New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Breeding for FHB Resistance via Fusarium Damaged Kernels and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation as Well as Inoculation Methods in Winter Wheat: Advanced Study

2021-08-19T06:42:13+00:00

FHB is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat. Resistance testing depends strongly on inoculation methods, and on measured traits. Therefore a four-year (2009-2012) study was performed using spray inoculation + polyethylene (PE) bag cover, spray inoculation + mist irrigation, and spawn method supported by mist irrigation on 40 genotypes, 20 from Hungary and 20 from IFA Tulln, Austria. Each year four isolates were used in artificial inoculations except the spawn method where maize stalk debris served the inoculum. Visual Fusarium head blight (FHB) scores, Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination were checked. 7680 FHB and FDK, as well as 3840 DON analyses served as the background for the statistical evaluation. The most reliable method used was the spray + polyethylene (PE) bag; the other two were significantly poorer being valid for all traits. The FHB scores were the least reliable, whereas the FDK was much more conse-quent and the DON gave the best results. The FDK gave much better predictions for DON contamina-tion than FHB. The cultivar responses correlated well at different epidemic severities. The presence of the kernel resistance was confirmed and a new trait as extra kernel susceptibility was described. Presence of DON resistance was confirmed again, and extra DON susceptibility (overproduction) was described as a new trait. DON performance varied on the most sensitive cultivar between 0.32 and 143 mg/kg (mean 17.52 mg/kg) and on the most resistant genotype between 0.00 and 18.19 mg/kg (mean 1.87 mg/kg). Correlations between stability and resistance level are r = 0.85 for FHB, 0.78 for FDK, and 0.88 for DON, all at a significance level of p = 0.001. The very close correlation between FDK and DON contamination (r = 0.81, p = 0.001) proves that control of DON contamination needs appropriate resistance. In the breeding program evaluation of FDK is the most important, and then DON will be decided. Variety registration must be updated; otherwise no improvement on the field will occur.

Production Challenges and Postharvest Practices of Groundnut in Northern Ghana: The Participatory Rural Appraisal Approach

2021-08-19T06:48:51+00:00

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production and postharvest evaluation study was undertaken in thirty (30) districts selected from the Northern Regions of Ghana, by employing the Participatory Rural Appraisal (P.R.A.) procedure. Thirty (30) districts, ten (10) from each Region (Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah and Northern), were chosen. Interviews and focus group discussions were held using both closed and open-ended questionnaires, and involved 600 individual key informants; 20 from each district/community and thirty (30) focus group discussions in all. The main aim of the research was to solicit general information regarding the core production constraints and postharvest activities and marketing of groundnuts as it pertains in Northern Ghana, which is the major producing area in the country. The Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS version 17.0) and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze data obtained from the questionnaire; Results were summarized into means, using standard error and percentages, where necessary. The association between storage structures and duration of groundnuts in storage was tested by the Chi-Square statistic method. Results obtained from the study shows that ‘China’ local groundnut variety was the most cultivated (76.5%, 99.5%, 96.5%) in all three regions (N/R, U/E and U/W respectively). A participatory rural appraisal ranked drought (4.43), disease (3.53), yield potential (3.50) and pests (3.23) as the major and most important production constraints. Majority (41.0%) of the farmers who were aged between 40 and 49, had no formal education (74.7%) and maintained an average farm size of 4 acres, out of which groundnut farm sizes were about 1 to 2 acres. Most of the farmers also preferred ‘Chinese’, ‘Agric-Manipinta’ and ‘Obolo’ groundnut varieties based on high yield potential (pod and seed size), ease of harvesting, drought-tolerance, earliness and high market value. Reason for choice of variety was high yielding (73.33%) and ease of harvesting and drought tolerance (32.67%). Most efficient Storage structure for groundnuts was Jute sack (93%). Average length of storage was 5-6 months (74.45%). Most common storage pests were Grain weevils (57; 9.50%) and Cercospora sp. (28; 4.67%). Most common storage diseases were Aflatoxin (78; 13%) and Aspegillus sp. (21; 3.50%). Improvement in the storage structures, therefore, has a higher likelihood of increasing the duration of groundnut in storage. The major end use of groundnut according to the study was groundnut paste (50%). Groundnuts had ready market (489; 81.50%) according to farmers. Relay of information across the value chain was mostly by colleague farmers (39.33%), MoFA (31.33%) and NGOs (13.83%). The scale of measurement used was common for bowls and 100 kg bag. Average market price of a 100 kg bag and a bowl were Ghs136.55%, Ghs3.43 respectively.

