Volume 3 Number 4 (July 2018)

Productivity of Soybean on Different Agroecosystems

Dewi Rumbaina Mustikawati, Nina Mulyanti, Ratna Wylis Arief

This study aims to see the growth and productivity of soybeans in different agroecosystems. The study was conducted on paddy field located in Bumi Setia village, Seputih Mataram sub-district, Central Lampung district, and on dryland located in Mandah village, Natar sub-district, South Lampung district, Lampung Province, Indonesia, from April to July 2015. Soybean varieties grown at each location were Grobogan varieties. The variables observed were crop emergence, plant height at harvest, number of plant harvested, number of pods per plant, empty pods, weight of 100 grains, pod pests and productivity. Data were analyzed by t test. The results showed that soybean productivity in dryland was 64.25% lower than productivity in paddy fields. The low yield of soybean varieties of Grobogan in dryland was caused due to drought factor when forming and filling pods. This can be seen from the decrease of weight of 100 grains of soybean seed in dryland up to 51.82% than in paddy field. The status of Grobogan varieties soybean vigor may change from large seed to medium seed if the water requirement is not optimum during the growing season.

Soil - Plant Nutrient Correlation Analysis of Maize Varieties at the Guinea Savannah

Olowookere B. T., Oyerinde G.T

Field trials were conducted during the rainy season of 2008 and 2009 at the Institute for Agricultural Research farm in Samaru (110 11’ N, 70 38’E) within the northern Guinea savanna ecological zone of Nigeria to evaluate correlation relationships among soil, yield and yield quality of maize varieties. The objectives of the study are to correlate among soil, grain yield and grain composition. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150kgNha-1), two rates of micronutrients (0, cocktail mixtures) Cu, Fe, Zn, B and Mo and four maize varieties SAMMAZ 14, SUSUMA (QPM), SAMMAZ 11 and SAMMAZ 12 (normal maize) which gave a total of thirty-two (32) treatments. There was basal application of 60kgha-1P and 60kgha-1K. These treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications with a total of 96 plots respectively. The fertilizer treatments were factorially combined. Significant correlations were obtained between grain parameters and other yield parameters such as Stover (r= 0.669, P < 0.05); 1000grain weight (r= 0.617, P < 0.05); crude proteins (r= 0.364, P< 0.05) and total nitrogen in grain (r =0.993, P < 0.05). Grain yield also increased as soil pH (r =0.26, P < 0.01); TN (r =0.19, P < 0.01); Calcium (r =0.17, P

Effect of Compost Made from Decomposing Cocoa Pod and Animal Dung on the Yield of Maize Crop

Adegunloye D. V, Olotu T. M

Ondo State has the largest production of cocoa in Nigeria, cocoa pod on most cocoa plantation in the state are usually left as an environmental nuisance on the cocoa plantation. Effect of compost made from decomposing cocoa pod and animal dung on the yield of maize crop were investigated for nine weeks. Cocoa pods were decomposed using animal dung (poultry droppings, pig and cow dung) in ratio 3:1 of cocoa pod to each of the animal dung. Cocoa pod and poultry droppings mixture has the highest bacterial, fungal and yeast population of 2.6 x106 – 2.9 x 106 (cfu/ml), 8.4 x105 – 9.2 x 105 (sfu/ml) and 4.0 x104 – 12.0 x 104 (cfu/ml). It also had the highest moisture content (88.81%) and temperature (350C) among the composting materials. Fifteen bacteria and thirteen fungi were isolated during the decomposition; common microorganisms that occur throughout decomposition were Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, Serratia Sp, Fusarium sp, Mucor sp, Tricoderma sp, Aspergillus sp, Cladosporum sp and Neurospora sp. The pH of decomposing samples ranged from 6.10 to 7.81 at the initial stage of decomposition and pH of 7.79-9.07 at maturity of the compost. Poultry cocoa compost has the highest NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) content of 1.345, 7.955 and 23.016 (mg/kg) respectively. Experimental setup was carried out in the field and in the screen house which the cocoa pod compost and NPK fertilizer was use to plant yellow and white maize. The compost fertilizer had a better better output than the NPK fertilizer. Height-350cm, grithy-8cm, cob-15 (big and strong) colour of maize plant (deep green leaves) while height-320cm, grith -4cm, cob-10 (small and colour of maize plant (greenish yellow leaves) for the cocoa compost and NPK fertilizer respectively were at the field Cocoa pod and poultry droppings mixture has the highest of the yellow and white maize (136cm and 126cm) respectively while the NPK sample has the lowest height of 55cm and 50 cm respectively of yellow and white maize.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Fungi (Candida Tropicalis and Aspergillus Clavatus) in Bioremediation of used Engine Oil Contaminated Soil using Bioaugmentation Technique

Mbachu Augustine Ebele,Chukwura Edna Ifeoma, Mbachu Nancy Amalachukwu

Used engine oil is a petroleum or synthetic oil that has been used and as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical and chemical pollutants. These pollutants are harmful to humans, animals and plants following exposure. Evaluation of the effectiveness of fungi in bioremediation of used engine oil (UEO) contaminated soil was investigated. Fungi were isolated from soil samples obtained from automobile workshops in Mgbuka-Nkpor, Nigeria. The isolates were screened for UEO biodegradation potentials in mineral salt broth. They were identified using the cultural and microscopic characteristics and confirmed using the 18SrRNA gene sequence. The effectiveness of the isolates in bioremediation of UEO contaminated soil was also investigated using bioaugmentation technique. A total of 8 fungal isolates were obtained from this study. Two that showed the highest extent of biodegradation of UEO in the screen flasks were identified and confirmed as Candida tropicalis and Aspergillus clavatus. At the end of the experimental period, oil contaminated soil inoculated with the mixed culture of the isolates (C. tropicalis and A. clavatus) showed the highest reduction in concentration of UEO (95.42%). Higher biodegradation rate and shorter half-life of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was observed in soil microcosm containing the isolates, when compared to the uninoculated control. Therefore fungi such as C. tropicalis and A. clavatus isolated from automobile workshops can facilitate the bioremediation of UEO contaminated soil.

Optimization of insecticidal potency of composites of aqueous, acetone, and ethanol extracts of Piper guineense seed on Callosobruchus maculatus by the simplex-lattice mixture experimental design

Ojimelukwe Phillippa, Udofia Patrick G, Anthony Ukom,Ukpe Richard

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of composites of extracts of Piper guineense seed on Callosobruchus maculatus using the mixture experimental design of the response surface methodology (RSM).Callosobruchus maculatus damages stored legumes and grains resulting in huge agronomic and economic losses. Synthetic chemical insecticides is currently in useto check the wastage despite their known toxicity to man and the environment. Efforts to find alternatives to chemical synthetic insecticides has spotted Piper guineenseas a promising alternative candidate but less work has been done on its preparation and formulation for optimum activity. Fresh Piper guineenseberry was harvested from Essien Udim Local Government Area, of Akwa Ibom State, it was dried in the sun to moisture content of about 14% and ground to pass through 100 mesh sieve. The ground seed was extracted with ethanol and concentrated to obtain a slurry. Single blends of aqueous, ethanolic, acetone extracts of Piper guineense seed showed increasing insecticidal potency on the testinsect than binary blends.The model of dead insect was significant (R2=0.9931, Mean=68.69), bean damage was significant (R2=09786, Mean 63.46). Optimization analysis of experimental data revealed that 0.09, 0.437, 0.473 proportions of aqueous, ethanolic, and acetone extracts of Piper guineense seed respectively produced 95% and 31% dead insects and bean damage respectively at a desirability level of 76.80%.Result of the study shows that composites extracts of Piper guineense seeds could be a useful controller of stored maize.

