Volume 3 Number 1 (January 2018)

Isolation and identification of microbial and fungal flora from female hair samples in Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Salma A. Alghamdi, Haya A. Alotaibi, Munira Z. Al-Subai, Prof. Suaad S. Alwakeel

The human hair harbors several species of fungi and also bacteria. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and bacteria from hair samples of femalesfrom November 2016 to April 2017. A total of 50 human hair samples were examinedusing hair-baiting techniques for isolation. After the incubation period, the number of colony forming unit was counted. The microorganisms were identified based on the colony morphology from culture and microscopic features. After purification, each representative colony was gram-stained and examined for cell morphology and gram reaction under a light microscope. Fungal isolates included were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicilliumspp, Alternaria alternata, Chrysosporium keratinophilum. Cladosporium cladosporioides and Trichosporon mucoides. Isolated bacterial species included gram positive bacteria such as Leuconostoc mesenteroidess spcremoris, Kocuriarosea, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and the gram negative bacteria Kocurikristinae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Micrococcus luteu/ lylae. Human hair samples from females studied were found have several fungal and bacterial isolates, some of which can cause some serious disease in humans. Health

Texture evaluation of whey protein concentrate incorporated ice cream by Back Extrusion technique

Back extrusion technique was employed to evaluated texture properties of partial substituted whey protein concentrate (WPC) with milk solids not fat (1, 2, 3 and 4%) in ice cream formula. There was no remarkable effect of adding WPC on total solids or fat %. Total protein increased, while ash, and lactose content were significantly decreased. Back-extrusion results represented a decrease in hardness values of resultant ice cream, while, during storage, there was a slight increase. Energy input values decreased by increasing substitution levels of WP. Although, energy output inversely correlated with substitution levels of WP it correlated with storage period indicating a strong structure for stored ice cream. Load at target deformation (50%) applied to the samples when fresh and after 14 days storage showing decreased values proportional to increasing substitution levels of WP. The resilience showed decreased ratio indicating more visco-elastic properties in fresh ice cream. The recovered height and deformation increased with increasing substitution levels of WP and storage period. Therefore, more sticking properties were obtained in resultant ice cream. Adhesive force decreased significantly with increasing substitution levels of WP and storage period. Adhesiveness values were significantly higher in all treatments than control. The texture of the ice cream became smoother by replacing milk solid not fat with WPC up to 3%. From the data obtained, it could be recommended that ice cream can be produced with high quality by substituting milk solid not fat with WPC up to 3%.

The Strategy to improve the Quality of Cashew Commodities

Ferdinan Demang, Salengke, Nurdin Brasit

One of the production centers of cashew nut is East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, during the period of 2011-2015 cashew nut production in this area continues to increase every year. Alor District is one of the cashew-producing regions in the province with total production reaching 2,000 tons. However, the resulting quality of production is considered poor. This research aims to formulate strategies to improve the quality of cashew nuts in alor district. This research was conducted in Pantar Tengah subdistric and West Pantar Subdistrict which can represent and describe the distribution of cashew nut production in Alor District in May to March 2017. Data analysis method used is SWOT to know the internal and external conditions which will then be used as a basis for designing work strategies and programs. The results showed that the main priority strategy for the development of cashew nut quality in Alor district is by forming a group of joint enterprises in the form of cooperatives owned by farmers.

Molecular Characterization and Study of Genetic Relationships among local Cultivars of the Moroccan fig (Ficus carica L.) using Microsatellite and ISSR Markers

Molecular characterization of Moroccan local fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm was performed on the cultivars present in a collection of the National School of Agriculture of Meknes. A total of 22 fig samples were analysed using 7 ISSR primers and 9 loci S.S.R. A total of 54 I.S.S.R. polymorphic bands with an average of 8 per primers and 42 S.S.R. alleles with means 5 alleles per locus were revealed by these analyses. The ISSR markers allowed distinguishing 22 molecular profiles and S.S.R. loci differentiated between 21 different profiles. Pairwise Comparing, 87% of cultivars pairs were differentiated by 7 to 24 alleles and 89% by 9 to 29 ISSR bands. The statistical analysis and genetic distances have shown a wide molecular diversity in the collection, where the average observed heterozygosity was 0.42. The average similarity between cultivars is 70% using SSR markers and 71.6 for ISSR markers. The same SSR profile was obtained for Nabout1 and Nabout2 with 0 allele difference. Small differences of 1 to 6 alleles were obtained among cultivars which have the same names, which presumably corresponds to somaclonal variations obtained through intense vegetative propagation over long periods, while the differences over 7 alleles suggests the problems of homonyms.

Production of Ice Cream with Carob Bean Pekmez (Molasses)

Dr. Abdullah Badem, Dr. Zafer Alpkent

Day to day, it is known that people are giving importance to nutrition their diets in terms of health. Whether or not the materials used in the production of food are natural, the amount used in production and effect on human health have become more important. In this study, low-fat ice cream was produced with rich composition carob molasses (pekmez), which has a positive contribution to nutrition, and the effect on ice cream was investigated. Physical and chemical analysis results of ice cream, pH 6,31, dry matter 27,23%, fat 3,50%, protein 3,86%, overrun 18,99% and viscosity (10 rpm-20 rpm-50 rpm) 11.840, 6.560, 3.344 cP, was found. As a result, a new product has been made which can be used in ice cream production of carob molasses.

