Technical-economical evaluation of a solar water heater with vacuum tubes collector, used in a rural area in Paraná, Brazil
April 2015
Solar radiation is a source of energy that can be used directly by residences and industries. In this work, the efficiency of a solar collector type all-glass installed in a rural area in Paraná, Brazil, in the winter period, was evaluated. Two daily showers were simulated in three different scenarios, to measure additional electrical consumption used to boost the heating of water. In the first scenario,...
Foliar application of molybdenum improves nitrogen uptake and yield of sunflower
April 2015
Molybdenum (Mo) foliar spray may improve the nitrogen acquisition by the plants and increase the crop yield. The effects of Mo foliar spray on nitrogen nutrition, achene yield and yield components of sunflower were investigate in this study. The experiment was carried out on a Rhodic Hapludox in Chavantes, São Paulo, Brazil under conventional tillage system. Treatments consisted of five Mo concentrations [0...
Mitigation effect of dry spells in Sahelian rainfed agriculture: Case study of supplemental irrigation in Burkina Faso
April 2015
This study aims to isolate the supplemental irrigation (SI) scenario from permeable rainwater harvesting basins (RWHBs) best suitable to mitigate the long dry spells (DSs) in Burkinabe Sahel (BS). The water flow in the soil was studied on corn crop during 2013 and 2014 depending on the available water in the monitored RWHB. The experimental design was a block Fisher with four treatments (one under rainfed regime and...
Analysis of risks in crop production due to climate change in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
April 2015
This study was conducted to investigate historical climate dynamics and the resultant risks at four sites (Meki, Melkassa, Miesso and Ziway) in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. It involved analysis of rainfall and temperature data in the study areas. The results showed the existence of high inter-annual rainfall variability within seasons and sites. The number of rainy days exhibited a declining trend at Meki in...
Estimation of heterosis and combining ability for earliness and yield characters in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex. Poir)
April 2015
Heterosis breeding is a potential tool to achieve improvement in quantity, quality, and productivity of pumpkin. A line x tester mating design was used to study standard heterosis for earliness and yield characters in pumpkin. An investigation was carried out during 2009 to 2010 with twelve lines and three testers at Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural...
Impact of drying methods on the seed quality of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)
April 2015
Seed storage is being affected by factors viz. seed moisture content, temperature and relative humidity. The effects of four drying methods using silica gel, saturated salt solution of lithium chloride, concentrated sulphuric acid and dryer drying on different physiological and biochemical characteristics of genotypes CSH 16 and CSV 18 of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) were investigated. Faster drying rate was...
Biostimulants, macro and micronutrient fertilizer influence on common bean crop in Vitória da Conquista- Ba, Brazil
April 2015
The use of plant biostimulants jointly or without macro or micro fertilization may be an alternative to change plant metabolism and consequently, improve bean crop yield. Under this circumstance, we aim to evaluate the influence of biostimulants and its interaction with macro and micronutrient fertilizers on common bean var. Pérola yield in Bahia State (BA). The research started on 12 December, 2013 in the...
Integration crop-livestock: Is it efficient in suppressing troublesome weeds? A case study
April 2015
There is need to characterize the impact of the integration crop-livestock on weed infestation in production fields; higher infestation would result in lower system sustainability mainly due to the increased demand for agrochemicals, especially herbicides. Thus, we aimed with this study to assay weed dynamics in a farmer's managed, long-term crop-livestock system, through a case study adopting the phytosociological...
Evaluation of maize yield in flood recession farming in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
April 2015
Flood recession farming locally known as molapo farming in the Okavango Delta is practiced along the edges of the river channels or seasonally flooded depressions on its fringes. It relies on residual moisture and natural fertilization of the floodplains, and is promoted as being more productive than dry-land farming. However, the productivity of this low-input farming system has not been extensively investigated. The...
Effect of climate change resilience strategies on productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Semi-arid areas of eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia
April 2015
Climate change has an impact on the common bean productivity and its negative effect has to be mitigated using alternative resilience strategies. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at Babile and Haramaya research stations, eastern Ethiopia, to assess the effects of climate change resilience strategies on yield and yield components of common bean. The results of the study revealed that row...
