Volume 7 Number 5 (September 2022)

Micronutrient Concentrations of Cassava Continuously Cultivated Soils in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Imo State, Nigeria

Igbozuruike Christopher Ifeanyi

The study was conducted to determine the concentrations of micronutrients (Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Molybdenum (Mo) and Manganese (Mn)) in soils of Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Imo State. The research was conducted in cassava continuously cultivated areas Obizi, Eziudo, Onisha and Udo in Ezinihitte to trace the role of micronutrient in the decline of Cassava yield in the area. Samples were collected randomly using soil auger from each locations at a depth of 0-30 centimeter (cm). Control (reference) soils were collected the same way but from fallow land of 5years old. Samples were treated and analyzed routinely and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo and Mn) determined using Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The result (table 1) revealed that Samples have same soil texture -Loamy Sand (LS) but differ in pH significantly (p

Potentials of Soil on Palm Kernel Oil Free Fatty Acid

Igbozuruike Christopher Ifeanyi

Potentials of soil on Free Fatty Acid from Palm kernel Oil was conducted to correlate the soil physiochemical parameters and heavy metals to the free fatty acid of the palm kernel oil. Five samples of the soil were collected from Mbano and a sample of locally made palm kernel oil. The parameters analyzed were pH, temperature, organic matter, moisture, electrical conductivity, heavy Metals and free fatty acid of the oil. Results revealed : pH (5.57 ±0.49, 5.64 ± 0.36, 6.14 ±0.07, 5.95 ±0.16, 6.79±0.47), temperature ( 2.81 ±1.06, 28.0 ±0.83, 29.7 ±0.57, 29.7 ±0.64, 28.2 ±1.06), moisture (11.0 ±0.1, 18.0 ±0.2, 11.9 ±0.15, 12.9 ±0.25, 17.4 ±0.7), electrical conductivity ( 624 ±0.1, 541 ±0.2, 482.6 ±0.2, 477.0 ±0.1, 619.6 ±0.2) organic matter (77.7 ±0.15, 94.08 ±0.02, 48.6 ±0.25, 68.2 ±0.25, 38.8 ±0.15) Ca (0.644, 3.235, 1.453, 1.015, 1.673), Mg (1.467, 0.892, 1.483, 1.687, 1.147), K (2.017, 3.0054, 2.013, 1.0028, 2.067), Pb (0.036, 0.017, 0.015, 0.00, 0.0017), Fe (0.416, 0.826, 0.318, 0.316, 0.544), Na (0.656, 1.450, 0.908, 1.751, 1.956) cation exchange capacity (4.78, 8.58, 5.83, 5.45, 6.84) and free fatty acid (2.7 ±0.15, 4.3 ±0.15, 6.1 ±0.1,7.6 ±0.15,11.4 ±0.2). There was a strong positive correlation between the free fatty acid of palm kernel oil and soil sodium concentration. The study revealed that quality of the soil has a relationship with the free fatty acid of the palm oil.

Sustainable Airport Water Management: The Case of Hong Kong International Airport

Glenn Baxter

Utilizing an in-depth longitudinal case study research design, this study has examined Hong Kong International Airport’s water management and the annual trends in the airport’s water consumption for the study period of 2011 to 2020. Since its inception of operations in 1998, the airport has used a "triple water system", that has been designed to improve the efficiency of its three major water sources: freshwater, seawater and treated wastewater. The largest water source used by the airport is seawater. In the early years of the study (2011 to 2013), there was a general upward trend in the airport’s annual municipal supplied water consumption. However, from 2014 to 2020, there was an overall downward trend in the airports municipal water consumption at the airport. The municipal supplied water consumption per enplaned passenger or per workload unit (WLU) largely displayed a general downward trend, which is very favorable given the strong growth in enplaned passengers recorded during the study period. The airport’s annual seawater consumption, annual recycled/re-used water consumption and the annual discharged waters oscillated over the study period reflecting differing water consumption patterns.

