Volume 8 Number 5 (September 2023)

Studies on chemical, physical and microbiological quality characteristics of Barki sheep burger fed on medicinal plants with yeast

Engy Fayz Zaki, Moustafa Mohamed M.A. Ghandour

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of medicinal plants with yeast on the fatty acid profile, chemical, physical and microbiological quality of Barki sheep burger during frozen storage at -20 °C for 90 days. Fifteen Barki lambs (13.46 ± 3.47 kg body weight, 4.5 months of age) were randomly divided into three groups (5 lamb/group). T1: control group fed on berseem hay and concentrate feed mixture. T2: fed on control diet + air dried powder of medicinal plants mixture which consisted of (garlic, cumin, ginger and turmeric). T3: fed as group two with (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Results indicated that addition of yeast to medicinal plants significantly decreased (p

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Growth and Development of Maize Crops (Zea Mays L) in Adiankoting Sipoholon and Paranginan Districts

Nixson Panjaitan, Saudur Simangunsong, Lambok Simatupang, Weslyh Purba

This study aims to determine the factors that affect the growth and development of corn plants (zea mays l.) in the sub-districts of Adiankoting, Sipoholon and Paranginan. This study uses the Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) stastika formula consisting of each sub-district using 50 questionnaires from Adiankoting sub-district 50 questionnaires, from Sipoholon sub-district 50 questionnaires and from Paranginan sub-district 50 questionnaires, and the total amount to 150 questionnaires. This research was conducted by a direct field survey system and interviews with respondents or corn farmers in each of the 150 farmers, the results of this study indicate that in each sub-district there are different and some are the same in terms of altitude, land area, planting distance, age of farmers and others. The three sub-districts are dominated by male farmers, mostly only diparanginan more female farmers but maybe in other areas or in other villages there may also be many female farmers. I conducted this research during October to November 2021 where there is still strict health protocol supervision because corona has spread everywhere, so caution is needed. In the Adiankoting, Sipoholon and Paranginan sub-districts, the various types of fertilizers used and the way they are applied and pests and diseases are too many to attack in these areas.

Development of Dendrobium officinale pulpy drink

D. officinale is a renowned botanical species in China with a rich historical background associated with its extensive use in traditional medicine. This research aims to develop a pulpy drink using the Stem of the D. officinale plant and enhance its thermal stability. In order to enhance the thermal stability of the beverage, multiple amounts of xanthan gum were used in the formulation. The physical stability of the D. officinale pulpy drink was assessed by measuring particle size, Zeta potential, particle sedimentation, viscosity, and color. The current research findings indicated that the beverage with a composition of 3% D. officinale pulp and 0.4% xanthan gum exhibited the highest level of physical stability. This beverage exhibited the smallest particle size, negative zeta potential, viscosity, and no sedimentation.

Assessment of Ecological Environment in Zhanjiang Based on RSEI and PCA

Xiaoyuan Cheng, Ruei-Yuan Wang, Haolong Liu, Yun-Shang Wang

This study uses Landsat-8 remote sensing images as the data source and selects four indicators that directly reflect the quality of the ecological environment, such as greenness (NDVI), wetness (WET), dryness (NDBSI), and heat (LST). Meanwhile, we use principal component analysis (PCA) to construct a remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) model for exploring the changes in the ecological environment quality of Zhanjiang from 2013 to 2021. The results indicate that RSEI can better reflect the ecological environment of the region. The study area is mainly affected by dryness, followed by greenness and humidity, with heat having the smallest impact. The average RSEI values in Zhanjiang City in 2013 and 2021 were 0.5339 and 0.5576, respectively, indicating a slight improvement in overall ecological environment quality. Among them, NVDI showed an increasing trend, NDBSI and WET decreased, but LST increased.

Air pollution in Bamako: Modeling, Pollution-Population Index

This study on air pollution in Bamako carried out in 2019, aims to characterize the different sources of emissions, model the health impact of ambient air quality for the different scenarios, the proposal of an action plan to limit emissions, and the simulation of the evolution of emissions and ambient air quality by 2015 and 2020 with and without an action plan. The results of the two air quality measurement campaigns show concentration levels lower or substantially equal between those of July 2019 and those of the 2009 data. The PM10 concentration recorded indicates a significant excess area compared to the values concentration guides set by the WHO. Analysis of the evaluation of emissions and their health impact by 2015 and 2020 shows that pollution by volatile organic compounds and dust will become unacceptable if nothing is done. The number of cancers linked to benzene will increase to 686 cases and the increase in mortality due to dust to an average figure of 38.7%.

