Showing papers in "Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture in 2009"

Growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) as influenced by poultry manure and NPK fertilizer

Abstract: Four field trials were conducted during the years 2006 and 2007 at Owo, the forestsavannatransition zone in southwest Nigeria, to study the effect of poultry manure (PM), NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manure on the growth and yield of tomato.Seven treatments were applied to the soil: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 t ha-1poultry manure , 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 10 t ha-1poultry manure. These werelaid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments werecompared on the basis of their effect on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient content, growth andyield of tomato. All levels of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manureincreased leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg levels. The soil chemical properties except pH increased withamount of poultry manure. NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer alone did not increase the soil and leaf Ca andMg. All levels of poultry manure, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer alone and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer +poultry manure increased the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, number of fruits and fruitweight significantly. Among poultry manure levels, 30 t ha-1poultry manure gave the highest fruityield. Among the seven treatments, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manure gave the highestyield. On an average over the two years, 10, 20, 30, 40 t ha-1poultry manure, 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer alone and 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 10 t ha-1poultry manuretreatments increased fruit weight by 19, 36, 51, 14, 20 and 83%, respectively. Results revealed thatpoultry manure is a suitable source of nutrients for tomato especially if applied at 30 t ha-1in theforest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria. The combined use of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizerand poultry manure increased tomato yield compared to the application of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizeror poultry manure alone and is therefore recommended for sustainable productivity. In addition,lesser quantities of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer would be required, therefore,reducing the amount of money spent on chemical fertilizer

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization on growth and nutrient uptake of two different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) genotypes exposed to drought stress -

Abstract: In the present investigation, the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungal root colonization on nutrient uptake, growth and soil water depletion of cowpea plants exposed to a drought stress period was studied in a greenhouse experiment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal and nonAM plants of an old, local variety from Brazil ‘Carioca’, and of the breeding improved cultivar ‘Epace-10’ were exposed to 24 days of drought, with or without a subsequent period of water resupply. Control plants remained well watered throughout the growth period. The AM symbiosis greatly enhanced nutrient uptake of drought stressed plants. However, water uptake, growth and net photosynthesis were unaffected by AM root colonization during drought stress. Recovery after water resupply was much faster when plants were inoculated with AM, probably due to an improved plant nutritional status. The cultivar Epace-10 was much more dependent on the AM symbiosis for growth and nutrient uptake compared with Carioca in all irrigation treatments. Only when roots were AM colonized, Epace-10 plants were able to recover from drought stress after water resupply. Our study suggests that the AM symbiosis constitutes an important strategy by which leguminous plants overcome periods of drought. Under conditions of low soil water and P availability, the presence of AM fungal propagules in the field soil appears to be a prerequisite for successful cultivation of cowpea, particularly with respect to the breeding improved cultivar Epace-10.

A protocol for agrobacterium-mediated transformation of banana with a rice chitinase gene

Abstract: A rice chitinase gene (RCC2) multiplied in Agrobacterium strain (EHA 101), was simultaneously introduced into single buds of in vitro grown banana cultivar, Rastali (AAB). Plasmid pBI333-EN4-RCC2 contained a hygromycin phosphotransferase gene (hptII) as the selectable marker and gusA gene as a reporter marker to identify the transformants.. Single buds derived from multiple bud clumps (Mbcs), were the target explants for transformation. Transformation frequency based on hygromycin selection (25 mg L-1) was higher, although no positive transformant was confirmed based on PCR and Southern blot analyses.. Stable gusA gene expression was detectable in transformed single buds, multiple bud clumps, shoots, leaves and roots derived from hygromycin selection at 50 mg L-1 ). An assay was performed to identify the minimum concentration of two antibiotics most effective against Agrobacterium EHA 101. Protein assay showed an increase in chitinase enzyme activity of transformed plantlets. The Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol reported here is suitable for future selection of banana meristem tissues resistant to fungal disease.

