscriminate application of nitro-aromatic has led to environmental pollution. Hence, nitro-aromatic compounds are recognized as Hazardous Rating-3.

Determination of Anthocyaninsin Red Grape Juices Made From Different Varieties by HPLC

Ä°lkay TÃ¼rkmen Ã–zen, Aziz EkÅŸi

This study was conducted to determine the anthocyanin profiles of red grape juice. As research material, twelve different red grape varieties which were collected from the main producing regions in Turkey and red grape juice samples made from them were analyzed. The anthocyanins peaks on HPLC-chromatograms in red grapes were identified as cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside and petunidin-3-glucoside. According the results, the pre-dominant anthocyanins of red grape juice was malvidin-3-glucoside which was found between 21.77-277.54 mg/L. It was followed by peonidin-3-glucoside which was found between 3.05-74.26 mg/L and then cyanidin-3-glucoside which was found between 3.02-16.94 mg/L. Delphinidin-3-glucoside and petunidin-3-glucoside were not detected in most red grape juices. This work is important to chemical description of local grape varieties and selection of suitable raw material for fruit juice industry.

Productivity and Profitability Assessment of Drought Tolerant Rice Cultivars under Different Crop Management Practices in Central Terai of Nepal

Bishal Dhakal, Samjhana Khanal, Lal Prasad Amgain

Reduction in productivity has led to lower profitability of rice production in Nepal. Proper selections of resource conservation technologies and drought tolerant cultivars are being potential strategies determining productivity of rice in drought prone areas. Thus, a field experiment was accomplished in central-terai of Nepal during 2014 to assess the productivity and profitability of drought tolerant rice cultivars under different crop management practices. The experiment was carried out in strip-plot design with three replications consisting four drought tolerant rice cultivars and three crop management practices. The analyzed data revealed that SRI (System of Rice Intensification) produced significantly higher grain yield (5.28 t ha-1) than other management practices. The straw yield of SRI (5.12 t ha-1) was also significantly higher than other management practices. The cultivars had no influence on grain yield, but the straw yield was significantly influenced by cultivars, with the highest straw yield in Sukkha-3 (5.21 t ha-1). Similarly, SRI management practice also had significantly higher gross returns (NRs. 144652 ha-1), net return (NRs. 56647 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.64:1). Thus, SRI management practice can be adopted as adaptation approach for obtaining higher productivity and profitability in central terai and similar agro-climatic regions of Nepal.

Effect of Organic Nutrition in the Nursery Growth and Nutrimental Content of Native Avocados of Ometepec, Guerrero, Mexico

In Mexico, there are several types of wild and criollo avocados that constitute a genetic heritage of this species; these avocados currently grow in an unordered manner on farmer's lands and in backyards, and they need to be studied as they are being lost because of agricultural activities and edaphoclimatic and phytosanitary factors. On the other hand, in orchards and avocado nurseries, high amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used affecting the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the soil, modifying the flora and fauna and polluting aquifers and springs that cause health problems among consumers. Therefore, it is very important to have a more friendly agriculture with the nature. The aim of this work was to evaluate under nursery conditions, the effect of organic fertilizers on 12 genotypes (rootstocks) of native avocados of Ometepec, Guerrero, Mexico, under an experimental design of random blocks, with four treatments: T1: sheep manure,T2: Bovine manure, T3: mycorrhizae and T4 (control: water) in four replicates. The variables were: plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves: young (NYL) and mature (NML) per plant; and the content of NO3-, K+, Ca2+ and Na+ ions obtained by petiole extraction, and the chlorophyll content measured with SPAD, in young (CYL) and mature (CML) leaves. Additionally, an analysis of variance and Tukey mean tests (P ≤ 0.01 and 0.05) and LSD (P ≤ 0.05) were done. It was found that sheep manure was superior to other treatments in PH (76.7 cm), SD (7.2 mm), NYL (6.5 leaves/plant), NML (18.4 leaves/plant), CML (40.2 SPAD) and Ca2+(1495ppm). In conclusion, the sheep manure was better than the bovine, mycorrhiza and control (water) as it affected positively the behavior of rootstocks in plant height, stem diameter and number of young and mature leaves. In addition, organic nutrition showed no significant response in the chlorophyll content of young and mature leaves. Young leaves only reached 50% of the chlorophyll content compared to mature leaves.

