The impact of organic fertilizer on maize, field beans, and cabbages within the agricultural landscape of Kenya: An assessment of efficacy on sustainable development goals
May 2024
The study aimed to address the reduced production in agriculture and offer better opportunities to farmers for a sustainable future through organic farming aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Data were collected on the growth performance and yield of three crops (cabbage, field beans, and maize) from six sites: Mau Narok, Mwea, Limuru, Molo, and Njabini, between April and October, 2017. The results of the...
Effects of manure and variety on growth and yield of maize under managed water stress at Salima in Malawi
May 2024
Drought and low soil fertility are the primary constraints to maize productivity in Malawi. An experiment was conducted at Lifuwu Agricultural Research Station in Malawi during the 2016 dry season under furrow irrigation to evaluate the impact of goat manure application and drought on the growth and grain yield of the hybrid DKC8053 variety and the synthetic ZM523 variety. These varieties share a maturity period ranging...
Adaptability evaluation of US-developed soybean recombinant inbred lines in Rwandan conditions
May 2024
About 70% of the Rwandan population live on agriculture-related activities. Soybean is among the selected priority crops that are supported by the government through the agriculture sector subsidy program. However, the national production and yields per hectare remain very low compared to other countries such as the USA. Yet demand for soybean products and byproducts is increasing. On the list factors limiting soybean...
Phenology and growth response of maize and groundnut to different spatial arrangement and intercropping systems
May 2024
Field trials were carried out at the research field of AAMUSTED in two cropping seasons (2021 and 2022) to determine the effect of intercropping groundnut varieties with maize using different spatial arrangements on phenology and growth. A 3 x 3 factorial experiment arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), plus four sole crops replicated four times, was used. The treatments were: (i) groundnut varieties...
Challenges faced by small scale sugarcane growers: An exploration of the impact of social unrest on sugarcane farming in Kwazulu-Natal
April 2024
The South African sugar industry is considered by the South African Sugar Association (SASA) as one of the world’s leading cost competitive producers of high-quality sugar and contributes significantly to the national economy, sustainable development and creates mass employment in rural areas. However, numerous challenges are faced by small scale sugarcane growers which drastically affect their profit...
Study on the trapping effects of Brassica allelochemicals on Plutella xylostella adults
April 2024
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a major pest of Brassica crops worldwide. This study explores the application of Brassica spp. allelochemicals in trapping diamondback moth adults. The effectiveness of eight commercially obtained Brassica spp. volatiles has been investigated, including - (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexene-1-ol, β-pinene, sabinene, n-heptanal, allyl...
Cocoa-agroforestry in Ghana: Practices, determinants and constraints faced by farmers
April 2024
To address the growing global demand for cocoa, sustainable intensification of its production in Ghana, the second largest producer, is considered crucial. This paper analyzes practices, determinants and constraints of agroforestry among cocoa farmers in Ghana to provide insights into challenges and drivers for agroforestry adoption, which will guide the formulation and prioritization of tailored policies to address...
Physico-chemical properties of irradiated fresh tomatoes
April 2024
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various levels of gamma irradiation on the physico-chemical composition of fresh tomatoes. Tomato samples were irradiated in a Co-60 gamma irradiator and maintained at 25 ± 2°C storage conditions. The experiment was designed with five treatments of radiation dose (0, 0.5, 0.75 1.0, 1.5, and 2 kGy). Before irradiation, the initial composition of physico-chemical...
Evaluation of soybean (Glycine max L.) varieties for yield performance and adaptability over different growing seasons at Tselemti District, Northern Ethiopia
April 2024
A field experiment was carried out in 2015 and 2016 cropping season on ten soybean varieties using randomized complete block design. The aim is to evaluate soybean varieties for yield performance and adaptability considering number of days to 50% flowering, days to 95% maturity, plant height, pods per plant, plant height biomass and grain yield. Those varieties were superior overall the testing varieties such as Afgat...
Use of cultured indigenous micro-organism (IMO) decomposed liquid chicken manure on the growth and yield of onions (Allium cepa)
March 2024
This study was conducted to determine the effect of indigenous micro-organism (IMO) decomposed liquid chicken manure on the growth and yield of onions set up at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. There were five treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Treatments were: 1 (Onions grown with IMO decomposed liquid chicken manure only), 2 (IMO decomposed liquid chicken manure only),...
