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Adoption of Improved Cassava Production Technologies Among Small-Scale Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria
Uchemba Victor Uzochukwu,
Nenna Godwin Mgbedike,
Obianefo Aloysius Chukwujekwu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
119-127
Received:
16 May 2021
Accepted:
29 May 2021
Published:
13 July 2021
Abstract: The study on the adoption of improved cassava production technologies among small-scale cassava famers in Anambra State, Nigeria, specifically; described the socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale cassava farmers, determine the adoption levels of improved cassava production technologies, examine the effects of socioeconomic variables on the adoption level and identified constraints to adoption of improved cassava production technologies in the area. A multi stage sampling technique was employed to randomly sample a cross section of 120 small-scale cassava farmers. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyze with a combination of tool like descriptive statistics, multiple regression and principal factor analysis. The study revealed that the average age of the cassava farmers was 44.08 out of which 51.67% are male. The average educational level (9.17), farming experience (14.89), household size (5.86), annual income (861.103 USD), farm size (0.15 ha) and extension contacts (3.59) were also revealed. The results further showed that out of the eleven (11) improved cassava production variables considered, the respondents have not fully adopted any of the technologies. Findings on influence of socioeconomic characteristics on adoption shows that F-statistic value of 4.05*** was significant at 1% level of significance, which implies that the predictor variables influenced adoption. Major constraints of the cassava farmers were rotated into three component factors which are institutional (25.4%), economic (17.7%) and managerial factors (12.6%) using principal factor analysis. A KMO of 0.580 and cumulative Eigen-value of 55.7% explained the variance of factors. We therefore encourage extension agents to sit up in disseminating recent innovation to farmers.
Abstract: The study on the adoption of improved cassava production technologies among small-scale cassava famers in Anambra State, Nigeria, specifically; described the socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale cassava farmers, determine the adoption levels of improved cassava production technologies, examine the effects of socioeconomic variables on the a...
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Effects of Varieties and Population of Soybean Intercropped with Maize on Yield and Yield Components of Associated Crops
Negasa Dangia,
Zerihun Jalata,
Gerba Daba
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
128-138
Received:
19 August 2020
Accepted:
7 September 2020
Published:
15 July 2021
Abstract: Cereal-legume intercropping practices improve the sustainability of production and productivity. However, identification of suitable crop and plant density of the component crops is essential. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the varietal effects of soybean intercropped with maize and the effect of plant densities of soybean varieties intercropped with maize on yield and yield components of associated crops and the productivity of the system at Wama-Hagelo District, western Ethiopia during 2019. Maize variety ‘P1238W’ (Limu) was intercropped with three varieties of soybean (‘Jalale,’ ‘Boshe’ and local) in a factorial combination of three populations densities of 25%, 50%, and 75% of the recommended population density along with the sole crops of the irrespective varieties of soybean and maize in randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. Data was collected on growth, yield and yield related parameters on both crops. The result revealed a plant density of intercropped soybean varieties significantly (P<0.01) affected yield and yield components of maize. Highest values for the number of ears per plant (1.88) and grain yield (7.19 tha-1) of maize were obtained from 25% soybean population and particularly from variety ‘Boshe’ for grain yield. Moreover, plant population and soybean variety significantly (P<0.01) affected grain yield of soybean showing the highest grain yield (1.58 tha-1) of soybean was recorded for variety ‘Boshe’. Generally, the highest LER (Land equivalent ratio) of grain yield (1.65 tha-1) and highest net benefit (44491.40 ETB (Ethiopian Birr) or1334.7USD ha-1) obtained from maize intercropped with ‘Boshe’ variety at a population of 50% revealing intercropping maize with ‘Boshe’ soybean at 50% plant population found to be appropriate to achieve high productivity.
Abstract: Cereal-legume intercropping practices improve the sustainability of production and productivity. However, identification of suitable crop and plant density of the component crops is essential. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the varietal effects of soybean intercropped with maize and the effect of plant densities of soybean varieties i...
