Pre-harvest Loss Assessment of Maize crop in Semi-arid Areas in Tanzania Due to Rodent pests
June 2022
Two experiments were conducted, first was to estimate maize seedling damage in farmers’ fields and a simulation experiment. This study aim to investigate the impact of rodent pest species, damage to maize crop in semi-arid areas at pre-harvest, with a view to provide farmers with appropriate information on rodent pest management interventions. In farmers’ fields, damage assessment was done by counting the...
Maize intercropped between Eucalyptus urophylla in agroforestry systems in Brazil
June 2022
The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of maize intercropping with Eucalyptus urophylla at agroforestry system in two triple row distance (alleys) at different sampling distances and positions in relation to the eucalyptus external row (transect), and three positions in relation to the cardinal points: east side, west side and middle. Eucalyptus (E. urophylla) seedlings were planted...
Stability of productivity parameters of six cocoa clones [Theobroma cacao (Malvaceae)] during the main production season in Côte d'Ivoire
June 2022
The strong climatic fluctuation observed during the major cocoa production period with reductions in rainfall and rising temperatures lead to a low graining index. This climatic situation makes cocoa marketing difficult for producers. The stability of quantitative productivity parameters in six cacao clones on farm was analyzed during the main production season. Flowering, average pod weight, number of beans per pod,...
Comparison of the infestation of three rubber tree clones by Phragmantera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle (Loranthaceae) in the South-west region of Cameroon
June 2022
Rubber tree clones are used for their high latex production, resistance to the diseases and to the climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize the parasitism of Phragmanthera capitata on three rubber clones. The study was carried out in the rubber plantations of the Cameroon Development Corporation located in 4 villages around Muyuka and Tiko, two locality of the Fako Department, South-West Region of...
Dominant practices, information, and constraints of soil moisture conservation and nutrient management for range pastures in a sedentary grazing system in South-Western Uganda
June 2022
Range pastures constitute the major source of livestock feeds throughout the year in the grazing areas of Uganda. However, pasture yields have been declining overtime, yet there is limited information on efforts of improving pasture productivity through soil moisture conservation and nutrient management. This study assessed soil moisture conservation and nutrient management practices used by livestock farmers, sources...
Research achievements and recommendations in crop management for enhancing the productivity of spices: A review
June 2022
Spices are invaluable crops in Ethiopia and research. Just like coffee, their production started many years ago. Availability of diverse agro ecology allowed the country to cultivate different spices. Lowland (ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, and vanilla) and highland seed spices (black cumin and white cumin, fenugreek, and coriander) were some of the target in research. Appropriate crop management practices,...
Analysis of the determinants of adoption of bio-herbicide technology for sustainable food production in the North-Eastern Region of Nigeria
June 2022
There is a growing concern in many developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa on the harmful effects of synthetic herbicide usage on the agro-ecology, as well as food crop production. Therefore, this study focused on analyzing the factors that influence the adoption of bio-herbicide technology as an alternative to the chemical herbicides used by rural farmers in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria. Multi-stage random...
Floral activity of Chrysomya putoria Wiedemann, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) enhances the pollination and fruit set rate of Ricinus communis L., 1753 (Euphorbiaceae)
June 2022
Experiments were conducted to study the foraging behaviour of blowfly species, Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) on Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) in Sudano-Sahelian area of Cameroon in 2017 and 2018. To do so, castor bean plants were flagged and fly foraging parameters were recorded. The effects of blowfly activity on pollination and fruiting rate of R. communis were estimated by comparing unrestricted and...
Spatial and temporal variability of soil micronutrients and their relationships with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and some major soil variables
June 2022
Studying the spatial and temporal variability of soil micronutrients and their effects on plant growth is important for implementing precision-farming and/or economizing fertilizer management. The present investigation was done through soil sampling (0–20 cm depth) from three locations in central Ethiopia. The tools employed include, descriptive and/or classical statistics. The concentrations of available copper...
Experimental study on the effect of light quality on the quality of hydroponic Cichorium endivia L. in plant factory with artificial light
June 2022
In recent years, plant factories have developed rapidly and played an important role in modern agricultural production. Finding the best lighting formula has become the most basic and important research topic for the industrialization of the plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) hydroponic Cichorium endivia L. In this paper, the LED plant growth lamp with adjustable ratio of red, blue and white light intensity...
