Black mold, caused by Aspergillus niger, is a major postharvest disease of shallots in Ghana. This study investigated the efficacy of spices (plant materials/botanicals) such as cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense), West African pepper (Piper guineense), grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) in managing the disease. Two cultivars of shallot bulbs in Ghana were used; namely, pink and pale brown. The antifungal activity of 25, 50, 75, and 100 % concentrations of each plant extract were assessed in vitro against A. niger mycelia growth. The efficacy of the plant extracts (cloves, habanero pepper, West African pepper, grains of paradise and black pepper) in managing the black mold disease of shallot bulbs was assessed in vivo by dipping bulbs in 100 % concentrations of each plant extract 21 days. Factorial experimental design was used in both in vitro and in vivo experiments; each plant extract treatment had three replications at four concentration levels, with three replications each for both positive and negative controls arranged in a completely randomised design. The study revealed that all extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited mycelial growth at various concentrations (25,50,75, and 100 %) compared to the negative control treatments, but clove extracts completely suppressed growth at all concentrations. In vivo, aqueous extracts of cloves, black pepper, and grains of paradise reduced disease intensity and bulb weight loss, whereas habanero and West African pepper were less effective. Disease severity and weight loss were consistently higher under enclosed storage compared to open storage.
Among the biological activities of grape stilbenoids, phytoalexin activity is the most important. The paper deals with a study on the change of phytoalexin stilbenoids response of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli under powdery mildew and gray mold infection in different viticulture areas of Georgia: Mukuzni and Napareuli (for Saperavi), and , Tsarapi and Tibaani (for Rkatsiteli). In July 2024, the grape varieties were infected with a water suspension of powdery mildew. In August 2024, the grape varieties were infected with the conidial water suspension of Botrytis cinerea, and the development of diseases on the grape barries in the period of July-September was observed. In the experimental vineyards trans-resveratrol and its derivatives - glycosides and polymeric stilbenoids in the healthy grape skins of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli were detected. In Saperavi berries skins stilbenoids concentration were higher compared to Rkatsiteli. In both infected varieties the following stilbenoids were identified: trans-resveratrol, trans-ɛ-viniferin, trans-piceid, trans-astringin and cis-piceid. Stilbenoids concentration changes were observed depending on the vine variety and soil-climatic factors. The results represented the stilbenoids as important biomarkers for the Saperavi and Rkatsiteli for resistance against Powdery mildew and Gray mold.
We have studied the correlation between the phytoalexin stilbenoids synthesis and the level of bacterial and fungal attacks. The paper shows the results of the study related to crown gall infection in different viticulture areas (locations) of Georgia. In concert: for Saperavi - Mukuzani and Napareuli, for Rkatsiteli - Tsarapi and Tibaani. In April 2024 we infected vine trunks with water suspension of “Agrobacterium tumefaciens” under different soil and climatic conditions and we observed the development of diseases in the period of April- October. In experimental vineyards were found out dominant phytoalexin stress- metabolites stilbenoids trans-resveratrol and trans- ɛ -viniferin in the infected vine trunks of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Stilbenoids concentration changes were observed under the vine varieties and soil-climatic factors. The impact of mentioned factors were established with different experiments carried out in the lab and in the vineyard. The results are important data for considering the stilbenoids as biomarker of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli vine varieties for their resistance against crown gall disease.
This study aims to analyze the per capita rice consumption pattern and the factors that affect it at the regency/city level in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan. This study uses per capita rice consumption data, rice prices, and per capita income data by regency/city in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan in 2023. The data used is sourced from the Central Statistics Agency for National Socio-Economic Survey activities in March 2023 as well as data on food price developments by the National Food Agency. Regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between rice consumption per capita and rice prices and per capita income. Furthermore, a geospatial approach is applied to understand the variation of rice consumption and the factors that affect it in each regency/city. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between per capita rice consumption and rice price and per capita income with a determinant coefficient, R2 = 0.49 (higher than the determination coefficient in the usual regression analysis (R2 = 0.35)) The rice price elasticity of -0.40 showed that the increase in rice prices could reduce per capita rice consumption but did not have a major impact. Meanwhile, from the estimated results, the amount of income elasticity of -0.33 indicates that the increase in income will reduce rice consumption. But in fact, rice must be a normal commodity with a positive income elasticity. But it does not apply to all income levels. At a relatively high incomes level and food needs through rice have been met in good quantity, the increase in income no longer has a positive influence which is reflected in the increasing quantity of demand for rice. Even at a higher income level, it is possible that the quantity of demand for rice will decrease. The need for food is no longer met by rice but, by using the potential income, people have other alternatives through noodles, bread, and ready-to-eat foods such as fried rice, ketupat, lontong, satay, and others.