Soil phosphorus availability and dry bean yield as affected by the application of liquid calcium carbonate micron particles on the furrow
April 2015
The application of calcium carbonate micron particles in the planting furrow, because of the reduced particle size may favor a faster reaction in the soil and could provide increased pH and P availability for plants such as dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), potentially increasing yield. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years with the objective to evaluate the effect of the liquid calcium carbonate...
The operation of mechanical sugarcane harvesters and the competence of operators: an ergonomic approach
April 2015
The mechanisation of sugarcane harvesting in Brazil has experienced significant growth. Mechanical sugarcane harvesters have been rapidly improving to meet the demands of the industry. Operating a harvester machine requires knowledge and competence. This article aims to demonstrate the role of the operator competence in carrying out their task and in the quality of their performance. By applying the Ergonomic Work...
Nitrogen and potassium concentration in the nutrients solution for the production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
April 2015
This study viewed to determine the effects of N and K concentrations in the nutrients solution on the productivity and fruit quality of tomato plants growing in a hydroponic medium. The experiment was carried out from January through April of 2011, in Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was divided in two phases – the first took place during the vegetative development of the plants and it...
Effects of different agricultural land use types on physical properties under rainforest agroecology
April 2015
The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife which approximately lies on latitude 7° 28ʹN and longitude 4° 33ʹ E with an altitude of about 244 m above the sea level. Different agricultural land uses examined were: Secondary forest, planted fallow with legumes, Bush fallow (Cromolaena odoratum), Continuous cassava/cowpea plot (Manihot esculenta-Vigna unguiculata...
Minimally processed prickly pear stored under different temperatures and packaging
April 2015
The desirability of minimally processed products makes the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill) an option for this market. The aim of this work was to verify the effects of storage temperatures and packaging on the conservation of minimally processed prickly pear. Ripe fruits with greenish exterior were used, and after peeling and sanitization were placed into one of the following storage methods: (1)...
Use of aniline blue stain to observing pollen tubes development in different Manihot Mill. species
April 2015
The lack of a reliable test to evaluate pollen viability in species of the genus Manihot is one of the primary limitations for cassava genetic improvement. Thus, the objective of the present study was to apply aniline blue stain to observing pollen tubes development in different Manihot Mill. species, in order to estimate the crossability, pollen germination time, pollen tube size and pollen longevity. Pollen grains...
Factors affecting feed intake, body weight, testicular size, and testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) serum concentrations in peri-pubertal male camels
April 2015
Body weight, testes development and serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were determined and compared in two groups of peri-pubertal male dromedaries. Daily maximum and minimum ambient temperatures and dry and wet-bulb temperatures were recorded. Temperature-humidity index was calculated. The camels were divided into two equal groups of nine camels each, of...
Investigating viability of the premium influenced land agro-usage structure for production of African leafy vegetables in Vihiga and Jinja
April 2015
Land subdivision has reduced land for agricultural production resulting in its intensive cultivation. This has lowered soil fertility which has contributed to reduction in the diversity of African Leafy Vegetables thus restricting the otherwise traditional dietary diversity that was once beneficial to smallholder farmers. As land continues to decline, there needs to be some impetus in place that can retain the diversity...
Allelopathic effect of Casuarina equisetifolia L. on wheat, associated weeds and nutrient content in the soil
April 2015
Allelopathy is an ecological phenomenon that recently attracted researchers' attention as a new approach in weed control. Pot and field experiments were conducted to study the allelopathic effect of Casuarina equisetifolia L. leaf litter, one of three most common Casuarina species in Egypt. The influence was studied during two successive seasons (2012-2014) on wheat and associated weeds through foliar application of...
Inheritance and production of multiple small fruits per node, in Abelmoschus species, to meet consumer’s demand, in the West African region
April 2015
Inheritance and fruit production studies were carried out with an Abelmoschus esculentus cultivar, Okpa mkpe (P1), which expresses a mutant trait that produces multiple small fruits per node (msfpn) and two elite A. esculentus cultivars, Awgu early (P2) and Mpi ele (P3), as well as a high yielding A. callei cultivar, Ogolo (P4); all of which produce the conventional solitary fruit per node (sofpn). The aim was to meet...
