Volume 5 Number 6 (November 2020)

Ovarian function and pregnancy of dairy goats supplemented with pequi oil

The objective of the work in question was to evaluate the ovarian function of Saanen goats supplemented with pequi oil. The experiment was carried out at the IFCE Ovine Caprinoculture vivarium, campus Crato. Eight pure Saanen goats were used, weighing an average of 1025,15 pounds, distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments. The first treatment constituted soy oil as the lipid source and the second treatment with pequi oil. Two estrous cycles were evaluated to analyze the reproductive parameters of the females. In the first cycle, a non-castrated sheep was used as a ruffian to identify estrus, and the ovarian function was evaluated for the presence and number of follicles by ultrasound. In the second cycle, a Saanen was used in order to mate with the females. Ultrasound was performed to assess conception, fertility and prolificacy rates. The computer software SAEG 9.1 was used to analyze the values obtained. It was found that females supplemented with soybean oil stood out in comparison to goats treated with pequi oil, except for body weight, follicular diameter and body condition score, concluding that the use of pequi oil for Saanen goats it presents itself as an economically unfeasible alternative, as it has a higher acquisition value.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution from Vehicular Exhausts in Soils along a Highway, Southwestern Nigeria

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is the busiest inter-state route in Nigeria and one of the largest road networks in Africa. It handles more than 250,000 PCUs (Passenger Car Units) daily. Amount of metal emissions being released daily from vehicles plying this road into the environment (air, soil, plant and water) is great! This study evaluated heavy metal composition in soils resulting from exhausts pollution from vehicular movement along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A total of two hundred and seventy-six soil samples were collected at 5, 15 and 25 m away from the edge of the road. The soil samples were collected with hand auger from the surface to a depth of 10 cm during both dry and wet seasons. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal concentrations found in sampled soil during dry season in mg.kg-1 along the study sites revealed the following, Zn (558.03, 21.98), Pb (130.96, 3.64), Cr (24.08, 1.09), Cu (97.43, 4.41) and during wet season Zn (532.51, 5.72), Pb (120.52, 1.85), Cu (79.90, 1.05), Cr (19.82, 0.22). The results indicated a general reduction in heavy metal concentrations in the soil collected during rainy season, when compared with soil collected during dry season. Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) of sampled soils revealed that contamination ranged from moderate to extreme in all the study locations during dry and wet seasons. Potential ecological risk Index (PERI) of the individual location in the study area ranged from 4.38 to 146.84. However, the total PERI of study area was 1136, which indicated that Lagos – Ibadan Expressway is generally polluted with heavy metals. Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu and Cr are the major heavy metal pollutants found in the soils during dry and wet seasons. The source of these heavy metals being vehicular exhausts emissions along Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.

Impacts of COVID-19 on food production, environment and the economy: Review

Alimamy Fornah, Antony Miller, Phillip Hamilton, Josephus F. Borsuah

The world is hit by another pandemic that has created a global threat. The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the entire human existence. The virus has taken over 1 million lives within 10 months. Governments are scrambling with different laws and regulations such as shelter-in-place orders, curfew, social distancing, mask-wearing, cancellation of public events, and traveling bans. These guidelines have helped reduce the spread and transmission of the virus in many countries, including some states in America. However, the virus has not only impacted lives, it has severally touched the agriculture, economy, and environment as well. This paper reviews the historical, origin, and mode of transmission of the COVID-19 and its impacts on human activities. On food production, it has created massive food insecurity around the world, especially in developing economies, resulting to collapse of small businesses and rising unemployment. Similarly, the environment has been largely impacted by improving ambient air quality and contributing to global waste management problems. Overall, the rate of increase in both atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) dropped. On the other hand, the planet has seen over 200 metric tons of medical waste per day since the outbreak of the virus. Finally, doctors, scientists and farmers need to work together to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on human survival in all aspects. Therefore, this paper provides review of the COVID-19 pandemic, its effect on humans, environment, economy, agriculture, employment, and the potential mitigations to address the challenges of the pandemic in the near future.

Effect of followed production procedures on the physicochemical properties of labneh anbaris

Ossama Dimassi, Youmna Iskandarani, Raymond Akiki

The aim of this study is to assess the different recorded processing attributes on physicochemical properties of anbaris and comparing them to commercially produced labneh done from pasteurized cow and goat milk. Comparing the industrially produced IP-anbaris with labneh industrially produced using cows and goat milk showed that the cow-labneh possessed significantly lower total-solids, titratable acidity, salt, ash, fat and protein content while having significantly higher pH and moisture content. As for the house hold produced anbaris, it was categorized into two classes according to the behavior of the household producer. Produced but in-between partial consumption of anbaris from the earthen-vessel and refilling during the process; HHC-anbaris; and produced but consumed only towards the end; HH-anbaris. Interestingly, the IP-anbaris compared to HHC-anbaris values did not differ significantly in any physicochemical property except in water activity, being significantly lower, and in titratable acidity, being significantly higher. As for the HH-anbaris, it possessed the significantly lowest water activity and protein content and the significantly highest titratable acidity compared to those recorded for IP- and HHC-anbaris. Traditionally earthenware-vessel was used in anbaris production but glass-vessel was recently introduced. In this study, there was no significant difference in the physicochemical properties between earthenware-anbaris or glass-vessel-anbaris. Furthermore, studying the characteristics of anbaris within the vessel before it is mixed showed that the bottom part was the significantly highest in total solids, fat and ash content compared to anbaris taken from the middle and upper section whose physicochemical properties did not differ significantly from each other.

