February 2012
Community consultations on use and management of preferred NTFPs: A case study of the four ecological zones of Swaziland
Traditional forest management systems were part of daily life in the natural forest and woodland resources in olden days Swaziland. The objective of the study was to embark on community consultations to collect information on their perception of preferred edible and medicinal non-timber forest products (NTFPs), their direct uses, the existing management strategies, the threats to forest biodiversity and the...
February 2012
Analysis of household energy sources and woodfuel utilisation technologies in Kiambu, Thika and Maragwa districts of Central Kenya
This study was carried out in Kiambu, Thika and Maragwa districts of Central Kenya. Its objective was to analyze household energy sources and utilization technologies used. Primary data was collected from households using structured and non structured questionnaires. Trees on farm were found to be the major supply of the woodfuel energy where firewood was the main source of household energy followed by...
January 2012
Effect of methyl bromide alternatives on seedling quality, nematodes and soilborne fungi at the Blenheim and Trenton nurseries in South Carolina: 2008 to 2009
Fumigation with methyl bromide (MBr) has been the most commonly used method for producing high quality, pest-free forest tree seedlings in the southeastern United States. Of the 1 billion seedlings produced annually, approximately 95% of seedlings grown for reforestation purposes are loblolly pine. Growth and survival of seedlings after outplanting is strongly linked to high quality, pest-free forest-tree seedlings...
January 2012
Simulation of water uptake and redistribution in growing media during ebb-and-flow irrigation
To optimize ebb-and-flow irrigation on concrete floors, the relative importance of substrate type, flooding depth and flooding time on water uptake of growing media in containers is important information for the grower. Describing water uptake and distribution in the container with a dynamic simulation model may overcome the disadvantages of the static parameters such as container capacity and air capacity. Water uptake...
December 2011
Phylogenetic relationship among Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Landraces of Saurashtra based on DNA fingerprinting
Twenty mango cultivars (Mangifera indica Linn) collected from Gir region of Saurashtra were examined by ISSR markers. Of the 50 primers screened, 21 primers gave reproducible, polymorphic DNA amplification patterns, and were selected to construct a DNA fingerprinting map to distinguish the genotypes of mango. According to the banding patterns obtained with 21 selected primers, all cultivars tested in this study...
December 2011
Effect of alcoholics extract on rat livers and antibacterial screening of Citrullus colocynthis
Crude ethanolic extracts of fruits, leaves, stems and roots of Citrulus colocynthis Schrad were examined for their antibacterial potentialities against Gram positive and Gram negative bacilli. Ethanolic extracts of fruits, leaves, stems and roots were found to be active against Gram positive bacilli, viz., Bacilus pumilus and Staphylococcus aureus, while fruit and root extracts in double...
December 2011
Anticandidal screening and antibacterial of Citrullus colocynthis in South East of Iran
Resistance to current antibacterial drugs and the rise of opportunistic fungal infections are growing global concerns. Traditional medicine is a potential source of new antibacterials and antifungals. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad (Cucurbitaceae) endemic in Southern Iran is used in folk medicine against dermatological, gynaecological and pulmonary infections. To assess in vitro antibacterial and...
December 2011
Comparative genotyping of some Moldavian grapevine cultivars
Microsatellite loci (SSRs) represent favourite molecular markers for assessing genetic identities and phylogenetic relationships between different grapevine varieties and gene pools. In the present study, a genetic characterization of 54 grapevine cultivars (genitors and their descendants from the collection of National Institute for Viticulture and Oenology, Department of Grapevine Genetic...
November 2011
New data about Hésperis pýcnotricha in Romania
There are presented new data about Hésperis pýcnotricha in Romania. In 2004, the species was first identified in Gura Motrului Locality in Romania. Since then, the species has been pursued and so far, we have come up with new data on its origin and chronology. To our joy, the plant (ornamentally planted) has been identified in the same locality in a backyard adjacent to the first...
November 2011
Composting certain agricultural residues to potting soils
Four agricultural residues, namely, sheath of peanut pods, flax shivers, red sawdust, and white sawdust were composted with different amendments for four months under greenhouse and field conditions. Results emphasized that composting proceeded at different rates and was principally influenced by the type of residues and/or added amendments. Initial bio-fortification of residues with cellulose decomposing microorganisms...
