Showing papers in "Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2017"

Effects of Salinity on Some Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromus niloticus

Abstract: Any change in haematological and biochemical parameters could be a predictor of unfavorable environment or effect of different stress factors. The present study was designed to assess different salinity concentration induced changes in some haematological and biochemical parameters in 64 O. niloticus fishes captured from Manzala Lake (Egypt), they were acclimatized and fed with commercial fish diet for one week before starting the experiment for another 2 weeks. Fishes were divided into 4 equal groups assigned as; control, 4g NaCl\L, 8 g NaCl\L and 12 g NaCl\L. RBCs, HCT, Hb concentration, platelets count, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, potassium level and serum total protein were estimated. The HCT, Hb concentration, platelets count and potassium levels were significantly higher in (4gNaCl\L, 8gNaCl\L and12gNaCl\L, respectively). The Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), total protein, RBCs and catalase activit were significantly lower in (4gNaCl\L, 8g NaCl\L and 12gNaCl\L, respectively) compared to the control group. Other parameters such as WBCs, haematimetric indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), malonedialdhyde (MDA) level, carbonyl protein (CP), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, as well as serum sodium, glucose, cortisol and IgM, did not show any significant differences in the estimated salinity concentrations.

Isolation and Characterization of Indole Acetic Acid Producing Halophilic Bacteria from Salt Affected Soil of Rice–Shrimp Farming System in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to deal with isolation, characterization and identification IAA producing bacteria from paddy rice cultivated soil samples collected in rice–shrimp farming system in salt affected areas of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam Fifteen soil samples collected from the rice crop in the rice-shrimp farming system of 5 different provinces within the Mekong Delta, Vietnam were used to isolate the IAA producing bacteria NBRIP media was used to isolate the potentially IAA producing bacteria Result showed that 213 isolates were obtained from the fifteen different soil samples Out of 45 indole acetic acid producing isolates, ten were selected as efficient producers One out of ten, the isolate ST2-1 was identified as the most promising strain as efficient biofertilizer inoculants to promote plant growth This strain produced 3313 mgL-1 as the highest concentration of IAA after 8 days of incubation As well, this strain stimulated the growth of rice’s roots and dry biomass after 7 days of experiment with Hoagland medium containing 03% NaCl in 100 mL glass tube This strain produced well IAA production in pH variation range of medium between 5 and 9 and this bacterial strain can resist to salinity of environment up to 3% NaCl However, this bacterial was highly inhibited by not only 3 commonly used antibiotics: Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol and Steptomycin at recommended rates but also 3 plant pathology fungicides: Thiophanate Methyl, Propineb and Mancozed regarding to IAA production ability The results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that this IAA producer coded as ST2-1 was genetically identified as species of Bacillus megaterium ST2-9 since 99% of its sequence affiliated with Bacillus megaterium In conclusion, the study suggests the IAA producing bacteria as efficient biofertilizer inoculants to promote plant growth

Pineapple Production Status in Bangladesh

Abstract: This review paper discussed the area, production, yield and importance of pineapple in Bangladesh. Production of pineapple shows an upward trend in Bangladesh. Total 39583 acres (16025 ha) of land was cultivated with the production of 234493 m tones pineapple in 2009-2010. The highest cultivated area, production and yield was observed in Dhaka division. It is widely cultivated in Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Chittagong, Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati districts. Tangail district of Dhaka Division is the pioneer of pineapple production. It covered 49% of total pineapple cultivated land and 59% of national production. Generally, the ripen pineapple fruit is consumed freshly and used as source of various food items like jam, jelly, pickles in Bangladesh. Recently, pineapple growers and sellers are using some health hazard chemical such as hormone or and preservative to get attractive pineapple round the year. The demand of pineapple for internal consumption and also for export is increasing day by day. Every year a large amount of pineapple damage results due to lack of appropriate storage, transportation and marketing facilities. So, expansion of pineapple cultivation through proper management can improve the socioeconomic conditions of farmers in Bangladesh.

Effect of Micro-Remediation on Enzymes Activity and Available Nutrients in Chlorpyrifos-Polluted Soils