Effect of Addition of Mimba Leaf Extract (Azadirachta Indica A. Juss) to Corn with Different Types of Packaging on Water Content, Percentage of Moldy Seeds, and Aflatoxin Levels

Mari Santi, Montesqrit, Harnentis

This study was conducted to determine the effect of mimba leaf extract and the type of packaging on corn stored at 4 weeks. This study used an experimental method with Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments, and each treatment was replicated with 4 times. The treatment was the types of packaging, consist of cartoon without cover, plastic sacks, paperboard, and vacuum plastic. The measured variables were water content, moldy seed percentage, and aflatoxin content in corn after stored. Results of this study showed that the effect of adding mimba leaf extract on all types of packaging significantly different (P

Anacardium Occidentale and Jatropha Curcas Seedsâ€™ Alkaloids: Their Feeding Inhibitory and Growth Retardatory Potentials on Rhyzopertha Dominica

Valentine Chi Mbatchou, Eugene Owusu Asante

The damaging effect of Rhyzopertha dominica larvae and adult insects on the nutritive content and economic value of Zea mais seeds, and the cytotoxic nature of most phyto-alkaloids prompted this research work to be carried out. A. occidentale and J. curcas seeds’ alkaloids were extracted and experimented for feeding inhibition and growth retardation on callow and mature adult R. dominica (Lesser grain borer) using maize seeds. Feeding inhibition for A. occidentale and J. curcas seeds’ alkaloids on adult insects were 39.40%, 49.88%, 81.37%, 100%, 47.48%, 55.12%, 93.31%, 100% respectively at 50 µg/mL, 150 µg/mL, 300 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL concentrations. Alkaloids from Jatropha curcas seeds demonstrated higher feeding inhibitory potentials than alkaloids from Anacardium occidentale seeds. Relative Growth Rates (RGR) of callow and mature R. dominica were retarded by A. occidentale and J. curcas seeds’ alkaloid treatments. The feeding inhibitory potentials of A. occidentale and J. curcas seeds’ alkaloids at 400 µg/mL concentration on both the callow and mature adult insects were translated to growth retardation of the insects when compared to maize seeds without alkaloid treatment (controls) fed by the insects . Relative Consumption Rates (RCR) of maize by callow and mature R. dominica were also reduced for maize seeds treated with alkaloids, indicating growth is a function of consumption. Thus alkaloids from Anacardium occidentale and Jatropha curcas seeds demonstrated feeding inhibitory and growth retardatory potentials on callow and mature adult R. dominica.

Performance of Boer and their Crossbreed Goats in Nepal - A Review

S. Parajuli

There are about 10.25 million goats in Nepal. Most of these are local and adaptive to different ecological zones of Nepal. Despite of big goat population, performance in terms of daily gains were very low as compared to the Boer crossbreeds. The crossbreed Boer goat is a remarkable small-stock ruminant that possesses distinctive qualities enabling it to excel as an efficient production performer. The Boer goats had faster growth rates and were heavier than the indigenous breeds of goats from Nepal. The daily gain of Boer is 80-140 gm/day and Boer crossbreeds is 100-200 gm/day varying with different blood level of Boer crossbreeds. It is early maturing, reaching a mean maximum weight ≈ 62 kg at 3.5 years of age on natural pasture under extensive grazing conditions. Twinning percentage is about 40-50% in the crossbreeds. The indigenous goats of Nepal are subjected to crossbreeding with Boer goats in order to utilize the Boer goat breed as an alternate breed for production and reproduction performances. Boer milk is rich in fat followed by lactose and protein. Dressing percentage is about 56-60 % at the age of full teeth placement. They are resistant to various disease due to better performance of adrenal cortex and high cortisol production. Mortality rate is more for quadruplet and triplet kids. They are the best browsers and used as a controller in bush encroachment. Flexibility in acclimatization and other vital characteristics signified better performance of Boer and their crossbreeds in diverse country like Nepal.

Solid Waste Management in the Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana

Zhang Ruocheng, Alphonse Badolo

Waste management is one of the key challenges that is facing the world today. This global threat of solid waste disposal has affected Africa in many ways especially causing diseases and increasing thepoverty rate. These problems emerge mainly as a lack of strategic planning for effective SWM, poor governance, resource constraint, poor coordination and lack of proper management. In most rapidly growing cities in developing countries, the major concern issue is the inefficient solid waste collection and disposal. This research focuses on how municipal solid waste is managed by the public administration system which is the AMA of Ghana. The study, therefore, focused on existing pieces of literature and came out with these results. It was revealed that the types and sources of solid waste in the study area include, domestic waste, commercial waste, agricultural waste, industrial stemming from food waste, rubber, paper, glass, metal, farm etc., The study also revealed the major policies guiding SWM in the study area which include the Environmental Sanitation Policy of 1999 Act (1994), Act 464. Another policy is the Environmental Assessment Regulation LI 1650 which had legal support from the Environmental Protection Agency Act 490 which spelt out the Environmental Assessment Regulation (EAR). Finally, the study revealed that there is a strong relationship between poor SWM and the impact on the health of people and the cases that were observed in the study area consist of malaria, typhoid fever, skin infections, and cholera.

Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Increasing the Activity of Defense Enzymes in Tomato Plants

Fadhila Rahmi Joni, Hasmiandy Hamid, Yulmira Yanti

Growth-promoting rhizobacteria are non-pathogenic bacteria that can induce plant defense through induction of systemic resistance which can then activate defense enzymes such as Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO), Peroxidase (PO) and Penil Alanine Amoliase (PAL). This study aims to determine the activity of the PPO, PO and PAL defense enzymes with selected PGPR isolates. This research was carried out at the Microbiology and Greenhouse Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, and then tested at the PAU IPB Laboratory, West Java Indonesia in March-July 2020. The results showed that tomato leaves that had been treated with PGPR showed that PGPR had the potential to increase the PO enzyme 0.072 µg · mL – 1, PPO 0.0009 µg · mL – 1 and PAL 14.15 µg · mL – 1. EAB 2.1 isolate is best isolate can increase PPO, PO and PAL.

Mapping the Gravity Center of Fishing Ground on Skipjack Tuna Distribution in Bone Gulf-Flores Sea

Sulyana Erma Desianty, Mukti Zainuddin, Safruddin

Bone Gulf and Flores Sea in the Fisheries Management Area 713 (WPP 713) are known as one of the best skipjack tuna fishing areas in Indonesia, where skipjack tuna is an export commodity and has high economic value. The potential of skipjack tuna is based on the spatial-temporal pattern of oceanographic conditions. The distribution of skipjack tuna can be predicted by the biophysical conditions of the environment. Sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a are biophysical parameters that greatly affect the distribution of skipjack tuna and are often used to predict potential fishing grounds. The study used skipjack fisheries data from April to July in 2017 to 2019 and remote sensing satellite data on sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a from Aqua / MODIS. This study aims to determine the gravity center of skipjack tuna fishing ground in Bone-Flores Sea using the Generalized Additive Model (GAM). The distribution of skipjack tuna was found to be significantly related (p

Testing for the Environmental Fate and Safety of E-Waste using Nitrobacter and Mice Model

The present study aimed to test for the environmental fate and safety of e-waste using Nitrobacter sp. and mice model assays. The Nitrobacter sp. toxicity test was designed in four treatments and control set-ups namely 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 % and control separately in both fresh and marine water for 24 h at 25 °C. The Wister albino mice were separated into three set-ups of 8 animals each (4 females and 4 males) in which 1 ml/kg bw of normal saline which serves as control set-up was orally administered to Group 1 while 500 mg/kg bw doses of Products A and B preparations were administered to Groups 2 and 3, respectively once daily for 14 days at 25 °C. The result revealed higher values of heavy metals in products A and B. Products A and B had the highest and lowest EC50 values of - 111.19 % and - 922.26 % in fresh and marine water, respectively. The oral administration of 500 mg/kg bw of products A and B resulted in non-significant (P > 0.05) body/tissue weights decrease and increase in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine in the biochemical profile of the exposed mice. There were more serious but non-cancerous histopathological injuries to the kidney tissue structures than liver tissue structures. The study demonstrated the possible high toxicity of unregulated disposal of these e-wastes into the environments and animals and therefore recommends proper treatment or recycling of these wastes before disposal.

Influence of Fertilizers on Incidence and Severity of Viral and Bacterial Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) Diseases under Field Condition

The potato production in the Far North Region, Cameroon is confronted with rarities or unevenness of rainfall, diseases and pests. In order to improve the production of this plant, a study was conducted in two villages (Mouvou and Gouria) with the general objective of evaluating the impact of fertilizers on the development of viral, bacterial and pest diseases of this plant. The experimental design used was a completely randomized block S with 4 treatments repeated 3 times each. The fertilizer treatments were: Mycorrhizae (MYC), NPK (20-10-10) chemical fertilizers, chicken droppings (CD) and a control (T) that received no application. The plant material used was a local variety of potato (Dosa). Diseases were identified, incidence, severity and rainfall were evaluated. The viral diseases identified were: Virosis M, Rust Stain and PLRV. Bacterial diseases were Bacterial Wilt and Common Scab. The highest incidences of 18.91 % and 10.44 % were obtained with Virosis M and Rust Stain in MYC treatment at Mouvou and Gouria respectively. But, in CD treatment incidence was 2.22 % and 0 % at Gouria for Virosis M and Rust stain respectively. the average rainfall was 697.75 mm. Severity was low in CD treatment in all the sites (< 20 %). All diseases were present in Gouria. The average rainfall was higher in the Gouria site 716.5mm than in Mouvou site which received 679 mm of water. The CD treatment can be recommended to the farmers of Mogodé for the phytosanitary protection of potatoes.

