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| ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological
Science
November 2012 | Vol. 7 No.
11 |
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Title: |
Effect of
selenium and zinc supplementation on production parameters
and DNA of the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx Mori L.),
baneasa white variety |
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Author (s): |
M. Benţea,
A. Şara, L. Al. Mǎrghitaş, D. Dezmirean, E. Gabor, B. Vlaic
and Cǎlina Creţa |
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Abstract: |
This research aimed to
evaluate the influence of Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn),
administered as food supplements for silkworm (Bombyx
mori L.) on the larvae weight, the weight of the
serigene gland, cocoon weight, cocoon shell, DNA
concentration and purity. The research has been carried out
on 9 groups of silkworms one control group (Gr.1) and 8
experimental groups (4 groups receiving zinc and 4 groups
receiving selenium), consisting of 50 larvae/group. Zn was
administered in doses of 17, 34, 68 and 136 mg kg-1
larvae - Gr.2-Gr.5 and Se was administered in doses of 4, 8,
16 ad 32 mg kg-1 body weight - Gr.6-Gr.9. The use
of Zn determined a very significant increase of the larvae
weight, to group Gr.5 followed by groups Gr.4, Gr.3 and Gr.2
compared to the control group. The use of Zn positively
influenced the mass of the serigene glands, the cocoon
weight, cocoon shell, length of the silk thread and the
concentration and purity of DNA extracted from the serigene
glands. The use of organic selenium determined an increased
larvae weight, the differences being very significant
compared to the control group. Se influenced the weight of
the serigene gland, the cocoon weight, cocoon shell and the
concentration and purity of DNA extracted from the serigene
glands. The Zn and Se content of the pupae from the
experimental groups was higher compared to the one recorded
in the control group. |
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Title: |
Genome
changes in mutant lines of amaranthus as detected by
microsatellite-directed PCR |
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Author (s): |
Katarína
Ražná, Jana Žiarovská and Mária Labajová |
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Abstract: |
Eight lines and two control genotypes of
amaranth were characterized by unanchored and anchored
microsatellite markers. The polymorphism of fragments length
was evaluated for changes caused by γ-radiation in selected
amaranth lines - Amaranthus cruenthus L. - genotype
Ficha and Hybrid K-433 - the result of interspecific
hybridization of species A. hypochondriacus x A.
hybridus. Mutant lines were presented by the M8
generation of plants positively selected for weight of
thousand seeds. The very specific changes of the mutant
lines coding and noncoding regions were investigated for
both the Ficha cultivar and K-433 hybrid. The obtained
profiles sets confirm the active reaction of the lines to
the gamma-radiance treatment. The molecular differences on
length polymorphism of random microsatellite markers were
observed and the changes of SPAR profiles of mutant lines
when compared to control genotypes were confirmed. Primer
Ama-AH 5 detected interspecific and primer Ama-AH 4 revealed
intra - and interspecific polymorphisms, too. Primer Ama-AH
5 distinguished only the cultivar Ficha and hybrid K-433
accessions. Primer Ama-AH 4 created more polymorphic DNA
profiles and has the ability to distinguish not only Ficha
cultivar and hybrid K-433, but mutant accessions among
themselves. |
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Title: |
Genetic
varibaility and correlation analysis for yield components in
mungbean (vigna radiata L. wilezek) |
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Author (s): |
Imdad
Ullah Zaid, Iftikhar Hussain Khalil and Sajid Khan |
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Abstract: |
20 Mungbean
(Vigna radiata L. Wilezek)
genotypes were tested for genetic variability
and correlation among different yield contributing traits
i.e., plant height, pods plant-1,
pod length, seed pod-1,
biological yield, and grain yield. Maximum plant height was
observed for genotype NFM5-63-19 cm; maximum number of pods
plant-1
was recorded for genotype NFM5-63-19, while;
genotype NFM-12-8 and NFM-6-5 found with a maximum pod
length. Similarly the maximum number of seed pod-1,
biological yield and grain yield was observed in
genotype NFM-6-5, NFM-12-6 and NM-98 respectively. The high
heritability was recorded for pod length (99%) and plant
height (70%), while pods plant-1 (29%) and seed
pod-1
(17%) had low heritability. Based on genotypic correlation
analysis characters like plant height, pods plant-1,
pod length and on phenotypic basis grain yield and seed pod-1
could be the best criteria in any breeding program for
increasing yield in mungbean genotypes under agro-climatic
conditions of Peshawar. |
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Title: |
Changes
in antioxidative and photosynthetic properties system of
french bean (phaseolus vulgaris) to boron toxicity |
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Author (s): |
Nagesh
babu R, Jyothi M.N, Sharadamma N and Devaraj V. R |
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Abstract: |
Seedlings of the S-9 cultivar
of the French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were used to
study the effects of boron toxicity on lipid peroxidation
leaf and photosynthetic properties. The plants were grown
hydroponically and treated with four concentrations of
boron, 50, 100 and 300 μM After 48h of treatment, we
measured the leaf contents of boron and chlorophyll (Chl),
the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs),
intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), the
concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2,
ascorbic acid (ASA) and glutathione (GSH) and the enzymatic
activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate
peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR).
