A research trial was conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, during 2008-2009. Two wheat varieties were sown on 1 st December 2008 at the seed rate of 100 kg ha 1 . Urea, DAP and elemental sulphur were used as sources for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Sulphur (S), respectively. Treatments were: Factor-A: Varieties (V), i.e., V1 = Pirsabak-2005, V2 = Ghaznavi-98, Factor-B: N and S application (kg ha -1 ), i.e., T1 (80 kg N at sowing), T2 (140 kg N at sowing, T3 (80 kg N at sowing and anthesis: 40+40 kg), T4 (140 kg N at sowing and anthesis:100+40 kg), T5 (80 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at stem extension:), T6 (140 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at stem extension), T7 (80 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at anthesis), T8 (140 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at anthesis). The experiment was set in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Applications of 140 kg N ha -1 at sowing alongside applications of 20 kg S ha -1 at anthesis was helpful in increasing grain yields in both varieties. It was therefore recommended that foliar S should be included as an important input, alongside N, in the production technology of both Pirsabak-2005 and Ghaznavi-98 varieties of the wheat crop which are being cultivated in the Peshawar region of Pakistan.
To study the performance of Canola (Brassica napus L.) and Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) under different irrigation levels, a field experiment was conducted on 20 th of November 2013. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement with four replications and a plot size of 3 m × 5 m. In experiment, growth and yield of two crops (V1= Canola and V2= Camelina) were compared under four different irrigation levels (To= Control, T1= 3 irrigations, T2= 2 irrigations, T3= 1 irrigation). Both crops were sown by using hand drill with R × R distance of 30 cm. The growth parameters (Plant population, Plant height , Leaf area index, Root fresh and dry weight), yield parameters (seed yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, biological yield and harvest index) and quality parameters (Protein contents & Oil contents) were recorded using standard procedures. The data obtained was analyzed statistically by using Fisher’s analysis of variance technique at 5% probability level. The results revealed that camelina performed best in terms of growth and yield under various drought levels. Quality of camelina oil was also superior as compared to canola oil. It was concluded that camelina was more adaptive to water deficit conditions and produced more yield and high quality oil as compared to canola.
The present study was aimed to determine the effect of hormonal seed priming with gibberellic acid and kinetin on germination and seedling performance oflentil. Solution concentrations of gibberellic acid and kinetin were 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm. Dilute solution concentrations of hormones could not influenced earlier emergence of lentil. A further reduction in solution concentrations could delay mean emergence time. All the seed priming treatments also improved the coefficient of uniformity of emergence compared with non-primed seeds; however, maximum parameter value was recorded in solution concentrations of 150-200 ppm. Seedling vigor index responded positively and significantly to seed priming agents. The data shows that seedling vigor indexcan be increased by seed priming. Seed priming with higher doses of gibberellic acid and cytokinin may improve germination and vigorous performance of lentil. The stepwise regression analysis verified that the final emergence percentage, coefficient of uniformity of emergence and seedling dry weight had a marked increasing effect on seedling vigor index of lentil.
Improving water holding capacity of Ashraf-Najaf shelterbelt sandy soil was experienced by mixing root zone soil with three types of amending materials; palme particles, sponge pieces, and cardboard slabs. Two quantities of each material were tested. Six months seedlings of Conocarpus lancifolius were planted in large pots filled by soil of the study region. At the beginning of growing season, plants were subjected to different water regimes. Agricultural maintaining processes were daily applied for the whole growing period. Growth parameters were frequently recorded during hottest summer months. Results showed that an enhancement in growth was obtained through the addition of waste materials. Sponge pieces affected more in case of daily irrigation, while cardboard slabs revealed improvement for a longer irrigation interval. Palm waste was the weakest affecting material. Doubling the quantity of material had a positive influence on growth parameters. Weight related properties showed a response similar to that of dimensional ones. Based on results, daily irrigation in such sandy soil was of a vital importance in summer months for maintaining healthy, fast growing seedlings.
