For improving knowledge on soil physical and chemical properties and management in cassava as food crop production areas of Côte d’Ivoire, field survey was conducted in localities of Dabou in the southwest and Bingerville in the south of Abidjan city targeting three sites in each of the locality. After defining a topographic position of the cassava fields encountered, the soil composite samples were taken in 0-40 cm depth. Pits were opened on the slope and the profiles were described therein. The subsoil is most frequently used for the production of cassava, the main crop in these two regions. The results of analysis showed that the soils are chemically poor. The pH was strongly acidic, causing the problem of solubilization of the aluminum ions in soil solution as well as phosphorus availability. In addition, organic matter levels were low overall threatening the increase of the productivity of crops unless applying fertilizers. Soils can be described as of poor quality and almost unfit for sustainable cassava production according to its relatively demanding in organic matter.
Wild okra (ligusha) [Corchorus olitorius L.] is an important indigenous vegetable in Swaziland. Although the crop is a popular vegetable among rural communities, not much has been done to produce it using nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of NPK fertilisers on growth and development of Corchorus olitorius (ligusha). Different concentrations of NPK fertilisers (2.3.2(22), (2.3.2(37) and 2.3.4(39) were applied in an experiment laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) whereby in the control, no fertilizer was applied. It was noticed that there were significant (P<0.05) increases in all the growth parameters that were measured in the pots where 2.3.4(39) fertiliser was applied followed in decreasing order by 2.3.2(37), 2.3.2(22) and lastly the control. There were also significant (P<0.05) differences of yield fresh mass and dry mass of ligusha. The plants grown in the 2.3.4(39) applied pots had the highest fresh (142.7 g) and dry yield (31.0 g) mass followed in decreasing order by 2.3.2(37), 2.3.2(22) and lastly the control. The least fresh (14.8 g) and dry yield (3.3 g) mass was recorded in plants grown in the control pots. Plants that grew in the 2.3.4(39) applied fertiliser gave the highest yield of wild okra, under the conditions of this experiment.
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing roasted, soaked, and coarsely ground lupin meal (RSCGLM) for soybean meal (SBM) as a protein ingredient on fertility, hatchability, and chick quality of white leghorn layers. A total of 180 (150 layers and 30 cocks) with uniform body weight and age were randomly distributed in to 15 pens and assigned to five treatments. Treatments were SBM replaced by RSCGLM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The crude protein and metabolizable energy content of treatment rations ranged 16.58 - 16.78% and 2879.72 - 2881.82 kcal/ kg DM, respectively. RSCGLM contain 36.5% CP and 3533.8 kcal ME/kg DM. Replacement of SBM with RSCGLM in the diet did not affect fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick length, chick weight, and chick quality by visual score. It can be concluded that up to 100% (at a rate of 100 g/kg concentrate diet) of RSCGLM as a replacement for SBM in the diet of white leghorn layers did not affect fertility, hatchability, and chick quality parameters. Hence, RSCGLM is a cheap source of protein supplement which can replace SBM.
The objective of the research is to evaluate the interactive effects of salinity and potassium salt on the growth and nodulating capacity. The experiment was conducted during the development of pea seedlings (Pisium sativum) var: Merveile Kelvedon, the test was conducted in a randomized complete block (split plot) with three levels of NaCl (S0: 0 , S1:50 , S2: 150) mMol, and two levels of potassium salt: potassium nitrate (KNO3) (N1: 20, N2: 40) mMol, and potassium acetate (CH3COOK) (A1:20 , A2: 40) mMol with four replicates grown in pots, under controlled conditions ,the work was executed on 48 experimentales units. The results are shown that treatment salts decreased significantly pigment chlorophyll (chla, Chlb, Chlt), leaf area (La), the number of nodules (Nnd ), root length and stem (Rl , Rs) and the dry weight of leaves and roots (Dwl, Dwr) with increasing levels of salinity, the content of potassium (K + ) and the selectivity coefficient (K / Na) of leaves and roots and the content of total nitrogen (TN) in the leaves is reduced with a high salinity concentration compared to the control, whereas the content of proline (Pro) and sugar (Sr) in the leaves and the content of sodium (Na + ) in the leaves and roots have been accumulated considerably when salinity levels are increased. The application of the two potassium salts in the soil potassium nitrate (KNO3) or potassium acetate (CH3COOK)) is removed deleterious effects of salinity .In comparing these two potassium salts we result, the level of potassium acetate (CH3COOK) (A2) increased the number of nodules (Nnd), total nitrogen (NT) in the leaves and the potassium content (K + ) in the shoots and roots, but potassium nitrate (KNO3) (N2) increased sodium content (Na + ) in the roots and the leaves compared to the other treatment one, we can conclude that the potassium acetate (CH3COOK) is a good fertilizer than potassium nitrate (KNO3) in saline conditions.
