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Screening Wheat Genotypes for Coleoptile Length: A Trait for Drought Tolerance
Md. Farhad,
Md. Abdul Hakim,
Md. Ashraful Alam,
N. C. D. Barma
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
237-245
Received:
30 September 2014
Accepted:
15 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: The study was conducted during Rabi season of 2013-14 at the Wheat Research Centre (WRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Dinajpur. Thirty wheat genotypes including local control BARI Gom 26 were evaluated in split-split plot design having two replications with irrigation in the main plot, seeding depth in a sub-plot and genotype was in sub-sub-plot. The main objective of this study was to evaluate new exotic lines against drought, with emphasis on coleoptile length under Bangladeshi conditions, and to identify drought tolerant germplasm. To measure potential coleoptile length (CL), disease free, healthy, uniform seeds were sown in wooden trays with sandy soil in a temperature controlled room at 200 degree days (20o c X 10 days). The genotypes were evaluated for yield, and yield components i.e., plant establishment, plant height (cm), spikes per m2, grains per Spike, 1000-grain weight (g) and visual grain quality. Selection of genotypes was based on Schneider’s stress severity index (SSSI), yield under drought condition and coleoptiles length. Deep seeding over normal seeding had a significant effect on yield and the yield components, as did water stress. The interaction of the two factors showed that seeding depth causes more yield loss than irrigation. More traits showed significant relationships in deep seeding conditions than normal conditions, meaning that there is greater scope for screening wheat using sowing depth. Based on higher negative value of SSSI and higher yield in deep sowing conditions the genotypes G 16, G 13, G 12, G 24, G 2, G 18, G 19 and G 3 were primarily selected for drought tolerance and will be evaluated further for advanced studies. These genotypes also have longer coleoptiles ranging from 7.4 to 10.5 cm.
Abstract: The study was conducted during Rabi season of 2013-14 at the Wheat Research Centre (WRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Dinajpur. Thirty wheat genotypes including local control BARI Gom 26 were evaluated in split-split plot design having two replications with irrigation in the main plot, seeding depth in a sub-plot and genotype...
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Effects of Biochar Derived from Maize Stover and Rice Straw on the Germination of their Seeds
Alie Kamara,
Abibatu Kamara,
Mary Mankutu Mansaray,
Patrick Andrew Sawyerr
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
246-249
Received:
19 June 2014
Accepted:
8 July 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Although there has been an increased focus on the use of biochar for improving soil fertility and mitigating climate change, some biochars have been reported to contain substances that affect germination and seedling growth negatively. It is therefore necessary to evaluate any biochar material for its effect on seed germination before large scale applications. This study was therefore undertaken to assess the effects of (i) biochar derived from maize stover on maize seed germination and (ii) biochar derived from rice straw on rice seed germination. Seeds of maize (Zea maize L.) and rice (Oryza sativa) were sown separately to soils treated with increasing levels of biochar derived from maize and rice residues respectively. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design involving five biochar treatments: 0 g (control), 1.25g, 2.50g, 3.75g and 5.00g each mixed with 300g of a fine sandy loam soil in Sierra Leone. Results of the germination test showed that most of the maize seeds (>80%) germinated by day3 and there was no significant difference in the number of maize seeds germinated on day 7. On the other hand, few rice seeds germinated on day3 (35%) and was significantly greater than the number of the rice seeds (>90%) germinated on day 7. However, even though the number of maize or rice seeds germinated on biochar treated soils was higher than the control, the difference was not significant. Also, no significant differences in root lengths were observed between the control and biochar treatments at day 7 for both plants. However, maize shoot length differed significantly from the control whereas rice shoot length did not. The results showed that sowing seeds of maize and rice on soils treated with biochar derived from their crop residues had no adverse effect on germination. These findings hold great potential for improved and sustainable maize and rice cultivation in Sierra Leone.
Abstract: Although there has been an increased focus on the use of biochar for improving soil fertility and mitigating climate change, some biochars have been reported to contain substances that affect germination and seedling growth negatively. It is therefore necessary to evaluate any biochar material for its effect on seed germination before large scale a...