Treatment with high levels of boron significantly increased
the boron content of the bean leaves and reduced Chla, Chlb
and carotenoid (Car) contents. Boron stress also reduced the
Pn and Gs but increased the Ci. Furthermore, the leaf
concentrations of MDA and H2O2
increased with increasing concentrations of boron, whereas
the enzymatic activities of SOD, APX, CAT and GR and the ASA
and GSH levels first increased and then decreased. These
results indicate that boron toxicity reduced the
photosynthetic capacity of the bean seedlings, resulting in
the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
increased membrane lipid peroxidation. Moderate boron stress
can therefore improve the vitality of a plant’s ROS
scavenging system, but high concentrations will eventually
overcome the system. |
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Title: |
Feeding
rate and stocking density in semi-intensive litopenaeus
vannamei culture with moderate periodic fertilization |
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Author (s): |
Raul Carvajal-Valdes,
Enrique Arjona and Graciela Bueno |
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Abstract: |
We tested a 50% reduction in
feeding rate of Litopenaeus vannamei at stocking
densities of 15 to 35 post-larvae/ m2 in
conjunction with periodic pond fertilization with 35 kg/ha
of urea and 12 kg/ha of triple super phosphate.
Two commercial diets with 35% protein foods were fed for 84
days. Survival was over 90% in all experimental units. Best
feed conversion rates (1.46 to 1.75) and greatest weight
gains (0.70 to 0.81 g/week) were obtained at 15
post-larvae/m2. Results showed that feeding
Tables of food manufacturers are well exceeded when used
together with moderate periodic fertilization and that
stocking density is highly significant (p < 0.01). |
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Title: |
Seasonal
variations of melon fly, bactrocera cucurbitae (coquillett)
(diptera: tephritidae) in different agricultural habitats of
Bangladesh |
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Author (s): |
M. Abdul Alim, M. Aftab Hossain, Mahfuza
Khan, Shakil A. Khan, M.
Saidul Islam and M. Khalequzzaman |
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Abstract: |
Seasonal variations of melon fly,
Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) was monitored in
three different agricultural habitats of Bangladesh from
January 2007 to December 2008 using cue-lure baited McPhail
traps. The study areas were (i) Pubail: a cucurbit
vegetables growing area where vegetables are grown at
commercial scale from June to August; (ii) Goloar char: a
land mass between two rivers where vegetables are grown at
commercial scale from January to April; and (iii) Ganakbari:
a plain land surrounded by industries and Government offices
where vegetables are grown as backyard garden round the
year. Abiotic factors including air temperature, relative
humidity, rain-fall and biotic factors such as host-plant
species were recorded during the study periods. The
population of melon fly was prevalent at high level during
the two-year surveillance period except in October and
November. In both the years, the highest capture was
recorded in April to June while the lowest was in October to
November. The study showed that the seasonal rise of melon
fly population coincided with the air temperature,
availability and fruiting period of the host plants. The
variations of the melon fly population in two consecutive
years (2007 and 2008) showed almost mirror images. |
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Title: |
Analytical study of two commercial sex pheromone lures for
monitoring males of cotton leafworm (CLW) and spiny
bollworm (SBW) in Egypt |
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Author (s): |
Ezzat M.
Abdel-Moety, Hayam M. Lotfy, Nasr S. Khalil and Yasmin
Rostom |
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Abstract: |
A simple and reliable
GC-FID method was applied for the determination of the of
the synthetic sex pheromone components of the Egyptian
armyworm Spodoptera littoralis (Cotton leafworm,
CLW) (I)
pheromone isomers cis-9,
trans-11-tetradecadienyl acetate (major) is the
active pheromone while cis-9, trans-12-tetradecadienyl
acetate (minor) is the synergist in ratio 9:1, w/w,
and Earias insulana (Spiny bollworm, SBW) (II)
pheromone isomers (10E, 12E)-10,
12-hexadecadienal (major) is the
active pheromone while
(Z)-11-hexadecenal (minor) is the
synergist in ratio 99:1, w/w in their pure form.
The proposed method showed high sensitivity with good
linearity over the concentration range of
12.5-400
µg / ml of major,
5-80µg
/ ml of minor in case of I and
25-400 µg / ml of
major and 1-32µg
/ ml of minor in case of II. The method is successfully
applied to the analysis of
commercial lures
containing (I) and (II) with excellent recovery. The
kinetics investigation are carried out in Egyptian
environmental condition by monitoring
the ratio of the pheromone isomers in order
to achieve optimum biological activity and follow up
longetivity of the lure in the trap under field conditions.