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Introduction to the Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies, and Contribution on Yield and Soil Properties
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
139-150
Received:
10 October 2019
Accepted:
15 November 2019
Published:
6 August 2021
Abstract: Alleviation of poverty and achieving food security are a significant challenge facing planner worldwide. A way of improving agronomic practices, mainly which has drastic effect on crop growth and yield potential is necessary and acceptable. In this domain, fertilization management has high priority, due to the expensive fertilizers, recently became the costlier input in agriculture. So, rationalization the use of chemical fertilizers is considerable. Replacement a part of chemical fertilizers by organic manure through a simple technique of using minimum effective dose of sufficient and balanced quantities of organic and inorganic fertilizers in combination with specific microorganisms, called INM are a bright solution. Not only for improving and building up of soil fertility but also for increasing the efficiency of chemical fertilizers and make fertilizers more available and most effective for maintaining higher yield without exposing soil native nutrients, ensuring environment and underground water with minimum risks and guaranteeing high profitability. Accordingly, integrated use of chemical fertilizer with organic manure became the quite promising practice not only for maintaining higher productivity but also for greater stability to crop production. Also, (INM) acts as a source of energy for the growth of soil microbes, improvement physical properties of soil, organic carbon and available nitrogen. Additionally, due to their slow realize have great residual effect on subsequent crops. The potential role of INM has been well documented by several investigators, despite some researchers have that, the effects of organic manures are not always have positive contribution and some fields have poor response to organic manures. Such conflicting effect may be due to the presence of high levels of phytotoxins and high C/N ratio, particularly in immature manures. So, the key component of INM goal is reaching to most effective and homogeneous combination could get a good fertilization program and effective target of the fertilizers, sufficient, balanced use of their quantity and quality, and straightforwardly uptake by plants for higher yield without jeopardizing soil native nutrients or polluting the environment. Conclusion, INM is a tool, that can offer good options and economic choices to supply plants with sufficient amount of most macro and micronutrients, and also can reduce the dose of chemical fertilizer, create favorable soil physiochemical conditions, healthy environment, eliminate the constraints, safety soil nutrient balance in long run, to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity and finding safe methods to get rid of agriculture wastes.
Abstract: Alleviation of poverty and achieving food security are a significant challenge facing planner worldwide. A way of improving agronomic practices, mainly which has drastic effect on crop growth and yield potential is necessary and acceptable. In this domain, fertilization management has high priority, due to the expensive fertilizers, recently became...
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The Potentiality Biotic- Elicitation with Chitosan or Vitamin C to Achieve Integrated and Sustainable Development for Sage Salvia Officiealis Under Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Tarek Elsayed S. A.,
El Sayed S. A.
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
151-162
Received:
22 July 2021
Accepted:
7 August 2021
Published:
24 August 2021
Abstract: Sage (Salvia Officiealis) an ornamental and medicinal plant, is cultured in sustainable agriculture system world wide especially in Mediterranean region. It has long used and well conducted in traditional and official medicine pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and perfume industries because in its diverse biologically active compounds. Therefore, field experiment was conducted for two subsequent seasons (2019 and 2020) in factorial split – plot design for design for three replications. The main plot; elicitors; chitosan (CH), vitamin C (VC) and non- elicitor (NE). Whereas, the sub- main plot; (NPK) as chemical fertilizer and bio- organic fertilizer, humic acid (HA), moringa dry leaves extract (ML). The statistical analysis of variance for the recorded analysis of variance for the recorded data revealed that multi- repeating elicitation with (CH), (VC) along (ML), (HA), (NPK) achieve highly significantly positive impacts on biomess leaves yield, g. /m2, essential oil components and antioxidant activity of sage, in which (CH) excel at (VC) along (ML) excel at (VC) along (ML) excel at (HA) excel at (NPK) at both two seasons. These results support the potent CH, VC to achieve integrated sustainable development of sage under biofertilizers (ML), (HA) that excel at chemical fertilizer (NPK) without accreditation on agrochemical microbiocides and / or insecticides.