Assessment of the Nutritional Content and Hedonic Test on Pameling Avocado from Three Different Altitudes

Malang Regency has superior avocado commodity which is so-called Pameling. Superiorities of the fruit are indicated by the large size of the fruit and quality of the fruit flesh which is liked by the consumers. Today, the development of Pameling avocado has expanded from the lowlands to the highlands in diverse regions. In order to obtain optimal harvest yields, both quantity and quality, the research affirmed the quality of Pameling avocado, which is grown at the lowlands and the highlands. The research was conducted by testing quality (nutritional content) and organoleptic. Results of the research showed that the avocados grown at the highlands were more preferred by the panelists based on the organoleptic test from the assessment aspects of appearance, texture, aroma, and taste. The lowlands produced preference of the color flesh which is mostly preferred by the panelists. Results of the nutritional test (quality) on fruits grown at the lowlands showed the highest level of sugar and protein. The middle plains are superior in fat content. Moreover, the highlands produce fruits with the highest coarse fibers. However, the differences in cultivation methods on three different altitudes will be the subject of further studies that need to be considered.

Analysis of the Potential Horticultural Products in Blitar Regency on the Agribusiness Market in Blitar Regency

Karuniawan Puji Wicaksono, Paramyta Nila Permanasari, Akbar Saitama

Blitar Regency has a wholesale market managed by the Wlingi Market Association, but some horticultural products from the farmers are still absorbed by the wholesale market outside Blitar Regency and reabsorbed by the retailers from Blitar Regency. Objectives of the research were to obtain information about the superior products, supply chain, and the inhibiting factors on the development of the horticultural products. Method of the research used descriptive analysis on each member of the links. Location of the research is the wholesale market in Blitar Regency, Wlingi. Variables of the research include types, volumes, and circulation of the horticultural products. Results of the research showed 3 major horticultural commodities that include chili, red pepper, and watermelon. The potential agricultural products in Blitar Regency have inefficient and complex supply chain because they involve many actors from farmers to consumers. The inhibiting factors are as follow: 1. The farmers do not have a collective system for marketing their crops so that information about the products as well as the prices are not integrated, 2. The supply chain patterns are inefficient and complex, so that the prices are costly, and 3. Inadequate location of the wholesale market. It is expected that the approach of supply chain on horticultural commodities in Blitar Regency will provide an overview of potential commodity supply availability as a consideration for supply chain management.

Dissecting Cultural Transition: A Deep Dive into Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Sangeetha M G

This study explores the profound narrative layers within Chinua Achebe's seminal work, Things Fall Apart, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of pre- and post-colonial Igbo society. Through a meticulous examination of the vibrant setting of Umuofia, the analysis uncovers the rich cultural tapestry depicted in the novel and its subsequent transformation under colonial influence. The paper seeks to foster a nuanced understanding of African history, urging readers to acknowledge the complex interplay of traditions and values that define the African heritage, thus challenging single narratives and reshaping public perception of a historically vibrant and multifaceted continent.

Fake Eggs on the Ghanaian Market: An Emperical Evidence - Shukura Market, Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Bartels Benjamin, Hussein Amina, Victor Patrick Yao Gadzekpo

Background and objectives: In recent times, the Ghanaian media space has news of the proliferation of fake eggs in the market especially in the capital, Accra. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana, the agency responsible for regulating wholesomeness of food has refuted this assertion after thorough investigations. The issue could affect the contribution of poultry to the economy. The aim of the study therefore is to determine the authenticity of eggs sold in the Ablekuma central sub-metro in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The results shall contribute to the baseline data on eggs, and to restore consumer confidence in eggs sold in Ghana. Methods: The spectral bands of the shells, albumen and yolk of the egg samples were determined using FTIR analysis, and knowledge about fake eggs through survey. Results: The spectra of the shells, albumin and yolk of the samples corresponded to the standard spectra of authentic egg. The survey revealed lack of knowledge about fake eggs. Conclusion: In spite of the lack of knowledge about fake eggs, the eggs were authentic. This confirms the assertion of FDA of Ghana.