The Development of Rubber, Coffee and Palm Oil Commodity in South Sumatra, Indonesia using Swot Analysis

Syamsurijal A. Kadir, Rulyanti Susi Wardhani, Nurkadina Novalia, Ahmad Maulana

The purpose of this research is to re-analyze the internal and external factors that become the strength, the weakness, the opportunities and the threat in implementing the strategy of Rubber, Coffee and Palm Oil commodity development in South Sumatera Province. Analysis tool used with SWOT approach. The results show that the districts/cities in the province of South Sumatra superior commodities rubber, coffee, and oil palm are in the area of aggressive strategy. Factors that become the main force for the land area with high soil fertility.

Perception of Household on Greening methods to Ameliorate Climate change in South-West of Oyo State

Oyewole O.O, Ogunwale O. G., Ajanaku A. O., Nwachi A. C.

The project investigated the perception of household on greening methods to ameliorate climate change in south- west of Oyo state. The study was carried out in Oluyole local Government of Oyo state, Nigeria. Where two areas were randomly selected (Oluyole estate and Oluyole Extension). A total number of 91 structured questionnaires were retrieved out of 130 administered. Data collected were analyzed. Descriptive was used to analyzed socio economic characteristics, sources of information on greening, perception of respondent on greening, different greening method by the respondent and constraints, cross tabulation was used to explain association between socio characteristics and greening method and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to analyzed constraints and greening method by the respondents, relationship between the perception and greening method by the respondents. The result of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were male (65.9%),and between the ages of 31-40 (34.2%), majority also had tertiary education(58.2%) this showed that people within the study area were informed on the value of education, it was also revealed that majority of the respondent agreed that the human activities have led to climate change 3.51 mean value, Developing countries should take most of the blame for climate change (3.07) mean value and that laws governing the forestry management in Nigeria should be revisited with 2.03mean value. Respondents agreed that planting of trees, planting of tree crops, planting of flowers, planting of shrubs like Morida lucida, Moringa oleifera, Glyricidia sepium, management and development are the best method to ameliorate climate change, it was observed that deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, Lack of good policy by Federal Government are the major constraints. The use solar energy is the least that people use because majority are using generator which add carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. This study recommended that human activities should be controlled in order to modify our environment, planting of trees, planting of tree crops like mango, cashew, orange, coconut will serve as fruit for family as well as improvement on climate change, planting of flowers for beautification and planting of shrubs are the best method to ameliorate climate change. Laws should be enacted to avoid climate change based on deforestation and good policies should be put to practice by Federal Government base on industrialization in urban areas.

Study on Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation among different characters in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Harpal Singh, Dr. Daljeet Singh

The present investigation entitled “Studies on genetic variability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)” was carried out at the UCOA, vegetable research farm, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda during rabi 2015-16 to evaluate tomato genotypes. The experiment was laid out in CRD with three replications. Total 20 genotypes including check cultivar were evaluated for horticultural Traits contributing yield and quality (suitable for processing) .There is a wide variability in different genotypes in tomato. Traits i.e. Number of primary branches per plant, Days to first fruit harvest, Plant height (cm),number of fruits per cluster, number fruits per plant, average fruit weight (gm), equatorial diameter of fruit (cm), polar diameter of fruit (cm), number of locules per fruit, pericarp thickness (mm), fruit pH, Fruit TSS (0brix), days to last fruit harvest and average yield per plant (kg) were studied during the investigation Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters under study during the investigation. High Phenotypic and Genotypic coefficient of variation were detected for characters like number of fruits per plant, number of locules per fruit, pericarp thickness and average yield per plant. High heritability coupled with genetic gain were recorded for number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, number of locules per fruit and average yield per plant. Therefore these characters also show some scope for improvement through selection. A highly significant and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation were found in number of fruits per cluster, plant height, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight.

Evaluation of herbicides and their combinations for weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Ekamdeep Kaur, Rakesh Sharma, ND Singh

The field experiment was conducted at the Student’s Research Farm, P.G. Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, to study the evaluation of various herbicides and their combinations on wheat during 2016-17. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments such as weed free, weedy check, pendimethalin 2.5L/ha, pendimethalin 2.5L/ha + clodinofop 400 g/ha, pendimethalin 2.5L/ha + sulfosulfuron 32.5g/ha , pendimethalin 2.5L/ha + pinoxaden 1000 ml/ ha, pendimethalin 2.5L/ha + atlantis 400g/ha and replicated thrice. Results revealed that pendimethalin 2.5 L/ha + atlantis 400g/ha was found effective to control weed population and produced higher number of grains per ear and enhanced grain yield upto 62.3 per cent over weedy check.

Effect of Compost Extract Fortified with Tempe on Chili Mosaic Virus Disease

Arumbinang Wajdi, Suwandi Suwandi, Chandra Irsan, A. Muslim, Harman Hamidson

Mosaic disease caused by multiple infections of viruses in one of the most devastating virus diseases of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Indonesia. Improving plant resistance by treatment with exogenous bioactive compounds is promisingly developed for plant protection in organic chili production. We demonstrated the suppressive effects of a fermented water extract of compost fortified with over-fermented tempe (TCE) on mosaic disease and its aphid vector. TCE was applied weekly by foliar spraying at 0.2 and 2.0 % on potted Capsicum growing in field. The result showed that treated plant sprayed with TNF preparation exhibited a significantly slower disease progression as represented by a lower area under disease progress curve compared to control plant. Disease suppression was obtained at concentration as low as 0.2%. TCE-treated plants were significantly less colonized by Aphis gossypii than control plant.

A Survey on the Pteridophyte Flora of the 18 Selected Sacred Groves in Chalavara Grama Panchayath, Palakkad District, Kerala

Praveen Kumar K, Udayan P.S.

An exploratory survey conducted on Pteridophytic flora in the 18 selected sacred groves of Chalavara Grama panchayath, Ottapalamtaluk, Palakkad district, Kerala lead to the collection of 26 species of pteridophytes coming under 20 genera and 14 families. Among them, 02 families belongs to class Lycopsida, 01 family belongs to class Psilotopsida and remaining belongs to class Polypodiopsida. Out of 26 species 21 species are terrestrial, 3 species are epiphytes and 2 species are aquatic.

Antioxidant activity, photosynthetic rate, and Spectral mass in bean Plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Response to Stress Defense Activators

An increase in antioxidant activity is a common response in plants as a defense mechanism against biotic and abiotic stress factors, such response is also generated with the exogenous application of "defense activators", which have negative effects on plant metabolism. In this work, bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Pinto Nacional were treated with jasmonic acid (0.5 mM), salicylic acid (2 mM), Trichoderma asperellum (105 spores/ml), and Bacillus pumilus (105 CFU / mL), in order to determine the level of structural and metabolic response of the plants. On the seventh day after the application of the treatments, it was measured the enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, leaf impressions were taken to measure the stomatal opening and conductance, photosynthetic rate, and the mass spectrum (mass/charge, m/z). The antioxidant activity increased in plants treated with jasmonic acid and T. asperellum, which in turn significantly increased the stomatal opening and conductance, and photosynthetic rate. The mass profile showed that the plants treated with T. asperellum have a greater quantity of masses/charge, of which some had statistically highly significant difference according to the means test Tukey (p

Effect of Spacing and Poultry Manure Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens. L) in Southern Rain Forest of Nigeria

Ansa J.E.O., Woke C.

Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agriculture, Ndele Campus, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to study the effects of poultry manure rates and crop spacing on growth, yield and quality of Cayenne pepper. The 3 x 3 factorial experiment with three replicates was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The main plots were three poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20tons/ha-1) and sub plots, three spacing (50cm x 50cm, 100cm x 50cm and 100cm x 100cm). Data collected were plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area; number of fruits per plot, fruit weight per plot, fruit yield per hectare, fruit lycopene and vitamin C contents. Results showed plant height increased with reducing planting distance and increasing Poultry manure rate; 50cm by 50cm fertilized at 20tons/ha produced the tallest plants with most number of leaves but least leaf area LA. Number of fruits, fruit weight and yield per plot, per hectare increased with increasing planting density and increasing Poultry manure rates lycopene and vitamin c contents increased with Poultry manure levels within the different spacing. Spacing of 50cm by 50cm fertilized with poultry manure at 20 tons per hectare is recommended.

