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Crop-Weed Relationships in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], Soybean (Glycine max L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Middleveld of Swaziland
Temnotfo Lobesutfu Mncube,
Henry Raphael Mloza Banda
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
73-83
Received:
3 May 2017
Accepted:
10 May 2017
Published:
7 June 2017
Abstract: The effects of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) on weed growth were examined in a field experiment carried out at Luyengo (26°34’S; 31°12’E) in the Middleveld of Swaziland. The aim was to check consistency of competitiveness of crops under different weed removal regimes. Two series of weed removal treatments were included. In the first series, treatments of increasing duration of weed control were maintained weed-free until 3, 7 or 11 weeks after emergence of the crops. The weeds were subsequently allowed to develop till crop harvest. In the second series, weeds were allowed to develop with the crops from emergence until 3, 7 or 11 weeks after crop emergence; then the plots were kept weed-free till harvest. The weed species Oxalis latifolia, Cyperus esculentus, Amaranthus hybridus, Ipomoea purpurea and Nicandra physaloides occurred throughout the different weed-infested and weed-free interference durations. Commelina benghalensis and Acanthospermum hispidum were particularly predominant under increasing weed infestation treatments. The similarity matrix based on Jaccard’s coefficient showed that the composition of weeds under weed-free treatments in soybean was not identical to that of maize and okra, respectively. Further, the weed flora was not homogenous under different lengths of weed-free period showing the combined influence of weed removal and crop on the composition of weed infestation. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of weeds with either C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways associated with the three crops. A longer equality point of weed control and interference, and lower regression coefficient between weed biomass and yield for soybean compared to maize and okra suggested decreased sensitivity of soybean to weed interference. The results indicate potential for competitive crop genotypes such as soybean for use in intentionally designed cropping systems to augment weed control practices.
Abstract: The effects of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) on weed growth were examined in a field experiment carried out at Luyengo (26°34’S; 31°12’E) in the Middleveld of Swaziland. The aim was to check consistency of competitiveness of crops under different weed removal regimes. Two series of weed ...
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Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal
Anu Joshi Shrestha,
Bishnu Hari Pandit
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
84-93
Received:
4 May 2017
Accepted:
9 June 2017
Published:
9 June 2017
Abstract: This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).
Abstract: This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-bi...
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Agricultural Innovation System: Case of Cassava Producers in Kajo-Keji, South Sudan
James Drfoun Amol Ajak,
Kursat Demiryurek
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
94-101
Received:
23 May 2017
Accepted:
2 June 2017
Published:
9 June 2017
Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to analyze the innovation system of cassava producers related to “Food, Agribusiness and Rural Markets” (FARM) project. Socioeconomic and farm characteristics and information systems of farmers covered by FARM project and farmers not covered by FARM project members were compared and the relations between these characteristics and the innovations score were analyzed. Farmers covered by FARM project and not covered had significant differences in land preparations information sources, seed information sources and fertilizers usefulness. The results indicated that the age of farmers, land preparation information score, agricultural experience, cassava yield, number of family household, number of labor in the farm, number of family workers and casual workers were positively correlated with innovation score. Innovativeness of farmers classified according to their innovation score to less innovative and innovative. The two groups were tested with age, agricultural experience, family household, family workers in the farm, access to agricultural information, access to market and marketing experience and found significant with their innovativeness. It shows that those factors were important to consider it to the innovativeness of cassava farmers in the Kajo-keji. Recommendations for further development of cassava and strong collaboration among the stakeholders, public and private institutions is needed to encourage conventional cassava farmers to adopt modern cassava farming innovations can be suggested.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to analyze the innovation system of cassava producers related to “Food, Agribusiness and Rural Markets” (FARM) project. Socioeconomic and farm characteristics and information systems of farmers covered by FARM project and farmers not covered by FARM project members were compared and the relations between these characte...
