Volume 5 Number 3 (May 2020)

Effect of Sex and Seasonal Changes on New Zealand Rabbit Fur under Egyptian Semi-Arid Conditions

Taha E.A., Nasr A.I., Essa D.G., Kassem S.T., El-Shemy K.A.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of season and sex on New Zealand White rabbits’ fur under Egyptian semi-arid conditions. A total of 40 rabbits (20 males and 20 females) aged 3.5 to 4 months were used during two subsequent seasons; summer and winter (20 rabbits in each season). Skin samples were taken pre-slaughtering to determine the histological and histochemical parameters and skin layer thicknesses. After slaughtering and chrome tanning of skinned furs, the mechanical and chemical properties were determined on the chrome tanned furs. The current study was detected variations in the skin characteristics and tanned fur properties due to both season and sex. The summer and females skins were thicker in papillary layer vs. reticular layer than winter and males skins to accommodate the increment of the follicle activity. Additionally, the skins' follicles of both summer and females skins were denser and smaller which produced finer fibers with lower homogeneity than those of the corresponding winter and males ones, respectively. Therefore, both summer and female tanned furs were the lower quality due to the decrement in reticular layer thickness and increment of follicle density. The study concluded that all skins had most fibers < 30 µm and thus their furs are suitable for using without causing irritation to humans when worn next to the skin. Also, the tanned furs could be used in garment leather manufacturing after reinforcing with textile padding.

Structure of the weed in Solanaceae Crops in Divo, Sinfra and Djebonoua (CÃ´te Dâ€™ivoire)

Sylla Moussa, DiomandÃ© Souleymane, GuÃ© ArsÃ¨ne, TraorÃ© karidia, Soro Dodiomon

The study focused on the structure of the weed of Solanaceae crops (eggplant, chilli and tomato) in Côte d'Ivoire, specifically in Divo, Sinfra and Djebonoua. Its objective is to characterize the weed using botanical and biological parameters. Thus, itinerant surveys were carried out during the 2013 cropping season in Solanaceae crops. This work permits to identify 40 weed species belonging to 32 genera distributed in 20 families. The dominant families are: Euphorbiaceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae and Malvaceae. Among these families, the Asteraceae and Poaceae are the most diversified. Biologically, the therophytes clearly dominate this flora followed by nanophanerophytes. The study area has a heterogeneous floristic distribution. The composition, richness and diversity of flora, the biological spectrum and the similarity between the weed of the different towns have been determined in the Solanaceae crops. These data are necessary for the implementation of effective weed management strategies.

Production and physicochemical properties of labneh anbaris, a traditional fermented cheese like product, in Lebanon

Ossama Dimassi, Youmna Iskandarani, Michel Afram, Raymond Akiki, Mohamed Rached

The aim of this study is to explore labneh anbaris production and physicochemical properties in Lebanon. Traditionally, it was done to preserve leftover milk by addition of salt and following natural-fermentation in an earthenware-vessel to produce a cheese like dairy product. In Lebanon there is 86 active dairy industries, of which only 7 produce Anbaris; annotated as industrial anbaris (IA) in this study. Eighty one household anbaris samples were collected from 16 locations distributed among one governate, Baalbek-Hermel (BHA), and two districts, Shouf (SHA) and Western-Beqaa (WBA). Water activities of anbaris were higher than 0.954. Total solids of WBA are significantly the lowest with values from IA, BHA and SHA did not differ significantly from each other. Milk to anbaris conversion values, kg-milk/kg-anbaris of WBA was significantly the highest. WBA and BHA had significantly the highest titratable acidity and the lowest pH. The salt content did not differ significantly among anbaris from household and industrial origin. The fat value of WBA was significantly the lowest. Protein content did not differ significantly. Anbaris can be classified as full fat, soft, fermented type of cheese from raw milk. The variation in physicochemical attributes, between the regions and origin of anbaris, necessities further studies to better assess the factors affecting anbaris production. The low pH (3.76) renders this product shelf stable against bacterial spoilage and has big potential to reduce the waste in the milk industry.

Impact of plot maintenance and level of cocoa tree leaf cover on spread of Swollen shoot disease in CÃ´te d'Ivoire: Case of Petit-Bondoukou site

Swollen shoot is a viral disease of cocoa that is developing in the region of Soubré and is causing very serious damage. However, little is known about the epidemiological factors responsible for this disease, which makes it difficult to control the swollen shoot virus. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of plot maintenance level and the leaf cover of tree on the prevalence of Swollen shoot disease at the site of Petit-Bondoukou. The observation system consists of a sentinel size 10 km X 10 km. Each sentinel site is made up of 16 clusters of 2.5 km X 2.5 km containing about 10 plots which constitute the different observation points. In this study, observations were made in 4 plots of the site. The variables measured during data collection were the number of trees affected by the swollen shoot, the leaf cover level of each test tree and the maintenance level of sampling plots. A descriptive analysis was carried out with the data in order to understand their dispersal. Comparative analysis of swollen shoot prevalence and leaf cover level using the one-way ANOVA showed a significant relationship. Comparison of swollen shoot prevalence and plot maintenance level using the Kruskall-Wallis test showed that the prevalence of swollen shoot disease did not depend on the maintenance level. However, the leaf cover level of the test trees influenced the prevalence of swollen shoot disease. This is justified by the fact that test trees with low or medium leaf cover had significantly higher prevalences of CSSV.

Importance of Ecological Awareness in Sustainability: Example of Siirt University Faculties of Agriculture and Education

Altuntas Arzu, Cengiz Mustafa

The change of lifestyles and the increase of environmental / ecological problems from day by day are the important issues on a global scale. Developing the ecological awareness of the individuals who are commonwealth is an important step in solving these problems. For this reason, today, almost every stage of education of the new generation (from kindergarten to university) is given importance to ecological knowledge and it is tried to transfer this knowledge to life styles. The aim of this study is to determine and compare ecological awareness levels in undergraduate departments with ecology education and to evaluate the change of this awareness according to socio demographic characteristics. For this purpose, an ecological awareness survey was applied to 209 students who received undergraduate education at the Faculties of Agriculture and Education at Siirt University. The survey results were analyzed with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 20.0 package program using t-test and ANOVA test. According to the results of the analysis, there was no significant difference between the two faculty students in terms of ecological awareness. . In other words, according to the survey results, there is an ecological awareness in both groups. . But this awareness does not make a difference between each other. The results obtained from the research reveal the importance of ecological awareness and living with ecological consciousness for the solution of problems such as environmental problems, damage to nature and limited natural resources.