Leaf and fruit description of 18 varieties of mango tree (Mangifera indica L.) in Burkina Faso
March 2024
Fruit cultivation, particularly mango production, is flourishing in Burkina Faso. Despite the abundance of mango varieties, the methods for identifying them based on morphological traits remain unknown. This study aims to identify the distinctive characteristics of 18 mango tree varieties at INERA/Farako-Bâ, where experimentation is ongoing. To achieve this, 18 qualitative and four quantitative parameters were...
Smallholder palm oil production sector in African countries: State of the art, practices, constraints, and opportunities in Littoral and Centre regions of Cameroon
March 2024
During palm oil extraction by smallholders in Cameroon, palm oil mill effluent (POME) is generated. A detailed description of the processes involved, aids in reducing loss and minimising the environmental effect of the wastes produced. We characterized herein, the production chain of smallholders’ palm oil production in Cameroon. Mixed methods research approach was used, and semi-structured questionnaires...
Ancient and novel Ethiopian durum wheat cultivars: What is the future for their cultivation?
March 2024
Durum wheat ancient cultivars have been grown in Ethiopia for centuries. Until the 1960s, durum wheat covered all wheat areas in the country; nearly all surfaces were represented by landraces. Now, the area dedicated to durum wheat has declined to approximately 15% of the wheat surface. Still, Ethiopia remains an immense genetic diversity resource for durum wheat. In 2019-21, a group of researchers conducted a field...
Preliminary study of growth pattern and condition factor of bobo croaker (Pseudotolithus elongatus) in obolo area Nigeria
March 2024
The preliminary study of the growth pattern and condition factor of Bobo Croaker (Pseudotolithus elongatus) in the Obolo Area, Nigeria, was conducted over a six-month period. Samples were collected from the catches of artisanal and local fishers, and the length and weight of the samples were measured in situ using appropriate tools. The parameters "a" and "b" of the Length-Weight relationship were...
Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Kuroiler chicks fed on Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) diet
March 2024
Utilization of silkworm pupae meal for feed will partially meet the protein feed deficiency, and fish meal competing uses. Silkworm pupa was used as a fishmeal substitute at different levels in poultry feeds to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics after feeding day old Kuroiler chicks for 8 weeks. Fishmeal was substituted with Silkworm pupae at percentages of 25 (T3), 50 (T2) and 100 (T1) with a...
Assessment of the concentration of heavy metals in two vegetables in selected urban metropolises (Ilorin and Osogbo), Nigeria
March 2024
This study analyzed heavy metal contamination in commonly consumed leafy vegetables grown on peri-urban farms in Osogbo and Ilorin, Nigeria. Across five neighborhoods in each city, fresh vegetable samples were collected and assessed for lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Alarming Pb levels were discovered, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.01...
Antifungal effect of wood vinegar from selected feedstocks on Ascochyta rabiei in vitro
March 2024
A study to evaluate the antifungal activity of wood vinegar (pyrogenous acid) from maize cobs, acacia twigs, bean straw and an invasive tree species Prosopis juliflora against Ascochyta rabiei was conducted in vitro and at Egerton University Njoro, Kenya. The physicochemical characteristics of the different wood vinegar were also determined. Antifungal effects of wood vinegar were evaluated at different concentrations...
Management of pigeon pea pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) using biopesticides and yield performance in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya
March 2024
Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is one of the major causes of low productivity in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in Kenya. This study determined the effect of Nimbedicine, Pyagro and Bacillus thuringiensis on pod borer and grain yield performance of two pigeon pea varieties. The experiments were set up in Kapkayo and Koibatek during April-September, 2020 and May-October, 2021 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid in...
Resistance to aflatoxin contamination and genotypic colonization of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea)
February 2024
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important income-generating crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Biotic factors affecting production include fungal infections caused by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus leading to aflatoxin contamination. Resistant cultivars can be a potential cost-effective strategy and a feasible option to small scale farmers. This study aimed to compare the colonizing effect of the A. flavus...
Major soil fertility and management gaps in sorghum production in Lesotho
February 2024
Sorghum is an important staple crop in Lesotho, following maize and wheat. The objective of this study was to assess soil fertility and management gaps in the country and their impact on sorghum production. In July 2022, an interview involving 320 Basotho farmers was carried out in 8 districts across Lesotho. The survey indicated that sorghum yield across the nation is low (< 1 ton/ha), with the major limiting...