Indigenous knowledge on host tree preference of the wild edible Gynanisa maja (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) matches with the laboratory test results in western Zambia
May 2022
Gynanisa maja is an edible caterpillar and contributes significantly towards household food security. The linkage between indigenous and scientific knowledge influencing G. maja forage preference is not yet clear, and therefore the study aimed at determining this linkage regarding host preferences for G. maja in western Zambia. A household survey was conducted to determine people’s perception on the most preferred...
Alkalinization and moist heat treatments of substrates for cultivation of edible mushrooms in pupunha and cocoa residues
May 2022
In search of a healthier diet, the consumption of edible mushrooms has been expanding, as well as the use of agro-industrial residues for cultivation and the use of less costly techniques. In this work, residues of pupunha palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) were tested as a substrate to produce Pleurotus pulmonarius CCB19, as well as two forms of disinfection: Moist heat (autoclaving) and...
Family agriculture in mesoregions of the state of Alagoas, Brazil: Analysis from the production of rural settlements
May 2022
This study aimed to analyze food production and verify the purpose of production in rural settlements, in different mesoregions of the state of Alagoas. Semi-structured interviews were used, with 245 families from six settlements distributed in the three mesoregions: East, Agreste, and Sertão, resulting in a diversity of crops in regions with water availability, and the main crops, such as corn and beans,...
Impact of program-based sustainable urban agricultural intervention on women empowerment in Addis Ababa: Evidence from women empowerment in agriculture index analysis
May 2022
Urban agriculture is increasingly recognized in academic research, policy practice, and advocacy as rural land is increasingly shrinking for agricultural production; and is argued as pro-poor urban intervention. This study argued that previous researches focused on: (1) rural agriculture; (2) women’s economic empowerment; and (3) positive impacts of urban agricultural interventions on the poor. By observing 10...
Effect of selective micronutrients on productivity of upland rice varieties
May 2022
The realization of optimal recommendations for the nutrient balance of upland rice is an excellent strategy to increase the productivity and sustainability of the production system, especially in soils with limiting conditions for cultivation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the behavior of upland rice cultivars (ANa 9005CL, ANa 8001, AN Cambará and BRS A502), by foliar fertilization (Maxi Zinc®,...
Maize production constraints at household levels: The case of Hawassa Zuria district in Sidama Region, Ethiopia
May 2022
Maize is the most important cereal crop in Ethiopia in terms of plantation area, production volume, and economic importance for food security. Despite the relative yield increment at the national level, maize production in the study area has been hindered by a couple of factors. This study was conducted to assess and evaluate maize production constraints in the Hawassa Zuria district. Primary data was collected from 60...
Effects of tractor forward velocity on soil compaction under different soil water contents in Tunisia
May 2022
Africa is the second continent suffering from soil compaction; studies of this phenomenon must be multiplied in order to overcome this problem. Very few studies have been conducted in Tunisia to understand soil compaction, its causes and its effect on soil properties. The research was conducted on experimental field at the Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott Mariam, Sousse, Tunisia. The main objective of this study...
Effects of spacing on yield and head characteristics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in two agro-ecologies of Ethiopia
May 2022
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is one of the major vegetable crops grown in Ethiopia. In the 2018 rainy season, 31,400 tonnes of head cabbage was produced. Despite its importance, the productivity of cabbage in Ethiopia remains very low (6 t/ha) as compared to world (28.8 t/ha) and East Africa (16 t/ha). Low plant population was one of the major causes of low yield and big size heads, which consumers and...
Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to sulfur impurity supplied as triple-super phosphate under gypsum and urea fertilizer backgrounds
May 2022
On-farm experiments (24) were conducted in two seasons to assess the influence of sulfur impurity in triple-super phosphate (TSP) on wheat. The experiments were laid-out in completely randomized block design in triplicate. Nutrients investigated include: Nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P). The TSP is tested to contain about 2 to 6% sulfur as impurity. However, wheat did not show response to sulfur from TSP....
Evaluation of medium maturity group of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) for agronomic performance and adaptation in Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso
April 2022
Soybean is an economically important crop that provides oil and high-quality protein. In Burkina Faso, soybean is one of the promising crops identified in the framework of the strategy for the development of agricultural sectors. However, very few improved varieties have been developed. The identification of newly improved varieties with high agronomic potential and adapted to the climatic conditions will strengthen...