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Adaptability Study of Banana (Musa Paradisiacal var. Sapiertum) Varieties at Jinka, Southern Ethiopia
Tekle Yoseph,
Wondewosen Shiferaw,
Zemach Sorsa,
Tibebu Simon,
Abraham Shumbullo,
Woineshet Solomon
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
250-255
Received:
14 October 2014
Accepted:
20 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: A field experiment involving eleven improved banana (Musa paradisiacal var. sapiertum) varieties and one local check was carried out at Jinka Agricultural Research Center during the 2006 to 2009 cropping seasons under rain fed conditions to identify the best performing variety to the target areas of South Omo Zone. The banana varieties included in the field experiment were eleven improved (Kampala, Pisang, Lacatan, Poyo, Dwarf Cavendish, Giant Cavendish, Butuzua, Grand Naine, Robusta, Williams-1, Williams-2) and a local check. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, bunch yield and yield components were studied. The result showed that days to flowering were significantly affected by variety while days to maturity were not significantly influenced by variety. Psedostem height was significantly affected by variety; whereas, variety had brought no significant effect on psedostem circumference. All the yield and yield components studied were significantly affected by variety except finger diameter. Bunch yield advantages of 59.11%, 55.87% and 47.55%, were obtained from the improved banana varieties Dwarf Cavandish, Giant Cavandish and Poyo, respectively over the local check. The highest bunch yields of (45.333 t ha-1) and (42.000 t ha-1) were recorded for the varieties Dwarf Cavendish and Giant Cavendish, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved banana varieties such as Dwarf Cavendish or Giant Cavendish is advisable and could be appropriate for banana production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.
Abstract: A field experiment involving eleven improved banana (Musa paradisiacal var. sapiertum) varieties and one local check was carried out at Jinka Agricultural Research Center during the 2006 to 2009 cropping seasons under rain fed conditions to identify the best performing variety to the target areas of South Omo Zone. The banana varieties included i...
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Effect of Irrigation at Different Growth Stages on Yield, Water Productivity and Seed Production of Onion (Allium cepa L. CV BARI Piaz-1)
Dilip Kumar Roy,
Sujit Kumar Biswas,
Abdur Razzaque Akanda,
Khokan Kumer Sarker,
Abeda Khatun
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
256-261
Received:
14 October 2014
Accepted:
20 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: The study was executed in the experimental field of Irrigation and Water Management Division (IWM), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh to investigate the effect of irrigation on onion seed yield. There were six irrigation treatments: T1= Irrigations at vegetative, bolting, flowering and seed formation stages, i.e., no stress, T2= Stress at vegetative stage, T3= Stress at bolting stage, T4= Stress at flowering stage, T5= Stress at seed formation stage, and T6= Irrigations at vegetative and flowering stages (Farmers practice). Bulb to seed method was used for this study. Recommended doses of fertilizers for “BARI piaz-1” were applied for all treatments. Measured amount of irrigation water was applied at different growth stages according to the treatment combinations. Data on yield attributing characters, yield, and seasonal water use were recorded. Results showed that umbel diameter and 1000- seed weights were significantly influenced by different irrigation treatments. Irrigation treatments did not show any significant effect on other yield contributing characters studied. The highest yield (1110.89 kg/ha) was observed from the treatment receiving irrigations at four different growth stages while the treatment in which stress was imposed at flowering stage produced the lowest seed yield (897.70 kg/ha). Water productivity was observed highest (0.45 kg/m3) in treatment T5 while the lowest (0.38 kg/m3) was observed in treatment T4. The highest benefit-cost ratio (3.84) was obtained from treatment T1 while the lowest one (3.14) was found in treatment T4. The results suggested that irrigation at the flowering stage is critical for onion seed production.
Abstract: The study was executed in the experimental field of Irrigation and Water Management Division (IWM), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh to investigate the effect of irrigation on onion seed yield. There were six irrigation treatments: T1= Irrigations at vegetative, bolting, flowering and seed formation stages, i.e., no str...
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Relationship between Physiological and Seed Yield Related Traits in Winter Rapeseed (Brassica Napus L.) Cultivars under Water Deficit Stress
Gader Ghaffari,
Mahmoud Toorchi,
Saeid Aharizad,
Mohammad-Reza Shakiba
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
262-266
Received:
2 October 2014
Accepted:
4 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: Finding the relationship between physiological traits and seed yield components is an important objective in crop breeding programs. Canonical correlation analysis has been adopted to study the strength of association between the physiological traits and seed yield under water deficit stress and to obtain the physiological traits that have the largest effect on seed yield and its components. This study revealed that leaf water potential, relative water content, leaf osmotic potential and chlorophyll index had the largest influence on seed yield and its components under severe water deficit. Under mild water deficit, leaf water potential and relative water content were also important for improving seed yield. Leaf water potential, relative water content, chlorophyll fluorescene and chlorophyll index were had the largest effect on seed yield and its components under well watered condition.