Abstract: Sage (Salvia Officiealis) an ornamental and medicinal plant, is cultured in sustainable agriculture system world wide especially in Mediterranean region. It has long used and well conducted in traditional and official medicine pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and perfume industries because in its diverse biologically active compounds. Therefore, fiel...
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Identification of Stable Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Seed Yield in Ethiopia Using GGE Model
Gebeyaw Achenef Haile,
Gizachew Yilma Kebede
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
163-169
Received:
3 August 2021
Accepted:
16 August 2021
Published:
24 August 2021
Abstract: Among various pulse crops, Faba bean is widely produced in Ethiopia. The crop is usually adaptable in mid and high altitude area (1800-3000 m.a.s.l.). The applications of GGE biplot ease the graphic comparison and identification of higher genotypes for supporting decision on variety selection and recommendation in different locations. Twelve advanced faba bean genotypes were conducted in 2019 across seven locations in Ethiopia using randomized complete block design with four replications. The aim of this study were to evaluate faba bean genotypes for high mean yield and identify stable varieties across locations, select ideal environment in order to design effective breeding strategy through clustering mega environments. The IPC1 and IPC2 together explained 58.14% of the total G X E interaction. The line transient through the biplot origin and vertical to the E1 axis splits genotypes that yielded below the mean or in the left hand side (G7, G9, G10, G2, and G1) and genotypes that yielded above the mean were all other genotypes found in the right hand side. The AEC vertical axis designated yield stability measure of genotypes. The smaller the length of the line perpendicular to the horizontal AEC axis at E1 (Assasa) indicated the more stable the genotype and vice versa. G2 and G4 were the best stable genotypes, whereas G12 and G7 were the most unstable genotypes relative to other genotypes. The test locations with longest vectors from biplot origin are more selective of the genotypes hence, E3, E1 and E2 considered more discriminating environments for the testing genotypes and least representative due to large deviation from AEC. According to the center of the concentric circles G8, represents the position of perfect genotype. The polygon view of GGE biplot identified two mega environments E1 (Assasa) and E2 (Kulumsa) as one mega environment and G11 (EH 09046-3) was the vertex genotype. The second mega environment comprises E3 (Bekoji), E4 (Kofele), E5 (Adet), E6 (Debark) and E7 (Holetta) and G12 (Tumsa) was the winning genotype for these environments. This designated there is no genotypes showed superior performance across all environments.
Abstract: Among various pulse crops, Faba bean is widely produced in Ethiopia. The crop is usually adaptable in mid and high altitude area (1800-3000 m.a.s.l.). The applications of GGE biplot ease the graphic comparison and identification of higher genotypes for supporting decision on variety selection and recommendation in different locations. Twelve advanc...
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Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Grain Yield and Malt Quality of Three Malt Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties at Arsi Zone, Ethiopia
Fasil Shimelis,
Zenebe Mulatu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
170-174
Received:
7 August 2021
Accepted:
20 August 2021
Published:
26 August 2021
Abstract: Grain yield and malt quality of barley are largely influenced by the specific variety, soil property and applied nitrogen fertilizer rates. Consequently, nitrogen fertilizer application could lead to tradeoff between grain yield and malt quality and grain yield resulting in significant loss for beverage industries and farmers. Thus a field experiment was carried out during 2018/2019 main cropping season on Nitisol at Arsi Zone of Ethiopia to study the effect of grain yield and malt quality response of malt barley (Hordeum vulgar L.) Varieties to different rates of nitrogen fertilizer. Factorial combination of three malt barley varieties (Holker, Ibon and Fanaka) and five rates of nitrogen fertilizer (11.5, 23, 34.5, 46 and 57.5 kg N ha-1) were laydown in split plot arrangement Nitrogen fertilizer rate as main plot and varieties as sub plot replicate three times. Data on soil sample analysis results revealed that, the soil physic-chemical property didn’t show significant variation in both before planting and after harvest. The interaction effects of nitrogen fertilizer rate and varieties had significant influence on grain yield, thousand kernel weight and hectoliter weight. Malt extract content and germination energy were significantly affected by main effect of malt barley varieties, while grain protein content affected only by nitrogen rate. Thus application of 57.5 kg N ha-1 to Ibon malt barley variety produced better (2.629 t ha-1) grain yields at the study area. From this point of view it can be conclude that Ibon Varity fertilized with 57.5 kg N ha-1 was found to be better in terms of both yield performance and economic feasibility for malt barley production in study area.