Influence of different levels of nitrogen fertilizers on some sunflower cultivars quality: A Review

Shathar A. Alaamer, Ahmad. T. Kamil Al-Sultani, Salih K. Alwan Alsharifi

The effect of NF on sunflower cultivars of Flamy (FL) and Manon (MA) were tested during planting at three NF of 175, 200 and 250 kg.N.ha-1. The experiments were conducted in a factorial experiment under complete randomized design with three replications. The results showed that the MA cultivar was significantly better than the FL in all studied conditions. The soil properties SBD, TSP, RL, RDFW, PDFW, SD, Sl, PVI and GY were; 1.29mg.cm-3 ,1.30 mg.cm-3,1.33 mg.cm-3, 51.32%, 50.94%, 49.81% ,24.115 cm , 161.419 g, 184.624 g, 38.01 mm, 22.58mm , 80.39 cm and 5.311 t.ha-1, respectively. The NF of 250 kgN.ha-1 was significantly superior to the levels of 175 and 200 kg N.ha-1 in all studied conditions.

Soil moisture variations of wetland at different altitudes in desert regions, China

Desert wetland is a special ecological environment as water is fundamental to maintaining existence. The soil water of sandy wetland links surficial water and groundwater. This study Takes Habahu National Wetland Nature Reserve as the research area and the water movement characteristics of soil profile as the research purpose. According to the altitude and topographic characteristics, the main focus is monitoring soil moisture in different layers at specific sites. The results show that: (1) In the core area of sandy wetland, the water movement of the soil profile is slow with lower infiltration and evaporation; (2) On the slopes around the wetland, the surface water is recharged by rapid leakage along with the underlying impermeable layer after precipitation due to the sand coverage; (3) In the desert hinterland outside the wetland, the water rapidly infiltrates after precipitation and flows into different groundwater systems along the structural characteristics of the underlying stratum to supplement the nearby wetlands. Based on these characteristics, we put forward the unique viewpoints of environmental protection in sandy wetlands: (1) focus on the protection of surface organisms in the core area of sandy wetland to reduce evaporation and improvethe soil water-holding capacity; (2) Appropriate engineering and biological measures should be applied to the slope outside the core area to reduce surface evaporation and plant transpiration and improve the soil moisture; (3) In the periphery area of the wetland, infiltration should be promoted to ensure the source of water supply to wetlands, which would maintain the existence of wetlands and give full play to their ecological functions. In addition, this study analyzed the relationship between soil moisture and plant diversity of 35 species. 16 plants are considered to be suitable for planting in core area of sandy wetland and 9 plants for planting in the desert hinterland outside the wetland.

Traditional Medicine in the health systems of communities: A first exploring in Veracruz State, Mexico

M.D.J. MartÃnez-HernÃ¡ndez, V.R. Torres-Pelayo, D. G. Castillo-Rocha

Veracruz State has been described as one of the richest states in Mexico, in terms of its medicinal herbal diversity at a local and regional level, and its culture of utilization of such resources in traditional medicine. These resources are valued by their cultural and economic importance and by their usage in the healthcare system. In this study, we explore the value of Mexican traditional medicine knowledge registered in literature on this subject-books, thesis, and publications in ethnobotany scientific journals- from different localities in Veracruz State. We have found reports of a wide variety of plants used to heal different sufferings such as: cough, pain, healing, inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, cancer and diabetes of people who live in communities of Huasteca and Totonaca regions, Nautla, Capital or Central, Mountains, Los Tuxtlas and Olmeca in Veracruz, Mexico. The wide variety of plants found shows us a general scene of Veracruz State’s great cultural richness. Some species commonly reported are Bursera simaruba, Tithonia diversifolia, Oenthera rosea, Bidens pilosa, Heterotheca inulodes. The formulations are tea, infusion, cataplasm or washings of the whole plant, root, blossom, bark, stem, leaves or fruits; they are essential to heal each attended illness by people in their communities. This review show that the traditional use of medicinal plants are of great importance due to their healing properties and contributes to an understanding of their biological activity. Furthermore, it will necessary to conduct further researches to evaluate these plants’ effectiveness and safety, and to identify the compounds involved in them.