The Influence of Maize Cluster Development Interventions on the Performance of Actors in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Venance E. Kalumanga, Fintan J. Mahimbo

This study aimed to investigate the influence of maize cluster development interventions on the performance of actors in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying types of interventions employed by actors of maize clusters, the influence of intervention on the performance of actors, and the challenges facing actors of maize clusters in the study area. Descriptive, linear regression and word clouds analysis were used to analyze the findings. Results show the common types of interventions employed by actors of maize clusters are; proper seed spacing, capacity building, control of aflatoxin, and marketing. Linear regression results show, that technological support, networking, and marketing were reported as interventions of high influences on actors of maize clusters with p-values of (0.01, 0.02, and 0.02) respectively. However, the key challenges reported to face actors of maize clusters in the study area were: lack of funds to buy agricultural inputs, limited access to financial resources, lack of transparency among cluster leaders, shortage of market, lack of coordination among respective research institutions and poor communication among actors. Regardless of different interventions to support actors of the maize cluster still challenges exist and some of them are among of the employed interventions. Thus, different transformative participatory strategies are required to be vested among actors of maize clusters in Morogoro regions and other areas of the country for proper performance of maize cluster actors and economic development of the country.

Performance of Exotic Cucumber Varieties under Local Cultivation Practices in Kapilvastu District of Nepal

Tikaram Dhakal, Bikash Khanal, Salina Maharjan

A field experiment was carried out in the Western Terai of Nepal, Buddhabhumi municipality of Kapilvastu district to screen out the best-performing cucumber variety among the five most cultivated exotic varieties; LHC-1395, LHC-Maria, Dynasty, NS-408, and Rehmat-1080 during February to July of 2019. The package of cultivation practiced in this study replicates that of the local farmers. The experimental setup was laid on Randomized Complete Block Design having five replications and five treatments in an area of the 750-meter square. The crop geometry was maintained at 25 cm×15 cm and the size of each plot was 1.4 m2. Data was collected on the morphological and yield parameters such as plant height/vine length, number of leaves, number of branches, days to flowering and fruit development, number of fruits, fruit weight, and fruit yield per plant. The study revealed that the performance of Dynasty was best in terms of plant height with an average increase in height of 23.9 cm per week. LHC-1395 was demonstrated to be the variety with the highest increase in leaf number with an average of 2.08 leaves per week. Similarly, the highest number of branches was found to develop in NS-408 (3.2), the highest number of fruits per plant in LHC-1395 (11.36), the highest single fruit weight in LHC-Maria (208.44 grams), and the highest fruit yield per plant in LHC-1395 (2137.9 grams). Thus, the study concluded that LHC-1395 is a high-yielding variety suited for the study area.

Nutritional Potential of Two Lactogenic Plants after Cooking in the Prevention of Hypogalactia: the Case of Euphorbia hirta L. and Secamone afzelii (Shult) K. Shum.

Adepo Yapo Prosper, Fofana Ibrahim, Atto Virginie

To combat hypogalactia, breastfeeding women in rural areas use certain plants in their cooking to induce lactation. However, the nutritional properties of these local products after cooking are not well known. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional potential of the leafy stems of two plants such as Euphorbia hirta and Secamone afzelii used in Côte d'Ivoire after cooking. The results obtained indicate the presence of proteins (7.55±0.02% ; 8.486±0.04%), total sugars (16.77±0.13 ; 17.93±0.09), reducing sugars (0.619±0.02% ; 0.872±0.03%) and mineral elements such as calcium (1.12±0.08% ; 1.20±0.10%), iron (0.20±0.03%; 0.32±0.02%) and magnesium (0.15±0.01%; 0.54±0.04%) in aqueous extracts from Euphorbia hirta and Secamone afzelii plants after cooking. These results could justify the culinary use of these food plants, which are potential sources of essential nutrients for improving the quality and quantity of breast milk for young children, through the treatment of breastfeeding disorders in women in general. Both plants deserve be valorized. However, further studies on the toxicity of the Secamone afzelii plant are needed.