GC-FID is considered to be the most promising method for
this purpose because of its sensitivity, specificity and
versatility. Moreover uncertainty of measurement for the
pheromone components of CLW and SBW was
calculated. |
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Title: |
Testing
the effectiveness of soil productivity index (PI) model for
selected soils in Makurdi, Nigeria |
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Author (s): |
Agber P.
I. and B. C. Anjembe |
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Abstract: |
Soil productivity evaluation
for a long has been a major hotspot in soil science. In this
article, research conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of
soil productivity index (PI) in Makurdi Southern Guinea
Savanna of Nigeria is reported. The productivity index (PI)
model is a measure of soil productivity. The basic
assumption of PI model is that crop yield is a function of
root development, which in turn is controlled by the soil
environment. This research was conducted in 2007 and 2008 at
the Teaching and Research (T and R) Farm and the SIWES Farm
of the University of Agriculture Makurdi. The factors used
in this model included available water capacity, pH, bulk
density, land slope, clay content, organic matter content
and depth of root zone. Comparisons were made of PI values
obtained for the selected sites. Results from the study show
that PI model can be used efficiently to characterize soil
productivity at specific site if accurate field data are
available. Results from the research work revealed
significantly higher average seed yield, plant height and
leaf area index in the Teaching and Research Farm than the
SIWES Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi. This
coincided with the study location with higher calculated
productivity index (PI). The significant correlations which
existed between seed yield and PI evaluated showed that this
index can actually explain yield variations. |
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Title: |
Rainfed
rice productivity potentials of river Katsina ala floodplain
soils of Agasha, Benue state, Nigeria |
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Author (s): |
Azagaku
E. D and S. Idoga |
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Abstract: |
Rice is severely in short supply in Nigeria
despite the vast occurrence of natural conditions for its
successful cultivation. Attempts at large scale rice
production even on river floodplain soils are largely
unsuccessful due to poor soil management as a consequence of
lack of soil information. The objectives of this study were
to characterize, classify and assess the productivity
potentials of some soils along River Katsina - Ala
Floodplain for rainfed rice production. The area was soil
surveyed at detailed level using the grid method. Four soil
units were identified based on morphological
characteristics. The soils were generally deep (120-190cm)
and somewhat poorly to very poorly drained. They were fine
textured with clay content ranging from 19% to 53%. Soil pH
varied between 5.00 and 5.97; the percentage organic carbon
content was low to moderate (1.20-2.99%) with corresponding
low to moderate N and P; effective cation exchange capacity
was also rated as low to moderate (3.60-8.29 cmol/kg) the
percentage base saturation was high ranging from 56 to 79%
while extractable Fe content was less than 5mg/kg. Soil
units I and II were classified as Aeric Chromic Vertic
Epiaqualfs/vertic Luvic Stagnosols; unit III soils were
classified as Aeric Haplustepts/Gleyic Fluvisols and unit IV
soils classified as Aeric Kandiaqualfs/ Gleyic Luvisols. In
terms of suitability for Rainfed rice production soil units
I, ll and lv were rated as moderately suitable (s2)
while unit lll soils were rated as non suitable. |
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Title: |
Effects
of soil heating on soil properties, leaf area development,
dry matter production and partitioning and growth of maize (zea-mays)
on an alfisol in southern guinea savanna zone, Nigeria |
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Author (s): |
P. I.
Agber and A. O. Adaikwu |
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Abstract: |
The effect of prescribed
heating on soil properties of a sandy loam soil was studied.
Its effects and fertilizer application on leaf area
development, growth, and efficiency of dry matter
partitioning of maize was also examined. The treatments were
a combination of 4 levels of heated soils, 27oc,
100oc, 200oc and 300oc and
two fertilizer levels, FO (control) and F1 (300 kg/ha NPK
fertilizer). Plant height and leaf area were taken at 21, 42
and 63 days after planting (DAP). Biomass harvests were
collected at 21 and 42 days after planting to examine
effects of soil heating and fertilization on shoot, stem,
leaves and roots dry matter yield and partitioning. The
results of the experiments revealed that heating between 27oc
to 200oc decreased soil pH, organic carbon, total
N, Ca Mg Na, K and CEC and increased NH+4-N
and Fe. Heating beyond 200oc decreases NH+4-N,
Zn and Fe. The main beneficial effect of heating was
attributed to increased available NH+4-N
at lower degree of heating. The results of the study further
showed that plants grown on soil heated at 2000c
and fertilized had higher plant height and leaf area. The
heated soils were more efficient in allocating dry matter at
latter periods to roots and stem. Control bush burning at
temperatures less than 3000c could be beneficial
for plant growth and efficient allocation of dry matter. |
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Title: |
Thin
layer modeling of FHIA-21 (Tetraploid plantain) |
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Author (s): |
Dzisi K.
