Volume 2 Issue 3 June 2023
Agronomic Performance and Yield of Celeosia argentea and Amaranthus caudatus Treated With Organic Manure And Mineral Fertilizer
ABSTRACT
Most Nigerian soils have low nitrogen status usually supplemented with nutrient sources, like chemical fertilizers. However, the problem with the usage of chemical fertilizer is that though enhances high crop yield, it can result in groundwater pollution, which is hazardous to human health. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic manure, organomineral fertilizer and inorganic (urea) fertilizer on two vegetable types namely; Celosia argentea and Amaranthus caudatus. The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments used in the experiment are; poultry manure applied at the rate of 15 tons/ ha, organomineral fertilizer (7.5 tons/ha of poultry manure + urea 50kg/ha), Urea (46%N) at 100kgN/ha and control (no fertilizer). The result showed that application of organomineral fertilizer (urea + poultry manure) to the Amaranthus caudatus gave the highest plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of branches of leaves of 45.5 cm, 18.0 cm and 69.7 cm respectively at 4weeks after sowing when compared with values obtained in plots treated with urea, poultry manure and control. In addition, the application of organometal on the vegetables produced the highest yield and was significantly different from the other sources of nutrients used in the experiment.
Distribution of Birds in Communities around Kakum National Park (Knp), Ghana, Using Foraging Behaviors
Agyen Kennedy1; Agyei-Ohemeng, J Asamoah, F. B. 1; Richard Obour1 and Bright Adu Yeboah2
ABSTRACT
The study was undertaken in Kakum, National Park of Kakum Conservation Area Ghana in the wet season 2022 to identify birds and determine their distribution based on their foraging habits. Using both purposive and convenience sampling, transects and surveys, birds were counted by Point counts and opportunistic surveys All birds were observed at a fixed location using an Opticron Polarex 8×40 binocular and identification of bird species were confirmed by birds of Ghana and recorded vocal reply of birds. Birds coordinate and location was taken at all station using a Gramin GPS device. The results were documented and analyzed in Microsoft Excel 2016 and presented in graphs. A checklist of identified birds’ species was produced with reference to Birds of Ghana. Arc Map (Arc GIS 10.3) was used to plot the locations of species and survey points on the map of the study area. Ten categories of feeding guilds were identified. An Anova test result from the study indicates a p-value of 0.976, showing that there are no significant differences among the birds’ population in the various communities. Family Ploceidae an insectivorous birds dominates the population in the study area. Insects are known to be favored by moist conditions and dense foliage, which is characteristic of the Kakum Conservation Area, hence insects being a ready source of food for birds.
Cheek List of Ethnobotanical Plants of Tehsil Colony, Samarbagh, District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Shakir Ullah1, Sawera Iman1, Said Rafiullah1, Ruqia Mahmood1, Parviz Khan1, Saeed Anwar1, Zeeshan
Khan1, Rehan Ullah2
ABSTRACT
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the flora of Smarbagh Colony from August 2021 to September 2022. Smarbagh Colony situated in District Dir Lower, in regards to exploring the ethnobotanical potentiality of plants in the area. A total of 75 species belong to fifty-five families. Out of fifty-five families fifty-one families belong to angiosperm and one family belongs to gymnosperm and three families belong to Pteridophytes. Out of 39 families of angiosperms 4 families belong to Monocot and 47 families belong to Dicot. Rosaceae family has the largest number of species 7, followed by Poaceae and Lamiaceae have 5, 5 species, Asteraceae and Rutaceae have 4 species and Polygonaceae, Rhamnaceae and Urticaceae have 3 species. Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Ebenacaeae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, Moraceae and Solanaceae have 2 species, while the remaining families show the lowest number of species. Ethnobotanical study of plants clearly showed that all the 90 plant species reported from Tehsil Colony, Samarbagh had some kind of traditional or vernacular uses in the district. The largest ethnobotanical class was of 31 species which were used as Medicinal, followed by 25 Fodder and Forage species, 14 fuel wood species, plant species that were used for more than three purposes (miscellaneous), 11 species were used as a vegetable, while 9 species are ornamental plants. The results indicate that the area is climatically and ecologically dry temperate i.e., high species richness and low abundance and this is supported by the majority of species used as fodder and forage.