Phenological and yield characteristics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by nitrogen and phosphorous rates in Mubi, Northern Guinea Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria -

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during the 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons at theTeaching and Research Farm of Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria (10015' N, 13016' Eand 696 m above sea level) to study the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) rates on somephenological and yield characteristics of sesame. The treatments consisted of four N rates: 0, 30,60 and 90 kg ha-1and four P rates: 0, 15, 30 and 45 kg ha-1. These treatments in factorialcombinations were laid out in split plot design with N rates assigned to main plots and P ratesassigned to sub plots and were replicated four times. The following data were collected onphenological and yield characteristics: days to 50 % flowering, days to 50 % maturity, weight ofbiomass at eight weeks after sowing (WAS) and at harvest, dry weight of leaves at 8 WAS and atharvest, number of pods per plant and total seed yield. Results showed significant (P 0.05) effect on phenological and yield characteristics. Further research needs to be conducted on Nand P rates above 90 and 45 kg ha-1, respectively, to ascertain effects of optimum rates of N and Pon sesame phenological and yield characteristics. In addition, the method of P application in theform of side dressing 2 to 3 WAS should be considered for possible effects.

Histochemical changes in the liver of freshwater fish, rasbora daniconius, exposed to paper mill effluent

Abstract: This investigation deals with the effect of paper mill effluent, on the histochemical components of the liver of Rasbora daniconius . The Paper mill effluent was collected directly from the 45 Km away from Aurangabad (MS) India. Histochemical studies on protein, lipid and glycogen contents of liver Rasbora daniconius showed a progressive decrease in staining intensity to Mercury bromophenol blue (Hg-BPB), Sudan black B and Bets’s Carmine at 30 days exposure when treated at sublethal concentrations (1.9% and 0.95%) of paper mill effluent. The magnitudes of these changes were dose dependent. This study, therefore, concludes that paper mill effluent creates metabolic crisis and impairment in fish liver. The depletion in level of protein, lipid and glycogen points towards exhaustion of cell- energy to meet high demand of fish in stressful condition.

Evaluation of genetic variation in mutants of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) Hepper) as revealed by RAPD markers

Abstract: One of the most possibilities is the genetic marker system to find out the genetic variation. The advent of large-scale DNA sequencing technology has generated a tremendous amount of sequence information for many important organisms. The genetic variation was evaluated in four mutants (high seed protein, tall, bushy and dwarf mutants) along with parent cultivar (control) by 20 random primers which generated 202 fragments scored with 58 polymorphic DNA bands. The average DNA bands were 10.1 per locus ranged from 1 to 9. The average polymorphic rates were 38.37 % among mutants and parent cultivar (control) through the 20 primers. Primer OPK–06 and OPK-11 revealed 62.5 % DNA polymorphism. Five genotypes were used to constructed dendrogram based on the similarity matrix, suggested that genetic distance from 0.621 to 0.785. The DNA variation might have been caused by mutation due to gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate. Hence, research is needed to analyse function of mutated genes for their mutants characters for future prospects because, such mutants and their genes when using in cross breeding/transgenic technologies will found more production in the development of improved crop varieties like high seed protein, lodging resistances, semi dwarf with high yield.

Soilless cultivation of some medicinal and aromatic herb plants under the conditions of Arabian Gulf region

Abstract: Production of medicinal/aromatic (MA) herb plants to meet the ever increasing demand for these plants is a major challenge facing countries in arid and semiarid regions which are characterized by limited water and land resources. Recently, soilless cultivation of medicinal plants has gained a great attention in both protected environment and outdoor conditions, due to many advantages like potential for higher yields and quality, cleaner products, year round production, with minimized use of water in comparison to conventional soil-based cultivation. The objectives of this study were to introduce five highly valued MA crops (sage, German chamomile, Jordanian chamomile, thyme and mint) into Arabian Gulf region. As the region is characterized by harsh environment, fragile ecosystems and limited water resources and arable lands, and these crops are native to Mediterranean climates and are not being grown in Gulf region, therefore, these crops were cultivated using re-circulating soilless system, and their growth was evaluated and yield was compared to soil-based yields. Results of this research showed that all studied crops were well adapted to the soilless system and outyielded the soil cultivated by 264, 313, 220, 247, and 243%, of herbal biomass for sage, German and Jordanian chamomiles, thyme and mint, respectively with much less water use (up to 70% save). Flower yields of soilless grown German and Jordanian chamomile outyielded the soil cultivated by 199 and 334%m respectively. Results suggest that introduction of these crops into Gulf region was successful especially with using soilless technology with high water saving as well as a variety of other important herbaceous medicinal plants.

