ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science       ISSN 1990-6145
   
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ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science          September 2012 | Vol. 7 No. 9
 

 Title:

Estimated recreational value of Lahijan forest using by contingent valuation method

 Author (s):

Amir Hosein Firoozan, Mahsa Hakimi Abed, Hooman Bahmanpour and Seyed Armin Hashemi

 Abstract:

Considering numerous functions and services provided by forests and forest parks and also forest destruction trend in the world and Iran, this study practiced economic valuation of the Lahijan Forest. To do this, WTP of the park visitors was estimated using contingent valuation method thorough dichotomous choice questionnaire. To calculate WTP the model used was Logit. This model parameters were calculated. The result showed that average WTP of the visitors for the park recreational value was 8,216 Rials per visitor and its total annual value was 123 billion Rials. The result also revealed that the bid and revenue parameters were significant by 1% from a statistical point of view, both of which were the most effective factors in the visitors’ WTP. In addition, the in line with increasing forest attractions, the WPT grew by 47%. The results indicated visitors’ interest in recreational areas and forest parks, which can be taken into consideration when these ecosystems are managed.
 

 
 
 
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Title:

Study on effect of soybean and tea intercropping on yield and yield components of soybean and tea

Author (s):

Shahram Sedaghathoor and Gholamreza Janatpoor

Abstract:

The factorial experiment (2×2×3) was done over five years to survey the best planting and density patterns of two cultivars of soybean in a cleanly pruned tea plantation. The effects of these three factors were studied on soybean and tea yield and yield ingredients. The first factor (i.e., soybean cultivars) was distributed in two levels including Williams and Williams Chipava cultivars, as well as second factor (i.e., planting pattern) was doled out in two levels including single and double row planting. The third factor (density of planting) contained 12, 17 and 22 plants per m-2. The results showed that planting pattern and interaction of "cultivar × density" had significant effect (p<0.01) on soybean yield. Based on mean comparison, maximum yield of soybean was obtained under single-row planting. On the other hand, single-row planting of "Williams Chipava" cultivar with 22 plants m-2 had the highest yield. While Williams's cultivar produced minimum yield by 12 and 22 plants m-2, respectively. Planting pattern resulted in tea yield rising (p<0.01). The highest tea yield gained by double-row soybean planting.

 
 
 
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Title:

Effects of citronella grass extract on the oviposition behavior of Carambola fruit fly (Bactrocera carambolae) in mango

Author (s):

Muryati, Y. A. Trisyono, Witjaksono and Wahyono

Abstract:

Carambola fruit fly (Bactrocera carambolae) causes economic losses because the female deposit her eggs in fruits and the larvae bore into the fruits. The availability of non-preferred and safe substance in deterring the females to lays eggs will provide an effective tool to protect the fruits. This research examined three types of citronella grass extracts in regard with their effects on disturbing the oviposition behaviour. Water, methanol, and n-hexane citronella grass extracts were applied to fruits and the fruits were then exposed to gravid females. Olfactometry tests were carried out to investigate the mechanisms by which extracts modify B. carambolae oviposition. The methanol extract deterred the females for oviposition with OAI= -0.83, whereas the water extract and n-hexane extract had no effect on oviposition with OAI ranged -0.02 to 0.29 and -0.02 to -0.38 respectively. Furthermore, the olfactory test showed that the methanol extract had no effect on repellency. Therefore, the mechanism of reducing the oviposition was most likely through gustatory rather than olfactory processes. The major compounds in the methanol extract were silane, [[(3.beta)-lanosta-8, 24-dien-3-yl] oxy] trim ethyl and elemol. The methanol extract of citronella grass has the potency to be used as a tool to protect mango from B. carambolae oviposition.

 
 
 
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Title:

Analysis of production efficiency of food crop farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Author (s):

Ambali1 O. I., Adegbite D. A., Ayinde I. A. and Awotide D. O.

Abstract:

The study analyzed the production efficiency of food crop farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) food crop farmers were sampled in a multistage sampling procedure. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and stochastic frontier analysis. The findings showed that most of the food crop farmers are literate though with low level of educational attainment. The budgetary analysis revealed that food crop farming is profitable in the study area. The stochastic frontier results (Maximum Likelihood Estimates) revealed that farm output increases with farm size, hired labour, family labour and planting material but decreases with herbicide. Technical Efficiency increases with education, farming experience and household size but decreases as farmers grow older. The mean technical efficiency, allocative efficiency and economic efficiency of 80 per cent, 76 per cent and 61 per cent respectively shows that there is room for improvement in output by 20 per cent, allocative efficiency by 24 per cent and economic efficiency by 39 per cent with the present technology. Policy option requires the farmers to reduce the use of herbicide. Also, farm expansion is recommended to ensure efficient utilization of resources. Finally, formal education and adult literacy education should be strengthened among farmers as education and extension contact increases the efficiency of the food crop farmers.