November 2011
Effect of polyethylene mulching on the spatial variability of soil physical properties and growth parameters of taro (Colocasia esculantum)
The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial variability of soil physical properties and growth of taro (Colocasia esculantum) in an unfertilized 42 m ridge covered with black plastic mulch. The study was conducted at the National Agriculture Research Centre Tsukuba (Japan). The experimental field was made of 3 adjacent ridges of 42 m long and 0.90 m width each. Uniform taro corms were planted in the...
November 2011
Effect of root zone salinity on mineral nutrition and growth of beri (Zizyphus mauritiana lam) and jaman (Eugenia jambolana lamk)
Excess of salts in the root zone of plants adversely affects their growth. It may result in loss of stands, reduced rates of plant growth, reduced yields and in severe cases, total crop failure. Salinity limits water uptake by plants by reducing the osmotic potential and thus the total potential of the soil water, additionally certain salts may be specifically toxic to plants or may upset nutritional balance, if they...
November 2011
Production efficiency of yam in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria
The research was carried out to analyze the efficiency of yam production in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State. Data were collected from 103 respondents using multistage sampling techniques, and analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, multiple regression and profitability analysis. Findings indicated that 95% of the respondents were males, 38.8% fall within 31 to 40years of age. 84.4% were married and about...
October 2011
Physiological responses of six tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars to water stress
The aim of the present study was to investigate the physiological responses of six tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars to water stress. To this end, plants were exposed to slow dehydration at the third unfolded leaf stage for 23 days. The relative water content (RWC), leaf area and leaf L-proline were determined at 10, 17 and 23 days after treatment application. Our results showed that during slow...
October 2011
Physicochemical characteristics of Jamun fruit
Jamun fruit (Syzygium Cuminii L) processing in Pakistan is uncommon or still traditional methods are used during its processing and preservation. It becomes imperative to characterize the fruit cultivars with a view to understand the properties that may affect the design to handle its processing. This study was carried out to present basic principles of physical properties of Jamun fruit in order to facilitate...
October 2011
Inventory and distribution of the Annonaceae along elevation gradient on Mount Cameroon
This work was carried out on Mount Cameroon, South West Region of Cameroon. It focused on producing an inventory and distribution of Annonaceae along the elevation gradient on the mountain. As a matter of fact, how Annonaceae flora change along an elevation gradient has never been studied for Mount Cameroon. The Complete Census Method was used. Twelve sites, located at three elevation categories: low (lowland: sea level...
October 2011
Effect of auxins on adventitious root development from nodal cuttings of Saraca asoka (Roxb.) de Wilde and associated biochemical changes
An attempt was made to induce rooting from nodal cuttings of Saraca asoca under controlled conditions and study its biochemical changes during rooting. The nodal cuttings were pretreated with different concentrations of IAA, NAA and IBA and kept in a growth chamber [25±2°C, 16 h photoperiod (55 µmolm-2s-1) with cool, white fluorescent lamps and 65% relative humidity] for 12 h. Among the three auxins...
October 2011
Feasibility studies on the potential of grafting and budding of frafra potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius)
Frafra potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius) is a herbaceous root tuber that is grown mainly in the northern part of Ghana. It is used as a hunger crop and brewed for alcoholic beverages. In spite of the socio-economic importance of this crop, little research aimed at improving the crop and its small tuber size has been carried out. In an effort to improve upon the agronomic performance of frafra potato, a randomized...
October 2011
Influence of spacing and organics on plant nutrient uptake of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
Investigations were carried out at the Horticultural College and Research Institute to study the effect of spacing and bio-stimulants on the plant nutrient uptake ofSolanum nigrum. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of four levels of spacing (M1 – 30 × 30 cm, M2 – 45 × 45 cm, M3 – 60 × 30 cm...
October 2011
Effects of shade on growth, production and quality of coffee (Coffea arabica) in Ethiopia
The research work was conducted to evaluate the effect of shade on growth and production of coffee plants. To achieve this, growth and productivity of coffee plants growing under shade trees were compared with those of coffee plants growing under direct sun light. Different physiological, environmental and quality parameters were assessed for both treatments. Shade trees protected coffee plants against...