The dinamics of water quality on tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) cultivation using probiotic in semi intensive pond

Andi Sahrijanna, Hidayat Suryanto Suwoyo, Suwardi Tahe, Sahabuddin

Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is one of the aquaculture commodities which is still be Indonesia leading export commodity. However, since the outbreak of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), tiger shrimp cultivation began to leave by farmers and switch to vannameiwhich is more profitable and more resistant to disease. This condition should be avoided considering tiger shrimp are native shrimp of Indonesia whose market demand is still quite high. Therefore, some efforts to improve tiger shrimp cultivation is necessary. One of the efforts to improve tiger shrimp cultivation is by improving culture medium in pond using RICA probiotics. The study was conducted on experimental pond installation in Takalar regency. The treatments were: A) liquid RICA probiotics, B) powdered RICA probiotics. Data of water quality i.e: phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, organic matter, ammonia, TSS,alkalinity and temperature, salinity, DO, pH were analyzed descriptively. The results of the study showed that the use of liquid RICA probiotics had average of phosphate 0.3531 mg/L, nitrate 0.2164 mg/L, nitrite 0.0090 mg/L and pH 8.11 whereas by using powdered RICA probiotics the average phosphate was 0.1851 mg/L, nitrate 0.0573 mg/L, nitrite 0.0069 mg/L and pH 8.51. Application of liquid and powdered probiotics in semi-intensive tiger shrimp could effectively maintain water quality parameters like NH3-N, NO2-N, NO3-N and total organic matter

Resource use efficiency of mechanized and traditional rice farms in Nepal: A comparative analysis

This paper has compared the resource use efficiency in rice production among mechanized and traditional farmers in Tarai districts (Jhapa, Sunsari and Bardiya) of Nepal in 2018/19. Data were collected from 494 farmers (274 mechanized and 220 traditional) using multistage random sampling. Production function analysis (Cob-Douglas production function) was used to obtain the marginal value productivity of inputs and to examine the resource use efficiency in crop production in mechanized and traditional rice farms. Study showed that machinery cost was highest and significant to the total income from rice in mechanized rice farm, whereas fertilizer cost accounted the highest in traditional rice farm. Increase in human labor was found to decrease the income from crop in mechanized rice farm. Effect of manures, fertilizers and bio and chemical pesticides was positive and significant in both type of farms. The effect of irrigation cost was significant in mechanized farm and it was non-significant for traditional farm. There was decreasing returns to scale in all the farms. Production resources in the study area were found not to be efficiently utilized to optimum economic advantage for both mechanized and traditional rice farmers, respectively. Return to scale was found to be 0.695 and 0.488 for mechanized and traditional rice farm which revealed that inputs used in rice production were ineffectively utilized in which manures, chemical fertilizers, machineries, bio- and chemical pesticides and irrigation resource were under used and human labor, seed and animal labor over used. This situation of underutilization of these resources should be overcome by increasing farmers' access to these inputs and encouraging them to use in higher quantity to realize higher return. Assurance of quality and timely supply of fertilizers, plant protection materials and investment on irrigation infrastructure should be done by government authority to increase in efficiency of resources used by farmers. Moreover, technology packages for adequate and timely application of these inputs should be delivered to the farmers to maximize returns through increased resource use efficiency. Relevant policies should be formulated to encourage the creation of alterative employment opportunities to absorb the excess labor used in rice production. Based on the result obtained it can be concluded that mechanized rice production is more efficient in resource utilization and subsequently more profitable than traditional farming.

Stability of formula Bacillus spp. for control Ralstonia syzygii subsp. Indonesiensis and increase the growth and the yield of chili plants

Muzilatul Nilisma, Yulmira Yanti, Trimurti Habazar

Solid formulations of Rhizobacteria Bacillus. Spp. and storage time to control bacterial wilt disease Ralstonia syzygii subsp. indonesiensis. Bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia syzygii subsp. indonesiensis is a major constraint in chili cultivation. Bacillus spp,is capable to suppres bacterial wilt disease, to increase the growth and the yield of chili plants. The aim of this research was to obtain the best formula of Bacillus spp. which was stable to control bacterial wilt disease and to increase the growth and yield of chili plants. To increased its stability and interaction with chili plants, Bacillus spp, was urged to test furthermore especially its formulation with based on solid organic carriers (rice bran, rice straw, bagasse and their combination). The most effective storage time also need to test. Result showed that all formula had ability to decrease incidence of bacterial wilt disease compared to control. Moreover, all the three formula could increase plant growth, total of leaves, total of branch and yields. Decreasing of disease rate and increasing of plant growth rate variated between different formulations.

Production of High Nutritional Set Yoghurt Fortified with Quinoa Flour and Probiotics

Ahmed Mabrouk, Baher Effat

There has been highly attention in supplementation of yoghurt with probiotics and bioactive cereal compounds for enhancing their nutritional and therapeutic functions. So, the propose of this research was planned to develop novel set yoghurt supplemented with quinoa flour and probiotics. Four treatments (control, T1, T2 and T3) of yoghurt were manufactured buffalo’s milk. Control treatment inoculated with Streptococcus thermophiles and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (1:1) without quinoa flour. The other treatments T1, T2 and T3 were manufactured with adding Streptococcus thermophiles and Lactobacillus brevis NRRLB-4527 (1:1), Streptococcus thermophiles and Lactobacillus reuteri NRRLB-14171 (1:1) and Streptococcus thermophiles and Lactobacillus curvatus NBIMCC-3452 (1:1) and quinoa flour at the level of 0.5, 1. and 1.5 % respectively. Yoghurt samples were analyzed when fresh and during cold storage at 5±2o C., the results showed that the pH values took a reverse trend to acidity and gradually decreased by extending storage period. Moreover, fortification of yoghurt with quinoa flour leads to increase in viscosity because of the high starch contents and binding properties of quinoa flour. Furthermore, diacetyl contents were increased but acetaldehyde decreased by extending storage period. The high nutritive value of quinoa flour lead to improve the yoghurt starter and probiotic counts during all refrigeration storage time. The treatment supplemented with 1.5 quinoa flour had the higher counts of Streptococcus thermophiles and Lactobacillus strains. Organoleptic scores were 95, 96, 96 and 94 in treatments control, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Coliforms were absent in all yoghurt samples either when fresh or during cold storage period. Finally, it can be recommended that yogurt can be fortified with quinoa ﬂour without any defects and showed adequate potential for future dairy application.