Performance of EcoSan Toilets at Majumbasita in Dar Es Salaam â€“ Tanzania

AS Mahenge

The performance of Ecological Sanitation (ECOSAN) toilets at Majumbasita-Ukonga in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was studied in order to assess their feasibility for low cost and effective environmental protection. The studied parameters for urine were pH, TKN, phosphorus , potassium and E-coli and for faecal sludge were temperature, pH, TS, VS, COD , TKN, ammonium, phosphorus, potassium and Ascaris eggs. Results indicated a high pH up to 10.3 in the faecal contents due to addition of ashes. The temperatures were between 270C – 31.70C during the whole study period. The total COD measurements varied from 33 - 74 gCOD/l, while TS and VS were respectively 57– 81 gTS/l and 21 – 46 gVS/l. The results for TKN, ammonium, phosphorus and potassium in faecal sludge were 5045 – 6080mg/L, 5207-5852 mg/L, 29-70mg/L and 105-176 mg/L, respectively. Ascaris eggs were efficiently removed from faecal sludge that were strictly dry and had a pH of more than 10. The results for TKN, ammonium, phosphorus and potassium in urine were 4285-5010 mg/L, 111-195 mg/L and 190-251 mg/L, respectively. E-Coli were present in urine with pH less than 11.5 and were efficiently removed from urine with pH more than 11.5. Presence of pathogens in urine implies the separated urine can be reused in tree growing and not for fertilising food crops consumed raw.

First Report of ethnobotanical studies of tehsil Noorpur Thal, District Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan

Zaheer Yousaf

The study is based on gathering of information by interviewing villagers, herbalists, hakims and farmers, following a preset list of questions followed by analysis of the data collected. Plant samples were gathered and their morphological characteristics described. Their various uses including medicinal uses, where reported were gathered. The present work is a significant contribution to the existing knowledge because ethno botany as a interdisciplinary science understanding of local social dynamics, institutions and different values attributed to resources. These values may be symbolic, religious or political for a given society, while same plant resources may represent only an economic value for our social group. Fuel wood needs are also met by collecting dried fodder branches, by products of crops and dried animal dung. It is recommended that botanical ganders of medicinal plants should be established. Data was analyzed at P(0.05 -5%).

Effect of Carom Seed Oil on the Antimicrobial, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Starch Based Edible Film

UpasanaYadav, Aarati Pushparaj, Anchal, Yavanika Verma

Packaging material is necessary in the preservation process. Edible films containing essential oils can be incorporated into the conventional food packaging systems with a dual purpose, edible and natural preservative, that can maintain quality, extend the shelf life and reduce the risk of pathogen growth specifically in unprocessed or minimally processed foods like fruits and vegetables. In present study, pumpkin-arrowroot starch based edible film incorporated with carom seed oil at 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% were prepared and studied for the antimicrobial properties. Film with 1.5% Carom seed oil showed exceedingly good antimicrobial activities against E. coli, Staphylococcus and Aspergillus. The films were further studied for physical, mechanical and water vapour transmission properties. The results indicated that the film with 1.5% carom seed oil did not alter the mechanical properties of the film significantly, compared to control film and is ideal for coating to extend the shelf life of food products.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators on Somatic Embryogenesis Induction in Seriphidium herba-album

Seriphidium herba-album (syn. Artemisia herba-alba) is a medicinal, aromatic, greenish-silver herb. It is used widely in folk medicine for treatment of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and in the healing of external wounds. It's also used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and jaundice. In this study we assessed the protocol for callus induction, maturation of somatic embryogenesis, frequency of germination and conversion into plantlets for leaf explants of Seriphidium herba-album using different concentrations of PGRs. Highest induction frequencies of embryogenic calli occurred after 35 days on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg L-1 BAP. Optimum MS medium for higher frequency of matured somatic embryos was recorded using 5.0 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA and somatic embryos also induced young in vitro grown plantlets when cultured in the medium containing GA3 and kinetin. Hence, attempts to induce direct somatic embryogenesis have been achieved up to embryo regeneration and maturation.

Determinant of Non-Organic Farming in Enrekang District of South Sulawesi

Ansyar, Hatta Jamil, Muhammad Arsyad

Non-organik farming has a great impact on creasing agricultural production, but many negative impacts such a reduced soil fertility, environment damage and also negative impact on human health. The government has launched various programs to depelop organic farming to encourage farmers to swich to organic farming but has not been successful until now. The research aims to analyze the persistent determinant of non-organic farming by using Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis. Result of research, there are three elements becoming persistent determinant of non-organic farming, that is: Facilities dan infrastructure of organic farming available, application of production facilities (fertilizers/chemical pesticides) easy and practical, easy market access for non organic products.

Influence of short- and long-term administration of Melengestrol acetate on estrus activity and reproductive performance of nulliparous Barki ewes

In Egypt, research focusing on estrous synchronization in small ruminants based on Melengestrol acetate (MGA) supplementation, particularly in nulliparous ewes, is still lacking. The present work aimed to evaluate effect of long-term and short-term administration of melengestrol acetate (MGA) treatments on estrus synchronization and reproductive performance of nulliparous Barki Ewes. This study was performed in Siwa Oasis Research Station (Tegzerty Experimental Farm for animal production), belonged to Desert Research Center, Egypt. Forty five nulliparous Barki ewes with age ranging from 15.5 to 16.5 months, and 38 ± 0.23 kg average live body weight were assigned to one of three groups: (1) control (C, n = 15); (2) long-term treatment with MGA (n = 15, 0.22 mg/ewe/d for 14 days) and (3) short-term treatment with MGA (n = 15, 0.22 mg/ewe/d for 7 days). At the end of MGA treatment (14 or 7 d) all treated ewes were injected by 600 IU PMSG intramuscularly. The results showed that, ewes treated with MGA exhibited highest (P

Biofumigation: A Potential Aspect for Suppression of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

Gitanjali Devi

Plant-parasitic nematode cause economic loss to crops throughout the world. Biofumigation is the environmental friendly control option for the suppression of plant-parasitic as well as other pathogenic soil microbes. Glucosinolates are the main active compound present in some plants which are responsible for biofumigation process. To increase the efficiency of biofumigation selection of varieties containing more glucosinolates is highly desirable. Plant growth stage, soil temperature, soil texture, moisture, soil depth and soil microbes play important role in efficient biofumigation.

Effect of Aloe Vera wastes on physico-chemical properties and microbiological activity in soils

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential for using aloe vera wastes as amendment for soil to improve its fertility. Soil was exposed to four concentrations of aloin (rich in HAP) for 0, 7, 14 and 28 days. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed: soil Ph, organic matter (OM), nitrogen, phosphorus, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The activity of seven enzymes implicated in the C, N and S cycles were measured. Microbial Biomass was determined by the method of substrate induced respiration. BiologEcoplates (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA) were used to estimate soil microbial functional diversity. Our findings suggested a decrease on phosphorus and nitrogen content and an increase on CEC after aloin addition. Also, a decrease on microbial biomass and enzymes activities was observed, except for FDA. Ecoplates results demonstrate a decrease on microbial activities depending on the incubation time. Moreover, our results indicated that bacterial communities of the tested soils have more affinity to consume substrates as Amino acids and polymers. Our results should be carefully considered in view of the agriculture waists reuse for a sustainable agriculture

Seaweed Cultivation Techniques Gracillariaverrucosa in Pond Ujungpangkah District, Gresik East Java using Broadcast Method

Andi Rahmad Rahim

Seaweed is one of the sea cultivation commodities that are easy to be cultivated and have a good market prospect in improving coastal community empowerment. Moreover, the technology used to cultivate seaweed is also simple and inexpensive so it is suitable and easily adapted by coastal communities.Type of seaweed that has been cultivated in brackish water isGracilaria sp.One of the methods used for seaweed cultivation Gracilaria verrucosa is the broadcast method or spread.This method provides an increase in the growth length from 5 cm to 5.8 cm for 42 days and the weight of Gracilaria verrucosa seaweed from 10 grams to 14.1 gr for 42 days. This growth was influenced by ambient temperature including temperature 28-33 º C, salinity 5-17 ppt and degree of acidity (pH) 5-8.