Silicon on rice seed yield and quality
April 2022
The study aimed to evaluate the yield components and physiological quality of rice seeds produced, obtained from coated seeds with rice rusk ash and kaolin®. Treatments consisted of coating rice seeds with two sources of silicon (silicate of aluminum-70% SiO2 (kaolin® and rice husk ash- 95% SiO2) at doses of 0; 30; 60; 90 and 120 g.100 kg-1 seed. Yield components were evaluated: Seed yield per plant, number of...
Assessment of aflatoxin awareness in The Gambia
April 2022
Aflatoxins belong to a category of mycotoxins that have impacted mankind since the beginning of organized cultivation. This toxin is produced by certain molds in food and feeds and results to adverse health effects to both humans and animals, as well as economic barriers to farmers and countries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current level of aflatoxin awareness and knowledge of its contamination,...
Biological control using essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum and four other biopesticides on Formicococcus njalensis, the most active mealybugs species in the transmission of CSSV (Cocoa swollen shoot virus)
April 2022
A laboratory investigation was conducted to evaluate the use of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil to control the development of Formicococcus njalensis, the main vector of Cocoa Swollen shoot virus (CSSV) in West Africa. Commercial biopesticides (Squad, Agriphy, Mycotal and Banole), the essential oil of O. gratissimum obtained by hydrodistillation were compared at the concentration of 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 µl.l-1...
Shading effects on the yield, quality, and sucrose-metabolizing enzyme activity of sweet corn during filling stage
March 2022
Two low-light sensitive varieties of sweet corn (Zea mays L.), cultivars Xiantian 5, and Huazhen, were subjected to different shading-intensity treatments during the grain-filling stage in a field experiment in order to clarify physiological mechanisms of lowlight effects on the yield, quality, and sucrose-metabolizing enzyme activity of sweet corn. The results showed that under weak light stress (50% light...
Assessment of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) landrace varieties for resistance to anthracnose disease
March 2022
Yam anthracnose disease (YAD), caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz, is the most damaging fungal disease of Dioscorea alata yam worldwide. Local yam varieties, which sustain Côte d'Ivoire’s farmers and other end-users livelihoods, are highly susceptible to this pathogen. Thus, there is a need for developing new yam cultivars to sustain yam production in Côte d'Ivoire. To...
Multiple solutions for rice farmers’ production constraints in Ethiopia: Cost efficient methods of sheath rot disease management
March 2022
Rice sheath rot disease is one of the obstacles in Fogera plain of rain-fed rice production system. A cultivar called X-Jigna has been used by small scale farmers based on mono-cropping system for over two decades. This production system contributed to the disease occurrence and adversely impacted the production and productivity. So far, there were no any effective measures taken as research remedies in the rain-fed...
Effects of crops residues management systems on crops yields and chemical characteristics of tropical ferruginous soil in Western Burkina Faso
March 2022
Crop residues' inappropriate management is the main constraint causing the decline in soil fertility and crop yields in Burkina Faso. This study was conducted at the Farako-Bâ Research Station from 2014 to 2019 to assess the effects of crop residue management to improve the sustainability of the cotton-cereal based production systems. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks of Fischer with four...
Prospects and constraints faced by smallholder farmers in the cultivation of GM crops: A case study from Northern Ghana
March 2022
As Ghana prepares to commence commercialization of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, this paper reports findings of a survey that sought the views of smallholder farmers in northern Ghana on the likely prospects and constraints of GM crops cultivation. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to sample 360 smallholder farmers across ten districts in northern Ghana with interviews, guided by semi-structured...
Estimation of genotype x environment interaction and stability analysis for protein content on durum wheat (Triticum turgidium Var Durum)
March 2022
Genotype x environment interaction (GEI) and stability of protein content across locations could be helpful in identifying wheat lines with premium quality. The protein contents of 25 selected durum wheat genotypes tested over six environments in 2017 to evaluate genotype by environment interactions and identify stable genotypes for protein content. Protein content was determined based on Mini-infra Smart T Grain...
Role of aromatic plants in the integrated pest management (IPM) of Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
March 2022
Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman is a cosmopolitan and polyphagous insect pest. Onion thrips cause direct and indirect damage to onion by feeding and ovipositing on leaves of several horticultural crops. Besides causing direct damage to its host plants, T. tabaci has been known as an asymptomatic transmitter of plant pathogens such as tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) and tomato yellow...