Abstract: Finding the relationship between physiological traits and seed yield components is an important objective in crop breeding programs. Canonical correlation analysis has been adopted to study the strength of association between the physiological traits and seed yield under water deficit stress and to obtain the physiological traits that have the larg...
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Influence of NPK 15-15-15 Fertilizer and Pig Manure on Nutrient Dynamics and Production of Cowpea, Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
267-273
Received:
8 November 2014
Accepted:
17 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: A constant challenge for farmers in Nigeria is how to increase crop production in the face of low inherent nutrient status and rapid soil fertility depletion. This has attracted studies on how to build up nutrient capital in soil. Influence of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and pig manure on nutrient dynamics and production of cowpea vigna unguiculata L. Walp were evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria in experiments consisting of six treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatments consisted of 60kg NPK 15-15-15, 4t/ha Pig manure (PM), 8t/ha Pig manure, 4t/ha PM+60kg NPK 15-15-15, 8t/ha PM+60kg NPK 15-15-15 and no fertilizer as control. Data on plant height, no of branches, no of leaves, no of nodules/plant, dry matter yield taken at 50% flowering, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield were collected. The result showed that 8t/haPM+60kgNPK gave significantly (p<0.05) higher number of nodules.plant-1(13.7), dry matter (40.3g.plant-1), number of pods.plant-1 (23.7), number of seeds.pod-1 (12.3) and 100 seed weight (25.5g) respectively. Maximum seed yield of 1.40t/ha was obtained with application of 8t/haPM + 60kgNPK. Sole application of pig manure and its combination with NPK significantly increased soil N, P, K, Ca and Mg. It can be concluded that for maximum production, the amount of pig manure required can reduce the chemical fertilizer that would be needed for cowpea.
Abstract: A constant challenge for farmers in Nigeria is how to increase crop production in the face of low inherent nutrient status and rapid soil fertility depletion. This has attracted studies on how to build up nutrient capital in soil. Influence of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and pig manure on nutrient dynamics and production of cowpea vigna unguiculata L. ...
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Biological Invasion of Imported Cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), on Oilseed Brassica in Punjab, India
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
274-277
Received:
12 November 2014
Accepted:
17 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: The infestation of imported cabbageworm/ small white butterfly, Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is reported on oilseed Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera, ecotype brown sarson cv. BSH 1 from Punjab, India. Though, it has been reported earlier on vegetable brassicas in India, there is no report of its infestation on oilseed brassica in this part of the country so far. A low infestation of 1.7-3.3 larvae per 10 plants was reported during first to third Standard Meteorological Week of 2014. Since this pest has potential to cause significant damage to oilseed brassica crops, therefore, timely reporting of this pest is important to avoid any future outbreak.
Abstract: The infestation of imported cabbageworm/ small white butterfly, Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is reported on oilseed Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera, ecotype brown sarson cv. BSH 1 from Punjab, India. Though, it has been reported earlier on vegetable brassicas in India, there is no report of its infestation on oilseed brassica in this part ...
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Evaluation of Propagation Methods of Schefflera abyssinica
Tura Bareke Kifle,
Admassu Addi Merti,
Kibebew Wakjira Hora
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
278-283
Received:
21 September 2014
Accepted:
28 November 2014
Published:
2 December 2014
Abstract: Schefflera abyssinica is indigenous bee forage tree species promising for honey production. However due to lack of appropriate propagation methods; S. abyssinica is not promoted in wide scale plantation. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate appropriate seed pretreatment procedures to improve the germination percentage, and assessing the impacts of seed provenances on the growth performance of this plant. Germination trials were conducted in laboratory, and plastic house at Holeta Bee Research Center and Holeta Agricultural Research Center using mature seed collected from mother trees using treatment of smoke solution and soaking seeds in different chemicals. The result indicated, there was significant improvement in germination capacity and vigor of S. abyssinica after pre-treated with aqueous smoke solution (p<0.05) particularly at low concentration. Pre-treated seeds of S. abyssinica with 1% chlorox, 70% alcohol, imidalm and Ridoml gold chemicals resulted no significant (P<0.05) increases, in the final germination percentage as compared to the controls. Seed provenances affect the germination capacity of S. abyssinica and their survival rate. S. abyssinica can be propagated by seed by producing seedlings and it can grow alone without need of other tree species as an epiphyte.
