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Estimates of Tree Biomass, and Its Uncertainties Through Mean-of-Ratios, Ratio-of-Means, and Regression Estimators in Double Sampling: A Comparative Study of Mecrusse Woodlands
Tarquinio Mateus Magalhães,
Thomas Seifert
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
161-170
Received:
11 July 2015
Accepted:
18 July 2015
Published:
29 July 2015
Abstract: Frequently, biomass expansion factors (BEFs), the respective biomass densities, and their uncertainties are computed without taking into account the appropriate estimators. The objective of this study was to compare the estimates of BEF, BEF-based biomass densities, and their uncertainties using different estimators (mean-of-ratios, ratio-of-means, and regression estimators) in double sampling. Our results demonstrated that increased uncertainty is associated with regression-based biomass densities, and that the computation of BEF using merchantable timber volume should utilize regression estimators, not the usual ratio estimators, which preferably, should be avoided altogether, as they are found to be subjective and more susceptible to errors and personal judgment.
Abstract: Frequently, biomass expansion factors (BEFs), the respective biomass densities, and their uncertainties are computed without taking into account the appropriate estimators. The objective of this study was to compare the estimates of BEF, BEF-based biomass densities, and their uncertainties using different estimators (mean-of-ratios, ratio-of-means,...
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Photorhabdus Luminescens: Virulent Properties and Agricultural Applications
Elizabeth Gerdes,
Devang Upadhyay,
Sivanadane Mandjiny,
Rebecca Bullard-Dillard,
Meredith Storms,
Michael Menefee,
Leonard D. Holmes
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
171-177
Received:
21 July 2015
Accepted:
1 August 2015
Published:
10 August 2015
Abstract: Photorhabdus luminescens is a gram-negative, bioluminescent bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae which has been found in countries across the globe. It is part of a symbiotic relationship with, and resides in the gut of the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Photorhabdus luminescens produces many virulence factors, toxin complexes and antimicrobial compounds which allow it to kill insect hosts while simultaneously protecting itself and its symbiotic partner from other bacteria. Due to its virulent properties and the ability to infect a wide range of insect hosts, the Photorhabdus luminescens-Heterorhabditis bacteriophora relationship is a promising candidate for agricultural use as a mass produced biological control agent. The use of Photorhabdus luminescens has been deemed safe towards humans, animals, non-target insects, plants, as well as the environment. The entomopathogenic nematode is also exempt from registration regulations in most countries. The significance of Photorhabdus luminescens is the potential for an insecticide that allows different species of insect pests to be effectively controlled by a single natural product rather than multiple chemical products. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with an overview of the safety of Photorhabdus luminescens to the community and environment, to inform readers of the virulence factors associated with the bacteria, and to outline the potential the product possesses as a mass produced biological control agent.
Abstract: Photorhabdus luminescens is a gram-negative, bioluminescent bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae which has been found in countries across the globe. It is part of a symbiotic relationship with, and resides in the gut of the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Photorhabdus luminescens produces many virulence factors, to...
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Influence of Groundnut and Machine Characteristics on Motorised Sheller Performance
Wangette Isaac Simiyu,
Nyaanga Daudi M.,
Njue Musa R.
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
178-191
Received:
15 July 2015
Accepted:
28 July 2015
Published:
21 August 2015
Abstract: Groundnut shelling is a fundamental process in post-harvest management. Manual shelling is inefficient and laborious with low throughput. Motorised shellers experience less than 100% shelling efficiency and varying levels of kernel damage, hence, the need for optimization. Research work involving many factors require large numbers of experimental runs, resulting in high costs and are time consuming. Taguchi design of experiments enables to arrive at best parameter combination for optimal conditions with least number of analytical investigations. In this work, Taguchi method with S/N and ANOVA techniques were applied to optimize groundnut sheller performance involving the influence of six machine and groundnut factors on three output parameters. Best output results were obtained as follows: Throughput per unit power consumption of 921.03 (kg/h)/kWh at 12.2 m/s shelling speed, rubber paddle shelling blades, CG 7 variety, 6% mc, 1200 kg/h feed rate and 10 mm concave clearance. Shelling efficiency of 99.08% at 12.2 m/s shelling speed, rolling steel pipe shelling blades, Valencia red variety, 6% mc, 2000 kg/h feed rate and 10 mm concave clearance. Kernel mechanical damage of 1.25% at 7.4 m/s shelling speed, fixed rubber pipe shelling blades, Valencia red variety, 12% mc, 800 kg/h feed rate and 15 mm concave clearance.
