Showing papers in "Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2018"

Effect of Spacing on Yield Components and Yield of Chickpea ( Cicer arietinumL. ) at Assosa, Western Ethiopia

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in Assosa District of western Ethiopia during 2013 cropping season to determine the effect of different inter row (20, 30, 40, 50cm) and intra row spacing (5, 10, 15cm) on growth parameters, yield components and yield of Desi chickpea. The experimental design was randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. There was highly significant (P<0.01) effect of both inter row and intra row spacing on days to 50% flowering, days to 90% maturity, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight. The 50cm inter row spacing gave the highest number of seeds per pod (1.23) and hundred seed weight (25.38 g). Number of seeds per pod and hundred seed weight were significantly increased as the intra row spacing increased. The interaction effect of inter row and intra row spacing was significant on plant height, number of primary branches, number of pods per plant, above ground dry biomass, grain yield and harvest index. For all of the inter row spacing, the number of primary branches was increased as the intra row spacing increased. There was a progressive increase of number of pods per plant as the inter- and intra-row spacing increased while the highest above ground dry biomass (10650.27 kg ha-1) was recorded at 20×5cm spacing. For all of the inter row spacing, the harvest index was increased as the intra row spacing increased. The 30cm inter- by 10cm intra- row spacing gave the highest grain yield (1219 kg ha-1) while the lowest grain yield (733 kg ha-1) was recorded from 50cm × 15cm spacing which was statistically similar to the yield obtained from 40cm × 15cm spacing. From this study it can be concluded that even if 20cm×15cm, 30cm×15cm, 30cm×10cm and 40cm×5cm spacing combinations showed statistical parity, 30cm×10cm or 30cm×15cm spacing can tentatively be recommended.

Soil Carbon Sequestration Differentials among Key Forest Plantation Species in Kenya: Promising Opportunities for Sustainable Development Mechanism

Abstract: Soil organic carbon (SOC) contributes to the productivity of forests and enhances carbon sink in forest ecosystem. However, the available data on forest based carbon projects among African countries that have ratified Kyoto Protocol and are party to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) shows little emphasis on SOC, deadwood and litter. Kenya, for example, has piloted five afforestation and reforestation Clean Development Mechanism (AR-CDM) activities in government forests of which none addresses SOC, and yet studies elsewhere have shown that forest soils consist about 73 % of global carbon storage. This study therefore, sought to determine soil carbon sequestration differentials among selected key forest plantations in Kenya and their future implications on sustainable development mechanism. Soils were sampled at 0-20, 20-50 and 50-80 cm depth from Pinus patula, Cupressus lusitanica, Juniperus procera and Eucalyptus saligna/grandis plantations in Central Kenya for analysis of carbon, soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The litter-fall collected from each of these forest plantations were analysed for nitrogen and carbon. The Pinus patula plantations had significantly (p<0.01) higher amount of soil carbon (132.2 ± 12.55 MgC ha-1) as compared with Cupressus lusitanica (114.4 ± 12.55 MgC ha-1) and Eucalyptus saligna (85.0 ± 12.55 MgC ha-1) plantations. Specifically, Pinus patula plantation had sequestered almost twice of soil carbon as compared to above and below-ground carbon pools whereas that of Cupressus lusitanica and Eucalyptus saligna /grandis were about 1.2 and 1.3 times higher, respectively. The levels of acidity varied among species, between and within sites from very strongly acidic to very slightly acidic. The amount of soil nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium between sites, tree species and soil depths differed significantly. This study therefore reveals soil carbon potentials in forest plantations that need to be considered in the development and implementation of afforestation and reforestation activities under Clean/Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM). Equally, differences on soil carbon sequestered among species need to be taken into account when evaluating carbon stocks under certified and voluntary carbon offset markets in order to promote trees with high potential of carbon sequestration for sustainable development. This is important because, introduction of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and forest based Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) have provided impetus to African governments in implementing afforestation and reforestation (AR) programmes to enhance carbon stock and improve resilience of biophysical and social systems against impacts of climate of change.