Abstract: In order to find out the effect of micro-remediation on enzyme activity and available nutrient in chlorpyrifos-polluted soils and the correlation of enzyme activity, available nutrients and chlorpyri fos residue during soil remediation process, the soils planting Brassica juncea throughout the year, sprayed with chlorpyrifos and treated with bacteria were selected as restoration land, while the soils only sprayed with chlorpyrifos were regarded as reference land. The results showed that the activities of urease, catalase, amylase and phosphatase in the restoration land were higher than those in the reference land, especially in the subsequent phase of sample time (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was significantly negative correlation between amylase activity and chlorpyrifos residue in the soils only sprayed chlorpyrifos, while amylase and catalase activity had a significantly negative correlation with chlorpyrifos residue respectively in the restoration soils (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, just as the soil enzyme activities, the available nutrients content in the restoration soils were higher than those in the soils only sprayed chlorpyrifos, and significant difference for available phosphorus between the two soils (P < 0.05) can be observed. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was no significant correlation between available nutrients and chlorpyrifos residue in the reference soils, while available phosphorus content was significantly negatively correlated with chlorpyrifos residue in the restoration soils (P < 0.01). In general, the microbial remediation can contribute to effectively enhancing the contents of available nitrogen, available potassium and available phosphorus in soils polluted by chlorpyrifos and improve soil fertility well.

Analysis of Genetic Variability Among Bread Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes for Growth, Yield and Yield Components in Bore District, Oromia Regional State

Abstract: In Ethiopia, a number of improved bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) varieties have been released by different research centres. All of these varieties were, however, not evaluated in Bore District for growth, yield and yield components which are necessary for identification of adaptable varieties for this major wheat growing District. Field experiments was conducted in 2013/14 cropping season by utilizing 21 released varieties and 4 promising lines using Randomized Complete Block Design where genotypes were replicated three times and 14 characters were recorded. Results of the analysis of variance revealed that genotypes were differed significantly for all characters studied. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) ranged from 4.59 (days to maturity) to 13.76% (grain yield per hectare), while phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged between 5.03 (days to maturity) to 20.85% (grain yield per hectare). Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) ranged from 33.33% (Tillers per plant) to 84.67% (Peduncle length) and 8.66% (Days to maturity) to 18.74% (grain yield per hectare), respectively. Grain yield per hectare was positively correlated with biological yield per plot and harvest index, but was negatively correlated with peduncle length both at genotypic and phenotypic level. The computed path coefficient for yield showed that days to maturity, number of productive tillers, and biological yield per plot, harvest index, and spike length had positive direct effect, while days to heading and grain filling period, had high negative direct effect at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Generally, it has been observed the presence of variability among the genotypes studied and 18.74% grain yield gain is possible by exerting 5% selection intensity which can be exploited to improve yield in the District.

Effect of Feeding Cotton Seed Cake, Dried Acacia saligna , Sesbania sesban or Vigna Unguiculata on Growth and Carcass Parameters of Begait Sheep in North Ethiopia

Abstract: The present study was designed to assess the effects of replacing cotton seed cake by Dried Acacia Saligna, Sesbania Sesban and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) on growth and carcass characteristics of Begait sheep fed grass hay as basal diet and wheat bran as energy source. Twenty four yearling Begait male sheep with an average initial body weight of 25 ± 1.39 kg (mean ± SD) were used in randomized complete block design (RCBD) that lasted for 90 days. Treatments consisted of ad libitum feeding of natural pasture grass hay plus 200g Dry matter (DM) wheat bran and additionally supplementing with100g, 250g, 140g and 180g DM per head per day of cotton seed cake (CSC), Acacia Saligna (AS), Sesbania Sesban (SS) and Cowpea (VU) respectively, each calculated to give 67.6g CP on iso-nitrogenous basis. Lambs were categorized into six blocks of four lambs each based on their initial body weight. CSC and SS resulted in higher (P 0.05) from each other. Hot carcass weight ranged from 14 kg to 16 kg. Slaughter weight, empty body weight and dressing percentage on slaughter body weight were higher in CSC (cotton seed cake), SS (S.sasban) and AS (A.saligna) as compared to lambs supplemented with VU (cowpea) while VU was not significantly different with AS and SS, Which reflected that the supplements were comparable in their potential to supply nutrients to improve the growth and carcass parameter of sheep. Therefore dried A.saligna and S. sesban foliages can be used to replace commercial concentrate feeds as protein sources.

Growth Performance of Some Multipurpose Tree Species Around the Homesteads in Gimbo District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of some exotic (Sesbania sesban, Leucaena leucocephala, Grevillea robusta, Azadirachta indica, and Casuarina equisetifolia) and indigenous (Cordia africana, Millettia ferruginea, Albizia gummifera, Moringa stenopetala and Prunus africanus) tree species at the backyard and boundary of homegardens in Gimbo district, South west Ethiopia. The seedlings were produced in a nursery, transplanted around the homesteads and have been studied for three years. The saplings were monitored for survival rates and growth performances by measuring root collar diameters and heights. There was significant difference in survival among the species investigated (P<0.05). Survival percent were varies from 24.8 to 86.5 across the species. The highest survival rate was recorded for C. africana and followed by G. robusta and S. sesban at the third year of experimentation. Significant differences in height growth (P<0.05) and diameter growth were also observed. Among tree species planted at the backyard of homegardens, S. sesban performed best in terms of mean height and root collar diameter followed by C. africana. M. ferruginea showed the lowest main height. Among tree species investigated at the boundary of homegardens, G. robusta showed the highest growth in height, followed by M. stenopetala. Mean root collar diameter was highest for M. stenopetala, followed by G. robusta. A. indica showed the lowest mean root collar diameter. It was concluded that promising exotic and indigenous tree species could be used for diversification of agroforestry home gardens.