Potential of silicon fertilization in the resistance of chestnut plants toink disease(Phytophthora cinnamomi)

The European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a specie with great economic importance in Europe that have been present for thousands of years. In Portugal, the chestnut helps to maintain a positive trade balance, by contributing to the gross national product (GDP). One of the biggest threats for the chestnut is the ink disease caused by Phytophthoracinnamomi, this disease is problematic to chestnut crop with a damaging impact. Silicon (Si) is classified as a beneficial nutrient, having the ability to make plants more resistant to attacks by pathogens. Studies on the effect of silicon on chestnut are practically non-existent, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of silicon in the resistance of chestnut plants to P. cinnamomi. The plants were treated by 0 mM, 5 mM, 7.5mM and 10 mM SiK® with the analyzed mad at 0, 15 and 30 days after inoculation by P. cinnamomi. These findings showed that the Si-treated plants had higher survival rate resulted from the presence of phytoliths in root tissues, that acted as a mechanical barrier reducing the development of pathogenic structures and they arealso associated with the improvement on antioxidant activity through the increase of CAT and SOD, higher values of total phenols compounds and less oxidative damage. The presence of Si in PDA medium reduced the growth of P. cinnamomi all over the time, presenting high PI. This work shows that the Si fertilization in chestnut plants contributes to increase the resistance against P. cinnamomi infection.

Physico-Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Drinking Water of Four Springs of Danyore Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan

Samina Kanwal, Saif-Ud-Din, Khalil Ahmed, Maisoor Ahmed Nafees, Sheheryar Anwar

Drinking water of good quality is essential for human physiology whose continual existence depends on the availability of water and any sort of contamination in water which is above the standard limits set by international water regulating agencies can lead to water related diseases. So, the present investigation was conducted to determine the physico-chemical and bacteriological contents of four springs i.e.Heshi spring 1, Heshi spring 2, Kitaab Roong, and Kooti spring and its distribution system such as water reservoir inlet, outlet, mid and end point of distribution systems, junction where it merge with glacier water. The temperature was in a range of 13oC - 22oC. The turbidity of water samples fluctuate from 0.02NTU-1.99NTU. The pH value was in a range of 6.2-7.1. Electrical conductivity range of minimum 122µS/cm to a maximum of 600µS/cm. The TDS of all water samples ranging from minimum of 164-513mg/l. The amount of reactive ortho phosphate was in a range of 26mg/l to 59mg/L. The amount of total phosphorous was in a range of minimum 23m/L to maximum of 120mg/L. The total bacterial count was in a range of 11CFU/100ml to 83 CFU/100ml.The findings showed there should be comprehensive standardization of drinking water of Danyore village according to guidelines of WHO water quality standards and make it safe for human consumption.

Extending Shelf Life of Guava Fruits by Mint oil and UVC Treatments

Esameldin Bashir Mohamed Kabbashi, Islam Kamal Saeed, Mawahib Yagoub Adam

A lot of quarantine methods have been developed to replace fumigants in the control of arthropods and microorganisms in post–harvest management of fruits and vegetables. That is, guava fruit is infested in Sudan by a number of hexapods which include Ceratitis capitata Weid., Ceratitis quinaria (Bez.), Certatitis cosyra WLK., Bactrocera invadens Drew, Trusta & White and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders).This study aims at using some uncommonly used treatments in improving the storability of guava fruits in Sudan. That is, UVC (ultraviolet rays type C) and coating with mint oil were used to disinfest guava from fruit flies at ambient temperature. The results, after 9 days bench storage, showed an infestation percentage of 20, 33 and 38% for mint, UVC and the control, respectively. The corresponding data for the range of infestation were 18, 20 and 48 and for the mean number of insects in infested fruits were 8.3, 8.8 and 15.2. The quality indexes studied reflected 9.5, 20.5 and 22.6% weight loss, for the mint oil, UVC and the control lots, respectively. The corresponding data for marketable retention (%) were 100, 10 and 13; the fruit firmness, 1.6, 0.3, and 0.1; acidity (%), 0.2 for all; ascorbic acid (mg/ 100 g pulp), 196, 190, and 194; reducing sugar (g/ 100g), 8.2, 7.6, and 7.6; sensory quality includes appearance (%), 84, 42, and 30; taste (%), 79, 41, and 34; flavor (%), 88, 42, and 40, respectively. These results revealed the edge of mint oil coating over UVC and the untreated lots.

Purchasing habits of students toward Green Marketing in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Kim Edward S. Santos

Green products not only help your business stand out in a saturated market, and they often help alleviate some of the burden humans take on the environment. This paper examined the green consumer values, consumer behavior towards green products, green marketing on consumer purchase intention, and factors affecting the purchase of green products. The study used quantitative descriptive method. This research surveyed 134 students from private schools and institutions in Nueva Ecija. . It was concluded the following consumers: (1) are using products that are environmental friendly, does not mean they are automatically environment responsible and are not related of environmental concerns, but should be a collaborative effort of all individuals; (3) depends on the price and their awareness on such as preference in choosing green products over conventional products to their purchase habits; (2) believe it is not only the government and business that will take charge; and (4) who have past experience on green products affect their purchase intention. The researcher recommends to educate consumers on their social responsibility in purchasing, particularly to choose green products over conventional products. Likewise, organizations and corporations to target their customers and improve their brand image can emphasize green packaging. And, government agencies should undertake environmental protection programs in order to raise green awareness.