Abstract: Grain yield and malt quality of barley are largely influenced by the specific variety, soil property and applied nitrogen fertilizer rates. Consequently, nitrogen fertilizer application could lead to tradeoff between grain yield and malt quality and grain yield resulting in significant loss for beverage industries and farmers. Thus a field experime...
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Woody Plant Species Diversity of Dembeza Natural Forest, Enebsae Sarmider District, North Western Ethiopia
Tensay Ayalew,
Sisay Alemu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
175-181
Received:
21 July 2021
Accepted:
5 August 2021
Published:
26 August 2021
Abstract: The natural forest in Ethiopia has significant contribution to the ecological and economy of the country. The study was conducted at Dembeza natural forest to explore woody plant species diversity. Systematic and predetermined sampling method was followed to collect the inventory data. The main objective of the study was to undergo inventory of indigenous woody plant species, record regeneration status, determining floristic composition and list out the plant species which have threatened and need immediate conservation. The study was conducted during December to January 2021. A total of four transect and 40 plots were used to collect the inventory data. From the natural forest a total of 66 plant species belongs to 41 families were recorded. The life form distribution of this species was 2 (3.17%) herb, 4 (6.34%) liana, 41 (65.07%) shrub and 16 (25.39%) tree. Fabaceae was found the most species rich families comprising 7 (11.11%) also Lamiaceae and Celastraceae follow with the same 4 (6.34%). The variation of the species frequency ranges between 2.5- 85% showing high heterogeneity in species distribution. Among those Acacia lahai 2.5%, Ekebergia capensis 2.5% Apodytes dimidiata 5% held less in distribution while, Abutilon figarianum 22.5%, Acacia abyssinica 60%, Carissa spinarum 65% and Croton macrostachyus 85% are comparatively recorded high in frequently appearing or widely distributed woody plant species. The total seedling density per hectare of the forest was 6606.25, which have highest density in the forest were Juniperus procera (206.25), Acanthus sennii (218.75), Carissa spinarum (381.25), Myrsine africana (293.75), Calpurnia aurea (418.75) and top Croton macrostachyus (1375). While species which have lowest density were Acacia lahai, Acokanthera schimperi, Calusena anisata, Dovyalis abyssinica, Dodonaea angustifolia, Rhus glutinosa, Rosa abyssinica, Steganotaenia araliacea which mean species not recorded seedling during the inventory. The major factor recorded in the forest were browsing, cutting and logging. Minimizing human intervention, eradicating of invasive alien species and prevent forest disturbance should applied in Dembeza natural forest.
Abstract: The natural forest in Ethiopia has significant contribution to the ecological and economy of the country. The study was conducted at Dembeza natural forest to explore woody plant species diversity. Systematic and predetermined sampling method was followed to collect the inventory data. The main objective of the study was to undergo inventory of ind...