Role of Trichoderma and Sinorhizobium Strains for Improving Growth and Nutritional Status of Alfalfa under Cd Stress

Dr. Najia Shwerif

The plant rhizosphere is a major soil ecological environment for plant- microbe interactions involving colonization of different microorganisms in and around the roots of the growing plant. Plants can be used in the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. The objective of this study was determine the relationship between the effect of Cd on the symbiotic model of Sinorhizobium meliloti – Medicago sativa and the application of Trichoderma sp. on the nutritional status as well as biochemical characterization of the sandy brown forest soil. The effects of biofertilizer Sinorhizobium and coinoculants Trichoderma strains on growth, chlorophyll and N, P and K content of alfalfa growing in soil polluted by cadmium were investigated. The results indicate that the presence of the saprobe fungi Trichoderma harzianum further enhanced shoot dry weight, N, P and K content of Sinorhizobium meliloti-alfalfa symbiotic model. The co-inoculation of alfalfa with T. harzianum was more effective for Cd uptake. The effects of the bio-multiple inoculants on the growth of alfalfa were stimulated the colonization of Sinorhizobium strains in the rhizosphere, promoted the nodulation potential and increased the dry organic matter. Sinorhizobium meliloti interacts with alfalfa as a model for rhizobioremediation and Trichoderma strains interact with this model as nodule promotors as well as a partner in the process of cleaning the plant rhizosphere from cadmium metal.

Immuno-Modulatory Activity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Brioler Chickens

Faluyi O.B., Agbede J.O.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the immuno-modulatory activity of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on immune response of broiler chickens to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccinations. The performance, blood parameters and serum biochemistry of the birds were also determined. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments of 4 replicates each. Each replicate had 10 birds. The treatments: T1 – Control group in which the birds were not given any extract; T2 and T3 – birds in these groups were given the prepared stock solution of Moringa oleifera leaf extract at dose rate of 2500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg of body weight in drinking water. The experimental birds were vaccinated with ND vaccines using a stipulated vaccination regime. The Moringa oleifera leaf extract exhibited significant (p≤0.05) influence on final body weight of the experimental broiler chickens with birds in T3 having an average weight of 1947.43g and birds in T1had 1733.33g. The immune modulating effect of the leaf extract was insignificant (p≥0.05) though it elicited higher antibody titre of Log27 and Log29 in birds in T3 compared to Log26 and Log28 of birds in control group after the first and second ND vaccinations respectively. The leaf extract caused significant (p≤0.05) increase in white blood cells and leucocytes count. The study concluded that the plant extract had slight immune stimulatory effects on response to ND vaccinations and improved the growth performance of broiler chickens.

Rehabilitation and Reintroduction of wild born orphan chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) within the pongo and okokong islands of the douala-edea wildlife reserve, Littoral Region Cameroon

Tsi Evaristus Angwafo, Atanga Roland, Valentine Buh Ebua

This study had as main objective to document on the reintroduction of chimpanzees in the Douala-Edea Wildlife Reserve which appears to be the first case of chimpanzee reintroduction in Cameroon. The study was carried out in the South East zone of the Douala-Edea Wildlife Reserve which holds a small chimpanzee sanctuary under the auspices of “Papaye France” association. Data was collected on the field using semi structured questionnaires, interviews and direct observations alongside a participatory action approach at the sanctuary. Data from discussion guide and questionnaires were descriptively analysed and discussed with respect to our objectives. There were 24 orphan chimpanzees all together present in the zone and being cared for by the association PAPAYE France. This association has released 16 chimpanzees on two Islands of the reserve, the first group made of 9 chimpanzees (6 males and 3 females) were released in 2008 on the Pongo Island and a second group made of 6 chimpanzees (4 males and 2 females) were released on the Okokong Island in 2010; one female was later introduced to this group early 2015. These chimpanzees were released after a rehabilitation process not in line with IUCN guidelines for reintroduction of great apes and not following any developed scientific approach or methodology. Despite this, the released chimps are faring well as new births have been recorded on either Islands, chimps feed, nest, movement and vocalize indicating there have gotten adapted to live on the Islands. It was also noted that the sizes of these islands may not maintain a viable, nutritionally self-sustaining population in the long run hence could better serve as a semi naturalistic sanctuary. It is necessary that the carrying capacities of the islands be determined while larger potential release sites be assessed and prepared for an eventual transfer/reintroduction of these apes in the future.

Performance and Meat Quality of Growing Pigs Fed Composite Leaf Meal Premix as an Alternative to Commercial Premix

This trial was designed to study the effects of using composite leaf meal produced from five (5) different leaves: Cassava, Moringa, fluted pumpkin, African basil and bitter leaves as a premix in the diets of growing pigs. Twenty four large white weaner-pigs were used for this trial comprising six treatments and four replicates with one pig per replicate. Six diets were formulated in which composite leaf meal was fed at 0 (2.5% premix), 10 (2.0% premix), 20 (1.5% premix), 30 (1.0% premix), 40 (0.5% premix) and 50 (0.0% premix) g/kg at the expense of a commercial premix and designated diets I, II, III, IV, V and VI. The pigs were then assigned to these 6 dietary treatments which were fed to the pigs at 5% of their body weight for 8 weeks experimental period. Water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the final weights of the pigs. Highest final live weight (41.67 ± 0.84 kg) and highest feed intake (75.92 ± 0.06) were recorded in animals fed diet II, while the lowest final live weight (37.67 ± 0.84kg) and lowest feed intake (75.57 ± 0.06) were recorded in animals fed diets V and I, respectively. The eye muscle width of carcass was significantly higher (P

Evaluation of the effect of locally produced biological pesticide (AÒ›KÓ©belek â„¢) on biodiversity and abundance of beneficial insects in four forage crops in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan

Using a non-replicated plot design, we experimentally assessed the effects of a locally produced biological pesticide on the abundance, species richness and Shannon diversity of beneficial insects in four forage crops (alfalfa, soybeans, corn, and triticale) in southeastern Kazakhstan. 2-way ANOV tests detected no effect of the biological pesticide treatment on the abundance (N) of either predators or pollinators. However, there were significant differences in pollinator and predator abundances among crops. Pairwise t-tests between the experiment and control plots for each crop detected no significant differences in predator or pollinator Shannon diversity index values (H). Paired t-tests revealed significant differences in diversity index values for both predator and pollinator functional groups among crops within each treatment (experiment, control). Corn and triticale plots had notably similar predator abundance (N), species richness (S) and Shannon diversity index (H) values. Corn, alfalfa and soy-triticale differed in pollinator Shannon H, N and S values, suggesting each contained a distinct pollinator assemblage. A trial rapid assessment for differences using a point-based system for indicator species showed only small difference among crops and between treatment and control plots. This method may be more applicable in situations sampling disturbance needs to be minimized and a rapid but less thorough assessment is required.

Impact of elevated Carbon Dioxide on two groundnut genotypes (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Open Top Chamber facility

Manjula.O, M.Srimurali, M.Vanaja

The impact of enhanced atmospheric CO2 concentration (550ppm) was assessed in Open Top Chambers (OTCs) facility to identify the growth and yield parameters at different growth stages of two popular groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes- Dharani, K-9. The results showed significant differences between genotypes, CO2 levels and time intervals for all the characters studied. The experiments revealed that the genotype Dharani recorded higher response for seed weight, harvest index at eCO2 while K-9 recorded higher response for total biomass.This study is necessary if we are to realize the potential genotype for maximum yield in the future climate change scenario.

Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Callus Induction from Seeds of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Rabha M. Mansur, Ahlam K. Alaila, Rania F. Mohamed, Hamida M.E.Hamad

The present study was undertaken to develop a reproducible protocol for efficient in vitro callus initiation of chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.). The main objectives of this present study were to develop the optimal concentrations and combination of auxin and cytokinin for optimized callus induction from seeds as explants. Callus induction was initiated from seeds on MS media supplement, which varied according to the plant growth regulators treatment. Among the growth regulator combinations the highest rate of callus induction (85%) was observed in MS medium containing 2 mg L -1 of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D), 2 mg L -1 Benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed higher percentage ( 63% ) of callus formation than 1- Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), which produced 49% of callus. There were significant differences in percentage of calli fresh/dry weights (g/jar) on the different initiation ( seven) medium used were the MS+2,4-D, MS+2,4-D +NAA+ BAP and MS+ BAP had the highest fresh/dry weights (g/jar) in both induction medium.

A Review of Landscape Design as a Means of Controlling Gully Erosion

Igwe P.U., Chinedu O.C., Nlem E.U., Nwezi C.C.,Ezekwu J.C.

Gully erosion is the most visible and devastating form of soil erosion known to be one of the leading causes of land degradation worldwide. Landscape design is one of the techniques used in combating this problem. The objective of this paper is to review the use of landscape design in controlling gully erosion. The method used is a review of academic articles, conference papers, internet materials, textbooks and publicly available materials on landscape design and gully erosion. The results of this study indicated that previous authors whose works were reviewed have a convergent view that the use of vegetative approach, an aspect to landscape design, must be practiced for effective control of gullies. On the other hand, however, previous authors have divergent views on the use of structural approach, another aspect to landscape design, for control of gully erosion. Recommendations of this study include: (1) planting of a combination of woody trees and grasses; (2) use of some locally accessible structures for example, sieve structures; and (3) practise of agroforestry.

Fungicidal effect of three plants extracts in control of four phytopathogenic fungi of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) fruit rot.

P. M. Ngegba, S. M. Kanneh, M. S. Bayon, E. J. Ndoko, P. D. Musa

Fungicidal effect of leaf aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Tithonia diversifolia and Chromolaena odorata were determined on rot causing fungi. In the study, the phytopathogenic fungi isolated from the infected tomato fruit parts and identified based on morphological and cultural characters were: Aspergillus niger Van Tiegh, Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht, Geotrichum candidium Link and Rhizopus stolonifer Ehrenb. ex. Fr. as confirmed by pathogenicity tests. Leaf aqueous extracts of different concentrations (20, 40, 80, 60 and 100 % w/v) of A. indica, T. diversifolia and C. odorata were added to growth media prior to inoculation. All aqueous extracts of the tested plants significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mycelial growth of the fungal pathogens and this effect gradually increased with increasing concentration. Fungicidal activity was strongly exhibited by A. indica extract at 100% w/v against all the pathogenic fungi. In the case of T. diversifolia extracts inhibitiory effects at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% w/v were greater than those of C. odorata on A. niger , F. oxysporum and G. candidium while for R. stolonifer inhibition, C. odorata produced the highest in the all five concentrations than T. diversifolia extracts. It could be emphatically concluded that the tested plant extracts can effectively control rot causing fungi disease of tomato. This makes them potential biocide in diseases management in that they are cheap and environmentally safe as they showed fungicidal and fungitoxic ability.