When at the end of the 19 th century the Edison Company had its board of directors in Milan (Italy), a splendid marble panel showed a collection of fountains, each one representing a hydroelectric plant. If came out from the orifice the power plant was working and gold was flowing into the bank account of the Edison Company. The electric power came from the potential of dammed driving a water turbine and a generator”. In this traditional hydraulic power machines, an electromechanical control system, at an accurately tuned constant speed, feeds the electric power into the network. The very expensive and complicated system should deliver the energy within the tolerances set by the Edison Company. Now, with electronic, the control system is not more a problem, especially for powers up to 100 kW, where low-cost mass-produced integrated circuits deliver the energy within the prescribed tolerances. These devices cost less than 10 USD. For this reason it is easier to produce many micro or pico power “plants” than few but very expensive, dammed, high-power large plants. Many and well distributed micro/pico plants that can work without maintenance for several years (typically 20 years) using the energy wasted in rivers. This is possible due to mass production of micro/pico plants with extremely reduced installation costs. Electricity can be delivered as close as a km away to the location where it is being used with little overload to the distribution network. Hydro produces a more continuous supply of electrical energy in comparison to other small-scale renewable technologies (wind or sun). The power peak is during the wintertime when large quantities of electricity are required. Pico-hydro can function as a “run-of-river” or “free-flow” system, meaning that the water, passing through the generator, is directed back into the stream with relatively little impact on the surrounding ecology. The manufacturing of a micro hydro-power system can cost as little as € 1, 000, depending on the site electricity requirements and location. Maintenance fees are relatively small in comparison to other technologies. If your site produces a large amount of excess energy, some power companies will buy back your electricity overflow. You also have the ability to supplement your level of micro power with intake from the power grid. The environmental impact of small-scale hydro is minimal; however the low-level environmental effects must be taken into consideration before construction begins. Stream will be diverted away from a portion of the stream, and proper caution must be exercised to ensure there will be no damaging impact on the local ecology or civil infrastructure. A large number of small, pico hydroelectric plants can recover the amount of energy wasted in rivers. A possible geometry of a run-the-river power park and the economic convenience of the solution is demonstrated in this paper.
To quantitatively assess the vulnerability to climate change of mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park, mangrove cover change, climate change, sea level rise, community awareness and participation in the mangrove protection and rehabilitation were measured, investigated and analyzed. The results confirmed that in recent years mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park are not very vulnerable to climate change. For instance the mangrove area has increased of about 600 ha mangroves in the period 1995-2010 and the sedimentation rate (10.4 mm/year) is much greater than the rate of sea level rise (1.9 mm/year). This is explained that Xuan Thuy National Park has good management mechanism with the participation of many stakeholders, especially the active participation of communities in the buffer zone in mangrove protection and rehabilitation. The results also indicated that mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park could be more vulnerable to climate change in the future due to decrease of afforestation projects and the failure of landward, seaward transgressions caused by seafood aquaculture and seaward margin erosion.
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to determine the genetic relatedness among and within selected Teucrium polium populations at Wadi Shueib area in Jordan. Ten primers shown polymorphic bands were used for examining the genetic variability. A total of 1331 bands were obtained, 230 of them were polymorphic. Similarity coefficient values among the studied accessions varied from 0.00 to 0.48. High similarity values were obtained between two samples collected from middle area of Wadishueib. No similarity (value = 0.000) was detected between samples collected from West and middle area. RAPD analysis confirmed the presence of genetic diversity through tested Teucrium polium populations. The cluster analysis generated three groups. Genetic diversity among population was found. The information obtained through genetic diversity analysis of wild populations is necessary for conservation and exploitation of these valuable genetic resources in the future.
One of the most common causes of calling in calves and economic losses is septic arthritis and joint diseases. Septic arthritis may occur in several routes: direct trauma, extension from particular infection, contamination of the joint or hematogenously. The aim of this study was to determine bacterial causes of septic arthritis and the most effective antibiotic against the isolated organisms. In this study, 40 crossbreed arthritic calves, in both sexes, up to 3 month-old were examined. After general and clinical examination, blood samples were aseptically collected from jugular vein and examined for routine bacterial culture. Synovial fluid samples were also aspirated aseptically from arthritic limb joints and submitted for routine bacterial culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) detection. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed in cases with positive bacterial culture. Our results showed, WBC, neutrophils counts and fibrinogen in blood samples were increased significantly (P<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Corynebacterium bovis (C. bovis) were isolated from 4 (10%), 6 (15%) and 8 (20%) of blood samples of cases with arthritis, respectively. In synovial fluid analysis, viscosity was decreased in all cases. Total protein, WBC and neutrophils counts were increased and monocytes counts was decreased significantly (P<0.05). In 55% of population, synovial fluid culture was positive. It was included E.coli, C. bovis and S. aureus, 2 (5%), 8 (20%) and 12 (30%) respectively. M. bovis was detected by PCR from 8 (20%) of synovial fluid of affected animals. In in-vitro antibiotic sensitivity test, gentamycin was the most effective antibiotic against isolated organism during this study.
Two combinations of different budding time i.e. 21st June, 11th July, 31st July and 20th August and two different methods i.e. T-budding and chip budding were tried to investigate their effects on bud take success in seedless guava (Safeda cultivar), at Agriculture Research farm Jabban Dargai, Malakand Agency. Maximum days to sprouting (213.96), budding growth (48.13 cm), was observed on 21st June, whereas maximum plant survival (78.22%) was recorded on 11th July and maximum bud take success (60%) was noted on 31st July. Maximum bud take success (74.83%), plant survival (85.14%), budding growth (50.82 cm), was noted for T-budding since 31st July. T-budding showed significant results among most of the parameters observed. Hence for better bud take success Safeda seedling budded through T-budding on 31st July is recommended.