Antagonism activity of phosphate solubilizing microbes and nitrogen fixing bacteria toward Fusarium sp.

Betty Natalie Fitriatin, Yeni Wispa Dewi, Emma Trinurani Sofyan

The ability of phosphate solubilizing microbes and N-fixing bacteria as biofertilizers to increase growth and soil P-dissolve, N soil, they also have the potential to suppress disease, The purpose of this experiment to study antagonism activity of phosphate solubilizing microbes and N-fixing bacteria to inhibit pathogen isolate. In vitro antagonism test was carried out to test the ability of isolates biofertilizers as biocontrol The isolate of phosphate solubilizing microbes were Pseudomonas mallei, Pseudomonas cepacea, Bacilkussubtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Penicilliumsp.,and Aspergillusniger while the isolate ofN-fixing bacteria were (Azotobactervinelandii, Azotobacterchroococcum and Azospirillumsp. Fusarium sp. as pathogen was used for antagonism test. The experiment showed that phosphate solubilizing microbes and N-fixing bacteria have ability to inhibit growth of Fusariumsp. as pathogen. The results of the antagonism test of the biofertilizer isolates tested by Azospirillum were able to inhibit the growth of Fusariumsp. higher than other isolates.Furthermore, from this study it can be developed that biofertilizers are not only to increase soil nutrient availability and plant growth but can be used as biocontrol.

Determination on the level of adoption of IPM Technology in western Nepal

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is as a broad based approach for economic control of pests. A study on determination of level of adoption of IPM technology was conducted in the Banke and Surkhet districts of Nepal. For determining the spread of information and level of adoption, farmers were asked a series of questions during the survey to determine knowledge of IPM and level of IPM adoption. Using descriptive statistics and differences in means, analysis was done on relationships among access to information, IPM knowledge and adoption. This study revealed that 51.13% of the population were male with an average family size was 6.45. Almost half of the respondents had adopted IPM practices for vegetable production by receiving advice or getting training about IPM technology through agriculture officer, Market Planning Committee, I/NGOs, etc. Market Planning Committee has played a vital role in spreading IPM knowledge and information quickly, followed by mass media, as MPCs allow farmers to aggregate smallholder produce to meet market demand. Several farmer organizations join together and elect representatives to serve on the board of the MPC and have regular monthly meeting so that they could discuss on IPM technology and marketing strategy of the products. MPC group has been identified more effective in improving knowledge of IPM than other farmers’ groups.

Risks and Adaptation Strategies for Disaster Readiness: Basis for School Sustainability Plan

Rayver C. Aquino, Ramil P. Polintan, Erlinda C. Mones, Gener S.Subia

This study was conducted to determine the risks and adaptation strategies for disaster readiness as a basis for the school sustainability plan of eight (8) medium public elementary schools in Licab District, Nueva Ecija with the use of descriptive-correlational research design. A total of 103 employees served as respondents of the study. The yearly disasters encountered by the school employees are floods and typhoons. They are aware of flood risks thus, they always ensure the safekeeping of school records. As to their experience in a typhoon, "their understanding of the warning signal was very evident and always adopt measures of disaster prevention and facilitate the immediate resumption of classes. In their risk adaptation strategies, the respondents prepare the best response during an emergency, they know the emergency hotline numbers, they are aware of the emergency evacuation plan and they actively joined any disaster prevention, relief action, or emergency drill. As to their knowledge about the disaster, the respondents always get information from TV or Radio, electronic messages (Mobile SMS, etc.), and social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter). In terms of their readiness, they claimed that they always: have medication and first aid kit ready and store emergency kits or Go bag (including documents, water, foods, flashlight or candle, radio, cellphone, rope and etc.). The risk adaptation strategies of the respondents were positively related to their disaster readiness which implies that activities such as conducting drills, emergency plans, and attending seminars and trainings increase the preparedness for a disaster of the respondents.

Potential of salicylic acid rhizobacteria indigenous chili which is able to suppress Bacterial

Yulmira Yanti, Hasmiandy Hamid, Zulfadly Syarief

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are a group of bacteria that actively colonize plant roots, increase plant growth and control plant pathogens. Some strains of rhizobacteria can produce salicylic acid and are responsible for the induction of ISR in plants. Salicylic acid is widely recognized as the key to plant resistance. This study aims to analyze the potential of salicylic acid from indigenous rhizobacteria isolates from the roots of chili plants. Rhizobacteria isolates were isolated from the roots of healthy chili plants and endemic bacterial wilt disease. The isolation results were tested in planta for the ability to control bacterial wilt disease (Ralstonia solanacearum). Salicylic acid levels were analyzed using the HPLC method. Results of the test twenty chili ingenus rizobakteria isolates were able to suppress the attack of bacterial wilt. The analysis showed that only nine of the twenty isolates contained salicylic RZ.1.1.AG4, RZ.1.1AP1, RZ.1.2.AP1, RZ.1.3.AG4, RZ.2.1.AG1, RZ.2.1.AP1, RZ.2.1.AP3, RZ.2.1.AP4, dan RZ.2.2.AG2. Eleven other isolates namely namely RZ.1.3.AP1, RZ.1.4AG4, RZ1.4.AP4, RZ.2.1.AP2, RZ.1.5.AP4, RZ.2.3AG4, RZ.2.1.AG3, RZ.2.2.AG4, RZ.2.5.AP4, RZ.2.1.AG2 and RZ.2.3.AP1 do not produce salicylic acid. The highest concentration of salicylic acid from isolate RZ.1.1.AG4 at 20,95 ppm followed by RZ.1.1AP1 at 19.27 ppm, RZ.1.2.AP1 at 18.05 ppm, RZ.1.3.AG4 at 16.96 ppm, RZ.2.1.AG1 at 15.45, RZ.2.1.AP1 at 15.25, RZ.2.1.AP3 at 14.28, RZ.2.1.AP4 at 14.09, and RZ.2.2.AG2 at 13.45 ppm.