Microbiological Quality of Kunnu-Zaki Drinks Sold in Some selected Towns in Osun State, Nigeria

Imoukhuede T. P., Adepeju A. B., Akinsuroju M. O.

The microbiological quality of freshly processed and hawked kunnu-zaki drinks, a common Nigerian non-alcoholic beverage was investigated in some selected towns in Osun State, South Western Nigeria. A total of nine (9) towns were assessed. Kunnu-zaki drinks were purchased from these towns on twelve different occasions for a period of six month. The samples were microbiologically analyzed using standard methods. pH values ranged from 3.09 - 4.21 in East and West senatorial district. The TTA of the samples ranged from 0.32 - 0.49 in Central and East senatorial district. All the screened drink samples had varying levels of bacterial contamination ranging from 4.2 x 103 to 15.0 x 103 CFU/ml, 4.1 x 104 to 9.6 x 104 CFU/ml and 3.5 x 105 to 9.0 x 105 CFU/ml for total bacteria, coliform and E. coli count respectively. Total coliform count on MPN ranged from 3 MPN/ml to 93 MPN/ml. 77.78% of the total sampled drinks (n=108) that is (84/108) had bacteria and fungi count. While all the drinks sampled had total coliform count on MPN exceeding the recommended safe level of zero organisms detectable per 100ml. Seven (7) bacteria species were isolated from the kunnu-zaki drink sampled. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Bacillus species, Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas species, Streptococcus specie, Enterobacter species, and Klebsiella species. Fungal count ranged from 3.3 x 106 to 8.0 x 106 CFU/ml respectively. Four (4) fungi were also isolated which include Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicilium italicum, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. It can therefore be concluded that the presence of these isolated organisms in kunnu-zaki samples analyzed in Osun State could serve as indicator for the need to promote awareness about the possible health hazards that could arise due to the unhygienic ways of handling and processing of the beverage.

Evaluate the Efficiency of Gamma Irradiation and Chitosan on Shelf-Life of Strawberries Fruits

Ehab A. Salem, Abeer A. Ali

Chitosan play an important role as an antifungal against Botrytis cinerea and the effect was a concentration dependent. The obtained results of in vitro experiment demonstrated that chitosan (4%) decreased radial growth of B. cinereato 80%. Invivo the severity of infection reduced from 59.8 , 89.4 and 100.0 to 9.7, 33.8 and 40.1 in first, second and third week’s storage periods at 13C, respectively. Also, chitosan coating (4%) significantly caused an increase in fruit firmness whereas TSS was decreased with an increase by increasing in storage time. However,Vitamin C gave fluctuated results by increasing storage time. Gamma irradiation at 2.5 KGy reduced severity (%) of infected fruits from 55.5, 100 and 100 to 31.7, 45.9 and 49.9 and in healthy fruits severity (%) reduced from 48.9, 100 and 100 to 23.3, 25.1 and 29.1 in different storage periods 1, 2 and 3 weeks, respectively. Similarly, chitosan as well as gamma irradiation combination induced a significant increase of peroxidase enzyme (POD) activity. Induced changes in surface morphology and damage of cell structure caused by using chitosan shown by scanning electron microscopy. Also, gamma irradiation causes changes in hyphea structure and in surface morphology but combination of gamma irradiation with chitosan was more effective in altering fungus morphology and cell structure damage and no spore forming. This providing the efficiency of combination on reducing disease severity (%) of strawberry.

Evaluation of four plants compost teas against fungi responsible for Corn damping-off in CÃ´te dâ€™Ivoire

Soro Kouo-Nâ€™Golo, Daniel Kra KouamÃ©, Hortense Atta Diallo

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals in Côte d'Ivoire. However, Corn seeds and seedlings are susceptible to infection by a number of soilborne fungi which caused seeds decay before or after germination. The objective of this study is to evaluate the suppressive effect of Four plants compost teas (Chromolaena odorata, Ricinus communis, Nicotiana tabacum, Azadiracta indica) on Corn damping off. In vitro assays showed a most suppressive effect of C. odorata and R. communis compost teas on mycelial growth of pathogenic fungi. Results of in vivo trials showed significant reduction of Corn seedlings diseases incidence and high seed germination percent after treatment with C. odorata, R. communis and A. indica compost teas. No efficiency effect was noted with N. tabacum compost tea. This study demonstrated the usefulness of compost tea as an efficient biological tool for the control of fungi responsible of corn damping-off.

Sustainable Agricultural Bioindustry Development: Integration of Cassava Cultivation with Beef Cattle Husbandry in North Sulawesi Province

Jefny B. Markus Rawung, Rita Indrasti, Bachtar Bakrie

This paper reviews the potential sustainable agricultural bioindustry development based on animal feed and organic fertilizer through an integration between crops cultivation with livestock production. This bio-industrial development could be carried out successfully in Indonesia, including in the region of North Sulawesi Province. Cattle feed bioindustry could be developed from biomass of cassava plantation, such as the cassava leaves, tubers and cassava peelers. Whereas, the solid and liquid organic fertilizers bioindustry could be developed from cattle feces and urine. Agricultural bioindustry can be carried out in all areas of North Sulawesi Province, because almost in every district has beef cattle and cassava plants. The largest cassava production in North Sulawesi Province are in the regencies of Bolaang Mongondow, Sangihe Island and Talaud Island. Whereas the highest population of beef cattle are in the regencies of Bolaang Mongondow, North Bolaang Mongondow, Minahasa, North Minahasa and South Minahasa. Therefore, this type of bioindustry will be well implemented in the three regencies of Bolaang Mongondow, Minahasa and North Minahasa, as there are large cassava plants and with a high livestock population in these three areas. Although numbers of beef cattle population are also higher in some other regencies, but the production of cassava in those areas are still very small.

Seasonal Phenology of Reptiles in a Mediterranean Environment (â€œCastel di Guidoâ€ Natural Park, Northern Latium, Italy)

Antonio Pizzuti Piccoli, Alessia De Lorenzis

The present work reports the seasonal phenology of the reptiles of the "Castel di Guido" Natural Park near Rome (Northern Latium, Italy). During field observations, between September 2014 and July 2016, transects were carried out along the ecotones of the park, in order to describe the period of seasonal activity of the reptiles present. The area is characterized by Mediterranean mesothermal climate. In the Mediterranean area, reptiles have a broader annual activity range than other European regions, greatly reducing winter latency. Reptile activities start very early, in some case it is possible to observe the snake Hierophis viridiflavus and lizards, such as Podarcis muralis and Podarcis siculus, in thermoregulation activity in the middle of winter. The mild climate that is recorded on average in autumn favors the activity in the period between September and December; Zamenis longissimus is observed regularly in October. Testudo hermanni mates regularly in autumn and it is active until the first decade of December. The research shows that during the winter period reptiles can be observed in activity; for some species, Chalcides chalcides, Podarcis sp., Hierophis viridiflavus, this seems to be a remarkable datum that broad considerably the annual phenology reported in the literature.

Agricultural Restructuring in Vietnamese Mekong Delta: Economic Analysis of Rotational Sesame Production on Rice Field among Small-scale Farmers

Le Canh Bich Tho

The study examined the economic analysis of sesame production compliant withagricultural restructuring plan in rural areas of Vietnamese Mekong Delta. Conditional non-probability sampling technique was employed to select 90 respondents who have produced sesame rotationally on rice field in summer-autumn crop season. Primary data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics including percentage, frequency and farm budget model. Gross Margin analysis was used to estimate cost, returns sesame production in the study area. The study revealed that the average cost, revenue, gross margins of production per hectare was 17.60, 37.38 and 20.56 million VND, respectively.Moreover,the average rate of returnsalsoindicated that with every 1,000 VND invested to sesame production, a farmer made a profit of 1,390 VND. As a result, it can be concluded that sesame farming is profitable in the context of agricultural restructuring strategy from rice to other crops in Mekong Delta region. It is recommended that smallholders should take initiative in participation in sesame cooperatives and ‘big field’ model to be more beneficial to inputs price, harvested machine and formal credit in the beginning of each season.