Agriculture in Sri Lanka: The Current Snapshot

L. N. Ranathunga, W.M.D.I.S. Wijemanna, M.G.S. Sathsara, R.G.B.K. Gamage

Sri Lanka being an island is blessed by nature with ideal environmental factors on the field of agriculture which is being intentionally practiced towards the sustainability. The agriculture sector in Sri Lanka always acts as a major economic strength to the national economy as it ensures the food security, employment and poverty alleviation of rural communities. The sector is mainly driven by variety of distinct sub sectors which include crop cultivations such as paddy, tea, rubber, coconut, vegetables, fruits, export crops and sugar while in addition livestock and fisheries sectors also provide a substantial contribution simultaneously. Negative and positive fluctuations of each above mentioned subsector directly affects on the overall country uplift and the society wellbeing. This paper will be discussing about the present status of the agriculture in Sri Lanka in a concise manner with respect to the recently published official data by country regulatory bodies.

Evaluation for stable resistance to Stenocarpella maydis in tropical maize (Zea mays L.)

Kelvin Simpasa, Herbert Masole, Langa Tembo

Maize ear rots caused by Stenocarpella maydis cause reduction in yield and quality of the maize due to the mycotoxins produced by the pathogen. Breeding for resistance is the most feasible option in managing ear rots. However, to obtain stable resistance to S. maydis has been a challenge partly due to effect of the environment and availability of different isolates. The objective of this research was therefore, to determine the effect of multiple isolate inoculations in breeding for resistance to S. maydis and to identify genotypes with stable resistance. Seven inbred lines were crosses in a 7 x 7 full diallel without reciprocals. The resultant crosses (21) and their parents (7) were planted and evaluated at two sites, Lusaka and Mpongwe, during the 2015/16 cropping season. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Treatments were: (1) single inoculation with isolate A, (2) single inoculation with isolate B and (3) a multiple inoculation of two isolates AB and (4) control with no inoculation at all. The mean genotypic scores were found to be 5.52, 4.96, 5.50 and 1 for treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The t-test analysis revealed that treatment 1 had a higher mean disease severity score (5.52) as compared to treatment 2 (4.96) (P < 0.01). Equally mean for treatment 2 (4.96) and 3 (5.50) were significantly different (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between mean disease severity score for treatment 1 and 3. This indicated that multiple isolate inoculations could give rise to inappropriate genetic information due to the possibility of antagonistic effect between isolates. The genotypes (P2 x P4) and (P3 x P6) crosses were found to have stable resistance to S. maydis. These exhibited consistent significant negative SCA effects (P< 0.05) in both locations.

Potential Impact of Salt Stress on Male Reproductive Development of Glycine Max (L.) Merr. (Soybean)

Semra Kilic, Arzu Seker

Product yield and the continuity of the quality of products of plants are in parallel with their ability to tolerate or adapt to environmental factors. For this reason, it is extremely important to determine the changes in the plants under various stress conditions. Male reproductive structures are directly related to product yield and quality, and they’re very sensitive to abiotic stress. Stress causes irreversible damage to plants depending on its amount and duration. The aim of this study is to determine the sensitivity of male reproductive structures of soybean seedlings and the critical salt concentration at which fertile pollen grains could be obtained in our soils whose salinity is increasing day by day. The selected soybean seedlings were exposed to increasing salt concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250mM) for 6 months and they were compared with a control group in terms of flowering, pollen morphology (pollen size, exine and intine thickness, aperture structures), pollen viability, pollen germination, and pollen tube length. It was determined that, by affecting the growth process of soybean at varying grades, salt stress causes deformations in the plant’s reproductive structures and decreases it’s tolerance to salt stress.

Effect of Different Media Combination on Growth and Biomass Production of Oil Palm (Elaeis. guineensis) Seedlings

Iman Firdaus Seman, Zulkefly. S, Salisu Monsuru Adekunle, Mohd Yusoff A. Samad

The study evaluates the effect of different media on growth and vegetative traits of oil palm seedlings. The treatments were T1 Control, T2 100% coco peat, T3 20% soil + 80% coco peat, T4 40% soil + 60% coco peat, T5 60% soil + 40% coco peat. Oxisol soil used for plantation crops was designated as a control evaluation. The new media were filled in polybag size 38cm x 57cm before transplanting the seedlings. The seedlings used were from Calix 600 series (D x P oil palm seeds). The newly produced growth media combination had the equal potential as standard media for oil palm nursery. The treatment (T4) which contained 60% coco peat and soil noticeably, enhanced growth of the seedling like plant height. Root dry weight (g) of seedlings grown in this planting medium greatly impacted plant root. This could have been due to the presence of silica content in the coco-peat which provided good aeration in the medium and indirectly stimulated root expansion. Increased in shoot dry weight of the seedlings grown in T4 was recorded compared to the plants grown in other media. The results obtained generally indicated that compost- based planting medium has the potential to influence seedling as an alternative growth medium.

Effects of wastewater quality on Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) germination and seedling growth: a case study, Tunisia

Water resources scarcity led countries like Tunisia to adopt a policy of water economy by increasing the use of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation. In this context, we studied the effects of raw and secondary treated urban and industrial waste waters and fresh waters (distilled and well waters used as control) on the germination and seedling growth of Lawsonia inermis. The seeds were used untreated or pretreated with 0.5% H2SO4, concentrated H2SO4 and soaked in distilled water prior to germination. Germination was conducted at 25°C during 7 days under conditions of dark and light. Germination rate, moisture content, root and shoot lengths were measured in different experimental conditions crossing seed pre-treatment, water quality and incubation condition. The R software was used to perform three classification factors ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results showed that the best germination performance was obtained when the seeds were pretreated by 0.5% H2SO4, watered by treated urban wastewater and exposed to light. Treated urban wastewater had a best contribution to germination rate considered model than fresh water and the other wastewaters types tested. So at the stage of early growth treated urban wastewater could be considered as potent water for Lawsonia inermis irrigation.