Quality control of pine needles extracts (PNE) by using electroanalytical methods

pH represents the concentration of free H+ in pine needles extracts (PNE) and is therefore an important initial parameter in quality control. Electrical conductivity and pH of samples of fresh and stored for 20 days of PNE with black cumin oil and olive oil had values of 0.00 due to the encapsulation of water molecules, pH and electrical conduction was not possible. The pH of the other samples was in a weakly acidic environment because the pH of natural pine needles is 3.8. Electrical conductivity values in all samples except pine needle extract and honey increased during storage. By monitoring the parameters of pH and electrical conductivity in the quality control of PNE, it gives us a significant insight into the physical state of the phases and the way of storage.

Application of papaya leaf extract (Carica papaya L.) as a natural insecticide on the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector of dengue fever

Alfrits Komansilan, Marthy L S Taulu

The toxicity of the ethanol extract of papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) on the mortality of the Aedes aegypti mosquito as a vector of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The aim of the study was to determine differences in the concentration of ethanol extract of papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) on the mortality of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the most effective concentration (LC50) for 24 hours of treatment. The study used a completely randomized design with 5 extract treatments, namely: 10 ppm; 50 ppm; 100 ppm; 500 ppm and 1000 ppm and 1 control group with 3 replications. The results of the study were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. and continued with the BNT test at a significance level of 0.05. To determine the most effective concentration of papaya leaf extract in killing the larvae of Ae. aegypti used Probit Analysis (Finney Method) with Minitab 17 software.The results showed that increasing the concentration of ethanol extract of papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) would increase the number of test larvae mortality. Based on the results of the probit analysis test, the most effective concentration to kill 50% of Aedes aegipti mosquito larvae was 413.906 ppm (LC50 = 413.906 ppm). Ethanol extract of papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) has the potential to be developed as a natural insecticide for the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Assessing the Carbon Footprint and Carbon Mitigation Measures of a Major Full-Service Network Airline: A Case Study of Singapore Airlines

Glenn Baxter

In this qualitative longitudinal case study, Singapore Airlines carbon footprint is examined for the period covering the company’s 2010/11 to 2021/22 financial years. The study’s qualitative data was examined by document analysis. The case study found that Singapore Airline’s carbon footprint is comprised of its Scope 1 direct emissions that are produced from the provision of its passenger and air cargo services together with the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission produced from the ground service equipment and vehicles used in its ground operations. The carbon footprint also includes its Scope 2 indirect emissions, which are produced from the airline’s consumption of electricity at its Singapore hub. Singapore Airlines has implemented a very comprehensive environmental policy and has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is from the airline’s passenger services. Singapore Airlines has implemented extensive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction measures that have focused on the reduction in aircraft weight, and highly efficient fuel management procedures. Other key carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction measures include improved operational procedures, the optimization of air space management in collaboration with key air traffic control agencies, the use of cleaner energy vehicles, an extensive range of energy efficiency measures in its buildings and facilities, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and the use of more energy efficient ground power sources. In addition, the acquisition and operation of the state-of-the art, next generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A350-900XWB and the Boeing 787-10 have helped the airline to mitigate its carbon footprint.

Moth Repellent Yellow-Specific Bulbs for the Management of Lepidopteran Pod Borers and Leaf Eating Caterpillars on Vegetable Pest Management Programs in Sri Lanka

The study was conducted research field at Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI), Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka and different farmer fields to determine the efficacy of yellow bulbs during nights for the management of lepidopteran Pod borers and leaf eating caterpillars on brinjal, okra and cabbage. Three research field experiments at HORDI, Gannoruwa during, 2018 Minor (Yala), 2018/2019 Major (Maha) and 2019 Yala and farmer field demonstrations were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the yellow bulbs for the management of Brinjal Shoot and Pod Borer, Okra pod borer and Cabbage leaf eating caterpillars. Research fields measuring 100 m2 – 200 m2 were selected for each treatment at the HORDI research fields and 1,000 m2 fields for farmer field demonstrations. Yellow LED bulbs (at the rate of nine 1.5W bulbs /1,000 m2 were installed . Replication were done by dividing each plot into four sub-plots. Lands were prepared and bulbs were installed in the yellow bulb treatments and planting was done each plot. Data were recorded from randomly selected twenty plants from each sub plot for pest damage in weekly intervals. Yield was recorded at harvest to measure the yield loss due to pest damage. Data revealed that fields illuminated with yellow bulbs has given significantly low number of pest damage in each crops. It was reported from the cabbage experiment conducted during yala 2018, significantly low number of caterpillar damage in yellow bulb treatment compared to untreated control and chemical treatment. Similar results gave from the experiment conducted during Maha 2018/2019 for the same crops. Results of the experiment conducted against the okra pod borer during Yala 2019, revealed that significantly low percentage of pod damage on plots exposed to yellow light. Field trials conducted on farmer fields and research farm further confirmed the results with low number of pest damage on okra and brinjal crops.