Seeds of vitex (Vitex doniana Sweet) and baobab (Adansonia digitata) collected from Eastern Nuba Mountains, Sudan, were investigated for their total soluble phenolic, phenolic constituents and fatty acids compositions. Vitex and baobab seeds exhibited content of total soluble phenolic amounting to 641 and 668 mg GAE/100 g DW, respectively. The paramount phenolic acid in vitex was protocatechuic acid which made 102 mg/100g DW whereas cinnamic with concentration reached 72 mg/100g DW was the major phenolic acid in baobab. The detected fatty acids were stearic acid (51 %), oleic acid (37.7 %) and palmitic acid (11%) in vitex. The paramount fatty acids in baobab seed were oleic (42.5%), linoleic (28%) and palmitic (22%). These characterizations might qualify the seeds for a number of pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications in addition to the traditional use of the roasted seeds as a coffee substitute.
Mulches provide essential benefits in crop production. It is however, unfortunate that not much research has been done under different local conditions. This study was carried out to determine the effect of organic and inorganic mulches on green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) growth, development and yield on a clay loam soil of Matsapha, Swaziland. A control (no mulch) was also included in the experiment. The study indicated that black polythene, clear polythene and grass mulches significantly (P 0.05) differences in yield of green bean grown with no mulch (control) and rice mulched bean plants which yielded lowest. The obtained results showed that black polythene, clear polythene and grass conserved moisture at root zone level. The findings for soil temperature indicated a highest value of 34°C for black polythene and a lowest of 26.5°C under grass. Weed infestation recorded lowest value of 1.75 from black polythene and highest of 4.75 from grass mulched plots. The highest and the lowest values for soil moisture content obtained were 74.56% under clear polythene and 45.77% for the control respectively. When growing green beans in the period of December to March in Matsapha area, it may be recommended to use black polythene or when opting for organic mulch, grass mulch may be recommended to maximize growth and yield. For moisture conservation and weed suppression black polythene may be recommended.
Effects of the fungi Dactylaria brochobaga, Arthrobotrys dactyloides and Dactylaria thumasia var. Longa on reproduction of root-knot nematode Melodogyne sp. infested white bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris revealed that the percentage reduction of the number of larvae per one kgm soil were 79%, 74% and 65% for Fungus Dactylaria brochobaga, Fungus Arthrobotrys dactyloides and Fungus Dactylaria thumasia var. Longa respectively on December 12, 2010 , while it was 90%, 89% and 77% for Fungus Dactylaria brochobaga, Fungus Arthrobotrys dactyloides and Fungus Dactylaria thumasia var. Longa respectively On January 18, 2011. while effects of these fungi on reproduction of root-knot nematode Melodogyne sp. infested sugar beet Beta vulgaris sp.vulgaris obtained that the percentage reduction of the number of larvae per one kgm soil were 84%, 68% and 60% for Fungus Dactylaria brochobaga, Fungus Arthrobotrys dactyloides and Fungus Dactylaria thumasia var. Longa respectively on December 12, 2010 , while it was 94%, 83% and 52% for Fungus Dactylaria brochobaga, Fungus Arthrobotrys dactyloides and Fungus Dactylaria thumasia var. Longa respectively On January 18, 2011.