Effectiveness Trichoderma and Beauveria bassiana on Larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros On Palm Oil Plant (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) In Vitro

Lita Nasution, Riahta Corah, Nuraida, Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar

O. rhinoceros horn beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is the main pest attacking oil palm crops in Indonesia, especially in palm oil rejuvenation areas. The study was conducted from April to August 2016 in the laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Medan. The materials used in this research are horn beetle pest larvae (O. rhinoceros) originating from PT. Socfin Indonesia, Trichoderma sp fungi originating from the Food Crops and Horticultural Fields of Medan and the B. bassiana fungi are derived from the Plant Seed Plant Protection Center (PBPPTP), aqua pro injection, Tween 80, rice and 96% alcohol. This research uses Completely Randomized Design (RAL) Non Factorial consisting of 13 treatments. The result of mortality of O. rhinoceros larvae on 1-14 DAA observation can be seen in appendix 2-43. Based on fingerprint analysis showed that the application of Trichoderma sp and B. basianna fungi on O. rhinoceros larvae had no significant effect on observation of 1 DAA to 9 DAA, but had a very significant effect on observation of 10 DAA to 14 DAA. The results of germination of Trichoderma sp and B. basianna fungus 4 hours after incubation period can be seen in appendix 61-66. Precentages mortality of the highest larvae of O. rhinoceros to Trichoderma sp fungus with a dose of 20 gr (96.67%) with the application method spread on the larvae. The highest amount of conidial density is found in Trichoderma sp fungi with doses of 60 g x 100-1 ml of aqua pro injection of 7.25 x 106 conidia/ml.Germination level of conidia mushroom highest in Trichoderma sp fungi with dose 60 gr x 100-1 ml aqua pro injection that is as much as 91%.

Development of Biodegradable Board using Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes)

Winda Rahmawati, Agus Haryanto, Siti Suharyatun

The aim of this study was to utilized aquatic weed to become a bio-board with proper mechanical properties. Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is aquatic weed with rapid growing rate that usually clog the irrigation facility and cover the river surface cause negative impact to environment usually water environment. In this research water hyacinth was used to produced bio-boards through cutting, soaking, refining, molding, and drying process with applied of five different loading pressures (2MPa, 3.5MPa, 5MPa, 6.5MPa, 8MPa) in applied of 110 degree Celsius. In the producing process of bio-board hydrogen bond among the cellulose fiber were used instead of used chemical substance and additional additive. Bio-boards were successfully produced under experimental condition. Mechanical properties of each bio-board were investigated. Result of water hyacinth bio-board density was 1.1691 g/cm, average bending rupture stress 46.21 MPa and tensile rupture stress in average value was 6.64MPa. Bio-board with certain different strength range could be considered to be applied as packaging, seedling pot, mulching or insulating material in advance application

In vitro Propagation of Adenia hondala (Gaertn.) de Wilde

Bindu T K, Sheema Dharmapal P, P.S.Udayan

Adenia hondala (Gaertn.) de Wilde belonging to the family Passifloraceae is a perennial climbing herb with potential medicinal value. The possibility of in vitro clonal propagation of Adenia hondala was investigated by the use of nodal explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP and KN. Optimum treatment was the combination of 1 mg.L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg.L-1 KN that enhanced percent response of explants and the number of multiple shoots per explants. An average of 10.23 shoots per explants was resulted after 32 days of culture. In vitro shoots were elongated in MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.L-1 KN. Half strength MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.L-1 IBA was found to be the best medium for rooting. The rooted plantlets were gradually acclimated ex vitro in mist chamber and successfully established under field conditions with high survival rate.

Adaption of Wheat Genotypes to Drought Stress

M. Al-salimiyia, G. De Luigi, E. Abu-Rabada, H. Ayad, R. Basheer-Salimia

Drought can serve to restrict the growth and development of wheat. The current research was conducted to screen for drought-tolerant wheat genotypes through phenotypic markers, including growth indicators and yield. We used a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with three replicate sites (about333 m2 area per replicate). Six wheat genotypes which are frequently grown under rain-fed conditions at the southern highland of West-Bank, Palestine were evaluated for specific phenotypes including stem length, spike with awns length, awns length, number of tillers, total grain, total hay, and mass of seeds (per 100). The results showed significant variations among the six wheat genotypes for most of the measured parameters. Yellow-Hetia genotype showed the highest stem length, spike with awns length, awns length, weight of 100 seeds, and yield (grain plus hay). However, the remaining genotypes presented almost similar production ranging from 475-488 kg/dunum. In contrary, Nab-El-Jamal genotype exhibited the lowest grain production and Um-El-Rabee’ genotype revealed the minimum hay production. Based on our data, Yellow-Hetia could be a promising cultivar for future breeding programs, especially those involving drought tolerance.

Microbial analysis of leafy vegetables in iceless cooling facility

Fuseini Jacob Yakubu, James Natia Adam, Al-hassan Issahaku

Against the background that leafy vegetables stored under ambient conditions are influenced by environmental factors which may cause significant quality loss in terms of freshness, colour, texture and composition, the iceless cooler was used to evaluate microbial load of leafy vegetables. The samples were evaluated for bacterial (coliforms and mesophiles) and fungal (mold and yeast) loads. Results of the microbial test showed that Corchorus olitorius had highest mean microbial load with plate count of 6.7 x 104 CFU/g and Hibiscus sabdariffa had the least mean microbial load with plate count of 4.8 x 104 CFU/g after five days of storage. Corchorus olitorius show a significant increase of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci species after five days of storage. The ANOVA results showed that vegetables stored under ambient conditions were significantly different (p˂0.01) from those stored in the iceless cooler. The results also indicate that Amaranthus dubius recorded the highest mean weight of 1.94kg and maintained its freshness and colour for up to three days compared with Corchorus olitorius with the least weight of 1.84kg.