Effect of Planting Pattern and Weeding Frequency on Weed Infestation, Yield Components and Yield of Cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) WALP.] in Wollo, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract: Weed competition is one of the most important production constraints causing up to 91.6% reduction in potential yield of cowpea. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Sirinka and at Jari, northern Ethiopia, during the 2014 main cropping season: to evaluate the effect of planting pattern and frequency of weeding on weeds, yield components and yield of cowpea. There were 18 treatments comprising combination of three planting patterns (S1: 60 cm x 10 cm, S2: 45 cm x 15 cm, S3: 45 cm x 10 cm) and six weeding frequencies viz. one hand weeding and hoeing at 2 weeks after crop emergence (WAE), one hand weeding and hoeing at 3 WAE, one hand weeding and hoeing at 4 WAE, two hand weeding and hoeing at 2 and 5 WAE, weed free check, and weedy check. The treatments were arranged in factorial combination in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed significantly lower total weed dry weight at Sirinka than at Jari. The highest weed control efficacy was recorded in two hand weeding and hoeing at 2 and 5 WAE of cowpea at Sirinka. The plants in weedy check plots at Jari attained maximum height which was significantly higher than all the other treatments. Significantly highest number of pods per plant was recorded in weed free check under 60 cm x 10 cm spacing at Jari. Number of seeds per pod was highest in weed free check at 45 cm x 10 cm spacing at Sirinka. The interaction of weeding frequency and location had significant effect on cowpea dry biomass yield. The highest total dry biomass (12413 kg ha-1) was obtained in one hand weeding and hoeing at 4 WAE at Jari while the highest grain yield (4508 kg ha-1) was recorded from complete weed free under 60 cm x 10 cm spacing at Sirinka. The harvest index ranged from 18.2% in weedy check at Jari to 39.1% in weed free check at Sirinka. The results indicated that the use of 60 cm x 10 cm planting pattern in combination with hand weeding and hoeing at 3 WAE at Sirinka and hand weeding and hoeing at 4 WAE at Jari proved to be the most feasible practice.

Effects of Urban Forestry on the Local Climate in Cotonou, Benin Republic

Abstract: The effect of urban green on meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity was assessed on one major city street in Cotonou called “Boulevard de Missebo-Zongo” (BMZ). Tree inventory and field measurement of meteorological parameters were performed on the roadside and central median of the BMZ. Dendrometric data collected were the number of tree species, the number of tree individuals per species, the diameter of trees at breast height, the tree heights, the tree crown shape, shade form on the ground when the sun is at Zenith; while the meteorological data were the air temperature and the relative humidity inside and outside of urban green at 1.5, 2 and 3 meters height measured from 7am to 6pm at one hour interval. Data were analyzed using Mixed Generalized Linear Model under R 3.3.1 software. Results showed that street alignment trees were poorly diversified and dominated by Khaya senegalensis. This species appeared to be highly pruned and threatened because of its numerous medicinal virtues. Moreover it was found that air temperature and relative humidity were influenced by the time and the place of measurement. The coolness effect of urban green was evidenced by the decrease in temperature under alignment trees compared with that recorded on roadside free of trees. These results suggested that urban green could be adopted as adaptation strategy to address the issue of global warming in the city.

Environmental Changes and Fisherman Welfare in Coastal Area of Kendari Bay

Abstract: The research objective is to assess the changes in coastal area of Kendari Bay and to describe fisherman welfare in Kendari Bay. The study conducted in May-June 2016 in coastal area of Kendari Bay. The research location was determined purposively. Research population included the head of the family of fisherman who lived in coastal area of Kendari Bay for 4,077 households, and 150 families was purposively chosen. The data analyzed using descriptive analysis, income analysis and welfare analysis. Based on research results, coastal area of Kendari Bay environment is threatened by land conversion and high sedimentation which leads to environmental change and implicate the marine and fisheries resources, so the fisherman have to adapt and look for new fishing ground area which may affect their income. Fisherman welfare is specifically affected by fishery resources in coastal area of Kendari Bay.