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Estimation of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance of Some Wollega Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Landrace in Western Ethiopia Using Quantitative Traits
Dawit Merga,
Hussein Mohammed,
Ashenafi Ayano
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
182-191
Received:
16 July 2021
Accepted:
28 July 2021
Published:
30 August 2021
Abstract: Arabica coffee is the predominant commodity in contributing for foreign exchange in Ethiopia and improvement for yield and other desirable traits is highly momentous. Estimating genetic diversity is a prerequisite activity in plant breeding program for crop improvement. This study was designed to determine the extent of genetic variability among Wollega coffee landrace and importance of gene revealed in traits. The 26 genotypes were tested during the 2016/2017 cropping season at Mugi and Haru sub- enters using RCBD. The combined analysis manifested significant difference among genotypes only in node number per primary branch (NNPB), fruit traits and Coffee leaf rust (CLR) although significant difference recorded for 18 and 22 of the 23 traits at Haru and at Mugi, respectively. The difference between environments was significant for all traits, except for CLR, yield (YLD), leaf, some fruit and bean traits. Performance at Haru was less than at Mugi for all traits showed significant difference. Genotype x environment (GEI) was significant for all traits excluding NNPB, leaf length (LL), fruit width and CLR indicating inconsistency performance of Coffee genotypes. At Haru, high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV>20%) recorded for YLD (25.5%), CLR (110.0%) and number of secondary branch (NSB) (22.0%), but High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV>20%) recorded only for CLR (99.6%). At Mugi, High PCV and GCV (>20%) recorded for YLD (38.6%) and CLR (98.4%). Heritability ranged from 10.0% (YLD) to 88.0% (BW) while genetic advance (GAM) ranged from 1.5% (LL) to 32.4% (NSB) at Haru. At Mugi, Heritability ranged between 31% (CLR) and 84.0% (bean thickness) and between 3.3% (LL) and 44.0% (YLD) for GAM. The present results elucidate the existence of moderate genetic diversity among genotypes for some traits at individual location indicating the possibility of improvement for desired traits via selection. For further diversity analysis, molecular characterization methods need to be carried out.
Abstract: Arabica coffee is the predominant commodity in contributing for foreign exchange in Ethiopia and improvement for yield and other desirable traits is highly momentous. Estimating genetic diversity is a prerequisite activity in plant breeding program for crop improvement. This study was designed to determine the extent of genetic variability among Wo...
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Estimation of Reference Evapotranspiration by Using Different Five Empirical Models for Melkassa Area, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
192-198
Received:
5 August 2021
Accepted:
18 August 2021
Published:
30 August 2021
Abstract: Accurate estimate of reference evapotranspiration is essential for water resource and irrigation project planning and operation that include optimal irrigation scheduling. The study was conducted at melkassa the aim of the study was to estimate reference evapotranspiration of Melkassa area using five different empirical models. Evapotranspiration of the crop and reference evapotranspiration are affected by the climatic parameters like temperature, sunshine duration, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and so on. Hence, all available climatic data gathered and the estimation of reference evapotranspiration of the area calculated based on five models used. ETo computed by The Blaney-Criddle method, Modified penman method, Radiation method, Throntwaite method and Hargreaves equation. From the result Thornthwaite method gave the maximum rate of Reference evapotranspiration (264.7 mm/month) which is over estimated. The Blaney-Criddlemethod provided the smallest reference evapotranspiration rate (83.7 mm/month). Moreover, the Modified Penman method showed relatively high estimation next to Thornthwaite method and it consists of the energy (radiation) terms and the aerodynamic (wind speed and relative humidity) terms which increased the method to be suggested for the area. The Radiation method showed better evapotranspiration next to Modified Penman method it is the best alternative in the presence of measured wind speed and air humidity data.
Abstract: Accurate estimate of reference evapotranspiration is essential for water resource and irrigation project planning and operation that include optimal irrigation scheduling. The study was conducted at melkassa the aim of the study was to estimate reference evapotranspiration of Melkassa area using five different empirical models. Evapotranspiration o...