Evaluating the effect of Varying Drying Air Temperatures on Quality Attributes of Avocado (Persea Americana) Peels

Olabinjo Oyebola Odunayo. Sama Mercy Omowunmi and Olusola, David Oladimeji

Avocado (Persea americana) belongs to the family of Lauraceae. The processing of this fruit, as well as its fresh consumption, results in large amounts of waste, such as peels and seeds. The peels were dried at 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 °C using oven dryer with a constant air velocity 1.4 m/s and open sun drying. The bioactive (flavonoids, total phenols and vitamin C) and nutritional content (carbohydrate, fat, fibre, protein, energy and ash content) of the avocado peel was investigated. The drying process took place mainly in the falling rate period indicating that water removal at the initial stage of the drying process was high and there was a rapid decrease as drying continued until equilibrium was reached. The ash, fibre, protein, vitamin c, flavonoids and metabolic energy content increase rapidly with an increase in the drying temperature. There was decrease in the fat, total phenolic content and moisture content of the dried avocado peels in this research. The Nutritional results obtained showed avocado peels had high contents of carbohydrate (40.732 % at 70 °C), fibre (35.187 % at 60 °C) and phenols (25.643 % at 50 °C) and therefore could be used as alternative sources of nutrients and also be added in foods avoiding waste and adding value to the fruit. The results showed that the peels are rich in antioxidants, fibre, flavonoids which helps to fight free radical damage and cancer in mammals and could be use as additive in foods.

Evaluation of Nutritional Composition of Ripe Date Fruit (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) pulp and Seed grown in Nigeria

Olabinjo Oyebola Odunayo, Sama Mercy Omowunmi, Babatope Okikiola Samuel

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is rich in both macro and micronutrients, including vitamins. Several researches have been carried out to determine the nutritional properties of various varieties of date fruit, however, there is currently no study that compares the nutritional composition, total phenolic content and sugar content of ripe red and yellow date. Proximate composition of ripened red and yellow dates was analyzed, the total phenolic content, Vitamin C and sugar contents were also determined. The moisture content in the date samples were 4.87 % and 5.76 %; ash content 1.05 % and 1.08 %; protein content to be 3.11 % and 1.37 %; carbohydrate content to be 60.6 % and 61.02 %; fat content to be 18.02 % and 17.4 % and crude fibre content in the two date samples was determined to be 12.3 % and 13.2 % for Red and Yellow variety respectively. Carbohydrate content of the red date was significantly higher than that of yellow date fruit with both having 14.87% and 9.10% respectively Vitamin C content of red and yellow date was 1.71 mg/100g and 1.46 mg/100g respectively. Vitamin C content of the varieties were fairly low; however, phenolic content was high. The total phenolic content of the red and yellow date was 37.91 mg/100g and 43.55 mg/100g respectively. The finding of this research helps in understanding the nutritional composition of two different varieties of the Nigerian date fruits which can be a basis for developing value-added supplements and nutritious food in the food industry.