Eroding Fabrics of Communal Land Ownership in Papua New Guinea

Mr. Lepani Karigawa

This paper analyses the perceptions of 120 landowner-households of Nanadai Clan of Gaire Village in Central Province and Sek Clan of Madang Province concerning breaking apart of communal ownership of customary land in PNG. Previous researches have argued that there is lack of a clear distinction between individual and communal property rights in some parts of Papua New Guinea. The existing weak land administration system and mechanisms have contributed immensely towards tearing apart the bond and connections between clan members and the dismantling of communal land ownership in Papua New Guinea thus, compromising national land administration values and standards. Current practices reveal that customary land is held at the sub-clan, family and individual levels, while the major clans just bear ownership name-tag. The existing land legislation in Papua New Guinea recognises that ownership of customary land is vested in the clans, however, the realities on the ground from the findings of this research indicate otherwise. Therefore, this paper calls for the strengthening of the weak land administration functions and mechanisms together with the review of all existing laws to improve the standards of land administration system in the country. This paper argues that communal land ownership in Papua New Guinea is slowly breaking apart causing disharmony between

Observation for spoilage in fish and beef in a daily simulated local market style of Southwestern, Nigeria

Ilori Opeyemi Damilare, Adekolurejo Opeyemi Oyinda, Awoniyi Tunde Amos Mcjones

The degree of spoilage of fish and beef in a daily simulated market style of southwest, Nigeria was determined by Trimethylamine (TMA) levels in each sample using the standard pictrate technique. 100g of each of the three different parts of a bull (liver, meaty and fatty tissues) and fresh African cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) (liver, meaty portion and head) were purchased twice a week for five weeks from the abattoir and Oja-Oba market in Akure respectively. The samples were subjected to ambient temperature and their degree of spoilage was assessed after 3 hours, 6 hours and 9 hours of purchase. The results showed that, there was no significant difference (P≥ 0.05) in the effect of time (hours) on TMA concentration in different parts of the fish and bull samples, though, the mean concentration of TMA in the fish samples increased with time. However, the degree of spoilage is slower in the bull compared to the fish samples but higher in the late evening (9 hours). Hence, buying and selling of beef in the late evening should be discouraged to avoid consumption of unwholesome meat with high TMA concentrations, while fish should be stored-frozen and sold in deep freezers.

Vegetative Propagation of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels Cuttings: Effects of Nutrient Solution

A. Benbya, M. Mdarhri. Alaoui, F. Gaboun, F. Delporte, S. Cherkaoui

The effects of the mineral composition of nutrient solution (Hoagland and Arnon (HA), Quoirin and Lepoivre (QL), Murashige and Skoog (MS), and Woody Plant Medium (WPM)), cutting type (softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood) and cutting position (basal, medial, and apical) on sprouting and rooting performance of Argania spinosa cuttings were investigated. According to the results, the nutrient solution, cutting type and cutting position had an effect on the sprouting and adventitious rooting ability of A. spinosa cuttings. The leafy semi-hardwood cuttings taking from the basal positions and irrigated with Hoagland solution performed best and produced the highest number of roots (44.63), root length (28.86 cm), and had the highest rooting and survival percentage (63.81% and 96.09%, respectively). The nutrient solution applications caused a notable increase in sprouting and rooting potential of the argan tree. The highest values were recorded for HA and QL, while the MS and WPM gave the poorest result and the greatest mortality rate of cuttings. The cuttings type had also a pronounced effect on vegetative propagation of A. spinosa. The leafy semi-hardwood cuttings performed better than the leafy softwood cuttings, whereas leafless hardwood cuttings were completely unable to sprout and root even when treated with nutrient solutions. Thus, vegetative propagation of A. spinosa can best be achieved using basal leafy semi-hardwood cuttings irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution.

Impact and Awareness of Soil Health Card on Soybean Production Technology in Ujjain block of Ujjain District, M.P, India

Ms. Poonam Chakrawarty, Dr. Sandhya Choudhary, Dr. Abhay Wankhede, Dr. S.K. Jain

The SHC is a simple document, which contains useful data on soil based on chemical analysis of the soil to describe soil health in terms of its nutrient availability and its physical and chemical properties. The SHC is a simple document, which contains useful data on soil based on chemical analysis of the soil to describe soil health in terms of its nutrient availability and its physical and chemical properties. An amount of Rs 568 crore (US$89 million) was allocated by the government for the scheme. In 2016 Union budget of India,100 crore (US$16 million) had been allocated to states for making soil health cards and set up labs. The target for 2015–16 was to collect 100 lakh soil samples and test these for issue of soil health cards. The government plans to distribute 14 crore soil health cards by 2017. it is therefore, important to find out the impact and awareness associated with farmer towards the usefulness and application of Soil Health Card on their agricultural production, diversification and cropping pattern. Considering the above points, an effort will be made to conduct study with the following objective with 120 beneficiaries of KVK Ujjain, M.P. The main findings is majority of beneficiaries were found to have high level of awareness about various components of soybean production technology followed by medium and low level of awareness about various components of Soybean production technology. Introduction Soil is one of the elements required for farming as it provides nutrients to the plants. Healthy soil containing all the elements for growth and development of crop and on the other hand soil deprived of one or more elements either reduces production or degrades quality of crops. Proportion and quantity of macro and micro nutrients refers to the soil health. As far as agriculture production is concerned, soil health plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable production with optimizing the utilization of fertilizers and reducing its wastage. Soil Health Card (SHC) is a scheme launched by the Government of India in February 2015 in Gujarat. The SHC is a simple document, which contains useful data on soil based on chemical analysis of the soil to describe soil health in terms of its nutrient availability and its physical and chemical properties. status of farmers. Madhya Pradesh is known as the Soybean bowl of India, because major chunk of Soybean production is contributed by Madhya Pradesh State alone. Nutrients are essential for plants’ growth and development. When soil nutrients are missing or in short supply, plants suffer from nutrient deficiency and stop growing. Then, application of fertilizers to soils as per requirement is very important to provide balanced nutrients to the plants grown on it. Considering the growing importance of soil testing.

Clusia rosea (Gal Goraka), an Alien Invasive Species Used as Fuelwood for Tea Drying in the Maskeliya Region, Sri Lanka

Fuelwood is the major source of energy for tea drying in Sri Lanka. High moisture content and presence of latex in the wood are the two main problems in using Cluisia as a fuelwood in tea drying. This study was carried out at Moussakellie tea factory and Hapugastenne estate in Maskeliya to evaluate Clusia rosea as a fuelwood species in tea drying. Two fuelwood combinations were evaluated by estimating Specific Fuelwood Consumption (SFC). Moisture content of Clusia wood were measured in relation to stem girth and methods of processing. Wood production of Clusia coppice managed under a six year rotation was measured. The study clearly shows that Clusia rosea is a suitable fuelwood species for tea drying. Clusia showed a higher energy value as inclusion of it in the fuelwood mixtures caused a significant reduction in the Specific Fuelwood Consumption (SFC). Clusia wood can be mixed up to 50% with wild wood for tea drying without causing deposition of latex on heat tubes by maintaining flue gas temperature above 1000C. Results of the study also showed that splitting and peeling are effective methods in removing moisture from Clusia wood. The study also identified the relationship between moisture content and moisture loss with stem girth. The biomass production of Clusia is found to be comparable with common fuelwood species used in tea drying. The study also revealed some characteristics of Clusia that contributes to its invasive behavior.

Morphophyziological and Anatomical Characteristics of Leaves in Accessions of Wild Einkorn (Triticum boeoticum Boiss.)