 
 
 
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Title:

Impact of shifting agriculture on tree abundance in an agrarian community within the Niger delta region of Nigeria

Author (s):

Chima U. D. and Omoemu F.

Abstract:

Impact of land use intensification through shifting agriculture on tree abundance was examined using four sites - an uncultivated site, and three fallow plots (Chronosequences 1, 2 and 3) reflecting increasing period and intensity of cultivation. Fourteen (14) tree species belonging to nine families were encountered in the uncultivated site. Tree density was 268 trees /hectare for the entire site while the density for individual species ranged from 3 to 51 trees/ hectare. Seven (7) tree species belonging to 6 families were encountered in Chronosequence 1. Tree density was 77 trees/ hectare for the entire site while the density for the individual species ranged from 2 to18 trees/hectare. In Chronosequence 2, six (6) tree species belonging to 5 families were encountered. Tree density was 142 trees /hectare for the entire site while the density for the individual species ranged from 2 to 54 trees/ hectare. In Chronosequence 3, three (3) tree species belonging to 3 families were encountered. Tree density was 40 trees/ hectare for the entire site while the density for the individual species ranged from 2 to31 trees/hectare. Tree species richness and diversity decreased with an increase in period and intensity of cultivation, with the uncultivated site and Chronosequence 3 having the highest and least diversity, respectively. Variation in tree species composition between the uncultivated site and the fallow plots also increased with increase in period and intensity of cultivation with the highest dissimilarity observed between the uncultivated site and Chronosequence 3. Populations of Pentaclethra macrophylla, Harungana madagascariensis, and Massularia acuminata compared better in some of the fallow plots than in the uncultivated site, while species like Ceiba pentandra, Baphia nitida, Napoleona vogelli, and Anthonotha macrophylla, were completely absent in the fallow plots. Land use intensification through shifting agriculture was found to impact negatively on tree abundance. Integrated and more eco-friendly farming systems like farm forestry and agroforestry were suggested as alternatives to shifting cultivation.

 
 
 
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Title:

Price formation and transmission of staple food stuffs in Osun State, Nigeria

Author (s):

Akintunde O. K., Yusuf S. A., Bolarinwa A. O. and Ibe R. B.

Abstract:

This study examined the trend in staple foodstuffs prices in urban and rural market of Osun state, Nigeria. Secondary data on gari, beans, rice and maize monthly prices spanning 2006/2008 were sourced from Macro-Statistics Department, Osun State Planning Commission. The data were analyzed using Augmented Dicker Fuller (ADF) test, Granger-causality test and Index of Market Connection. Empirical results revealed that the price series in all the markets accepted the null hypothesis of non-stationarity at their levels at 5% significance level. The integration test showed that none of the markets examined had prices tied together in the long- run. The Granger-causality model revealed that eight market links rejected their respective null hypothesis of no granger causality, two of the market links exhibited bi-directional granger causality or simultaneous feedback relationship while other six market links exhibited uni-directional granger causality. It also revealed that rural beans market and rural gari market are the markets occupying leadership positions in staple food price formation and transmission in the markets investigated. Therefore, the study recommends that the leader markets should be the target for any planned national pricing policy for increased consumption of staple foodstuffs The Index of market connection (IMC) indicates that the markets exhibit low short run market integration. The study concludes that the agricultural commodity markets in developing countries may be subject to a high degree of marketing inefficiency and recommends a nation-wide policy to improve food marketing efficiency in Nigeria.

 
 
 
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Title:

Rainfed rice-legume based cropping systems for sustainable food security and soil fertility improvement in western Kenya

Author (s):

Ogutu M. O., Ouma G., Ogolla H., Okech J. N. and Kidula N.

