Agriculture Journal:: IJOEAR: November 2016 Issue

Determinants of Cocoa Farmer’s Participation in the Innovation Platform of the Humidtropics Programme in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract— In an effort to determine factors influencing cocoa farmer’s participation in innovation platform (IP) activities of the Humidtropics programme, data was collected from purposively selected 177 farmers using multistage technique sampling technique and was gathered through the use of structured interview schedule. Data were collected and analyzed with percentage, frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and factor analysis. The study shows the mean age of the cocoa farmers in the IP to be 51.16±12.64 with about 52% aged above 50 years, female were only (23.73%), with more than 75^th percentile literacy level and only about 31% of respondents generate annual income from farming above ₦50,000 while about 70% made below ₦40,000 extra income from other occupation. The mean farm size was 16.87 ±16.04 acre, farming experience 25.42±10.48 years and household size was 9.78±5.52. The six significant determinants of cocoa farmer’s participation in IP arranged in order of magnitude are psychological factor (λ = 3.158), experience factor (λ = 2.164), community related factor (λ = 1.697) educational factor (λ = 1.854), economic factor (λ =1.438) and internal factor (λ = 1.113). The summative effect of the identified factors accounted for 76.17 % variation observed in cocoa farmer’s participation in the IP.

Keywords— Innovation platform, Humidtropic programme, cocoa farmers and participation determinants.

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Impact of Bio-fertilizer with NP Application on yield and yield components of wheat variety Tijaban-10

Abstract— It was noted from the present study that the maximum grain yield and fresh biomass yield 2799 kg ha^-1 and 10373 kg ha^-1 respectively was recorded in treatment-3 with application of Bio-fertilizer (AzospirillumA1-Q) + N 45kgha^-1 and P₂O₅ 30kgha^-1.Whereas, minimum grain yield and fresh biomass yield 1340 Kg ha¹ and 6783 kg ha^-1 respectively was noted in treatment-1 (control). Both grain and biomass yield increased due to increase in number of tillers, grain weight and suitable Nitrogen fixation, showing positive effect of mineral fertilizer (Biomass yield= Clipping of crop before heading stage for fodder purposes). The results proved that application of bio fertilizer in combination with N 45 kg ha^-1 and P₂O₅ 30 kg ha^-1 increased 100% grain yield and 52% fresh biomass yield as compared to the treatment-1 (control).

Keywords— Wheat, Bio-fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorous, yield components.

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Chemical analysis of agro-pollutant coir pith- a byproduct of coir industry

Abstract— Coir pith is a byproduct of coir industry. It is dumped as an agricultural waste for a long period of time. Usually it is disposed by burning which may release lot of carbon into atmosphere causing air pollution. Coir waste has a high lignin and cellulose content. its carbon nitrogen ratio is around 100:1. Because of the high lignin content Left to itself, coir waste takes decades to decompose.Thus it is leached out during course of time due to rain in to water resources causing water pollution. Enhanced microbial activity due to climatic effects eventually degrades the pith. Coir pith is recalcitrant and accumulates in the environment forming hillocks posing environmental pollution in the areas close to coir fiber extraction units. In this study, 4 samples of coir pith at different stages as a function of time were selected and the chemical contents were compared for the degradation studies. It was observed that the raw coir pith contained higher chemical contents. Therefore, coir pith can be treated with the help of microbes in the raw stage itself and can be used as the raw material for plant growth in an eco-friendly way.

Keywords— Cellulose, Coir pith, Electrical conductivity, Lignin, pH, Total dissolved solids.

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Diagnostic Techniques for porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV-2) by Optical and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract— The porcine circovirus type 2 is the etiologic agent of the post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) or post-weaning multisystemic cachetizing syndrome. Swine circovirosis is considered an emerging disease that can become a limiting factor for the development of the porcine industry worldwide. This study is aimed at detecting the PCV-2 presence in organ fragments of 65 terminated pigs from slaughterhouses in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, using histopathology and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Microscopic lesions were found in 84 (18.46%) organ fragments from 12 necropsied pigs. Various degrees of lymphoid depletion and diffuse infiltration of histiocytes, presence of giant cells and basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions were the main lesions observed by histological technique of H & E. Using the immunohistochemistry technique, 84 (18.46%) organ fragments were positively stained in brown by DAB, varying in intensity and location according to the selected tissue. Following the in situ hybridization technique, in all 84 (18.46%) organ fragments positive cells were found in the inflammatory infiltrates, including macrophages. By the negative staining technique, non-enveloped, isometric, circovirus-like particles were found, characterized as “complete” and “empty”, measuring 17 nm in diameter in 84 (18.46%) organ fragments. The antigen-antibody interaction was characterized by aggregation of circovirus particles in the immuno-electron microscopy, in all positive samples. Using the immunocytochemistry technique, the antigen-antibody interaction was strongly enhanced by the dense colloidal gold particles over the circovirus. The results of the histopathological techniques were similar to those of the transmission electron microscopy techniques, both being satisfactory for detection of PCV-2.

Keywords— Histopathology, Swine, Transmission electron microscopy, Type 2 Circovirus.

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Evaluation of Genotype x Environment Interaction on Morphological Characteristics of Eight Selected Labisia pumila var. alata Clones (Kacip Fatimah) by Francis and Kannenbergs Method

Abstract—Since Labisia pumila species are not yet produce locally, it is important for this species to undergo propagation and testing at different environment in different location so that only variety or clones that has good mean plant growth over a wide range of environments can be identified as well as introduced to Malaysia farmer. In other means, the selected clones of L. pumila produced are genetically superior and genetically stable. The aim of this study is to evaluate interaction of genotype x environment between eight selected Labisia pumila var. alata clones and to identify stability of these eight clones respected to plant growth characteristics; plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, and collar region. Eight clones (KF01, KF02, KF03, KF04, KF05, KF06, KF07 and KF08) had tested at four different locations of FRIM Research Station; SPF Mata Ayer, Perlis; SPF Maran, Pahang; SPF Setiu, Terengganu; and FRIM Kepong, Selangor. The experimental unit consisted of 3 blocks, 0.7 m between clone and 0.4 m within rows in randomized complete block design (RCBD) at area of 0.04 ha under a drip irrigation system. Clones main effect from ANOVA analysis was found in give highly contribution for the phenotypic expression of this species at each locations. Across locations, highly significant was found for clone and location / (GXE) effects. The interaction existed raised the need to use stability analysis by Francis and Kannenberg’s method to predict the stability. Results scattergram from Francis and Kannenberg’s method showed that clones KF07 and KF08 were shows its superiority in growth performances as both present in Group I. Thus, both were selected as potential elite planting materials as they considered stable and perform well in various range of environments at four locations trial.

Keywords— Environments, Labisia pumila, plant growth, scattergram, stability.

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Territorial Potential as A Factor of Development: A Model for the Management of the Rural Milieu in Mexico.

Abstract— Towards the problems faced by the rural milieu in the last decade, various means and procedures have been promoted in order to solve the situation. Nevertheless, institutional contributions have been limited and not too favorable where a better development in rural areas is concerned. Notwithstanding, thee efforts have been acknowledged as examples for the re-orientation of the government policy aimed at the rural sector. The objective of the present work is demonstrate that the development potential and the public programs that could have a possible impact, require methodological proposals that are sensitive vis à vis the various elements of the productive and social structure. This proposals should also be sensitive to the problems that hinder the betterment of the living conditions of the rural population and the promotion of territorial development. In order to try to solve these problems, we use a socio-spatial interaction model that shows the characteristics of the local activities and resources. The model also shows the role played by public, social and private actions as integrating factors in the development of the territories chosen for the actions in question.