Production and profitability of maize and soybean grown in rotation in the North-Western Free State, South Africa
February 2024
The production and profitability of maize in the North-Western Free State is important for the livelihood of South Africa’s population. Most of the country’s maize is produced in the area despite its sandy soils and semi-arid climate. Crop rotation has been identified as a management practice which has potential to maintain and improve crop production and profitability. This study’s objective was to...
Morphological diversity of taro genus Xanthosoma collected in four geographical areas in Côte d’Ivoire based on qualitative traits
February 2024
This study is part of the context of the development and sustainable management of neglected plant genetic resources in Côte d'Ivoire, including taro. The objective is to characterize the morphological diversity within taro accessions of the genus Xanthosoma from four geographical areas of Côte d'Ivoire. The study took place in the central, eastern, western and southern geographical areas of...
Effect of the fertilizer application rates on the performance of the winter triticale on podzolic soil
February 2024
The aim of this work was to assess the effect of different application rates of NPK fertilizer on the productivity of winter triticale varieties in podzolic soils. In this particular study, 3 varieties of winter triticale: Guera, Nemchinovskaya 56, and Nina were evaluated in 2020-2022 on the experimental fields of FIC "Nemchinovka". The best response to mineral nutrition was observed in the Guera variety,...
Impact of nutritional sovereignty of red meat on water consumption in the agricultural sector
February 2024
Given the dependency of red meat production on water-depleting fodder crops, this research aimed to measure the impact of the nutritional sovereignty of red meat on water consumption in the agricultural sector. The most important findings of this study reveal that the total water used in the production of red meat amounted to 46.68 billion cubic meters, representing 10.14% of the total water consumption in the...
Evaluation of Brazilian irrigated agriculture: what to expect?
February 2024
Ensuring food security is a significant challenge facing our society today. The goal of irrigation management is to enhance food production within the existing agricultural areas while considering environmental sustainability. In Brazil, the high demand for irrigation, coupled with various technologies employed in food production, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and technical...
Evaluation of field performance of compact coffee variety under selected propagation methods and soil fertility amendment practices in the Northern Zone, Tanzania
February 2024
This study compares the field performance of three types of seedlings propagules (cuttings, grafting and seed) when combined with 75 g NPK (20:10:10) tree-1, 37.5 g NPK + (10 and 20 Kg Farmyard manure) tree-1. Two split plot experiments laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three replications were established at Lyamungu-Kilimanjaro region and Burka-Arusha region based on the existing climatic...
Ethnobotanical survey to evaluate the endogenous knowledge and consequences of Taro Leaf Blight (TLB) in Sudanian climatic zone of Burkina Faso
January 2024
Leaf blight caused by Phytophthora colocasiae poses a significant threat to taro production in the Sudanian climatic zone of Burkina Faso. This study aims to assess producers' knowledge about the disease, its consequences, and field management practices. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among taro producers between June and July 2021. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed...
Adoption and impact of fruit fly control technologies on mango losses in Senegal
January 2024
Senegal's mango production and export industry have experienced remarkable growth, contributing CFAF 8 billion to the economy and generating nearly 20,000 jobs, with women comprising half of the workforce. However, this success is threatened by fruit fly infestations, which can result in potential losses of up to 100% of production. The WAAPP Program, implemented from 2011 to 2013, aimed to combat this issue in...
Effects of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex G. litter on growth and production parameters of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) on station in Lower Casamance
January 2024
The judicious combination of crops and trees of interest remains one of the most convincing solutions to increase the yield of peanut production in rural areas while preserving the most important woody biodiversity. However, the impact of trees of interest on food crops needs to be determined. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Parkia biglobosa litter on the growth and yield parameters of...
Effect of phytosanitary products on yield and grain quality of winter wheat in the conditions of Central Non-Chernozem region of Russia
January 2024
One of the problems with producing winter wheat is the use of phytosaniatry products to guarantee high and steady winter wheat yields. Over the course of two years (2021-2022), field tests were carried out at the Federal Research Center Nemchinovka in Russia's Central Non-Black Earth area. With respect to intensity levels, such as basic, intense, and high intensity; this study sought to assess the impact of various...