Oil content variability and genetic divergence in half-sib families of Prunus armeniaca L. in Kashmir Valley – India
April 2015
This research work is a part of NOVOD, Board sponsored project entitled “National Network on Integrated Development of Wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca)”. The experiments were conducted to study the genetic variability-cum-diversity for seed and seedling characters among 25 half-sib families of Prunus armeniaca L. collected from different coordinates/locations of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Seeds of 25 candidate...
Enzymatic and biological assessment of sulfonylurea herbicide impact on soil bacterial communities
April 2015
Soil microorganisms play an important role in the decomposition of organic and inorganic matter in soil, being capable of breaking down different types of xenobiotic substances in soil. Application of herbicides in crops is commonly used in agriculture to increase agricultural productivity and weed destruction. Two sulfonylurea herbicides (tribenuron methyl and nicosulfuron) were applied to the soil samples in different...
Black-bone goat: An investigation report on new genetic resource of farm animal
April 2015
Black-bone goat is a unique local population recently discovered in Tongshan, Hubei province, China. Its geographical distribution, natural environment and ecological conditions were investigated. The Black-bone goat is mainly distributed in the mountainous area of Tongshan County. Using random sampling, its body shape and appearances, size and weight, reproductive performance and carcass characteristics were examined....
The search for productivity and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in wheat
April 2015
The pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in wheat Triticum aestivum L. is a phenomenon that reduces productivity, degrades starch and depreciates the quality of flour. The objective was to evaluate the per se performance of traits linked to grain yield and tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting in wheat genotypes from different breeding programs in Brazil. Besides, to use indirect selection based on traits showing beneficial...
Reduction in growth and aflatoxin production in orange juice inoculated with Aspergillus flavus using aframomum danielli
April 2015
The survival and production of aflatoxin by Aspergillus flavus introduced into pasteurized (85°C;15 min) and unpasteurized orange juice treated with Aframomum danielli (local preservative) extracts at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6% concentrations were investigated at 3 and 7 days of storage on shelf (28±2°C). There was slight increase in pH on day 3 which was more prevalent on day 7(4.77-6.85 and 6.07-7.37) for...
Trinexapac-ethyl in the vegetative and reproductive performance of corn
April 2015
This study aimed to measure the effects of rates of plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl on the development of the aerial, root parts and yield components of corn. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse: one assay was aimed at evaluating the growth and development of the plant, in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, with four rates of trinexapac-ethyl (0, 125, 250 and 375 g of i.a. ha-1) and four assessment...
Conventional sucker with tissue culture banana production in Central India- A case study
April 2015
An economic analysis of tissue-cultured banana and sucker-propagated banana has been presented through studying their costs and returns in production. The problems in cultivation of tissue-cultured banana have been highlighted. The study has been conducted in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra using personal interview method. The tabular analysis has been employed to find out the socio-economic characteristics, cost...
Perceived impacts of climate change among rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
April 2015
The study analyzed the impacts of climate change among rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, their level of awareness of climate change, the perceived causes of climate change and the perceived impacts of climate change. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 100 farmers for the study. Data were collected using structured...
Growth and development of gabiroba [Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg] fruits
April 2015
The Brazilian Savanna is one of the largest and richest tropical savannas in the world, possessing substantial biodiversity. However, little information is available about fruit development in Brazilian Savanna bushy species. Thus, the objective of this study was to physically and physico-chemically characterize the growth and development of gabiroba fruits, Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg. After harvest, the...
Concentration of nutrients and chlorophyll index in pigeon pea fertilized with rock phosphate and liming in cerrado oxisol
April 2015
Soil fertilization and the management of green manure are needed to maintain and increase the soil fertility of Cerrado. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of nutrients in the shoots and roots of pigeon pea that was fertilized with phosphorus sources that are associated with liming in Cerrado Oxisol. This study was conducted in a greenhouse with a completely randomized design in a...
Broadcast fertilizer rate impacts common bean grain yield in a no-tillage system
April 2015
Increasing fertilizer rates at sowing can provide significant increases in grain yield in vegetable crops. However, very high rates can impair root development because of increased soil salinization in the rows mainly because of KCl fertilizer. Broadcast fertilization without incorporation into soil may be a viable strategy to avoid this salinization. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the effect of different...