Molecular characterization of crude oil degrading bacterial isolates from polluted soils and cow dung

Crude oil contamination of agricultural soil is frequent in the Niger- Delta Region of Nigeria and can devastate the soil thereby, negatively affecting the socio-economic lives of the people. This study aimed to characterize twelve bacterial isolates with potential for crude oil degradation using conventional and molecular tools. Isolates with potential for crude oil degradation were selected from among the crude oil degrading bacteria obtained from petroleum contaminated agricultural soils and Cow dung all in Ondo State, Nigeria. The identities of the isolates were confirmed via morphological and biochemical characterization and thereafter the CTAB method was used to prepare the DNA. PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene of isolates was carried out using universal primers for bacteria. The PCR products were then purified using ethanol precipitation and thereafter sequenced with automated DNA sequencing machine. The sequence data were compared with gene sequences in GenBank database (NCBI) using a BLAST search to find closely related sequences. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences were examined in order to determine the evolutionary relatedness of the isolates. Results revealed eight (8) gram positive bacteria consisting of Staphylococcus hominis, Geobacillus sp., Lactobacillus plantarum and four (4) different species of Bacillus, while the gram negative bacterial isolates were Brevundimonas diminuta, Klebsiella oxytoca, Esherichia coli and Enterobacter tabaci with 83% to 100% ribosomal RNA homology. Crude oil degrading bacteria characterized in this study can be developed as inoculums with high survival and activity to bioaugment the degradation of crude oil polluted agricultural soil.

Impacts of Topsoil Removal due to Brick Manufacturing on Soil Properties of Agricultural Lands at Nagarpur Upazila of Tangail, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to compare soil nutrients status between agricultural land and top soil removal land from surrounding area of brick field due to brick manufacturing at Nagarpur region, Tangail, Bangladesh, during the period of July to December 2018. Total 30 samples were collected from three different brickfields area namely S1, S2, S3. Among them 10 samples were collected from each site whereas 5 samples from productive agricultural land and 5 samples from removal land at a depth 0-15 cm. The overall study stated that the status of % organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), available sulfur (S), available zinc (Zn), available boron (B), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) were decreased in top soil removal land. The mean status of these nutrients were very low (0.92%), very low (0.053%), very low (3.34 µg g-1 soil), very low (0.09 meq100g-1 soil), optimum (22.8 µg g-1 soil), very high (3.80µg g-1 soil), low (0.28 µg g-1 soil), optimum (1.26 meq100g-1 soil) and very low (1.25 meq100g-1 soil) respectively in top soil removal land. On the other hand these were medium (2.49%), low (0.14%), very low (4.82 µg g-1 sol), low (0.16 meq100g-1 soil), high (35.07µg g-1 soil), very high (4.14 µg g-1 soil), medium (0.42 µg g-1 soil), very high (4.35 meq100g-1 soil) and high (6.36 meq100g-1 soil) respectively in adjacent agricultural land. The cropping patterns of the agricultural land were Mustard- Boro rice-Jute but Fellow-Fellow-Jute in top soil removal land. The economic analysis showed a gross of 1845.24 US$ net loss per hectare per annum of crops yield due to top soil removal for brick manufacturing in the brick field.

Compatibility of new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema dharanaii Kulkarni et al., 2012 (Nematoda: Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from India with some modern biopesticides

Sanjay Paunikar, Nitin Kulkarni

The paper reports the compatibility of Infective Juveniles (IJs) ofnew species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema dharanaii (TFRIEPN-15) was evaluated against some new generation biopesticides (9 products comprising of 5 botanical pesticides, Neem Gold®, Neem oil®, Agropest Bt. ®, Derisome®, Ozomite®, 3 microbial pesticides, Bioprahar®, Conserve® , Delfine®) and 1 Insect Growth Regulator (Cigna®). The freshly harvested Infective Juveniles (IJs) were exposed to the desired concentration of the biopesticides, which normally ranged from concentration lower to higher concentration specific to the type of biopesticides for 72 hours and data on the survival in IJs was recorded. The iinfectivity of the surviving IJs was also tested in laboratory against the wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella. The results showed that the EPNs survival on highest concentration of different biopesticides such as, Neemgold 2.0% survival 84.76%, Neem oil 1.0% survival 86.28%, Spinosad 1.5% survival 91.63%,Agropest Bt. 2.0% survival 94.16, Bioprahar 2.0% survival 93.60%, Cigna 2.0% survival 75.94%, Derisome 0.3% survival 71.55%, Delfin 0.10% survival 42.69 and Ozomites 0.2% survival 44.95% respectively. The results indicated no detrimental effect on the survival, infectivity and progeny production of EPN, Steinernema dharanaii (TFRIEPN-15), which were exposed recommended lower to highest concentration of the nine selected biopesticides. The experimental results discussed in the paper are important considering the future possibility of combination treatments against the major forest insect pests under Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.

Environmental Pollution and ways to Reduce Contamination with use of Environmental Engineering Techniques in Metropolises of Developing Countries

Pedram Saremi

Environmental pollution comes from a variety of sources. With the advancement of human civilization and the development of technology and population growth, now the world is facing a problem called pollution in air and land, which threatens the lives of the world's inhabitants. One of the current crises is environmental pollution, which mostly is considered to be the result of the technology, industrial and agricultural development expansion. If there is no control over the Progressive and exponential growth of this phenomenon, we will face an environmental catastrophe and disaster. In a simple definition, environmental pollution is any change in the Features of environmental components, i.e. water, soil, air, etc., so that it is impossible to use them optimally and endangers the lives of living organisms directly or indirectly. Access to healthy and adequate food, drinking water and clean air is the most obvious right of all humans, and the production and provision of these needs for citizens is an inherent duty of all governments. On the other hand, preserving the environment along with agricultural and industrial production activities is very important. The issue of environmental pollution and the creation of a sustainable environment is the main concern of all humans on earth. Fortunately, with the use of biotechnology and the available capabilities in nature, the Environmental damage rate can be minimized. One of the environmental needs around us is to maintain and control it from all kinds of pollution, destruction and misuse of nature. Environmental pollution occurs in various ways which requires the use of new engineering methods to protect and control environmental pollution. Today, environmental engineering and environmental control is one of the key and vital issues in human life. In the present article, the impact of pollution on environmental factors such as climate, sound and noise, traffic, etc. on the environment, as well as ways to reduce pollution with the help of environmental engineering techniques have been studied.