Sedimentation dynamics of soil particles in sylvopastoral half-moons on restored plateaus in the Ouallam department (Niger)

The present study was conducted on the Tondibiya and Satara plateaus, in the Ouallam department (western Niger). The objective is to study the sedimentation dynamics of soil particles deposited in sylvopastoral half-moons of different years (2014, 2016 and 2018). The assessment of sedimentation was done in selected half-moons following a survey on transects. It involved the determination of the thickness of the sedimented horizon, the measurement of the permeability by the single ring infiltrometer and the granulometric analysis in the laboratory. The results obtained showed that the thickness of the sedimented horizon varies according to age and is 14.15, 17.33 and 19.37 cm in the 3, 5 and 7 year old half-moons respectively. Water infiltration was optimised by sedimentation. It was recorded 70 minutes to be constant in the 7-year half-moon and 40 minutes in the 3-year half-moon. The granulometric analysis of the sedimented particles shows their dominance by sands (77.73%). These different results show that the sylvopastoral half-moon is effective in improving the physical parameters of the soil on degraded ferruginous plateaus.

Risk Control Model of Paddy Rice Farming Production and Farmers' Behavior in Tanjung Jabung Barat (Moscardi and De Janvry Approach Method)

Saidin Nainggolan, Yanuar Fitri, Riri Oktari Ulma, Cynthia Cleantha br. Sinuraya

The role of rice farming in meeting rice needs is linear with the behavior of farmers responding to production risk. Farmer behavior determines the magnitude of production risk and farmer decision-making. The behavior of farmers is risk averse, risk neutral, or risk taker. Assessing the actual production function, the frontier production function, the risk function, and farmer behavior are helpful as benchmarks to make it easier to answer what factors determine the level of efficiency and use of optimal production input scenarios to achieve optimal production. The purpose of this study is (1) to analyze the response and production risk response to the use of production inputs. (2) Analyzing the behavior of farmers in responding to production risks. (3) Building a model for handling production risks and farmer behavior. The research was conducted in Tanjabbar Regency which was determined proportionally, the sample size was based on the slovin method as many as 122 farmers, and the sampling method was simple random sampling. The method of data analysis is the Cobb-Douglass production function, the Cobb-Douglass risk function, the behavior of farmers using Moscardi and De Janvry, and the production risk management model and the behavior of farmers using the kumbakar function. Cultivation technology carried out by farmers is still conventional with the use of production inputs that are still below the recommended dose. The productivity obtained by farmers is low, and the production risk is high. The determinants of the productivity function of lowland rice farming are urea, SP36, KCL, and organic fertilizers. Optimal use of these production inputs will be able to reduce the occurrence of production risk. Farmers' behavior in responding to production risks is to avoid risk and is mainly determined by the demand for urea and SP36 fertilizers. Sources of technical inefficiency mostly come from a narrow land area. Production risk control can be done by increasing productivity through the use of optimal production inputs, especially urea, SP36, and organic fertilizers, as well as the intensification of land area.

Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on growth and development of Santalum album L. seedlings inoculated with plant growth promoting microorganisms in Open Top Chambers

Vipin Parkash, Kumari Hunney, Hukum Singh

Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in atmosphere have a significant impact on plant growth and metabolism. Many plant growth promoting microbes play an important role in maintaining plant growth and vitality by facilitating nutrient translocation under adverse conditions. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of elevated CO2 on growth parameters (height of the seedlings, increment in height, collar diameter and number of leaves) in sandalwood (Santalum album L.) seedlings inoculated with beneficial microorganisms (Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum) in the Open Top Chambers (OTCs). Sandalwood seedlings inoculated with P. putida, B. subtilis, T. harzianum were grown in OTCs at 600 ppm, 800ppm, 1000ppm and 1200ppm elevated concentrations of CO2. As compared to the non-inoculated (untreated/control) plants, inoculated one shows a high growth and development rate but non- inoculated plants were not able to handle stress at higher/elevated CO2 concentration (1000 & 1200ppm) and ultimately died after 60 days. P. putida showed a high growth rate on all growth and development parameters taken up to 1000 ppm concentration of CO2 followed by Bacillus subtilis. It is also observed that T. harzianum treatment could not withstand the elevated concentration of CO2 beyond 1000 to 1200 ppm whereas P. putida treatment was found to be effective at even at 1200 ppm of CO2. Through these experiments under OTCs at different elevated concentrations of CO2, we can predict the possibility of climate change and global warming effect on beneficial microbes and vis-a-vis their effect on growth, development and yield on crops. Hence, other plant growth microbes including mycorrhizal fungi can be analyzed for future research and bio-prospect under OTCs experimentation.