Keywords— rural development, socio-spatial interaction, rural programs, territorial development potentials, territorial management.

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Quality of milk protein in dairy farms from Southeastern region of Brazil

Abstract— The quality of milk protein is related to the capacity of milk being processed or not, called thermal stability. Unstable Non Acid Milk is characterized by low casein stability that results in precipitation during alcohol test without presence of acidity on milk sample and determines great damages. This study had the objective of diagnosing protein quality and occurrence of Unstable Non Acid Milk on raw milk produced by dairy farms of the Southeastern region of Brazil. For investigation of occurrence, 201 dairy farms were chosen and received a trained technician to collect milk samples monthly. During one year 2,970 milk samples delivered in dairy plants were evaluated for milk quality (fat, protein, lactose, solids non fat, somatic cell count and total bacterial count) and for protein quality in terms of thermal stability using titratable acidity, alcohol test and pH. As a result, it was observed that 7% from 52 million liters of processed milk were classified as Unstable Non Acid Milk. There wasn’t relationship between occurrence of Unstable Non Acid Milk and milk production level. However, occurrence displayed a variation throughout months during the year, being the final of fall the highest incidence of the problem. The milk identified as Unstable Non Acid Milk showed changes on milk composition, in special for lactose, what can describe a possible relation between the problem and nutritional practices, more specific related to carbohydrate metabolism, what can help to find the prevention and/or control the problem of thermal stability related to milk protein.

Keywords— Milk Composition, Thermal Stability, Unstable Non Acid Milk.

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Dielectric Measurement of Euglena gracilis as a Multi-parametric Approach for Non-invasive Biomonitoring of Aquatic Environment

Abstract— Dielectric spectroscopy was employed for monitoring biophysical parameters of Euglena gracilis in suspension to assess a possibility of using this method for a new biomonitoring system for detecting and identifying pollutants in aquatic environments. E. gracilis was subjected to different types of membrane-affecting toxic chemicals (1 mM chlorpromazine, 1 mM HgCl₂, or 1 mM Triton X-100), and dielectric measurement of the cell suspension was carried out over a wide frequency range between 5 kHz and 3 MHz. All of these chemicals at the designated concentrations induced similar changes in cell motility of Euglena cells; flagellar activity was inhibited and rounding-up movement of the cell body was induced. These chemicals also induced distinct changes in dielectric properties of the cell suspension, but the manner of changes in dielectric behavior was unique to individual chemical species, suggesting a possible use of this technique for quick identification of toxic materials in aquatic environments.

Keywords— Biomonitoring, Dielectric spectroscopy, Impedance.

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Nutritional Security and Improvement of Yield through Mechanized Cultivation of Mungbean

Abstract— Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is one of the major pulse crops in Bangladesh. It contains different nutrient, vitamins, mineral and amino acid. Agricultural machinery play an important role to reduce drudgery of farm works as well as minimize operational time and production cost. An experiment was conducted with three treatments viz. T₁ = Two Wheel Tractor (2WT) + Broadcasting seed, T₂ = Power Tiller Operated Seeder (PTOS) and T₃ = Strip Tillage (Two wheel tractor operated seeder modified as Strip tillage seeding) on farm research. The objective of this study was to achieve the goal of increased Mungbean production in Bangladesh through different tillage and seeding methods. Besides, to disseminate information in the farmer’s level conservation tillage is new technology for increasing and sustaining productivity of Mungbean cultivation in mechanized way. From the study, the results revealed that seeding with Power Tiller Operated Seeder (PTOS) treatment was the most effective for production of Mungbean among all tillage and seeding methods in considering total yield 1582.53 Kg/ha. So, it may be concluded that the treatment Power Tiller Operated Seeder (PTOS) considered as the best treatment compared to all other treatments and it can be recommended for more Mungbean production and ensuring nutritional security.

Keywords—Mechanized cultivation, power tiller operated seeder, strip tillage and two wheel tractor.

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Trypanosome parasites and its diverse hosts: A Review

The aim of this review is to summarize what is currently known about the interactions between trypanosomatid parasites, its hosts and thoughts about their impact on environmental health, especially in those regions where hosts are natural reserves of many species. Wild life has been a major source of infectious diseases transmissible to humans [1, 2]. The zoonoses with a wild life reservoir represent an important public health problem all over the continents. A zoonosis is an infectious disease transmittable between animals and humans [3]. It is thought that trypanosomes had a single origin monogenetic as exclusively insect-borne parasites and later become digenetic parasites when vertebrates emerged since the Mesozoic era 230 mya [4]. Trypanosomes belong to the order Kinetoplastida and they infect many organisms.

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Genomic identification of rhizobia-related strains and threshold of ANI and core-genome for family, genus and species

Abstract—Aiming at accurately and rapidly identifying our heavy metal resistant rhizobial strains, genomic average nucleotide identity (ANI) and core genome analyses were performed to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among 45 strains in the families of Rhizobiaceae and Bradyrhizobiaceae. The results showed that both of the ANI and core-genome phylogenetic trees revealed similar relationship. In ANI analysis, the 90%, 75% and 70% ANI values could be the thresholds for species, genus and family, respectively. Analyzing the genomes using multi-dimensional scaling and scatter plot showed highly consistent with the ANI and core-genome phylogenetic results. With these thresholds, the 45 strains were divided into 24 genomic species within the genera Agrobacterium, Allorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Sinorhizobium and a putative novel genus represented by Ag. albertimagni AOL15. The ten arsenite-oxidizing and antimonite tolerant strains were identified as Ag. radiobacter, and two Sinorhizobium genomic species differing from S. fredii. In addition, the description of Pararhizobium is questioned because ANI values greater than 75% were detected between P. giardinii H152T and Sinorhizobium strains. Also, reversion of the species definition for several strains in R. etli and R. leguminosarum was suggested. Our results demonstrate that analyses of ANI and core-genome are rapid and confident methods to identify the rhizobial strains, and it will be also convenient when more genome data are accumulated.

Keywords—Antimonite tolerance, arsenite-oxidation, genome, phylogeny, Rhizobia.

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Occurrence of Albino Gazella bennetti in Viratra mata Oran (Sacred land) of Chohtan, Barmer (Thar Desert of Rajasthan) India

Abstract— The study carried out at the Viratra mata oran, Dhok (Chohtan) village of the Barmer district and this study is completely based on the observation and interview of the local people for occurrence of albino Indian Gazelle locally called Chinkara at the study site. The Indian Gazelle is considered an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this Paper we describe the occurrence of Albino Indian Gazelle in this region (Viratra mata oran, Dhok village of the Barmer district). This area is located west site of the Barmer near by the Pakistan border. General eco-behavior of this animal is noted which are similar to the normal Indian Gazelle.

Keywords— Albino, Chinkara, Gazella bennetti, Oran, Threats.