The aim of this study was to assess the degree of variation between 32 accessions of wild einkorn (Triticum boeoticum Boiss.) on the basic morphophysiological and anatomical characteristics of the flag and subflag leaves. The experiment was carried out during 2016 – 2017 growing seasons in the randomized block design in four replications and 10 m2 plot size. Significant differences among the accessions for all studied characters were recorded. The epidermis of the studied 32 accessions was constructed by strongly elongated prosenhyme cells with flexous walls. The stomatas were with oval to elliptic shape, about 1.5 times longer than wide. The most variable character was the total chlorophyll content. Accessions with numbers B6E0416, B6E0413, B6E0398 and B6E0392 had the largest amount of chlorophyll pigments exceeding the average standard almost twice. The water-to-biomass ratio in the flag leaf was the greatest for B6E0378, B6E0389 and B6E0401, while for the subflag leaves B6E0379, B6E0401 and B6E0385 were with the highest amount of water per unit of dry mass. The correlation between intensity of transpiration and the fresh and dry mass of leaves were slightly negative for flag leaf and slightly positive for subflag leaf. The water content of the subflag leaf had a stronger influence on the morphophysiological parameters compared to the water content of the flag leaf. PC-analysis grouped accessions according to similarity on the basis of investigated morphophysiological and physiological characters in two components in the factor plane.

Molecular Characterization of Three Cultivars of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum L.) in South-West Nigeria Using SSR Markers

Molecular characterisation of local tomato cultivars – Ibadan Local (IbL), Ife and JM94/46 (JM) were assessed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Out of ten SSR primer pairs used, three primer pairs were able to differentiate amplified genomic DNA of the cultivars. Unweighted Pair Group Method Using Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) cluster analysis of the data showed a close relationship between IbL and Ife with a genetic distance (GD) of 0.067; Ife and JM had GD of 0.2 and JM and Ife had GD of 0.25.

Growth Analysis of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) Under the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management

Garima Joshi, M. S. Pal, Aaradhana Chilwal

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most versatile crop having wider adaptability in varied ecologies. Presently baby corn is gaining popularity among Indian farming communities mainly due to its short duration, high market rate, nutritive value and also its multiuse. Baby corn requires higher population and plant nutrition than normal grain corn. Therefore the nutrient management is of immense importance for higher corn production. The present study was thus carried out during Kharif season 2015 at the Instructional Dairy Farm (IDF), Nagla, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to analyse the growth of baby corn under the effect of integrated nutrient management. The experimental design was Randomized Block Design with 11 treatments consisting of sole application of NPK fertilizer, sole application of Azotobacter and Azospirillum, and application of Azotobacter and Azospirillum along with NPK fertilizer. The study revealed that Leaf area index was significantly higher at 50 DAS and harvest under 100% NPK+Azot+Azos. Application of 75% NPK+Azot+Azos had significantly higher at 25-50 DAS while 100% NPK+Azot+Azos gave significantly higher at 50 DAS – harvest. The values remained non significant at both the stages, however the highest was recorded at application of 100% NPK+Azot+Azos. The remained non significant at 25 – 50 DAS but at 50 DAS – harvest, the values recorded significantly higher at 100% NPK+Azot+Azos that remained non significant with all the treatments except control and seed treatment with Azotobacter. The too was recorded non significant by different integrated nutrient management practices at 25-50 DAS but at 50 DAS-harvest, the significantly highest was recorded under control, whereas the lowest was found at application of 100% NPK that remained statistically at par with all other treatments except control. Higher dose of nitrogen coupled with biofertilizers improved the plant growth.

Effect of treated wastewater irrigation on physiological and agronomic properties of beans Vicia faba

The current study investigated the effect of two doses (50%, and 100 %) of treated wastewater (TWW)on biometric and physiologic parameters of Vicia faba beansafter 40 days of exposure. Our data showed a decrease in shoots and roots length and weight in plants amended with TWW. Moreover, a significant decrease in Chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and carotene content was observedin plants irrigated with 100% of TWW. These findings provided new insights on TWW reuse which can cause different types of stress as it may affect the development of cultivated crops.

Germination, vegetative and flowering behavior of Balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.) in response to natural photoperiods

A lack of application of photoperiod and light intensity to manipulate the growth of current spring annuals has, in part, been due to the lack of information identifying the photoperiodic and light intensities requirements of various species. Present pot experiment was carried out at Horticulture Garden, Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, during spring 2017, which was laid out in a three replicated Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Two varieties of balsam (V1= Tom Thumb, V2 = Double Camcellia) were studied under NP1= Control (Normal day length), NP2=3 hrs (8:00 am- 11:00 am), NP3= 6 hrs (8:00 am – 2:00 pm), NP4= 9 hrs (8:00 am-5:00 pm), NP5= Natural shade. Results from the research data revealed significant (P

Effect of glycerol, peanut oil and soybean lecithin contents on the properties of biodegradable film of improved cassava starches from CÃ´te dâ€™Ivoire

— Edible films have been successfully used in the food packaging industry for several decades. Today natural polysaccharides, including cassava starch,are increasingly being used in the production of such biodegradable edible films and food packaging. In Côte d'Ivoire, there are improved cassava varieties whose starches have not yet been tested in the production of biodegradable films. In thisstudy, the optical and mechanical properties and the water solubility of starch-based composite films of four improved cassava varieties withadded glycerol, peanut oil and soy lecithin were determined. Starchwas obtained by cold water extraction from native cassava from the varieties Bocou 1, Bocou 2, Yavo and TMS. Films preparation was made bycasting methodwithcassava, glycerol (25-30 %), peanutoil (5-10 %) and soybean lecithin (0-5 %). Increasing the glycerol content, increased L*color valueand elongationat break and decreased a*, b*, colourdifference (ΔE*ab) and tensilestrength of the composite films. Also, increasing the oil content from 5 to 10%, increased the opacity, b*, ΔE*ab, water solubility, elongationat break but decreased L*, a* and tensilestrength. Similarly, increasing the soy lecithin content from 0 to 5%, increased the opacity, L*, b* and ΔE*ab, but decreased a*, of the starch-based composite films. The results suggest an ideal formulation of 4% starch/25% glycerol/5% oil/5% soy lecithinfor a film with optimum mechanical properties with low solubility.

Multinomial Logit Estimation of Income Sources by Watermelon Farmers in Northeastern Nigeria

N. E.Tiku, P. Saleh, P.R. Waziri-Ugwu, U. Ibrahim, N. Nafisat

The main objective of the research was to use multinomial logit model to estimate income sources of watermelon farmers in northeastern Nigeria. A total of 434 farmers were sampled through multi-stage sampling procedure covering three Local Government Areas of Yobe state, Nigeria. The sources were personal savings, friends and relatives, Bank loans and cooperative/thrift societies. The results revealed that farm size, age and level of education were significant at 5% probability level and positively influenced the utilization of income from friends and relatives. Farmers’ level of education, total cost of production and farm size significantly influenced farmers to obtain loans from banks. The marginal effects were 0.0504, 2.75 and 0.0038 showing the degrees of probabilities the variables can influence bank loans. Watermelon farmers can only obtain loans from cooperative and thrift society based on their farm size, total revenue, age, total cost and their level of output. These variables were significant at 1% and 5% probability levels with appropriate signs. The study concluded that 60% of the farmers fund their farm through personal savings and was difficult to get bank loans. It was recommended that micro-savings be encouraged among farmers and cooperative/thrift societies should be encouraged and adequately developed through the Non-Governmental Organizations.

