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Growth Parameters of Onion (Allium cepa L. var. Cepa) as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Intra-row Spacing Under Irrigation in Gode, South-Eastern Ethiopia
Weldemariam Seifu Gessesew,
Kebede Woldetsadik,
Wassu Mohammed
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
239-245
Received:
18 August 2015
Accepted:
31 August 2015
Published:
14 October 2015
Abstract: The productivity of onion crop is low due to poor agronomic and management practices in Gode district. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Gode Polytechnic College demonstration farm in 2013 under irrigation to assess the effect of N fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing on growth parameters of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments were consisting of six rates of N fertilizer (0, 46, 69, 92, 115, 138 kg ha-1) and four levels of intra-row spacing (7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 cm) and the experiment was designed in RCBD with three replications. Results of the analysis revealed that the interaction effects of N rates and intra-row spacing showed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on leaf number. Plant maturity was delayed at higher N rates and wider intra-row spacings and vice-versa. The longest plant height was obtained from 15 cm intra-row spacing and 138 kg N ha-1 where as the shortest was recorded from 7.5 cm intra-row spacing without N fertilizer application. Longest leaf length was obtained from plants spaced at 15 cm fertilized with 138 kg N ha-1. However, the shortest was recorded for plants grown in 7.5 cm intra-row spacings without N fertilizer. The overall result analysis showed thatgood growth performance of onion was obtained from 15 cm intra-row spacing combined with 138 kg N ha-1 fertilizer applications.
Abstract: The productivity of onion crop is low due to poor agronomic and management practices in Gode district. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Gode Polytechnic College demonstration farm in 2013 under irrigation to assess the effect of N fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing on growth parameters of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments wer...
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Physicochemical Analysis of Pomegranate of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Faisal Abbas,
Nawazish Ali,
Yawar Abbas,
Attarad Ali,
Naveed Hussain,
Tanveer Abbas,
Abdul-Rehman Phull,
Islamuddin
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
246-251
Received:
25 September 2015
Accepted:
7 October 2015
Published:
28 October 2015
Abstract: Juice can be considered as an important and functional ingredient in food products. The aim of current study was to screen and compare the physico-chemical properties of some indigenous species of pomegranate in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Pakistan. Fruits were collected from three tehsil regions of GB i.e. Bagrote, Jalalabad and Heramosh valleys. The fruits were washed, peeled off and arils were separated. Fresh juice was prepared from the arils and physico-chemical properties were evaluated. The pH of juice was found in the range of 2.4 (Sour, Jutial Gilgit) to 3.9 (sweet, Jalalabad). Comparative to other areas, pomegranate species of the Jutial exhibited higher total soluble solids (TSS) as 11.5 (sour) 14.5 (sweet) 14.2 (doom). The proximate reducing sugar analysis showed the higher content of reducing sugars in Sweet >Doom >Sour varieties. Lowest average ash and moisture content was observed in sour and higher was determined in sweet varieties.
Abstract: Juice can be considered as an important and functional ingredient in food products. The aim of current study was to screen and compare the physico-chemical properties of some indigenous species of pomegranate in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Pakistan. Fruits were collected from three tehsil regions of GB i.e. Bagrote, Jalalabad and Heramosh valleys. The fr...
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Variations in Climate Change Indicators and Implications on Forest Resources Management in Taraba State, Nigeria
Agbidye Francis Sarwuan,
Emmanuel Zando Angyu,
Egbuche Christian. Toochi
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
252-256
Received:
29 July 2015
Accepted:
14 October 2015
Published:
30 October 2015
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the variation in climate change indicators of specific interest of rainfall and temperature) in Taraba State from 1991 to 2011. Secondary data were obtained on these climate change indicators from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Data obtained on amount of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature and temperature range were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed no significant differences in all the variables considered (p ≤ 0.05). This shows that the much talked about climate change in Taraba State is speculative and not based on empirical data. However, to forestall the possible menace of climate change in the study area, it was recommended that policies and programmes supporting afforestation and proper environmental management should be put in place. Also, there is need for a widespread enlightenment of the citizens on climate change to enable them to change some of the human behaviours contributing to climate change.
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the variation in climate change indicators of specific interest of rainfall and temperature) in Taraba State from 1991 to 2011. Secondary data were obtained on these climate change indicators from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Data obtained on amount of rainfall...
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Indigenous and Current Practices in Organic Agriculture in Nigeria: A Review
Ibeawuchi I. I.,
Obiefuna J. C.,
Tom C. T.,
Ihejirika G. O.,
Omobvude S. O.