Assessment of intake of caffeine in random population in Riyadh and its levels in some food by HPLC

Abstract: This study involves 160 Saudi females of a mean age of 23±37 years who regularlyconsumed coffee and soft drinks The highest percentage of participants were reported to consumeless than 300 mg of caffeine daily (425%) and the highest level of caffeine consumption (morethan 2800 mg/day) was calculated among 75% of the participants The highest percentages ofparticipants consuming caffeine were detected in coffee consumers followed by soft drinkconsumers (9375% and 9063% respectively), while the least percentage was detected in teaconsumers (4563%) The mean of consumed caffeine from coffee was the highest value(1599±4167) compared with the caffeine content in other foods In relation to anthropometricmeasurements, there were no significant correlations between them and the level of caffeineconsumption except weight There was a significant correlation between the decrease in bodyweight and the increase in amount of caffeine consumed (p

Triadimefon induced physiological and ultra structural changes for moisture stress protection in bougainvillea (bougainvillea spectabilis willd) at nursery stage

Abstract: Hardwood stem cuttings of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd) consisting of two to four leaves were treated with triadimefon (triazole derivative) in the form of foliar spray at 50 ppm and 100 ppm, while the control plants were treated with water spray. The (treatment) plants were irrigated once in two days, once in four days and the control plants were irrigated daily. The experiment was conducted at the Al Maqam campus of the U.A.E. University, Al Ain. The experimental design was completely randomized with the two factors being irrigation and chemical treatment, consisting of nine treatment combinations, replicated three times. The relative water content (RWC) in both concentrations was similar, while the control plants showed high plant-water content. Photosynthetic pigments viz., Chlorophyll a, increased with increasing concentration of the chemical, while the Chlorophyll b and Total Chlorophyll showed significant differences with different treatment combinations of irrigation frequencies and triadimefon treatment. Combination of triadimefon with irrigation frequencies produced sun-type chloroplasts and increased chlorophyll accumulation. Compared with the control, the stomata from the abaxial epidermal peels in the triadimefon treated leaves were sunken, narrow and appeared partially closed. Both triadimefon treatments increased the number of trichomes compared to the leaf samples of control plants. Formation of epicuticular wax in treated plants was noticed, which was probably formed to act as a barrier against water loss. The results of the present study may add to the plant growth regulatory effects data published previously on the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and other growth responses conducive for protection against moisture stress.

Contribution to the systematic study of grasshopper fauna (Orthoptera, Caelifera) and some bio-ecological aspects of economic importance of species in the Constantine region (Eastern Algeria)

Abstract: The inventory of the grasshopper and locust fauna in the Constantine region (Eastern Algeria) revealed the presence of 30 species, divided into four families, Acrididae, Pyrgomorphidae, Pamphagidae and Acrydiidae. Among these families, we found that Acrididae is the best represented one with eight subfamilies. Subfamily Oedipodinae is the largest, consisting of 10 species. The subfamilies of Catantopinae, Truxalinae and Pyrgomorphinae are represented by only one species each. The value of the Shannon Weaver index (3.7 bits) shows that the grasshopper population is more or less diverse, as the Equitability value (0.89 bits) shows how this species is in balance. The species Anacridium eagyptium, Acrotylus patruelis patruelis, Pezotettix giornii and Ocneridia volxemii appear to be of economic importance in the region of Constantine, Algeria.

