Production efficiency of yam in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria
November 2011
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...
Physiological responses of six tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars to water stress
October 2011
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...
Physicochemical characteristics of Jamun fruit
October 2011
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...
Inventory and distribution of the Annonaceae along elevation gradient on Mount Cameroon
October 2011
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...
Effect of auxins on adventitious root development from nodal cuttings of Saraca asoka (Roxb.) de Wilde and associated biochemical changes
October 2011
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...
Feasibility studies on the potential of grafting and budding of frafra potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius)
October 2011
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...
Influence of spacing and organics on plant nutrient uptake of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
October 2011
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...
Effects of shade on growth, production and quality of coffee (Coffea arabica) in Ethiopia
October 2011
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...
Tests of direct sowing of the durum wheat under pivot in the Saharan zone: Influence on yield components
October 2011
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...
Effects of anthropogenic activities on genetic diversity and population structure of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) growing in West Virginia
September 2011
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...
Effect of GA3 and kinetin on growth, yield and quality of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
September 2011
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...
Provenance and family variation in seed mass and fruit composition in Sclerocarya birrea sub-species caffra
September 2011
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...
Biocontrol approach to management of greenpeach aphid Myzus persicae in garden peas for a sustainable ecosystem
August 2011
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...
Up-scaling production of certified potato seed tubers in Kenya: Potential of aeroponics technology
August 2011
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...
Comparative assessment of floristic diversity in a buffer zone community forest and a community forest of Barandabhar corridor, Chitwan, Nepal
August 2011
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...
Growth habit, plant density and weed control on weed and root yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Areka, Southern Ethiopia
August 2011
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...
Effect of photoperiod on propagation of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)
August 2011
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...
Impact of government financial incentives on peri-urban vegetable production in Botswana
August 2011
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...
Will afforestation in temperate zones warm the Earth?
July 2011
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...
Effect of mulching and amount of water on the yield of tomato under drip irrigation
July 2011
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...
Production, processing and marketing of ginger in Southern Ethiopia
July 2011
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...
An evaluation of successful reclamation of bauxite residue through afforestation activities in south India
July 2011
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...
Households’ exploitation of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria
July 2011
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...
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
July 2011
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...
Contribution of forests to achieving the millennium development goals
June 2011
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...
Potential of traditional food plants in rural household food security in Botswana
June 2011
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...
Soil seed banks of a rangeland area White Nile State, Sudan
June 2011
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...
Relation between catalase activity, salt stress and urban environments in Citrus aurantium L.
June 2011
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...
Screening of certain varieties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. for resistance to insect pests and diseases in central India
June 2011
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...
Integration of trees in orchards: Opportunities to increase tree cover in Punjab
May 2011
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,...
Seasonal availability and consumption of wild edible plants in semiarid Ethiopia: Implications to food security and climate change adaptation
May 2011
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...
Effect of methyl bromide alternatives on seedling quality, nematodes and pathogenic soil fungi at the Jesup and Glennville Nurseries in Georgia: 2007 to 2008
May 2011
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...
Needle-clipping of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) can increase seedling survival while reducing transpiration and root growth potential
May 2011
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...
Host location and ovipositional preference of Elaeidobius kamerunicus on four host palm species
May 2011
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...
Effects of three pre-treatment techniques on dormancy and germination of seeds of Afzelia africana
April 2011
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 (100â—¦C) for 1, 12 and 24 h and soaking in 10, 50 and 98% concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) for 5, 10 and 30...
Genetic diversity and population structure of 151 Cymbidium sinense cultivars
April 2011
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....
Retracted: Impact of mobile phones on the density of honeybees
April 2011
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...
Commons becoming non-commons in the efforts for reconciliation between conservation and livelihoods: A case study of northern Pakistan
March 2011
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...
Performance of 40 poinsettia cultivars grown under two different temperatures
March 2011
This study evaluated forty poinsettia cultivars to determine which cultivars perform well under cool growing temperatures. Poinsettias were grown in separate greenhouses at temperatures of 20°C during the day and 17°C at night for cold production, or 25°C during the day and 22°C at night for warm production. Number of lateral shoots leading to inflorescences,...
