|
|
| ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological
Science July 2012 | Vol. 7 No.
7 |
|
Title: |
Physiological basis of yield difference in grain sorghum (sorghum
bicolor (L) moench) in a semi-arid environment |
|
Author (s): |
Majid
Agha Alikhani, Fatemeh Etemadi and Aziz Fouman Ajirlo |
|
Abstract: |
In order to compare sorghum genotypes for
grain yield using phenology, morphology and physiological
growth indices, an experiment was conducted at Iran's SPII
on 2009 growth season. Results showed genotypes KGS5
and KGS31 produced the highest and lowest grain
yield and biomass respectively. With respect to the yield
components, genotypes UT378B and ICSV274
had the highest number of grains panicle-1 and
1000-grain weight, respectively. Also the three top
genotypes including KGS5, KGS15 and
KGS23 had the highest leaf number at 28 days
after planting (DAP), which indicated better radiation
capture in the early season. Plant height variation also
revealed that genotypes KGS5 and ICSV274
were the shortest (122.87 cm) and the tallest (165.59cm)
genotypes, respectively. Significant differences were
observed in case of growth degree days necessary to achieve
milk stage and soft-dough stage, so that genotypes KGS31
and KGS5 were the earliest and latest genotypes
with respect to these stages. Significant differences
existed between genotypes in case of all studied growth
physiological indices at canopy closure except for leaf area
index and relative growth rate. Overall, it could be
concluded that the most important and effective trait in
achieving high grain yield in sorghum is high HI. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Evaluation of yam-sweet potato peels mixture as source of
energy in broiler chickens diets |
|
Author (s): |
Diarra S.
S., Igwebuike J. U., Kwari I. D., Sinodo S., Babangida A.,
Ahmadu U., Shettima S. and Jibrin M. |
|
Abstract: |
In the search for alternative energy sources
for poultry feeding, a 9-week experiment was conducted to
ascertain the replacement value of yam-sweet potato peels
mixture (YSPPM) for maize in broiler chickens diets. One
hundred and eighty (180) Anak-2000 broiler chicks aged 6
days were randomly assigned to 12 floor pens containing 15
birds each. Four diets, based on 23 and 20% crude protein in
the starter and finisher respectively, were formulated to
contain 0, 15, 30, and 45% YSPPM as replacement for maize
grain. Each of the diets was fed to 3 pens of 15 birds in a
completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth
indices, haematological profile, and carcass measurements
and organs weights. During the starter period (7-28 days),
daily feed intake and feed cost/kg gain were not adversely
affected by feeding the test ingredient, but weight gain and
feed conversion ratio (FCR) were depressed above 15%
replacement of maize with the test material. In the finisher
phase (28-63 days), feed intake was significantly increased
on the 45% replacement diet compared to the control but did
not differ statistically amongst the YSPPM-based diets as
well as amongst the control, 15 and 30% replacement diets.
The highest daily gain was recorded on the 15% replacement
diet, but its values did not differ markedly amongst the
control, 30 and 45% diets. Feed conversion ratio was
significantly increased above 15% replacement of maize with
YSPPM. Feed cost per kg gain was significantly reduced on
the 15 and 45% replacement diets. The results of haematology
did not show any depressive effect of feeding YSPPM.
Similarly, the results of carcass measurements and organs
weights did not show any disadvantage of feeding YSPPM, but
there were beneficial effects of its feeding over the
control maize-based diet with respect to breast meat and
abdominal fat deposition. It was concluded that YSPPM can
replace maize up to 15 and 45% in broiler starter and
finisher diets respectively without adverse effects on the
growth, haematological profile and carcass measurements. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Economics
of weed control practices on rice farms in Obafemi-Owode
area of Ogun State, Nigeria |
|
Author (s): |
Ologbon O.