Thirteen breeding lines of Ethiopian mustard were evaluated for agronomic, leaf quality and market traits using participatory approach among stakeholders in production and marketing during 2008 and 2009. This study seeks to identify farmers’ preference for traits and accessions, identify horticultural traits that may constitute future research and donor parents for breeding works. Arusha, Meru and Moshi were purposively selected due to high production, consumption and marketing of Ethiopian mustard. A multistage random sampling procedure was used to select districts, then the villages and the participants. The focus group discussion sessions identified leaf number, leaf size and leaf succulence among other as traits of high preference and for improvement. Preference was high for leaf colour (green), leaves, leaf succulence, leaf thickness (thin) and taste in B. rapa compared to B. carinata. Preponderance of leaf defoliators and Aphids, and associated diseases are the major constraints in production and to a lesser extent are seed price, vegetable production techniques and leaf marketing. Genotypes that excel for multiple traits and specific traits were identified, and could be donor parents for leaf yield and quality traits improvement. High preference for B. rapa implied that hybridization among B rapa and B. carinata could create ample variation for improvement in B. carinata. Keyword: Participatory selection, leaf quality traits, Sensory evaluation, Leaf number, Arusha and Meru regions, Brassica carinata
Combined use of inorganic and crop residue as sources of plant nutrients, is an attempt to improve nutrient use efficiency, with reduce environmental hazards and improve crop productivity. An experiment was conducted in the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan to examine the performance of Oil palm seedlings and growth at different levels of Organo-mineral fertilizer application in the nursery. The experiment was a completely Randomized Design with three replicates. Treatments were 27, consisting of the mixture of different Inorganic sources (Diammonium and Sokoto rock phosphates) and Organic sources (palmkernel deoil cake (PKDOC), Sheanut deoil cake (SNDOC) and Ground bunch refuse of Oil palm (GBRP). Each Organic material was combined with both inorganic fertilizers in the following percentage order : 50:40:10, 60-30-10, 70-20-10, 75-15-10, 80-10-10, 85-5-10, 90-0-10, 0-90-10 and control making 9 treatments for each organic combinations. Tenera variety of oil palm was planted at sprouting stage as the test crop. Data were analysed using ANOVA and the means were separated using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Result showed that treatments with 50-40-10 gave the highest values (79.93, 56.26, 65.03cm) of leaf area and height values (27.80, 22.73 and 24.40cm) followed by 60-30-10 (24.47, 22.53 and 23.67cm) at 16WAT for all combinations respectively. Also, the mean values of leaf number for treatments 50-40-10 gave the highest values (12.33, 10.67 and 9.67) followed by treatments with 60-30-10 (11.67, 10.00 and 9.00) respectively. The results obtained show that Deoiled palm kernel cake (DOC) and Ground bunch refuse of palm treated oil palm seedlings both performed better than shea nut deoiled cake (SNDOC) applied for most of the characters considered. It was observed that throughout the period of the findings the fertilizer combinations 50-40-10 and 60-30-10 performed excellently when compared with other fertilizer combinations in terms of vegetative growth. Performance evaluation of the waste is in the order PKDOC> GBRP> SNODOC. Hence, combination of organic (Oil -palm bye product waste) and inorganic fertilizer gives a better option for waste recycling, soil fertility restoration and maintenance for raising Oil-palm seedlings in the nursery.
A 56-day trial to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and meat physico-chemical properties of broiler birds fed graded inclusion of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) was undertaken using 270 one-day old Arbor acre broiler chicks. Basal starter and finishers diets (T1) contained 0% AA (control); while diets T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% AA respectively. Performance data indicated similar (p>0.05) daily and total feed intake by birds. Feed conversion ratio (3.04, 2.86, 2.85, 2.74, 2.77and 2.69 for birds on diets T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively) were also similar (p>0.05). However weight gain and final body weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) for birds on AA supplementation compared with control. Correlation of graded AA inclusion and weight gain of chickens was positive (r=0.50) and significant (p<0.05). Regression of weight gain (kg) on graded AA supplementation indicated (R 2 =0.2531) a minimum of 1.67ppm dietary AA requirement for growth. Abdominal fat, eviscerated weight as well as weight of heart varied significantly (p<0.05). Other carcass characteristics, organ indices and meat physico-chemical indices were not significantly different (p>0.05). Supplemental dietary AA was implicated in growth and improved color of broiler meat in this study.