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Bioremediation Through The Use of Indigenous Natural Resources vis-a-vis Its Impact on Morphology, Metabolism, Yield, Soil Health and Soil Biodiversity of Paddy Field Under Fluoride Toxicity

Abstract— An assessment was undertaken to study the combating capacity of bacterial consortia isolated from different sources viz. oil spillage sludge and water spillage of petrol pump and rhizosphere of rice plant against the fluoride toxicity under field condition. Oryza sativa was selected as a test species. The recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (70:35:35) and different concentration of sodium fluoride (25 , 50 , 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 and 500 mg Kg^-1 F) were used for first set of experiment and the second set were treated with vermicompost, compost, bacterial consortia and different concentration of sodium fluoride(25 ; 50 , 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 and 500 mg Kg^-1 F). Among all of the species Penicillium, Aspergillus and Fusarium were resistant and survived under fluoride polluted condition. One unique thing was observed from these experiment that paddy which were grown under indigenous organic inputs treated plots gave maximum yield under T₁ treatment (25 mg Kg^-1 F) which was above the control set. Moreover, stress enduring metabolites viz. proline content of flag leaves were lowest recorded under indigenous organic inputs treated plots as compared to chemical fertilizer treated plots. Data were significantly different at 5% level using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. From the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) value of paddy clearly depicted that the crop of those plots were treated with indigenous organic inputs were more resistant for enduring stress condition. In these experiment combination of vermicompost, compost and bacterial consortia were capable of reducing the amount of fluoride within plant parts especially in grains (< 0.3 mg Kg^-1 as recommended by EPA, FAO and WHO), where fluoride was within permissible range as well as they reduced the fluoride content within the soil (2.57-16.44 mg Kg^-1. as recommended by FAO, EPA, and WHO) as was noted by measuring the fluoride in the plant parts and soil after the experiment. Therefore, bacterial consortia could be an alternative for bioremediation of fluoride.

Keywords— APTI, Fluoride, Oil spilled site, Stress enduring metabolites, Vermicompost.

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What we know currently about the Metalloproteins in the protozoa Tetrahymena pyriformis and thermophila.

Abstract— In recent years, the protozoan Tetrahymena is used as a model to detect aquatic toxicity and eco-toxicological effects with its application as a "whole-cell biosensor" (WCB) to be the mostly known for the environmental monitoring of heavy metal pollution. This review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge of identified metalloprotein coding genes in Tetrahymena pyriformis and thermophile species..

Keywords— metalloproteins, protozoan, Tetrahymena, whole-cell biosensor (WCB).

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In vitro root induction and growth of Lens esculenta and Physalis ixocarpa shoot explants by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

Abstract— Direct effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are associated with the production of phytohormones and clearly the root growth promotion is one of the major markers by which the beneficial effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria is measured. Recent studies reported that treatments of stem cuttings with beneficial microorganisms such as Agrobacterium, Alcaligenes, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Streptomyces species, induce on rhizogenesis, growth promotion of in vitro cultured plants by the natural auxin production of these bacteria and their Inoculation in tissue culture eliminate many of the difficulties associated with the rooting of stem cuttings and protect the micropropagated plants against biotic and abiotic stress. The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of the auxin rhizobacteria producer Pseudomonas sp. strain C2 on rooting and shoot elongation of Lens esculenta and Physalis ixocarpa stem cuttings. In this work, two particularly responses were obtained: root production and shoot elongation in Physalis ixocarpa and only shoot elongation in Lens esculenta stem cuttings. In both plants their mass clonal propagation response was clearly related to their genetic nature, although there was evident the stimulation of growth by the presence of the inoculated Pseudomonas sp. strain C2.

Keywords—plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Physalis ixocarpa, Lens esculenta, stem cuttings, in vitro plants.

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Agriculture Journal:: IJOEAR: October 2016 Issue

Interception of Photosynthetically Active on Cocoa Plantations in Mexico

Abstract— The cocoa or cacao tree (Theobroma cacao L.) requires shade to efficiently perform its physiological processes. The objectives of this study were to characterize the shading on cocoa plantations in the Chontalpa region of Tabasco to generate possible pruning and phytosanitary control recommendations, and to measure the PAR in three strata of the cocoa agroecosystems to determine the shade percentage and the amount of PAR intercepted by shade and cocoa trees in the sampled plots. PAR was measured in units of µmol/m²/s using a ceptometer. PAR readings were taken on sunny days in three vertical strata, namely the upper, middle and lower parts, and an average of five readings per stratum were considered for plantations with 1 to 10 acres, and 25 to 30 readings per stratum for plantations greater than 10 hectares. The results for the plantations studied indicate that on average 49.1% of the PAR reaches the cocoa plants and only 10.3% reaches the soil surface. The PAR used by cocoa averaged 620 µmol/cm²/s, which represent only 38.9% of the total incident radiation. The PAR measured in the middle and lower strata of the cocoa plantations has a negative logarithmic effect on the shade percentage and is a reliable indicator for estimating the shade percentage in cocoa plantations. There is a direct relationship between the intercepted PAR or shade percentage and the pruning practices performed by the producer on the cocoa plantations.

Keywords— Cocoa productivity, Photosynthetically active radiation, Shade percentage, Shade trees.

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Host resistance breeding against the virus diseases of soybean in Nepal

Abstract— Soybean is a miracle legume crop of Nepal which shares 7% out of total legume production and ranks third position after lentil (MOAD, 2015). Being high nutritious legume crop helps to food & nutritional security and sustainable soil management in the system niches. Soybean is mainly consumed as roasted bean or green pod as vegetable and grown in either rice bund or intercropped with maize in mid hills of Nepal. It has a great potentiality for commercial cultivation in terai/inner terai, as soybean is becoming one of the important ingredient of poultry feed which is well thriving in Nepal. However the national productivity of soybean was very low due to the vulnerable to virus diseases. There is a long list of diseases that infect soybean and many diseases are of soil borne nature and pathogens survive in the soil for a long period of time. MYMV are the important diseases of soybean observed in terai/ inner terai region of Nepal. White fly (BemisiatabaciGenn.) transmitted Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus has been a serious threat to blackgram, soybean, mungbean and cowpea production in terai / inner terai and foot hills. Yield losses up to 100%, 52.6% and 21% have been reported due to MYMV in blackgram, mungbean and soybean, respectively. Farmers have been using a variety of fungicides indiscriminately which has serious hazardous effects on environment and human health. Efforts to validate farmers’ indigenous knowledge for MYMV management turned futile since no treatment appeared beneficial in susceptible cultivar like Chapbas Local in hot spot location i.e. Rampur. Some genotypes have been observed resistant to MYMV in mungbean while genotypes with durable resistance are scanty in blackgram and soybean. Unavailability of suitable variety for various cropping patterns such as Maize-soybean-toria /other winter crops, Rice+Soybean (Bund Planting) has been realized in the recent years. Released varieties have more or less smaller seed size, susceptible to different foliar diseases Like YMV and longer maturity period (135-145 days), which farmers usually don't prefer. Varietal differences have been observed in its severity. Chemical control measures are not environmentally friendly. Under such situation use of resistant varieties and manipulations in cultivation practices are important options for the management of grain legume diseases. This approach is accessible to marginal and disadvantaged farmers too. In this context, the main objective of the study was to identify high yielding and resistant to yellow mosaic virus diseases tolerant of soybean suited for existing cropping system. MYMV severity is gradually building up at Rampur, Chitwan. High population of white fly (Bemisiatabaci) observed during the crop season. For this, many local landraces and exotic lines received from IITA and AVRDC were evaluated at Rampur. Three years research results (2012-2014) revealed that soybean genotypes CM9125, G8754, LS-77-16-16, SB0065 and SB0095 showed resistant to MYMV and Chaing Maw 60-63, CM9133, Dhankuta and SJ-4 were moderately resistant in physical observation. These genotypes were promoted in participatory trials to validate at the farmers field and seed increase program at farm level of different agro eco-system. Besides legume breeders are being used it as a parent materials in crossing program to develop disease resistant high yielding varieties at the research station.