Agriculture urbaine et pÃ©riurbaine (AUP) et Ã©conomie des mÃ©nages agri-urbains Ã Dakar (SÃ©nÃ©gal)

Abou BA, Nicola Cantoreggi

The current dynamics of urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa pose significant challenges to food and food security for urban populations. In this context, the reflection on the food function of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is highly relevant and much work has been devoted to analysing the food function of the UAP. On the other hand, little research has been carried out on the essentially commercial dimension of the activity, making it possible to generate income likely to meet the different needs, food and non-food, of agri-urban households. This contribution focuses on this particular aspect of market gardening activity carried out in the Dakar region in three production areas involving 214 market gardeners. The results obtained show that the UPA through urban market gardening in Dakar constitutes a fully-fledged commercial activity whose monetary income is far higher than the minimum wage in Senegal. It turns out that this almost exclusively commercial orientation undoubtedly allows agri-urban households to cover their food and non-food expenses inherent in living in urban areas.

The Impact of Forests in Climate Change

Sevim InanÃ§, HÃ¼seyin Ayaz

As parallel to industrialization and increasing population, pressures on natural resources have rised, soil, water and air have been polluted. These problems threaten the human. So, environmental protection or in awider meaning nature conservation became a very important duty for the human in this century. The duty is a special action against eradication of living base for the organisms Forest ecosystems are of course economical natural resources. The ecosystem is a monotonous forest area by compositions, characteristics and relationsihips of the main elements within the forest. In the article, firstly, forest ecosystems and their functions were examined, then, importance of forest as natural resources, their roles for preventing risk of climatically changes, and contribution of forests for sustainable development within Turkiye were studied.

A Case Study on Agro-based E-Commerce Portal

Saban Kumar K.C., Arun Kumar Timalsina

This paper has investigated the practice of E-Commerce portal named Metrotarkari for marketing vegetables and fruit items in Kathmandu valley. A case study approach underpinned the study so as to identify current issues and practice of E-Commerce portal for vegetable and fruit items thereby adopt appropriate strategies for its sustainability in this sector. The study used explanatory form of analysis on the issues of business model, payment system, distribution system, overall challenges and marketing strategies based on the face to face interview with chief operating officer of Metrotarkari. The result shows that their B2B feature is serving more customers than B2C feature does in daily basis. The cash on delivery has been the preferable option of payment system although they have facility of Paypal, E-Sewa and Sctmoco. The main reason behind the problem in maintaining and delivering quality items is the lack of their own inventory and their dependency on others vendors. Establishing their own cold store or inventory and appending the C2C feature in their existing portal are major suggestions made to provide benefit to farmers and customers thereby sustain in this sector.

Assessment of local pollution influence on the weather and impact on the air quality over subtropical southern Africa

M. Wiston, M. Montsho

This study discusses the possible role of air pollution and influence on air quality (AQ) and weather over southern Africa. Although it has long been thought that a lotof pollution occurs in the industrialized regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it is quite clear that a vast amount is also generated in the south, and southern Africa contributes significantly. Since industrial revolution, the sub-continent has become one of the major sources of atmospheric emissions mainly from human-induced activities to meet demand for energy supply and other lifelong needs. The main sources include biomass burning (BB), Aeolian dust and industrial emissions. In the process, trace components generated can negatively impact the atmosphere through aerosol influence on cloud properties and radiation budget, and also affect human health. While anthropogenic emissions are enhanced during winter, natural emissions occur and fluctuate throughout the year. In the case of dust aerosols, they are common over the Kalahari-Namib Desert where dust devils frequently develop overland, keeping the air filled with haze.Commongas pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur-and nitrogen oxides(SOxand NOx) from the copper belt(Zambia),Highveld(South Africa), BB-dominated areas and other isolated locations. In particular, a high degree of correlation between weather and pollution in urban source centers and the effect of weather on human health are of special interest. In most cases, humans are exposed to high pollutant levels likely exceeding AQ standards. We propose that more attention should be paid to the rapidly increasing regional pollution levels, as experience from other regions suggest that this can alter climate and AQ composition.

Estimated carbon stored on some landscape forests in South East Sulawesi

Rosmarlinasiah

Carbon stored in several forest landscapes in Southeast Sulawesi such as the Jati stand on the People's Forest, Pine stands in Protected Forest, Mangrove Forest vegetation, Natural vegetation of urban forest, and Campus Forest show the weight of carbon stored per hectare different from one vegetation to another. The objective of this research is to know the biomass and the amount of carbon stored up (levels of the tree, pole, stakes), the lower plants, litter and nekromassa in various forest landscape in Southeast Sulawesi. Biomass is obtained through the use of allometric equations (plants on the surface), and measures the wet weight and dry weight (bottom plants, woody necromassa and non-woody). Furthermore, the estimated amount of carbon stored. The results showed Pinus stand (Pinus mercusii) carbon stored 65,992 tons ha-1, stand Teak (Tectona grandis) 36.213 tons ha-1, Mangrove vegetation (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora sp, Sonneratia alba, and Avicennia alba) 68.12 tons ha-1, natural vegetation Forest City 50.01 tons ha-1, natural vegetation Forest Campus 98.18 tons ha-1. The availability of carbon estimation information in various forest landscapes can be used as supporting data for REDD + programs aimed at addressing climate issues.