Abstract: Schefflera abyssinica is indigenous bee forage tree species promising for honey production. However due to lack of appropriate propagation methods; S. abyssinica is not promoted in wide scale plantation. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate appropriate seed pretreatment procedures to improve the germination perc...
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Quality Spermatic Alterations in Floriculturists Exposed to Pesticides in Villa Guerrero, State of Mexico
Griset Martínez-Luna,
Fernando Mejia-Sanchez,
Jorge Humberto Serment-Guerrero,
Julieta Castillo-Cadena
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
284-288
Received:
11 November 2014
Accepted:
25 November 2014
Published:
17 December 2014
Abstract: In Villa Guerrero municipality, floriculture is their first economic activity; there are intensively applied different pesticides alone and in mixtures. They fumigate every day, every second or third day, and men, women, children and third age people participate. The use of prohibited or restricted pesticides such as Tamaron, Temik and Curacron in agricultural activities brings health problems with them, especially in their reproductive health. The aim of this study was to determine whether occupational exposure to pesticides alters semen quality. It was held in an exposed group conformed by 30 male floriculturists and the non-exposed group were 30 university male students. All of the participants gave a semen sample and sign an informed consent. There was made a spermatobioscopy accord to the WHO/PAHO (2010). The spermiogram´s results in the exposed group showed: significant reduction in the sperm count, in the progressive fast and slow mobility as well as in the normal sperm average. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the morphologic sperm abnormalities: big, small and double head; short, long and double tale, in comparison with the non-exposed group. Conclusion: it appears that the occupational exposure to pesticides changes the sperm quality.
Abstract: In Villa Guerrero municipality, floriculture is their first economic activity; there are intensively applied different pesticides alone and in mixtures. They fumigate every day, every second or third day, and men, women, children and third age people participate. The use of prohibited or restricted pesticides such as Tamaron, Temik and Curacron in ...
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Hill Torrents Potentials and Spate Irrigation Management to Support Agricultural Strategies in Pakistan
Muhammad Asif,
Col Islam-ul-Haque
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
289-295
Received:
24 November 2014
Accepted:
6 December 2014
Published:
18 December 2014
Abstract: Pakistan has not only been blessed with enriched hydrological cycling phenomenon which generate abandoned quantum of water in the northern part , but also possess 18.68 MAF Water Potential in water scarce areas of Pakistan , known as Rod Kohi. Spate irrigation is in practice in Pakistan, where, flood water, during monsoon season, gets generated and channelized from down-hill countered profiles (catchments area). These hill torrential are diverted to agriculture fields, by constructing earthen embankments or related hydraulic concrete structures. Since, hill sides torrential are unpredictable, temporally and spatially matrix, which poses numerous challenges to the farmers who in return forcibly integrate / pool up individual resources to partially manage this scarce resource. Though the annual rainfall ( ....100...mm/year) in this area is low and uncertain yet at the same time due to terrain lay out , substantial quantum of water gets accumulated due to downhill side terrain profile each rainfall event. The agriculture activities, in these areas are totally dependent on such type of phenomenal rainfalls. Unfortunately, due to lack of scientific water resource management and modern agriculture practices, major quantum of torrential flood water is not only gets wasted , but also causes huge losses to human life and property . This catastrophic situation arises, as there are neither successive layers of check-dams on the down-hill sides of these mountain ranges, nor any kind of water storage facilities exist at the foot hill areas. PARC (Pakistan Agricultural Research Council) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Foundation ( PPAF) did funded some localized water storage , water conveyance and water distribution system interventions, but still there is a dire need of holistically adoption of watershed management approaches , based on resource integration concept and practices. This un-managed water resource must be harnessed / converted into lucrative opportunities to oxygenize the life line for millions of people residing in these areas.
Abstract: Pakistan has not only been blessed with enriched hydrological cycling phenomenon which generate abandoned quantum of water in the northern part , but also possess 18.68 MAF Water Potential in water scarce areas of Pakistan , known as Rod Kohi. Spate irrigation is in practice in Pakistan, where, flood water, during monsoon season, gets generated and...
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A Potential Fast Growing Tree for Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration in India: Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq.