Keywords— Soybean, Yellow Mosaic Virus, genotypes, cropping system.

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Control of Mites and Thrips and its Impact on the Yield of Avocado cv. “Hass” in Filo de Caballos, Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract— For social and economic reasons Avocado is an important crop; however, some arthropods, of which mites are especially important, can limit its production, as is the case in the state of Guerrero. In order to determine which treatment is the best for controlling these pests, an experiment was carried out in Filo de Caballos, Guerrero, where five treatments were applied, together with an absolute control. Sampling was continuous, and the mites found in each treatment were counted. The treatment was applied when the economic threshold of 10 mites/leaf/tree was reached. The best treatments for controlling mites were T1 (abamectin and azadirachtin), and T3 (abamectin and imidacloprid), with 8 and 10 applications each. The population of thrips never reached the economic threshold; their densities were low throughout the experiment. Treatments 4, 1, 3, 2, and 5 had higher weights and they were classified into the “Extra” caliber. The fruits with the greatest length were those from treatments 4, 1, 3, 2 and 5, ordered decreasingly according to their size. Regarding fruit quality, the differences were not well marked among the treatments. The choice of control to be used is left to the farmers; however, it is necessary to remember that there are alternatives to the control of mites and thrips that help to increase caliber, size, and fruit quality.

Keywords— Avocado, Oligonychus punicae, Oligonychus perseae.

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Production and characterization of fermented rice flour containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Abstract— Fermented foods provides therapeutical attributes beyond their basic nutritional value and are known to reduce disease risk. Broken rice was fermented using Enterococcus faecium NCIM 5593 and its fermentation characteristics was studied. Attempts were made to formulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) containing fermented rice flour (GFRF) by lactic acid fermentation. Fermentation enhanced the level of GABA and antioxidant phenolics. GFRF exhibited potential antioxidant capacity evaluated against DPPH (77.89±1.85 mg vitamin C equivalent/g dry matter) and ABTS (163.21±2.81 mg vitamin C equivalent/g dry matter) radicals. Fermentation significantly increased the levels of proteins and reduced carbohydrate content. Microstructure of GFRF was also influenced, where its starch granules where released from its enclosed structure after fermentation. In addition, fermentation enhanced the whiteness of the flour. This investigation shows evidence that fermentation modified the functionality of GFRF and can be used as a functional food ingredient. Further studies are directed towards studying the effect of GFRF extract to ameliorate neurotoxin induced oxidative dysfunctions and neurotoxicity in mice model.

Keywords— Fermentation, Fermented foods, Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Microstructure, Antioxidant.

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MicroRNAs regulated cell differentiation in plants: Case Study

Abstract— MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function on post-transcriptional gene silencing and regulate the gene expression by degrading the transcripts of their targets, leading to down-regulation of the target genes. Plant miRNAs have been reported to play important roles in developmental control, hormone secretion, cell proliferation, and response to environmental stresses. In this review, we have reviewed miRNA expression and its potential role in regulating cell differentiation in Arabidopsis and summarized the miRNAs regulated cell differentiation during root, shoot, leave, and embryo development. We have further described practical application of expression of miRNAs in plant molecular breeding.

Keywords— Cell differentiation, gene expression, microRNAs, post-transcriptional gene silencing, root, shoot, leave, embryo development.

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Resistance of corn inbred lines to foliar diseases in two planting dates

Abstract— The aim of this study was to attempt to identify elite inbred lines resistant to tropical rust, southern rust, gray leaf spot, northern leaf blight, physoderma brown spot and phaeosphaeria leaf spot. Fifty inbred lines were evaluated, in two seasons, in randomized blocks with 3 replications for AUDPC (Area Under the Disease Progress Curve), obtained by evaluation of the disease at 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after planting. Rating of at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 corresponded to 0, 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and > 80% of leaf symptoms, respectively. The joint analysis of variance had significant differences between inbred lines for tropical rust, southern rust, gray leaf spot and phaeosphaeria leaf spot. There was a significant interaction between inbred lines and seasons for both tropical rust and southern rust. In season 1, tropical rust, southern rust and gray leaf spot differed significantly. In season 2, significant differences occurred for southern rust and phaeosphaeria leaf spot. We found 12 inbred lines with improved levels of resistance to tropical rust, southern rust and gray leaf spot. For phaeosphaeria leaf spot, 38 inbred lines had satisfactory resistance.

Keywords— Gray leaf spot, Northern leaf blight, Phaeosphaeria leaf spot, Physoderma brown spot, Rust.

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Mineral balance and absorption from soil of Pennisetum sp at different stages

Abstract— Forage availability, in quantity and quality, is essential for livestock development. In this context, the aim of this study was to characterize the macro and micro elements of Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum sp) in function of different harvest frequencies under subsurface drip irrigation. The results showed that mineral concentration in plants depends on: (i) the retention in soil and/or elapsed time for nutrient to be available after a manure application. In this sense, due to the large P retention capacity of Andosols, soil P and Mg mineralization were very slow, in spite of root activity and its influence in the soil balance (ii) the age of the plant: all element concentrations decreased as the plant grew old, except Na. The concentration values between leaf and sheath showed significant differences for all elements except for P and Cu. Thus Ca, Mg, B, Fe and Mn contents were significantly higher in leaf than in sheath while K, Na and Zn were lower in leaf. B contents were also higher in leaves. The ratio K/ (Ca+Mg) for all ages of the plant was higher than 2.2, increasing the possibility of induced hypocalcaemia.

Keywords— Maralfafa, mineral uptake, nutrient concentration, ratio K/Ca, soil depletion.

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Using next generation sequencing to describe epiphytic microbiota associated with organic and conventionally managed apples

Abstract— Its seems likely that agricultural management as diverse as certified organic and conventional IPM practices would impact the microbiota associated with crop surfaces differently. We sampled organic and conventionally managed apples at multiple time-points in a growing season and characterized the bacterial taxa associated with replicates of each treatment type. Surprisingly, no evidence of significant differences persisting across multiple time-points was observed. Significant differential abundance of certain taxa was documented but when it was, it was primarily associated with a single time-point making it difficult to understand if these observations resulted from an environmental or a treatment effect. Principal component analyses demonstrated that sampling time-point explained more of the differences between bacterial communities than treatment. Description of dominant shared bacterial families for both organic and conventional samples included Oxalobacteraceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Sphingomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae.

Keywords— Organic, conventional, 16S, ITS, phyllosphere, bacteria, fungi.

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Cluster Analysis of Aerobic Heterotrophic Bacteria from Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii in Unwana River, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract— Fish is a major source of protein for humans, and it is patronized by many in the tropics – where fishes can either be cultivated in the farms domestically or caught from open water bodies such as rivers, ponds and streams. These various sources of fishes and their attendant diversity of microorganisms particularly the bacteria make fishes as potential sources of pathogens. The maintenance of the microbiological quality of food and water is important to prevent waterborne/foodborne diseases in any community, thus the need for this study. A total of 14 samples of water at different points (upstream, midstream and downstream) and 50 samples of live fishes were used for this study. Each of the fish sample was bacteriologically analyzed using the pour-plate and spread plate techniques on culture media plates. And the isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological identification techniques. The water samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis to determine the physical and chemical properties of the water. The relatedness of the isolated bacteria was established using cluster analysis/dendogram. The highest bacterial count was obtained from downstream water sample (5.6x10 cfu/ml), indicating a possible pollution of water at this point. Both aerobic heterotrophic Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were isolated. The Gram positive bacteria isolated include Staphylococcus lugdunensis, S. hominis, S. cohnii, Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, Kocuria varians while the Gram negative bacteria include Raoutella ornithinolytica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia fonticola, and Enterobacter gergoriae. Cluster analysis using dendrogram showed some degree of similarity among the different clusters of isolated bacteria. The result of this study presumptively shows that the water sample is polluted; and this in turn affects fresh water fishes in the river. Therefore the microbiological examination of the water at this study site is necessary for monitoring and controlling the quality and safety of the water for usage by the locals.