Abstract: Groundnut shelling is a fundamental process in post-harvest management. Manual shelling is inefficient and laborious with low throughput. Motorised shellers experience less than 100% shelling efficiency and varying levels of kernel damage, hence, the need for optimization. Research work involving many factors require large numbers of experimental r...
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Comparative Effects of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid and Benzylaminopurine on Seed Potato Tuber Sprouting and Yield of Resultant Plants
Martin Kagiki Njogu,
Geofrey Kingori Gathungu,
Peter Muchiri Daniel
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
192-201
Received:
22 August 2015
Accepted:
2 September 2015
Published:
18 September 2015
Abstract: Seed potato tubers planted immediately after harvest is characterized by delayed plant emergence, poor establishment and low yields. Gibberellic acid (GA) and Benzylaminopurine (BA) or their combinations cause dormancy breakage though little information is available on their combined application to dormancy termination. The effects of foliar application of GA and BA on potato tuber sprouting and subsequent yield were studied. Three potato varieties with different tuber dormancy period; ‘Asante’ (short dormancy), Dutch Robyjn (medium dormancy) and ‘Kenya Sifa’ (long dormancy) were planted at National Potato Research Centre, Tigoni and sprayed with a factorial combinations of 0, 50, 100, 300 ppm GA and 0, 50, 75, 100 ppm BA separately and combined at the rate of 1000 lts/ha spray volume towards the end of maturation. The resulting tubers were put in diffuse light storage (DLS) and data on number, length and vigour of sprouts recorded. Sprouted seed tubers were subsequently planted and evaluated for both growth characteristics and yields. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and significantly different means were separated using Fisher’s protected least significant difference at p≤0.05. Higher rates of foliar application of GA+BA (300 ppm + 100 ppm) compared with the control (0 + 0) resulted in significant increase insprout length (cm), number of sprout/tuber, sprout vigour (score), and % sprouting from 3.24 to 7.02 and 3.84 to 9.03, 2.04 to 4.45 and 2.07 to 4.8, 1.7 to 3.06 and 1.63 to 3.23, 61.21to 86.67and 63.3 to 83.7 in Asante, 2.94 to 8.03 and 2.8 to 7.99, 1.84 to 5.24 and 1.87 to 4.76, 1.3 to 3.0 and 1.27 to 2.63, 50.61 to 92.7 and 52.7 to 85.7in Dutch Robyjn and 0.79 to 6.43 and 1.32 to 6.99, 0.61 to 3.49 and 0.79 to 3.33, 0.61 to 3.03 and 0.73 to 2.83, 22.12 to 85.76 and 28.3 to83.7 in Kenya Sifa after storage in 2008 and 2009 respectively. A combination of BA and GA resulted in significantly more growth than using only GA or BA alone at the same level. Similarly the subsequent tuber numbers per plant and yield (tons/ha) in resultant plants increased from 7.13 to 12.53 and 24.66 to 32.27, 6.93 to 10.47 and 16.73 to 23.37, and 5.63 to 9.6 and 17.53 to 30.13 in Asante, Dutch Robyjnand Kenya Sifa respectively. Combined application of GA + BA at varied rates can be used to improve sprouting characteristics of seed potato and yield of resultant plants.
Abstract: Seed potato tubers planted immediately after harvest is characterized by delayed plant emergence, poor establishment and low yields. Gibberellic acid (GA) and Benzylaminopurine (BA) or their combinations cause dormancy breakage though little information is available on their combined application to dormancy termination. The effects of foliar applic...