Multivariate Analysis of Genetic Diversity among Maize Genotypes and Trait Interrelationships under Drought and Low N Stress

2021-08-19T06:55:09+00:00

Multivariate analysis is the most popular approach for genetic variability estimation to study the patterns of variation and their genetic relationships among germplasm collections to enhance their use in crop breeding. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to assess the extent of genetic diversity in a collection of Egyptian commercial maize hybrids and populations, through field evaluation under water and N stressed and non-stressed conditions, using morphological data based on Principle Component Analysis (PCA), (ii) to measure the genetic distance among these genotypes using Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) analysis and (iii) to assess the relationship between grain yield and yield-related traits of maize genotypes using genotype × trait (GT)-biplot analysis. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design with 3 replications, where 2 irrigation regimes, three N rates and 19 maize genotypes occupied the main plots, sub plots and sub-sub plots, respectively. The germplasm was assessed for 21 agronomic traits. Highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were observed among the maize hybrids and populations for all measured traits. Results of the GT biplot in the present study indicated that high values of 100-Kernel weight, ears/plant, kernels/plant, kernels/row, plant height, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and grain nitrogen content and short ASI could be considered reliable secondary traits for improving grain yield under stressed and non-stressed conditions. The highest genetic distance was found between G9 (SC-2055) and each of G15 (American Early Dent), G18 (Midland) or G19 (Ried Type). The AHC based on phenotypic data assigned the maize genotypes into five groups. The different groups obtained can be useful for deriving the inbred lines with diverse features and diversifying the heterotic pools.

The Diversity of Green Bean Biochemical Compounds in Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) as Evaluated by Near Infrared Spectroscopy: A Scientific Overview

2021-08-19T06:58:39+00:00

Aims: This study characterized biochemical compound variability that influence green bean quality in C. canephora as a basis for identifying heterogeneous genotypes for use in crop improvement because genetic erosion aided by climate change effects is gradually threatening the cultivation of Ugandan Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) local races.

Study Design: Four hundred and fifty four accessions from twenty four districts were analyzed with Near Infra Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) for six biochemical compounds using calibrations developed at CIRAD, France.

Place and Duration of Study: This work was conducted at the National Coffee Resources Research Institute (NaCORRI), Uganda between January 2007 and December 2013.

Methodology: Spectrometer Nirsystem 6500 Foss- (Denmark) machine and Software ISI NIRS 2 version 4.11 (Infra Soft International, Port Matilda, USA) were used to analyze ground samples in diffuse reflectance from 400 nm to 2500 nm (2 nm steps) and predictive models were used to quantify the biochemical contents in the green beans. Data was analyzed with XLSTAT version 2011.2.05 (Addinsoft), Paris, France.

Results: Chlorogenic acid and fat concentrations of 13.26 and 13.19% dry matter respectively reported in this study were much higher than 5.88 and 9.0% dry matter respectively reported earlier. Caffeine concentrations were positively significantly correlated with cholorogenic acid but negatively significantly correlated with trigonelline, sucrose, fat and dry matter contents. Caffeine and chlorogenic acid concentrations increased with age whereas trigonelline declined as trees aged. Chlorogenic acid and trigonelline concentrations were at their lowest levels in elevations of between 1000- 1200 metres above sea level and like fat and dry matter concentrations, the compounds were at their highest levels in higher elevations of about 1500 metres above sea level. Local landraces, “nganda” and “erecta” had higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid, sucrose and caffeine than improved, hybrid and commercial types.

Conclusions: Ugandan C. canephora caffeine content was lower than that of West-African Robusta coffee but higher than that of Arabica coffee. Four distinct diversity groups derived from the six biochemical compounds represented the major organoleptic categories. The results reported here will be useful in defining the desirable cup qualities of Robusta coffee as demanded by world markets.