Optimum Levels of Phosphorus and Potassium for Rice in Lowland Areas of Kilombero District, Tanzania

Abstract: The optimal recommended rates of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the Kilombero valley, Tanzania are outdated. The Objective of the study was to establish optimum rates of P and K for improved rice cultivation in rice fields of Kilombero valley. Two on-farm experiments were carried out in two seasons of January to May 2014 and 2015 at Mkula, Mbasa and Kisawasawa sites in Kilombero district, Tanzania. In the first experiment the treatments were a control for P; adequate levels of N and K plus two rates of phosphorus 10 and 20 kg P /ha. In the second experiment the treatments were a control for K; and two rates of K of either 50 or 100 kg/ha. These three treatments each received adequate levels of N, P and Zn. An absolute control and a control for N treatments were included in both of the experiments. The test crop was rice variety SARO-5. Phosphorus application significantly increased grain yield (GY) by 3.26 and 2.01 t/ha at Mbasa and Mkula, respectively. Also P application increased shoot P concentration from a low level (0.12%) to the adequate range (0.19 - 0.24%) at the two sites. Potassium application increased significantly GY by 2.76 and 1.93 t/ha at Mbasa and Mkula, respectively. Also K application increased shoot K concentration from a low range (1.14 - 1.34%) to the adequate range (2.63 - 2.99%) at the two sites. An application of P and K affected neither shoot K nor P concentrations nor GY at Kisawasawa site. It is recommended that 10 kg P/ha and 50 kg K/ha be used as optimum rate for rice production in P and K deficient soils of Kilombero valley.

Indigenous Knowledge and Factors Related to Practices of Forest Conservation Among Forest Dependent Communities in the Tocha District Southern Ethiopia

Abstract: The study was conducted to assess and explain indigenous knowledge and factors related to practice of forest conservation among forest dependent community in the three kebeles in Dawuro Zone, Tocha District. The communities involved were Malla and Manja. In light of this, both primary data and secondary data were used. Primary data was obtained through structured questionnaire, key informant information and focus group discussion while secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished materials, books, journals and project reports. A total of 162 sample respondents were identified using simple random sampling technique. According to the binary logit analysis age, religion, extension service and education were one of socio-economic factors found to be significantly related to the practice of forest conservation while sex, marital status, family size, ethnicity, occupation and residence to forest were not significantly related. The communities’ awareness about the general function of the forest was identified as indirect benefits like having high tendency to bring rain, maintaining soil fertility, protecting from extreme sun light and protecting the soil from erosion and direct benefits like getting non timber forest products (NTFP) and timber and other forest associated products are the well known contribution of forest. Even though, these two well contribution forests are known the communities understanding on indirect benefit is higher than direct benefits of forest. The forest communities are more associated with the forest and they have different conservation methods in their area due to their indigenous knowledge. This indigenous knowledge of community related towards the practice of conservation was for the purpose of traditional belief, medicinal value, for the extraction of honey and coffee shade and others. Though forest is conserved and protected by the communities, forest being deforested and reduced in coverage. Hence, forests were being depleted intentionally or unintentionally in the study area. This is due to expansion of agricultural land, population growth, logging of timber, high demand of charcoal, fuel wood and so on. Because of these pressures there is high level of deforestation in the area. Generally, for the protection and utilization of forest in sustainable manner it is recommended that traditional ecological culture should be done wisely.

Evaluation of Improved Food Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties in the Highland Areas of Kaffa Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract: The field experiment was conducted at Alarigata testing site of Bonga Agricultural Research Center in the 2012 and 2013 cropping season using ten improved food barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties with the local check. The improved varieties studied include Biftu, Dafo, Abdane, Dimtu, HB-1307, Ardu-1260B, Shege, Dinsho, HB-42 and Diribe. These varieties, as experimental treatments, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. They were evaluated for days to 50% heading, days to 95% physiological maturity, plant height, grain yield, thousand kernel weights, lodging, shattering, and incidence of disease and insects. Farmers’ assessment was also made on the performance of the test varieties at flowering and physiological maturity stages. Significant variations were recorded among the tested varieties in the measured traits. However, no considerable amounts of lodging, shattering, incidence of disease and insects were observed on the tested varieties during the study periods. The highest average grain yield (4.6 tons ha -1 ) was obtained from variety Diribe followed by HB-42 (3.5 tons ha -1 ). The result obtained from variety Diribe coincided with the perception of farmers in the study area. Based on the results obtained under this study variety Diribe could be used for demonstration, popularization and pre-scaling up in Alarigata and in the farming communities of similar agro-ecologies.