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Farmers’ Need for an Agricultural Meteorological Information System in a Tropical Wet and Dry Climate: Imo as a Case Study
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
202-207
Received:
22 September 2015
Accepted:
4 October 2015
Published:
19 October 2015
Abstract: In this paper, the Agricultural Meteorological Information System needs for rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria, was determined in a survey of five hundred farmers using purposive sampling method and structured questionnaires. The study was able to reveal that there was need for the establishment of effective Agricultural Meteorological Information System support for enhanced agricultural productivity in Imo State. The survey also showed that the rural farmers showed great interest in using weather information for cultivation, and they also have high preference for the reception of agricultural meteorological information through their mobile phones over any other medium of information delivery in the rural areas.
Abstract: In this paper, the Agricultural Meteorological Information System needs for rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria, was determined in a survey of five hundred farmers using purposive sampling method and structured questionnaires. The study was able to reveal that there was need for the establishment of effective Agricultural Meteorological Information...
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Ecology of Basal Stem Rot Disease of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Cameroon
Afui Mathias Mih,
Tonjock Rosemary Kinge
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
208-215
Received:
6 October 2015
Accepted:
16 October 2015
Published:
28 October 2015
Abstract: Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by species of Ganoderma { XE "Ganoderma"}is of immense importance in oil palm production. Although much is known on the occurrence of this devastating disease, fundamental studies on the ecology in oil palm in plantations are rather limited. This study sought to determine the incidence, severity, distribution and spread pattern of BSR disease in oil palm plantations and relate disease parameters to climatic and edaphic factors. Surveys were carried out for two years on two–hectare plots in each of five oil palm estates of the Cameroon Development Corporation. Data for disease incidence and severity in each estate were recorded. Disease spread patterns were generated from Arc GIS version 9.3 using GIS coordinates of diseased plants. A correlation between disease parameters and soil physicochemical properties and multivariate analyses were done. Typical BSR disease symptoms were observed including unopened spear leaves, skirt–like appearance of leaves, basidiocarp formation, bole creation and death of the palm. The disease incidence ranged from 5.4% in 16-year old palms at Bota to 39.0% in palms of the same age in Mungo were about 50% of infected plants had extreme severe symptoms. Although principal component analysis showed that six soil properties account for variation in BSR disease incidence and severity, only fine sand content was positively correlated (P≤0.05) with disease incidence and severity, while C/N ratio was negatively correlated. This study has established the occurrence and spread of basal stem rot disease in five oil palm plantations in South Western Cameroon.
Abstract: Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by species of Ganoderma { XE "Ganoderma"}is of immense importance in oil palm production. Although much is known on the occurrence of this devastating disease, fundamental studies on the ecology in oil palm in plantations are rather limited. This study sought to determine the incidence, severity, distribution and...
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Analysis of Genetic Diversity Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers and Growth Regulator Response in Biofield Treated Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Mayank Gangwar,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
216-221
Received:
11 October 2015
Accepted:
20 October 2015
Published:
14 November 2015
Abstract: Cotton is the most important crop for the production of fiber that plays a key role in economic and social affairs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of biofield energy treatment on cotton seeds regarding its growth, germination of seedling, glutathione (GSH) concentration, indole acetic acid (IAA) content and DNA fingerprinting using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for polymorphism analysis. The seeds of cotton cv. Stoneville-2 (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was obtained from DNA Land Marks Inc., Canada and divided into two groups. One group was remained as untreated, while the other was subjected to Mr. Trivedi biofield energy and referred as treated sample. The growth-germination of cotton seedling data showed higher germination (82%) in biofield treated seeds as compared to the control (68%). The alterations in length of shoot and root of cotton seedling was reported in the treated sample with respect to untreated seeds. However, the endogenous level of GSH in the leaves of treated cotton was increased by 27.68% as compared to the untreated sample, which may suggest an improved immunity of cotton plant. Further, the plant growth regulatory constituent i.e. IAA concentration was increased by 7.39%, as compared with the control. Besides, the DNA fingerprinting data, showed polymorphism (4%) between treated and untreated samples of cotton. The overall results suggest that the biofield energy treatment on cotton seeds, results in improved overall growth of plant, increase germination rate, GSH and IAA concentration were increased. The study assumed that biofield energy treatment on cotton seeds would be more useful for the production of cotton fiber.