The study seeks to analyze statistical farm records: drivers and challenges among smallholder rice farmers in Ndop Plain, Cameroon. Specifically, to determine the factors influencing smallholder rice farmers in Ndop Plain to keep statistical farm records and to analyze the challenges in the exercise. Methodologically, the study employed primary data collected from some 470 rice farmers using a well-structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select respondents and a conventional Probit model used to estimate the result. It was observed that: male farmer, level of education, used of records, used of technology to manage statistical farm records, production of different types of rice, use of farm record for input and output analysis, had farm record training and Movement from manual to electronic record keeping are significantly influencing farmers’ statistical farm records practices in Ndop Plain. The challenges observed with record keeping are: fundamental error keeping, bulky records, inadequate finance, records misplacement and burdensome to keep farm records. Considering that only 34% of farmers are involved in records keeping and willing to move from manual way of keeping records to electronic, the study suggests that an online App is created for easy accessibility and inputting of these farm records. This will be a wise-step for the government to scale the process of farm output.
The main objective of this article was to examine the role of financial services on youth involvement in agribusiness entrepreneurship activities in the Fako division of the South West Region of Cameroon. Primary data were obtained with the use of a self-administer questionnaire. Which were administered using a stratified sampling technique. The target population was youths between the age of 18 to 35 years involved in any agribusiness-related activity for commercial purposes. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 500 youths but only 451 of the questionnaires were returned without any error. We adopted a binary logistic estimation technique to analyze our model. Empirical analysis from a binary logistic estimation using marginal effect coefficients for the overall results revealed that; youth who have personal saving increases their likelihood of involving in agribusiness entrepreneurship activities in Fako at a very high level (main occupation) by 0.0986. Meanwhile, government financial services for youth involved in agribusiness has a positive significant effect on youth involvement in agribusiness with a likelihood of 0.6428. Furthermore, youths who are part of a Tontine increase their likelihood of involving in agribusiness entrepreneurship as a main occupation by 0.0233. Also, youths using bank financial services such as bank loan has a likelihood of reducing youths involvement in agribusiness as a main occupation by 0.0520 while those using microfinance services have a likelihood of 0.0354 of engaging youths in agribusiness as a primary activity. We recommend that the government of Cameroon should develop innovative financial services specifically for youths involved in agribusiness-related activities.
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of humic substances on the changes of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content in the thigh and breast muscle of turkey. For the trial, 20 turkeys (BIG 6) were allocated into two groups (control group and experimental group) of 10 birds. Experimental group was supplemented with 0.5 % Humac Mycotoxi Sorb (HM). The control group received a basal diet without any supplements. The Humac Mycotoxi Sorb was added to turkey feed for 10 weeks. In the breast and thigh muscles, we found a statistically significantly higher (P < 0.001) Cu content after the addition of 0.5% HM to the feed (4.43; 4.18 mg.kg-1 ) compared to the control group of turkeys (2.70;3.35 mg.kg-1). Also, in the breast and thigh muscles, were found a statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) Zn content after the addition of 0.5% HM to the feed (50.98; 64.42 mg.kg-1 ) compared to the control group of turkeys (44.33; 62.95 mg.kg-1).