A field experiment was carried out at the experimental Station of National Research Centre, Al Nubaria district, El-Behira Governorate-Egypt, in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 winter seasons to investigate the influence of three sulfur fertilizer levels and/or foliar humic acid on some morphological and biochemical parameters as well as yield quantity and quality of flax plant grown under newly reclaimed sandy soil conditions. Results indicated that, humic acid foliar treatment with 20 (mg/l) in addition to sulfur fertilizer at rate of (250 and 500 kg/fed) gave significant increases in seed, straw and oil yield / fed. These increases due to the recorded increases in morphological criteria (plant height and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root), photosynthetic pigments, (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids), carbohydrate constituents (total carbohydrates, total soluble sugars and polysaccharides), IAA, phenol, free amino acids and proline contents. Meanwhile, lipid peroxidation decreased significantly in response to the above mentioned treatment as compared with control plants. Interaction between humic acid (20 cm/L) with sulfur at rate of (500 kg/fed) was the most effective treatment as it gave the highest increases in all morphological criteria, biochemical parameters, yield and yield attributes compared with the other treatments. Humic acid and sulfur fertilizer at all levels caused marked decreases in total saturated fatty acids accompanied by marked increases in total unsaturated fatty acids. The essential fatty acids (Linoleic acid C 18:2 + Linolenic acid C18:3) were increased by all applied treatments. It is worthy to mention that, the enhancement effects of humic acid (20 mg/l) and sulfur fertilizer (500 kg/fed) were the most pronounced treatment on flax plant.
Watershed management plays an important role in supplying water, especially in arid areas. Adjust the water flow, exploitation of seasonal flood waters and reservation of precipitation is one of the ways to solve water shortage. Objective was study of socio-economic aspects of some watershed management projects in Mateh-Sang watershed. The study has been carried out using questionnaires that their validity were tested by professionals of watershed management and natural resource experts. Reliability coefficient was determined using SPSS software and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was obtained between 76.0 and 78.0 for different scales. To evaluate the economic impact of watershed management projects in the region, the cost-benefit analysis, questionnaire survey and chi-square test have been used. The benefit cost ratio of 1.03 is obtained which shows the economic feasibility of the projects. Chi-square test results in social debate and evaluation of watershed management project through questionnaires, representing a decrease of migration, reduce flooding, reduce unemployment, flood and sedimentation control, satisfaction of watershed management projects and participate fully in the projects. Also in the economic debate, the results of statistical analysis of the relationship between watershed management projects (mechanical) and increasing the production and vegetation cover, increasing the number of livestock, increasing the amount of water in water resources and increasing the area of farm lands and horticultural lands and reducing the area of bare lands imply a rejection of the null hypothesis and statistical significance of these relationships. In general, watershed mechanical projects in this study have demonstrated the multi-functional positive aspects.
Heavy metal pollution in soil and water is a global environmental concern. In Vietnam, accumulation of heavy metals in soil, water and plant biomass has been widely reported. Cultivation of crops on contaminated sites may result in both growth inhibition and tissue accumulation of heavy metals with resulting possible risks to human health. In this paper, plant growth inhibition and accumulation of Cu, Pb and Zn by Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), and the ability of phosphate, lime and sawdust reducing accumulation of heavy metals by plant are evaluated in pot experiments. The heavy metal concentrations in above-ground tissue of Lettuce indicated a high accumulation of heavy metals due to Cu, Pb and Zn stress in soil. The contents of Cu, Pb and Zn in plant were related more closely to heavy metal of EDTA-extractable concentrations in soils. More effects to reduce the accumulation of Cu, Pb and Zn in Lettuce were observed in all experiments with phosphate fertilizer, lime or sawdust applied. However, the application of phosphate fertilizer and lime are more effective than sawdust to reduce Cu, Pb and Zn uptake by Lettuce, especially for Cu and Pb.
Three species of branches wood belonging to trees grown under Baghdad conditions were investigated. Axial and radial variations in fiber length, fiber diameter, cell wall thickness, vessel diameter, and wood specific gravity were examined. Results showed certain deviation in fiber geometry from that of main stem. With exception of wall thickness, all fiber and vessel examined traits were less than that of normal main stem. Specific Gravity was exceptional; it was over than conventional records. According to change in longitudinal or radial position, significant variation in most of wood element dimensions has occurred; it was species dependence. Runkel ratio values which were over than one, and also short length of fibers gave an indication that branches wood of these species grown under Baghdad conditions are not preferable for pulp and paper if there is a more convenient alternative.