An assessment of tomato production practices among rural farmers in major tomato growing districts in Malawi
March 2022
Tomato is one of the most commonly grown vegetables in Malawi. However, considerable attention has not been given for its production and marketing aspects among smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study was conducted in six major tomato growing districts in Malawi with the objective of identifying production and marketing practices and constraints affecting tomato productivity. Semi structured questionnaires were...
Modeling the water balance of a ruminant production system in the semi-arid region
February 2022
In the Brazilian semi-arid region, most cattle properties that use small dams as a source of water are unaware of the water balance of this system, which makes it difficult to plan and use this resource rationally. In this context, the objective was to demonstrate the impact of water consumption from a ruminant production system in a small reservoir. The water use model was developed using the Vensim PLE™ software...
Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) Grown in Bangui (Central African Republic) under controlled conditions
February 2022
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth and development of maize (Zea mays) in a greenhouse at the University of Bangui for three months under controlled conditions. Data collection was done at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) for growth parameters (plant height, crown diameter, number of leaves) and above-ground, root and total biomass were...
Redefining conservation agriculture through appropriate use of herbicides and fertilisers to improve crop production in Mozambique
February 2022
The effects and applicability of conservation agriculture in different farming contexts are highly contested. Yet, there has been limited attempt to adapt the conservation agriculture system to the conditions of resource-poor farmers, focusing primarily on the existing farmers’ capacity and objective to practice conservation agriculture. The study assessed the factors that influence adoption and dis-adoption of...
Response of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to seed treatment in Central Kenya
February 2022
Seed treatment presents an opportunity to boost bean productivity; however, the technology has not been widely tested in Kenya and the sub Saharan Africa region. An experiment was carried out at Kandara, Central Kenya to compare the effects of seed treatment applications on bean performance. The split-plot design experiment with three replicates included four seed treatment products: Apron Star, Seed Plus, Gro Plus and...
Elite local rice varieties resistant to bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola under field conditions in Burkina Faso
February 2022
This study aims to evaluate the phenotype of nine genotypes of rice, during two consecutive seasons, in plots of rice farmers in irrigated plains Kou valley and Di. A Fisher block was implanted with three replicates at both sites on plots that had previously been shown to have a high incidence of bacterial leaf streak (BLS). The incidence, severity, growth rate of the disease, and the average yield of the different...
Tree performance and peach fruits yield and quality under compounds sprays to induce sprouting
February 2022
The sprouting induction is a fundamental cultural practice in peach orchards grown in subtropical regions around the world. The evaluation of alternatives compounds to induce sprouting is necessary mainly considering its effects on fruit quality. Two alternative compounds such as 2.5% nitrogen fertilizer (NF) + 4% calcium nitrate (CN) and 4% calcium nitrate (CN), besides the control were compared with 0.6% hydrogen...
Variability of soil chemical properties in lower Wabishebele Sub-Basin in Somali Region South-eastern Ethiopia, as influenced by land use and land cover
February 2022
This study was performed at lower Wabishebele sub-basin in Somali region south eastern Ethiopia to analyse the land use and cover and spatial variability of soil chemical properties of the sub-basin and develop soil map. A total of 41 soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth and analyzed for; pH total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and exchangeable potassium (EK). The data was analyzed through...
In vitro efficiency of crude extract of Ricinus communis, Abroma augusta, and Bombax ceiba seed on brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee
February 2022
Brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee is a major pest. The frequent use of toxic chemical insecticides ultimately poses a problem due to pollution of the environment, health hazards, and adverse effects on beneficial organisms. Hence, the current researches looked into the efficacy of various botanicals against brinjal pests. This experiment was carried out to see how ethyl acetate and methanol...
Measuring technical efficiency and its determinants among sweet potatoes farmers in Western Uganda
February 2022
Sweet potato is one of the important staple food for majority of Ugandans. As such, it is depended on by many households. Reportedly, sweet potatoes production is low especially in Western Uganda. This may have been attributed to resource misallocation leading to some levels of efficiency or inefficiency. However, the current level of efficiency or inefficiency and its determinants in sweet potatoes production is...