Morphometric characterization of three Tsetse Fly Species - Glossina M. Morsitans, G. P. Palpalis and G. Tachinoides (Diptera: Glossinidae) from Ghana

Edwin Idriss Mustapha, Maxwell Kelvin Billah, Alexander Agyir- Yawson

Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) are the main vectors of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness and Animal African Trypanosomiasis, (AAT) or Nagana in Sub Saharan Africa. In Ghana, whilst HAT is no longer a major public health issue, AAT is still widely reported and causes considerable losses in the livestock sector resulting in major impacts on agricultural production, livelihoods and food security in the country. Application of morphometric techniques can reveal the existing level of population differentiation in tsetse flies, providing guidance on the distribution of genetically defined subpopulations. Morphometric techniques were used to compare size and shape of three tsetse fly species- G. m. morsitans, G. p. palpalis and G. tachinoides of Ghana, and also compare populations of G. p. palpalis collected from three geographical regions (Northern, Eastern and Western) of Ghana. Flies were sampled from four sites in the Western, one site in the Eastern and three sites in the Northern Region using standard un-baited biconical traps. Right wings and right hind legs of selected flies from different collection sites were removed and mounted on microscope slides using glycerin as the mounting medium. Images of the prepared slides were captured under a Leica EZ4 D microscope with an inbuilt camera connected to a laptop. Linear and proportions of wing and hind tibia measurements were arcsine-root transformed before analyzing with a general linear model in analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate statistical analyses were used to detect any possible variations. Results of the GLM analyses of linear and ratio data revealed that different linear combinations can be used to characterize tsetse species of different populations. The ratio value hind tibia/wing length (th/at) significantly distinguished fly populations into four groups, Northern, Eastern, Western and the lab colony; this is an indication that hind tibia/wing length is a good morphometric feature which can be used to discriminate flies from different regions of Ghana. The principal components and canonical variates as well as Mahalanobis squared distances confirmed linear and ratio separations. Therefore based on these differences in morphometric characters observed, the three tsetse species were distinguished from each other. Similar work on morphometrics needs to be done to include more regions and many other body parts such as proboscis length, antennal length, thorax and abdomen length and width in order to establish stronger morphometric tools for discriminating different tsetse fly species.

Identification of Arabica Coffee Production in Altitudes Place in Lintong Ni Huta of Humbang Hasundutan

Ir. Adriani Siahaan

Coffee is one of mainstay plantation commodities in Humbang Hasundutan Regency and as a source of countries income, providers of employment, and encourages the development of agribusiness and agroindustry. Lintong Ni Huta is one of coffee production center in Humbang Hasundutan Regency that famous with Coffee Lintong. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of the land and to identify the production of coffee types at various altitudes in Lintong Ni Huta. The results of agriculture coffee plantation and production In Lintongnihuta is the largest and most located in the villages in the altitude of 1400-1500 meters mean abaut sea level and the altitude of coffee planting in Lintongnihuta regency does not affect coffee production.

Effect of Packaging Materials on Retention of Quality Characteristics of Dehydrated Green Leafy Vegetables during Storage

Pavani K.V., Priyanka Aduri

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of blanching, dehydration and packaging on nutrient composition of Amaranthus gangeticus and Spinach oleracea. There was a loss of sugars, Proteins, vitamin- c and carotenoids were noticed due to blanching. But the colour of green leafy vegetables (GLV) is retained due to blanching. Leafy vegetables were dehydrated in cabinet dryer at 60oC and packed in three packaging materials (Metalized polypropylene (MPP) 300 gauge, high density polyethylene (HDPE) 300 gauge, low density polyethylene (LDPE) 200 gauge) and stored at room temperature for 45 days to evaluate the best package for maximum retention of nutrients in leafy vegetables during storage. PP followed by HDPE was found to be good for retention of nutrients in dehydrated leafy vegetables during 45 days of storage. Irrespective of the losses of nutrients that take place during dehydrated packaging, GLV can be preserved by dehydration which is eco-friendly and easily adoptable.

Yield gaps and nutrients use efficiency of apple tree (golden delicious/MM106) in the middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco

Rachid Razouk, Abdellah Kajji, Khalid Daoui, Jamal Charafi, Mohamed Alghoum

The main objective of this work was to evaluate use efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in adult apple orchards in the Middle Atlas of Morocco and to establish preliminary reference norms for fertilizing this crop under local conditions. The study was based on soil and leaf analysis and data with regard to farming practices and yield on forty apple orchards (cv. Golden delecious/MM106) where nineteen are growing on silty-clay soil and twenty-one on sandy-loam soil. The results showed significant correlations between leaf content for each nutrient and yield level following polynomial equations, thereby indicating local reference norms for apple leaf analysis. Moreover, correlations were significant between leaf and soil contents that permitted to determine apple needs in nitrogen fertilizer and references norms for soil richness in phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium to obtain yield potential in the study region. However, the found norms are less than international standards because of feebleness of yield level in the study region, largely related to deficient cultural practices adopted by farmers. In addition, investigation of leaf nutrients ratios N/K, N/Ca, K/Ca, K/Mg and Ca/Mg showed that there was disharmony in uptake of these nutrients originating particularly from high soil richness in Ca and Mg. Taking into account these considerations, the found references norms can be applied only under the adopted farming practices. Nevertheless, by improving local practices, reference values may change.