Microbial stimulating potential of Pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) and Coconut (Cocos nucifera) husk char in crude-oil polluted soil

Onuoha E. M., Ekpo I. A., Anukwa F. A., Nwagu K. E.

The bioremediation potential of ten different treatments formed from two organic sources of nutrients: coconut husk ash (CHA) and pineapple peel (PP) on 5kg of soil polluted with 400ml of crude oil were monitored for 84 days. The changes in the physicochemical properties of the soil were observed, the degradation process was monitored by; the measure of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) loss, the total bacterial and fungal counts, the crude oil utilizing bacterial and fungal counts. The result revealed that there was a reduction in the soil TPH with all treatments and also the polluted control, which may be owing to natural attenuation. The treatment, PP12 was seen to have the lowest TPH value of 40.40 ± 0.40 mg/kg at the 84th day with a percentage reduction of 89.90. This was followed by the PP8 (49.733±0.267mg/kg) and PP4 (70.000±0.577mg/kg), also the POC (polluted control) had a concentration of 245.333±1.453mg/kg at the 84th day which is a 38.67% reduction. The treatment, CHA12 influenced the TPH to a concentration of 78.000±1.528mg/kg which was an 80% reduction. The total bacterial count had the highest CFU/g of 2.06 x 107 ± 0.006 on the soil treated with CHAPP12 and the least count was at POC (2.3 x 106± 0.007cfu/g). Crude oil utilizing bacteria were least with the POC (0.21 x 104 ± 0.010 CFU/g) and were more at the PP12 treated soil (1.3 x 105 ± 0.012). Some of the probable bacterial isolates identified through biochemical testing included Bacillus spp., Serratia spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Aeromonas spp.and Staphylococci spp. The fungi isolates ranged from 3.0 x 104 CFU/g to 6.0 x 104CFU/g and identified fungi included Cephalosporiumspp, Coccidioides immitis, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium spp, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, and Moraxella spp.

Consumersâ€™ willingness, behaviors, and attitudes to pay a price premium for local organic foods in Nepal

Saugat Khanal

For a few years, the consumers’ concerns about environmental and health issues related to organic food products have risen; consequently, the demand for organically grown products has increased and hence the tendency of paying a surplus amount for those products. Keeping this point in view, a study was undertaken in 2020 to investigate the factors affecting consumers’ potential willingness to pay premium prices for organic food products in Nepal. The research applied different research methods, in particular, public opinion analysis based on the conducted surveys and the statistical inference method. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test which revealed that men were more willing than women to select local organic foods due to their disbelief in conventional foods and their selection was more often than in case of women based on the price of the organic foods. This survey results showed 9.55 percent of respondents would not be willing to pay a premium price, while 91.45 percent would be willing to pay a certain percentage of surplus amounts for organic foods. Results have revealed that factors like personal disposable income, original product price, consumers’ lifestyle, self-congruity, Ethics of production, etc. affect the consumer’s attitude to paying a premium price. Moreover, health consciousness, environmental protection concerns, and food safety concerns increase the willingness of consumers to purchase organic foods. However, high prices, the paucity of regular supply, insufficient information about the benefits of organic foods, and others have negatively influenced the consumers regarding the purchasing perceptions. In this regard, the research findings can be used to assess the development prospects of the organic foods market, to construct a set of measures increasing the willingness level of the consumers to pay a price premium for local foods, and to take up decisions about the production of organic foods.

Bilimbi Fruit (Averrhoabilimbi) Juice

Jessica D. Astillo

The main thrust of this study was to determine the profile of Bilimbi Fruit (Averrhoabilimbi) Juice in terms of ingredients and costing, tools and equipment, procedure, shelf life, nutritive value, microbial analysis and sensory qualities and level of preferences in three different treatments in the aspect of color, flavor, aroma, and texture. The study utilized experimental design with the aid of a descriptive questionnaire that determined the sensory preferences of the respondents towards the three treatments of the juice (i.e., plain, grapes, apple) in terms of color, flavor, aroma, texture. This study was conducted at Bohol Island State University in the six campuses with one hundred eighty-two (182) purposively selected respondents who tasted and rated the juice. After the data were retrieved, these were tabulated and interpreted using the Average Weighted Mean. The Chi- Square Test of Independence was used to obtain the difference of the respondents’ sensory preferences of the three treatments. Findings revealed that the ingredients and tools in making the Bilimbi Fruit (Averrhoabilimbi) Juice were minimal, less expensive, and were available in the locale market. Shelf life ranged for 1 to 7 days at room temperature. All treatments of “Bilimbi Fruit” Averrhoabilimbi Juice was liked by the respondents in all four attributes. Generally, the result of the study showed that there was a significant difference in the respondents’ preferences of “Bilimbi Fruit” Averrhoabilimbi Juice in terms of color, flavor, odor, and texture. Thus the null hypothesis is rejected. Research findings showed that “Bilimbi Fruit” Averrhoabilimbi Juice was a feasible nutritious Juice Drink safe for human consumption. Hence, a proposed technology guide is offered for the dissemination of the research output.

Assessment of Phycoremediation Efficiency of Spirogyra Maxima by using Heavy Metals Manganese and Lead

Nimisha P, Dr. Sincy Joseph

Heavy metals are non-degradable pollutants and must be removed or reduced to acceptable limits before discharging into the environment to avoid threats to living organisms. This study was carried out to assess Manganese and Lead removal efficiency of the Spirogyra maxima isolated from ponds. The heavy metal removal capacity of the algal species was investigated for the period of 30 days at room temperature (28±20C) and regular light. The percentage Manganese removal on day 30 by Spirogyra species was 76.81% and the percentage removal of the lead is above 90%. In the present study, the capacities of live green algae, Spirogyra maxima were evaluated for toxic heavy metals, Pb, Mn from water bodies. The study examines the possibility of using live Spirogyra to biologically remove aqueous Lead and Manganese of low concentration from waste water. These algae proved that efficient biological vectors for heavy metal uptake.