Heat tolerance of Dwarf Cavendish banana (Musa AAA cv. Malindi) plants
April 2015
A study was undertaken to determine the thermo-tolerance of 4 month old dwarf Cavendish banana plants of cultivar "Malindi" planted using suckers. The electrolyte leakage procedure was used to generate sigmoidal curves from which the thermo-tolerance was determined at 50% electrolyte leakage. A completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates was used. Leaflets (1.2 cm width × 5 cm length) from...
Effectiveness of urea nanofertilizer based aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS)-zeolite as slow release fertilizer system
April 2015
In this study, nanofertilizer effectiveness of urea/APTMS-modified zeolite as a slow release fertilizer nitrogen from urea was evaluated. The natural zeolite is activated by 1% of HF with a temperature of 120°C and a zeolite surface has been modified with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) 5%. Zeolite was activated with APTMS-modified zeolite characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), surface area...
Evaluation of the effects of current irrigation water pricing systems on water productivity in Awash River Basin, Ethiopia
April 2015
Awash basin is the only basin that operates with the concept of river basin management and irrigation water pricing in Ethiopia. The effectiveness and impacts of the current irrigation water pricing system in the basin has not been studied yet. Hence, the objective of this research is to evaluate effects of irrigation water pricing on scheme level water productivity in Awash River basin. Based on systematic selection...
Effect of soil amendments on the nutritional quality of three commonly cultivated lettuce varieties in Ghana
April 2015
Effect of soil amended with poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on the quality of three cultivars of lettuce; Great Lake, Eden and Trinity cultivated in KNUST, were assessed and analysed. The cultivars were raised, harvested and stored at the Department of Horticulture of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The harvested leaves were assessed for calcium, iron, vitamin C, chlorophyll, carotenoid...
Water relations and gas exchange in castor bean irrigated with saline water of distinct cationic nature
March 2015
Aiming to evaluate the water relations and gas exchange in castor bean cv. BRS Energia under salinity and cationic nature of irrigation water, an experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in an Ultisol Eutrophic of sandy loam texture. Treatments consisted of six combinations of water salinity (S1– Control (supply water ECw=0.6 dS m-1); S2 - Na+, S3 - Ca2+, S4 - Na++ Ca2+, S5 - K+ and S6 - Na++ Ca2+ +...
Comparative fungal profile of tea leaves from highland and lowland in Nigeria
March 2015
A study to determine the fungal profile in leaves of both highland and lowland tea in Nigeria was performed. Healthy leaves were harvested from nineteen tea clones: T-14, T-19, T-33, T-35, T-61, T-68, T-74, T-108, T-143, T-228, T-229, T-236, T-238, T-318, T-354, T-355, T-367, T-368 and T-369 on the highland and lowland areas. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) was used as the growth medium to culture associated mycoflora from...
The pattern of pathogen diversity and abundance in Lentil (Lens culinaris) fields in Constantine region, Algeria
March 2015
Lenses are a group of pulses having a socio-economic and nutritional significance. The study was conducted on two fields of Lens culinaris in Constantine region contaminated with molds, had the objective to put a relationship between pathogenic molds associated with these plants and their environment. This study revealed the presence of 20 genera in soils (Absidia, Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bysochlamyces,...
Persistence and retention towards degree completion of BS agriculture students in selected State Universities in Region IV-A, Philippines
March 2015
Using descriptive-correlational research design, total enumeration of 56 junior BS Agriculture students uncovered factors that support and challenge students in agriculture degree programs. The study selected the targeted State Universities based on the level of degree accreditation in agriculture. The researcher also incorporated qualitative data by conducting semi-structured interviews. Factors related to...
Cellulases produced by the endophytic fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill
March 2015
Cellulases are enzymes that act on the hydrolysis of cellulosic substrates and comprise a complex capable of hydrolyzing cellulose and producing glucose. This conversion can be performed by an enzymatic complex found in secretions of such microorganisms as fungi and bacteria. The challenge is to transform this conversion into a quicker and more cost-effective process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the...