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Response of Onion (Allium Cepa L,) to Different Irrigation Levels under Conventional Furrow Irrigation with and without Mulch at Melkassa, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
199-207
Received:
30 July 2021
Accepted:
18 August 2021
Published:
30 August 2021
Abstract: Water is a scarce resource in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia and is a major limiting factor for crop production. Onion is one of the major economically important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in central rift valley. The field experiment was conducted at Melkasa agricultural research center during the dry season to identify conventional furrow irrigation and irrigation application level with and without mulch that maximizes productivity of onion per unit of water consumed and enhanced onion crop production. The experiment was carried out using RCB design having six treatments with three replications. The FAO’s recommended allowable Manageable depletion level of onion is 100%. In this study 75%, 100% recommended and 125% were tested. The analysis of variance for the result of the study indicated highly significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for yield, yield components and WUE’s. The highest yield of 320.7 ton/ha was obtained from the 75% MAD with mulch which was not significantly (P≤0.05) different to the 100% MAD irrigation level. In terms of irrigation and water use efficiency, 75% MAD irrigation level application gave the highest IWUE which was significantly different from all other treatment combinations. Yield and water use efficiency based comparison had shown that there was significant difference between the yield, CWUE, and IWUE obtained in the treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that increased water saving and associated water productivity through the use of 75% MAD with Conventional furrow irrigation and mulch, can solve problem of water shortage which improve WUE without significant reduction of yield. 75% MAD irrigation level water applied system and mulch appears to be a promising alternative for water conservation and labor saving with negligible trade-off in yield.
Abstract: Water is a scarce resource in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia and is a major limiting factor for crop production. Onion is one of the major economically important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in central rift valley. The field experiment was conducted at Melkasa agricultural research center during the dry season to identify conventional fu...
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Effects of Pot Size and Planting Media on the Early Seedling Growth Performance of Azadirachta indica A. Juss
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
208-213
Received:
5 August 2021
Accepted:
16 August 2021
Published:
31 August 2021
Abstract: Neem is a multipurpose tree that is provides food and insecticide and is used for its great number of ethnomedicinal properties. Neem, known botanically as Azadirachta indica A. Juss is a member of the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and orders Geraniales, and is synonymous with Melia azadirachta Linn and Melia indica Brandis. Azandirachta indica originates from the arid and semi-arid areas of Burma and Northeast India. Neem is a large evergreen tree 12 to 20 meters tall and may reach a girth of 1.8 to 2.5 meters with a round, dense crown. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate pot size and growing medium for Azadirachta indica A. Juss seedlings, which will be used for successful plantation. For this purpose, polyethylene pots of 15 cm length and 8, 10 and 12 cm lay flats diameter were used. As growing medium, 5 different treatments were used, containing different ratios of top/local soil (TS), forest soil (FS), compost (Co) and sand soil (SS) collected from local, natural forest environments and highly decomposed compost (the different materials get from locally easily available). The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications under open field conditions of forestry nursery. Some morphological properties of the seedlings, such as seedling height and root collar diameter growth parameters were measured ever two weeks for four (4) months old seedlings. The finding of this experimental study revealed/showed that relatively higher growth recorded in GM2 and GM4 ratio of composite growing media (3/2 topsoil:2 compost:1 sand soil) composites soil mixed growing media with both 10 cm and 12 cm lay flat polythene pots (PS2 and PS3) should be utilized for raising Azandirachta indica (Neem) seedling to achieve the best seedlings quality. To obtain the best or optimum seedling quality were the interaction effects of growing media and appropriated containers (pot sizes) were important and basic than doing experiment separately. Knowing the best growing media was the major determinant to get the best quality seedlings at the nursery for successful plantation.
Abstract: Neem is a multipurpose tree that is provides food and insecticide and is used for its great number of ethnomedicinal properties. Neem, known botanically as Azadirachta indica A. Juss is a member of the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and orders Geraniales, and is synonymous with Melia azadirachta Linn and Melia indica Brandis. Azandirachta indica orig...