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
257-262
Received:
29 July 2015
Accepted:
15 October 2015
Published:
30 October 2015
Abstract: The paper defines organic agriculture as holistic management system which promotes agro-ecosystem's health, biodiversity, biological cycle and biological activity without the external inputs of synthetic chemicals such as: fertilizers, pesticides, hormones and feed additives. Benefit include among others: high and comparable yield though could be supported by those receiving support from European community that provides monitory help to farmers as well as with conventional farming. Current practices of organic agriculture are a modification and continuation of indigenous practices that are more prominent in Nigeria. More research and funding by government and private sectors have been recommended.
Abstract: The paper defines organic agriculture as holistic management system which promotes agro-ecosystem's health, biodiversity, biological cycle and biological activity without the external inputs of synthetic chemicals such as: fertilizers, pesticides, hormones and feed additives. Benefit include among others: high and comparable yield though could be s...
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A Comparative Study on the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Agronomic Performance of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) and Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Bhaskarrao Chinthapalli,
Dagne Tafa Dibar,
D. S. Vijaya Chitra,
Melaku Bedaso Leta
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
263-268
Received:
29 September 2015
Accepted:
16 October 2015
Published:
10 November 2015
Abstract: The study was conducted to observe the comparative effect of organic fertilizer (cow dung) and inorganic fertilizers like urea and potassium chloride on the growth, biomass and biochemical parameters of two legumes of pea (Pisum sativum) and faba bean (Vicia faba). Experiments were done using two plant species of legume family. Organic fertilizer like cow dung (15t/ha) and inorganic fertilizer was applied at rate of urea (120kg/ha) and potassium chloride (125kg/ha). The application of cow dung at 15t/ha showed significant growth over the inorganic fertilizer urea and potassium chloride in terms of germination percentage, fresh weight and dry weight, plant height, shoot length, and root length as well as number of leaves in both the legume plants. Similarly, biochemical parameters have also shown significant differences from organic fertilizer over the inorganic fertilizers and control. Thus our study provides the evidence for using organic fertilizer like cow dung by farmers to have better yield to produce quality grains as cow dung is easy available, environmentally safe and cost effective in pea and faba bean plants.
Abstract: The study was conducted to observe the comparative effect of organic fertilizer (cow dung) and inorganic fertilizers like urea and potassium chloride on the growth, biomass and biochemical parameters of two legumes of pea (Pisum sativum) and faba bean (Vicia faba). Experiments were done using two plant species of legume family. Organic fertilizer l...
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Evaluation of Plant Growth Regulator, Immunity and DNA Fingerprinting of Biofield Energy Treated Mustard Seeds (Brassica juncea)
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Sambhu Charan Mondal,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
269-274
Received:
11 October 2015
Accepted:
19 October 2015
Published:
16 November 2015
Abstract: Among the oilseeds grown around the world, mustard is one of the important crop worldwide due to its wide adaptability and high yielding capacity. Owing to the importance of its utilities as condiment, cooking oil and some medical aids, the demand for its seed production is too high. The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on mustard (Brassica juncea) for its growth-germination of seedling, glutathione (GSH) content in leaves, indole acetic acid (IAA) content in shoots and roots and DNA polymorphism by random amplified polymorphic-DNA (RAPD). The sample of B. juncea was divided into two groups. One group was remained as untreated and coded as control, while the other group was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment and referred as the treated sample. The growth-germination of B. juncea seedling data exhibited that the biofield treated seeds were germinated faster on day 5 as compared to the control (on day between 7-10). The shoot and root length of seedling were slightly increased in the treated seeds of 10 days old with respect to untreated seedling. Moreover, the major plant antioxidant i.e. GSH content in mustard leaves was significantly increased by 206.72% (p<0.001) as compared to the untreated sample. Additionally, the plant growth regulatory constituent i.e. IAA level in root and shoot was increased by 15.81% and 12.99%, respectively with respect to the control. Besides, the DNA fingerprinting data using RAPD revealed that the treated sample showed an average 26% of DNA polymorphism as compared to the control. The overall results envisaged that the biofield energy treatment on mustard seeds showed a significant improvement in germination, growth of roots and shoots, GSH and IAA content in the treated sample. In conclusion, the biofield energy treatment of mustard seeds could be used as an alternative way to increase the production of mustard.
Abstract: Among the oilseeds grown around the world, mustard is one of the important crop worldwide due to its wide adaptability and high yielding capacity. Owing to the importance of its utilities as condiment, cooking oil and some medical aids, the demand for its seed production is too high. The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of Mr. T...