Deterioration of Acacia in western Butana plain, Sudan
March 2011
Acacia of the western Butana plain of the Sudan has undergone severe deterioration during last decades as demonstrated by a survey carried out in 2005. The majority of Acacia is non-succulent which are differing spatially, by soil type and in cover; frequency; abundance and density. There was a climax for Acacia in the study area prior to 1850, while its deterioration took place through four successive...
Investigation of biofertilizers influence on quantity and quality characteristics in Nigella sativa L.
March 2011
To reduce farmers’ dependency on mineral fertilizers, to increase water use efficiency, and to increase households’ incomes, participatory on-farm research trials to test the beneficial impact of biological fertilizers application on black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) some yield characters were investigated. Our objectives in this study were the interactive effects of biofertilizer...
Conservation of microbial diversity to sustain primary and secondary productivity
March 2011
The microbial world is the largest unexplored reservoir of biodiversity on the earth. It is an important frontier in biology under intensive investigations. The exploration of microbial diversity has been spurred by the fact that microbes are essential for life since they perform numerous functions essential for the biosphere that include nutrient recycling and environmental detoxification. The management and...
The effect of vermicompost and other fertilizers on cultivation of tomato plants
February 2011
Field trials were conducted using different fertilizers having equal concentration of nutrients to determine their impact on different growth parameters of tomato plants. Six types of experimental plots were prepared whereT1 was kept as control and five others were treated by different category of fertilizers (T2-Chemical fertilizers, T3-Farm Yard Manure (FYM), T4-Vermicompost, T5 and T6- FYM...
Fruit yield of virus-resistant transgenic summer squash in simulated commercial plantings under conditions of high disease pressure
February 2011
Fruit yield of transgenic crookneck summer squash ZW-20 resistant to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and of a susceptible nontransgenic lineage of the same genotype was compared over two consecutive years. Field trials relied on small-scale plantings that reflected commercial settings under conditions of severe disease pressure by ZYMV and WMV with infection achieved via...
Efficiency of seed extraction methods in the control of loss and low seed quality in egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.)
February 2011
This study determines the effect of methods of seed extraction on seed loss and viability on Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus L). Three methods of fruit breaking; vertical cut with knife, horizontal cut with knife and hitting with wooden club were tested to determine their effect on seed damage. Three covering materials; grass straw, black polyethylene sheet and no cover were also tested to determine...
Aqueous ozone in the root zone: Friend or foe?
February 2011
Aqueous ozone (O3(aq)) solutions were applied to the rockwool substrate of hydroponically cultured tomato and cucumber plants. Single applications of high concentration solutions (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg/L), as well as repeated application of lower concentration solutions (0, 2, 4, 6 mg/L), had no impact on leaf area and shoot dry weight accumulation. Repeated O3(aq) applications were also applied to...
Methods of braking seed dormancy on germination and early seedling growth of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) (JACQ.) Benth
January 2011
An experiment was conducted under a net house in the department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management of the Federal University of Technology Akure. This was to investigate the most effective pre-sowing treatments to break seed dormancy, to stimulate seed germination and to identify morphological traits for the assessment of Parkia biglobosa seedling vigour. Matured seeds of P....
Pollen Isolation Method Affects Interspecific Hybridization in Eucalyptus
January 2011
The ultimate test for utility of a pollen sample is the seed yield following control pollination (CP). In the present study, two different methods of eucalyptus pollen isolation (PI) viz., wet-lyophylisation (WL) and conventionally dry-sieving (DS) were followed. The pollen thus isolated was used to carry interspecific hybridization in order to evaluate and compared the efficiency the above two methods of PI...
Effect of cultivar on minor components in Tunisia olive fruits cultivated in microclimate
January 2011
This paper evaluates the usefulness of three chemical parameters (composition of volatiles compounds, total phenols and fatty acids) as a tool to discriminate the olive oils obtained from three varieties (Oueslati, Chemlali and Chetoui). These varieties are included among the cultivars permitted by the disciplinary for the production of the ‘‘Kairouan olive oil’’, a Tunisian protected...
Woody plant species used in urban forestry in West Africa: Case study in Lomé, capital town of Togo
January 2011
Many studies have been conducted on the flora of Togo. However, none of them is devoted to the ornamental flora horticulture. This survey aims to establish an inventory of the woody plant species in urban forests of Lomé, the capital town of Togo. It covers the trees planted along the avenues, in the gardens, courtyards, shady trees and trees used as fences for houses or trees at the seaside. In total,...
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