Arvind Bijalwan,
Manmohan J. R. Dobriyal,
Bhartiya J. K.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
296-301
Received:
24 November 2014
Accepted:
9 December 2014
Published:
19 December 2014
Abstract: Anthocephalus cadamba commonly known as Kadamb tree In India is a large tropical tree with straight cylindrical bole belongs to family Rubiaceae. A. cadamba tree is fast growing in nature and can grow in different parts of India. Considering the high demand of wood in India; A. cadamba is one of the promising and potential trees, being grown on the farm land in the form of Agroforestry. The wood of A. cadamba is multipurpose in nature having white to creamy white and straight grain with fine to medium texture wood which is used in variety of services such as ply-wood, pencil making, match splints, pulp wood for paper, packing cases, toys, wooden shoes, flooring, carving and crates etc. The fast decomposition rate of A. cadamba is also make it more compatible for the emerging agroforestry systems in various parts of India and considered to be very useful tree in agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration.
Abstract: Anthocephalus cadamba commonly known as Kadamb tree In India is a large tropical tree with straight cylindrical bole belongs to family Rubiaceae. A. cadamba tree is fast growing in nature and can grow in different parts of India. Considering the high demand of wood in India; A. cadamba is one of the promising and potential trees, being grown on th...
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Resistance of Eight Species of Ash Trees to Emerald Ash Borer and their Mechanisms
Shixiang Zong,
Jianqiang Lin,
Tao Wang,
Youqing Luo
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
302-308
Received:
11 December 2014
Accepted:
23 December 2014
Published:
29 December 2014
Abstract: Ash tree, Fraxinus (Oleaceae), is a fine species of timber, shelter and scenic tree used for afforestation in China. Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, an important trunk borer of ash trees, have caused great damage to ash trees in China, the United States, Canada and other countries. First, adult EAB lays eggs in the bark crevices, then the newly hatched larvae feed on the superficial layers of the bark, and enter the xylem when approaching maturity, causing great damage. Therefore, bark is an important location for the adult oviposition, egg development and larval feeding of EAB. In order to understand the resistance of different species of ash trees and their mechanisms, eight ash trees with varying degrees of resistance to EAB were chosen to further investigate the morphological characteristics of the bark, anatomical structure of the tissue, main nutrients and secondary metabolites. The following results were observed: (1) The resistance of different tree species to EAB was not correlated with the bark color, but was inversely proportional to bark thickness, roughness, lenticel size, and compactness. The thicker, rougher and more compact the bark was, the larger the lenticels were, and in turn the greater the EAB-induced damage was. (2) In the anatomical structure of the bark tissues, the vessel size, wood cell number, wood cell area and stone cell number were shown to be the most important resistance factors, among which vessel area and wood cell area were both negatively correlated with insect resistance, and stone cell number and wood cell number were positively correlated. (3) Among the main nutrients and secondary metabolites, polyphenols, soluble sugars, reducing sugars and flavonoids were shown to be the most important resistance factors, the contents of which in tree species with high resistance were generally higher than those in susceptible tree species. These results provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for revealing the resistance of different species of ash trees to EAB, and selecting suitable insect resistant tree species.
Abstract: Ash tree, Fraxinus (Oleaceae), is a fine species of timber, shelter and scenic tree used for afforestation in China. Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, an important trunk borer of ash trees, have caused great damage to ash trees in China, the United States, Canada and other countries. First, adult EAB lays eggs in the bark crev...
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Effects of Phosphorus Availability on Plant Growth and Soil Nutrient Status in the Rice/Soybean Rotation System on Newly Cultivated Acidic Soils
Laye Djouba Conde,
Zhijian Chen,
Hongkao Chen,
Hong Liao
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
309-316
Received:
7 December 2014
Accepted:
24 December 2014
Published:
4 January 2015
Abstract: Acid soils are worldwide spread, where low phosphorus (P) availability is considered as the major limiting constraint for crop growth, particularly on the newly cultivated acidic soils. Traditionally, the rotation system of rice with leguminous crops has been often used on acid soils. However, little is known about how P availability affects this traditional rotation system on acid soils. In the present study, two years of soil pot experiments had been done using rice (Oryza sativa L.) as the first crop and soybean (Glycine Max L.) as the second crop. The results showed that rice growth were significantly affected by P fertilization on acid soils. Sufficient P application increased plant height, shoot biomass, tiller number, and panicle dry weight compared to that of no P fertilization in both two years’ studies. The growth of following crop soybean was also influenced by P supply, and the P efficient genotype HX1 exhibited more adaptive to low P than the P inefficiency genotype BD2, as reflected by better growth of HX1 than BD2. Rhizosphere pH and soil nutrient status was significantly influenced by the rotation system. An increased tendency of rhizosphere pH was observed after the growth of rice and soybean. Soil N concentration was significantly increased after planting HX1 but not BD2. Furthermore, rice rotated with HX1 resulted in higher P fertilizer use efficiency (PFUE). Taken together, we conclude that the rice-soybean rotation with optimal P supply is a suitable agricultural mode on acid soils, and rotating with the P efficient soybean genotype could benefit more in soil nutrient status, which might increase the agriculture sustainability on acid soils.