Keywords— Water Microbiology, Water Pollutants, Heterotrophic Bacteria, Cluster Analysis, Nigeria.

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Global custom-tailored machine learning of soil water content for locale specific irrigation modeling with high accuracy

Abstract—A novel approach to irrigation modeling is presented: the locale specific machine learning of soil moisture data. The merits of this new patent pending technique are clear when compared to existing methods, such as the AquaCrop program created by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). From a case study on the comparative performance of AquaCrop and machine learning in the extrapolative modeling of soil moisture, AquaCrop performed with a mean squared error of 0.00165 whereas the machine learning received 0.00013, an order of magnitude lower. In addition, a novel algorithm, the ConserWater™ algorithm, has been created for the purpose of machine learning soil moisture with accuracy and efficiency. The performance of the algorithm is very superior when compared to other popular machine learning techniques, as applied to soil moisture. Finally, to allow this technology to reach agriculturalists at the grassroots level, the entire world has been machine learned and the resultant models have been encapsulated into a lightweight easy-to-use smartphone application.

Keywords— ConserWater™, irrigation, machine learning, soil moisture.

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Hydrological responses to forest cover change in mountains under projected climate conditions

Abstract— This study quantified the hydrological responses to the forest cover change in the upper part of Sola River basin, Forest Creek catchment, southern Poland, under projected climatic conditions. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) will be applied to investigate the response of the hydrology regime to deforestation and reforestation processes. Under two emission scenarios (A1B and B1, IPCC) of the general circulation model GISS_E (NASA Goddard Institute) were employed to generate future possible climatic conditions. The detailed research was performed on a Forest Creek catchment during the 2002-2012.A key point is to assess both the rate of change in hydrological conditions after the collapse of the spruce stands and the time necessary to stabilize the water management after the afforestation. The results of elaborations show that deforestation process reduces the retention by 40% (10 years), in the same time water drainage from the catchment shortened by 47%.

Keywords— climate change, forest decomposition, water balance, SWAT.

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The effects of cadmium and cow manure on nodulation and growth attributes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract— Different biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the availability of heavy metals in soil including organic matter. In order to study the effects of cow manure on cadmium availability and their interactions on common bean nodulation and growth parameters, an experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions. The treatments included five cadmium levels (0, 2, 5, 10, 20 mg cadmium per kg soil) and four cow manure levels (0, 15, 30, 60 t ha-1) based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Results indicated that increased soil cadmium concentrations caused higher cadmium uptake by root tissues whereas, Root nodulation and total N content of shoot tissues decreased significantly at all cadmium concentration levels except for 2 mg Kg-1. In addition, the interaction of cow manure and high concentrations of cadmium caused a decrease in nodule number, nodule fresh weights and total N content of shoot in common bean.

Keywords— cadmium, common bean, cow manure, nitrogen, nodulation.

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Prevalence of pathogens and microbiological quality of milk marketed in the region of the Recôncavo from Bahia, Brazil

Abstract— Current study evaluates the sanitary quality and the presence of pathogens of crudeand processed bovine milk samples. Fifty-five samples from five municipalities in the Recôncavo da Bahia region were analyzed between May and July 2015. Psichrotrophic, mesophilic and thermophile rates were counted by depth plating method in standard agar; HiCrome ™ selective ECC was employed to quantify total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli O157: H7 was identified with fast method Singlepath®- E. coli O157. Staphylococcus aureuspopulation was estimated with Petrifilm ™ plates and Listeria monocytogeneswas identified by Singlepath L'Mono® kit. There was a greater contamination and presence of pathogens in the raw milk when compared to processed milk. However, total coliformswere detected in 14.28 %,Escherichia coliin 7.14 % and Escherichia coli O157: H7 in 2.04 % of processed milk. The enforcement by authorities against the illegal sale of raw milk and the monitoring of steps in milk production up to marketing should be mandatory.

Keywords— sanitary conditions, dairy industry, food safety.

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Essential oil of Baccharis as a sustainable alternative for small farmers in South America

Abstract— This work aimed at evaluating the insecticidal and repellent effect of essential oils of Baccharis trimera and Baccharis articulate leaves against the maize weevil in maize grains. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition showed that the major constituent was the carquejil acetate (73.6%) for B. trimera and β-pinene (22.3%) and β-cariofilene (21.5%) for B. articulate. Our results show that B. trimera oil was insecticidal and repellent to maize weevil. About 100% of mortality was achieved using concentrations of 0.32 μL.cm-2, after 24 h of exposure and the lower concentration 0.065 µL.cm-2 obtained similar results in 96 h. The LD50 value for B. trimera essential oil was 8.4 μL/ Petri dishes or 0.05 µL.cm-2. The results obtained indicate that the effect insecticidal of the essential oil of B. trimera is probably because of the presence of carquejil acetate. B. articulate showed low insecticidal activity. The values of the Preference level varied from -0.6 (0.065 μL.cm-2) to -0.9 (0.65 μL.cm-2) for B. trimera oil and -0.4 (0.065 μL.cm-2) to -0.7 (0.65 μL.cm-2) for B. articulata oil, being lower than -0.10. The minimum limit to consider that a plant has repellency activity, demonstrating that the both plants oils presents repellency activity. Although from an economical point of view synthetic chemicals are still more frequently used as repellents, we find the essential oil of B. trimera have potential to be used sustainably as bioinseticide by the small farmers.

Keywords— Baccharis trimera, Baccharis articulata, repellency activity, insecticidal activity, small farmer, sustainability.

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The Link between the User´s Health and Deficiencies in the Physical Indoor Environment

Abstract— In this project we study a school building where users for many years have complained about health problems. The symptoms reported are often nonspecific and are also common among the population in general, such as headache, fatigue, mucosal and skin problems. The purpose of this project is to investigate whether physical deficiencies in the indoor environment can be identified by measurements that can be linked to the health problems that users complain about. The starting point is to use a working model that not only seek damages in the building itself as the cause of the problems, but considering all polluting factors affecting the air environment. The measurement results, both the survey and the study of the physical measurements, show that there are problems with the air environment in the school building. The study shows that a link has been identified, that is the physical measurements show deficiencies in the air environment that is directly linked to the health problems that users complain about. Through a program of action a significant improvement of the indoor environment has been achieved, since the unhealthy emissions have been eliminated. Dry air prevails most of the year in the school building, below 40% and periodically below 20%. The cause of the dry air, are the air flows that the ventilation system creates. In Sweden the authorities pose far-reaching demands on the ventilation flow, causing technological systems installed to create these air flows. This would however go beyond the framework of this project.

Keywords— Hygiene and Health, Indoor Air quality, Indoor Humidity, Indoor Temperature.