Scientific Investigation on the Efficacy of Isolated Nomuraea rileyi and Spinosad against Corn Pests under Laboratory and Field Conditions in Egypt

2021-08-19T07:01:06+00:00

The entomopathogenic fungus, Nomuraea rileyi and commercial BT spinosad were tested on some corn pests: Ostrinia nubilalis, Chilo agamemnon and Sesamia cretica under laboratory and field conditions. Results showed that the N. rileyi LC₅₀ of O. nubilalis, C. agamemnon and S. cretica, 124, 146 and 159 conidia/ml under laboratory conditions. The corresponding figure for Spinosad was 166, 179 and 185 microgram/ ml (µg/ml. Under field conditions, results showed that during the season 2011, percentage of O. nubilalis, S. cretica and C. agamemnon infestations were significantly decreased in plots treated with N. rileyi to 25±3.2, 21±2.4 and 24±2.3 individuals after 120 days after the first application as compared to 97±3.3 in the control. When spinosad was applied in the field, the percentage of infestations was significantly decreased to 26±3.3 as compared to 99±1.3 individuals in the control during both seasons. During the harvest season, the corn weight was significantly increased to 3822±45.6 and 3940±60.4 kg/Feddan (Feddan=2400m²) in the plots treated with the fungus N. rileyi as compared to 2810±40.9 and 2710±73.2 Kg/Feddan in the control plots. Among plots treated with spinosad the yield significantly increased to 3000±60.7 and 3129±84.1 kg/Feddan during season 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Effect of Sugar Cane Whip Smut (Sporisorium scitamineum Syd) on Field Sucrose, Juice Quality and Ratooning Ability of Two Sugar Cane Varieties in Nigeria

2021-08-19T07:08:17+00:00

Two sugar cane varieties were evaluated in a split plot design experiment at Badeggi (lat.9°045'N; long 6°07'E at an altitude of 70.57 m.a.s.l) with four whip smut (Sporisorium scitamineum) inoculum concentrations 0 x 10⁶, 2 x 10⁶, 4 x 10⁶and 6 x 10⁶teliospores/ml in four replicates between 1998 and 2000. The field sucrose production (% brix) was measured with a hand refractometer by using the stalks of five tagged healthy and smutted canes which were individually punched and a drop of the juice from each of them placed on the hand refractometer and covered. This was then held against the sun and viewed for the brix reading, which was recorded in percent. For the juice quality laboratory yield loss assessment, 2 healthy stalks were randomly cut from each plot and five smutted stalks were crushed using the Jeffco cutter to obtain at least 2 kg of crushed material for quality analysis. Six hundred grams of the crushed material were taken and pressed using the hydraulic hand press. The resulting juice was collected in 250 ml conical beakers. The first and last expressed brix of the juice were recorded. The temperature and hydrometer readings of the juice were also recorded. The weight of the wet bagasse was taken and again recorded after oven drying to a constant weight. These readings were used in the calculation of % reducing sugars, % Pol., Corrected brix, % Purity and % Fibre. Results showed that S. scitamineum reduced field sucrose (% Brix), % Pol., % Purity and % Fibre but increased % reducing sugars of the two test infected cane varieties. The ratooning quality or ability of the two cane varieties was also impaired.

Bioindicators: Study on Uptake and Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Plant Leaves of State Highway Road, Bagalkot, India: Advanced Study

2021-08-19T07:10:56+00:00

In this study, Caesalpinia (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and grass (Cyndon dactylon) was evaluated as the bioindicators of heavy metals such as the Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) contaminated in Bagalkot and along the state high way upto Mudhol. The soil samples at depth (0-20 cm) and caesalpinia and grass leaves were taken from different sampling stations namely Navnagar bypass road (S₁), Gaddanakeri cross (S₂), Tulasigeri (S₃), Kaladagi (S₄), Lokapur (S₅), Chichakhandi (S₆) and Mudhol (S₇). The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd, Mn, Zn, Cr and Ni were measured using GBC- 932 plus Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Austrelia). The results of the study shows that the concentrations of heavy metals in caesalpinia ranged from Pb 20.36 to 29.39 µg/gmm, Cu 3.92 – 5.94 µg/gm, Zn 24.40 to 35.7 µg/gm, Cd 1.01 to 1.78 µg/gm, Mn 27.01 to 69.10 µg/gm, Cr 1.20 to 7.8 µg/gm and Ni 7.9 to 13.1 µg/gm. In grass heavy metal ranges between for Pb 20.16 to 28.01, Cu 3.95 to 5.76 µg/gm, Zn 24.50 to 35.8 µg/gm, Cd 1.15 to 1.52 µg/gm, Mn 28.91 to 72.51 µg/gm, Cr 1.28 to 8.0 µg/gm, Ni 8.1 to 15.1 µg/gm. Similarly in roadside soil heavy metal ranges between Pb 81.91 to 139.8 µg/gm, Cu 39.54 to 58.58 µg/gm, Zn 32.29 to 381.54 µg/gm, Cd 1.51 to 2.08 µg/gm, Mn 1257.9 to 2051 µg/gm, Cr 131.9 to 951.2 µg/gm and Ni 69.53 to 108.6 µg/gm. According to these results the concentration of heavy metals in grass was found high as compared to caesalpinia. Thus, compared to the metal accumulation potential grass is said to be heavy metal accumulator. The variation in heavy metal concentrations is due to changes in traffic density and anthropogenic activities. Thus, generally it is considered that grass and caesalpinia are good bioindicators and can be used in air pollution monitoring studies.