Biological Benefits of Intercropping Maize ( Zea mays L ) with Fenugreek, Field Pea and Haricot Bean Under Irrigation in Fogera Plain, South Gonder Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract: An on-farm experiment was conducted in the dry season of 2012/2013under irrigation at Jigna rural village of Dera District, South Gonder Zone/Ethiopia The experiment was conducted to assess the biological benefits of intercropping maize with fenugreek, field pea and haricot bean A field have a total of 7 treatments, namely three intercropping of fenugreek, field pea and haricot bean with maize and their four sole cropping, were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications Gross plot size of each treatment was 3m × 27m (81m2), but net plot size varied up on the crop types Spacing between adjacent replications and plots was 15m and 10m, respectively Fenugreek, field pea and haricot bean as sole crops were planted at inter-row and intra-row spacing of 20cm × 5cm, 20cm × 5cm and 40cm × 10cm, respectively In both intercropping and sole cropping maize was planted at 75cm× 30cm inter- and intra- row spacing, while fenugreek, field pea and haricot bean were intercropped in the middle of two maize rows at their recommended intra-spacing Varieties used for the present study were BH-540 maize hybrid, "Challa” fenugreek, "Burkitu" field pea and "Awash Melkassa" haricot bean Data of phenological, vegetative growth and, yield related crop parameters were timely collected following their respective standard methods and procedures, and further subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 92 Whenever the ANOVA result showed significant difference among treatments for a parameter mean separation was further done using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) Intercropping didn’t show any significant effect statistically (p<005) on phenological, vegetative growth and yield related parameters of the component crops However, concerning biomass of fenugreek, field pea and haricot bean, the analysis of variance showed that there has significant difference (p≤005) between intercropping and sole cropping On the contrary, intercropped field pea produced higher pod per plant, plant height and seed per pod than that of sole field pea Intercropped Haricot bean was also produced slightly higher plant height, seed per pod and thousand grain weights than its sole crops Therefore, in the present study area during dry season under irrigation, maize intercropping with haricot bean and field pea was more advantageous than their respective sole crops

The Effect of Host Density and Viability on Superparasitism Behavior of Trichogramma cacoeciae and T. principium Females

Abstract: Non-choice laboratory experiments were conducted to estimate the influence of host density and viability of codling moth eggs on the superparasitism behavior of Trichogramma principium Sug. et Sor and T. cacoeciae Marchal (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). There was a strong effect of number of emerged offspring of T. principium and T. cacoeciae and host density on the mean number of parasitized eggs. The tendency of T. principium and T. cacoeciae females to oviposit was increased when high number of Cydia pomonella was available. The results presented that the host density influenced in the percentage of superparasitized eggs. The superparasitism appeared to be more noticeable when sterile C. pomonella was offered. Superparasitism behavior was noticed in both parasitoids species, regardless of host density and viability. The study demonstrates the success of T. principium and T. cacoeciae in the existence of high host density and in an integrated program employing the sterile insect technique for C. pomonella management.

Determinants of Profitability of Fish Farming in Cameroon

Abstract: Aquaculture remains an important source of food, nutrition, income and livelihoods for millions of people around the world. In Cameroon, like in most Sub-Saharan African countries, natural breeding and traditional fishing occur in virtually every river, lake and pond and the aquaculture sector predominantly comprises of small-scale producers with some larger-scale commercial activities. Although so many Cameroonian natives are involved in aquaculture, little profit is realized from their activities. Barriers to fish production include insufficient quality and quantity of fingerlings, inadequate quality of feed, inadequate financing and weak technical capacities. These problems lead to a core challenge of low supply of fish, coupled with low returns to fish farming and marketing. The study therefore sought to determine the level of profitability of fish farming and assess the main determinants of profitability of fish farming. It used data collected from 60 fish farmers in the Fako Division of Cameroon through personal interviews, using a pre-tested questionnaire. The study adopted net profit analysis to determine profitability and a Cobb-Douglas power function to quantify the effects of various factors on profit. The study found that fish farming is a profitable business with a mean net profit of 1 896 443 FCFA per production cycle of 4 months. Linear regression revealed that profitability of fish farmers was influenced by the price of feed, price of fingerlings and the cost of labor. The implications of the findings are that profitability can be enhanced by building the capacity of fish farmers on how to make fish production and marketing more cost effective. Farmers therefore need to know how to manage both variable and fixed costs in order to maximize profits.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Expected Genetic Advance in Soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Genotypes