Study on Classification Corn Seedling and Weed Based on RGB Model and HSV Model

Abstract: RGB (Red-Green-Blue) model and HSV (Hue-Saturation-Value) model are used to classify corn seeding and weed. Plants are distinguished from background based on color feature, and the binary image is acquired. As foreground in binary image, corn seedling and weed are labelled effectively with a set of numbers after clearing noise and labelling connected components. Then saturation energy of each connected component with a certain label can be calculated, and the maximum saturation energy is corresponded to the region of corn seedling. Furthermore, in hue image, corn seedling root has larger hue value, so the location of root is acquired. Therefore, we can not only classify corn seedling and weed, but also acquire location of corn seedling root, and the results show that the method of classification corn seedling and weed based on RGB model and HSV model has a great accuracy and real-time performance.

Floristic Composition and Community Analysis of Berbere Forest, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia

Abstract: The study was conducted on Berbere forest in Bale Zone of Oromia National Regional State, South east of Ethiopia with the objective of determining the floristic composition and community type of the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. Seventy two quadrat size of 400 m2 (20 m x 20 m) for trees, shrubs and lianas and five 1 m2 (1 m x 1 m) for herbs one at each corner and one at the center of the main plot were used. In each of these quadrants, all vascular plant species were collected and brought to National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University for identification. Vegetation classification was performed using PC-ORD software packages. Sorensens’s similarity coefficient and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were also used to detect similarities among communities and to compute species richness and evenness between the plant communities’ respectively. A total of two hundred one plant species in 157 genera and 65 families were identified from the forest. Fabaceae and Asteraceae are the dominant families in terms of species richness. Based on the results of vegetation classification, three plant communities (Terminalia brownie-Psydrax schimperiana, Warburgia ugandensis - Podocarpus falcatus, and Euclea racemosa subsp. schimperi-Combretum molle) were recognized and described. Ethnobotanical studies to explore indigenous knowledge on the diverse uses of plants, and sound management and monitoring as well as maintenance of biodiversity that promote sustainable use of the forest and its products are recommended.

Study on the on-Farm Pre-natal Nutritional Status of Red Chittagong Cows in Selected Breeding Habitat of Satkania Upazila of Chittagong District of Bangladesh

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the feed and nutrient intake, requirement, nutritional status, productive and reproductive performances of pre-natal Red Chittagong cows (RC) under small-scale farm feeding condition. To achieve the aim, a total of ten farmers were randomly selected. Farmers who had at least one pre-natal RC cow were involved in this study. Ten pre-natal RC cows from each of 10 farmers having six months pregnancy and between 2 and 3 parities were selected. The experiment was carried out in Satkania Upazila of Chittagong district of Bangladesh for a period of three months from April 2010 to June 2010. The owner offered feeds to their cows. Animals were fed in stall. The offered feeds and leftover feeds were weighted and recorded daily. The cows were weighed individually at weekly interval and recorded regularly. The intake of total dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) were 3.39 kg, 27.49 MJ and 279 g per cow per day, whereas, the DM, ME and CP requirements were 4.89 kg, 39.0 MJ and 454g, per cow per day, respectively. The deficiency of DM, ME and CP were 1.50 kg, 12.11 MJ and 189 g, per cow per day, respectively. The total live weight gain of pre-natal RC cows was 14.50 kg. The calf’s birth weight was 10.95 kg. The going experiment revealed that the nutritional status of pre-natal Red Chittagong cows was negative balance.

The Characteristics of Soil Organic Nitrogen Using Efficiency in Different Sugarbeet Genotypes

Abstract: The research into variation of soil organic nitrogen use efficiency and absorption efficiency with different sugarbeet genotypes provides a theoretical basis for the selection, cultivation and breeding of high-quality genotypes. In view of this, pot and field split-plot experiments have been conducted on 100 sugar beet genotypes under chamber and field conditions. The results were as follows: in growth chamber pot experiments, whole plant and root organic nitrogen use efficiency varied significantly among genotypes; higher soil organic nitrogen use efficiency at seedling stage preceded higher absorption capacity and organic nitrogen use efficiency during the following three growth stages; higher transformation quantity and soil organic N use efficiency predicted higher root-shoot ratio at harvest stage.