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Valuation of Environmental Services of Catchment Forests Within Baubau Wonco Watershed
Safril Kasim,
Aminuddin Mane Kandari,
La Ode Midi,
Anita Indriasari
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
275-283
Received:
20 October 2015
Accepted:
29 October 2015
Published:
17 November 2015
Abstract: Catchment forests cover a total of 2.750, 11 Ha. This is about 31,85% of the total area of Baubau Wonco watershed. This forested land provides both tangible and intangible benefits of which some are perceived as environmental services. However, it has encountered high rate of deforestation and forests degradation [7]. A well managed catchment forests can bring about advantages to a wide range of stakeholders, normally far away from the forests in the form of water for domestic use, agriculture, industry, and preventing from flooding, erosion and landslide hazards. To this view, it is a logical assumption that these various stakeholders who are mostly living in the downstream area should provide costs for a good forest management as incentives to the local community who mostly occupy the upstream area. Therefore, the need of a model that regulates the upstream and downstream mechanism should be explored. The research is planned to be conducted for two years. The first year research has been carried out from July to October 2015. The study employed various methods of data analysis. Those are as follow: (i) Hedonic Price is used for estimating economic value of water for domestic and industrial use; (ii) Productivity approach used for analyzing economic value of water for agricultural use; (iii) Willingness to Pay (WTP) is used for analyzing economic value of catchment forests to preventing from erosion, flooding and landslide hazards. The results of the first year research show that the total volume of water domestic consumption reachs 6.163.488,50 m3 year-1, which is used by 18.950 households with the economic value obtains of Rp. 40.062.668.750 year-1, while the economic value of water for agricultural use achieves Rp. 30.199.167/ha year-1. This research will be continued to the second year study to (i) estimate the economic value of industrial water, (ii) to analyze the Total Economic Value of hydrological environmental services provided by catchment forests of the watershed area, and (iii) to develop a model that can facilitate downstream-upstream mechanism of a payment for the hydrological environmental services.
Abstract: Catchment forests cover a total of 2.750, 11 Ha. This is about 31,85% of the total area of Baubau Wonco watershed. This forested land provides both tangible and intangible benefits of which some are perceived as environmental services. However, it has encountered high rate of deforestation and forests degradation [7]. A well managed catchment fores...
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Variations in Stem Borer Infestation and Damage in Three Maize (Zea mays L.) Types in Southern Guinea Savanna and Rainforest Zones of Nigeria
Edache Ernest Ekoja,
Olufemi Richard Pitan,
Folashade Temitope Olaosebikan
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
284-290
Received:
3 November 2015
Accepted:
11 November 2015
Published:
2 December 2015
Abstract: The effects of location, maize types and borer control with carbofuran (Furadan 3G®) on the severity of maize stem borer infestation and damage was investigated in the late maize planting season of 2011. Treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design using a split-slip-plot factorial arrangement. Whole plot factor consisted of two locations (Southern Guinea Savanna and Rainforest agro-ecological zones of Nigeria), subplot factor consisted of 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 and 0.0 kg a.i.ha-1 of carbofuran, while the sub-sub-plot factor comprised of three endosperm types of maize (flint, pop and sweet corn). Stem borer infestation (quantified by dead heart count and larval population per plant) and damage (quantified by %lodged stem, %bored internodes, %bored ears, number of exit holes, number of stem borer cavities and number of damaged seeds per plant) as well as yield were compared. Results revealed that borer infestation and damage were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the Rainforest compared with the Savanna. Single dose application of carbofuran (1.5 kg a.i. ha-1) also significantly (P < 0.05) increased grain yield in all the maize types at both locations. For all parameters, no significant (P > 0.05) location × carbofuran × maize type and location × maize type effect was detected. However, significant (P < 0.05) location × carbofuran and carbofuran × maize type interaction effects were observed. We conclude that in both agro ecologies, flint corn was more tolerant of borer attack while sweet corn was more susceptible compared to either flint or popcorn. In addition, carbofuran at 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 can significantly reduce stem borer population in the three maize types.
Abstract: The effects of location, maize types and borer control with carbofuran (Furadan 3G®) on the severity of maize stem borer infestation and damage was investigated in the late maize planting season of 2011. Treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design using a split-slip-plot factorial arrangement. Whole plot factor consisted of two loc...