Effectiveness of AM Fungi to Increase The Growth and Production of Peanuts Plant Infected by Sclerotium rolfsii

Fradilla Swandi, Eri Sulyanti, Darnetty

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AM Fungi) are known to have the potential to increase plant growth. This study aims to find the best isolates of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AM Fungi) that can increase the growth and production of peanuts plant infected by Sclerotium rolfsii caused stem rot disease. The method used is an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments, and 5 replication, namely A: AM Fungi Glomus sp-3 + S. rolfsii; B: AM Fungi Acaulospora sp + S. rolfsii; C: AM Fungi Gigaspora sp + S. rolfsii; D: Combined AM Fungi Glomus sp-3, Acaulospora sp, and Gigaspora sp + S. rolfsii; E: Without AM Fungi + S. rolfsii (Control). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Statistix 8 program and the Least Significance Different (LSD) test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that the Isolates of In general, Glomus sp-3 was able to increase the growth and production of peanuts.

Evaluation of sublethal phyto-toxic effects of herbicides using biochemical indices

D.F. Ogeleka, F.E. Okieimen, B.O. Peretiemo-Clarke

The study assessed the biochemical alterations of three commonly used herbicides (Starforce®, Dragon® and Force Uron®) exposed to anon-target environmental receptor -Allium cepa L at sub-lethal levels. The oxidant activity - measured as malondialdehyde and the anti-defensive mechanism (superoxide dismutase and catalase were used to evaluate the deleterious effects of the test herbicides. At higher percentage of the test herbicides, there was elevated levels of MDA in the exposed Allium cepa Linn with respect to the control (P˂0.05). This was followed bya decrease in the antioxidant activities (SOD and CAT) as concentrations increased (P˂0.05).The study concluded that the test herbicides generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, which may possibly havealtered the activities of SOD and CAT, thereby leading to oxidative stress in Allium cepa Linn at levels below and at the presumed safe limit (10% of EC50) and this should be a concern to human who are the end users of this edible non-target plant.

Safety House: A developed Framework to Improve Safety Performance among Highly Risky Industries

Nkrumah Nana Kwame Edmund, Akoto Serwah Linda, Phanuel Mawuli Kofi Segbefia

The concept and importance of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSM) have extensively been discussed in previous literature. This study, however, focuses on reviewing and addressing gaps in some well-known industry-accepted OHSMS models developed between the periods 1990 – 2018 to design a new OHSM framework known as the “Safety House” that addresses all significant gaps in previous models. The findings of this study show that most previous models have either ignored safety leadership or safety commitment as one of the most pivotal elements that can improve the effectiveness of OHSMS and promote workplace safety. The concept of integration and relationships among all previous models was not clearly established. The innovation of this study highlighted the importance of integrating safety leadership and safety commitment into all phases of continuous OHSMS models. The study as well addresses the issue of employees’ involvement in safety planning before and after implementation of OHSMS. This is an initiation that has not benefitted the needed attention in almost all previous safety models.

The Effect of Production Factors on the Productivity of Seaweed Gracilaria sp. in the policulture cultivation system with Milkfish (Chanos chanos) in Luwu District

Andi Miâ€™rajusysyakur Muchlis, Mardiana E Fachry, Sri Suro Adhawati

This research was conducted to see to what extent the production factors used by the polyculture system of Gracilaria sp and milkfish farmers in Luwu Regency affect the production of Gracilaria sp. This research was conducted by interviewing Gracilaria sp cultivators in Luwu Regency by taking samples from three districts. The results show that the R2 value is 0.689 which means that 68.9% of the production / harvest can be explained by the production input, while the remaining 31.1% is influenced by other factors. In addition, it is also seen that the Fcount value obtained is 38.294 while Ftable (0.05) is 2.50 at the 95% confidence level, which means that the production input has a significant effect on the production of Gracilaria sp. Meanwhile, partially each production input has an effect on production, except for fertilizer production input.

Modelling Determinants of Farmersâ€™ Choice of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability and Extreme Events in Kitui County, Kenya

Evelyn J. Mutunga, Charles K. Ndungu, Moses Mwangi, Patrick C. Kariuki

The study was carried out to assess determinants of farmers’ choice of specific adaptation strategies to climate variability and extreme events in selected agro-ecological zones in Kitui County. Descriptive survey design was used. The study area was stratified into four study sites with respect to four different agro-ecological zones and a total of 341 households selected to constitute the sample size. Multivariate probit regression model was run in Stata version 12 to determine the influence of different socio-economic characteristics on farmers’ choice of specific adaptation strategies. The model results indicated that age, gender, farming experience, membership to farmers’ organization, education level, access to extension services and proximity to market had a significant varying influence on farmers’ choice of several adaptation strategies. The study established that different socio-economic characteristics had a different influence on the farmers’ choice of specific adaptation strategies. The study therefore recommends that climate variability adaptation policies, programs and projects by governmental and non-governmental development agencies should target specific socio-economic characteristics that are relevant to the adaptation strategies in question.