In vitro regeneration of Anacardium occidentale from shoot tip and basal part

The culture of cashew (Anacardiumoccidentale L.) is the main source of income for populations in northern Côte d'Ivoire, with an estimated production of 725 000 tonnes in 2017, but the average yield remains low likely due to the lack of elite planting material and hence use of unselected plant material by mostfarmers. For mass propagation of such a material, in vitro methods are necessary. Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain surviving explants from mature plants grown in the field, whereby explants from seedlings obtained by in vitro germination are the most suitable for micropropagation of cashew.The objective of this study was to propagate under in vitroconditionselite plants of Anacardiumoccidentaleto be used as planting material. In Nangui Abrogoua University laboratory,shoot tip and basal part explants derived from vitroplants of 16-day-old were transferred onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations of cytokinins.After one month of culture, the induced shoots were placed onto different strengths of MS medium withvarious concentrations of sucrose and auxin. The highest number of buds (9) was recorded with the basal explants on medium supplemented withThidiazuron (TDZ) at 0.01 mg/l. The highest shoots (3 cm) were obtained with these sameexplantson a medium without growth regulators. A½ MS with 60 g/l of sucrose and 5 mg/l of IBA induced the highest rooting percentage (72%) and number of roots (4 roots) in a short time (16 days).

Urban Sprawl Causes and Impacts on Agricultural Land in Wote Town Area of Makueni County, Kenya

Alice Kwamboka Omasire, J M Kimondiu, and P. Kariuki

Urban sprawl on agricultural lands has become a global phenomenon plaguing all countries of the world, rich or poor and is mainly influenced by spatial growth of urban areas. Spatial growth in urban areas is an inevitable phenomenon hence the need to regulate it. The aim of this research was to establish the effects of urban sprawl and land use change in the area of Wote town in Makueni County, Kenya.Purposive sampling was used to subdivide the study area into two clusters (Kamunyolo and Unoa). The target population for the study were the natives who own land and live within the study area. The research identified increase in urban population (14%), low agricultural returns (29%), demand for housing (16%) and weak ineffective land institutions (13%) as the major causes of urban sprawl in Wote town. The major impacts of sprawl were found to be diminishing agricultural land (55%), pressure on the existing infrastructure (17%) and increase in land values (14%).The research points that the current urban sprawl is very prevalent and of major concern for attainment of two sustainable development goals (improved agricultural food production and affordable housing) in Kenya . The urban sprawl has both positive and negative effects. However, the negative effects far outweigh positive effects, with diminishing agricultural land being the greatest negative effect. There is need therefore, to regulate urban sprawl to optimize positive effects while minimizing the negative effects.

Analysis of fermented liquid fertilizer from marine crab waste

T. Ramesh, A. Amuthavalli, R. Boopathy

Soil is the main source of supplying essential nutrients for plant growth. In agricultural practice, when a particular nutrient or a group of nutrients are absent in the soil, it may affect the growth of the plant. Thus, most of the farmers practicing to apply chemical fertilizers to overcome the soil nutrient deficiency. Chemical fertilizers enhance the soil fertility on one hand whereas on the other hand it cause environmental pollution. Therefore alternative methods of soil nutrition practice must be considered. Hence this work focused to prepare fermented liquid fertilizer to enhance the plant growth. In the present study the fermented liquid fertilizer was prepared by fermenting the Portunussanguinolentus (Herbst, 1783) crab wastes with jaggery. After 15 days, the fermented liquid from crab waste was filtered and used for further study. The harvested liquid subjected to physico chemical and microbial analysis. The functional group and active compounds present in the fermented liquid was analyzed through FT-IR and GC-MS study. Phytotoxicity of the fermented liquid was determined through seed germination assay by using TMV-7 ground nut seeds. The result showed that the fermented liquid was diluted in water in the ratio of 1:100 exhibited higher seed germination when compared to other test dilutions and control. Thus the present work strongly supports the view that the traditionally fermented crab waste liquid contain high nutrients and active compounds and that may support the ground nut plant growth.

Genetic diversity analysis and population structure of some African and Asian Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) accessions using Expressed Sequence Tags â€“ Simple Sequence Repeat (EST-SSR) markers

Ernest C. Bwalya, Salem Marzougui, Esther Mwangi, Choi Wooseon, Myung-Chul Lee

Finger millet is a high nutritious cereal compared to maize, wheat, rice and sorghum and adaptable to different abiotic and biotic stresses. Understanding the molecular basis of unique traits of finger millets, is key in harnessing its potential as a nutritional security crop among other important aspects. In this study some accession from Africa and Asia were used to research the genetic diversity and population structure of finger millet using EST-SSR Markers. Twenty four accessions of finger millet were tested for polymorphism and highly polymorphic bands were generated in 27 EST markers. A total of 46 alleles were amplified and ranged from 2 to 3 with average of 1.703 per primer pair. The observed heterozygosity value of EST-SSR markers (mean = 0.004) was from 0 to 0.125 and the range of expected heterozygosity value was from 0.16 to 0.582 (mean=0.233). The range of PIC values were from 0.077 to 0.477 and the average PIC value was 0.273.The genetic relationship was divided into three major groups, with accessions from Africa showing a high level of polymorphism and unique population structure compared to Asian ones. These results echos the need for strategic continued colaborative breeding and other crop research programmes between Africa and Asia. The results from futher molecular evaluation will serve as important information for better and efficient management of genetic resources of finger millet for; conservation, crop improvement and intellectual property protection rights purposes.

Heavy Metals Pollution Index in African River Prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) collected from Calabar River, Nigeria

Onwubiko C. C., Onuoha E. M., Anukwa F. A.

Studies on the accumulation of some heavy metals in African river prawn (Macro brachium Vollenhoven Ii), in Calabar River, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, A total of 54 prawn samples, were collected during the study. The heavy metals in the samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer for cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel and lead while total hydrocarbon (THC) was analysed using UV-spectrophotometer. The heavy metal concentrations in prawn varied across sampling stations and between seasons. The mean metal concentrations in prawns were: 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg (Cd), 0.45 ± 0.04 mg/kg (Co), 0.06 ± 0.04 mg/kg (Cr), 0.56 ± 0.04 mg/kg (Cu), 0.63 ± 0.03 mg/kg (Mn), 0.67 ± 0.03 mg/kg (Ni), 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg (Pb) and 0.69 ± 0.19 mg/kg (THC). Mercury was not detected in the prawns. The prawns from Calabar River have high chromium, nickel and THC concentrations according to WHO standard and as such consumption of the prawns is not safe. There should be increase awareness on the impact of unlawful dumping of wastes in the study areas. More studies in the Calabar River aimed at monitoring of pollution should be carried out and properly funded to give an insight into whether the fishery resources in the study area are safe for consumption or not.