Critical Research on the Efficacy of Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae) and Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) Leaves on Merchant Quality of Stored Maize Grain (Zea mays L.) in Côte d’ivoire

2021-08-19T07:16:13+00:00

The aim of this study was to monitor the merchant quality of maize grains stored for 9 months in polypropylene bags containing leaves of Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens, both species of which are known as biopesticides plants. The work was implemented in Timbé and Soko villages from respective departments of Katiola (Hambol region, Center-North) and Bondoukou (Gontougo region, Eastern-North) in Côte d'Ivoire. The parameters assessed consisted in weight loss, damages, moisture, fat, acidity, and peroxide values. The weight losses and damages were determined by methods of Harris, Lindblad and Boxall respectively, while moisture, fat, acid, and peroxide values were measured according to AOAC's standard methods. For any parameter assessed, the maize samples treated with leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens recorded best values compared to control batches irrespective of the species and the study location. Indeed, the moisture varied between 9.00% and 14% from control maize grains and were below 13% in the treated batches. The weight loss rated below 15.25% from treated batches but reached 24.25% for the control maize grains samples. The grains damage was up to 47.40% in the control batches and remained below 32.40% in the treated sets. For the fat content of the grains, the averages decreased from 5.4% to 1.90% for control batches and remained over 2.4% from the treated maize. Oppositely, the acid and peroxide values were higher in control batches compared to the treated ones. Therefore, leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens are successful products in the inhibition of insects activity and preservation of the maize grains quality with up to 9 months persistence. Such an inexpensive and easy-to-use technical should be sustained among farmers.

Field Management, Storage Structure, Nanoparticles and Maize Weevil Pest: Important Considerations in the Sustainable Production of Maize Grains

2021-08-19T07:23:33+00:00

In the field, maize (Zea mays L.) should be grown in line with basic requirements for optimum performance and productivity. In postharvest entomology of maize (important in food security) for enhanced sustainability, the fundamental knowledge of storage structures and nanoparticles is very important because both storage technology and chemical constituents of grains have great influence on physiological activities of stored-product arthropod pests. It is possible to influence biological activities of the weevil insect because interactions of chemical constituents of grain with environmental variables of weather (temperature and relative humidity), moisture and gas are unequivocally possible too. Nanoparticles of maize grain have important associations with grain resistance to insect pest infestations and invariably, matter in the sustainable production of maize. Holistically, extent of field management of the crop, choice of storage structures, concentration and type of nanoparticles contained by a variety and the maize weevil pest, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky are strong determinants to sustainable maize production. To ensure sustainability, the farmer must manipulate and integrate these important factors to his favour. Insects are known to be lovers of protein, starch, minerals and some other intrinsic particles. Thus, the cultivation of a variety of maize with high amount of cherisable nanoparticles by the maize weevil insect will require more efficient storage technology against infestation and damage by the maize weevil pest. This constitutes an important recommendation for farmers seeking sustainability in maize production.