This study evaluated the cost and return of maize (Zea mays L) production in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives of this study were set out to: examine the socioeconomic characteristics of sampled maize farmers and to evaluate the costs and returns of maize production in the study area. A simple random sampling technique was adopted and used in selecting one hundred fifty (150) maize farmers in the area of study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin. The study shows that the majority 68.7% were full-time farmers with an average mean of 31 years of age and about 30.96 years of farming experience. The majority (85.3%) were male farmers and only 15.3% of the respondent had no formal education with an average land holding of 1.39 hectares. The analysis of farm budgetary technique shows and reveals that maize (Zea mays) production in the area of study is a profitable enterprise with a gross margin of ₦72,413.05 and net farm income (NFI) of ₦46,412.25. The coefficient of gross ratio was 0.50; this implies that 50% of the gross income of maize went to offset total farm costs. The net farm income of naira invested was 0.69 and the operating ratio was 0.59. A gross ratio of less than 1 is always desirable for farm business. The study recommends among other things that farmers should strengthen themselves financially by forming cooperative groups whereby members could have access to loans at a very low rate and farm inputs could be purchased in bulk to be shared among members at a reduced.
In Jordan, more people are at risk of food insecurity. The levels of food security of households in Al-Balqa Governorate were studied. Food consumption score was estimated by frequency of consumption of food group by household within 7 days. Based on answers from the head of household a food insecurity scale was measured. Coping strategies index was valued to be consistent with that of the World Food Programme. Some of factors affecting proportion of expenditure out of total income on food were examined using a multiple linear regression model. The percentage of food expenditure out of total household income, food consumption score, food insecurity scale for each participant, and index of coping strategies with changes related to food deficiency were estimated. Food insecurity scale, age and income of household accounted for 21% of total expenditure. The relationship between food insecurity scale and age and income of households with total expenditure on food had a medium value of 47%. The effect of food insecurity, age, and income was significant on a proportion of total household expenditure on food with negative regression coefficients. The study concluded that households are characterized by an average level of food security, degree of food consumption is acceptable, a measure of food insecurity for each participant is low and marginal, and food security status of household is of second degree.
Promising materials to reduce the use of chemical compounds in cultivation are natural biomaterials. Chitosan and sodium alginate were subjected to a Co-60 gamma treatment in this research. Different concentrations of chitosan (300 ppm), sodium alginate (500 ppm), and a mixed solution (90:10 irradiated Na-alginate: chitosan) were administered through foliar spraying with intervals of 15 and 30 days to observe the impacts on growth and anti-fungal activity. The growth attributes like total number of leafs, productivity of growing and mature leafs and anti-fungal activities were determined up to five months. When sprayed 15 days apart, the mixed solution was found to increase the output of pineapple plants and the height of mature leaves, whereas sodium alginate was found to increase the productivity of growing leaves when sprayed at 30-day intervals. The findings showed that sodium alginate and chitosan that had been irradiated both significantly improved productivity and decreased total fungal count.
Four groups of piglets were included in the experiment. In each of the experiments, we applied azaperone as the first premedication drug in the 2nd group 4 mg/kg body weight and in the other groups 5 mg/kg body weight. In experiment no. 1, we subsequently administered diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.m.) and ketamine (10 mg/kg, i.m.) to the piglets. In experiment no. 2, we applied xylazine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and ketamine (20 mg/kg, i.m.). In experiment no. 3 we used diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.m.), xylazine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.). In experiment no. 4, we administered xylazine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.) to piglets. We applied the mentioned drug combinations intramuscularly in the area of the neck muscles. Subsequently, in each of the experiments, we performed epidural anesthesia using 2% lidocaine, in a dose of 1 ml/40 cm of body length. After putting the animals under anesthesia, we recorded breathing and pulse frequencies, body temperature and checked reflex responses at time intervals. We performed a zero blood collection before the application of the first drug, the first collection after anesthesia and then a second collection the next day, in order to determine the hematological profile. From the conducted experiments, we assessed the relationship of the used combinations of substances to the course and depth of anesthesia and, according to the hematological profile, we evaluated the effect of these substances on specific hematological parameters. We recorded the longest duration of anesthesia in the first experiment when one of the piglets had disappeared pedal reflexes even after 90 minutes. On the contrary, the shortest anesthesia was during the third experiment, when all piglets reacted 60 minutes post-lidocaine. During experiments 1 and 3, we noticed a significant drop in body temperature compared to the reference values. In a short time interval after the lidocaine administration, the reflex of the pelvic limbs completely disappeared in all tested subjects in each of the experiments. In experiment no. 3, at time 5 minutes post lidocaine administration, the nasal reflex and the reflex of the forelegs were also negative in all animals. In all tested subjects, 30 minutes after the epidural anesthesia was performed, we observed a negative reflex of the pelvic legs during the second and third trials. During experiment no. 3, we also observed a negative nasal reflex and a reflex of the front legs in the majority of the tested animals in the mentioned time interval.