A. C. and Yusuf S. A. |
|
Abstract: |
The economic analysis of weed
control practices on rice farms in Obafemi-Owode area of
Ogun State, Nigeria was examined. The study was based on
primary data collected from 88 respondents. Multistage
sampling procedures were used to randomly select the
communities that were interviewed. Ten (10) major weeds were
found to be predominant on the rice farms visited, which
were Guinea grass, Broom weed, Stubborn grass, Carpet
grass, Centro, Tridax, Amaranth, Pig weed, Goat Weed and
Water leaf among others. Weed control was by manual and
chemical application methods.
Average weed cost estimate in the study area was N80,
100.00 per hectare, Farmers’ production efficiency was
positively influenced by land size, hired labour, quantity
of fertilizer used, cost herbicides and number of farm land
cultivated. Only the frequency of manual weeding
significantly increases the inefficiency level on rice farm.
It was recommended that local rice farmers should be
encouraged by supplying required technology inputs that may
improve on their level of production, while further
education should be given to farmers on fertilizer
application to avoid its’ excess application. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Plant growth promoting and phytostimulatory potential of
bacillus subtilis and bacillus
amyloliquefaciens |
|
Author (s): |
Vijendra
Kumar Mishra and Ashok Kumar |
|
Abstract: |
Root colonizing bacteria that exert
beneficial effects on plant growth have been defined as
plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The present
study aimed to the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)
and siderophore in WR-W2 and MR-AI strains under in vitro
condition. Synthesis of IAA and siderophore was checked
in presence of different carbon sources in JNFb-
medium amended with L-tryptophan (100 μg/ml) and iron
limited M9 medium respectively. Time course study and
simultaneous production of IAA and siderophore was performed
in the strain MR-AI and WR-W2. Malate followed by acetate
was found as the most suitable sole carbon source for both
the IAA and siderophore production by the strain.
Siderophore production was inhibited above 20μM
concentration of Fe (III). Catecholate type of siderophore
production was identified in the culture supernatant of both
the strain. Furthermore, significant increase in rice plant
(pusa sugandha III) growth response was observed, when the
strains were used as bioinoculum under gnotobiotic
condition, in presence of L-tryptophan (100μg/ml). 16S rRNA
gene sequence reveals strains MR-AI as Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens and WR-W2 as Bacillus subtilis.
Strain WR-W2 was found to be more efficient as compared to
MR-AI in terms of its capability to produce IAA and
siderophore. Therefore, strain MR-AI and WR-W2 could be
further applied as bioinnoculum in different formulation in
seeds or crop fields for sustainable agricultural systems. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Utilization of papaya tree on dried candied making |
|
Author (s): |
Nofiarli Fitriana Nasution and Kuswandi |
|
Abstract: |
The research was intended to determine making method of
dried candied from papaya stem. The experiment was conducted
at Post-Harvest Laboratory
of
Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute,
Solok West Sumatra in April 2010. The
experiment was designed in Randomized complete
design
with 16 treatments and 2 replications. The treatments were:
P0K0 (stem
was boiled in water);
P0K1 (papaya
stem was boiled in water and soaked in 0.5% shell lime);
P0K2 (stem
was boiled in water and soaked in 1% shell lime);
P0K3 (stem
was boiled in water and soaked in 1.5% shell lime);
P1K0 (papaya stem was boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma
malabathricum L.) leaves);
P1K1
(stem was boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma
malabathricum L.) leaves and
soaked in 0.5% shell lime); P1K2
(stem was
boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma malabathricum
L.) leaves and
soaked in 1% shell lime); P1K3
(stem was
boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma malabathricum
L.) leaves and
soaked in 1.5% shell lime);
P2K0 (stem
was boiled in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima
Pohl.) leaves);
P2K1 (stem was boiled in water added cassava
(Manihot utilissima Pohl.) leaves and
soaked in 0.5% shell lime);
P2K2 (stem
was boiled in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima
Pohl.) leaves and
soaked in 1% shell lime);
P2K3 (stem
was boiled in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima
Pohl.) leaves and
soaked in 1.5% shell lime);
P3K0 (stem was boiled in water added guava (Psidium
guajava) leaves);
P3K1 (stem was boiled in water added guava (Psidium
guajava) leaves and
soaked in 0.5% shell lime);
P3K2 (stem
was boiled in water added guava (Psidium guajava)
leaves and
soaked in 1% shell lime);
P3K3 (stem
was boiled in water added guava (Psidium guajava)
leaves and
soaked in 1.5% shell lime). Preference test
was been
conducted with 10 professional panelists on
aroma, color, taste, and crispiness.