Yield Modeling of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. moench) in Bituminous Soils of Southern Ondo State, Nigeria

Imoukhuede Oladunni Bimpe, Fasinmirin Johnson Toyin, Olayanju Gbenga Moses

This study investigated the growth and yield response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in bituminous soils of selected communities (Loda, Lofo and Legbogbo) in Irele, southern Ondo State for two consecutive growing seasons (2020 and 2021). The Legbogbo site, which of very low bitumen, serves as the control. The textural class is sandy loam and the soil is acidic. Some samples of soil were collected from three dug soil profile pit at depths 0-100 cm at an interval of 10 cm and moved to the soil laboratory for the analysis of the chemical concentrations of macro and trace elements. The highest value of the heavy metal was recorded at Loda. More so, the least amount of the bitumen concentration was recorded at Legbogbo site (control) and in some cases at Lofo site. Result from the study showed that there is significant difference (P < 0.05) in the values of the heavy metals among the location at all depths. The results from various locations also showed that the soil depth and location were significant (P < 0.05) in their main effects on the soil heavy metals. It was observed that the heavy metal concentration of soil was lower than the permissible limit, an indication that the concentration of heavy metals of the study areas may not have negatively influenced the growth and yield of okra. All agronomic parameters in all locations during the two seasons of experiment were in the way of Legbogbo>Lofo>Loda. Okra had 0 kg.ha-1 pod yield at the Loda site at both 2020 and 2021 growing seasons, while Legbogbo had the greatest fruit yield for both seasons. Okra yield prediction model was developed using the stepwise regression model and it was observed that Okra yield significantly correlated to potassium (r2 = 0.95) at P < 0.05 and phosphorus (r2 = 0.99) (P < 0.01).

Analysis of Urban Thermal Environment Effect by TIRS and GIS: A Case Study of Zhuhai, Guangdong

Tingjun Zhang, Ruei-Yuan Wang, Zhe Zhu, Yun-Shang Wang

The rapid development of urbanization in China is not only reflected in the tight land area and rapid population growth but also causes changes in the local urban climate, such as the increasingly obvious urban heat island effect (UHIE). This study explores the impact of urban surface cover types on the urban thermal environment. Taking Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province as an example, based on Landsat-8 thermal infrared remote sensing (TIRS) data, the atmospheric correction method (also known as Radiation Transfer Equation, RTE) and spilt-window inversion algorithm are used to invert the land surface temperature (LST) of the study area and compare their accuracy. After applying ArcGIS to normalize the data, the standard deviation method was used to classify the LST and obtain the distribution map of surface temperature levels in the urban area. In addition, the urban heat island proportion index was used to evaluate the UHIE in the study area, and the distribution of UHIE intensity was obtained. Based on geographical and national data, a combination of mathematical and spatial statistics was used to establish a correlation between the proportion of underlying surface coverage and LST in three different types of water bodies: vegetation and impermeable water surfaces. The results of the effect of urban underlying surface layout on the thermal environment were obtained, and the overall thermal environment effect of the city was obtained.

The genetic stability of date palm shoots regenerated from leaves explant

The purpose of this research was to develop a micro-propagation method for the date palm Zaghlol cv. using juvenile leaves. To produce the necessary results, different plant growth regulator combinations were used. The leaves were grown on MS medium supplemented with PVP to prevent the explants from browning. The results showed that adding PVP at a concentration of 1.0 g/l considerably reduced browning. On the induction medium, callus formation occurred during the fourth week of culture; however, callus formation (87.5%) was more prevalent on the ¾ MS medium containing with 10.0 mg/l NAA, 1.0 mg/l BA and 2.0 mg/l 2ip. The greatest development of embryogenic callus (94.50%) occurred on a ¾ MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l NAA and 2.0 mg/l BA. The largest fresh callus weight (3.53 g) was produced by this treatment after four months in culture. On MS medium supplemented with 2.0 TDZ, 1.5 BA and 0.5 NAA, which was regarded as the optimum medium for increasing the number of embryos to 32.10 embryos/culture, the best results (65.67%) were obtained. Further investigation into the stimulation and development of somatic embryogenesis involved using MS basal medium supplemented with BA at 0.5 mg/l, kin at 0.1 mg/l and NAA at 0.05 mg/l; this treatment formed the most leaves (20.11 leaf/cluster). The cluster of shoots grown on MS basal medium supplemented with BA at 2.0 mg/l and NAA at 0.5 mg/l had the highest leaf number (34.25 leaf/cluster) and leaves length values after three sub-cultures (4.75 cm). The DNA-based fingerprinting technology ISSR was used to confirm the genetic stability of this protocol. The mother tree and tissue culture-derived shoots evaluated exhibited no differences in the ISSR banding patterns. The micro-propagation method could be used to produce genetically stable date palm plants.