Abstract: Information on the extent and pattern of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance under selection are essential to design breeding strategies in the available germplasm of soybean and helps to identify elite genotypes that will be incorporated in to soybean crop improvement programs to address the growing demand of the crop in Ethiopia. Forty-nine soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) genotypes were evaluated in a field study in 7x7 simple lattice design with two replications at Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) with the objective of estimating genetic variability, heritability, expected genetic advance, and to estimate genetic divergence, thereby, to cluster the test genotypes in to genetically divergent classes. The result indicated substantial variations for all the traits evaluated. Analysis of variance revealed that there was statistically significant difference among the forty-nine genotypes for most of the traits studied except root volume and root dry weight. The highest heritability value was recorded for total nodules per plant followed by effective nodules per plant and plant height. Significant wide range of mean values was observed in all the characters evaluated. This indicates that the characters can be improved through selection. The Divergence analysis grouped the 49 soybean genotypes into five which shows crossing between genotypes which fall in to different classes would result in hybrid vigour. The principal component analysis revealed that 6 components have accounted for 79.90% of the total variation among the genotypes.

Wheat Yields Under the Canopies of Faidherbiaalbida (Delile) A. Chev and Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayenin Park Land Agroforestry System in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Faidherbiaalbida and Acatiatortilis on the grain yield and above ground biomass of wheat Parkland agroforestry system is, type of agroforestry where trees are deliberately retained on the crop land to improve soil fertility Farm land of the study area is characterized by parkland agroforestry system Farmers have different idea about the trees retained on their farm, some of them think that, these trees can help us for farm tools and fencing material while; others retained trees on the crop land for the purpose of fertility substitution Therefore, the study was conducted to identify the effect of both trees on wheat growth The study was conducted in central rift valley of Ethiopia, Oromia regional state, East shoa, at Langano and Tukakebeles in farm fields of Bora District where, both trees aretraditionally retained on the farm At each site, four F albida and four Atortilis trees were purposively selected and wheat sample collected from four directions at three distances (135, 335 and 2635 m) from tree trunk for both gain yield and above ground bio mass Collected data was analyzed by two way ANOVA and mean separation with LSD (%) The Highest values of wheat grain yield were 7333 and 6885 kg ha-1 under F albida and Atortilis respectively at the distance of 135 m away from the6yuh tree trunks at Tuka location and these values decreased to 5536 and 6736 kg ha-1 under F albida and Atortilis respectively, at the distance of 2635 m away from the tree trunks The mean biomass recorded at three different distances from the two tree trunks, were not differently significant statistically (p >005) In general, the result of analysis indicated that, decreasing pattern of mean biomass as distance from tree trunk increases, for both Faidherbiaalbida and Acacia tortilis The research finding showed that trees have positive relation with grain yield and above ground biomass of wheat So, farmer’s knowledge improvement and further research regarding tree age class should be conducted for improvement of this agroforestry system

Traceability Management for the Food Safety along the Supply Chain Collaboration of Agricultural Products

Abstract: The heightened awareness of food-related safety issues among food consumers drives the demand for more information about the vertical and horizontal food supply chain of food products. Transparency in the way agriculture was grown and handled throughout the supply chain process resulted in an important issue of 'traceability' in global food trade and safety. Traceability is an essential subsystem of quality management and must be managed by setting up a traceability system, which keeps the data tracking of product routes and of selected attributes. A collaborative research project for the supply and logistics of agricultural products in Tianjin was proposed recently. System analysis for the traceability information of the food supply chain is studied. Specific requirements and the system architecture for the logistic management solutions are proposed. Development of this research is crucial for both the public traceability system as well as the private traceability system. The consumers’ confidence for food safety choices can hence be improved.

Prospects of Cage Fish Farming in South Western Uganda

Abstract: The study was conducted to identify the constraints and potential opportunities of cage fish farming in South Western Highland Agro-Ecological Zone (SWHAEZ). 82 questionnaires were administered to six respondent groups (current cage fish farmers, potential adopters of cage aquaculture, farmers who have abandoned cage aquaculture, regional and district fisheries officers, and financial institutions) to obtain insight into the challenges in cage fish farming as well as opportunities that can be exploited to promote cage fish farming. People in relevant government institutions were also interviewed. Primary results show that lack of funds and lack of government extension services are key challenges in cage fish farming. Lack of funds incapacitates farmers’ failure to get aquaculture inputs like feed. It also accounted for the inability of potential adopters and farmers who have abandoned cage aquaculture to start or continue cage aquaculture respectively. Major opportunities identified include; availability of the market for the fish, willingness of the financial institutions to offer loans at a cheaper interest rate, availability of the extension services at the sub-county level. Our preliminary recommendations is that the government can also provide subsidies to most expensive inputs like feeds, seine-net, water testing kits and construction costs for aquaculture. There is need to empower and build capacity for the extension workers through improved good management practices like feed and feeding and record keeping.