Abstract: Cotton is the most important crop for the production of fiber that plays a key role in economic and social affairs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of biofield energy treatment on cotton seeds regarding its growth, germination of seedling, glutathione (GSH) concentration, indole acetic acid (IAA) content and DNA fingerprinting using...
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Water Stress Tolerance of Six Rangeland Grasses in the Kenyan Semi-arid Rangelands
Koech Oscar Kipchirchir,
Kinuthia Robinson Ngugi,
Mureithi Stephen Mwangi,
Karuku George Njomo,
Wanjogu Raphael
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
222-229
Received:
10 September 2015
Accepted:
30 September 2015
Published:
14 November 2015
Abstract: This study evaluated six grass species in terms of water stress responses by visual quality and living ground cover attributes and the recovery responses post water stress grown at 80, 50, 30% field capacity soil moisture contents. The grass species evaluated were Chloris roxburghiana, Eragrostis superba, Enteropogon macrostachyus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, and Sorghum sudanense. The grasses demonstrated varied levels of water stress tolerance as evaluated by quality ratings based on colour (greenness) and uniformity of colour, leaf firing, living matter and wilting signs. All species declined in visual quality rating with prolonged water stress treatment with exception of Sorghum sudanense and Cenchrus ciliaris that had better quality ratings of six after 42 days water stress period. Sorghum sudanense, Chloris gayana and Cenchrus ciliaris had accelerated recovery in quality, attaining a visual rating of eight at 21 days of water stress period. The three soil moisture content treatments had higher quality ratings than rainfed conditions which represented water deficit. Sorghum sudanense and Chloris gayana had higher quality ratings and water use efficiency under rainfed compared to the other species. All the grasses showed higher living ground cover greater than 40% at recovery period of 28 days, when irrigation was resumed at the prescribed level, and attained living cover of over 60% by day 42. Sorghum sudanense, Chloris gayana and Cenchrus ciliaris were able to withstand water stress longer and had also a quick recovery among the six grasses. These three species are recommended for pasture establishment in semi-arid lands where water supply uncertainties exist, owing to their high tolerance to water stress.
Abstract: This study evaluated six grass species in terms of water stress responses by visual quality and living ground cover attributes and the recovery responses post water stress grown at 80, 50, 30% field capacity soil moisture contents. The grass species evaluated were Chloris roxburghiana, Eragrostis superba, Enteropogon macrostachyus, Cenchrus ciliari...
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Effect of GA3, Girdling or Pruning on Yield and Quality of 'Parletta' Seedless Grape
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
230-233
Received:
29 September 2015
Accepted:
29 October 2015
Published:
14 November 2015
Abstract: Grape vines of cultivar 'Parletta' were sprayed with GA3 at 10 (G1), 15 (G2), 20 (G3), 30 (G4) or 40ppm (G5) when cluster was 7-12cm length (S1), at full bloom (S2) or when berry was 2-4mm (S3). Treatments were as the following combinations: Water spray (T0) as a control, G1S1 (T1), G1S1 + G2S2 (T2), G1S1 + G3S3 (T3), G1S1 + G5S3 (T4), G2S1 (T5), G2S1 + G2S2 (T6), G2S1 + G4S3 (T7), G2S1 + G5S3 (T8), G3S2 (T9), G3S2 + G4S3 (T10), G3S2 + G5S3 (T11), manual thinning by comb (T12), pruning to 50 eyes (T13) or girdling vine arms (T14). Treatments T6 and T1 produced the highest yield kg vine-1 where T7 and T6 had the highest number of clusters vine-1. The heaviest clusters were produced in T13, T1 and T14. The treatments increased berry weight than control. Cluster length did not change significantly where the heaviest berries were produced in T13, T9, T5 and T3. The lowest cluster compactness was in T11, T9, T8, T14, T7 and T4. Shot berries % showed the lowest percentages in T8, T14, T4, T3 and T5. Fruit total soluble solids (TSS) increased in T5, T3, T12 and T13. Titratable acidity had the lowest values in T3, T14 while T12. TSS /acid ratio induced the highest ratio in T3, T12, T14 and T13.