Southwestern Kenya’s smallholder dairy farmers’ climate change perceptions, knowledge and adaptation
January 2024
Globally, climate change (CC) adaptation is critical as CC compounds smallholder dairy farmers’ challenges. Farmers’ CC perceptions and knowledge could influence their CC adaptations. This study in Southwestern Kenya sought to establish smallholder dairy farmers’ CC perceptions and CC knowledge level and their relationships to CC adaptations. Concurrent Fixed Mixed Methods was used to collect data from...
Enhancing wheat productivity for small-scale farmers in the northern state of Sudan through developing a local made seed cleaner and different seeding methods
January 2024
The wheat cleaner was designed, manufactured, and tested in the workshop of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Dongola, and Northern State of Sudan. The purpose was to enhance productivity for small-scale farmers who traditionally plant their saved wheat seeds every season, facing risks of weed infestation and low viability. A one-season field experiment was then...
Present feeding management practices and socio-economic conditions of dairy farmers in selected areas of Bangladesh
January 2024
A field survey was conducted with a total of 540 dairy farmers interviewed personally to collect data on their socio-economic condition and feeding management practices of dairy farmers from 6 Upazila under 3 divisions of Bangladesh. As result, a maximum of the respondents (43%) belonged to the secondary level of education whereas only (3%) of the illiterate farmer was involved with dairy farming. Farmers of patiya...
Lack of technology hinders advancing aquaculture; special emphases on fish intestinal microbiota research in Africa
January 2024
Fish farming plays a crucial role in aquaculture, providing protein and livelihoods to millions worldwide. Research on fish intestinal microbiota has gained increasing importance in recent years due to its critical roles in fish health, growth, disease resistance, and production. However, advanced aquaculture research, such as studying fish intestinal microbiota, faces significant challenges in Africa due to inadequate...
Response of maize grain yield to different sources of organic manure at varied levels of application
January 2024
The experimental site was prepared and land used was 1,904 square feet (measuring 1706.88 by 1036.32 m). Varying rates (0.5, 1, and 1.5 kg) of three organic manures (palm kernel cake, bio char, Gliricidia sepium and poultry/chicken manure) were applied on maize variety DMR-ESR-yellow. The design was a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications, with a plot size of 4 by 4ft. Each...
Adoption of sustainable land management practices among farmers under the Third National Fadama Development Project in Imo State, Nigeria
January 2024
This study assessed the adoption of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices among farmers participating in the Third National Fadama Development Project in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 128 randomly selected members of Fadama User Groups (FUGs) in Imo State. The analysis utilized simple descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution tables,...
Effects of irrigation regimes at different growth stages on seed yield and yield components of two soybeans (Glycine max L. (Merr.)) varieties in semi-arid conditions
December 2023
Water stress is the most limiting abiotic stress factor for soybean growth, development and production in semi-arid regions. The development of new soybean cultivars with high efficiency and ability to drought resistance is very important. Field experiment was conducted to investigated the impact of irrigation regimes at different growth stages (Full irrigation, irrigation regimes at vegetable growth, flowering, and pod...
Screening sorghum local landraces for potential drought tolerance stay-green quantitative trait loci (QTLs) sources in Burkina Faso
December 2023
Sorghum serves as a staple food for rural populations in Burkina Faso, but its cultivation faces limitations due to post-flowering drought stress. Consequently, there is a need for improvement to enhance resilience to moisture stress. The current investigation aims to identify drought-tolerant germplasm to enhance local susceptible elite varieties. One hundred and ten accessions, comprising improved and exotic...
Agronomic efficiency and grain yield response index of wheat varieties as influenced by nitrogen rates in semi-arid zone of southern Niger
December 2023
Wheat productivity in southern Niger is hampered by the utilization of local wheat varieties that exhibit a low response to fertilizer. A field experiment was conducted over two dry seasons in Djirataoua to investigate the efficiency and responsiveness of four wheat varieties under four nitrogen doses (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1). The experiment followed a split-plot design with three replications. Results revealed...
Growth promotion and yield attribute improvement of five groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties by the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria
December 2023
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the symbiotic performance of a collection of ten plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains on the growth and yield attributes of five groundnut varieties. The screening was conducted in the greenhouse using seeds of the varieties Essamay, Amoul Morom, 55-437, Fleur 11 and Sunu Gaal grown in 1.5 kg pots with Sangalkam soils. Leaf chlorophyll content, plant height,...