Another observation
was
water content (oven method) and ash content (furnace
method). Observation data were analyzed with 5% HSD test.
Stem has a potential to be developed as a food ingredient
the dried
candied making
is very
simple,
stems were
boiled
and
soaked in
sugar
solution. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
Influence
of rumen-base organic mulch treatment on weed control and
maize performance
in Rivers State, Nigeria |
|
Author (s): |
Iyagba A. G.,
Isirima C. B. and Akonye L. |
|
Abstract: |
Field trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009
at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University
of Education, Ndele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria to
determine the effects of rumen-base organic mulch on weed
control and maize (Zea mays L.) performance. Mulch
applications were at the rates of 0, 20 40, 60 and 80 tons
ha-1. A randomized complete block design was used
and replicated four times. Weed density and weed biomass
decreased and an increase in weed control efficiency (%)
with increasing rate of organic mulch though insignificantly
different beyond 40 tons ha-1. The result also
showed first an increase but a decrease beyond 40 tons ha-1
in seedling emergence and plant height but an increase in
number of leaves, root length (cm) and number of cobs/plant
at 4 and 5 weeks after planting (WAP). Grain yield increased
significantly with increasing rate of mulch application up
to 40 tons ha-1. Rumen - base organic mulch
material applied at 40 tons ha-1 can produced
significantly higher weed control efficiency (76.1%) and
grain yield (1.98 tons ha-1) and used to control
weeds and enhance maize yield. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Major
weeds of paddy fields in district Rajouri (J&K) India |
|
Author (s): |
L. R
Dangwal, Amandeep Singh, Tajinder Singh and Anima Sharma |
|
Abstract: |
The present communication pertains to major
weeds of paddy fields in district Rajouri (J and K). The
study was based on extensive and intensive fields surveys
made during different months of rainy season 2009-2011.
During the course of field study the authors have selected 6
important paddy growing blocks in district Rajouri and
divided them into two sites (S1 upland site containing the
blocks Kalakote, Manjakote and Sunderbani in which
irrigation facility is lacking and S2 lowland site
containing blocks Nowshera, Rajouri and Budhal which is
facilitated with irrigation). Frequent field trips were made
twice a month in each site for collection of weeds. During
this period the authors have reported a total of 65 weed
species belonging to 23 angiospermic and 1 pteridophytic
families from both the sites. Outof 23 angiospermic families
the predominance was shown by monocot families Cyperaceae
and Poaceae having 15 and 12 weed species respectively. The
pteridophytic family Marsileaceae was represented by 01 weed
species. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Response
of dual purpose barley to rates and methods of nitrogen
application |
|
Author (s): |
Fazal
Hadi, Muhammad Arif and Farrukh Hussain |
|
Abstract: |
In winter months the forage availability for
livestock reduces very much, thus barley can be used as dual
purpose crop. In the present study the influence of
different levels and methods of nitrogen application were
tested against the dual purpose barley. The experiments were
conducted at Botanical Garden-Azakhel, University of
Peshawar during 2010 by using RCB design with split plot
arrangement. Different nitrogen levels (40 kg ha‑1,
80 kg ha-1 and 120 kg ha‑1) were used.