Abstract:

Continuous increase in the world population, particularly eastern Africa region has increased demand for food significantly. In view of this, the present system of sole cropping cannot meat the diversified needs of the small scale farmers. Field study of rainfed rice-legume based cropping systems was investigated and evaluated in western Kenya during the year 2011. The objectives of the study were: 1. to determine the effects of NERICA 11 rice/common bean (KK8) intercrop on yields of rice, 2. to determine the effect of rice/cowpeas (Kenya kunde one) intercrop on rice yield, 3. to monitor soil fertility dynamics associated with rice/legume intercrop and to determine the economic viability of rice legume. Treatment combinations consisted of rice, beans and cowpea pure stands, single row rice + single row of beans, single row rice + single row of cow pea, single row rice + double row of beans, single row rice + double row of cow pea, double row rice + single row of beans, double row rice + single row of beans, double row rice + single row of cow pea, double row of rice + double row of beans and double row of rice + double row  of cow pea. Treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated 4 times. Results showed that at a ratio of 1:1, single row of rice planted with single row of beans was significantly (p≤0.05) different from single row rice alternated with single row cow pea, while at a ratio of 1:2, single row rice alternated with double row beans and double cowpea were significantly (p≤0.05) different. However, double row rice against single rows of beans and single row cowpea were not significantly (p≥0.05) different. The biological efficiency of intercropping, measured in terms of Land Equivalent Ratio (LERs), at the ratio of 1:1 also showed that intercropping rain fed rice with cowpea has high compatibility factor of 1.84 and a derived intercrop benefit of 0.84 compared with bean intercrops (1.16) whose derived benefits was 0.16. Economic analysis results showed that double row rice alternating with single row cowpea gave the highest (KShs13787) net income with a corresponding low cost/benefit ratio of 0.25 compared with single row rice alternating with double row beans which gave low net income of (KShs. 805.6) but had the highest cost-benefit ratio of 0.6. Thus farmers would be better of if they adopted double row rice alternating with single row cowpea spatial arrangement of intercrop. From the study, it was evident that NERICA 11 rice variety is compatible with both bean (KK8) and cowpea (Kenya kunde one).

 
 
 
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Title:

Nurturing food security through urban agriculture livelihoods in the midst of climate change

Author (s):

Mugalavai Violet Kadenyeka and Cheserek Grace Jerotich

Abstract:

This paper examines the immediate and long-term effects of climate change on the sustainable development of Urban Agriculture (UA) livelihoods among the horticultural food producers and sellers (HFPS). The findings are derived from an exploratory survey study which was carried out among producers and sellers of horticultural food crops in Eldoret Municipality in Kenya to determine the respondents UA characteristics and the effect of climate change on the natural resources required for UA livelihoods, and hence the effect on the food security of the households. The study was both qualitative and quantitative, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to lay out the results. The problems faced due to emerging trends of climate change and their effect on the UA livelihoods were evident as observed, elicited and discussed by the respondents and the researcher. Promoting pro-poor initiatives such as community capacity building, collective responsibility, and enhancing and expanding good NRM practices should be encouraged in order to build sustainable urban agriculture livelihoods and reduce hunger and poverty especially among the vulnerable poor urbanites.  Sustainable environmental practices that empower individuals with better livelihoods, employment, adequate incomes and household food and nutrition security are a necessary venture in order to build a healthy gender-balanced and empowered working nation that may enable Kenya to achieve the goal of vision 2030 that aspires to improve incomes for all cadres of the population.

 
 
 
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Title:

Evaluation of oil seeds for their potential nutrients

Author (s):

Muhammad Arif, Nasiruddin, Tariq Masood, Syed Sadaqat Shah and Hina Fayaz

Abstract:

Five different oil seed (Mustard, Canola, Corn, Cotton seed and Sunflower) varieties (NIFA raya, Durr-e-NIFA, Jalal, Naib 98 and Gulshan 98 respectively) were analyzed for crude protein, crude oil, and ash contents by chemical methods of AOAC. Total glucosinolate content of mustard and canola samples were determined by Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. Mineral constituents were estimated by Flame Photometer and Spectrophotometer. The data revealed significant (p≤0.05) variation among the five different oil seed samples in the chemical constituents. Cotton seed (Niab-98) and corn (Jalal) contained the smallest amount of crude oil i.e. 17.83% and 4.23% respectively. Highest crude protein content was found in sunflower (Gulshan-98) 31.57 % and lowest was found in corn (Jalal) 12.27 %. The content of ash was highest in both mustard and canola samples that were more than 6.50% and lowest content was found in corn (Jalal) that is 1.50%. Glucosinolate content of both Brassica varieties tested was less than 30 µM/g, which characterized them as canola type. Among macro minerals sunflower (Gulsahn-98) contained the maximum concentration of phosphorus (0.86%) while corn (Jalal) contained maximum concentration of sodium (0.05%) along with potassium 0.01%.The canola seed samples contained the same amount of sodium and potassium that is 0.03% and 0.004% respectively. For cotton and sunflower sodium and potassium contents ranged from 0.01% to 0.004%. It can be concluded that among the oil seed samples analyzed, corn (Jalal) was a good source of minerals while sunflower (Gulshan 98) was a rich source of protein.