Respiratory activity, intensity of processes of ammonification and nitrification in soil subjected to the effect of chemical preparates Reglone 200 SL and Elastiq 550 EC
March 2015
Plant protection agents applied in agriculture deserve special attention, given their toxicity, accumulability, and persistence in the soil environment, where they frequently induce disturbances in biochemical processes. Assessment of the risk associated with introduction of chemical preparations to agricultural cultivation is an essential element of protection of the natural environment against the harmful effects of...
Glycerin effluent from the biodiesel industry as potassium source to fertilize soybean crop
March 2015
This research is aimed at evaluating the effects of the glycerin effluent from the biodiesel industry resulting from chemical processes involving the transesterification of triacylglicerides in bio-oils, a reaction catalyzed with potassium hydroxide. This glycerin material (hereinafter referred to as "K-glycerin") may be assumed to be a potential source of potassium to increase the yields of soybean crops and...
Studies on garlic production in Egypt using conventional and organic agricultural conditions
March 2015
Balady and Chinese-Sids40 are the main garlic cultivars grown in Egypt. Effect of conventional vs. organic agricultural practices on premature and mature garlic bulb yield was studied for these cultivars. Organic agriculture increased yield of garlic bulbs and was more effective in Balady than in Chinese-Sids40 cultivar. Effect of cultivar type, maturity stage and agricultural methods on allicin content in garlic bulbs...
Land suitability evaluation in Wadla Delanta Massif of north central highlands of Ethiopia for rainfed crop production
March 2015
Land evaluation, using a scientific procedure, is essential to identify the potential and constraints of a given land for defined use in terms of its fitness and ensure its sustainable use. In view of this, a study was conducted to evaluate physical land suitability for major agricultural crops under rainfed conditions at the Wadla Delanta Massif in the north central highlands of Ethiopia. Four common field crops...
Spacial and temporal characterization of water quality in the Cuiabá River Basin of Central Brazil
March 2015
Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to evaluate the temporal and spatial variation of water quality in the Cuiabá River basin that could be affected by urban effluent discharge and diffuse pollution. After data treatment, 75.74% of the total variance was explained in the 28 parameters determined in water samples, collected at 13 stations from July 2010 to May 2011. The first component (29.08%) was...
Foliar tissue, grain yield and economic return by surface application of gypsum and different number of soybean plants in precision seed drill
March 2015
The gypsum has elevated calcium and sulfur in the soil, and there are reports of increased grain yield of soybean with reduced number of plants, being necessary in conjunction with economic return on investment. This study investigated the effect of application superficial of gypsum and different numbers of plants in precision seed drill in the nutritional aspect of the leaf tissue, grain yield of soybean cultivated in...
Socio-economic determinants of tomato retail marketing in Ibadan Southwest Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria
March 2015
This study examined the socioeconomic determinants of tomato retail marketing in Ibadan southwest Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was based on the primary data obtained in a cross section survey of 80 randomly selected tomato retail marketers drawn by multi-stage sampling across four (4) markets in the study area. The data were collected by personal administration of questionnaire designed to elicit...
Development of cotton leaf curls virus tolerance varieties through interspecific hybridization
March 2015
Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) is a major threat in enhancing cotton production in Pakistan. Economic loss due to this disease during last decade is estimated about 75 million rupees. This disease spread in epidemic from 1992 to 1995. The first CLCuV resistant variety was evolved in 1996. Resurgence of this disease occurred in 2001 (Burewala) breaking resistance of all exiting available germplasm of cotton....
Influence of temperature on the reproductive success of a fig wasp and its host plant
March 2015
Ambient temperatures influence many aspects of insect behavior and reproduction, and limit their distribution and abundance. Small, delicate insects such as the fig wasps (Agaonidae) that pollinate fig trees rapidly succumb to heat stress when outside figs. We compared survivorship and reproductive success of the fig wasp Kradibia tentacularis pollinator of the Asian fig tree Ficus montana in three glasshouses...
Characterization of bacterial strains and their impact on plant growth promotion and yield of wheat and microbial populations of soil
March 2015
The aim of this research work is to evaluate the potentiality of bacterial strains isolated from rhizosphere of various cropping systems on growth, yield and soil microbial populations at harvest of wheat under pot and field experiments. Bacterial isolates, isolated from rhizosphere of various cropping systems. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of bacterial strains were done. All the bacterial...
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