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Effects of Gibberellic Acid Responsive Dwarfing Gene Rht9 on Plant Height and Agronomic Traits in Common Wheat
Tay Zar Linn,
Daoura Goudia Bachir,
Liang Chen,
Yin-Gang Hu
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
102-111
Received:
11 May 2017
Accepted:
20 May 2017
Published:
7 July 2017
Abstract: To explore the potential use of GA-responsive dwarfing gene Rht9 in common wheat breeding program, its effects on plant height, seedling vigor, photosynthesis and yield traits were investigated and compared in field experiments using hexaploid Rht9 dwarf lines derived from two crosses of Chinese winter wheat cultivars Xifeng 20 and Jinmai 47 with the Rht9 tetraploid donor Granaoto. Xifeng20-Rht9 dwarf lines reduced plant height on average by 25.38%, while on average by 9.39% in Jinmai47-Rht9/Rht8 dwarf lines. Compared with taller parents, coleoptile length was reduced by 19.80% in Xifeng20-Rht9 dwarf lines, while it was increased by 14.22% in Jinmai 47-Rht9/Rht8 dwarf lines. There were no adverse effects of Rht9 on root characters and flag leaf characters, though slightly increased relative leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) observed. Grain numbers per spike was increased on average by 19.63%, and biomass per plant was slightly decreased on average by 3.37% in Xifeng 20-Rht9 dwarf lines, while, grain number per spike was decreased on average by 11.49%, and biomass per plant was increased on average by 8.57% in Jinmai47-Rht9/Rht8 dwarf lines. Compared with taller parents, Rht9 increased fertile tillers on average by 11.25% and 11.19%, grain yield on average by 10.11% and 14.10%, harvest index on average by 12.67% and 6.85%, while decreased spike length on average by 4.80% and 16.23%, slightly decreased 1000 kernels weight by 4.43% and 4.61%, in the Rht9 dwarf lines of Xifeng 20 and Jinmai 47, respectively. The results of current study could be useful for proper use of dwarfing gene Rht9 to improve lodging resistance, grain yield potential in wheat breeding programs for water limited area.
Abstract: To explore the potential use of GA-responsive dwarfing gene Rht9 in common wheat breeding program, its effects on plant height, seedling vigor, photosynthesis and yield traits were investigated and compared in field experiments using hexaploid Rht9 dwarf lines derived from two crosses of Chinese winter wheat cultivars Xifeng 20 and Jinmai 47 with t...
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Technical Efficiency of Diversification Versus Specialization of Vegetable-Based Farms in the West Region of Cameroon
Teh Nguh Julie,
Fon Dorothy Engwali,
Bidogeza Jean-Claude
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
112-120
Received:
11 May 2017
Accepted:
22 May 2017
Published:
10 July 2017
Abstract: This study evaluated the efficiency of diversification versus specialization of vegetable-based farms in the West region of Cameroon. The study employed the use of a questionnaire to obtain information from 70 specialized and 54 diversified farmers randomly selected from three purposively selected localities in the West region. The one-step stochastic frontier approach with a Cobb-Douglas model specification was used in analysis. Data was analyzed using the computer program, STATA version 12.0. Findings revealed that majority (71.8%) of vegetable farmers are males, with an average age of 30 years and 73.4% had attained at least a primary education. Results of the stochastic frontier analysis revealed the mean technical efficiency of vegetable farmers to be 0.863. Mean technical efficiency scores for specialized and diversified farmers were found to be 0.867 and 0.858 respectively. However, the results of a standard t-test concluded that technical efficiency is invariant of cropping system. The main sources of inefficiency were identified to be farm size, education, credit and membership to a mutual aid group, while age, sex and access to extension information and services were found to enhance technical efficiency. The study therefore recommends extension services to be reinforced on farmers who receive loan and on those who belong to mutual aid groups, in a bid to increase technical efficiency.
Abstract: This study evaluated the efficiency of diversification versus specialization of vegetable-based farms in the West region of Cameroon. The study employed the use of a questionnaire to obtain information from 70 specialized and 54 diversified farmers randomly selected from three purposively selected localities in the West region. The one-step stochas...