Conception and sizing of an industrial waste water treatment station equipped with biogas digester, UV reactor and reverse osmosis unit

Elmissaoui S, Sellami MH, Taher O

The reuse of the treated waste water in all fields (agricultural, industrial, domestic) is an orientation asked by all intervening parties in the water sector in the purpose to protect the environment and combat the scarcity of water resources. This valorization cannot be done without making the appropriate treatment in order to respect the norms. In this work, we are developing a general method to conceptualize a treatment station equipped with biogas digester, UV reactor and Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit. The modeling approach developed permits to test and to ameliorate the efficiency of each cited technique. The main basic equations used are those of Maxwell, mass transfer, radiation transfer and energetic transfer. We have made an analytical resolution of those equations and we have expressed the necessaries formulas for the design of each technique. Results from case studies were presented.

Heavy Metals and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Concentration in water and Periwinkles (Tympanotonus fuscatus L.) obtained from Calabar River, Cross River State, Nigeria

Bate Garba Barde, Yunana Bitrus Duhu

Concentration of heavy metals; Cd, Cr and Pb along with total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in periwinkles (Tympanotonus fuscatus) from Calabar River in Nigeria was assessed to determine their suitability for human consumption. Water and periwinkle samples were collected from five stations and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Heavy metals were analysed using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS-AA240FS) after digestion with concentrated Nitric acid while GC–FID (6890N, Agilent) was used to analyze TPH after liquid–liquid extraction of water and Soxhlet extraction of periwinkle tissues. The results obtained showed Pb as the highest (7.73±2.29 mg/l) occurring metal in water at station four, the lowest (1.88±0.90 mg/l) was Cd in station one while TPH was highest (259.47±45.90 mg/l) in station four and lowest (155.39±32.07 mg/l) in station two. Metal concentrations in water across sampling stations were not significantly different (p

Performance Study of selected Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Varieties in North Eastern Bangladesh

The study was conducted in Nilgaon and Chamurakandi of Sylhet Sadar Upazila under Sylhet district during the 2018-2019 crop seasons. Three orange fleshed sweet potato varieties (BARI SP-04, BARI SP-11 andBARI SP-12)and a local genotype were used in this study. The ultimate purpose of the experiment was to investigate the yield potentiality, suitability and acceptability of those varieties and genotype. The experiment was performed using 10ft x 10ft plot size with 3 replicas following the RCB design. The study showed hat BARI SP-12 performed better and local genotype performed least at both places. In Nilgaon BARI SP-12 gave the highest yield (35.27 t ha-1) followed by BARI SP-04 (34.14 t ha-1),BARI SP-11 (32.26 t ha-1) and the lowest yield was documented in local genotype (24.10 t ha-1). BARI SP-12 also produced the highest yield (32.01 t ha-1) at Chamurakandi followed by BARI SP-04 (28.43 t ha-1),BARI SP-11 (28.00 t ha-1) and the lowest was documented in local genotype (19.46 t ha-1).However, the mean yield of two places appeared the highest in BARI SP-12 (33.64 t ha-1) followed by BARI SP-04 (31.28 t ha-1) and BARI SP-11 (30.13 t ha-1) and the lowest was found in local genotype (21.78 t ha-1). The average foliage yield of two places ranged from 4.82 to 5.38 t ha-1. And no significant variations were found in foliage yield and foliage coverage (%) at both places.In the case of organoleptic assessment of storage roots and leaves, BARI SP-04 was the best choice by the respondents due to its appearances, color, taste, texture and fiber content; BARI SP-12 also got merely similar ranked by the respondents. Considering the yield potential and community acceptability, both BARI SP-04 and BARI SP-12 are suitable and potential for homestead food production system in north eastern region of Bangladesh.

Climate Variability Impact and Adaptation: The Experience of Maize Farmers in Bui Division, Northwest Cameroon

This study examines the impact of climate variability on maize (Zea mays) production in Bui Division and adaptation mechanisms employed by maize famers. The guiding premise is that climate variability has created unusual environmental conditions, partly responsible for the drop in the yields of maize, in Bui, where famers adaptation options remain inefficient. A mixed approach was used in generating data from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires were administered to 180 purposively selected maize farmers with at least 20years of experience in maize cultivation and interviews carried with 24key informants. Secondary data was collected from the divisional office in charge of agricultural statistics and surveys for Bui. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results revealed that annual rainfall witnessed a slight decrease in amount between 1991 and 2010, erratic events, frequent dry spells, decrease in rainy days and fluctuations in the onset and termination of the rainy season, while temperature witnessed a moderate rising trend. These varying trends in temperature and rainfall across Bui were observed to have partly contributed to an average decrease of 200kg/ha in maize yields between 2000 and 2010. The strategies adopted by farmers to face the negative effect of varying climatic elements proved inefficient. For proper adaptation, government should develop efficient meteorological systems through which information on weather predictions will be disseminated to farmers, provide agricultural loans and build farmers’ capacity on the best adaptation options, with focus on youths, known to have the defining attributes when it comes to modern agriculture.

Biochemical, Morphological and Anatomical Changes in Tree Foliage Exposed to Vehicular-Pollution

Aasawari A. Tak, Umesh B. Kakde

In the quest of biomonitoring urban environmental health, the present study focuses on the assessment of tree foliage exposed to vehicular-pollution in Thane city, India. Tree species being continuously exposed to air pollution tends to absorb the pollutants by their foliage surface. Biochemical, morphological and anatomical changes in four selected tree species namely Alstonia scholaris, Cassia siamea, Ficus religiosa and Mangifera indica growing at Teen Haat Naka (polluted site) and Yeoor hills (forest area as control site) were investigated. It was observed that vehicular emissions strike air pollution tolerance index, leaf pigments (proline, carotenoids, phaeophytine), anticipated performance index, along with anatomical variations in stomata, palisade ratio and vein-islet ratio in selected tree species. The analysis revealed that for combating vehicular-pollution in urban areas Mangifera indica was found to be tolerant and excellent categorized tree species while Alstonia scholaris, Ficus religiosa and Cassia siamea as sensitive to vehicular exhaust. The variations in foliage architecture can serve as a biomonitoring tool of vehicular emissions in urban areas.

