ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science       ISSN 1990-6145
   
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ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science                     July 2012 | Vol. 7 No. 7
 

 Title:

Physiological basis of yield difference in grain sorghum (sorghum bicolor (L) moench) in a semi-arid environment

 Author (s): Majid Agha Alikhani, Fatemeh Etemadi and Aziz Fouman Ajirlo
 Abstract:

In order to compare sorghum genotypes for grain yield using phenology, morphology and physiological growth indices, an experiment was conducted at Iran's SPII on 2009 growth season. Results showed genotypes KGS5 and KGS31 produced the highest and lowest grain yield and biomass respectively. With respect to the yield components, genotypes UT378B and ICSV274 had the highest number of grains panicle-1 and 1000-grain weight, respectively. Also the three top genotypes including KGS5, KGS15 and KGS23 had the highest leaf number at 28 days after planting (DAP), which indicated better radiation capture in the early season. Plant height variation also revealed that genotypes KGS5 and ICSV274 were the shortest (122.87 cm) and the tallest (165.59cm) genotypes, respectively. Significant differences were observed in case of growth degree days necessary to achieve milk stage and soft-dough stage, so that genotypes KGS31 and KGS5 were the earliest and latest genotypes with respect to these stages. Significant differences existed between genotypes in case of all studied growth physiological indices at canopy closure except for leaf area index and relative growth rate. Overall, it could be concluded that the most important and effective trait in achieving high grain yield in sorghum is high HI.

 
 
 
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Title:

Evaluation of yam-sweet potato peels mixture as source of energy in broiler chickens diets

Author (s): Diarra S. S., Igwebuike J. U., Kwari I. D., Sinodo S., Babangida A., Ahmadu U., Shettima S. and Jibrin M.
Abstract:

In the search for alternative energy sources for poultry feeding, a 9-week experiment was conducted to ascertain the replacement value of yam-sweet potato peels mixture (YSPPM) for maize in broiler chickens diets. One hundred and eighty (180) Anak-2000 broiler chicks aged 6 days were randomly assigned to 12 floor pens containing 15 birds each. Four diets, based on 23 and 20% crude protein in the starter and finisher respectively, were formulated to contain 0, 15, 30, and 45% YSPPM as replacement for maize grain. Each of the diets was fed to 3 pens of 15 birds in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth indices, haematological profile, and carcass measurements and organs weights. During the starter period (7-28 days), daily feed intake and feed cost/kg gain were not adversely affected by feeding the test ingredient, but weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were depressed above 15% replacement of maize with the test material. In the finisher phase (28-63 days), feed intake was significantly increased on the 45% replacement diet compared to the control but did not differ statistically amongst the YSPPM-based diets as well as amongst the control, 15 and 30% replacement diets. The highest daily gain was recorded on the 15% replacement diet, but its values did not differ markedly amongst the control, 30 and 45% diets. Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased above 15% replacement of maize with YSPPM. Feed cost per kg gain was significantly reduced on the 15 and 45% replacement diets. The results of haematology did not show any depressive effect of feeding YSPPM. Similarly, the results of carcass measurements and organs weights did not show any disadvantage of feeding YSPPM, but there were beneficial effects of its feeding over the control maize-based diet with respect to breast meat and abdominal fat deposition. It was concluded that YSPPM can replace maize up to 15 and 45% in broiler starter and finisher diets respectively without adverse effects on the growth, haematological profile and carcass measurements.

 
 
 
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Title:

Economics of weed control practices on rice farms in Obafemi-Owode area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Author (s): Ologbon O. A. C. and Yusuf S. A.
Abstract:

The economic analysis of weed control practices on rice farms in Obafemi-Owode area of Ogun State, Nigeria was examined. The study was based on primary data collected from 88 respondents. Multistage sampling procedures were used to randomly select the communities that were interviewed. Ten (10) major weeds were found to be predominant on the rice farms visited, which were Guinea grass, Broom weed, Stubborn grass, Carpet grass, Centro, Tridax, Amaranth, Pig weed, Goat Weed and Water leaf among others. Weed control was by manual and chemical application methods. Average weed cost estimate in the study area was N80, 100.00 per hectare, Farmers’ production efficiency was positively influenced by land size, hired labour, quantity of fertilizer used, cost herbicides and number of farm land cultivated. Only the frequency of manual weeding significantly increases the inefficiency level on rice farm. It was recommended that local rice farmers should be encouraged by supplying required technology inputs that may improve on their level of production, while further education should be given to farmers on fertilizer application to avoid its’ excess application.