Analysis of climate change vulnerability and adaptation towards increase resilience among farmers in Borno State, Nigeria
February 2022
This study analyzed climate change vulnerability and adaptation among smallholder farmers in Borno State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in Sudan and Guinea savannah Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) of the state. Survey research design was employed for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 360 farmers for the study. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, means and livelihood...
Potential of aqueous neem extract for Thaumastocoris peregrinus control
February 2022
Eucalyptus cultivation has undergone great expansion in recent years due to the increase in commercial production of this wood for the paper, cellulose and steel industries. One of the main factors responsible for production losses is insect attack. The main insect that acts as a pest, devastating eucalyptus plantations is Thaumastocoris peregrinus, being controlled through the application of synthetic insecticides. The...
Identifying available resources and agricultural practices useful in soil fertility management to support orange-fleshed sweet potato cultivation on smallholder farms in Mozambique
January 2022
Orange-fleshed sweet potato is an important source of macro-and micronutrients for humans, particularly in resource-poor rural communities. However, sweet potato cultivation removes large amounts of nutrients from the soil. Hence, soil fertility replenishment is vital to secure long-term food production. The lack of access to fertilizers hinders the ability of farmers to supply and replenish soil nutrients, intensifying...
Growth of Cyperus sesquiflorus (Torr.) Mattf. & Kük. (Capim Cheiroso) in a greenhouse
January 2022
The growth of Cyperus sesquiflorus was characterized in an experiment with 4 replications and 15 treatments (0, 6, 17, 22, 28, 34, 40, 45, 49, 55, 61, 69, 76, 83 and 90 days after transplanting - DAT). Greater leaf length, diameter of the culm, dry matter, and biomass partitioning measurements were made. Alive leaves, inflorescences, alive and dead tillers were counted. The Tukey test at 5% was used for analysis....
Assessing the effects of Lecanicillium lecanii in the biological control of early and late leaf spot of peanut in vitro (Burkina Faso, West Africa)
January 2022
Early and late leaf spots caused by Cercospora arachidicola and Phaeoisariopsis personata respectively, are the most widespread peanut fungal diseases in West Africa. These diseases lead to notable crop losses in the rural area. In the recent decades, chemical fungicides are used to fight against crop losses, but these chemical substances cause big damages to the environment including the animals and human beings....
A comparative evaluation of nutrient content of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae to other chicken feeds
January 2022
Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a devastating pest of over 350 plant species especially the cereal crops such as, maize, sorghum and rice. The pest is currently posing threats to food security in Africa. FAW could be potential animal feed that can supplement chicken feed. However, there is little information on its nutritional profile as poultry feed. The aim of the study was to compare the nutrient content...
Initial performance of Barbados gooseberry plants grown on different soil covers
January 2022
Barbados gooseberry is an unconventional food plant with great protein production potential for human consumption. A field experiment was conducted with four types of soil covers and six replications to optimize the cultivation of this plant. Treatments were composed of four soil covers, forage peanut, straw from sun hemp and millet, white plastic cover, and a treatment without soil cover and with hoeing. After...
Protein digestibility status of locally available feed ingredients fed to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the hatchery, Sebeta, Ethiopia
January 2022
The nutritional value of a feedstuff isn’t only on its chemical composition, however, the content of the nutrients absorb by the aid of the fish. Thus, this study was developed to determine crude protein digestibility status of the five feeds (noug cake (NK), wheat bran (WB), soybean meal (SM), brewery waste (BW), and fish meal (FM) in Oreochromis niloticus. The experiment was conducted using 180 Oreochromis...
Agronomic practices in soil water management for sustainable crop production under rain fed agriculture of Drylands in Sub-Sahara Africa
January 2022
Water is one of the very important inputs necessary for the production of food crops hence, food security and rural livelihoods are essentially linked to the accessibility of water. Eighty percent of the world’s global agricultural land area is under rain-fed; this contributes to 58% of the world’s staple foods. In Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), reliance on rain-fed agriculture is high with 97% of the moisture...
Presence of metals in farmland edible termites in Mazabuka District, Zambia
January 2022
Edible termites have played an important role in the history of human nutrition due to their nutritional value. Despite their nutritional body content, it is known that during their termitarium construction, termites accumulate metals in their bodies. This study examined the heavy metal content in selected edible termites for food safety. The household survey was carried out in 8 camps of Magoye and Stateland farming...
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