August 2013
The potential and limitations of farmer participatory research in organic agriculture: A review
Farmer participatory research (FPR) emerged in response to limitations of top-down Research and Development (R&D) approaches. The main purpose of this paper is to inspire and guide aspiring and new practitioners of participatory research and development (PR&D) to learn, reflect and constantly refine the way they work. The primary target users are field-based researchers involved in activities dealing with the...
August 2013
The sustainability of cotton production using genetically modified seeds by emerging smallholder farmers in South Africa: a global and African pesrpective
This review focuses on the sustainability of adoption of genetically modified seeds by developed countries like United States, Australia and developing countries such as China and India. It then zooms into the African perspective in relation to countries that adopted Bt cotton. The review indicates that the Bt technology has played a critical role improving cotton yields and reduce the cost of regular spraying for...
August 2013
A survey of South African silage for fungi and mycotoxins
Samples silages, mainly maize, from dairy farms in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa were obtained and analysed for fungi and mycotoxins with a view to ascertaining if there were any dangerous levels of these contaminants present. The silage was also examined for dry matter, pH, yeasts and bacteria and these were found to vary from area to area but did not show any striking differences from other studies. Fungi were detected...
August 2013
Phosphorus status of some Malawi soils
Investigations conducted on Malawi soils ranging from highly weathered to less weathered soils show that P build-up due to fertilisation is much higher in soils managed by commercial estates than in soils managed by smallholder farmers. This suggests a need to monitor potential environmental impacts of the P build-up in the soils. The P build-up may be monitored using soil P tests used as a basis for P fertilisation....
August 2013
Integrated management of early blight of potato under Kashmir valley conditions
Five non-systemic fungitoxicants viz., chlorothalonil 50 WP, mancozeb 75 WP, captan 50 WP, propineb 70 WP and copper oxychloride 50 WP at six concentrations (1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 3500 ppm) each and five systemic fungitoxicants viz., thiophenate methyl 70 WP, carbendazim 50 WP, hexaconazole 5 EC, fenarimol 12 EC and difenconazole 25 EC at six concentrations (100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 ppm) each were...
August 2013
Investigation on combining ability and heterosis for sodicity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
The present study was conducted to estimate combining ability, gene action and proportional contribution of cross components in rice genotypes under sodicity. Heterosis and combining ability estimates were worked out through Line × Tester analysis of 25 hybrids developed by crossing five lines with five testers to know the genetic architecture of 13 physio-morphological traits under sodic environment. The analysis...
August 2013
Uncertainty in seasonal climate projection over Tamil Nadu for 21st century
Climate change is likely to impact every sector including agriculture. To understand the impact on agricultural production, future climate change projections are imperative, but these are uncertain. Quantifying uncertainties in the projection of future climate has been identiï¬ed as critical research need in impact studies. So, a study was carried out at Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,...
August 2013
Water stress and temperature effects on germination and early seedling growth of Digitaria eriantha
This study focused on the two major processes critical for plant establishment: Seed germination and seedling survival. We determined the effects of (1) water stress and temperature on the germination, and (2) water stress on early seedling growth of Digitaria eriantha cv ‘Irene’. Seeds harvested in 2007 were used for temperature studies, and those coming from 2006 and 2007 for water stress...
August 2013
Association of seed coat colour with germination of three wild mustard species with agronomic potential
Seed dormancy and germination present significant challenges when wild species are domesticated for cultivation and economic exploitation. Wild plant species are generally characterized by dormant seeds with variable germination widely spread over time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of colour selection on seed germination of wild mustard (Brassicaceae) species that have been identified...
August 2013
Diethyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate in Plantago major L.
Phthalic acid esters commonly referred to as phthalates and are group of industrial chemicals that have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants because of their widespread usage and high persistence in the environment. Public health concerns of phthalates include carcinogenic, teratogenic, hepatotoxic and endocrine effects. The aim of this study was to analyze dioctyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate...
August 2013
The genetic variability using sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in cultivars of the cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp).]
Cowpea is a predominant crop in the small farms of the Brazilian semi-arid region, where several varieties of cowpea with high genetic variability are planted. Due to their genetic diversity, good adaptation to marginal environments and growth in low-input systems, these varieties, often called "landraces," are of great interest for use in breeding and biodiversity conservation programs. The present study...
August 2013
Laboratory Evaluation of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and Ethiopian Mustard (Brassica cariata) Seed Oils as Grain Protectants against Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais M. (Coleoptera:Curculionidae)
Maize is the second most widely grown cereal crop in Ethiopia. In storage, maize is severely destroyed by storage insect pests, mainly maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). In an effort to develop a non-synthetic pesticide control approach, a study was conducted to determine the efficacy of two cooking oils, Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), to control S....
Advertisement
Advertisement