 
 
 
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Title:

Plant growth promoting and phytostimulatory potential of bacillus subtilis and bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Author (s): Vijendra Kumar Mishra and Ashok Kumar
Abstract:

Root colonizing bacteria that exert beneficial effects on plant growth have been defined as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The present study aimed to the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore in WR-W2 and MR-AI strains under in vitro condition. Synthesis of IAA and siderophore was checked in presence of different carbon sources in JNFb- medium amended with L-tryptophan (100 μg/ml) and iron limited M9 medium respectively. Time course study and simultaneous production of IAA and siderophore was performed in the strain MR-AI and WR-W2. Malate followed by acetate was found as the most suitable sole carbon source for both the IAA and siderophore production by the strain. Siderophore production was inhibited above 20μM concentration of Fe (III). Catecholate type of siderophore production was identified in the culture supernatant of both the strain. Furthermore, significant increase in rice plant (pusa sugandha III) growth response was observed, when the strains were used as bioinoculum under gnotobiotic condition, in presence of L-tryptophan (100μg/ml). 16S rRNA gene sequence reveals strains MR-AI as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and WR-W2 as Bacillus subtilis. Strain WR-W2 was found to be more efficient as compared to MR-AI in terms of its capability to produce IAA and siderophore. Therefore, strain MR-AI and WR-W2 could be further applied as bioinnoculum in different formulation in seeds or crop fields for sustainable agricultural systems.

 
 
 
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Title:

Utilization of papaya tree on dried candied making

Author (s):

Nofiarli Fitriana Nasution and Kuswandi

Abstract:

The research was intended to determine making method of dried candied from papaya stem. The experiment was conducted at Post-Harvest Laboratory of Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute, Solok West Sumatra in April 2010. The experiment was designed in Randomized complete design with 16 treatments and 2 replications. The treatments were: P0K0 (stem was boiled in water); P0K1 (papaya stem was boiled in water and soaked in 0.5% shell lime); P0K2 (stem was boiled in water and soaked in 1% shell lime); P0K3 (stem was boiled in water and soaked in 1.5% shell lime); P1K0 (papaya stem was boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.) leaves); P1K1 (stem was boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.) leaves and soaked in 0.5% shell lime); P1K2 (stem was boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.) leaves and soaked in 1% shell lime); P1K3 (stem was boiled in water added sikaduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.) leaves and soaked in 1.5% shell lime); P2K0 (stem was boiled in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima Pohl.) leaves); P2K1 (stem was boiled in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima Pohl.) leaves and soaked in 0.5% shell lime); P2K2 (stem was boiled in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima Pohl.) leaves and soaked in 1% shell lime); P2K3 (stem was boiled  in water added cassava (Manihot utilissima Pohl.) leaves and soaked in 1.5% shell lime); P3K0 (stem was boiled in water added guava (Psidium guajava) leaves); P3K1 (stem was boiled in water added guava (Psidium guajava) leaves and soaked in 0.5% shell lime); P3K2 (stem was boiled in water added guava (Psidium guajava) leaves and soaked in 1% shell lime); P3K3 (stem was boiled in water added guava (Psidium guajava) leaves and soaked in 1.5% shell lime). Preference test was been conducted with 10 professional panelists on aroma, color, taste, and crispiness. Another observation was water content (oven method) and ash content (furnace method). Observation data were analyzed with 5% HSD test. Stem has a potential to be developed as a food ingredient the dried candied making is very simple, stems were  boiled and soaked in sugar solution.

 
 
 
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Title:

Influence of rumen-base organic mulch treatment on weed control and maize performance in Rivers State, Nigeria

Author (s): Iyagba A. G., Isirima C. B. and Akonye L.
Abstract:

Field trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University of Education, Ndele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria to determine the effects of rumen-base organic mulch on weed control and maize (Zea mays L.) performance. Mulch applications were at the rates of 0, 20 40, 60 and 80 tons ha-1. A randomized complete block design was used and replicated four times. Weed density and weed biomass decreased and an increase in weed control efficiency (%) with increasing rate of organic mulch though insignificantly different beyond 40 tons ha-1. The result also showed first an increase but a decrease beyond 40 tons ha-1 in seedling emergence and plant height but an increase in number of leaves, root length (cm) and number of cobs/plant at 4 and 5 weeks after planting (WAP). Grain yield increased significantly with increasing rate of mulch application up to 40 tons ha-1. Rumen - base organic mulch material applied at 40 tons ha-1 can produced significantly higher weed control efficiency (76.1%) and grain yield (1.98 tons ha-1) and used to control weeds and enhance maize yield.