October 2011
Tests of direct sowing of the durum wheat under pivot in the Saharan zone: Influence on yield components
Our experiment is mainly based on the comparison of two methods of tillage leading of cereal cultivation under pivot in the arid zone, a case of El Meniâa (wilaya of Ghardaia). To achieve this, we have tested the technique of direct sowing in the Saharan zone by applying a random block experimental device with two treatments, T1 and T2, representing, respectively, a direct sowing and a sowing preceded by soil...
September 2011
Effects of anthropogenic activities on genetic diversity and population structure of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) growing in West Virginia
Using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, genetic variation and population structure of wild and cultivated American ginseng growing in West Virginia (WV) was assessed. Also, the effects of cultivation intensity and harvest pressure on genetic diversity of ginseng populations were evaluated. Eight primers were used to amplify DNA samples from 468 plants, generating a total of 98 band fragments of which 84...
September 2011
Effect of GA3 and kinetin on growth, yield and quality of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
A field experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2009 to 2010 on sprouting broccoli cultivar Palam Samridhi at Horticultural Research Centre and Department of Horticulture, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) Uttarakhand, India. 4 weeks old seedlings were treated before transplanting by dipping their roots for 24 h in different concentration of GA3 (gibberellic acid), kinetin and their...
September 2011
Provenance and family variation in seed mass and fruit composition in Sclerocarya birrea sub-species caffra
Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro (Marula) is one of the traditionally important indigenous multi-purpose fruits trees in Africa, which has been commercialized as its fruits and processed nuts/kennels have entered local, regional and international trade. This study was an analysis of the variation between and within provenances of S. birrea sub-species caffra with respect to...
August 2011
Biocontrol approach to management of greenpeach aphid Myzus persicae in garden peas for a sustainable ecosystem
Green peach aphid has been a significant pest of garden peas in Kenya for many years, because of its capacity to transmit viruses. Despite advances in integrated pest management, and frequent use of insecticides, the industry is still plagued by the insect. Adding to the problem is the fact that the peach aphid has proved to be resistant to various insecticides; there is a need to shift emphasis on biological control...
August 2011
Up-scaling production of certified potato seed tubers in Kenya: Potential of aeroponics technology
Unavailability of certified seed tubers is a major constraint to potato production in Kenya. This compels most farmers to use planting materials from informal sources such as previous harvests, local markets and neighbours. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Tigoni has the national mandate to produce basic seed tubers but can only supply much less than 1% of the national seed requirements. In order to improve...
August 2011
Comparative assessment of floristic diversity in a buffer zone community forest and a community forest of Barandabhar corridor, Chitwan, Nepal
This research was carried out in the Bandevi buffer zone community forest (BZCF) and Satkanya community forest (SCF) of Barandabhar corridor area in Chitwan district of Nepal to assess and compare the status of floristic diversity in buffer zone community forest and community forest in Barandabhar corridor in Chitwan district of Nepal, managed under different rules and regulations. Primary data were collected from...
August 2011
Growth habit, plant density and weed control on weed and root yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Areka, Southern Ethiopia
Sweet potato is mostly left unweeded or weeded lately. Effect of variety, plant density and weeding frequency on weed and tuber yield was studied from 1992 to 1994. Three varieties (Tis 1499: erect and early; Tis 2498: long vine, spreading and early, and Koka 6 intermediate), two weeding frequencies (30 to 40 (W1) and 70 days after sprout (DAS) (W2), and four plant densities (5, 7, 10, and 12.5 plants m-2) were laid out...
August 2011
Effect of photoperiod on propagation of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)
The effect of photoperiod on multiplication of commercial strawberry cultivars was investigated at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Station in Cameron Highlands. Two strawberry cultivars, Camarosa and Camaroga, were grown under a plastic rain-shelter supplemented with three levels of photoperiod, 12 (normal day length of Cameron Highland), 15 and 17 h. The result showed that...
August 2011
Impact of government financial incentives on peri-urban vegetable production in Botswana
In its effort to increase agricultural productivity, the Government of Botswana has established a financial scheme to improve vegetable production. Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and CEDA young farmers fund are encouraging farmers to get involved in vegetable production through financial and technical assistants. However, data on the impacts of these funds on vegetable production in the country are...
July 2011
Will afforestation in temperate zones warm the Earth?