Comparative study of the Physical Quality of Dried Cocoa beans from different drying methods in terms of Appearance, Structural Features, Shelf life and other Defects

Mr. Foday Turay, Mr. Paul Musa Lahai, Mr. Patrick Anderson Carpenter

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of drying methods on the drying properties on the quality of cocoa beans in Agricultural Engineering Department, Njala University, and Njala Campus, Sierra Leone. The pods were divided into 8 parts, 53 pods per sample and depodded. Four samples were washed and four unwashed from the 53 pods and fermented with box methods. Also, from these samples, four were solar dried and four sun dried. All samples were labelled with randomization, Samples A, D, F and H were solar dried while Samples B, C, E and G sun dried. Furthermore, laboratory investigations: pH test, sucrose test, bulk density, cutting test, physical properties and sensory evaluation: colour, taste, texture, aroma and grade were evaluated. Sensory evaluation revealed that washed beans scored 70% chocolate colour for both drying methods, 80% aroma, 90% texture for all washed beans. When graded, solar dried beans scored 70% of grade 1 while sun dried scored 80% of grade 1. Also, the weight of unwashed solar dried beans recorded 9.61 kg while sun dried beans scored 10.09 kg. The pH of all washed beans were high with maximum value of 7.3 and the sucrose content of unwashed was reported high as 0.405% in box fermented beans.

Effect of Processing on Nutrients and Rumen Microbial Characteristics of WAD Sheep Fed Gmelina arborea Leaf Based Diets

Dr. Okpara Oghenesuvwe, Professor Greg Okagbare, Dr. Akaninyene Asuquo Jack

Low pasture quality and quantity adversely affect the performance of ruminants in the tropics. This necessitated the search for other feed resources that could augment the deficit, particularly, in the dry season. However, some of these feed resources contain phytochemicals which if not properly processed could be detrimental to ruminants. This study was carried out to determine the effects of processing on nutrients, phytochemicals and microbial characteristics of WAD sheep fed processed Gmelina arborea leaf based diets. Gmelina arborea leaves (GAL) were harvested and used as fresh, chopped, sun-dried, air-dried and boiled-dried. Nutrients and phytochemicals were determined from samples. Rations were comprised in the following proportions; T1 (50% Penniseum purpureurn: 50% fresh Gmelina arborea leaves), T2 (40% Penniseum purpureurn: 60% chopped Gmelina arborea leaves), T3 (40% Penniseum purpureurn: 60% air dried Gmelina arborea leaves), T4 (40% Penniseum purpureurn : 60% sun dried Gmelina arborea leaves), T5 (40% Penniseum purpureurn : 60% boil dried Gmelina arborea leaves). Forty WAD sheep (6-8 months) were randomly assigned to one of the rations with eight sheep per group in a completely randomized design. Ninety days post-feeding, rumen liquor was collected for microbial assay using standard procedure. The CP and calcium were increased in T1 and T2 compared to others except for NFE which was reduced. Tannin and saponin increased in T1 and T2 but reduced in T5. Streptococcus spp was absent in T5 compared to T1 and T2. Lower total bacteria count was observed in T5 compared to other treatments. Boiled-drying reduced the crude protein and phytochemicals contents of Gmelina arborea leaves with reduction in total bacteria count in the rumen.

Stability of Betanin as a Colorant in Pickled Turnips under different Light Exposure Conditions and with Different Additives

Hassan S. Hajj Hussein, Hayat Omairi, Ali Al Khatib, Sami Tlais

We compared the stability of the food colorants betanin and red-beet extract in pickled turnips over a 14-week period and under different storage conditions that varied in terms of light exposure and additive content. Our findings showed that when exposed to 6 hours of sunlight or fluorescent light, on a daily basis, betanin was highly more stable than red-beet extract even when red-beet extract was stored in complete darkness. We further investigated the effect of metals and oxidation on the stability of betanin. Our results determined that EDTA and ascorbic acid significantly improved the stability of betanin colorant in pickling solution, even when exposed to direct sunlight. We tested the effect of four different concentrations of EDTA (100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg) and three different concentrations of ascorbic acid (200, 400, and 500 mg/kg) on the stability of betanin. EDTA (250 mg/kg) provided the highest improvement to betanin stability among all EDTA concentrations that were used in the study. Also, ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg) provided the highest improvement to betanin stability among the ascorbic acid concentrations that were used in the study.

Antibacterial Activities of different Fractions obtained from Methanolic Extracts of Allium sativum bulbs and Gacinia kola Seeds

Agboola Temitope Deborah, Feruke-Bello Yetunde, Ikuesan Felix Adeleke

Antibacterial activities of different fractions obtained from crude methanolic extracts of Allium sativum and Garcinia kola and their time kill assay were investigated individually and in combined form. Standard methods were used and test organisms include: Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, B. anthracis, B. stearothermophilus, Clostridium sporogenes, Corynebacterium pyogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Psedomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Proteus vulgaris. Chloroform fraction of G. kola exhibited broad spectrum effect on the test isolates while butanol fraction of A. sativum exhibited narrow spectrum effect on three Gram negative isolates. When the same fractions from each plant’s extract were combined at equal concentration and subjected to time kill assay, combined butanol fraction showed an excellent result with the ability of killing 100% of Staphilococcus aureus within 90 min at 0.66 mg/ml and 100% of Klebsiella pneumonia cells within 60 min at 1.32 mg/ml.Garcinia kola seeds and Allium sativum bulb extracts when combined had a broad spectrum antibacterial activity, with the combined butanol fractions being bactericidal as seen in the killing rate within short period and at a low concentration and this could be an important way of overcoming issues of antibiotic resistance.

A descriptive analysis of the replication applied in aquaponic experimental studies

Wilson A. Lennard

A literature search was performed via SCOPUS for publications between January 2000 and April 2020 that contained the keywords aquaponic and hydroponic. Sixty-one articles were identified that stated a comparison and a form of comparative statistical analysis was performed. These articles were identified via the principle author, year of publication, the system type tested (coupled or decoupled aquaponic; irrigated nutrient solution from a separated RAS), the number of treatments tested, the number of replicates applied to each treatment and the region or country within which the experiment was performed. An experimental comparison context was assigned to each study to identify the requirement for replication. Sixty-one percent (61 %) of all the studies were deemed to have applied no or incorrect replication (no or incorrect replication: 56 % of fully recirculating system studies, 100 % of decoupled system studies, 86 % of irrigated RAS water studies). In terms of the comparison context, 54 % of system comparison studies, 100 % of solution comparison studies and 63 % of plant component associated comparison studies, applied no or incorrect replication. The association between study location and the incidence of no or incorrect replication was also determined (Europe – 71 %, USA – 80 %, South America – 63 %, Australia – 33 %, West Asia – 5 %, South East Asia; including China – 20 % and South Asia – 14 %). An experimental replication decision matrix was developed to assist future aquaponic researchers in determining the application of correct replication and several example research articles were discussed to demonstrate and explain the correct and incorrect application of replication in experimental designs for aquaponic associated research studies.