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of humic substances added to diets on carcass characteristics, weight of visceral organs, fermentation process in the caecum and excretion of dry matter and crude protein in broiler chicks. One hundred one day old broiler chicks were assigned in two equal groups. Birds of the experimental group were fed with diets supplemented with humic substances (in amount: 5 g.kg-1 during the first two weeks and 7 g.kg-1 from the 3rd to the 6th week). No significant effect of humic substances supplementation was observed on carcass characteristics (carcass weight, carcass yield, abdominal fat pad) as well as the relative weight of the liver, the heart, the spleen and the bursa of Fabricius. On the other hand, in the experimental group was found significantly higher relative weight of the pancreas (P < 0.05). Also, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum content was not significantly affected, but tested substance lowered the pH value in caecum (P < 0.05). Significantly lover content of crude protein (P < 0.05) and also significantly higher concentration of dry matter (P < 0.01) in the droppings of chicks was found in experimental group than in the control group. It was concluded that the addition of humic substances to the diets can contribute to reducing the burden on the environment from poultry farms.
Introduction: Salmonella has gained more interest because it cause food borne illnesses. Traditional soft cheese made from unpasteurized milk may contain salmonella. Methods: A descriptive study was performed, one hundred and four samples of fresh white cheese collected from street venders and the local markets to investigate the incidence of salmonella in fresh white cheese in Gaza. Results: Salmonella was found in four samples of "Traditional cheese". Differences between percentages of samples were not statistically significant. Conclusion: traditional cheese highly contaminated and usually exceeded the Palestinian Standard. The detection of Salmonella spp. suggests that traditional soft cheese commercialized in Gaza may represent a health risk for the consumers.
The objective of the study was the evaluation the effects of the peroral intake of humates (HS) added into feed mixtures on the energy metabolism of broiler chickens (Cobb 500). The selected parameters are concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol analysed in the blood serum. There were used four groups of birds (A, B, C, negative control; n=120) in the experiment. Chickens were fed with ground diets (starter HYD1, grower HYD2, finisher HYD3) with supplements of HS from day 1 to 37 as follows A: Humac nature (HN) 7 g/kg, B: Humac nature monogastric (HNM) 7 g/kg, C: HNM 5 g/kg feed (Humac Ltd., Slovak Republic). The diets had the following content of crude protein: HYD1 230.20, HYD2 222.20, HYD3 209.40 g CP /kg dry matter). The statistical evaluation of results was performed by one-way analysis of variance and means were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test and correlation analysis. Higher concentrations (P<0.05) of triglycerides in blood serum were analyzed in groups A or B by 0.24 and 0.26 mmol/l, respectively, in comparison to the control group (y = 0.35830x + 0.58324). The values of cholesterol were at a lower level (P<0.05) in all 3 experimental groups by 1.07, 0.54 and 0.84 mmol/l (y = - 1.18073x + 2.75772). The positive effect of the intake of HS on glucose concentration was not confirmed when a higher concentration (P<0.05) was analyzed in the blood serum of the control group compared with groups A or C by 3.31 and 4.56 mmol/l (y = - 4.06420x + 13.37519), respectively.
