Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences (AJAFS) ISSN (Online): 2321-1571
Copyright © The Author(s). This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Antifungal Effects of Botanical Extracts Against Black Mold of Shallot Bulbs caused by Aspergilus niger
Black mold, caused by Aspergillus niger, is a major postharvest disease of shallots in Ghana. This study investigated the efficacy of spices (plant materials/botanicals) such as cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense), West African pepper (Piper guineense), grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) in managing the disease. Two cultivars of shallot bulbs in Ghana were used; namely, pink and pale brown. The antifungal activity of 25, 50, 75, and 100 % concentrations of each plant extract were assessed in vitro against A. niger mycelia growth. The efficacy of the plant extracts (cloves, habanero pepper, West African pepper, grains of paradise and black pepper) in managing the black mold disease of shallot bulbs was assessed in vivo by dipping bulbs in 100 % concentrations of each plant extract 21 days. Factorial experimental design was used in both in vitro and in vivo experiments; each plant extract treatment had three replications at four concentration levels, with three replications each for both positive and negative controls arranged in a completely randomised design. The study revealed that all extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited mycelial growth at various concentrations (25,50,75, and 100 %) compared to the negative control treatments, but clove extracts completely suppressed growth at all concentrations. In vivo, aqueous extracts of cloves, black pepper, and grains of paradise reduced disease intensity and bulb weight loss, whereas habanero and West African pepper were less effective. Disease severity and weight loss were consistently higher under enclosed storage compared to open storage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Perpetual M. Katsriku, Joseph K. Kwodaga, Benjamin K. Badii https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Phytoalexin stilbenoids of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli(Vitis vinifera L.) as biomarkers of resistance to Crown gall infection (Agrobacterium tumefaciens)
We have studied the correlation between the phytoalexin stilbenoids synthesis and the level of bacterial and fungal attacks. The paper shows the results of the study related to crown gall infection in different viticulture areas (locations) of Georgia. In concert: for Saperavi - Mukuzani and Napareuli, for Rkatsiteli - Tsarapi and Tibaani. In April 2024 we infected vine trunks with water suspension of “Agrobacterium tumefaciens” under different soil and climatic conditions and we observed the development of diseases in the period of April- October. In experimental vineyards were found out dominant phytoalexin stress- metabolites stilbenoids trans-resveratrol and trans- ɛ -viniferin in the infected vine trunks of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Stilbenoids concentration changes were observed under the vine varieties and soil-climatic factors. The impact of mentioned factors were established with different experiments carried out in the lab and in the vineyard. The results are important data for considering the stilbenoids as biomarker of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli vine varieties for their resistance against crown gall disease.
Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Stilbenoids, Phytoalexins, Crown gall
Copyright (c) 2025 Marine Bezhuashvili, Luigi Bavaresco, Shorena Kharadze, Magdana Surguladze, Giorgi Shoshiashvili, Nino Darchiashvili, Paata Vashakidze https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Phytoalexin Stilbenoids of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli(Vitis vinifera L.) as Biomarkers of Resistance to Some Fungal Diseases
Among the biological activities of grape stilbenoids, phytoalexin activity is the most important. The paper deals with a study on the change of phytoalexin stilbenoids response of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli under powdery mildew and gray mold infection in different viticulture areas of Georgia: Mukuzni and Napareuli (for Saperavi), and , Tsarapi and Tibaani (for Rkatsiteli). In July 2024, the grape varieties were infected with a water suspension of powdery mildew. In August 2024, the grape varieties were infected with the conidial water suspension of Botrytis cinerea, and the development of diseases on the grape barries in the period of July-September was observed. In the experimental vineyards trans-resveratrol and its derivatives - glycosides and polymeric stilbenoids in the healthy grape skins of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli were detected. In Saperavi berries skins stilbenoids concentration were higher compared to Rkatsiteli. In both infected varieties the following stilbenoids were identified: trans-resveratrol, trans-ɛ-viniferin, trans-piceid, trans-astringin and cis-piceid. Stilbenoids concentration changes were observed depending on the vine variety and soil-climatic factors. The results represented the stilbenoids as important biomarkers for the Saperavi and Rkatsiteli for resistance against Powdery mildew and Gray mold.
Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Stilbenoids, Phytoalexins, Powdery mildew, Gray mold
Geospatial Analysis of Average Rice Consumption in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan
This study aims to analyze the per capita rice consumption pattern and the factors that affect it at the regency/city level in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan. This study uses per capita rice consumption data, rice prices, and per capita income data by regency/city in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan in 2023. The data used is sourced from the Central Statistics Agency for National Socio-Economic Survey activities in March 2023 as well as data on food price developments by the National Food Agency. Regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between rice consumption per capita and rice prices and per capita income. Furthermore, a geospatial approach is applied to understand the variation of rice consumption and the factors that affect it in each regency/city. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between per capita rice consumption and rice price and per capita income with a determinant coefficient, R2 = 0.49 (higher than the determination coefficient in the usual regression analysis (R2 = 0.35)) The rice price elasticity of -0.40 showed that the increase in rice prices could reduce per capita rice consumption but did not have a major impact. Meanwhile, from the estimated results, the amount of income elasticity of -0.33 indicates that the increase in income will reduce rice consumption. But in fact, rice must be a normal commodity with a positive income elasticity. But it does not apply to all income levels. At a relatively high incomes level and food needs through rice have been met in good quantity, the increase in income no longer has a positive influence which is reflected in the increasing quantity of demand for rice. Even at a higher income level, it is possible that the quantity of demand for rice will decrease. The need for food is no longer met by rice but, by using the potential income, people have other alternatives through noodles, bread, and ready-to-eat foods such as fried rice, ketupat, lontong, satay, and others.