For decades, forest researchers have known that planting trees on cropland or pastures (that is, afforestation) can lower the surface albedo and that landscapes with low albedo absorb more solar radiation than more reflective surfaces. Consequently, afforestation will typically darken the Earth’s surface (when compared to grasslands or deserts). In spite of this knowledge, many believe that afforestation will cool...
July 2011
Effect of mulching and amount of water on the yield of tomato under drip irrigation
The main challenge confronting both rain fed and irrigated agriculture is to improve WUE and sustainable water use for agriculture. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulch and amount of water on the yield of tomato under drip irrigation system and to assess the potential of deficit irrigation to improve the economic efficiency of tomato production at Adet Agricultural Research Center, horticultural...
July 2011
Production, processing and marketing of ginger in Southern Ethiopia
The cultivation of ginger was started in Ethiopia during 13th century when Arabs introduced it from India to east Africa (Janson, 1981). In Ethiopia it is limited mostly in the wetter regions of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS) and some parts of western Oromia. Most of the commercial production is practiced in SNNPRS by farmers within Kambata-Tambaro, Wolaita and Hadiya zones. Despite...
July 2011
An evaluation of successful reclamation of bauxite residue through afforestation activities in south India
The present article is based on the results of a pilot project implemented to improve the physico chemical characteristics of bauxite residue (red mud) in order to make it suitable for rehabilitation through afforestation activities. Prior to interventions, extensive experimentation on various reclamation trials involving combinations of soil amenders along with bacteria and mycorrhizae and selection of suitable tree...
July 2011
Households’ exploitation of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria
Exploitation of NWFPs poses serious threat to sustainable forest management in Nigeria. This study analyzed the driving forces for exploiting forest products in Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires that were randomly administered to farmers. The data were subjected to descriptive analysis and Tobit regression. Results show that monetary worth...
July 2011
Development of a low-cost tensiometer driven irrigation control unit and evaluation of its suitability for irrigation of lychee trees in the uplands of Northern Thailand in a participatory approach
In upland areas of Northern Thailand, lychee (Litchi chinensis, Sonn.) is one of the predominant fruit crops. Fruit development takes place during the dry season (January until June). Therefore, high lychee yields can only be obtained under irrigation. As water is an increasingly scarce resource in the hillsides, strategies for more efficient water use are fundamental for a sustainable increase in agricultural...
June 2011
Relation between catalase activity, salt stress and urban environments in Citrus aurantium L.
In order to evaluate the degree of adaptation of urban Citrus aurantium L. trees to osmotic stress and to explore the effect of seed’s origin on stress tolerance/adaptation, catalase activity levels were measured. Before carrying out the analysis, seedlings issued from high and low plant mother’s vitality were grown on NaCl stressed media during 2 months. Catalase activities revealed different...
June 2011
Contribution of forests to achieving the millennium development goals
The United Nation’s millennium development goals (MDGs) are common objectives that provide a framework to meet the basic needs and rights of millions of people in the developing world. Eight goals with 18 targets and over 40 indicators will help to monitor and meet up with these goals. A target date of 2015 had been set for the world leaders to work towards. Forest management and conservation is central to the...
June 2011
Potential of traditional food plants in rural household food security in Botswana
Botswana is endowed with a variety of traditional food plants which grow annually despite erratic rainfall. The most common traditional food plants are leafy vegetables (for example, Amaranthus, Cleome, Conchorus and Vigna species) and indigenous fruits (for example, Azanza garckeana, Strychnos cocculoides, Sclerocarya birreaetc.). They provide an important source of food for people with...
June 2011
Soil seed banks of a rangeland area White Nile State, Sudan
Three soil depths (0 to 5, 5 to 10 and 10 to 15 cm) were chosen at the study area and the soil seed bank was analyzed for the number of live and dead seeds for each of them. The analysis revealed the following: The seed bank density was higher in the upper soil depths (0 to 5 and 5 to 10 cm) as compared to the lower ones (10 to 15 cm). It was found that the seed density had decreased with increasing depth. The live seed...