Effect of Temperature on the Shelf life of Nono (Locally Fermented Milk) and Yoghurt

Samson Kyakma. S., Attah Sunday

Effect of temperature on the shelf life ofnono(locally fermented milk) and yoghurt was carried out for 7 days and 3 months respectively. Freshly made nonowas kept under room and refrigerated temperature for 7 days. Chemical parameters such as protein, fats, carbohydrate, moisture and ash were analyzed within one hour of collection and on the 7th day. Some physical parameters such as texture and flavour were measured using visual appraisal just before the preservation and then on daily basis. Freshly made yoghurt was treated alike and kept for the period of 3 months (which is the claimed shelf life of yoghurt by most manufacturers). The physical, chemical parameters and microbial load were also measured at weekly intervals. The result of the physical and chemical parameters explains deterioration before the end of the experiment in both samples. It was also concluded that freshly made yoghurt kept at room temperature be consumed only on the first day of production and fermented milk is advised to be pasteurized before consumption due to the high microbial load.

Morpho-physiological and Yield Responses Associated with Plant Density Variation in Soybean (Glycine max L. (Merrill))

Sichilima I., Mataa M., Mweetwa A.M.

Understanding morpho-physiological factors associated with yield decline at high density in soybean (Glycine max L.) can assist in optimizing productivity and seed quality. The objective of this study was to determine effects of different spacing on development and seed quality. The study tested the concept of yield plasticity. Five varieties that included determinate (SC Safari, Dina and Magoye) and indeterminate (Kaleya and Pan 1867) and three densities (300,000, 400,000 and 550,000 plants/ha) were used. A randomized complete block design arranged in 2 factor- factorial with variety and plant density and 4 replications was used. The experiment was done at Seed Control and Certification Institute in Chilanga, Zambia in 2015. Parameters assessed included: height, branches/plant, chlorophyll, nitrogen, 50 % flowering, pod-fill time, maturity duration, biomass, seed quality, yield and yield components. Significant effects for variety were present for all parameters while plant density effects were highly significant for number of branches/plant, biomass yield, pods/plant, seeds/pod and yield. Interaction effects were observed for pods/plant and seeds/plant. Traits positively and significantly correlated to yield were height, canopy biomass yield, pods/plant and seeds/plant. Biomass, pods/plant, seeds/plant and 100 seed weight contributed significantly to total variation of grain yield. Plant height, biomass yield, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/plant and hundred seed weight were critical parameters determining yield elasticity. Kaleya, Pan 1867 and Dina appeared more tolerant of planting at high density.

Effect of Soil Amendment on the Functional and Pasting Properties of False Horn Plantain Flour

Frederick. Danso, Frances Appiah, BenK.Banful

There is growing public perception that fruits from fertilized plantain plants have their organoleptic qualities reduced during food preparations. Such perception has the potential consequence of lowering production levels of the commodity in Ghana. To ascertain the veracity of this perception, a study was conducted between July 2012 and March 2015 to determine the effects of different rates of poultry manure, cocoa pod husk and NPK as soil amendments on nutritional composition, physical characteristics and functional properties of plantain pulp flour. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with three replications. Flours from plantain with amended soils recorded moisture contents (8.41 % to 12.08%) which were within the acceptable levels for flours. The flour with the lowest moisture content was produced from plantain with CPH amendment (8.41%). The protein content of false horn plantain flour was however low (3.39 % to 5.27%).The plantain flour starch was not influenced by any of the soil amendments. On the other hand, flour produced from plantain with NPK+PM amendment had low bulk density and low water absorption capacity. Similarly, the false horn plantain flour had lower swelling power values compared to other flours.Flours from plantain with CPH amendment had lower oil absorption capacity. Flour from plantain with PM amendment was more likely to cook faster than the flour from the plantain with the other amendments. Flours from plantain with NPK+CPH amendment would form a more stable paste because of its lower breakdown value. In conclusion, the plantain flours were comparable to known food flours and therefore could be applicable as thickening agents and also find usefulness in fufu powder preparation and baking.

Magnetically treated water on phytochemical compounds of Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Irrigation using water treated with static magnetic field (SMF) has recently been used as a strategy to stimulate the growth and development of different plant species. The aim of this study was to characterize the bioactive compounds and evaluate the anatomical structure of Rosmarinus officinalis L. irrigated with SMF-treated water. Results demonstrate that the treatment promoted plant growth, the number of trichomes and increased concentrations of secondary metabolites. Methanol-extracted leaves revealed that rosmarinic acid was detected in both experimental groups, without a difference in the level. Camphor, α-terpineol and verbenone were determined as the most abundant compounds present in these leaf extracts and were strongly increased in plants irrigated with SMF-treated water. Similar results were also observed for endo-borneol, bornyl acetate and β-amyrin concentrations.Taken together, these results indicate that irrigation with SMF-treated water can be used to improve the production of rosemary to obtain pharmaceutical products with an increased antioxidative activity.

Effect of Enzyme Treated Cassava Peel Meal Based Diets on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Weaner Pigs

Torhemen L.N., Ikurior S.A., Wuanor A.A., Torhemen M.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner-grower pigs fed diets containing 0 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % levels of cassava peel meal treated with 0.035g Natuzyme®/100g CPM. Sixteen (16) pure bred male Landrace weaner-grower pigs, averaging 13.33kg were allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design such that each pig was housed and fed individually as a replicate. Four experimental diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 were formulated and 0 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % maize was replaced with Natuzyme® treated cassava peel meal and fed for a period of 42days. At the end of the feeding trial, two pigs from each dietary treatment were randomly selected and starved for 24hours; faecal samples were collected for seven days, oven dried, weighed and sampled for digestibility analysis. Final weight, feed intake, weight gain and feed cost per kg live weight gain of pigs fed test diets decreased (p