40 kg ha-1 N showed minimum days to emergence,
maximum spike m-2 and 1000 grains weight. 80 kg
ha-1 N yielded maximum fresh and dry biomass,
grains spike‑1 and minimum days to spike while
120 kg ha‑1 N showed maximum emergence m-2,
tillers plant-1, leaves plant-1,
tillers m-2, plant height and minimum days to
maturity. N levels were applied either at once or divided in
two and three equal doses. Nitrogen applied at once showed
minimum days to emergence and maximum plant height while N
applied in three divided doses yielded good results with
maximum emergence m-2, fresh and dry biomass,
tillers and leaves plant-1, tillers and spike m-2,
grains spike-1, 1000 grains weight and minimum
days to spike and maturity. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
The
growth evaluation of two species Annona at seedling phase |
|
Author (s): |
Ni Luh
Putu Indriyani |
|
Abstract: |
The aim of the research was to evaluate the
growth of two Annona species at the seedling phase.
The research was conducted at Aripan Experimental Field of
Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute and started
from February 2007 until August 2008.
There were two Annona species as treatment, namely:
A.muricata (soursop) and A.
Montana
(mountain soursop). Each of treatment consisted of 42
seedlings. The growth parameters observed were plant height,
stem diameter, root dry weight, dry weight of plant parts
which grow above soil surface, and total plant dry weight.
These
parameters were analyzed by t-test
0, 05%.
The result showed that the growth of the two Annona
species at 6 months
after planting
was not significantly different. It showed
that there
was not
significant difference between the two Annona spesies
on plant height,
stem diameter, root dry weight, dry weight of
plant
parts which grew above soil surface, and
total dry weight of
plant.
Due to this result seedling of A. montana
Macf.
(mountain soursop) was able to be used as rootstock. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Performance of wheat varieties sown under solid and skip row
geometry |
|
Author (s): |
Beena
Saeed, Hasina Gul, Shazma Anwar, Ayub Khan, Azra,
Shamsher Ali and Ishrat Naz |
|
Abstract: |
A study was conducted to find out the
performance of different wheat varieties sown under solid
and skip row geometries. The experiment was carried out at
New Developmental Farm, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Agricultural
University, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter season of
2002-2003. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with
split plot arrangements having three replications was used.
Sowing was done on 18th November, 2002. Row
geometry was allotted to main plot and varieties were
allotted to sub plots. The size of sub plot was 2.4m by 5m.
Different wheat varieties (Bakhtawar-92, Fakhar-e-Sarhad,
Ghaznavi-98, Nowshera-96, Chakwal, Khyber-87) were randomly
planted in skip and solid row geometries. In solid row
geometry the row to row distance was 30 cm and in skip row
geometry, pairs of rows were 60 cm apart and within pairs
the row to row distance was 30cm. Parameters such as number
of grain spike-1, kernel weight, grain yield,
biological yield and harvest index were studied in the
experiment. Skip row geometry produced more grain spike-1,
heavier kernels, greater grains and biological yield and had
higher harvest index than solid row geometry. Performance of
the two wheat varieties, Fakhar-e-Sarhad and Ghaznavi-98 was
better as compared to other four varieties of wheat i.e.,
Bakhtawar-92, Nowshera-96, Chakwal and Khyber-87. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Weed
control in lawns in Ghana |
|
Author (s): |
J.
B.
K. Asiedu,
J. D. Owusu-Sekyere,
P.
Fiscian and E. Afutu |
|
Abstract: |
The research investigated the effect of
various regimes of herbicide application and soil treatments
on weed population dynamics in three widely used tropical
turfgrass species; Zoysia japonica (Carpet grass),
Stenotaphrum secundatum (St. Augustine’s grass) and
Chrysopogon aciculatus (Love grass). Turfgrasses were
established on 5m × 1.5m plots by sprigging. Soil treatments
included the following: a) plots overlaid with 3:1
topsoil/composted cow manure mix at a depth of 100 mm and b)
plots with no topsoil or composted cow manure. Plots were
then treated with post emergence herbicide (glyphosate)
either once or twice. Non-treated plots were also included
and served as the control. The research work was randomized
and analyzed as unbalanced randomized complete block design.