Comparative Study of Apis cerena and Apis mellifera
Dharma Raj Katuwal1*, Alina Pokhrel2 and Dipak Khanal3
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a comparative analysis of the two most important
honeybees found worldwide, namely, Apis cerana (Asian honeybee) and
Apis mellifera (European honeybee). Both species are popular for their
high-quality honey production and as effective pollinators. A. cerana is
known for its hardiness, disease resistance, and ability to tolerate a wide
range of temperatures. Additionally, A. cerana is smaller in size than A.
mellifera and exhibits a shyer nature. Both species have similar life cycles,
but A. cerana demonstrates greater hygiene awareness and is more
capable of defending itself against potential threats or disturbances. This
paper highlights the importance of understanding the unique
characteristics of these two species, which can help inform management
practices for beekeepers and aid in conservation efforts for these vital
pollinators.
Perceptions and Practices on Postharvest Management Investment for Resilient Livelihoods in Uporoto Highlands of Tanzania
Brown Gwambene*
ABSTRACT
Sub-Saharan Africa experiences seasonal loss of millions of tons of food and produces due to low postharvest infrastructure investment. Postharvest loss impedes the achievement of SDG 2 of Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. This study employed a survey method to assess postharvest management for reducing food loss and waste among smallholder farmers, using questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations. The data collected were analyzed thematically, and trend analysis for qualitative data and SPSS and Microsoft Excel for quantitative data. Results revealed that a lack of investment in postharvest management is responsible for about 90% of crop loss, food shortage, and loss of income. Challenges highlighted during the study included poor storage, production systems, processing knowledge, cultural aspects, storage infrastructure, seasonal markets, and a need for more supportive environments. Packing in bags (71%) and the roof of the house (ceiling board) 97% were common postharvest preservation and storage methods, with negative repercussions on postharvest management. The study recommends promoting investment in postharvest management, improving knowledge, infrastructure, production, processing, storage, and distribution systems to reduce food loss and waste.
Bioefficacy of insecticides against fall armyworm Spodoptera fergpirda on maize crop under field condition of Tandojam, Sindh
Sajjad Hussain Rind1, Shafique Ahmed Rind2, Atta Hussain Rind3
ABSTRACT
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera fergpirda) is one of the destructive insect pests of agricultural crops, particularly maize in the field condition. It has severely damaged the maize in the early stage of crops. The efficacy of different insecticides such as Emamectin Benzoate 019EC, Chlorantraniliprole + Thiamethoxome 14% WDG, Lufeneron 05EC, Chlorantraniliprole + Thiamethoxome 17.5%SC, Chlorantraniliprole 20SC and control were used in the study. In the first spray maximum population reduction of S. fergpirda (90.377 %) was recorded for Chlorantraniliprole 20SC followed by Chlorantraniliprole+Thiamethoxome 14%WDG (68.287%), Chlorantraniliprole + Thiamethoxome 17.5%SC (58.283 %), Emamectin Benzoate 019EC (53.117%), and Lufeneron 05EC (37.800%), whereas minimum population reduction of S. fergpirda was observed from control treatment. Similarly in the second spray highest population of S. fergpirda reduction was determine for Chlorantraniliprole 20SC (91.680%) followed by Chlorantraniliprole +Thiamethoxome 14% WDG (78.307%), Chlorantraniliprole +Thiamethoxome 17.5%SC (63.683%), Emamectin Benzoate 019EC (54.823%), Lufeneron 05EC (34.797%) and lowest population reduction was recorded in control treatments. Therefore, findings of the current study Chlorantraniliprole 20SC was found more effective for the management of S. fergipirda on maize crop under field condition.
Perception of Climate Change among College Students in Lahore
Sana Akhtar*, Roohia Chishtee, Rabia Amir, Afifa Riasat Khan
ABSTRACT
The climate is changing with time. There are various activities through
which our climate changes. Human activities mainly contribute to the
change of climate. If we see the impacts of climate change, they are
extensive. Almost all the developing countries in the world are seriously
threatened by the impacts of change in climate. Understanding the
phenomenon of climate change is not that easy, it requires a lot of
thinking and discussion. If we talk about Pakistan, it is most exposed to
climate change and its impacts. This study basically examined the
awareness of climate change among college students in Lahore.
