African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6901

Table of Content: 18 April 2010; 5(8)

April 2010

Determination of ecotourism potential in national parks: Kure mountains national park, Kastamonu-Bartin, Turkey

Ecotourism is an important instrument used for contribution to preservation of the natural landscape and offers a solution to the poverty problem commonplace in underdeveloped regions. In addition, it produces a structure utility for the economic development and political progress of the local population, providing a resource for training of the visitors and for preservation. For the last five years, there have been...

Author(s): Sebahat Açiksöz, Sevgi GörmüÅŸ and Nilgül Karadeniz

April 2010

Analysis of the factors affecting the instrument and machinery assets in enterprises that deal with agricultural production: The case of Erzurum Province

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the agricultural instrument, machinery and tractor assets of the enterprises in the central district villages of Erzurum province and the marginal effects of these factors. The Binomial Probit model was used for this purpose. Education level of the farmers, their population, the size of the land, number of land parcels, disaster situation, crop cultivation and...

Author(s): Atilla Keskin, Emine Ikikat Tumer and Avni Birinci

April 2010

Evaluation of CERES-maize simulation model results with measured data using water pillow irrigation under semi-arid climatic conditions

The computer-based CERES-maize model for simulating maize growth and development was used to simulate maize yield in a semi-arid region of Harran Plain of Southeastern Turkey in 2005 and 2006. Irrigation water was applied with the water pillow (WP) method at three rates: full (WP1.0); and two deficit irrigation treatments, WP0.75 and WP0.50, which were 75 and 50% of WP1.0, respectively. Measured yields values...

Author(s): Sinan Gerçek and Mustafa Okant

April 2010

The effect of harvesting methods on the yield in some broccoli varieties

In order to research the effect of harvesting methods on the yield in some broccoli varieties, four varieties as: V1 (Shogun F1); V2 (Pirate F1); V3 (Sultan F1); and V4 (Marathon F1) and three sowing times as: July, August and September were used in the study. For single harvest, the weight of primary shoots and for continuous harvest; besides the primary shoot weight, the weight and quantity of secondary shoot and the...

Author(s): Funda Eryilmaz Acikgoz

April 2010

Effect of green manure legume - maize rotation on maize grain yield and weed infestation levels

The use of green manure legumes (GLM) as cover crops in rotation with maize has the potential to enhance maize yields. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of GML - maize rotation system on (i) maize growth and yield and, (ii) weed infestation levels. The two year (2007/8 and 2008/9 seasons) rotation system consisted of five GML cover crops, viz. mucuna, lablab, sunhemp, cowpea and butterfly pea...

Author(s): Jude J. O. Odhiambo, John B. O. Ogola and Thendo Madzivhandila

April 2010

QTL mapping for ear length and ear diameter under different nitrogen regimes in maize

Ear length (EL) and ear diameter (ED) are two of the most important traits in maize (Zea mays L.), related to yield and plant morphology. In this study, an F9recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling EL and ED under two nitrogen (N) regimes. As a result, 3 QTLs were detected under N rich environment, 1 for EL on chromosome 1 and 2 for ED on...

Author(s): Hongmei Zhang, Zuping Zheng, Xiaohong Liu, Zhong Li, Chuan He, Daihui Liu, Yangchun Luo, Guoqin Zhang, Zhenbo Tan and Runzhi Li

April 2010

The role of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) on yield and soil chemical properties

Farmers in Sistan region experience low crop yields of crops due to low soil fertility. Sole crops and intercrops of maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were studied at eight planting ratios of maize: cowpea (100:100, 50:100, 100:50, 25:75, 75:25, 50:50, 0:100 and 100:0) and two harvest times (milky stage and doughy stage). This experiment was carried during two years (2007 and 2008) on...

Author(s): M. Dahmardeh, A. Ghanbari , B.A. Syahsar and M. Ramrodi

April 2010

A calculation program for real-time production of ammonia gas in animal houses

Ammonia is the major air contaminant in poultry houses. Ammonia emissions from animal houses influence the atmospheric environment, since aerial ammonia is one of the so called greenhouse gases and has a negative effect on vegetation and ecosystems. There are many researches on ammonia emissions from the animal houses but, there aren’t such many researches on the real-time production of ammonia in the animal...

Author(s): Gürkan A. K. Gürdil

April 2010

Comparison for international competition power between Turkey and European Union (EU)-27: Wheat example

The International Competition Power (ICP) for a firm or a country is the indicator of suppression over other firms or countries with which it is competing in domestic and/or international markets. It is, however, bind to demand and supply conditions in domestic and international markets (e.g. technology, productivity, production cost, domestic and international marketing conditions, etc.) and economic policies such as...