Detection of Kids milk Quality using Methylene Blue Reduction test

Back ground and Objectives: Milk is a highly nutritious food that serves as an excellent growth medium for a wide range of microorganisms. Rapid, simple and inexpensive microbiological quality determination methods including Methylene Blue Reduction (MBRT) test could be commonly used as a quick method to assess the microbiological quality of raw and pasteurized milk. The aim of study is to determine quality of kids milk using Methylene Blue Dye Reduction Test Methods: A total of 37 samples comprising of kids milk collected at different levels of collection and processed. Accordingly 12 different milk samples from hypermarket, 8 different milk samples from unlicensed hawker (retail market), 11 different samples with additives from hyper market samples and 6 different samples with high price. Samples were collected. One ml of the Methylene Blue Thiocyanate solution added into a test tube then 10 ml of milk poured into test tube. Tubes incubated at 37 oC Results: Results showed that all types of milk that purchased from super market, local market and high price milk types shown no change of methylene Blue color appear on the base of time, that indicate very good quality of the milk. On the base of milk types with additive materials only one milk showed change in colour but after confirm test the colour remained blue and not changed. Conclusion: Methylene blue reduction test is rapid economic method that can be used for detection of milk quality. Approximately all the kids of milks that is purchased in our market and local markets showed sterility and the source contamination if take place may be by storage condition and transvers vehicle.

Study on heavy metals levels and its risk assessment in edible fish (Himantura imbricate) from Persian Gulf

Taherizadeh Mohammad Reza, Behvar Saddi, Koosej Naser

Heavy metals are contaminants of great environmental concern due to their multiple origins (natural and anthropogenic), the ability to accumulate in organs and tissues, and the deleterious effects they can cause in organisms. Studies on the accumulation of metals in seafood, such as fish, have increased in importance due to the risk for human health when consuming fish contaminated by metals. The present work was aimed at verifying the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in the muscular tissue of Himantura imbricate (from the Persian Gulf in Hormozgan province, Iran. Samples were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. There were significant variations among heavy metal accumulation levels of the species and their regions. The heavy metal concentrations found in regions varied for Cd: 0.14, Ni: 0.33, Pb: 0.02 in Qeshm and Cd: 0.25, Ni: 0.48, Pb: 0.03, µg/g in Suoroo. The heavy metal concentrations of fish in Qeshm were lower than those of fish from Suoroo regions. This research showed that heavy metal concentrations in muscle of investigated specie were also lower than the maximum levels set by law.

Effects of Livelihood Sustenance Activities on Off-Farm Income of Poultry Farmers in IMO State, Nigeria

The study analysed the off farm income and its effect on livelihood sustenance of poultry farmers in Imo state.Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents. Data for the study were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square bivariate regression model. Results showed that: the mean off-farm income of poultry farmers was N410223 per annum. Livelihood sustenance activities of poultry farmers positively and significantly affected their off-farm income. It is recommend that government should come up policies that will center on establishment of more livelihood sustenance activities for poultry farmers that will generate increased off-farm income and promote agricultural development simultaneously.

Variability in Selected Soil Properties of Soils of Dissimilar Parent Materials in the Humid Tropics

Nkwopara U.N.

The study investigated variability of selected soil properties of soils derived from different parent materials (that is false bedded sandstone and Imo clay shale) in the humid tropic. Soil samples were collected from horizons based on profile differentiation. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using coefficient of variation (CV) and correlation. There were variations in soil properties of the two studied areas. Results showed that soil properties differed in their degree of variation among the parent materials. Sand content had little variation in both soils (CV = 6.56 % and CV = 17.23 %) for false bedded sandstone and Imo clay shale respectively. Clay had moderate variation in both soils (CV =40.17% and 36.50 %) for false bedded sand stone and Imo clay shale respectively. Bulk density and pH had little variation in both soils CV =7.30 % and CV =4.29) in false bedded sandstone while (CV =6.16 % and 4.85 %) in Imo clay shale. Organic matter varied highly in false bedded sandstone (CV =51.32 %) while in Imo clay shale it varied moderately (CV = 42.30 %). Organic matter had positive significant relationship with clay content in both soils (r =0.98, 0.99, P < 0.05) for false bedded sandstone and Imo clay shale respectively. pH had a negative relationship with Available phosphorus in false bedded sandstone (r =- 0.45, P < 0.05) while in Imo clay shale pH had positive significant relationship with Available phosphorus ( r =0.96, P< 0.05). pH had non- significant positive relationship with organic matter in both soils (r = 0.63, 0.06, p < 0.05) for false bedded sandstone and Imo clay shale respectively. A more intensive soil sampling from the study area with the inclusion of more parameters will provide a better and reliable representation of the variability of soil properties even at a regional scale.

Water Use Efficiency of Selected Cowpea Cultivars (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) Grown on Residual Soil Moisture in Northeast Nigeria

Mohammed Modu Njiti, Yusuf Usman, Adam Lawan Ngala

A field experiment was carried out in the Fadama of Jere bowl to assess the water extraction and water use efficiency of two improved (IT 86D-719 and IT88D-867-11) and one local (Borno Brown ) cowpea cultivars grown on residual soil moisture. The three cowpea cultivars and a control were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The result showed that yield and growth parameters were significantly (P< 0.05) different amongst the three cowpea cultivars. The improved cultivars gave significantly (P< 0.05) higher seed yields than the local cultivar. Cultivar IT 86D-719 had the highest seed yield of 893.0 kg ha-1 while the cultivar Borno Brown had the lowest seed yield of 675.3 kg ha-1. On the other hand the cultivar Borno Brown had the highest 100 seed weight compared to the improved cultivars. The result also showed that water extraction in all the cultivars increased with depth, with maximum extraction occurring at the depth of 80-100 cm, suggesting that the lower soil layers were more effective in supplying water as the hydraulic conductivities of surface layers decreased. The water use efficiency of the two improved varieties of IT86D-719 (63.56 kg/m3) and IT88D-867-11(70.06 kg/m3), were higher compared to the local variety (45.69 kg/m3). Borno brown and IT 88D-867-11 are good water extractors at field capacity but low extractors at moisture stress. IT 88D-867-11 displayed sign of higher extraction rate than IT 86D-719 at field capacity, but IT86D-719 displayed a higher extraction capacity at moisture stress (20WAS).

Sorption of lead on variable charged soils as affected by temperature and time in three Provinces of China

U.N. Nkwopara, H. Hu

Effect of temperature and time on Lead (Pb) adsorption and affinity of the adsorbed Pb was evaluated in three acidic soils from China. The distribution coefficient increased slightly with increasing temperature up to 35 0C and then decreased at 450C.The increase of temperature was not favorable to sorption. The heat of reaction (△H) was positive (endothermic) at lower temperatures, while it was negative (exothermic) at higher temperatures. It was observed that there was an increase in the percent adsorption of Pb2+ within the first 8 min of the reaction and a decrease within 20 min of the reaction. The equilibrium was reached after 40min with 95.8 %, 87.4 % and 83.8 % for the Yellow brown soil (YBS), Latosol soil (LS) and Lateritic red soil (LRS) respectively. The analysis of images obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with adsorbed Pb showed coverage of the surface with white layer (molecular cloud).

GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in methanolic extract of tubers of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) DC. - Fabaceae

Bindu T.K., P.S. Udayan

The present experiment was designed to determine the bioactive constituents from tuber extracts of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) DC. of the family Fabaceae. The medicinal value of a plant species is dependent upon its various phytochemical constituents. The chemical compositions of the methanolic extract of tubers of P. tuberosa were investigated using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry and about nineteen bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified. The prevailing compounds were 2, 3-Dimethylaziridine; 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 2-hydroxy-; 2-Hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone; 3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione; 2,5- Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3 (2H) – furanone; Butane 2-methyl; Oxetane; Maltol; 1, 5-Anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2,3-diulose; 2, 3-Dihydro-2, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-One; 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, Phenol,2,6-dimethoxy; Dodecanoic Acid; Guanosine; Tetradecanoic acid; Myo-inositol; Hexadecanoic Acid; 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester and Cis-vaccenic acid. This was the first report on identification of bioactive compounds from methanolic extract of tubers of P. tuberosa.