The Relationship of Bivalvia Affairs to Mangrove Density in Pt Arutmin Indonesia Kintap Mining Area Mekarsari Village, Tanah Laut Regency South Kalimantan Province

Frans Tony, Putri Mudhlika Lestarina, Novreza Dita Yorenagea Ilmy, Rina Iskandar

This research was conducted to determine how strong the effect of mangrove density on the bivalves community in particular in abundance. This research was conducted in March 2022 to April 2022. Data collection is carried out at three stations located at upstream, middle and downstream. Each sample station collected is a bivalves sample and data mangrove observation. Bivalve samples using a 1 mx 1 m transect on the plot observation of mangroves 10 m x 10 m. The results of the study showed that the bivalves found there are 8 types of bivalves, namely; Mactra violacea, Perna viridis, Mactra chinensis, Polymesoda erosa, Geloina expansa, Isognomon ephippium, Anadara antiquata and Polymesoda bengalensis. Station 1 with bivalves abundance of 960 ind/m² with mangrove density 1300 ind/ha. Station 2 with an abundance of 680 ind/m² bivalves with a mangrove density 1800 ind/ha. Stations with an abundance of bivalves of 2,360 ind/m² with a density of mangroves 2200 ind/ha. The relationship between bivalves abundance and mangrove density using simple linear regression analysis with weak category results

An Assessment of Waste Management at a Major European Based Air Cargo Terminal Operator: A Case Study of Frankfurt Cargo Services

Glenn Baxter

Air cargo terminal operators play a vital role in the global air cargo supply chain by acting as the key interface point between the air and surface transport modes. However, air cargo terminals produce both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes as a by-product from their operations. Using an in-depth qualitative longitudinal research design, this study has examined waste management at Frankfurt Cargo Services (FCS), one of the major European based air cargo terminal operators. The study period was from 2008 to 2019. The qualitative data was examined by document analysis. The case study found that Frankfurt Cargo Services (FCS) total annual non-hazardous wastes increased from 770 tonnes in 2009 to 1,525 tonnes in 2019. The company’s hazardous wastes fluctuated over the study period from a low of 5 kilograms in 2009 to a high of 2.52 tonnes in 2010. The case study revealed that there were no reported hazardous wastes from 2014 to 2019. Frankfurt Cargo Services primary waste management method is the recovery of wastes. The annual recovered wastes increased from 770 tonnes in 2008 to 1,530 tonnes in 2019. The company’s waste recovery rate increased from 95.3% in 2008 to 100% in 2019. Frankfurt Cargo Services (FCS) disposed wastes increased from 36.37 tonnes in 2008 to a high of 58 tonnes in 2017 and 58 tonnes again in 2018, respectively. There were no reported disposed wastes in 2019. During the study period, there were no reported wastes that were disposed to landfill.

Prevalence of Cashew Powdery Mildew Disease in Western Province of Zambia

L. Chisengele, A. Uaciquete, P. W. Kachapulula

Cashew powdery mildew disease (PMD) is the most devastating disease of cashew nuts lowering nut yields and quality in Zambia and the rest of the world. Information on prevalence patterns and timing of disease onset is vital to manage the disease in any country effectively. Cashew powdery mildew disease incidence and severity were assessed from 160 farmers randomly chosen from all agricultural camps in eight of the ten cashew-growing districts of the Western province of Zambia in April, May, June and July 2020. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare disease severity by month and district. Results showed significant differences (P < 0.001) in both PMD incidence and severity among different districts, with the highest incidence in Limulunga (55.88 %) and the least in Sikongo District (36.49 %). Disease severity was highest in Nalolo (57.49 %) and lowest in Sioma district (27.87 %). July registered the highest (61.89 %), and April had the lowest (20.08%) incidence of the disease. PMD severity was highest in July (51.69 %). The current study indicates that one of the best strategies to control PMD in this cashew-growing province of Zambia is to include control measures such as the removal of water shoots beginning February through March for all districts, chemical control beginning in April in Limulunga district and delayed to May for the rest of the districts. The study has also identified the hotspots of PMD that should be priority targets for disease management to maximize the use of limited resources.