Study on the Cross Compatibility Between Northwest Group and Other Cultivar Groups of Paeonia suffruticosa

Abstract: Through cross experiment between Northwest group and other cultivar groups of Paeonia suffruticosa, and taking the single flower seeds as the index of affinity, the crossbreeding among Paeonia suffruticosa populations was studied. The results showed that when taking Northwest cultivar group as female parent, and crossbreed with Zhongyuan cultivar group and Japanese cultivar group respectively, no incompatibility was found, and higher average seed setting rate, 14.6 grain / flower and 9.8 grain / flower was obtained respectively. When Northwest cultivar group crossbreed with Europe and America group, there was a certain fecundity, but the seed setting rate was very low, which was 0.4 flower/seed. And there was incompatibility between Northwest cultivar group and Ito hybrid group. This study provided reference bases for the crossbreeding between Northwest group and other cultivar groups.

The Effect of Human Capital, Social Capital, and Competency on the Empowerment of Bajo Ethnic Community in the Regency of Muna: A Gender Perspective

Abstract: A study was conducted to analyze the effect of human capital, social capital, and competency on the empowerment of Bajo ethnic from a gender perspective. The study site was Marobo, one of districts in the Regency of Muna. The district was purposely chosen because it had the highest number of Bajo people in that regency. Samples, a total of 88 households, were selected via simple random sampling. Data were analyzed with multiple regression analysis. The study showed that human capital, social capital, and competency directly affected the social and economic empowerment of Bajo people both the role of husbands and wives.

A Multistage Regulation Method for the Pad and Fan Cooling System

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the abrupt temperature drop problem and its countermeasures of pad and fan cooling system in confined poultry house in summer. The extent and distribution of abrupt temperature drop in a commercial laying-hen house in north China were investigated through field tests. The results showed that over half of poultry house was cooled by more than 5°C (maximum reached 12.4°C) within 25 min after starting the evaporative cooling system under traditional ON/OFF mode. This mode might cause negative effects on layers. In order to attenuate this problem, a multistage regulation method of evaporative cooling system was developed. The water supply pipe was transformed by adding a specially designed water repartition plate to the original water supply system. The water repartition plate can control the watered area of pad. Then four degrees of watered area could be achieved as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and the full of pad area, and then gradual cooling process has been achieved. The target temperature was reached gradually through modifying the start temperature and single-cooling range, then a relative long period for chickens to adopt cooling process has been realized. This regulation method has been tested in laboratory. The results showed that gradually watering and cooling works well under multistage regulation. The cooling efficiencies from 1st to 4th stage were 15.84%, 30.53%, 56.67% and 83.70%, respectively, which matched well with prediction. In conclusion, the multistage regulation method was able to, as a new solution, alleviate the problem caused by traditional ON/OFF mode of evaporative cooling system in confined poultry house.

Changes of Microbial Spoilage Indices Beluga Caviar Processed (Huso Huso) During Storage at -2°C

Abstract: Beluga caviar processed microbial spoilage index changes (Huso huso) under the temperature of -2°C for twenty days were examined. The results showed that with increasing storage time of mesophilic bacteria, coliform and cool significantly reduced. The mean (SD) of mesophilic bacteria from 5.4±0.14 CFU/g at the time of production to 3.1±0.14 CFU/g, The microorganisms coliform from 2.1±0.14 during the production to 1.3±0.14 and the cooling microorganisms from 2.8±0.14 to 1.6±0.14 was twenty days of cold storage. Quality rating microbial indicators are significantly during storage has been declining. The results showed that although a significant reduction indices mesophilic bacterium, coliform and cool during a period of twenty days at a temperature of -2°C, processed caviar is still away and will be accepted limit.