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Allelochemicals of Neea theifera Oerst. (Nyctaginaceae) with phytotoxic potential on plant germination and growth

Abstract— Plant species able to produce phytotoxic substances are widely studied in agronomy because when identified and isolated can lead to herbicides or insecticides less toxic than current pesticides. Knowing the ecological characteristics of the Neea theifera species in cerrado biome, this study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxic effect of extracts and fractions of leaves and screen the secondary compounds in the methanol extract. The organic extracts and fractions showed phytotoxic potential in germination indexes, the initial growth of the root system and the mitotic index of L. sativa. In phytochemical screening performed by HPLC-PAD was possible to identify the presence of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, a secondary class of compounds widely known in the literature for its medicinal and allelopathic actions. Therefore, according to the results it can be concluded that the species N. theifera is capable of producing phytotoxic compounds, since the leaf extracts and fractions changed the pattern germination indexes, root length and mitotic index of lettuce.

Keywords— germination indexes, HPLC-PAD, mitotic index, Phytotoxicity, Root length.

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Metals accumulation and As releasing during interaction of clay and iron minerals with heterotrophic bacteria in soil and sediment bioleaching

Abstract— The soil and sediment samples with different content of metals and clay minerals were investigated during bioleaching. The increasing of clay and metal concentrations with decreasing particle size were found both in contaminated soil and sediment. Heterotrophic bioleaching of the iron rich clay fractions from the soil and the sediment were evaluated for his effectiveness in the cycling of iron bound As by consuming organic nutrients. The treatment involved the use of the indigenous bacteria, whose activity was combined with the chelating strength of EDDS, SDS, Na4P2O7 and fertilizers. Heterotrophic bacteria caused decomposition of iron binding deposition as is adsorption on clay with followed dissolving of Fe mainly by the sediment bioleaching. The concentration of iron decreased by precipitation with As sorption after 19 days of sediment bioleaching. The Cu and Zn extraction was inhibited by bioleaching during the iron and arsenic dissolution and precipitation. By contrast, the additives 3mM Cu and 3mM Zn were applied into medium and thus affected the activity of soil resistant heterotrophic bacteria with followed increasing of the iron and arsenic extraction by the soil clay bioleaching. Therefore, this study confirmed the soil and sediment bioleaching in Fe or As releasing efficiency under different conditions regulated by indigenous bacteria. The bioleaching can be a suitable technology for As removal from the untreated soil and sediment by stimulation of the resistant bacteria activity. The separation of clays from the soil and sediment samples did not decreased of toxic element limits because clay and iron minerals coated on coarse silicate particles and the clay fraction is bearers of metals which contaminate the soil and sediment environment.

Keywords— soil, sediment, clay minerals, heavy metals, bioleaching.

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Effect of fly ash on Crop Production around coal-fired thermal power plant in rural India

Abstract— The fly ash emitting from Kolaghat thermal power plant (KTPP), India, is affecting the crop production in the vicinity of power plant. Use of NPK fertilizers for cereal crops has increased by 0-50% in the surrounding area (<4km) during last four years (2011-2015) whereas it is 14.29% - 33.33% for the rest of Kolaghat block. Increase in use of nitrogen and phosphorus bearing fertilizers have been observed but potassium requirement (0-25%) has become lower within area 4km radius from KTPP. For the remaining area of the block, it is quite higher than that of adjacent area. Pest incidence has increased (66.67%) throughout the study area. But a considerable increase in pest attack has been observed in the nearer circles of KTPP. Doses of pesticides are higher (25% - 100%) in the adjacent area (<4km) than the rest of the block (12.5%-46.67%). Yields of different cultivated crops also have decreased by 1.08% - 24.7% in the area close to KTPP. On the other hand, the rest of the block has experienced little yield deviation (-0.2% to -9.34%) for all crops expect wheat (+6.48%), maize (+0.41%), mustard (+10.08%), and moong (Vigna radiata) that have gained more yields (+10.25%). Consequently, the cost of cultivation (<4km) is higher (12.5%-76.47%) than the rest (6.58%-62.5%) of the block. The results clearly show that the adverse impact of fly ash on crop production in the proximity (<4km) of KTPP. Site-specific crop adaptation, resources management, organic farming and good agricultural practices can nourish the agricultural sustainability and improve the socio-economic status in the affected area of coal-fired thermal power plant in rural India.

Keywords— crop production, cultivation cost, fertilizer application, fly ash, pest incidence.

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Influenced of Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Tuberose by the Application of Bulb and Fertilizers

Abstract— The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to investigate the influenced of yield and yield contributing characters of tuberose by the application of bulb and fertilizers. The experiment consisted of three bulb size viz., B₁- small (1.0-1.5 cm ); B₂- medium (1.6-2.5 cm) and B₃- large (2.6-3.0 cm ) in diameter and different sources of fertilizers viz.,F₀= control (no fertilizers ), F₁- chemical fertilizers 330, 150 and 200 kg ha^-1 of urea, TSP and MoP, respectively; F₂- vermicompost 5 t ha^-1; F₃- poultry litter 10 t ha^-1 and F_4- cowdung 20 t ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in a two factor Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The growth parameters as well as yield characters were greatly influenced by the application of poultry manure. In case of bulb size, the highest flower (12.45 t ha^-1) and bulb (23.93 t ha^-1) yield was recorded from B₃ and the lowest flower (8.83 t ha^-1) and bulb (12.94 t ha^-1) yield was recorded from B₁. In case of fertilizers, the highest flower (12.09 t ha^-1) and bulb (21.36 t ha^-1) yield was recorded from F₃ and the lowest flower (7.95 t ha^-1) and bulb (14.44 t ha^-1) from F₀. The maximum flower (14.19 t ha^-1) and bulb (27.19 t ha^-1) was found from the treatment combination of B₃F₃ and the minimum flower (6.16 t ha^-1) and bulb (10.15 t ha^-1) yield from B₁F₀. So, it may be concluded that large bulb size and 10 t ha^-1 poultry litter is best for growth, bulb and flower production of tuberose.

Keywords— Bulb size, flower yield, organic farming, poultry manure, tuberose.

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Biochemical changes induced by Bioneem (0.03%) formulation in chick embryogenesis (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract— In ovo studies on the effect of 1,3,5, ppm Bioneem (0.03%) formulation on Biochemical aspect of chick embryo revealed that there was dose dependent total protein reduction in 96 hrs old embryo (treated at 24 hrs) as compared to the control. Also there was reduction in total protein concentration Liver, Brain and Heart of 15 day old chick embryo (treated with Bioneem at 96 hrs. stage) as compared to that of control. Protein carbonyl concentration of 96 hrs old embryo (treated at 24 hrs with Bioneem) and that of Liver, Brain and Heart of 15 day old chick embryo (treated with bioneem at 96 hrs) increased in dose dependent manner. Most affected organ was Liver and least affected organ was Heart. Blood analysis of 15 day old chick embryo (treated with Bioneem at 96 hrs) showed increased level of Blood urea, LDH, SGOT, SGPT, while Serum alkaline phosphatase and serum cholesterol were decreased in dose dependent manner as compared to the control. Thus Bioneem though ecofriendly pesticide can adversely affect vertebrate non target organisms and therefore should be carefully used in pest management programs.

Keywords— Chick embryo, Bioneem, Protein carbonyl, Blood biochemistry.