Scientific Investigation for Determining the Sustainability Index of Tobacco Planted in Various Types of Land Typology in Pamekasan, Madura

2021-08-19T07:28:42+00:00

Economic importance of tobacco plantation has long been undeniable for East Java. In this province, especially in Madura, Pamekasan constitutes one of the greatest tobacco producers, cultivated in many types of farm typology such as sawah, tegal and gunung. This current study aimed at investigating sustainability index of tobacco planted in various land typologies in Pamekasan. Data were collected using in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The study was conducted in Pamekasan, Madura, between April 2016 and March 2016. Data obtained were evaluated using Rap-Tobacco (derived from Rap-Fish) commonly known as Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS), covering ecological, social economy, institutional and policy and technological aspects. The results demonstrated that the highest sustainability index was observed at technological dimension, reaching up to 66.99 (sawah), 55.97 (tegal) and 58.13 (gunung). Although tobacco farming was sustainable in terms of technological dimension, more advanced technological supports might help it to reach a meaningful improvement, such as the use of information system for generating accurate climate data, as well as production and better distribution of proper tobacco seeds. Statistically, stress value was found <0.25%, while R² value ranged from 92% to 94%. In short, we could conclude that the present model successfully fitted the testing data and could satisfactorily calculate sustainability index.

Assessment of Resistance Status of the Major Storage Insect Pests of Cocoa to Deltamethrin in Ghana: Descriptive Research

2021-08-19T07:31:57+00:00

Due to the versatility of insects, many of them quickly and easily develop resistance to insecticides they have been subjected to for long periods. Should resistance strains arise in a population, its control with same and at times with similar, insecticides becomes more difficult. Possible development of resistance in the major insect pests of stored cocoa bean to deltamethrin was studied at the Entomology laboratory of the Research Department of Quality Control Company of Ghana COCOBOD at Tema. Samples of Ephestia cautella, Tribolium castaneum and Cryptolestes ferrugineus were collected from two sites with different insecticide use history and exposed to different concentrations of deltamethrin. The results showed that the response of the two populations of the insects followed a similar trend. Ephestia cautella was the most susceptible insect to deltamethrin, where 100% mortality was attained at 10 x 10⁴ ppm concentration in both populations. Generally, the 35 x 10⁴ ppm concentration achieved 90% mortality in the Tribolium castaneum and Cryptolestes ferrugineus populations studied. Therefore all the three storage beetles tested for resistance to deltamethrin had not developed resistance to the insecticide

Investigation of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Excoecaria agallocha L.: Critical Overview

2021-08-19T07:35:34+00:00

Mangrove survives in the most hostile environment with fluctuating tidal and saline regime. The present work focused on a detailed study on quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Excoecaria agallocha L., a mangrove from Kattiparambu and Chirackal of Ernakulam District, Kerala. Preliminary phytochemical investigation indicated the presence of biologically active metabolites of leaf, stem and root of the plant in different solvents. Methanol and hexane gave maximum results. Since the plant grows in stress conditions showed the presence of amino acids. Recorded values for high protein in leaf (4.8%), stem (1.93%), Carbohydrate in the root (11.17%) at Chirackal. Phenols (6.02%), flavanoids (3.6%) and tannins (5.68%) was observed in leaf samples of the species at Chirackal. Methanolic extract showed maximum free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀-141.56 µg/ml) in leaf samples and stem showed minimum (IC50-931.3 µg/ml) in chloroform extract. The range of DPPH radical scavenging activity in the solvent is Methanol > Ethyl acetate > Ethanol > Chloroform.

Research on Degradation and Sustainable Practices for Forest Resources in Plateau State, Nigeria

2021-08-19T07:37:50+00:00

Aims: The study was carried out to determine the causes of degradation and sustainable practices for forest and its resources in Plateau state of Nigeria.

Study Design: Descriptive survey research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Kanke, Langtang, Quan Pan, Shendam and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, between July 2013 and April 2014.

Methodology: The study was guided by two research questions while the population was made up of local forest users. Stratified random sampling method was used to obtain a sample size of 500 local forest users. The instruments for data collection were a structured questionnaire and a structured interview guide. The reliability of the questionnaire instrument was established using Cronbach alpha technique and a co-efficient of 0.81 was obtained. Frequency and simple percentage were used to answer the research questions and to interpret the results.

Results: The study found 8 out of 12 causes of degradation and 13 out 14 adoptable sustainable practices for forest and its resources in the study area.

Conclusion: The implementation of the identified sustainable practices for forest and its resources in Plateau state is necessary to help save and improve on the remnant forest in the state.