 
 
 
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Title:

Major weeds of paddy fields in district Rajouri (J&K) India

Author (s): L. R Dangwal, Amandeep Singh, Tajinder Singh and Anima Sharma
Abstract:

The present communication pertains to major weeds of paddy fields in district Rajouri (J and K). The study was based on extensive and intensive fields surveys made during different months of rainy season 2009-2011. During the course of field study the authors have selected 6 important paddy growing blocks in district Rajouri and divided them into two sites (S1 upland site containing the blocks Kalakote, Manjakote and Sunderbani in which irrigation facility is lacking and S2 lowland site containing blocks Nowshera, Rajouri and Budhal which is facilitated with irrigation). Frequent field trips were made twice a month in each site for collection of weeds. During this period the authors have reported a total of 65 weed species belonging to 23 angiospermic and 1 pteridophytic families from both the sites. Outof 23 angiospermic families the predominance was shown by monocot families Cyperaceae and Poaceae having 15 and 12 weed species respectively. The pteridophytic family Marsileaceae was represented by 01 weed species.

 
 
 
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Title:

Response of dual purpose barley to rates and methods of nitrogen application

Author (s):

Fazal Hadi, Muhammad Arif and Farrukh Hussain

Abstract:

In winter months the forage availability for livestock reduces very much, thus barley can be used as dual purpose crop. In the present study the influence of different levels and methods of nitrogen application were tested against the dual purpose barley. The experiments were conducted at Botanical Garden-Azakhel, University of Peshawar during 2010 by using RCB design with split plot arrangement. Different nitrogen levels (40 kg ha‑1, 80 kg ha-1 and 120 kg ha‑1) were used. 40 kg ha-1 N showed minimum days to emergence, maximum spike m-2 and 1000 grains weight. 80 kg ha-1 N yielded maximum fresh and dry biomass, grains spike‑1 and minimum days to spike while 120 kg ha‑1 N showed maximum emergence m-2, tillers plant-1, leaves plant-1, tillers m-2, plant height and minimum days to maturity. N levels were applied either at once or divided in two and three equal doses. Nitrogen applied at once showed minimum days to emergence and maximum plant height while N applied in three divided doses yielded good results with maximum emergence m-2, fresh and dry biomass, tillers and leaves plant-1, tillers and spike m-2, grains spike-1, 1000 grains weight and minimum days to spike and maturity.

 
 
 
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Title:

The growth evaluation of two species Annona at seedling phase

Author (s):

Ni Luh Putu Indriyani

Abstract:

The aim of the research was to evaluate the growth of two Annona species at the seedling phase. The research was conducted at Aripan Experimental Field of Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute and started from February 2007 until August 2008. There were two Annona species as treatment, namely: A.muricata (soursop) and A. Montana (mountain soursop). Each of treatment consisted of 42 seedlings. The growth parameters observed were plant height, stem diameter, root dry weight, dry weight of plant parts which grow above soil surface, and total plant dry weight. These parameters were analyzed by t-test 0, 05%. The result showed that the growth of the two Annona species at 6 months after planting was not significantly different. It showed that there was not significant difference between the two Annona spesies on  plant height, stem diameter, root dry weight, dry weight of plant  parts which grew above soil surface, and total dry weight of plant. Due to this result seedling of A. montana Macf. (mountain soursop) was able to be used as rootstock.

 
 
 
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Title:

Performance of wheat varieties sown under solid and skip row geometry

Author (s):

Beena Saeed, Hasina Gul, Shazma Anwar, Ayub Khan, Azra, Shamsher Ali and Ishrat Naz

Abstract:

A study was conducted to find out the performance of different wheat varieties sown under solid and skip row geometries. The experiment was carried out at New Developmental Farm, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter season of 2002-2003. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangements having three replications was used. Sowing was done on 18th November, 2002. Row geometry was allotted to main plot and varieties were allotted to sub plots. The size of sub plot was 2.4m by 5m. Different wheat varieties (Bakhtawar-92, Fakhar-e-Sarhad, Ghaznavi-98, Nowshera-96, Chakwal, Khyber-87) were randomly planted in skip and solid row geometries. In solid row geometry the row to row distance was 30 cm and in skip row geometry, pairs of rows were 60 cm apart and within pairs the row to row distance was 30cm. Parameters such as number of grain spike-1, kernel weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index were studied in the experiment. Skip row geometry produced more grain spike-1, heavier kernels, greater grains and biological yield and had higher harvest index than solid row geometry. Performance of the two wheat varieties, Fakhar-e-Sarhad and Ghaznavi-98 was better as compared to other four varieties of wheat i.e., Bakhtawar-92, Nowshera-96, Chakwal and Khyber-87.