Additionally, the study also surveyed how human activities contribute to
climate change and how the impacts can be mitigated. A total of 403
students were asked to fill in the responses in Lahore belonging to
different ages, gender, education level, and economic status. The study
found that individuals who had a higher level of education were more
likely to be aware of the climate and the impact of their actions on the
environment. This highlights the importance of education in promoting
sustainable behavior and improving environmental quality. Overall, this
study provides valuable insights into students’ attitudes toward climate
change and environmental responsibility, which can inform policy
decisions aimed at promoting sustainable practices and protecting our
planet for future generations.
Analysis of Dry Season Vegetable Production among Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
Ajeh, O.O., Mbah, E.N. and Iornenge, G.M.
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to analyze dry-season vegetable production among farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire from a sample of 182 respondents. Frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation and factor analysis were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that 52.2% of the respondents were aged between 31 and 40 years, the majority (71.4%) were female, married (78.6%) and 74.2% had a household size of 3-6 persons, among others. Results also revealed that the major reasons for engaging in dry season vegetable production in the study area were improving food security and nutrition (M=2.93), income generation (M=2.90), access to vegetables for household consumption (M=2.90), eradicate extreme hunger and poverty (M=2.89) and employment generation (M=2.54). Findings further revealed that major perceived challenges of dry-season vegetable production in the study area were named infrastructural, input related and environmental factors based on the item loading for factors 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The study concluded that the respondents were engaged in dry-season vegetable production in order to increase household consumption and generate additional income for economic empowerment. It is recommended that creating an enabling environment for the business to thrive as well as provision of infrastructural and credit facilities will enhance increase in production.
Effects of Planting Population, Planting Position and Number of Nodes per Cutting on Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Seed Yield
A.O.Ikeh1, A. J. Nwanne2, and H.U.Sampson3
ABSTRACT
A field study was conducted at National Cereals Research Institute, Uyo Out-Station in Akwa Ibom State in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the effects of plant population, planting position, and the number of nodes per cutting on cassava seed yield. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated thrice in 4 x 3 x 4 factorial arrangements. Factor A treatments were four plant populations per hectare (10,000, 12500, 16666.67, and 20,000). Factor B treatments were three planting positions: slanting, vertical, and horizontal while factor C treatments were a number of nodes per stem cutting (2, 3, 4, and 5). The result of the establishment percentage showed a significantly different (p<0.05) in the treatment of the number of nodes per cutting. Treatment of 5 nodes per plant had a significant establishment percentage (100%) in 2012 and 2013 while treatment of 2- nodes per plant had poor establishment percentages of 60.00 and 60.50 %, respectively. Treatment of 20,000 plant/hectare produced a significantly higher number of stem bundles/ha; 815.30 and 875.22 in 2012 and 2013. The 10, 000 plants/hectare, had the least number of stem bundles/ha; 306.00 and 309.33. Horizontal planting produced a significantly higher number of bundles/ha; 921.68 and 943.17 in both years, followed by 643.41 and 705.30 bundles recorded in a slant position. The least number of stem bundles; 314 and 330.66 was recorded in vertical position. Seed yield as influenced by the number of nodes per cutting also showed a significant difference (p<0.05). Treatment of 5 nodes had significant cassava seed yield of 745.34 and 722.12 bundles/ha while the least; 431.68 and 474.33 were recorded in the treatment of 2 nodes. The study also revealed that plant population per hectare, planting position and number of nodes per cutting influences cassava storage yielded. Farmers were advised to adopt a 20,000 plants population per hectare with 4 nodes per stem cutting and plant horizontal position for higher stem multiplication but if storage root is the sole target, farmers should plant at least 4 nodes per cutting, plant in horizontal position in plant population of 12,500 stands per hectare.
Response of Syngonium podophyllum Plant Growth and Chemical Composition to Chlorophyllin Fertilizer
A. M. Sami 1, H. A. Bedour2, Tarek El-Tayeb3, M. T. Nermeen4, and A.H. Ibrhim5
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effect of spraying Chlorophyllin, derived from
chlorophyll, on Syngonium podophyum plant growth and chemical
composition. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Cairo,
Egypt, using three concentrations of Chlorophyllin (0, 100, 200, and 300
ppm) applied three times over 9 months. The results showed that the
highest growth parameters (plant height, root length, number of leaves,
stem thickness, number of successors, shoot fresh or dry weight, and leaf
area) were recorded with Chlorophyllin spray at 100, 200, and 300 ppm.
Chlorophyllin application had no significant effect on other parameters
such as stem diameter and fresh and dry weight. The study concluded
that Chlorophyllin spraying significantly promoted plant growth and
could be used as a growth enhancer.