Illegal Plant Genetic Resource Trafficking in the Border Villages of Kafta Humera Wereda, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract: A survey to identify illegal plant genetic resource trafficking was made from Febrary 2017 to March 2017 in Kafta Humera wereda , Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia. Semi- structured interviews, structured questionnaires; focus group discussion and document analysis were used for data collection. A total of seventy one informants from local security, local community federal policies and custom and revenue officers were interviewed. Snowball sampling was used to select the local community and local security while the rest informant was purposely selected. Microsoft excel spreadsheet and Spss version 20 was used to analyze data. The Leave of Rhamnus prinoides together with its fruits, and fruits of Adansonia didgitata are the frequently exported plant and plant derivatives through illegal route. These plant biogenetic resources are exported to Sudan and Eritrea both by illegally and legally coverage. The awareness of the informants participated in the interview on illegal biogenetic resource trafficking varies from site to site and from sector to sector. The main illegal route whereby illegal traffickers use to export plant and plant derivative are Maytselot, Menkerker, Awezruf, endaaboy Tewelde garden and Haji Abdugarden . Most of the traffickers are unemployed youth that live in and around the border. The existing gap in community awareness needs awareness raising and alternative job opportunities creations. The link between different stakeholders also needs solidarity to accomplish consistent controlling mechanism.

Tree Species Diversity and Their Potential Uses in Kizee Village Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Abstract: Tree species diversity and their potential uses were assessed in Kizee Village Forest Reserve, Muheza District. Household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interview and tree diversity surveys were used during data collection. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Tree species diversity was computed using Shannon-Wiener diversity index. A total of 32 tree species from 20 families with different uses were identified. The most dominant tree species identified was Albizzia antihelmintica which contributed 19.83% of all tree species. The forest is a potential source for timber, charcoal, firewood, fodder, medicinal plants/trees and poles. Small diameter class trees (≤ 15cm) contributed 63.1% of all standing trees. The forest had stem density of 434 stems Ha-1 and Shannon-Winner Diversity Index of 2.2717 which were biologically within the normal tree diversity status. Majority (70%) of the respondents were aware of types of tree species available in the forest. The index obtained showed a relative achievement of forest policy of improved forest quality and stable forest community. However, more attention is needed to make sure that the forest is not degraded.

Studies on Fish Diversity and Need for Their Conservation of Singhiya River, Morang District, Eastern Nepal

Abstract: In the present study, twenty six species of fishes were recorded from Singhiya river, Morang district, Nepal during January to August (2016). The population present status of important fish species such as Gagata cenia and Lepidocephalus guntea was found to be threatened. Macrognathus pancalus and Mystus bleekeri was to be vulnerable and Glossogobius giuris and Puntius sarana to be intermediate. The Singhiya river have been found to be influenced by harmful human activities such as deforestation, direct waste disposal, discharge of toxic substances-fertilizers, pesticides through surface run-off from the agricultural field near the river and urbanization, industrialization, use of soaps and detergents, indiscriminate fishing, pollution, waste dumping are destroying the fresh water habitat and have been found to threaten the natural environment of fish diversity of Singhiya river which ultimately lead to their extinction and must be stopped or managed in a proper way for the conservation and sustainable utilization of aquatic-bioresources of the river.

The Life Tables of Dactylopius Coccus Costa (Homoptera: Dactylopiidae) at Different Temperatures and Humidities

Abstract: A laboratory study on the life tables at different temperatures and humidities of the cochineal, Dactylopius coccus Costa, is summarized to reveal proper culturing environtment for the insect. It is found that constant temperature 19°C and 31°C are not suitable for cochineal culture while constant temperature 22°C, 25°C and 28°C are appropriate. Among them, 22°C is the most ideal temperature. In the experiments of humidity, the results show that under 90% RH, the number of the female adult of cochineal in the population is the most, and 70% RH is the next, while 50% RH is the lowest, it demonstrates that high humidity can be helpful for the insect. The main death period of the cochineal is from egg to the first instar, which death rate can be over 70%, it means that more attention should be paid to the period to decrease the death rate when the insect is cultured.

Recognition on the Food Security Strategy in China from the Perspective of Industrial Chain

Abstract: Chinese agricultural production is facing with “ceiling” effect of high price and “floor” effect of high cost. The new food security strategy is an important principle to firmly grasp the initiative of food security in “China’s New Normal”. From the industrial chain perspective, the food security in our country is facing with overproduction, inefficient supply, serious consumption and other problems, which is also a concentration of structural contradictions in the supply-side. Therefore, in order to deal with “elements constraint”, “quality constraint”, “benefit constraint”, and “right constraint” faced by China's food security in the current and future periods, China should strive to strengthen the expansion of potential and innovation-driven, optimize the structure and regional distribution, stock adjustment and incremental optimization and take the initiative to participate in food industry international cooperation. With building food security industry chain development model, the grain industry can be effectively promoted and a higher level of national food security system can be established.