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Evaluation of Plant Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Biofield Energy Treated Mustard (Brassica juncea) and Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum) Seeds
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Sambhu Charan Mondal,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
291-295
Received:
30 October 2015
Accepted:
26 November 2015
Published:
22 December 2015
Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on mustard (Brassica juncea) and chick pea (Cicer arietinum) for their growth, yield, and yield attributes. Both the samples were divided into two groups. One group was remained as untreated and coded as control, while the other group (both seed and plot) was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment and referred as the treated. The result showed the plant height of mustard and chick pea was increased by 13.2 and 97.41%, respectively in the treated samples as compared to the control. Additionally, primary branching of mustard and chick pea was improved by 7.4 and 19.84%, respectively in the treated sample as compared to the control. The control mustard and chick pea crops showed high rate of infection by pests and diseases, while treated crops were free from any infection of pests and disease. The yield attributing characters of mustard showed, lucidly higher numbers of siliquae on main shoot, siliquae/plant and siliquae length were observed in the treated seeds and plot as compared with the control. Moreover, similar results were observed in the yield attributing parameters of chick pea viz. pods/plant, grains/pod as well as test weight of 1000 grains. The seed and stover yield of mustard in treated plots were increased by 61.5% and 25.4%, respectively with respect to the control. However, grain/seed yield of mustard crop after biofield energy treatment was increased by 500% in terms of kg per meter square as compared to the control. Besides, grain/seed yield of chick pea crop after biofield energy treatment was increased by 500% in terms of kg per meter square. The harvest index of biofield treated mustard was increased by 21.83%, while it was slight increased in case of chick pea. In conclusion, the biofield energy treatment could be used on both the seeds and plots of mustard and chick pea as an alternative way to increase the production and yield.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on mustard (Brassica juncea) and chick pea (Cicer arietinum) for their growth, yield, and yield attributes. Both the samples were divided into two groups. One group was remained as untreated and coded as control, while the other group (both seed and ...
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Study on Present Status of Fish Biodiversity in Wetlands of Sylhet District, Bangladesh
Mohammed Ariful Islam,
Md. Jahidul Islam,
Sanzib Kumar Barman,
Farjana Morshed,
Sabiha Sultana Marine
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
296-299
Received:
10 November 2015
Accepted:
14 December 2015
Published:
3 January 2016
Abstract: The study was conducted to identify the present status of fish biodiversity in the wetlands of Sylhet district for a period of 12 months from January 2014 to December 2014. It was done by questionnaire interviews (QI) of fishers, focus group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII) and secondary data collection. During the study period, a total of 58 fish species under 21 families were recorded. The species availability status was remarked in four categories and obtained as 24 commonly available, 16 moderately available, 18 rarely available species. Highest number of commonly available species was found in October to December and lowest number of commonly available species was observed in March to April. Among 54 threatened fish species listed by IUCN Bangladesh, about 30 species were found 10-15 years ago in those wetlands but only 23 were found during the study period. It is revealed that there has been gradual reduction of fish diversity in the wetlands of the area of Sylhet district and average fish catch per fisherman per day was also reduced. Community based fisheries management, fishing gears maintenance, sanctuary establishment and management, implementation of fish acts and regulations, stocking of fish fingerling in the open waters, dredging of beels and raising public awareness can play a great role in conserving fish biodiversity.
Abstract: The study was conducted to identify the present status of fish biodiversity in the wetlands of Sylhet district for a period of 12 months from January 2014 to December 2014. It was done by questionnaire interviews (QI) of fishers, focus group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII) and secondary data collection. During the study period...
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Research Progress on the Mechanism of Alfalfa Cold Resistance During Overwintering Period
Wu Jiabin,
Miao Shu,
Zhang Ruiqiang,
Miao Henglu,
Wang Sen
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
300-304
Received:
8 January 2016
Published:
8 January 2016
Abstract: Understanding and research on the mechanism of alfalfa cold resistance has become one of the hot spots in grassland and pasture accompany the rapid development of the scale of feeding grassland construction. This paper expounds the origin of damage to the alfalfa caused by low temperature stress in winter , and summarizes the physiological and biochemical changes of alfalfa and its cold resistance, and discusses the countermeasures to improve the cold resistance of Alfalfa from three aspects: variety selection and cold resistance breeding, cultivation and management, genetic engineering. The prospect of future research on improving cold resistance of alfalfa was discussed.
Abstract: Understanding and research on the mechanism of alfalfa cold resistance has become one of the hot spots in grassland and pasture accompany the rapid development of the scale of feeding grassland construction. This paper expounds the origin of damage to the alfalfa caused by low temperature stress in winter , and summarizes the physiological and bioc...
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