The peels of ripe mango (mangnifera indica) fruits were hydrolyzed with 4.5M hydrochloric acid solution and distilled.The distillates were tested for furfural using volumetric, UV/visible and IR spectroscopic methods in addition to other physicochemical parameters.The UV/visible and IR scans and the other tests confirm the presence of furfural.The result also show good yield of furfural.
The present study was carried out on free-range backyard chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) from April 2011 to March 2012 (10 hosts per month) to determine the prevalence, mean intensity and species diversity of cestode parasites of domestic fowl in Kashmir valley, northwest Himalayan region of India. Of the total 120 (50 male and 70 female) chickens collected from different localities of Kashmir , 103 (85.83 %) were found infected with cestode parasites. In this survey nine cestode parasites belonging to four genera were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of infected chickens. The cestode species and their prevalence were: Raillietina tetragona (65%), R. cesticillus (22.50%), R. echinobothrida (33.33%), R. spiralis (26.66%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (18.33%), C. gondwana (10.83%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (20.00%), A. domesticus (15.00%), Davainea proglottina (18.33%).
Field experiments were conducted in the field at Nyankpala in the Northern Region of Ghana to determine the appropriate time of intercropping soybean, cowpea and groundnut with maize for optimum yield; and to compare the weed suppression abilities, vis-à-vis maize yields, of these legumes.The legumes were intercropped with the cereal 0, 2 and 4 weeks after planting (WAP) the maize.The intercrop components were arranged in a 1:1 spatial arrangement.The nonintercropped treatments served as sole crops.The experimental plots were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications for each treatment.Results showed that leaf area index, shoot biomass, nodule number, pod number, grain yield and land equivalent ratio (LER) decreased with delay in intercropping.However, LER values indicated that the intercrops had yield advantage over the sole crop maize.The appropriate time of intercropping maize with the legumes for optimum maize yield is very early (before or at 2 WAP maize).Results also showed that cowpea suppressed more weeds in the maize field than groundnut and soybean.Cowpea-maize intercrop gave a maize yield of 2988 kg/ha which was not significantly different from the sole maize yield of 3291 kg/ha at 2 WAP maize.
Then a field experiment in two consecutive seasons on a farm in the Division lead to study the effectiveness of the added phosphorus spraying on the leaves and compare them added to the ground on the vegetative growth of wheat plants under conditions of Algeria, where you use three factors for phosphorus P 0 -Ps -Pr (without adding phosphorus -affixed to the ground -added spray), respectively.and massage at 50 parts / million P 2 O 5 on the image of super phosphate, and then added in two 3 / 2 amount by the Agriculture mixing with the soil and 3 / 1 the remainder after 15 days of agriculture, was also used phosphorus spraying on the leaves concentration of 1% of the sodium phosphate mono NaHPO 4 three periods after 30 -35 -40 days of agriculture, and selected two types of soil differ in physical and chemical characteristics, results showed the following: Increased the dry weight of shoot significantly by adding phosphorus to any of the methods for the treatment of comparison, regardless of the type of soil The addition of phosphorus in any of the methods to increase the number of leaves and the back in both two soil in the two phases of growth.The addition of phosphorus to the ground to the significant increase in total dry weight of roots and surpassed the values of dry weight of both shoots and roots in the soil of the first region than those in the soil of Talha.-The mutual influence between the two variables is statistically significantIncreased the total content of phosphorus in shoot dry any of the methods although the added Ground surpassed Added spraying on the leaves, but the same trend was observed for the dry weight of roots.
Microbial control of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infesting cucumber Cucumis sativus L. cvs. Alfa by using the nematode-trapping fungus Dactylaria brochopaga Drechsler, 1937 alone or mixed with yeast or molasses is reported under an open field experiment. The data revealed that the nematode-trapping fungus D. brochopaga alone or in combination with yeast, molasses and vermiculite reduced the juvenile-Meloidogyne incognita-population density per one kg soil and number of root-galls per one gm roots. Weight of cucumber fruits per plant was significantly (P≤0.05 and/or P≤ 0.01) increased in each fungus treatment compared to the untreated diseased check.