Analysing Solanum tuberosum L. Genetic Divergence using Molecular Marker Data

Anamika Verma, Dhirendra Singh

Genetic polymorphism has important implications for the conservation and evolutionary studies among species as well as within genomes. Hence an enhanced understanding of intra-specific heterogeneity is anticipated which is and based on accurate database or unruffled by environmental conditions. In this context, molecular markers due to their simplicity and ubiquity have been used for genetic divergence studies of tetraploid potato. In the present study genetic diversity, marker attributes and population structure of 48 potato genotypes based on 20 SSR markers data were analysed which were able to successfully generate significant levels of DNA polymorphism to discriminate the experimental material. A total of 33 different loci were amplified that exhibited an average of 90 per cent polymorphism. The PIC value ranged from 0.11 to 0.70. PCR amplification exhibited genetic diversity was analyzed using program NTSYS-PC 2.21. Similarity coefficient or Jaccard coefficient were calculated using SIMQUAL program which varied from 0.32 to 0.92 and dendogram constructed using UPGMA cluster analysis ordered the populations of 48 genotypes into ten clusters. The maximum genetic similarity (0.92) was found between Pant Sel-09 and Pant Sel-09-04 and lowest (0.32) between Pant Sel-09-20 and Pant Sel-09-01. Most diverse groups found were cluster X and cluster II thus, can be utilized as diverse parents in potato breeding programmes.

Adding Ginger Powder or Oil and its Effect on Nutritional Evaluation of Rams Rations

M.S. Nassar

The current experiment was carried out in Maryout Research Station, Desert Research Center (DRC) to evaluate the effects of additives ginger powder or oil on, feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen and water utilization, ruminal and blood parameters of Barki sheep. Four Barki rams of each group with an average live weight (36.37±0.99 kg) were individually kept and fed in metabolic cages to determine nutrient digestibility and nutritive value of the experimental rations. Feed offered was calculated to cover requirements according to recommended by Kearl (1982) Roughage concentrate ratio was 40:60. The treatments included: (G1) without any additives (Control), The (G2) and (G3) groups were additives (with 3 and 6 gm ginger powder (GP)/head/day), respectively. Ginger powder was mixed daily by concentrate mixture to offer for daily basis. The (G4) group was orally administered by (2 ml ginger oil (GO) / head/ day). The data indicated that Values of dry roughage, concentrate intake and total DMI (g/ kg BW) were insignificant between groups. Organic matter and Crude protein digestibility were high significantly (P≤0.05) for G4 than those recorded for ram in G2, G1 and G3 groups. While values insignificantly differences in DM, CF and NDF digestibility between all groups .However, animals fed G4 had high insignificantly digestibility coefficients of DM, and CF than other groups. Data of nutritive values indicated that G4 recorded high significantly (P≤0.05) TDN, DCP vs. those other group. Rams in G4 group had high significantly (P≤0.05) value of TDN% and DCP% than other groups. Nitrogen intake (g/ kg BW) was insignificantly affected by treated with ginger forms. As for digested nitrogen (g/ kg BW) the data was insignificant among experimental groups, it seems that G4 had the highest values of digested nitrogen, while it was significantly differed with digested nitrogen as a percentage of intake. Nitrogen balance as ((g/ kg BW) or % of digested) showed that were insignificant between experimental groups; it seems that G4 had the highest while G2 had the lowest values of nitrogen balance. Water balance was slightly difference significantly (P≤0.05) among treatments; G1had the highest values of water balance as (ml/Kg BW) followed by G2, G3 while the lowest total water balance was for G4.Data of pH value was within the normal range, Either ruminal pH levels or TVFA,s (meq/100 ml) concentration were not significantly affected by the experimental additives . Ammonia nitrogen was affected by ginger both powder or oil additives and significantly decreased in groups fed ginger both powder or oil compared with the control group, while G4 take the lowest values than for G2 and G3 which fed with ginger powder additives. With regard to Protozoa number insignificantly decreased in groups fed ginger both powder or oil compared with the control group, while G4 take the lowest values than for G2 and G3 which fed with ginger powder additives. Results of blood biochemical showed that insignificant differences among groups for total proteins and albumin, Total proteins increased in G3 take the highest values than other groups while G4 take the lowest value , G4 showed the highest value of albumin while the lowest value recorded by (G1). While G3 had high (P≤0.05) globulin value than other groups. Animals fed ginger either powder or oil additives had high IgG than control group. Total lipids and triglyceride values showed significant (P≤0.05) increase in animals G4 .Also (G2 and G4) had high Cholesterol than control group. Serum urea concentration decreased significantly (P≤0.05) in G4, while G3 high than other groups. (G1) recorded significant (P≤0.05) decrees for creatinine while G4 recorded high value of creatinine than other groups. ALT and AST activity showed that there were significant (P≤0.05) decreases for G1 While ALP and GGT decrease insignificant for G1 for other groups. In conclusion, ginger both powder or oil additives to ration of Barki rams had beneficial effects on digestibility coefficients, Nitrogen and water balance, Ruminal fermentation and some blood biochemical parameters.

Contributing Factors of the Choice of Poultry Waste Management Practices: Evidence from Nigeria

Gbigbi Theophilus Miebi

The research was conducted to evaluate the choice of management practices for poultry wastes in Delta State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to obtain data from 133 respondents. A well structured questionnaire was used for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cost and return analysis and binary logit. Results showed that 70.9% were male with an average age of 44 years. About 73.0% were married with 99.0% acquiring formal education. The mean household size was 5 persons with mean farming experience of 6 years. Burying and burning were the primary waste management practices employed. The binary logit result indicates that age (p

Determination of The Presence of Brown Planthopper Resistance Genes (Nilaparvata lugens StÃ¥l.) in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Pham Thi Kim Vang, Nguyen Thi Lang, Luong Minh Chau, Tran Ngoc He

The main goal of this current study is to determine the presence of brown planthopper (BPH)-resistance genes in some rice varieties to provide initial materials for the breeding program of BPH resistant rice varieties. According to the investigation, several molecular markers were used, such as RM1103, RM204, RM217, RM545, and RM401; and associated with BPH resistance genes Bph1, Bph3, bph4, Bph13, and Bph17. Our study was conducted in the laboratory of molecular genetics, the greenhouse, the field trials in CLRRI, and the laboratory of PCR and Biotechnology Company. The outcome indicated that there were 10 varieties showed with sustained resistance to some BPH populations in the Mekong Delta; a few indicator-resistance and indicator-susceptible varieties were assessed the genotyping through Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Furthermore, they showed the presence of genes in the varieties such as TLR493 (Bph1), OM7268, OM6830, OM10279 (Bph3), OM6683, and Tau Huong (Bph1, Bph3, and Bph13), OM7364 (Bph1, bph4, and Bph13), OM5954 (Bph1 and Bph13), Chom bok Khmum (Bph3 and Bph17), but the Chet Cut variety was not showing the presence of five genes.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of zooplankton communities (Rotifers, Cladocerans, Copepods) and water quality of Lake LÃ©rÃ© (TCHAD)