Impact of Integrated Fertilization (Organic and In-Organic) on Grain Yield of Maize

Abstract: Organic manure is a commendable organic fertilizer, as it contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other essential nutrients. The most important factors responsible for low yield are inappropriate crop nutrition management and poor soil fertility. The field experiment was performed to evaluate the impact of different fertilizer (organic and inorganic) on yield and yield components of maize at Agriculture Research Station Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during summer season 2014. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data was recorded on seven quantitative traits i.e. days to tasseling, plant height (cm), leaf area, number of grains cob-1, biological yield (kg ha -1 ), 1000-grain weight (g) and grain yield (kg ha -1 ). All treatments were significantly affected by the applied treatments with the exception of days to tasseling. The treatment poultry manure gave maximum leaf area whereas minimum leaf area was obtained in control. Maximum plant height (cm), number of grains cob -1 , 1000-grain weight (g), biological yield (kg ha -1 ), and grain yield (kg ha -1 ) was obtained in compost applied treatment followed by poultry manure. Whereas minimum plant height (cm), grains cob -1 , biological yield (kg ha -1 ), 1000-grain weight (g) and grain yield (kg ha -1 ) was obtained in control. The results depicted that organic fertilizer gave excellent response for yield and its related traits of maize crop as compared to inorganic fertilizer.

Octopus ( Enterocopus dofleini ) Liver Extract Displays Triglyceride-Lowering Effect in HepG2 Cells

Abstract: Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in the liver cells and is believed to be a risk of later chronic liver disease. Diet is one of the key ways to treat fatty liver disease. Octopus (Enterocopus dofleini) liver is eaten in some regions in Japan, but mostly discarded. For utilization of octopus liver, the lipid-lowering effect of octopus (Enterocopus dofleini) liver extract was investigated using human hepatoma cells (HepG2 cells). The present study showed that the octopus liver extract reduced the triglyceride content, but not cholesterol content, in HepG2 cells. Treatment with the octopus liver extract increased the mRNA expression of genes for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) associated with β-oxidation. On the contrary, the extract did not change the mRNA expression of genes for sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)-1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ involved in fatty acid synthesis. These results suggest that octopus liver extract may decrease the triglyceride level in HepG2 cells by promoting β-oxidation, suggestive of its usefulness as a food for lowering triglycerides in liver.

Effects of Two Types of Fertilizer and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza on Damping off Disease ( Macrophomina phaseolina ) of Cowpea ( Vigna uniguiculata L. Walp)

Abstract: A screen house experiment was carried out to determine the effect of organic fertilizer, compost, inorganic fertilizer, and single super phosphate and Arbuscular mycorrhiza on damping-off disease of cowpea. The experimental design used was completely randomized design (CRD). There were fifteen treatments which were replicated three times. 2g of Macrophomina phaseolina (damping off disease) was infested on 10kg of soil sample in each pot with (30 by 75) cm spacing. Arbuscular mycorrhiza, compost (poultry based) and single super phosphate (SSP) were applied at the rate of 2250kg/ha, 1670kg/ha and 676kg/ha respectively. Three seeds of cowpea were sown into each pot, but later thinned into two plants per pot. Data on germination percentage at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, number of leaves of cowpea at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting, weight of pods per plant, incidence and severity at which pathogens affected the cowpea plant per treatment and growth yield of each treatment were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using the Duncan multiple range test. The plants that were treated with 676kg/ha single super phosphate produced higher cumulative weight of harvested fruits per plant followed by Arbuscular mycorrhiza, which did not have any negative effect on environment. The values of phosphorus in the post harvest soil analysis revealed that lower values of phosphorus were recorded in Single Super Phosphate treated pots, while plants treated with Arbuscular mycorrhiza at 500kgha-1 produced higher P value than the pre-planting soil analysis indicating the absorption of large amount of the elements. It was therefore recommended that Arbuscular mycorrhiza could be used to optimize seed yield in cowpea.

The Use of Micro-Biological Agents at Different Pairing Times in the Control of Fusarium verticillioides Pathogen of Maize ( Zea mays )

Abstract: Fusarium verticillioides is a widely distributed mitosporic pathogen of maize, able to cause corn seedling blight, root rot, stalk rot and kernel or ear rot. Synthetic fungicides and some crop management practices are also not advisable in the control of this pathogen because chemical fungicide result in environmental pollution or hazards. Antagonistic micro-biological agents (bioagents) can be recommended to farmers because it is cheaper and environmental friendly. This aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of antagonistic micro organisms in the control of Fusarium verticillioides of maize. The efficacy of micro-biological agents: Trichoderma viride, T. pseudokoningii, T. harzianum and Bacillus subtilis were assessed in vitro. Laid in the laboratory in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS, 2001. The four antagonistic bioagents showed different inhibitory effect in the control of F.verticillioides. T. viride and T. pseudokoningii were the most effective antagonists; they caused significant inhibitory effect on the growth of F.verticillioides by 0.75cm and 0. 72cm compared to the control which was 2.57cm respectively at 120 hours of incubation. T. harzianum and B. subtilis had the least inhibitory effect against the pathogen. There was a significant inhibition in the growth of F. verticillioides at < 0.05 when paired with all the micro-biological agents used. The introduction of the antagonist before the pathogen in vitro was observed to be the best followed by the simultaneous pairing, and the least inhibition was when the introduction of the antagonist 24 hours after the pathogen. It was observed that all the antagonists tested had good inhibitory potentials on the pathogen, F. verticillioides.