Field Assessment of Agronomic Performance, Resistance to Aflatoxin, and Fumonisin Accumulation in Selected Maize Inbred Lines in Kenya

Abstract: Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticilloides cause contamination of maize (Zea mays) and concern to maize farmers because they reduce maize quantity and quality. These fungi produce mycotoxins, some of which are poisonous to both humans and animals. Over 300 mycotoxins are known but in this study aflatoxins and fumonisins produced by A. flavus and F. verticilloides, respectively, are reported due to their health concerns in Africa. Contamination of maize grain by these fungi occurs before harvest and selection of maize parental lines resistant to accumulation of aflatoxin, and fumonisin for breeding purposes is the easiest strategy to reduce consumption of maize grains contaminated by these toxins. In addition to selecting for resistant lines, breeders would prefer inbred lines with top performing agronomic traits. This study aimed at identifying possible source of resistance together with good agronomic traits among 23 maize inbred lines (13 sourced from the MAIZE Competitive Grants Initiative, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre and 10 from Agricultural Research Council, South Africa). The lines were planted in two blocks; Aspergillus, and Fusarium, in a randomized complete-block design for two seasons in one location in Kenya. Germination rate, days to silking, and days to anthesis were determined in each line. Inoculation of the maize ears was done at silking with three toxigenic strains of A. flavus for Aspergillus block, and F. verticilloides for Fusarium block. Aflatoxins and fumonisins concentration in the kernels was determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A positive significant correlation (r = 0.9458846, P = < 9.845e-12) occurred between days to anthesis and days to silking, aflatoxins and fumonisins (r = 0.43149988, P ≤ 0.05) accumulated in the inbred lines. A negative correlation between germination and accumulated fumonisin levels (r = -0.5156961, P = 0.01178), days to pollen shed and aflatoxin (r = -0.4617732, P = 0.02654) was revealed. Apart from being good germinating lines and drought tolerant, CML 390 and CML 247 accumulated least fumonisin, and aflatoxin levels compared to the other germplasms. These two lines with consistent low aflatoxin, and fumonisin levels may, therefore be useful sources of resistance for maize breeding programs to reduce both aflatoxin and fumonisn contamination in maize. Four aflatoxin resistant lines (CB 222, CML 495 and CML 444) and one (CKL05003) fumonisin resistant line showed good agronomic traits. The lines may be suitable for breeding for resistance to aflatoxins, and fumonisins respectively in maize.

Responding to Late Blight Disease Pressure and Fungicide Resistance Using Multiple Fungicide Active Ingredients and Different Spraying Regimes in Uganda

Abstract: Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is one of the major diseases of economic importance limiting potato production in Uganda and causing yield losses of 40-60%. The emergence of more aggressive late blight pathotypes that are more difficult to control with ability to overcome host resistance or resist fungicide active ingredients has been noted in Uganda. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify suitable fungicides and spray regime for the effective management of late blight pathotypes on susceptible potato varieties in Uganda. Different fungicides that known to control late blight include Consento (Fenamidone 6.7% w/w + Propamacarb hydrochroride 93.6% w/w), Infinito (Propamacarb (55.3% w/w + Fluopicollide (5.53% w/w), Mancozeb (Dithiocarbamate 800g/kg), Agrolaxzyl (Metalaxyl 80 g/kg + Mancozeb 640 g/kg WP) were acquired from Bayer Crop Sciences and agro-inputs dealers in Uganda and tested for effective management of late blight on susceptible potato varieties in four different sites for two seasons (2015B and 2016A) using randomized complete block design (RCBD). Three (3) spraying regimes were tested and included; Bayer Crop Sciences recommended spray regime, current Uganda’s recommended spray regime, Hybrid (blend of Uganda’s recommended spray regime and Bayer recommendation) and no spray as control. Data on late blight disease severity was measured as percentage plant area affected (PLAA) and this was converted in to area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). The results showed that area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) ranged from 357-763 for the 3 different spray regimes while for the control (No spray), it ranged from 1895-2231. The late blight disease severity varied across sites and seasons, with Kalegyere site recording highest disease pressure in season 1 while Buginyanya had highest disease severity in season 2. Lowest disease pressure was registered with Bayer Crop Sciences based spray regime in season 1, while in season 2, hybrid spray regime registered lowest disease pressure. Use of multiple fungicide ingredients (Mancozeb (Dithiocarbamate 800g/kg), Consento (Fenamidone 6.7% w/w + Propamacarb hydrochroride 93.6% w/w); Infinito (Propamacarb (55.3% w/w + Fluopicollide (5.53% w/w) and Agrolaxzyl (Metalaxyl 80 g/kg + Mancozeb 640 g/kg WP) at different intervals has demonstrated the potential to suppress the disease to levels not causing serious economic damages by not allowing significant disease development on the leaves, hence has been recommended to be used for the management of late blight in Uganda.