 
 
 
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Title: Weed control in lawns in Ghana
Author (s): J. B. K. Asiedu, J. D. Owusu-Sekyere, P. Fiscian and E. Afutu
Abstract:

The research investigated the effect of various regimes of herbicide application and soil treatments on weed population dynamics in three widely used tropical turfgrass species; Zoysia japonica (Carpet grass), Stenotaphrum secundatum (St. Augustine’s grass) and Chrysopogon aciculatus (Love grass). Turfgrasses were established on 5m × 1.5m plots by sprigging. Soil treatments included the following: a) plots overlaid with 3:1 topsoil/composted cow manure mix at a depth of 100 mm and b) plots with no topsoil or composted cow manure. Plots were then treated with post emergence herbicide (glyphosate) either once or twice. Non-treated plots were also included and served as the control. The research work was randomized and analyzed as unbalanced randomized complete block design. The results showed that the herbicide treatment did not reduce the quantity of germinating weeds on the plots and also there were no significant differences between the herbicide treatments. Boerhavia diffusa (Boerhavia) and Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus) were the predominant weed species. Love grass plots were invaded by higher quantity of weeds compared to the other two grass species.

 
 
 
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Title:

Evolution energy indices of soybean production in north of Iran

Author (s):

Maral Moraditochaee

Abstract:

Soybean is the main source of supplying protein and oil in the world. Energy in agriculture is important in terms of crop production and agro processing for value adding. This method in an agricultural product system is the energy consuming in product operations and energy saving in produced crops. In this article, evaluation of energy indices under rain fed farming soybean in north of Iran (Guilan province) was investigated. Data were collected from 72 farms by used a face to face questionnaire method during 2011 year in Guilan province. By using of consumed data as inputs and total production as output, and their concern equivalent energy, and energy indices were calculated. The average yield of soybean was found to be 2377 kg/ha and its energy equivalent was calculated to be 56573 MJ/ha. Energy efficiency (energy output to input energy ratio) for seed in this study was calculated 4.32, showing the affective use of energy in the agro ecosystems soybean production. Nonrenewable energy was 82.41% total input energy that concluded that soybean production needs to improve the efficiency of energy consumption in production and to employ renewable energy.  

 
 
 
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Title: The influence of varying calcium-phosphorus ratios on finishing and carcass characteristics of broiler finisher chickens under a semi arid environment
Author (s): Adamu S. B., Geidam Y. A., Mohammed G., Gambo H. I. and Raji A. O.
Abstract:

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of various ratios of calcium to phosphorus on growth performance and carcass yield of broiler finisher chickens under a semi arid environment. The experiment used a total of 150 twenty eight days old broiler chicks randomly assigned to five treatment groups of 30 birds each made up of three replicates of ten birds. They were fed five treatment diets that were isocaloric-isonitrogeneous but of varying Ca: P ratios namely; 2:1 (control), 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1 and 4:1 for a period of thirty five days. The highest daily feed consumption of 132.88g was recorded for the 4:1 ratio group while the control group significantly (P<0.05) consumed the least (121.80g). All the four treatment groups (i.e., 2.5:1 to 4:1) significantly (P<0.05) gained more than the control. The trend was similar for feed conversion ratio and final body weight. The ranking order of final body weight was 3:1>4:1>3.5:1>2.5:1>2:1. Among the carcass indices, drum stick and breast were significantly heaviest in 2.5:1 and 3:1groups respectively. The study concluded that Ca: P ratio of 2:1 was inadequate for broiler finishers while 3:1 was the most favourable for finishing broiler chickens.

 
 
 
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Title:

Effect of low temperatures on physico-chemical properties of different strawberry cultivars

Author (s):

Fardin Mirahmadi, Qorban M. Hanafi and Hamid Mohammadi

Abstract:

Texture, anthocyanin content, pH, acidity, totals soluble solids, total sugar, and sensory scores of five strawberry cultivars (Kurdistan, Selva, Camarosa, Paroz, and Queen), stored at 6 ºC, was investigated. The data indicated physical and chemical properties of all samples depended on cultivate during storage time since there were some contrasting responses among cultivars. ‘Kurdistan’ had the highest moisture content and showed decay symptoms previously. Except for ‘Camarosa’, TSS and total sugar increased in all cultivars. There were differences between cultivars concerning changes of acidity or pH over the storage period. In terms of flavor, ‘Kurdistan’, ‘Camarosa’, and ‘Selva’ cultivars were found better than the others at first day of cool storage. But ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva’ had a favorite color among cultivars. A sign of fungal decay was observed in ‘Kurdistan’ samples at 7th day.

 
 
 
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