Exploration of Road Traffic Emissions and Their Impact on Air Quality in and around of Annaba City (North East Algeria)

Samia Halimi, Nour El Houda Mizane

Global climate is warming, and the effects of climate change are associated with many causes; among them are the Greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and factories. The study of exposure to air pollution related to road traffic in Annaba’s region is based on the results of air analyses, which shows that air temperatures are frail, accompanied by a very high humidity due mainly to the presence of the sea and many bodies of water (Fetzara Lake). This can allow the accumulation of certain pollutants such as carbon monoxide and dust (contents of CO and dust exceed the WHO standards), while some pollutants are present in small to negligible quantities such as NO, NO2, and SO. The air quality of Annaba and its surroundings (El Bouni, Sidi Ammar) can be generally described as good. Nevertheless, the existence of strong pollution due to the dust is noted close to the industrial complexes specially El Hadjar.

Genetic Diversity 20 Bean Varieties using Microsatellite Technique (SSR)

Agro-morphological characters and PCR based markers have provided valuable information about genetic diversity of bean collection in HATRI . Analysis on SSR molecular markers: out of a total of 44 primers conducted genetic diversity studies, only 28 primers amplified the product on 20 bean varieties. Through the SSR marker data with 28 primers used, 20 varieties are classified into 4 main groups. In the subgroup of the SSR on 28 molecular markers are noted with 4 distinct groups. Molecular markers to be able to indirectly assess the presence or absence of selected genes thanks to markers without environmental influences. The diversity index analyzes according to the high SSR method (H = 0.384) while the diversity index of stick beans. The results presented here are the first steps towards a better understanding of varieties introduced from countries and may help guide future research into the crop.

Response of lowland rice to phosphate amendments in three acidics agroecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire: Man-Gagnoa-Bouaké

The need to achieve self-sufficiency in rice led producers to overexploit soils and to use excessively chemical fertilizers, which deplete soils and make phosphorus unavailable to crops. As an alternative, eight phosphate amendements made from phosphate rocks from Morocco (MPR), Triple Superphosphate (TSP) and NPK (T0a (0%MPR + 0%TSP without NPK); T0 (0%MPR + 0%TSP+ NPK); T1 (100%MPR + 0%TSP+ NPK); T2 (90%MPR + 10%TSP+ NPK); T3 (80%MPR + 20%TSP+ NPK); T4 (40%MPR + 60%TSP+ NPK); T5 (20%MPR + 80% TSP + NPK); T6 (0%MPR + 100%TSP+ NPK) were applied to the field and their agronomic efficiencies were evaluated in Man (very acidic soil). Gagnoa (moderately acidic soil) and Bouaké (weakly acidic soil). After three cultivation cycles, results designate Man and Gagnoa as more productive zones with respectively 5.04 t ha-1 and 4.36 t ha-1 grain yield (GY), comparatively to Bouaké (3.74 t ha-1). Likewise, straw yields (SY) are 9.68 t ha-1 at Man and 6.06 t ha-1 at Gagnoa, comparatively to Bouaké (5.85 t ha-1). Treatments T3 and T4 were more productive in all zones with respectively GY of 7.50 t ha-1 and 6.50 t ha-1 in Man, 5.54 t ha-1 and 5.91 t ha- 1 in Gagnoa and 5.55 t ha-1 and 4.84 t ha-1 in Bouaké. This disparity is due to the chemical properties of the soils. In Man, Gagnoa and Bouaké, the combination 80% MPR + 20% TSP and 40% MPR + 60% TSP seem to improve better the yield of lowland rice.

Health effects and toxicological outcomes of exposure to inhalable particulate matter from urban air pollution: A mini review

Ali Talib Arif

Inhalable air pollution consists of a complex mixture of solid PM (Particulate Matter) or liquid and gaseous components originating from a myriad of natural and anthropogenic sources that cause harmful to humans, animals or plants. From the environmental aspect, air pollutants include PM, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Ambient levels and composition often vary greatly depending on the emission sources and meteorological conditions. There are many hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, dioxin, asbestos and metals; however, the mass of PM is one of the most widely accepted indicators of air quality monitoring and regulation. Epidemiological and toxicological studies have identified an association between elevated levels of PM in the “respirable size fraction” and adverse health outcomes in the general population. For this reason, airborne PM has recently been listed as a potentially carcinogenic agent by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) because of its heterogeneity and variation of chemical composition over space and time.

