October 2008
Combining multi-agent simulations and cost-benefit analysis to evaluate policy options for the management of livestock effluents in Réunion Island
This study uses a multi-agent system to simulate the behaviour of economic players in a context of rapidly evolving environmental policy. The area under study is represented by a sector of a French overseas Department, Réunion Island, with a high concentration of pig farms in the upland region and extensive sugarcane plantations in the coastal zone. We first simulate local pig farmers’ reactions to several...
October 2008
Analysis of marketing bush meat in Idanre local government area of Ondo state, Nigeria
This study was a survey of bush meat marketing in Idanre local government area of Ondo state. The sample consisted of fifty (50) purposely selected bush meat marketers from the study area. Data were collected from respondents through the use of well-structured questionnaire to elicit information on demographic and socio economic variables. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, concentration,...
October 2008
Evaluation and release of new sweet potato varieties through farmer participatory selection
Low yields and yield instability due to the use of old land races were limiting sweet potato production by resource-poor farmers in South Africa. Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) is considered an appropriate method to develop varieties for low input agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate advanced sweet potato genotypes, using PVS, to determine their adaptability and acceptability in targeted...
October 2008
Comparative assessment of the profit margin of catfish reared in concrete tank and earthen pond
This study was conducted using the same feeding strategies and stocking density to determine the effect of using two different rearing facilities (earthen and concrete) of the same size (10 x 10 x 1.5 m) each on profitability of fish reared to market size in eight months. Results indicated that final mean weight (Initial mean weight 15g/fish of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed a monthly adjusted ration based on fish...
October 2008
Training needs of Iranian extension agents about sustainability: The use of Borich's need assessment model
This descriptive study probed to in-service training needs of extension agents in West Iran. The statistical population of the study consisted of Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) in Kermanshah Province (N = 97). The entire population was surveyed. Therefore, sampling procedures were not utilized. Based on the Borich Need Assessment Model, a Delphi technique was used to develop 26 competencies needed to assess needs...
October 2008
Indigenous soil nutrient supply and effects of fertilizer application on yield, N, P and K uptake, recovery and use efficiency of barley in three soils of Teghane, the Northern highlands of Ethiopia
So far, application of fertilizer to mitigate problems of nutrient-limited yields in farmers’ fields in the Highlands of Ethiopia has been based on conventional blanket fertilizer recommendations, without taking into account indigenous soil nutrient supply. In this study an attempt was made to take into account indigenous soil nutrient supply, internal nutrient use efficiency at maximum nutrient accumulation and...
October 2008
Rainfall instability difference in the effects of planting dates on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) in forest savannah eco-climatic zone of Nigeria
Rainfall instability difference in the effects of planting dates on growth and yield of maize in forest savanna eco climatic zone of Nigeria was investigated in this study to assess the reliability of the rain vis-à-vis optimum planting date for effective growth and good yield of the crop. Three planting date at 2 weeks interval between 13th march and 10th April were adopted for the experiment conducted...
October 2008
Screening legumes for integrated management of witchweeds (Alectra vogelii and Striga asiatica) in Malawi
In Malawi the parasitic weeds (witchweeds) for cereals and legumes exist simultaneously. The predominant species for cereals is Striga asiatica, while for legumes it is Alectra vogelii, which causes damage in groundnuts (Arachis hypogea L.), cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) and soybeans (Glycine max.). Growing legumes is a control measure for S. asiatica in cereal crops. Studies were initiated in...
October 2008
Growth performance of bamboo in tobacco-growing regions in South Nyanza, Kenya
The study was carried out on 120 field experimentation sites where 2420 bamboo cuttings were planted under the same natural tobacco growing conditions in five different zones (that is, zone A = hillside/steep sloping farmland, B = hillside/gentle sloping farmland, C = flat farmland/not wetland/ riverbank, D = flat farmland/wetland and E = homestead) based on each farmer’s preference during the short rain season...
October 2008
Comparative studies of seed priming and pelleting on percentage and meantime to germination of seeds of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
The effect of seed priming and pelletting on germination percentage and mean time to germination of local cultivars (cv.) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.) was studied in 2006 in Mauritius. Osmopriming with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), at -1.25 MPa for 2 days resulted in significantly (P < 0.01) higher germination percentage (79.1%) than untreated control seed (62%) of the tomato cv. Sirius which is considered...
October 2008
Effects of light intensity on quality of potato seed tubers
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes (Tigoni, Asante and Dutch Robyjn) were evaluated for quality under three light intensities, 612.2 kW (diffused), 1376 kW (direct) and 8 kW (dark) for 12 weeks. Tuber stored in dark conditions had a lower weight loss than tubers stored in direct light conditions. Dutch Robyjn lost the lowest weight (4.49%) while Asante lost the highest (13.90%) mean weight. Tigoni in the...
October 2008
Rooting response under shade using IBA growth regulators and different growth mediums on Leucadendron laxum (Proteaceae) – A commercial cut flower
The popular cut flower, Leucadendron laxum (Marsh rose Leucadendron) was tested for its rooting ability, using various Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) liquid hormone concentrations with different growth mediums. The IBA treatments included a control, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 ppm IBA auxins. Growth mediums tested were a) peat and polystyrene; b) bark and polystyrene; c) bark, sand and polystyrene; and d)...
October 2008
Potential application of Hyptis spicigera for biological control of Striga hermonthica infestation
Food situation has remained insecure and unpredictable in sub-Saharan Africa leading to high levels of cyclic famine and poverty. This has been exacerbated by perennial pest problems, which cause substantial pre- and post-harvest food grain losses. Production of cereal crops is threatened by Striga hermonthica weed known to infest an estimated 46000 ha of land in the traditional food producing areas in western...
October 2008
Tsetse fly species diversity in Kainji lake national park, Nigeria
A survey of tsetse flies was carried out at the two sectors of Kainji Lake National Park. Gouteax fly traps, the drum shaped and biconical-shaped, were used. The traps were set adjacently at the same location. Four traps were set in each vegetation zone. At Borgu Sector, 20 traps were set, while 24 were set at Zurguma sector. Cattle and Pig urine (Mixture) were used as attractant. The traps were set in the mornings and...
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