Effect of biochar on soil physical properties, growth parameters and yield of soybeans on a five-year fallow
December 2023
The potential of biochar as a soil amendment in agricultural fields is a recently recognized and yet underutilized technology. The objective of this study was to investigate the mid/long-term effects of a single biochar application on soil physical properties, growth parameters and the yield of soybeans in a sandy clay loam. Biochar was added to a highly weathered tropical soil at rates of 40 tons ha-1 five years prior...
Antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in Hibiscus sabdariffa from Congo
November 2023
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a plant of the Malvaceae family, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Its leaves, seeds, and calyxes are utilized in both human and animal nutrition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in leaves and calyxes harvested from H. sabdariffa plants that were fertilized with chicken manure in Congo....
Comparative analysis of immediate and residual effects of farmyard manure, triple superphosphate, and lime on maize yields in western Kenya
November 2023
The effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and triple superphosphate (TSP) as sources of phosphorus, when applied with or without lime, on selected soil chemical properties, and the initial and residual maize yields, were compared for two consecutive seasons at two acidic, phosphorus-deficient sites, Khwisero and Maseno, in western Kenya. Nutrient inputs, consisting of two sources of phosphorus: TSP and FYM, applied as sole...
Market value chain of honey production in Northern Ethiopia
November 2023
Farm commodities that are grown to sell for profit and purchased by parties separate from a farm are seen as cash crops. Coffee, cotton, and honey are produced for sale in South and Western Ethiopia. As honey emerged as a cash commodity, farmers in Northern Ethiopia became involved in honey production as an income source. Studies on honey production have focused on central, south, and western Ethiopia. Northern and...
Land tenure security and agricultural production in the rural areas of Burkina Faso
November 2023
The security of land tenure is a critical aspect of enhancing agricultural production in rural areas of Burkina Faso. The aim of this analysis is to examine the impact of land tenure security on agricultural production and utilize the Mixed Conditional Process method to derive estimators in a recursive equation model. Panel data from the Programme National de Gestion des Terroirs was employed spanning the cropping...
The impact of safety net programs on household asset building in Ethiopia: Propensity scope matching model results
November 2023
The study analyzed the impact of the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on Household Asset Building (HAB) in drought-prone areas of Southern Ethiopia. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 180 randomly sampled households, including both PSNP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. The analysis included both inferential and descriptive methods, utilizing a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique to estimate...
Floral biology and phenology of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) in Cuba: Bases for genetic improvement
November 2023
Despite the fact that some aspects related to the flowering of the sweet potato have been studied previously, to date, in Cuba and tropical regions, only general descriptions have been documented without detailed information on the biology and floral phenology of the sweet potato, aspects of interest for genetic improvement. To carry out the research, four sweet potato genotypes obtained and released by the genetic...
Assessment of input-output relationship of crop enterprises in the different climate change adaptation options among farmers in Borno State, Nigeria
October 2023
The study analyzed the input-output relationship of crop enterprises in response to different climate change adaptation options among farmers in Borno State, Nigeria. The research was conducted in two agroecological zones (AEZ) within the state, employing a multi-stage sampling procedure to select 360 farmers for the study. Data analysis involved the use of means, frequencies, and multiple regression techniques. The...
Evaluation of soil fertility status in the Kyoga Basin of Uganda: A physio-chemical study in Buyende and Serere districts
October 2023
Nutrients present in the soil are important elements required for the healthy growth of plants. This study, therefore, sought to examine the physio-chemical properties of soils in Buyende and Serere districts, in the Kyoga basin, Uganda. Using soil auger, soil samples were purposively picked from Serere (23) and Buyende (17) districts at depth of (0-25 cm). Routine soil analysis was done for the macro soil...
Allelopathic potential of green manure, cover crops, mulching plants, and weeds found in tea plantations
October 2023
The allelopathic activity of cover crops, green manure, mulching plants, and weeds commonly found in tea plantations was evaluated employing laboratory bioassays, greenhouse experiments and field trials. The results of laboratory and greenhouse experiments concluded that the green manure plants, Gliricidia sepium, Erythrina lithosperma, Eupatorium inulifolium, Tithonia diversifolia, Artemisia vulgaris and mulching...
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