Introduction Prospect of artificial Insemination Technology in Supporting Beef Cattle Development

The beef cattle business currently has the prospect to be developed due to the increasing demand for livestock products.The increase in population, economic level and fulfillment of people's nutritional needs had an impact on the tendency of increasing demand and consumption of beef as a source of animal protein.On the other hand, the increase in demand for meat was not matched by availability from beef cattle producers. The problem was that the development of beef cattle in the research area was slow, so the introduction of technology is needed which has an impact on increasing the population of beef cattle.The purpose of this study was to examine the prospects for the introduction of artificial insemination technology. The research method used was a survey method.The sample location was Sangkub District which was determined by purposive sampling, namely as a beef cattle development area. Respondents were beef cattle farmers who have participated in the Artificial Insemination program, as many as 33 people. The data analysis used was descriptive analysis.The prospect of introducing Artificial Insemination at the research location depends on the number of beef cattle, the number of instructors and inseminators, and the response of farmers to the program.The results showed that the beef cattle population in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency from 2018 to 2019 had increased by 7.68 percent.The largest population of beef cattle was in Sangkub District, namely 18.97 percent.The number of instructors in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency were 54 people and inseminators were 6 people. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that Artificial Insemination has the prospect of being introduced even though the success rate was considered sufficient. Suggestions need to increase the socialization of the Artificial Insemination program by the government.

Effect of anthropization on macroinvertebrate communities in the Kou River, Burkina Faso.

The structuring of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities is used as an indicator of the effects of human activities on river ecosystems. This study focused on the distribution of macroinvertebrate communities along the Kou River in western Burkina Faso. Its objective was to characterize macroinvertebrate communities and water quality in the Kou River protected-site-manipulated site continuum in order to develop biological indicators for monitoring and assessing the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. Macroinvertebrate sampling, carried out using a cloud net and a Suber net, was carried out during the low-water period from January to April 2018. Their identification was carried out using a binocular magnifying glass and reference determination keys, and was limited to the systematic Family level. The study identified 04 Classes, 14 Orders and 54 Families of macroinvertebrates. The analysis of these results showed that 100% of the identified Orders and 98.15% of the identified Families were found in the protected site, compared to 64.29% of the Orders and 59.26% of the Families in the anthropized site. It also showed that the protected site is taxonomically richer than the anthropized site with the presence of 53 Families (98.15% of the Families identified), compared to 32 Families representing 59.26% of the Families identified for the anthropized site. Also, 22 taxa are specific to the protected site and remain absent in the anthropized site. This study also allowed the identification of 04 potential taxa bioindicators that would constitute excellent biological tools for monitoring aquatic systems. The agro-demographic pressure on natural resources has a negative impact on the diversity of species, the dynamics of which must be better monitored. The extension of the tools tested in the present study to river managers will strengthen their technical capacity for monitoring surface water quality.

The behavior of Coastal Families Related to the Household Waste Management for the Sustainability of Marine Resources using gender Approach in Kapoposang Islands, South Sulawesi

Etnayanti, Mardiana E.Fachry, Hazairin Zubair

Kapoposang Islands is one of the many islands in South Sulawesi which has small island development characteristics and a marine tourism park that serves as a marine conservation area and marine tourism site. These main features lead to the many activities performed by the community that may potentially damage the marine ecosystem. This study aims to understand the behavior of coastal families, both men and women through their roles and activities in household waste management that may support the sustainability of marine resources. Samples were determined through random sampling and a total of 18 families from 4 villages was selected. This study used a qualitative approach and descriptive correlational analysis. The results showed that there were two family activities that may potentially produce household waste: (1) domestic activity and (2) economic activity such as fishing and home industry such as fish processing and coconut oil production. The family’s knowledge about household waste (38.8%) and plastic that does not decompose (11.1%) was low. This affected family behavior where 72.2% of women disposed their household waste into the sea compared to 30% of men disposing their fishing waste into the sea. Little support from the village government in household waste management contributed to these behaviors, with only 27.8% samples ever attended recycling training and there was no final waste disposal available on the islands. The conclusion is that the predominant behavior of coastal families in household waste management remains harmful to the environment because of the low support from the village government in providing training activities and facilitation.

Effect of Temperature Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius)

Abigail Larnyo, Promise Joshua Atitsogbui

Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is one of the common green leafy vegetables used widely throughout Ghana. Jute mallow is cultivated by seeds and the demand for the crop is year-round. Despite the high demand, its efficient production is marred by poor seed germination. Thus, this study seeks to determine the effect of pre-chill, dry and wet heat on germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigor of jute mallow. Results revealed that hot water at 70⁰C with combination of 70⁰C oven heat for thirty (30) minutes produced the best germination, emergence and seedling vigour. The effect of hot water at 70⁰C only was also significantly higher than other treatments. Jute mallow farmers who produce on small scale could use hot water at 70⁰C to treat seeds before sowing. Large scale producers, however, could use a combination of hot water at 70⁰C and oven heat at 70⁰C to treat seeds before sowing.