A., Ayim I and Amankwah E. A. |
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Abstract: |
Thin-layer modeling of FHIA-21 (Tetraploid
Plantain) slices was studied in a conventional hot-air
dryer. The samples were dried at 50, 60, 70 and 80°C air
temperature with control and blanching as pretreatments.
Increase in drying air temperature from 50 to 80°C decreased
the drying time from 16 and 17.5 hours to 3 and 7 hours for
untreated and blanched samples respectively Drying of the
plantain occurred in falling rate period. Five thin layer
drying models were evaluated by fitting to the experimental
moisture ratio data. Among the mathematical models
investigated, the Page model satisfactorily described the
drying behaviour of the slices with high r2
values and low χ2 and RMSE. The effective
moisture diffusivity of the plantain slices increased as the
drying air temperature was increased. Also the moisture
diffusivity and activation energy were lower for blanched
samples. |
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Title: |
Building
on community supported agriculture (CSA) to improve
commercial food production in the
upper west
region |
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Author (s): |
Hamidatu
S. Darimani, Adams Rahaman and Emmanuel Amankwah |
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Abstract: |
This research was carried out to establish
the importance of building a Community Supported Agriculture
(CSA) to improve commercial food production in the Upper
West Region. During the research, five communities namely
Guli, Jonga, Kperisi, Kpongu and Siiru were randomly
selected for the study. The research was carried out using
questionnaires, field study, interviews and focus group
discussions. Results from the questionnaires administered in
the five (5) communities indicated that 100% of these
farmers are engaged in subsistence farming. It was observed
that about 80% of farmers who depend on tractor services and
share their profit with the tractor operators do not get
enough money out their toil. The results obtained from the
research also revealed that the farmers lack funds for farm
preparations, purchase of quality seeds and technical
support for their farming activities as well as lack of
sufficient water, problems in land acquisition, market for
their produce and lack of cooperation among the farmers. The
research proposes recommendations such as the formation of
farmers’ cooperation, technical and legal support from
government, NGOs, financial institutions and the communities
to improve Community Supported Agricultural systems in the
selected communities. |
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Title: |
Estimating of RADP marker associated to color gene in
zinnia elegans jacq |
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Author (s): |
Tumiur
Gultom, Aziz-Purwantoro, Endang Sulistyaningsih
and Nasrullah |
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Abstract: |
Flower color contributes mainly to the market
value of ornamental plants including Zinnia elegans
Jacq. The coloration of flowers is determined by several
genes. The previous study showed that Zinnia coloration is
controlled by two independent genes, which are white color
as dominant (chromogen) and its suppressor. The aim of this
study is to investigate marker that associated with
chromogen based on RAPD. DNA from each of 240 individuals in
M2 population was extracted from leaf by CTAB method (Doyle
and Doyle, 1990). Fifteen primers were used to amplify DNA
fragments. The PCR program was consisted of preheating at
94˚C for 1 min, followed by 45 cycles of denaturation at
94˚C for 30 sec, annealing at 38˚C for 30 sec, and
elongation at 72˚C for 1 min 30 sec. The last cycle was
followed by a final extension cycle at 72˚C for 7 min. Six
among fifteen primers were selected and produced 60 loci
which is 100% was polymorphic. The binary data were analyzed
using Fisher Exact Test and Kendall Tau correlation
in the SAS program to get correlation between markers and
those traits. The result showed OPB171400 and
OPA181500 markers were associated with chromogen
in Zinnia. |
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Title: |
Evaluation of melia azedarach as a botanical
pesticide against beet armyworm (spodoptera exigua) |
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Author (s): |
Travis Lee M. and Ken Mix |
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Abstract: |
Far less research has been conducted on
insecticidal characteristics of Melia azedarach,
compared to Azadirachta indica. With the negative
impact chemical pesticides have on the environment
and a population looking for alternative methods of
controlling insect populations, M. azedarach may
prove useful. Fruits and roots were collected from
local M. azedarach trees. Volatiles were cold
extracted from the fruits, root cambium and root
cortex using water and methanol. The extracts were
evaporated to obtain a concentrate and remove
methanol. Neonate Spodoptera exigua were fed extract
mixed into larval diet at a 1:30 (extract: diet). Neonates
were placed in 5ml containers. Individual 1st instars were
given either a diet treated with a single extract or
untreated diet (control). This equaled 4 treatments and each
paired with untreated diet. For each treatment or paired
control n=10, for a total of 80 individual neonate
containers. At 9 days the mean mortality and mean weight
were obtained for each container and nonparametric Wilcoxan
test was used to determine the level of significance for
mortality and weight gain between each treatment and
control. |
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