Levels of Heavy Metals in Selected Canned Fish on Cape Coast Market, Central Region, Ghana

Bartels Benjamin, Apaah Brakye Kenneth, Gadzekpo Victor Patrick Yao

Background and objectives: The sea is polluted with heavy metals that accumulate in fishes. Consumption of these fishes pose health risk. The aim of this study is to respectiely assess the concentrations and health risks of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), tin (Sn), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg) in canned fish samples. Methods: The study focused on Mackerel, Sardine and Tuna. Mackerel brands are African Queen, Geisha, Ena Pa, and Milano; Sardine includes Titus, Festiva, Ohemaa, and Princess, while Tuna were Lele and Star Kist. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was used. Results: The mean concentrations of lead and mercury in the Mackerel, Sardine and Tuna were respectively 0.142± 0.017, 0.122±0.034, 0.141±0.006 µg/g and 0.126± 0.017, 0.132± 0.012, 0.263± 0.006 µg/g below the recommended limits of 0.3 and 0.5 µg/g by EU Reg. No 1881/2006. The concentrations of zinc, iron, tin, and manganese were within the acceptable respective limits. A health risk assessment based on the criteria established by the US EPA revealed no significant health risks associated with the concentrations of the metals. Conclusion: The canned fish samples exhibited low levels of heavy metal contamination, indicating that the fish samples pose no significant health risks to consumers.

Natural Concentrations of Iodine in Common Salts Produced from Popular Lagoons in Ghana and their Potential to Eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Bartels Benjamin, Vanderpuye Andreas Nii Addo, Gadzekpo Victor Patrick Yao

Background and objectives: Iodine deficiency is a global public health concern. This deficiency if not cured results in illness like goiter, cretinism and reduced intelligence quotient that disrupts normal physical and mental functions. The USI programme was introduced to improve household’s iodine intake, in Ghana the mandatory salt iodisation law that specifies that all salts meant for consumption must be iodised has been long passed to give credence to the USI. Yet, some Ghanaian families are still deliberately or ignorantly consuming salt containing less or no iodine at all with the perception that common salt naturally contains enough iodine. Hence, this study assesses the levels of iodine in salts from popular lagoons, which are major salt producing centres in Ghana. Methods: Two hundred (200) samples of salts were collected in six (6) months from popular major salt producing lagoons, namely, Ada-Songhor, Nyanyano, Keta, Amisa and Benya lagoons. In addition, five (5) brands of packaged refined salts also sampled for their iodine for comparative analyses. Questionnaire was administered to household’s women in charge of meal preparation to solicit information about preference for salt and knowledge about IDD. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Microsoft Excel were used in data analysis. Results: The lagoon salt samples did not record any measurable iodine (0 ppm). Ninety-three percent of respondents were ignorant about benefits of iodised salt, whilst 50.4% prefer non-iodised salt. Conclusion: The ignorance about the absence of iodine in crude salt could influence the extent of the ignorance about benefits of iodine and preference for non - iodised salt.

The Effect of Organic fertilizers on Growth Quality of Sweat corn (Zea mays saccharata L)

Aji Zulfikar, Setyono Yudo Tyasmoro, Titiek Islami

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic waste from rice husk, corn straw and sugarcane leaves as compost for sweat corn growth. The experimental design used in the study was a factorial randomized block design with two factors (compost types and doses), nine treatments, and three replications, P1: rice straw compost; P2: sugarcane leaves compost; P3: corn straw compost then doses were D1: 7,5 t ha-1; D2: 15 t ha-1; D3: 23 t ha-1. The result showed that the compost types and dose treatments had a significant effect on the maize growth, including the height, leaf area Index, stem diameter, and dry weight on specific observations without any interaction. Besides, the treatments also affected the yield of corn production. The highest yield was found at 23 t ha-1 (D3) dose in all types of compost treatments. Meanwhile the highest to the lowest yields were, respectively, P3 (9,29 t ha-1), P1 (8,72 t ha-1), and P2 (8,00 t ha-1).