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Agriculture Journal: September 2016

Spread of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) on the Žitný Ostrov (Slovakia) and Szigetköz (Hungary) in 2015

Abstract— Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is an invasive alien species indigenous to North America. Ragweed is a big threat to agriculture and has a serious impact on human health. One of the most important areas with ragweed occurrence within Europe is Pannonian Plain in Central Europe. This research introduces for the first time the unique, direct broad-scale survey of A. artemisiifolia in relation to real-life occurrence and infestation in the field. To understand the distribution of ragweed in the territory the geospatial analysis was applied to create 2D map in ArcGIS environment. The field survey was undertaken during summer 2015 in the Žitný ostrov (Slovakia) and Szigetköz (Hungary). Importance of ragweed survey in these two landscapes is not only because the agricultural significance, but is enhanced by the effect of its pollen on human health. The investigation revealed that spatial occurrence of A. artemisiifolia is not homogeneous and there is also striking territorial heterogeneity of infestation rate. In Žitný ostrov ragweed was observed at 143 (54,78%) out of 261 sites. In Szigetköz ragweed was observed at 50 (54,94%) out from 91 sites. This study offers inventory of ragweed frequency over the large area.

Keywords— real-life occurrence, spatial distribution, territorial heterogeneity, associated plant communities

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Managing Emerging Land use Pattern in Developing Nations: A Focus on ONDO, Nigeria

Abstract— The study assesses the urban expansion and landuse pattern of Ondo Township between 1986 and 2014. It also carried out intensive analysis of the urban land use and land cover types between the study period and identified the major factors contributing to the rapid expansion of the township. The study made use of primary and secondary data sets. The primary data sets include field observations for developing image-to-ground concordance, GPS data of 100 points of interest. The secondary data sets include Landsat imageries of 1986, 2002 and 2014, topographic map at scale 1:50000 covering the study area. The imageries of 1986, 2002 and 2014 were processed using the ENVI software. Supervised classification employing the maximum likelihood algorithm was carried out on each imagery. Furthermore, relevant urban expansion parameters including Land Consumption Rate (LCR) and the Land Absorption Coefficient (LAC) were computed while spatial overlay of the built-up areas of 1986, 2002 and 2014 were performed. The study also determined the average rate of expansion between 1986 and 2014. The result shows that Ondo town has expanded at a very fast rate increasing in surface area from 1324.96 ha in 1986 to 1743.48 ha in 2002 and 3444.64 ha in 2014 giving an expansion rate of 3.9% per annum. The land consumption rates for 1986, 2002 and 2014 are respectively 1.4%, 1.2% and 1.0 indicating a progressive compactness in the built-up area of the town. The residential landuse (built-up) area gained and colonized the adjoining vegetation areas in each period. The study concluded that Ondo urban has been expanding radially outwards from urban Centre. The study recommends proper monitoring of urban area, development of small towns around city area to reduce people migrating to urban centre and effective urban land use management in the city centre.

Keywords— Urban expansion, Landuse/landcover, GPS, Landsat imageries, ENVI software.

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Analysis of Cultural Landscape in Forest Management by Indigenous People of Sahu Indigenous people in West Halmahera Regency, North Moluccas Province

Abstract— Traditional and cultural landscape has a conservation value that is linked to the continuance of traditions, so that the landscape doesn’t only exist for functional or visual, aesthetic reasons but also has a responsibility to local culture. The aim of this research was to (1) determine the relationship between education level, age, amount of family expenses and land area on income level, (2) determine the existence of native land rights for the Sahu indigenous group, (3) determine community perception of the importance of cultural landscape organisation in forest management, (4) formulate a concept to conserve cultural landscapein forest management. This research was done using the descriptive research method with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Analysis of the chisquare showed that factors outside of the land had an influence on the level of community income, while general factors, like education and amount of family expenses did not. The Sahu ethnic group had traditional land rights in forest management because of community agreement through the traditional legal council. This council satisfied the specific characteristics on the subject of native rights, existence of specific boundaries of the land as lebensraum which isan object of native rights, and the existence of a traditional, legal community authority to take specific steps. In macro the organisation of the landscape in the area covered by the Sahu ethnic group is divided into forest, housing and agricultural areas. The forest area surrounds the agricultural land and the residential area. In micro, the arrangement of the cultural landscape which surrounds the housing area is classified by the local community as Bangan, La’lat, raki, jeramedansosoki. Continuity of the organisation of the cultural landscape in forest management appears in quadrant 1. This position demonstrates that continuity of the cultural landscapein forest management faces some threats but stilll has internal strength.

Keywords— cultural landscape, indigenous community, nativerights.

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Essential Minerals Content and Nutritive Contributions of Edible Parts of Some Mucilaginous Food Plants from Some Regions of Cote D'ivoire

Abstract— The aim of this study is to contribute to a better valorization of the mucilaginous food plants (MFPs) by the content determination in essential minerals, also to evaluate the nutritive contributions from the consumption.

Thus different edible parts constituted of leaves, fruits, flowers, calyx and kernels of nine mucilaginous food plants of Ivorian flora have been analyzed. It's about I. gabonensis, I. wombolu, C. olitorius, the varieties tomi and koto of A. esculentus, B. buonopozense, A. digitata, M. arboreus and B. mannii. The analysis of the macroelements (K, P, S, Ca and Na) gave the following contents: potassium (0.73±0.02-4.53±0.03 g/100g DM), Phosphorus (0.40±0.03-1.70±0.04 g/100g DM), sulphur (0.1±0.04-0.75±0.03 g/100g DM), Calcium (0.06±0.01-4.54±0.06 g /100g DM) and sodium (0.06±0.01 and 0.32±0.02 g /100g DM). The plants provided the microelements (Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) contents following: magnesium (0.15±0.01-1.36±0.25 g/100g DM), Iron (6.73×10^-3±2.84-55.94×10^-3±6.96 g/100g DM), copper (4.96×10^-3±2.07-54.04×10^-3±4.63 g/100g DM). The kernels of I. wombolu and the leaves of M. arboreus provided 7.38×10^-3±6.79 and 27.67×10^-3±28.9 g/100g DM respectively in Zinc. The daily quantities of mucilaginous food plants consumed are consisted between 0.1 g/day and 0.7 g/day. This consumption provided to Ivorian adult of 70 kg the daily contributions estimated following: potassium (1.5-27.70 mg/day), calcium (0.1-31.80 mg/day), magnesium (1.1-25.5 mg/day), iron (0.12-1.18 mg/day). The leaves of M. arboreus provided the best daily contributions (0.19 mg/day) in Zinc. The leaves and the flowers among the parts investigated gave on the whole, the biggest daily contributions. They contributed for the majority of minerals, between 1% and 4% of the organism needs.

Keywords— Essential Minerals, Mucilaginous Food Plants, Daily Contributions Estimated.

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Development of Liquid Formulation of native Rhizobium sp. for effective plant nourishment

Abstract— In the current study bacteria having potential to fix nitrogen symbiotically were isolated from Soybean plant roots on Yeast extract Mannitol agar from roots. They were screened on basis of Acetylene gas reduction assay & various plant growth promoting factors. They were subjected to morphological, biochemical & molecular characterization. The liquid formulations were made by amendments with additives & emulsifier in the liquid carrier of most potential strain SNFB 03 was identified as Rhizobium sp. It was found to be most effective on the Soybean growth parameters under green house studies.

Keywords— Additives, Liquid formulation, Rhizobium sp., Soybean, Symbiotic Nitrogen fixer.

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Formation of Secondary Minerals across Topogeothermal Sequences on Ratu Crater of Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, West Java

Abstract— The internal environment of volcanic craters is influenced by chemical content contained in geothermal resources, in the form of fumarola and solfatara, as well as the topography and extreme fluctuating temperatures can create a specific phenomenon to the formation of secondary minerals.