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Biodiversity and Carbon Stock in the SODECAO Agroforestry System of Center Region of Cameroon: Case of Talba Locality
Madountsap Tagnang Nadège,
Zapfack Louis,
Chimi Djomo Cédric,
Kabelong Banoho Louis-Paul,
Tsopmejio Temfack Ingrid,
Forbi Preasious Funwi,
Ntonmen Yonkeu Amandine Flore,
Nasang Julliete Mancho
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
121-129
Received:
18 May 2017
Accepted:
3 June 2017
Published:
13 July 2017
Abstract: This study was carried out in typical SODECAO (Cocoa Development Company) agroforestry systems of Talba locality (Central region of Cameroon). The objective was to assess the role of typical SODECAO agroforestry systems in the conservation of biodiversity and the climate change mitigation. Trees inventories of diameter ≥10 cm and all cocoa trees were carried out in 40 plots of 25 m x 25 m. Cocoa Agroforests (CAF) sampled were stratified in three age classes (≥10, 10-20 and 20 years represented by young, middle and old cocoa agroforests respectively). Their aboveground biomass was estimated using allometric equations. A total of 21 trees species belonging to 19 genera and 14 families were inventoried. Of the total number of species of trees recorded, 24% were threatened looking at their IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) status. Indeed, 9 species (43%) were indigenous and 12 (57%) exotic. The biodiversity indices values found were: Shannon (2.7), Pielou (0.7) and Simpson (0.9). The estimation of the specific wealth varied from 73-81% in CAF. The abundance of cocoa shrubs and associated tree species were estimated to 1104 stems ha-1 and 77 stems ha-1 respectively. The total carbon stock was 100 Mg Cha-1. Cocoa shrubs and associated tree species carbon stock were 30 and 70 Mg Cha-1 respectively. According to the three age classes considered, there were a significantly differences between their carbon stocks (ANOVA, p <0.05). SODECAO cocoa agroforestry systems could be recognized amongst one of the major issues of international negotiations for the fight against climate change.
Abstract: This study was carried out in typical SODECAO (Cocoa Development Company) agroforestry systems of Talba locality (Central region of Cameroon). The objective was to assess the role of typical SODECAO agroforestry systems in the conservation of biodiversity and the climate change mitigation. Trees inventories of diameter ≥10 cm and all cocoa trees we...
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Influence of Continuous Gamma Irradiation on Morpho-agronomic Characteristics of Amaranthus caudatus in M1 and M2 Generations
Veer Singh Rawat,
Shyam Shanker Singh,
Mohd Rafi Wani,
Ankita Singh
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017
Pages:
130-136
Received:
28 May 2017
Accepted:
14 June 2017
Published:
24 July 2017
Abstract: Amaranthus caudatus play an important role against hunger and malnutrition that occur due to low rain fall conditions, gaining a wide attention in food and medicinal industry. Being a versatile plant in terms of its nutritional value the improvement of this plant with reference to germination, growth and yield is still uncharacterized. Therefore the present investigation is carried out to determine the influence of gamma radiation in modifying germination, growth and yield attributes of Amaranthus caudatus. The air dried seeds were exposed to different gamma irradiation doses (10KR, 20KRC, 40KRC and 80KRC) using 60Co source, sowing was carried out in a complete randomized block design, and the observations were taken upto M2 generation. The results showed that the influence of different doses of gamma irradiation on germination parameters was significant in M1 and M2 generations. The influence on the survival percentage was obtained in both M1 and M2 generation, and highest percentage of survival was recorded under 20KRC in both M1 and M2 generations. The average yield per plant in M1 and M2 generations were observed higher under 20KRC dose level of gamma irradiations. The gamma irradiation treatment showed significant enhancement in different growth parameters in both M1 and M2 generations. Also, it was observed that the growth and yield in M2 generation across all doses was better than M1 generation.
Abstract: Amaranthus caudatus play an important role against hunger and malnutrition that occur due to low rain fall conditions, gaining a wide attention in food and medicinal industry. Being a versatile plant in terms of its nutritional value the improvement of this plant with reference to germination, growth and yield is still uncharacterized. Therefore th...
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