Abstract: Grape vines of cultivar 'Parletta' were sprayed with GA3 at 10 (G1), 15 (G2), 20 (G3), 30 (G4) or 40ppm (G5) when cluster was 7-12cm length (S1), at full bloom (S2) or when berry was 2-4mm (S3). Treatments were as the following combinations: Water spray (T0) as a control, G1S1 (T1), G1S1 + G2S2 (T2), G1S1 + G3S3 (T3), G1S1 + G5S3 (T4), G2S1 (T5), G...
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Humic Acid to Decrease Fertilization Rate on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Ismail Ali Abu-Zinada,
Kamal Soliman Sekh-Eleid
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
234-238
Received:
30 September 2015
Accepted:
29 October 2015
Published:
13 November 2015
Abstract: The current study aimed at decreasing fertilizers applications on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Spunta. Plants were subjected to six treatments as follows: unfertilized control (T0), fertilization program (166-N+ 80-P2O5+ 80-k2O + 30M3 cattle manure ha-1) of Ministry (MAP) of Agriculture (T1), 100% MAP + 20kg humic acid (HA) ha-1 (T2), 100% MAP + 15 kg HA ha-1 (T3), 50% MAP + 20 kg HA ha-1 (T4), 50% MAP+15 kg HA ha-1 (T5). Vegetative growth increased after the different fertilization applications than control where T1, T4 and T3 had the longest plants; T1, T2 and T4 emerged the significant highest number of main stems; T1 and T4 produced the significant highest leaf area and T4 in both seasons and T3 and T2 in the first season had the significant heaviest plant fresh weight. Yield components in general significantly increased where T2 and T3 produced the significant highest tubers number plant-1; T3 yielded the significant highest tubers weight plant-1; T4, T1 and T2 significantly had the highest number of tubers >60 mm diameter plant-1. Tuber physical properties were also significantly and positively affected as compared to control where T3 and T4 resulted in the significant longest tubers. T5, T3 and T1 had the significant widest tubers and T3 and T4 produced the significant heaviest tubers. It could be recommended under similar conditions to add 83-N+40-P2O5+ 40-k2O + 15M3 cattle manure ha-1 + 20kg humic acid ha-1.
Abstract: The current study aimed at decreasing fertilizers applications on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Spunta. Plants were subjected to six treatments as follows: unfertilized control (T0), fertilization program (166-N+ 80-P2O5+ 80-k2O + 30M3 cattle manure ha-1) of Ministry (MAP) of Agriculture (T1), 100% MAP + 20kg humic acid (HA) ha-1 (T2), 100...
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Supply Chain to Industrialization of Pig Excrete by Biotransformation to Increase Corn Performance
José Antonio Valles Romero,
Emilio Raymundo Morales Maldonado
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 5, September 2015
Pages:
239-243
Received:
16 October 2015
Accepted:
26 October 2015
Published:
17 November 2015
Abstract: The objective of this work is evaluate manure of Mexican Hairless Pig (MHP) from the three energy levels: high 3.5, medium 2.5 and under 1.5 of metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEM) kg body weight-1 processed as fertilizer in shape in dry, mature and fresh for corn yield. In this work was established a design completely randomized with factorial arrangement 3 x 3 with 3 replications. The excreta of pigs fed with medium and low levels promoted (p ≤ 0.05 y p <0.01) higher content of forage in dry matter (DM) and excreta from high levels increased (p ≤ 0.05 y p <0.01) the content of nitrogen retained in the plant. The manure dry and mature increased 12.5% diameter and 15% leaf area in corn plants, with respect to fresh excreta. The dry manure promoted 6.1% the number of leafs with respect to mature and fresh excreta. The manure dry and mature increased 21.2% content DM in plant, 18.8% cob, and 26% grain with respect to fresh excreta. The dry excrete high level, excelled in most of the variables evaluated, followed by excrete dry from the medium and excrete mature from the level medium and lower.
Abstract: The objective of this work is evaluate manure of Mexican Hairless Pig (MHP) from the three energy levels: high 3.5, medium 2.5 and under 1.5 of metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEM) kg body weight-1 processed as fertilizer in shape in dry, mature and fresh for corn yield. In this work was established a design completely randomized with factori...
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