There were 5 represent profiles samples i.e. Profile A (toeslope), Profile B , Profile D (backslope), G Profile and Profile J (summit), plotted based on the topographic gradient of Ratu Crater, Tangkuban Parahu Volcano (topogeothermal), with a steep to very steep slope grade (van Zuidam , 1985). Samples on each profile were analyzed on its mineralogical properties.

Mineralogical analysis showed that the sand fraction of heavy minerals (density > 2.87) are opaque, augite, and hiperstin with varying percentages, while light mineral (density < 2.87) are a volcanic glass, zeolite, andesin, labradorite, bytownite and rock fragments. Extraction with oxalic and pyrophosphate acid showed the highest mineral content of allophane (1.414 %), imogolite (0.391 %), and ferrihydrite (2,091 %) contained in the profile D (backslope). The lowest content founded in the Profile A (toeslope), which has a smaller content than the Profile J (summit).

XRD analysis results (without treatment) showed that in each profile (A, B, D, G, J) have almost the same reflection pattern that consists of gypsum (4.27Å), feldspar (3.1-3.25 Å, cristobalite (4.04 Å), gibsite (4.85 Å), calcite (3.03 Å), kaolinite (7.1 Å) and quartz (3.34 Å).

XRD analysis (Mg+glycol) on each profile mostly dominated by non-crystalline minerals (amorphous), however the Profile J (Summit) and the Profile A (toeslope) are dominated by crystalline minerals that have been developed from amorphous minerals, i.e. mineral 2:1 (smectite and chlorite) and mineral 1:1 (halloysite and kaolinite).

Keywords— Crater, Secondary Mineral, Topogeothermal, Volcanic Ash.

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The Initial Development of Soybean Subjected to Co-Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium japonicum

Abstract— The aim of the current study is to assess the initial development of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) subjected to inoculation and co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense using phenological parameters such as leaf area and dry matter partitioning of leaves, stems and roots, as well as leaf nitrogen content. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Lagoa da Cruz Farm, a research base belonging to Dom Bosco Catholic University. The soybean variety CD 2728 IPRO, which has a 120-day cycle, was sown in 5,000-ml plastic pots. The experimental design followed a completely randomized methodology, with four treatments and four repetitions, using the inoculation with nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Azospirillum brasilense, Bradyrhizobium japonicum + Azospirillum brasilense (co-inoculation), and the witness. The leaf nitrogen content analysis, as well as the phenological measurements of the leaf area and the dry weight of the shoot and root system, were performed 30 days after sowing. According to the herein obtained results, it was possible concluding that the initial soybean development was benefited by the co-inoculation with Azospirillium brasilense + Bradyrhizobium japonicum in the root dry matter partitioning.

Keywords— symbiosis, rhizosphere, nitrogen, partitioning.

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Allocative Efficiency of Fruited Pumpkin (Telferia Occidentalis) Production in Ayamelum L.G.A of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract— Allocative efficiency of fruited pumpkin (telferia occidentalis) production in Ayamalum L.G.A of Anambra Sate was studied using 120 farmers selected using multi stage sampling technique. Data for the work were generated through structured questionnaire and interview schedules. Percentage response, Ordinary least square regression, allocative indices and net farm income analysis were used to address the objectives. Result of the study showed that fruited pumpkin was a profitable venture in the study area. Furthermore, fruited pumpkin farmers did not achieve optimum allocative efficiency in the use of any of the farm resources. In general, the elasticity of production showed that they were operating at increasing rate of return to scale. The constraints to fruited pumpkin production included; high labour cost, high cost of fertilizer, poor access to credit and poor extension visit. To achieve optimum allocative efficiency and hence maximum profit, farmers should be encouraged to increase their use of those underutilized resources, while decreased in the use of over utilized resources Policies that would enable farmers to employ more of the resources should be put in place in order to improve their performances. More so, there is need to improve farmers’ access to credit through microfinance banks and other commercial banks, use of labour saving device such as hand-driven plough and improve their frequencies to extension contact.

Keywords— Allocative, efficiency, fruited pumpkin, production.

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Application of Gis Land Capability Classes for Forestry

Abstract— Environmentalists’ decision makers need the ability to integrate and correlate information from many different sectors in such a way that their relationships are more easily understood. To assess the potentials and carrying capacities of environmental systems, to monitor trends, to make projections, and to test solutions, managers require greatly improved access to information and better analytical support for decision making. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent an important approach that can provide this support. In this paper the land capability classes for forestry based on physiographic factors such as parent material, soil depth, aspect, slope, rill erosion and the vertical distribution of land cover classes have been used in order to give the forest manager of natural resources benefits from knowledge of the location, extent, and quality of the resources being managed.

Management and Policy Implications

The various countries where the economy is based on agriculture, such as Greece, a very important factor is the implementation of a single agricultural policy with future plans based on correct directions. In the forestry sector, where planning application times are much longer than in other rural areas, planning should be based on the European action plan for sustainable and diversified management of forest resources.

In this paper, new technologies are used as means of making scientific decisions for forest policy (local and national). New technologies allow the use of Decision Support Systems (D.S.S.) which is a category of information systems that support the activities leading to decision making. A properly designed D.S.S. is an interactive software system which aims to help those who make decisions to obtain useful information from a combination of raw data, documents and personal knowledge, or business models in order to identify, solve problems and make solutions.

In this study, an attempt is made to use a DSS considering environmental factors (local climate, parent material, soil depth and aspect) to find areas that can be developed productive forests and woodlands. The specific area, which belongs to the northern part of Greece and has an area of 19000 km², no other similar studies have been made and an approach will help forest managers in making science-based decisions which of course will be consistent with the Global Strategy for sustainable development of forests. The production of the map of areas with productive forest land may be the guiding thread of economic and rural development of the region for years to come.

Keywords— GIS, land capability classes, forest timber production, forest treatments.

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Interaction between veterinary medicine and nanotechnology; the present and the near future: A Review

Abstract— Judging from the developments already recorded, veterinary medicine can benefit considerably by nanotechnology. Administration of drug treatment or vaccines to free ranging farm, or wild animals can be simplified by nano-scale devices or material that will release the active ingredient, without immediate human intervention. In addition to facilitating administration, nanotechnology has already provided new drug and vaccine candidates with improved characteristics and performance. Furthermore, direct and inexpensive detection of microbial pathogens or of specific disease indicators, using functionalized nanoparticles conjugated to DNA and/or peptide probes, seems ideal for veterinary applications that in most cases must conform within a very strict context defined by cost and the availability of resources. Considering the strong potential of the interaction between the two fields of science, the aim of this article is to provide a concise description of the advances already recorded in nanotechnology, in terms of their potential application in veterinary medicine, in connection specifically to drug and vaccine delivery, and diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Keywords— Diagnostics, Drug-delivery, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Quantum dots.

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Vegetation structure and species diversity in Garhjungle sacred forest, West Bengal, India

Abstract— Sacred forests are traditionally managed forest patches relevant for biodiversity conservation. Vegetation structure of different strata (tree, shrub and herb,) were analysed in Garhjungle sacred forest of lateritic zone in West Bengal. Total 738 woody individuals belonging to 14 species were recorded from random quadrats covering 0.25 ha area. The highest stem density and IVI was obtained by Shorea robusta. All the species had clumped distribution. The trees occupied a basal area of 20.39 m² ha^-1. Species richness and diversity of shrubs and herbs were greater than trees. Presence of various anthropogenic disturbances warrants immediate conservation efforts.

Keywords— Lateritic zone, Sacred forest, Species diversity, Vegetation structure.

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