June 2011
Screening of certain varieties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. for resistance to insect pests and diseases in central India
Ten varieties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. including Kanchan, Chakaiya, Francis, NA-7 (Narendra-7), NA-10 (Narendra 10), Anand-1, Anand-2, Krishna, Hatizola (Local) and Local- wild were screened against insect pests that is, gall forming insect (Betousa stylophora Swinhoe), leaf roller (Garcillaria acidula Forster), bark eating caterpillar (Indarbela quadrinotata Walker) and diseases...
May 2011
Integration of trees in orchards: Opportunities to increase tree cover in Punjab
Farming in Punjab has been the predominantly economic activity managing food production system. Integration of trees on agriculture land is increasingly appreciated as an important strategy for secured additional economic income. This is demonstrated by the 0.37% cropping area being under Wheat-poplar system. The extension of this strategy is the integration of trees in orchards in the state. Various fruits like Guava,...
May 2011
Seasonal availability and consumption of wild edible plants in semiarid Ethiopia: Implications to food security and climate change adaptation
Quantitative ethnoecological analysis of seasonal availability and implication to food security of wild edible plants (WEPs) was conducted in Boosat and Fantalle districts of semiarid east Shewa, Ethiopia from October, 2009 to September, 2010. Semistructured interview, focus group discussions, key informants discussions, seasonal record of fruits abundance were used to collected data on gathering and consumption of WEPs...
May 2011
Effect of methyl bromide alternatives on seedling quality, nematodes and pathogenic soil fungi at the Jesup and Glennville Nurseries in Georgia: 2007 to 2008
For many years, forest-tree nurseries in the United States have relied on methyl bromide (MBr) soil fumigation to control weeds, pathogenic fungi, insects and nematodes. However, due to the concern over ozone depletion in the stratosphere, finding a soil fumigant alternative for MBr has been a priority for the forest nursery industry since 1991. A large-scale study comparing seven fumigants using operational application...
May 2011
Needle-clipping of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) can increase seedling survival while reducing transpiration and root growth potential
Clipping needles of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) prior to transplanting has been shown to increase seedling survival but the mechanism for this effect is not well documented. A greenhouse trial was conducted to examine the effect of clipping needles on transpiration, root-growth potential (RGP) and seedling survival. Clipping longleaf pine needles to a length of 5 cm reduced transpiration and reduced RGP...
May 2011
Host location and ovipositional preference of Elaeidobius kamerunicus on four host palm species
The response of the oil palm pollinating weevil Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust (Coleoptera: Cucurlionidae) to the inflorescence of different palm species was tested in a choice, non- choice and a four arm- olfactometer bioassay. Weevils preferred significantly the inflorescence of oil palm (E. guineensis Jacq) for oviposition. In both choice and non-choice tests using mated adult females, significantly...
April 2011
Effects of three pre-treatment techniques on dormancy and germination of seeds of Afzelia africana
The study assessed the effects of three pre-treatment techniques on dormancy and germination of seeds of Afzelia africana (Sm. ex Pers), an endangered tree species in Savanna ecozone of Nigeria. The three pre-treatment techniques are: soaking in cold water for 1, 12 and 24 h, soaking in hot water (100◦C) for 1, 12 and 24 h and soaking in 10, 50 and 98% concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) for 5, 10 and 30 min....
April 2011
Genetic diversity and population structure of 151 Cymbidium sinense cultivars
Cymbidium sinense cultivars exhibit an incredible range of diversity in the foliar morphology as well as the range of flower colors and shapes, which make them more popular among horticultural plants with great economic value. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure in target populations will be of great importance for germplasm collection, breeding improvement and conversation of this species....
April 2011
Retracted: Impact of mobile phones on the density of honeybees
Apiculture has developed into an important industry in India as honey and bee-wax have become common products. Recently, a sharp decline in population of honey bees has been observed in Kerala. Although the bees are susceptible to diseases and attacked by natural enemies like wasps, ants and wax moth, constant vigilance on the part of the bee keepers can overcome these adverse conditions. The present plunge in...
March 2011
Commons becoming non-commons in the efforts for reconciliation between conservation and livelihoods: A case study of northern Pakistan
The paper examines the impact of converting previous open-access common land into protected areas on the community resource management system in Shimshal, northern Pakistan. We explored three main questions in this regard. First, what happens to community resource management under strict government control of the resource? Secondly, what has happened to the centuries-old practice of the traditional yak...
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