 
 
 
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Title:

Growth and yield responses of pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) to varied poultry manure rates in Uyo, south-eastern Nigeria

Author (s): A. O. Ikeh., N. U. Ndaeyo., I. G. Uduak., G. A. Iwo., L. A. Ugbe, E. I. Udoh and G. S. Effiong

Abstract:

Field trail was carried out during the early cropping seasons of 2007 and 2008 at University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to evaluate the effects of poultry manure rates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 t/ha) on growth and yield of pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) A randomised complete block design with three replicates was used. Results showed that increase in poultry manure rate resulted in increase in growth and yield of pepper up to 8 t/ha rate. It also showed decline in yield with application rate above 8t/ha. Application of 8 t/ha produced 22.75 and 23.56 t/ha of fresh pepper in 2007 and 2008, respectively while 10 t/ha produced 22.70 and 23.91 t/ha of fresh pepper in 2007 and 2008, respectively. This implies that application above 8t/ha rate will not be economical and beneficial to the farmer.

 
 
 
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Title:

Analysis of heterosis and level of dominance in F1-mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Author (s):

Sukartini, Taryono, Panjisakti Basunanda and Rudi Harimurti

Abstract:

The magnitude of heterosis over mid-parent, height-parent, two standard varieties, and level of dominance were calculated in twelve mango hybrids derived from ‘Arumanis’ clone and red peel mangos (‘Haden’, ‘Gedong Gincu’, ‘Keitt’, ‘Li’ar’, ‘Saigon’, and ‘Irwin’) for eleven quality characters. The samples were observed toward four years old F1 were grafted on rootstock 'Madu' clone and planted in the field (Cukurgondang experimental station, Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia). This study was conducted from July to October 2011. Observation on appearance of all F1 was shown that all characters were varies widely F1-5-Ar x GG was exhibited a higher mean value to parents, highest parent, or two standard varieties for fruit length and fruit diameter. F1-3-Ar x Hd, F1-4-Ar x Hd, F1-5-Ar x GG, F1-6-Ar x GG, F1-10-Ar x Sg, and F1-12-Ir x Ar were severe to mid parent, highest parent, and two standard varieties. Consecutively, peel and stone weight character: F1-2-Ar x Hd, F1-6-Ar x GG, F1-9-Ar x GG, and F1-11-Ir x Ar; including F1-5-Ar x GG, F1-6-Ar x GG were more meaningful than other progenies. F1-3-Ar x Hd, F1-4-Ar x Hd, F1-5-Ar x GG, F1-10-Ar x Sg, and F1-12-Ir x Ar attested that appearance of phenotypes significantly different to their both parents, highest parents, and two standard varieties. Further, an effort to improve sweetness through increase total soluble solids and decrease total acidity were fulfilled by crossing F1-1-Ar x Hd, F1-3-Ar x Hd, F1-6-Ar x GG, except F1-10-Ar x Sg was resulted no significant improvement upon these effort. Meanwhile, the only F1-8-Ar x Keitt which was escalated levels of vitamin C compared with both parents and did not quite mean to highest parent and standards variety 1. All the progenies were displayed no increase in β-carotene and anthocyanins contain. The meaningful degree of dominance was over dominant positive to fruit length, fruit diameter, edible portion, total soluble solids (TSS), and vitamin C content. Over dominant positive and recessive partial to fruit weigh, over dominant negative to stone weight; and over dominant negative and recessive partial to peel weight, including total acidity characters.

 
 
 
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Title:

Indigenous uses of medicinal plants in rural areas of Dera Ghazi khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Author (s):

Allah Bakhsh Gulshan,  Altaf Ahmed Dasti, Sabir Hussain and Muhammmad Amin -ud-Din

Abstract:

In DG Khan like other underdeveloped areas of the world, plants are traditionally used as medicines by herbs-man (Hakims), plant traders or village elders to cure various infectious as well as functional human diseases. These preserved tribal practices are found suitable and helpful in treatment of the poor and illiterate people on low cost basis To collect the first hand knowledge of local medicinal plants and their usage, One hundred pertinent people including herbs man (Hakims), plant traders or village elders were interviewed by using a semi structured-questionnaire. Group discussions were also arranged to collect the data. According to the respondent 8 species belonging to 4 (6.00 %) monocotyledon families and 58 species belonging to 26 (44.00 %) dicotyledonous families are in use for medicinal purposes. The dominant families are Fabacaeae with 8 species, followed by Solanaceae and Asteraceae with 7 species each, Poaceae with 5 and Brassicaceae with 4 species. These medicinal plants are used to cure about 30 various types of diseases. The common disease of the area is stomach related like ulcer and dysentery. Cough, headache, jaundice, toothache, sores, wounds and skin diseases are the other prevalent diseases. Peoples’ dependency on traditional medicine is still high as in rural areas modern or allopathic medicines are hard to find and certain stigmas like side effects related to these modern medicines hinders people to use them. Most of the species used for medicinal purposes are wild and expert herb-men collect them. Special attention is needed to be taken for the conservation of these plants. This study is carried out for the first time in this area, gathered information are documented about traditional remedies before they are lost.

 
 
 
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Title:

Quantifying the contribution of different soil properties on enzyme activities in dry tropical ecosystems

Author (s):

Monty Kujur, Sanat Kumar Gartia, Amiya Kumar Patel

Abstract:

Microbial activity is significantly influenced by soil texture, hydrological regimes, flow dynamics, chemical pollutants, and an assessment of these changes is essential for soil management. In the present investigation, soil microbial activity (as an index of soil enzymes i.e. amylase, invertase, protease and dehydrogenase) and its relationship with different physico-chemical properties with respect to seven different soils has been addressed. The variation of soil enzyme activity in question was significantly attributable to differences in soil texture, C, N and P content, bulk density, water holding capacity, moisture content and soil pH. Comparative analysis of soil enzyme revealed that there was gradual increase in amylase, invertase, protaease and dehydrogeanse activity from a nutrient deficient situation (fresh mine spoil) to an enriched soil (forest soil). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of different factors influencing the variability in enzyme activity. Amylase and invertase activity in seven soil samples indicated positive direct correlations with OC, TN, clay content, and negative correlation with bulk density. On the contrary, protease activity showed poor correlation with clay content, WHC and MC, but significant positive correlation was noticed with OC, TN and AP content. The findings demonstrated that soil OC, TN, AP and clay content are the important determinants for dehydrogenase activity (indicative for organic matter transformation) and moderate correlation with soil pH, MC and WHC. The dehydrogenase activity showed a positive correlation with protease activity (r = 0.994; p<0.01), which explained 98.8% of the variability in protease activity. Principal component analysis was able to discriminate seven different soils into independent clusters on basis of their soil physico-chemical properties and enzyme activities. However, the change in soil enzyme activity correlated very well with the extent of land degradation and can serve as a useful indicator of soil status.

 
 
 
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Title:

Growth and adaptation of four Streptomyces isolates in the media containing propoxur

Author (s):

Maman Rahmansyah, Dwi Agustiyani, Heddy Julistiono and Tirta Kumala Dewi

Abstract:

Actinomycetes growth in the media containing carbamates is an interesting subject associated to its adaptation and metabolism behavior. In this work, four isolates of Streptomyces spp. had been approved to grow and demean propoxur, a carbamates pesticide commonly uses to control pest insect. The Streptomyces spp. cultures were incubated for seven days in the media containing propoxur, and incubated in the rotary (50 rpm) shaker-bath at 350C. Microbial population calculated based on culture dry weight throughout separating supernatant and biomass sedimentation in the media with centrifugation work. Propoxur degradation evaluated during the isolates refined in yeast extract media containing starch (YSB) and without starch (YB), then the propoxur (0, 200, 600, 1200, and 1800 ppm) were added to the media. After a period of incubation, propoxur content in the media determined with hydrolysis to become 2-isopropoxyphenol method, and with diazotized 3-aminopyridine processes turn into azo-dye forming which became visible in 463 nm absorbance by spectrophotometric exertion. Streptomyces growth actions showed differently among the culture, and YSB media tendentiously stimulated microbial growth performance compared to YB media.  Media restrain with starch were tending to decrease propoxur content and stimulate growth performance, and proved in some certain growth behavior among Streptomyces spp. Decomposing of propoxur as due to microbial growth processes were investigated through the effect on maize seedling growth performance. Growth of Streptomyces sp.3 isolate along cultured with propoxur in the media then used to invigorate maize seedling growth improvement. Significant consequences to seedling dry weight of maize biomass appeared after ten days growth period of seedlings.

 
 
 
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