Interactive Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Plant Density on Yield of Nerica 4 Upland Rice using Dibbling Method

Chisengele Lewis, Omiat Emmanuel Gilbert

The experiment was conducted at the JICA-Tsukuba International Center Experiment Field during the April –October 2015 cropping season. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of Nitrogen fertilizer and plant density on growth and yield of NERICA 4 upland rice. In this study, a split-plot experimental design was used with three replications. The treatments comprised of Nitrogen fertilizer at 0 and 60 Kg N/ha; while planting was done using the dibbling method at spacings of 30cm x 30cm, 30cm x 15cm, and 20cm x 15cm which resulted into plant densities of 11.1 hills/m2, 22.2 hills/m2 and 33.3 hills/m2 respectively. Results showed that Nitrogen application increased tiller number, plant length, leaf area index and SPAD Value at both maximum tillering and heading stages. The analyzed data on yield and yield components at (HSD 5%) showed no significant difference in panicle number/m2, spikelet number/panicle, percentage of ripened grains, 1000 grains weight and paddy yield between plant densities at both 0, and 60 kg N/ha. However, plant density of 22.2 hills/m2 resulted in the highest paddy yield of 2.79 t/ha and 3.77 t/ha at both Nitrogen levels 0, and 60 kg N/ha respectively. Plant density S2 (22.2 hills/m2) was the optimum for NERICA 4 upland rice for increased growth and yield

Identification of therapeutic potential phytochemicals against the SARS CoV-2 spike protein of omicron variant by Molecular docking techniques

Rathan Kumar

Repeated mutations in the SARS CoV-2 have resulted in the emergence of various life-threatening variants including omicron, triggering a systemic crisis in global human health. Due to the unavailability of any specific antiviral treatment, the effectiveness of the currently available drugs or vaccines against this variant remains doubtful. Phytochemicals from their known medicinal plants were selected with the antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and screened to study their therapeutic potential and druglikeliness properties. A library of 15 phytochemicals from various medicinal plants was constructed and their binding energies were calculated by docking them against the spike protein of the SARS CoV-2 omicron variant using the AutoDock software. Subsequently, the pharmacokinetic properties like ADME and drug likeliness properties were also calculated. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial drug was chosen as the standard in docking analysis, displaying the binding energy of -5.22 kcal/mol whereas, Glycyrrhetic acid showed the highest binding energy with the value of -9.02 kcal/mol. Besides, all these 15 phytochemicals showed higher binding energy (≤ -7.00 kcal/mol) with the better pharmacokinetic properties leading them a viable drug candidate to treat the infection caused by omicron variant.

Proximate Analysis of Apu-Apu Leaf Weeds in Lake Tondano Waters as Raw Material for Tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) Feed Formulation

Diane Joula Kusen, Jeannette Femmy Pangemanan, Winda M. Mingkid

The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional content (Proximate Test) of Apu-apu Leaf weeds in the waters of Lake Tondano and to determine the growth of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry that consume pellets of raw material for the formulation/composition of Apu-apu Leaf (Pistia stratiotes) in different percentage levels. This research is one solution to obtain raw materials for fish feed from weeds in Lake Tondano so that it can overcome the high cost of feed and minimize pollution in Lake Tondano. The general approach used to achieve the objectives of this research activity is the collection from Lake Tondano, namely the leaves of Apu-apu (Pitsia stratiotes). The test fish were obtained from fish cultivators in Eris Village, Eris District, Minahasa Regency. Fish size 5-8 cm. Prior to the research, the fish were acclimatized for one week for environmental adjustment. The study was carried out by following a 5 treatment design and 3 replications, the design used was RAL, and measurements of ratios, daily growth and feed efficiency values. The analytical method applied is proximate analysis, carried out at the Baristand Manado laboratory. This research produces outputs in the form of scientific works, namely International Journals. The results showed that treatment C gave the highest relative growth (168.99%) followed by treatment A (93.28 %), D (84.73), E (83.81%) and B (44.65%). The highest feed efficiency value was also shown by treatment C (38.01%) then treatment A (24.68%), D (22.59%), E (22.19%) and B (13.87%).