This study quantified the effects of rice combine harvester (RCH) on rice output particularly on harvesting-threshing losses and production costs. The postproduction losses using different models of RCH were established following a randomized complete block design with two replications and these were compared with the traditional method of harvesting and threshing rice. Partial budget analysis was employed to determine the benefits derived by farmer-adopters using the data gathered from a one-shot cross sectional survey involving 448 respondents. Results of the field experiments revealed that postproduction losses with the three models of RCH did not differ significantly, ranging from 1.19% to 1.76% of the total yield. Comparing the harvesting-threshing losses in using RCH and the traditional method, the use of RCH significantly reduced harvesting-threshing losses by 1.02 percentage points. Prevention of postharvest loss was more pronounced during the wet season harvest at 1.54 percent. From the point of view of the farmer-adopters, the use of RCH lowered harvesting costs by PhP 3,908.60/ha/ and gained additional PhP 718.40/ha for losses prevented by using RCH. Thus the farmer-adopter could potentially gains additional benefit of PhP 4,627.00/ha/cropping season. With these, the use of RCH has the potential to enhance rice competitiveness by lowering the production cost and preventing paddy loss by PhP1.12/kg or 9.56% of the current production cost.
Ochratoxin is one of the most frequently occurring mycotoxins in food and feed. In humans and animals, it is the cause of health disorders, mycotoxicosis. Monitoring the content of ochratoxin in food and feed is an important part of preventive measures. This work was focused at determining the concentrations of ochratoxin in complete feed mixtures for broilers and turkeys by ELISA analysis. The presence of ochratoxin in concentrations lower than 2 ppb was confirmed in the examined samples. The ochratoxin content limit for supplementary and complete feed mixtures for poultry, which represents a value of 100 ppb in feed with a moisture content of 12%, was not exceeded in the samples.
The focus of this experimental work was the long-term analysis of the mortality of pigs in the pre-fattening category, as well as the determination of the most important etiological and predisposing factors of death. We carried out this research on farm in the east of Slovakia, in the Spiš region, over a period of three years. Based on our 36-month monitoring of pig mortality, we found that pre-fattening mortality was on a downward trend with mortality rates of 2.79%, 2.72% and 2.71% in consecutive years. There is also a certain seasonal impact on mortality in pre-fattening, because we found a higher incidence of deaths especially in the cold spring, autumn and winter months. Diseases such as respiratory and diarrheal diseases were among the most important etiological and predisposing factors of mortality in the observed farm.
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a low-protein diet on the selected variables of protein and energy metabolism in the blood serum as well as on the indicators of fermentation in the faeces (fecal crude protein, ammonia, pH, volatile fatty acids, and dry matter). Twelve finishing pigs (initial body weight: 64.6 ± 3.35 kg) were randomly divided into two groups and fed basal diets with crude protein (CP) levels of 13.6% and 15.4%, respectively. The Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, and Tryptophan levels in the 13.6% CP group were the same as those in the 15.4% CP group after the addition of four crystalline amino acids—Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, and Tryptophan to the diet. The blood and faeces samples were taken from the cranial vena cava and from the rectum at the end of the study period (44 days). The results showed that with the decrease in dietary CP level from 15.4% to 13.6% (a decrease of 1.8%), the fecal crude protein, the fecal ammonia, as well as the blood urea level decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group (P< 0.05 and 0.01, respectively).
Fungal endophytes are a diverse group of microorganisms that colonize plant tissues without causing symptoms or signs. Foliar endophytic fungi were isolated from a tree species distributed in an environmental gradient. Three study sites were selected: urban, peri-urban and rural. Twenty-three taxa were identified using culture-based techniques. The taxa with the highest colonization frequency were: Alternaría, Diaporthe - Phomopsis, Phymatotrichum, Cladosporium and Xylaria. Foliar endophytic fungal diversity was higher in the rural site followed by the peri-urban and urban site.
Introduction: Salmonella has gained more interest because it cause food borne illnesses. Traditional soft cheese made from unpasteurized milk may contain salmonella. Methods: A descriptive study was performed, one hundred and four samples of fresh white cheese collected from street venders and the local markets to investigate the incidence of salmonella in fresh white cheese in Gaza. Results: Salmonella was found in four samples of "Traditional cheese". Differences between percentages of samples were not statistically significant. Conclusion: traditional cheese highly contaminated and usually exceeded the Palestinian Standard. The detection of Salmonella spp. suggests that traditional soft cheese commercialized in Gaza may represent a health risk for the consumers.