Spatial Modeling of Cold Lava Flood Evacuation in Kali Putih, Magelang Regency, Using Network Analyst

Soma Trenggana

The event of Mount Merapi's phreatic eruption, at least reminds us that the riverbank of Kali Putih which is located in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province has not been completely free from the threat of cold lava flood, especially during the rainy season. Therefore, a preventive action in relation to cold lava flood mitigation matters needs to be done. As part of the preventive action, a spatial modeling was carried out in Kali Putih to get an overview of the number and distribution of affected residential areas, the location and distribution of temporary evacuation sites (TES), the most effective number of final evacuation sites (FES), and various evacuation routes formed. Modeling began by calculating the level of vulnerability of cold lava in Sub Watershed of Kali Putih to get the most vulnerable areas for cold lava flood. 3D analyst and spatial analyst were used at this stage. The analysis was continued to calculate the number of affected settlements, using vector-based analysis. Furthermore, the determination of the number and distribution of TES, the number and distribution of FES, and determination of evacuation routes were carried out using Network Analyst. From this spatial modeling, the following results were obtained: 66 out of 179 residential areas were most likely affected by cold lava flood, 23 temporary evacuation sites (TES), and 7 final evacuation sites (FES), 57 evacuation routes from affected settlements to TES, and 22 evacuation routes from TES to FES

A Review of Solid Waste Management in Waste Bank Activity Problems

Lina Rahayu Suardi, Budhi Gunawan, Mahfud Arifin, Johan Iskandar

This paper presents a review of solid waste management problems, with a particular focus on the household waste management through community participation in waste bank activity problems. Waste, especially solid waste is a problem that will continue to exist. Waste is generated by human’s effort to fulfil their needs of life. Solid waste that continues to accumulate in the environment will cause negative impact which can interfere with human life itself. One of the example is the outbreak of a disease that lowers the level of public health. The negative impact will affect our environment, social, and economy aspect. Until now, public awareness of the importance of processing waste is still very low. This is due to several factors such as economic conditions, education, and social attitudes of the society itself. Nowadays, every country in this world try to do solid waste management because it’s effect to humanity. One of the efforts to assist in the case of solid waste management is by the existence of waste bank. Waste bank is expected to be a sustainable solution to overcome the existing waste problems in the society. Society can get several benefits from waste bank because not only reduce the existing solid waste but also can improve the economic quality of the society with the payment system. The payment system is to exchange waste from society with some payments. The factors that affect the sustainability of waste banks are Awareness, knowledge, equipment, support, and infrastructure.

Making the best of a Human modified Habitat; an Assessment of Avian Distribution and Diversity in Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe. Gombe State- Nigeria

Nsor C.A, Aliyu B, Zhigla D, Dauda E, Cleophas B. A

We assessed the abundance and diversity of avian species in two distinct habitats types; main campus area (human inhabited) and adjoining heavily degraded savannah grassland.By employing Jaccard/ Tanimoto Coefficient of Similarity, we tested whether bird species assemblage will differ between the two habitats, while Shannon Weiner Diversity Index was used to determine the level of diversity between sites. Line transect assessment generated a total of 1035 individuals of 69 avian species from 53 genera and 32 families. The most diverse avian family was Estrildidae with nine (9) avian species, followed by Columbidae with six (6), while Falconidae, Nectriniidae, and Turdidae families had a record of four (4) species each. Five families (Ardeidae, Malaconotidae, Ploceidae, Silviidae, Sturnidae) and five families (Accipitridae, Bucerotidae, Capitonidae, Viduidaeand Psittacidae) followed with three (3) and (2) species respectively. Seventeen(17) families were each represented by a single species. Jaccard/ Tanimoto Coefficient revealed that species composition differed between the two habitats with a similarity coefficient of 66.7 %, while Shannon Weiner Diversity Index was 1.56 and 1.67 for human inhabited(HI) and degraded savannah (DS) habitats respectively. The proximity to a natural savannah habitat albeit degraded has positive implications for avian diversity in the study area. We recommend more exclusion of human activities such as fuel wood harvesting and land grab for farming as this has grave consequences for the thriving population of species that are sensitive to human presence and urbanization.

Isolation and Characterization of Plant growth-promoting Endophyticdiazotrophic Bacteria from Sri Lankan Rice Cultivars and Rapid Screening for their effect on Plant Growth Promotion

Kumarapeli K.A.D.V., Perera U.I.D., Welikala N.

The present study was conducted to isolate and identify endophyticdiazotrophic bacteria in two Sri Lankan rice (Oryza Sativa L.) varieties; Suwandel and Bg 358 and to evaluate their potential to promote rice plant growth. A total of 15 putative endophyticdiazotrophic bacterial isolates were obtained from shoots and roots of Suwandel and Bg 358 rice varieties out of which 7 isolates were selected based on their ability to produce IAA and phosphate solubilization. According to the morphological characters and biochemical tests, these bacteria were identified belong to genera Bacillus (IN003, IN006, and IN007), Klebsiella (IN008 and IN018), Pantoea (IN009), and Enterobacter (IN015). All selected bacterial isolates produced IAA (7.1µmgl-1 to 30.9 µ mgl-1) in the tryptophan supplemented medium. Five out of seven bacterial isolates (IN006, IN007, IN008, IN015, and IN018) were able to solubilize inorganic phosphate on Pikovskaya’s agar medium. Rice seeds (Suwandel variety) treated with these endophyticdiazotrophic bacteria with plant growth-promoting ability showed significantly enhanced shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root fresh weight compared to the uninoculated control. Plant inoculation experiment indicated that Enterobacter sp. (IN015) was most effective in rice plant growth promotion among seven bacterial isolates tested. These results strongly suggest that endophyticdiazotrophic bacteria characterized in this study could be successfully used to promote rice plant growth.

Relevance of Industrial Wastes from Jatropha curcas L. Seed in Agricultural Biotechnology

Akogwu R.D., Aguoru C.U., Ikpa F., Ogbonna I., Olasan J.O.

This paper investigated the usefulness of seed cake and husk as industrial wastesgenerated from Jatrophacurcas in biotechnology. Seeds were dehulled, milled and processed for biodiesel production at department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, New York, USA.Proximate analysis of the wastes generated (seed husk and cake) was carried out the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. All concentrations were determined using the Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer Agilent 4200 (MP-AES) model. Statistical analysis was done on the Minitab software 16.The cake contained 35% moisture, 17% ash, 40% lipid, 70% protein and 78% carbohydrate.However, fibre content in husk (27%) was higher than in cake (16%). The husk also contained fairly high amount of carbohydrate (47.8%).Phosphorus was high in both husk and cake (17.1% and 22.3% respectively). The cake contained higher quantities of micronutrients than the husk with significant differences (t=2.243, p=0.05). The seed cake and husks are rich organic sources of manure as they contain basic nutrients needed by plants to grow. The high amount of protein and carbohydrate makes them perfect candidates as animal feeds when detoxified. From all indicators except in fibre and potassium contents, the seed cake is better than the seed husk. The combined strength and properties of both seed husk and cake should be exploited in Agricultural biotechnology. The two wastes are relevant in both crop and animal production when used as organic manure and animal feeds respectively.

Concepts and Characteristics of Complex Systems and Final Energy Usage

Maira Dzedzej, Hirdan Katarina de Medeiros Costa

The growth, development and urban densification are related to consumption and energy dependence. In relation to the consumption of electric energy, such as cities and their regions with predominance of residential, commercial and more vulnerable services. It is vital the understanding of the various interactions between people and energy of utmost importance for 21st century cities and their spatial behavior and distribution. Cities can be understood as Urban Energy Systems - SEU, which represent the combined processes of consumption and energy acquisition as a supply of demands of an urban population. Systems, represented by cities, regions, sub-districts and districts are like space units, infrastructure facilities consisting of homes, buildings, schools, business centers, large shopping centers and streets that connect these space units. The energy issue is closely related to a spatial occupation and distribution of cities. Therefore, this paper explores this conceptual discussion, based on the theoretical and philosophical development of socio-ecological systems, comes with the main objective of serving as a tool for subsidizing urban energy planning and a proposal of public policies for a reduction of urban energy vulnerability.