To determine the effects of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on carcass characteristics, breast meat cholesterol and triglycerides of broiler chickens, 252 two-week old Marshall broiler chickens were used in a 4 x 3 factorial experiment. The birds were weighed and randomly distributed into 12 treatments with 3 replicates of 7 birds each, subjected to four feed restriction levels: full feeding (AD), skip a day feeding (SAD), skip two days feeding (S2D) and skip three days feeding every week (S3D) for 24 hours from days 15 to 35 and three levels of ascorbic acid supplementation (0, 150, 300 mg/kg feed). Feed was provided ad libitum to all the birds from days 36 to 56. Birds on full feeding regime containing 0 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the highest (P 0.05) different from other treatments. In conclusion, feed restriction regimes and ascorbic acid supplementation did not improve carcass characteristics in the feed-restricted birds; however, 150 mg/kg ascorbic supplementation improved the breast weight of the fully fed Marshall broiler chickens.
Plant growth promoting rhizo bacteria (PGPR) are able to colonize all the ecological niches found on plant root and promotes plant growth, have profound effects on productivity of plants. In this study total 163 isolates were successfully isolated from Jatropha curcas rhizosphere from two distinctive sites of Gujarat state (India).Ten isolates were screened on the basis of their fast growing ability, motility and examined for production of in dole acetic acid (IAA),hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia, exopolysaccharide (EPS)and phosphate solubilisation. DN2, DP3, DR1, SP1 and SAz1 showed good potential ability for plant growth promotion. They were further studied for different salt concentration, pH and temperature.DN2, DP3 and DR1 isolates were grown best at 0.5% NaCl and7 pH. SP1 and SAz1 isolates were shown maximum growth at 1% NaCl and 9 pH. All five isolates have excellent growth under the temperature of 37°C. It is expected that inoculation with these five isolates DN2, DP3 &SP1 (Bacillusspp.), DR1 (Rhizobiumspp.) and SAz1 (Azotobacterspp.) have positive impact on plant root, shoot and yield of Jatrophacurcas under the field condition.
In this study, the applicability of microwave weed control methods in destruction of weeds which causes significant losses in agricultural production was investigated. In research, charlock, wild oats and cress plants have been used. After they germinate, vitality rates and damage levels of the plants which exposed to microwave energy were determined. For this purpose, we developed a moving belt experimental test tunneling mechanism. Then, germinated weeds were passed through a speed control microwave tunnel with the 400 mm x 600 mm x 1200 mm dimensions, and volume of V = 0.288 cubic meter applying with the help of adjustable microwave energy densities; 9.72 kW/m³, 7.29 kW/m 3 , 4.86 kW/m 3 and moves with five different speeds of 0.01 m/s, 0.026 m/s, 0.050 m/s, 0.090 m/s, 0.15 m/s. The moving belt system was used to simulate the movement of the tractor in the field. According to the study results, depending on exposure duration, weed spices and microwave energy density; different death rates changing from 4 % to 100 % were determined.
The main objectives of study were the accounting list of the carbon mass and greenhouse gases. They were CO2 and CH4. The GHGs were released from the production of electrical energy of biomass power plant. Life cycle inventory was used to assess the costs and environmental impacts of the use of biomasses in the production of electrical energy. The study found that the average of carbon dioxide and methane were released during 2007 to 2011 were 55,043.46 ton.CO2 and 46,620.14 ton.CH4, respectively. The environmental impact costs of CO2 gas was 5.63 baht/ton.CO2 and CH4 gas was 6.65 baht/ton.CH4 in 2007 to 2011. This research also studied to evaluate the production of electricity from mixed biomasses. The results showed that the electrical energy production with mixed biomasses, which they were mixed from rice husk and wood chips at a rate of 4 to 1, was the lowest of direct costs and the costs of environmental impact.
Alternative weed control technology has developed rapidly in recent years in order to ensure sustainable agriculture. In our study, a comparison was made between the results obtained by destructing certain weeds in cotton fields using hot foam method with the results of spraying, hoeing, and control variables. Stoneville-468 cotton was cultivated in a field of approximately 2 decares. Weeds in cotton field were determined to be couch grass (Cynodon daktylon), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). As a result, licorice destruction rate was determined to be 94, 3%, 84.1% and 82.5% for hoeing, spraying, and hot foam methods, respectively. However, couch grass destruction rate was 95.1% for hoeing and foam methods, while it was 94.5% for spraying method. Furthermore, LSD test was applied and the differences between the averages of spraying and hot foaming were determined to be 0.32 and 0.272. And in terms of their effect on cotton yield, hoeing ranked the first place with 0.4 kg cotton yield per a field of 1 m 2 , and was followed by spraying method with 0.36 kg, and hot foam method with 0.35 kg; while the control method was determined to be the last with 0.09 kg yield. As a result, these close values indicate that hot foam method can be an alternative for spraying method.