Lake Léré is situated in the Mayo-Kebbi locality southwest of Chad, it is the site for RAMSAR since 2001 hosting manatee (Trichechus senegalensis). This lake has been under study with the aimed of determining the structure of zooplankton community from February 2016 to April 2017. For this study, three sampling stations were chosen and divided into 2 to 3 layers from water surface towards the bottom. A total of 49 zooplanktonic species were identifiedin LakeLéré. This was dominated by Rotifers community with more than 75% (38 species).Rotifers and Copepodsdominated withabundance proportions of 78.10 and 60.04% respectively in the dry season. This was relatively higher compared to the rainy season (21.89 and 39.95%). In the Cladocère communities, a higherabundance was observed in the rainy season of 85.39% and 14.6% in the dry season. Therewere no significant differences between the physicochemical parameters, the sampling stations and between the different sampling levels.Thehigh values of Sorensen similarity index, shows the homogeneity of the waters of the lake and justifies the absence of significant differences in the specific richness between stations. The specific richness of zooplankton community in Lake Léré and its physico-chemical variables lead to a conclusion of the mesotrophic state of the lake's waters.

Effect of thermal Processing Time on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Lebanese Tfayfiha Verjuice Variety

Bayan El-kaderi, Sami Tlais, Ali Alkhatib, Rasha Hamdan

Verjuice is an unfermented, acidic, and sour-tasting juice abundant in beneficial bioactive compounds obtained from the mechanical pressing of unripe grapes. The effect of prolonged traditional thermal processing (for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours) on the physicochemical properties of ‘Tfayfiha’ verjuice was investigated. Polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity increased reaching their maximum (8348.6 mg/L) at 4 hours and (77.30%) at 3 hours respectively; indicating that the ideal processing time to obtain a nutritious functional food ingredient with high bioactivity is between 3-4 hours. At 5 hours, verjuice had the lowest pH (1.09), lowest moisture content (26.94%), and thus the highest shelf-life, density (1.187 g/mL), soluble solids content (60.06°Brix), color intensity, and sensorial scores on the preference test. Caloric content was below detection limits (in all samples) and thus neglected. Verjuice boiled for 1 hour can be used as an excellent alternative to fresh lemon juice, where only 16.6% of the participants recognized the difference in taste between tabbouli made with fresh lemon juice and that made with verjuice boiled for 1 hour. It can be concluded that different virgins of verjuice could possibly be released to the Lebanese market by changing waste unripe grape during thinning period into a valuable product.

Effect of Mini-Sprinkler Irrigation on Yield of Two Hybrid Maize Varieties under Two Levels of Fertilization on Dryland of Nangakara Area, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Wayan Wangiyana, I Gusti Made Kusnarta

With the construction of a dam and its irrigation canals in the irrigation area of Nangakara River, in Pekat district of Dompu regency in West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), Indonesia, it was necessary to carry out an irrigation water management test farm, for use as a basis for making recommendations and as a demonstration area for the farmers. This study aimed to examine the effect of two different irrigation techniques, between sprinkler (LSI) and surface (CSI) irrigation, and two fertilization packages, on yield of two hybrid maize varieties on dryland with sandy soils. The experiment was organized according to Split Split-Plot design with three blocks and three treatment factors, namely hybrid maize varieties (Bisi-2 and C-7) as main plot, irrigation techniques (LSI and CSI) as sub-plots, and fertilizer doses (F1= low level; F2= moderate level) as sub-sub-plots. The results indicated that there were no significant interaction effects among treatment factors, but there were significant effects of both irrigation techniques and levels of fertilizer doses on all observation variables, except for the weight of 1000 dry grains. In general, both the higher level of fertilizer doses (F2) and application of sprinkler irrigation (LSI) resulted in higher dry grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), weights of harvested ears and harvested stover. However, the C-7 variety showed higher response to fertilizer doses especially under sprinkler irrigation. On average, grain yield was significantly higher under sprinkler (12.54 ton/ha) than surface irrigation (10.17 ton/ha), indicating the disadvantages of surface versus sprinkler irrigation. The harvested stover weight was higher on Bisi-2 (21.19 ton/ha) than on C-7 (13.98 ton/ha), but the dry grain yield tended to be higher on C-7 (12.0 t/ha) than on Bisi-2 (10.7 t/ha), indicating that C-7 was higher in the rate of assimilate partitioning into seeds than the Bisi-2 variety.

Effects of Reverse Bud-grafting on Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Rubber Mini-seedling Buddings

Chen Xianhong, Chen Qing, Wang Jun, Lin Weifu

Reverse bud-grafting was used for dwarf production. Dwarf of rubber tree could be against wind damage. To investigate the effects of reverse bud-grafting on rubber trees, the elite planting material mini-seedling budding was used to observe the growth and nutrient uptake. The results showed that compared with conventional cis bud-grafting, at nursery stage, reverse bud-grafting had 16.37% more (p

Olodo I. Y., Abou Y., Kokou K., Cocquyt C.

This study aims to assess seasonal and temporal changes in phytoplankton composition in Lake Ahémé. To achieve this, phytoplankton samples were collected in Lake Ahémé from September 2014 to September 2016. A total of 274 species were inventoried and the composition of algae includes Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Conjugatophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Dinophyceae, Xanthophyceae and Ulvophyceae. Bacillariophyceae were more abundant during the long wet season, the short dry season, and the long dry season, while Chlorophyceae dominated during the short wet season. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant seasonal variations in water physicochemical parameters such as conductivity, temperature, Total dissolved solids, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, phosphates. Changes in phytoplankton structure were analyzed through similarity analysis (ANOSIM) and revealed that the heterogeneity observed in the spatial and seasonal distribution of phytoplankton of Lake Ahémé is linked with the dynamic of water inputs (freshwater, saltwater, nutrients). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that phytoplankton community assemblages are mainly driven by two environmental gradients, one of anthropogenic origin, where the most influential factors were phosphates and DO. The second gradient is related to temperature, conductivity, and salinity.