The results showed that the herbicide treatment did not
reduce the quantity of germinating weeds on the plots and
also there were no significant differences between the
herbicide treatments. Boerhavia diffusa (Boerhavia)
and Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus) were the predominant
weed species. Love grass plots were invaded by higher
quantity of weeds compared to the other two grass species. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Evolution
energy indices of soybean production in north of Iran |
|
Author (s): |
Maral
Moraditochaee |
|
Abstract: |
Soybean is the main source of
supplying protein and oil in the world. Energy in
agriculture is important in terms of crop production and
agro processing for value adding. This method in an
agricultural product system is the energy consuming in
product operations and energy saving in produced crops. In
this article, evaluation of energy indices under rain fed
farming soybean in north of Iran (Guilan province) was
investigated. Data were collected from 72 farms by used a
face to face questionnaire method during 2011 year in Guilan
province. By using of consumed data as inputs and total
production as output, and their concern equivalent energy,
and energy indices were calculated. The average yield of
soybean was found to be 2377 kg/ha and its energy equivalent
was calculated to be 56573 MJ/ha. Energy efficiency (energy
output to input energy ratio) for seed in this study was
calculated 4.32, showing the affective use of energy in the
agro ecosystems soybean production. Nonrenewable energy was
82.41% total input energy that concluded that soybean
production needs to improve the efficiency of energy
consumption in production and to employ renewable energy.
|
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
The
influence of varying calcium-phosphorus ratios on finishing
and carcass characteristics of broiler finisher chickens
under a semi arid environment |
|
Author (s): |
Adamu S.
B., Geidam Y. A., Mohammed G., Gambo H. I. and Raji A. O. |
|
Abstract: |
An experiment was conducted to determine the
influence of various ratios of calcium to phosphorus on
growth performance and carcass yield of broiler finisher
chickens under a semi arid environment. The experiment used
a total of 150 twenty eight days old broiler chicks randomly
assigned to five treatment groups of 30 birds each made up
of three replicates of ten birds. They were fed five
treatment diets that were isocaloric-isonitrogeneous but of
varying Ca: P ratios namely; 2:1 (control), 2.5:1, 3:1,
3.5:1 and 4:1 for a period of thirty five days. The highest
daily feed consumption of 132.88g was recorded for the 4:1
ratio group while the control group significantly (P<0.05)
consumed the least (121.80g). All the four treatment groups
(i.e., 2.5:1 to 4:1) significantly (P<0.05) gained more than
the control. The trend was similar for feed conversion ratio
and final body weight. The ranking order of final body
weight was 3:1>4:1>3.5:1>2.5:1>2:1. Among the carcass
indices, drum stick and breast were significantly heaviest
in 2.5:1 and 3:1groups respectively. The study concluded
that Ca: P ratio of 2:1 was inadequate for broiler finishers
while 3:1 was the most favourable for finishing broiler
chickens. |
| |
|
|
|
Title: |
Effect of
low temperatures on physico-chemical properties of different
strawberry cultivars |
|
Author (s): |
Fardin
Mirahmadi, Qorban M. Hanafi and Hamid Mohammadi |
|
Abstract: |
Texture, anthocyanin content, pH, acidity,
totals soluble solids, total sugar, and sensory scores
of five strawberry cultivars (Kurdistan, Selva, Camarosa,
Paroz, and Queen), stored at 6
ºC,
was investigated.
The data indicated physical and chemical properties of all
samples depended on cultivate during storage time since
there were some contrasting responses among cultivars.
‘Kurdistan’ had the highest moisture content and showed
decay symptoms previously. Except for ‘Camarosa’, TSS and
total sugar increased in all cultivars.
There were
differences between cultivars concerning changes of acidity
or pH over the storage period.
In terms of flavor,
‘Kurdistan’,
‘Camarosa’, and ‘Selva’ cultivars were found better than the
others at first day of cool storage. But ‘Camarosa’ and
‘Selva’ had a favorite color among cultivars. A sign of
fungal decay was observed in ‘Kurdistan’ samples at 7th
day. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