Author(s): Ferhat Åželli, Ayten Zan and Sabri Er

April 2010

Variable rate fertilizer application in Turkish wheat agriculture: Economic assessment

Fertilizer application is one of the most important operations in agricultural production. Traditionally, fertilizer is applied onto the whole farmland regardless of the variations across the land. Soil cores are taken randomly through the field and mixed into a single sample, which is then analyzed, and consequently a unique fertility recommendation is made in accordance with the results. However, with this new...

Author(s): Arif Behiç Tekin

April 2010

Quality of life in rural areas of Croatia: To stay or to leave?

This paper presents the results of a research study on quality of life and migration intentions from Croatian rural areas. The goal of the study was to investigate the satisfaction of rural population with quality of life in their communities and to determine the decisive factors in resolving the dilemma: “to stay or to leave the rural area?”  The research study was conducted using survey method on the...

Author(s): Ivo Grgić, Tito Žimbrek, Miroslav Tratnik, Jerko Markovina and Josip Juračak

April 2010

Effects of policy change on the dairy production support services within the smallholder dairy farmers in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts of Western Kenya

A survey was conducted in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts of Western Kenya in 2005 to evaluate the availability of dairy support services following liberalisation of agricultural sector by the Government. A total of 69 and 107 farmers were interviewed in Butere/Mumias and Kakamega districts, respectively. Liberalisation opened up market for raw milk in major urban centres that were previously supplied by...

Author(s): Levi Mugalavai Musalia, Sabina Mukoya M. Wangia, Robert Shavulimo Shivairo and Violet Vugutsa

April 2010

Farmer evaluation of phosphorus fertilizer application to annual legumes in Chisepo, Central Malawi

Building from the perception that farmers have an intimate knowledge of their local environment, production problems, crop priorities and criteria for evaluation, an on-farm experiment was conducted with farmers in 2003/4 in Chisepo, central Malawi, to evaluate the response of six annual legumes to phosphorus (P) (20 kg P ha-1 or no P fertilizer) application. The legumes were velvet bean, pigeonpea, soyabean, groundnut,...

Author(s): B. C. G. Kamanga, A. Whitbread, P. Wall, S. R. Waddington, C. Almekinders and K. E. Giller

April 2010

Effect of estrus synchronization on dairy goat milk composition

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the agricultural instrument, machinery and tractor assets of the enterprises in the central district villages of Erzurum province and the marginal effects of these factors. The Binomial Probit Model was used for this purpose. Education level of the farmers, their population, the size of the land, number of land parcels, disaster situation, crop cultivation and...

Author(s): Aynur Konyali, Bekir Sitki AyaÄŸ and Serkan Yurdabak,

April 2010

Herd management and breeding practices of sheep owners in a mixed crop-livestock and a pastoral system of Ethiopia

An exploratory survey was undertaken to understand sheep production system, breeding practices and selection criteria for Ethiopian Menz and Afar sheep breeds in their home tract as a step towards developing sustainable sheep breeding strategies. The mean sheep flock size was 31.6 in Menz and 23.0 in Afar area. Half of the pastoralists (Afar) and one-fifth of smallholder farmers (Menz) do not have a breeding ram. Mating...

Author(s): T. Getachew, A. Haile, M. Tibbo, A. K. Sharma, J. Sölkner, M. Wurzinger,

April 2010

Determination of user satisfaction for management practices on recreational areas

For different recreational areas, studies have been conducted to investigate the satisfactions of users from different socio-economic background and recreation habits. However, data is scarce about management practices on user satisfaction. For the current study, a survey was conducted on 300 people to determine the user satisfaction related to management practices on the recreational areas. Study has been conducted in...

Author(s): Zeki Demir, Haldun MüderrisoÄŸlu, Hüseyin Samet AÅŸikkutlu and Pinar Aydin Bollukçu

April 2010

Public opinions about the use of highways as scenic roads: The sample of Erzurum – Çaykara – Of route

In this questionnaire study, which was conducted to determine public opinions and expectations about the use of highways as scenic road in order to contribute the aim, an alternative road, Erzurum - Çaykara - Of route, which connects Eastern Anatolia Region to Eastern Black Sea Region, was evaluated. Questionnaire survey was conducted over 110 people who had previously seen, used or known the route and...