Abstract: Acid soils are worldwide spread, where low phosphorus (P) availability is considered as the major limiting constraint for crop growth, particularly on the newly cultivated acidic soils. Traditionally, the rotation system of rice with leguminous crops has been often used on acid soils. However, little is known about how P availability affects this t...
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Evaluation of Culture Media for Biomass Production of Trichoderma viride (KBN 24) and their Production Economics
Kishor Chand Kumhar,
Azariah Babu,
Mitali Bordoloi,
Ashif Ali
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
317-320
Received:
27 November 2014
Accepted:
22 December 2014
Published:
5 February 2015
Abstract: The Genus Trichoderma is of immense importance in agricultural crop protection because of their bio-control potential role against an array of phytopathogens through several modes of action. It is well established with fairly good acceptability, worldwide. The establishment and utilization on a commercial level of any promising isolate may not be successful, unless the cost effective mass production is evident. Present study is aimed at the evaluation of the laboratory media as well as locally available food grains for cost effective mass production of local strain KBN-24 (Trichoderma viride) for large scale adoption. Among different lab media, potato dextrose agar (solid medium) and potato dextrose broth (liquid medium) yielded comparatively more biomass of tested strain of Trichoderma viride. However, among the different grains rice ranked the first which produced the maximum biomass (148.04 gram) followed by wheat (126.87 gram) where as maize produced the least biomass. Similar trends were recorded on the conidial production and colony forming units (CFUs) in case of potato dextrose agar, potato dextrose broth and rice whole grain. Results indicated that the locally available food grains like rice and wheat were comparatively cheaper and serve as convenient substrates for the mass multiplication of Trichoderma viride and their cost economics were also discussed.
Abstract: The Genus Trichoderma is of immense importance in agricultural crop protection because of their bio-control potential role against an array of phytopathogens through several modes of action. It is well established with fairly good acceptability, worldwide. The establishment and utilization on a commercial level of any promising isolate may not be s...
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Assessment of the Profitability and the Effects of Three Maize-Based Cropping Systems on Soil Health in Western Africa
Kodjovi Sotomè Detchinli,
Jean Mianikpo Sogbedji
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
321-329
Received:
23 December 2014
Accepted:
6 January 2015
Published:
14 January 2015
Abstract: Enhanced livelihoods for populations, especially smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa may be achieved through improved cropping systems. We assessed the economic returns from maize grain yield and the effects of three cropping systems on soil properties in an eight-year study segmented in cycles of two years each: continuous maize (Zea mays L.), maize-mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis), and maize-pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). The rainfall pattern in the study region allows for two growing seasons per year, leading to four growing seasons per cycle. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates were imposed on maize in each system and maize grain yields and associated cash values as well as soil properties were measured. Seeding mucuna and pigeon pea crops into maize crop in the first year did not result in maize grain yield increases from N and P fertilizers in the subsequent year. Continuous maize system increased mean maize grain yields by 6.2 to 60.3% in the fallow year of the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 cycles and by 5.1 to 8.2% on a cycle basis in the 2002-2003 cycles. For the remaining periods of the study, mucuna and pigeon pea based maize cropping increased grain yields by 28.6 to 47.6%, 22 to 260% and 28.3 to 136.1% in fallow year, non-fallow years and on a cycle basis, respectively, compared to yields under continuous maize. On a cycle basis, economic returns for maize-mucuna and maize-pigeon pea based systems were 105.1 and 66.5%, respectively, higher than that for continuous maize. The mucuna and pigeon pea based systems increased the initial soil total carbon (C) content by 55 and 69%, respectively, resulted in increases of 110 to117%, 33 to 63%, 29%, and 16-17% for exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and total cation exchange capacity (CEC), respectively, and enhanced water stable macroaggregates stability, compared to continuous maize. Maize mucuna and pigeon pea-based maize cropping systems with mucuna and pigeon crops in alternate years should be advised towards sustaining enhanced profitability and improved soil physical and chemical properties.
Abstract: Enhanced livelihoods for populations, especially smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa may be achieved through improved cropping systems. We assessed the economic returns from maize grain yield and the effects of three cropping systems on soil properties in an eight-year study segmented in cycles of two years each: continuous maize (Zea mays L....
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