Impact of Land Use and Agrochemicals on Quality Potential of Wetland Soils of Odeda Farm Institute, Eweje, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract: A study was conducted to examine the impact of land use and agrochemicals on wetland soil quality of Odeda Farm Institute, Eweje, Ogun State, Nigeria. The land use types studied were maize, plantain, rice, vegetable, and fallow. Five profile pits were dug, four at agrochemicals applied fields and one at fallow field as control. The results showed that soil texture was not influenced by land use and agrochemicals. The particle size distribution data showed that the soils consisted of high sand content (>600 g/kg). Soil pH, organic carbon and total nitrogen were low at agrochemicals applied fields when compared with the fallow field. The reverse is the trend for available P which is low at the fallow field due to non application of phosphate fertilizer. The heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) results differed significantly (p<0.05) between the agrochemicals applied fields and the fallow field. Soil nutrients depletion and heavy metal accumulation were very prominent under agrochemicals applied fields. However, the impact of land use and agrochemicals which mostly accounted for major changes in the soil quality indicators can be immediate or long term, and wetland users should take into consideration long effect of current land decisions.

A Geospatial Analysis of Bark Beetle-Induced Wildfire Risk Zones in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest

Abstract: Over the past 30 years mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreaks have become widespread throughout the western US and Canada. MPB attacks leave acres of dead trees that may predispose forest landscapes to large fires. With the use of field work and geospatial technology, these outbreaks can be better mapped and assessed to evaluate forest health. This study is designed to map and classify bark beetle infestation in Washington's Wenatchee National Forest. Field work on seventeen randomly selected sites was conducted using the point-centered quarter method. Recent MPB outbreak areas were classified using National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery. A link between MPB attack and forest fires was then quantified using MODIS fire data. Lastly, a predictive infestation model was constructed using the following geophysical parameters: disturbance indices, Landsat TM5 classification of groundcover as well as vegetation stress using hyperspectral data. Selected imagery from the Hyperion sensor was used to run a minimum distance supervised classification in ENVI, in attempt to detect the early “green stage” of infestation. This study detected MPB spread and assessed the fire risk related to infestation.

Proximate Composition and Amino Acids of Four Species of Pine Caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)

Abstract: The objectives of the study were to analyze the nutritional composition of some species of pine caterpillars and to encourage utilization of these forest insect pests, therefore, the study constituted part of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for these forest pests in China. The results showed that the crude protein (CP) content of the pupae of 4 species ranged from 53.55% to 61.26%. The CP content of the adults of 2 species was 58.04% and 68.30% respectively. The fat and the energy content ranged from 19.75 to 26.46% and from 406 to 473 kcal per 100g for the pupae; 6.56 to 24.63% and 327 to 454 kcal per 100g for the adults respectively. As compared with the essential amino acids according to WHO/FAO/UNU pattern, some of the essential amino acids for human adult nutrition are found to be higher than the levels as recommended by WHO/FAO/UNU.

Gender Disparity in Access to Agricultural Resources and Services (Evidence from Arba Minch Zuria Woreda of Southern Ethiopia)

Abstract: The study was conducted at Arba Minch Zuria Woreda. The main objective of this study was focused on the assessment of gender disparity in access to agricultural resources and services. This study covers the two Kebeles from the Arba Minch Zuria Woreda. From those two Kebeles 104 respondent household sware included in this study. The data were analyzed through simple descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (independent t-test). The result showed that male respondents had better mean land holding and irrigated land size than that of female respondents. Male respondents had better access to irrigation water than female respondents. The reasons behind this were in the study area the irrigation was labor and capital intensive practice. Therefore, those who have low family labor have less access to use irrigation water. Motorized water pump was less adopted by both male and female respondents. The reason was its high purchasing and maintenance cost. Therefore, it was not afforded by most of the farmers. The result also shows that male farmers have better access to extension training than female farmers. In the study area both male and female respondent farmers were affected by different constraints in access to productive resource. The finding suggested that, the governmental and non-governmental organization should give empathies for adult education and extension training for women. It improves women’s awareness and understanding about different agricultural resources and improved farm technologies.