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Delayed Sowing Dates Affected Alfalfa Overwintering Survival Rates by Reducing Soil Temperature Stress
Ai-Min Zhu,
Qing-Xin Zhang,
Xiao-Yan Du,
Xian-Guo Wang,
Yu-Xia Zhang,
Guo-Dong Han,
Bai-Ming Cong,
Yong-Lei Tian
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
214-223
Received:
27 July 2021
Accepted:
26 August 2021
Published:
31 August 2021
Abstract: This study explored the effect of sowing time on alfalfa overwintering and its mechanisms. Gongnong No. 1 alfalfa was sown on July 1, July 16, August 1 and August 15, 2017, and was not cut at the end of autumn. The soil temperature changes in the 10 and 20 cm soil layers were monitored during the overwintering period, and bare land was monitored as a control. The growth characteristics of alfalfa were observed at the end of autumn, and the overwintering survival rate was measured at the end of April 2018. Research shows that as the sowing delay increased, the alfalfa hay yield, plant height, root collar diameter and overwintering survival rate decreased gradually. The minimum temperature of the 10 and 20 cm soil layers decreased as the sowing delay increased, and the diurnal temperature difference increased. Compared with that of alfalfa sown on August 15, the aboveground biomass of alfalfa sown on July 1 increased the average minimum temperature difference in the 10 and 20 cm soil layers by 3.12°C and 2.99°C, respectively, and reduce the average diurnal temperature difference by 3.33°C and 2.15°C. These results indicated that delaying alfalfa sowing reduces the cover on the field, which results in substantial differences in the minimum temperature and the diurnal temperature difference between the 10 and 20 cm soil layers. Our research has suggested that the minimum temperatures of the 10 and 20 cm soil layers and the increase in the diurnal temperature difference are important reasons for low overwintering survival rates in alfalfa. Therefore, sowing should occur in early July, and mowing should not be performed at the end of autumn in northern China.
Abstract: This study explored the effect of sowing time on alfalfa overwintering and its mechanisms. Gongnong No. 1 alfalfa was sown on July 1, July 16, August 1 and August 15, 2017, and was not cut at the end of autumn. The soil temperature changes in the 10 and 20 cm soil layers were monitored during the overwintering period, and bare land was monitored as...
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Systematic Review on Farmers’ Perceptions, Preferences and Utilization Patterns of Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Scott] for Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria
Tilahun Wondimu Fufa,
Happiness Ogba Oselebe,
Catherine Veronica Nnamani,
Celestine Azubuike Afiukwa,
Edak Aniedi Uyoh
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2021
Pages:
224-233
Received:
12 June 2021
Accepted:
28 June 2021
Published:
31 August 2021
Abstract: Malnutrition afflicts a large number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Orphan crops, such as Taro plants, can play critical roles in ensuring global food and nutritional security in this regard. Nigeria is the world's leading producer of taro. It is primarily consumed as a main component or as a soup thickener by resource-poor rural residents in Nigeria's south-eastern regions. The corm contains a lot of carbohydrates, while the leaves have a lot of protein. Furthermore, its social and medicinal importance should not be overlooked. It is, however, a food resource that is underutilized and receives little attention from scientists. Farmers cultivate it on a small scale, and its commercial importance is primarily limited to the local area, implying that farmers are the primary users and keepers of taro genetic diversity. As a result, they've gained some valuable experience in identifying and preserving cultivars they prefer, as well as developing utilization patterns (culinary diversity) for the cultivars they've kept. Information on farmers' knowledge of taro utilization patterns, cultivar maintenance, and culinary diversity is scarce in Nigeria, particularly in the south-eastern region. The purpose of this study is to review existing literature on farmers' and consumers' perceptions and preferences for taro in order to provide insight into knowledge of taro food use, benefits, and potential brand foods. It also addresses key bottlenecks that impede taro production and consumption in Nigeria, paving the way for increased taro production and adoption by both farmers and consumers.
Abstract: Malnutrition afflicts a large number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Orphan crops, such as Taro plants, can play critical roles in ensuring global food and nutritional security in this regard. Nigeria is the world's leading producer of taro. It is primarily consumed as a main component or as a soup thickener by resource-poor rural residents in Nig...
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