Monitoring of Heavy Metal Content in Leafy Vegetables Irrigated with Different Water Sources

Swati Singh Chandel, Amar Singh Rana, Ram Bharose

The present research was conducted to calculate levels of different heavy metals like Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in leafy vegetables when grown with different water sources. The result showed quite high range of accumulation when the vegetables were irrigated with wastewater. Wastewater irrigated vegetables showed variations (115-377), (12-68), (5.2-16.8), (21-45) mg/kg for iron, manganese, copper and zinc. Highest toxic level of iron and manganese were detected in mint and spinach and carrot showed highest value of copper and zinc. From the present study we can conclude that the vegetables grown from these water resources will lead to heavy metal accumulation in human body i.e for both adult and children if they continuously consume these vegetables. For this regular monitoring of these heavy metals is needed in order to prevent excessive metal accumulation in the body. However the results obtained from the present study shows that the ranges of heavy metal were below the permissible limitsset by WHO/FAO.

Initial Survey of Composition, Generation, and Proposing Management Solutions for Domestic Solid Waste in Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, Vietnam

Nguyen Thanh Giao

This study was carried out to survey the composition and amount of domestic solid waste generated and management work in Cai Khe ward, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city. Households and staff in Cai Khe ward were interviewed to collect information on management assessment while waste collection tools were placed in the households to calculate generation rate and waste composition. The research results showed that the rate of domestic solid waste generation of the household and individual were 0.74 kg/household/day and 0.2 kg/person/day, respectively. Domestic solid waste in the study area has a a veriety of composition, of which organic waste accounted for the highest proportion (72.7%), plastic component accounted for 13.4%, and glass tookup 2.7%, hazardous waste occupied 1.4% and other components accounted for 3.6%. Currently, only 90% of domestic solid waste was properly collected. Odor and leachate remained the problems during waste collection and transportation. In overall, the management of domestic solid wastes in Cai Khe ward is relatively good. In order to ensure a clean and beautiful environment in the study area, the environmental management agency should continue to propagate to raise people's awareness of environmental protection, creating favorable conditions for sorting wastes at source for the improvement of solid waste collection, transportation, and treatment facilities.

Improvement of Red Rice Yield by Changing from Conventional to Aerobic Irrigation Systems Intercropped with Soybean at Different Dates

Wayan Wangiyana, Nihla Farida, Akhmad Zubaidi, Ni Wayan Sri Suliartini

Previous studies reported that intercropping rice with legume crops under aerobic systems increased growth and yield of rice compared with monocropped rice. This study aimed to examine the effects of rice cultivation techniques and patterns of rows on growth and yield of red rice with special objective to examine if intercropping red rice with soybean relay-planted between double or triple rows of rice on raised-beds under aerobic irrigation system can produce higher yield than the conventional one. The experiment was conducted in Narmada (West Lombok, Indonesia), arranged according to Split Plot design with two treatment factors, i.e. rice row patterns as the main plots (P1= double, P2= triple rows) and techniques of rice cultivation (Tc= conventional rice, T0= irrigated aerobic rice system (ARS) without intercropping; T1= relay-planting soybean 1 week, T2= 2 weeks, T3= 3 weeks after seeding the pre-germinated red rice seeds). Results indicated that between the two treatment factors, techniques of growing rice resulted in significant effects on more variables compared with the patterns of rice rows, but there were significant interaction effects on leaf number per clump at anthesis and grain yield per clump. Based on the main effects, tiller number, filled panicle number and grain yield per clump and harvest index were significantly higher on red rice plants grown in irrigated aerobic systems intercropped with soybean compared with those in aerobic monocropped or conventional systems, with the highest grain yield average of 53.76 g/clump in T3, 29.04 g/clump in T0 and only 17.45 g/clump in Tc treatment, and based on the interaction effects, the highest average of grain yield was on red rice plants in the T3 treatment under triple-row pattern (57.58 g/clump) and the lowest was on conventional plot (Tc) under double-row pattern (16.53 g/clump).

Comparison of the prevalence of Cocoa Swollen shoot virus and the prevalence of Phytophthora sp in Petit-Bondoukou, South-West of CÃ´te d'Ivoire

Background: Swollen shoot and Black pod disease are two major diseases that cause significant damage in Nawa region. In order to compare the prevalence of these two diseases, a study was conducted in Soubré area in the south-west of Côte d'Ivoire, at the site of Petit-Bondoukou. Methods: The observation system consists of a sentinel site of approximately 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 that were measured during data collection were the total number of pods on each tree, the total number of pods with black pod disease symptoms and the total number of diseased trees in the swollen shoot outbreaks. The prevalence of each pathogen was deduced from the measured variables and then related using the Bravais-Pearson correlation test. Beforehand, a molecular analysis was carried out to identify the different species of Phytophthora. Results: The results of the molecular analysis showed that the only species identified at this site was Phytophthora palmivora. The descriptive analysis showed that the prevalence of CSSV was higher than that of Black pod disease with 50% and 32% respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between the prevalence of swollen shoot and black pod disease. Conclusion: This study shows that most of the test trees at the site of Petit-Bondoukou show both Swollen shoot and Black pod disease symptoms and invites growers contribute to reducing the pressure of both diseases by leading regular activities plot maintenance.