Attitudes of vegetable farmers towards risk in the jordan valley

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to examine the vegetable farmers’ attitudes towards risk in the Jordan Valley. In order to measure risk attitudes, utility functions for vegetable farmers in the Jordan Valley were estimated by using the Von Neumann – Morgenstern model. From the estimated utility functions, the risk attitudes coefficient for each farmer was measured. Of the total random sample of 200 farmers from the middle Ghor in the Jordan Valley, a purpose sample of 50 vegetable farmers was proportionally selected, i.e. 13 farmers (26%), 15 farmers (30%), and 22 farmers (44%) fell into the risk avert, risk neutral and risk taker categories, respectively. To analyze the relationship between farmers' personal characteristics such as age, education, farm size, family size, experience in agriculture and their risk attitudes, a multiple linear regression model was used. Linear, semi-log, and double-log equations were used. Of these, the semi-log equation proved the best. The regression results of the study indicated that the coefficient of farm size (X3) and the coefficient of family size (X5) were statistically significant at the 5% level of significance.

Rumen degradability and kinetic properties of urea and poultry litter treated rice straw

Abstract: Rumen degradation and kinetic properties of rice straw subjected to urea and poultry litter treatments was investigated. The crude protein (CP) content of the straw was significantly (P<0.05) increased from 4.44% for the untreated rice straw (URS) to 12.35, 20.46 and 19.72% for urea-treated rice straw (UTRS), poultry litter treated rice straw (PLTRS1) and poultry litter treated rice straw (PLTRS2), respectively. The dry matter (DM) degradability of the treated straw was consistently higher than that of the untreated straw, whereas the rate constants (c) for the untreated and treated straw were similar. The study showed a close relationship between the comparative degradability rate (c) and outflow rate (k) at 24 hr incubation of the rice straw. The effective degradability of the straw was influenced by the rapidly soluble fraction (a) and the rate constant (c) for degradation of the straw. Urea-ammoniation thus, increased the CP of crop residues and its degradability in the rumen. Also, the use of poultry litter can be a suitable alternative to urea fertilizer in treating crop residues and reduces the problem of animal waste disposal. The trial also shows that equal proportion of rice straw to poultry litter is more effective in the treatment of

Estimation of genetic parameters of various economic traits in a closed population of female line layer type chickens under short term selection

Abstract: The genetic parameters for various traits of economic importance were studied in a female line of chicken population under short term selection for egg production for over 2 years. The parameters studied were body weight at 20 (BW20) and 40 weeks (BW40), egg weight (EWT) and egg 280 days; and they showed mostly moderate to high heritability estimates. All these values were 0.16 to 0.78, 0.11 to 0.23, 0.42 to 0.66 and 0.25 to 0.62 respectively. Higher heritability estimate were obtained from the sire component for BW20 (0.78), BW40 (.23) and egg 280 days (0.62). However, a higher estimate was obtained from the dam component for EWTAV (0.66). Body weight at 20 weeks of age shows positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with BW40 (0.77 and 0.28) and egg 280 days (0.51 and 0.02). BW40 had positive genetic and phenotypic association with EWT (0.12 and 0.23) and egg 280 days (0.68 and 0.20). However, EWT showed negative genetic as well as phenotypic correlation with egg 280 days (-0.15) and (- 0.09).

Detection of anti-fungal genes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and their effects on fungal growth

Abstract: Anti-fungal genes chitinase, beta-glucanase and ribosomal inactivating proteins (RIP) were detected in chickpea plants when they were artificially exposed to Ascochyta rabei spores. Immunological studies provided evidence for the presence of a chitinase-like proteins in blight- infected chickpea leaves using a poplar chitinase antibody. No activity was detected when a barley chitinase antibody was used, indicating that antifungal proteins in chickpea recognize different antigenic determinants. Purified barley ribosomal inactivating protein (RIP 30) and chitinase (Chi 26) were shown to inhibit the growth of Ascochyta rabiei in vitro. The role of antifungal proteins in the protection of chickpea against pathogen is discussed.