Author(s): IÅŸik Sezen and Sevgi Yilmaz

April 2010

Effects of Gypenosides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice

This study was designed to determine the effect of Gypenosides fromGynostemma Pentaphyllum (GGP) on exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Forty-eight mice were studied by being divided into three group (n=16 per group) included the normal control group (NC), the low dose GGP group (LG) and the high dose GGP group (HG). The GGP groups were first administered different doses of GGP (50 and 100 mg/kg), while the NC group...

Author(s): Yong-jiang Ding, Ke-ji Tang, Feng-lin Li and Qing-lan Hu

April 2010

Ecotoxicological Effects of Methyl Parathion on Living Things and Environment

Methyl parathion; is an insecticide which is commonly used in our country in the aim of agriculture and it is known that some environmental problems arise due to the chronical usage of this pesticide. For this reason, it is very important to raise the awareness the public in terms of the risk factors because of the usage of methyl parathion. The researches showed that methyl parathion inhibits cholinesterase enzyme in...

Author(s): Erkan Kalipci, Celalettin Özdemir, Fulya Öztas and Serkan Sahinkaya

April 2010

Land - use type and slope position effects on soil respiration in black locust plantations in Artvin, Turkey

In this study, influences of aspect, land -use type, and sampling time on soil respiration were investigated in black locust plantation and adjacent grassland sites in Murgul-Artvin, Turkey. Both sites were heavily affected from acid rain produced by a nearby copper smelter. Soil respiration was measured approximately monthly in three sampling plots in each sites from January 2005 to November 2005 using the...

Author(s): Sinan Guner, Aydin Tufekcioglu, Serkan Gulenay, Mehmet Kucuk

April 2010

Complex traits mapping using introgression lines in pepper (Capsicum annuum)

In this study we used introgression lines of Capsicum annuum to fine map the location of the traits in the chromosome responsible for fruit production, fruit development and fruit ripening. To identify specific regions of the genome for the measurable traits for production, development and ripening in pepper required further investigation using the introgression line approach. Forty-one introgression lines of...

Author(s): Abu Kargbo and Cai-yun Wang

April 2010

Leaf phenolic content of some squash rootstocks used on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (thunb.) Matsum and Nakai) growing and phenolic accumulation on grafted cultivar

In this study, phenolic compounds were identified in the leaves of grafted and non-grafted watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai) plants and squash rootstocks. The watermelon cultivar ‘Crispy’ was grafted onto hybrids ofC. maxima × C. Moschata, ‘TZ-148’ and ‘RS-841’, and Lagenaria siceraria cv. ’64 -18’. The experiments...

Author(s): Yasemin EvrenosoÄŸlu, Özlem Alan, and Nilay Özdemir

April 2010

Diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes in iron and zinc contents under screenhouse conditions

Deficiencies in iron and zinc have health consequences for humans, such as anaemia, poor growth and development in children and low productivity in adults. To guarantee sufficient supply of iron and zinc through diet mainly consisting of staple foods, such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), specific interventions in plant breeding are needed. However, seed mineral content has not been a selection criterion for...

Author(s): George Muhamba Tryphone and Susan Nchimbi-Msolla

April 2010

In vitro mutagenesis and identification of new variants via RAPD markers for improving Chrysanthemum morifolium

The objective of this study was to induce mutation in Chrysanthemum morifoliumcv. ‘Delistar White’ through in vitro mutagenesis by treating the ray florets with two doses of gamma irradiation (0.5 and 1.0 gamma ray) and to apply RAPD analysis for the detection of genetic polymorphism among chrysanthemum mutants and their parent. Callus induction and shoot formation percentages were affected by...

Author(s): M. N. Barakat, Rania S. Abdel Fattah, M. Badr and M. G. El-Torky

April 2010

Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes as a component of integrated stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) management in coastal region of Kenya

A study was conducted at six sites of Kenya Coastal region to evaluate candidate maize genotypes for inclusion in stem borer IPM package for the area. Stem borer infestation/damage during the trial period were rather low but nonetheless, significant differences were observed between the insecticide (Carbofuran) and/orBacillus thuriengiensis (Bt) treated plots and the control. Yield loss due perhaps to levels of...

Author(s): S. O. Ajala, A. M. Nour, K. Ampong-Nyarko and M. O. Odindo

April 2010

Land use effect on soil and particulate organic carbon, and aggregate stability in some soils in Tunisia

Conversion of native forests to cultivation is usually accompanied by a decline in soil organic carbon and nutrients, and deterioration of soil structure. Our knowledge of this process must increase if we are to optimise the physical regeneration of degraded soils in semiarid areas. In this work we aim to (i) determine the relationship between aggregate stability and soil and particulate organic carbon (ii) to study the...

Author(s): Abdelhakim Bouajila and Tahar Gallali