Copyright (c) 2024 Arrahman Adnani, Sadik Ikhsan, Yudi Ferianta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Growth and Anti-fungal Effect of Gamma Radiation Treated Chitosan and Alginate on Pineapple Plants
Promising materials to reduce the use of chemical compounds in cultivation are natural biomaterials. Chitosan and sodium alginate were subjected to a Co-60 gamma treatment in this research. Different concentrations of chitosan (300 ppm), sodium alginate (500 ppm), and a mixed solution (90:10 irradiated Na-alginate: chitosan) were administered through foliar spraying with intervals of 15 and 30 days to observe the impacts on growth and anti-fungal activity. The growth attributes like total number of leafs, productivity of growing and mature leafs and anti-fungal activities were determined up to five months. When sprayed 15 days apart, the mixed solution was found to increase the output of pineapple plants and the height of mature leaves, whereas sodium alginate was found to increase the productivity of growing leaves when sprayed at 30-day intervals. The findings showed that sodium alginate and chitosan that had been irradiated both significantly improved productivity and decreased total fungal count.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ielias Uddin, Md. Azizul Haque, Md. Abu Zubair https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Statistical Farm Records: Drivers and Challenges Among Smallholder Rice Farmers in Ndop Plain, Cameroon
The study seeks to analyze statistical farm records: drivers and challenges among smallholder rice farmers in Ndop Plain, Cameroon. Specifically, to determine the factors influencing smallholder rice farmers in Ndop Plain to keep statistical farm records and to analyze the challenges in the exercise. Methodologically, the study employed primary data collected from some 470 rice farmers using a well-structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select respondents and a conventional Probit model used to estimate the result. It was observed that: male farmer, level of education, used of records, used of technology to manage statistical farm records, production of different types of rice, use of farm record for input and output analysis, had farm record training and Movement from manual to electronic record keeping are significantly influencing farmers’ statistical farm records practices in Ndop Plain. The challenges observed with record keeping are: fundamental error keeping, bulky records, inadequate finance, records misplacement and burdensome to keep farm records. Considering that only 34% of farmers are involved in records keeping and willing to move from manual way of keeping records to electronic, the study suggests that an online App is created for easy accessibility and inputting of these farm records. This will be a wise-step for the government to scale the process of farm output.
Copyright (c) 2023 Isa Nghochu Njingun, Mathias Fru Fonteh, Mbu Daniel Tambi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effect of Financial Services on Youth Involvement in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship in Fako Division, Cameroon
The main objective of this article was to examine the role of financial services on youth involvement in agribusiness entrepreneurship activities in the Fako division of the South West Region of Cameroon. Primary data were obtained with the use of a self-administer questionnaire. Which were administered using a stratified sampling technique. The target population was youths between the age of 18 to 35 years involved in any agribusiness-related activity for commercial purposes. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 500 youths but only 451 of the questionnaires were returned without any error. We adopted a binary logistic estimation technique to analyze our model. Empirical analysis from a binary logistic estimation using marginal effect coefficients for the overall results revealed that; youth who have personal saving increases their likelihood of involving in agribusiness entrepreneurship activities in Fako at a very high level (main occupation) by 0.0986. Meanwhile, government financial services for youth involved in agribusiness has a positive significant effect on youth involvement in agribusiness with a likelihood of 0.6428. Furthermore, youths who are part of a Tontine increase their likelihood of involving in agribusiness entrepreneurship as a main occupation by 0.0233. Also, youths using bank financial services such as bank loan has a likelihood of reducing youths involvement in agribusiness as a main occupation by 0.0520 while those using microfinance services have a likelihood of 0.0354 of engaging youths in agribusiness as a primary activity. We recommend that the government of Cameroon should develop innovative financial services specifically for youths involved in agribusiness-related activities.
Financial Services; agribusiness; youth involvement; entrepreneurship.
Copyright (c) 2023 Sonkey Louis Ntu, Bime Mary Juliet Egwu, Mbu Daniel Tambi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Estimating Some Indicators of Food Security for Rural Households
In Jordan, more people are at risk of food insecurity. The levels of food security of households in Al-Balqa Governorate were studied. Food consumption score was estimated by frequency of consumption of food group by household within 7 days. Based on answers from the head of household a food insecurity scale was measured. Coping strategies index was valued to be consistent with that of the World Food Programme. Some of factors affecting proportion of expenditure out of total income on food were examined using a multiple linear regression model. The percentage of food expenditure out of total household income, food consumption score, food insecurity scale for each participant, and index of coping strategies with changes related to food deficiency were estimated. Food insecurity scale, age and income of household accounted for 21% of total expenditure. The relationship between food insecurity scale and age and income of households with total expenditure on food had a medium value of 47%. The effect of food insecurity, age, and income was significant on a proportion of total household expenditure on food with negative regression coefficients. The study concluded that households are characterized by an average level of food security, degree of food consumption is acceptable, a measure of food insecurity for each participant is low and marginal, and food security status of household is of second degree.
Food Security, Food Consumption, Coping Strategies Index, Household Spending
General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, GCSAR, Syria
Copyright (c) 2023 Abo Znemah Saad, Tarawneh Radi, Shnaigat Saida, Khaled Al-Najjar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Incidence of Salmonella in Traditional White Cheese in Gaza markets, Palestine
Introduction: Salmonella has gained more interest because it cause food borne illnesses. Traditional soft cheese made from unpasteurized milk may contain salmonella. Methods: A descriptive study was performed, one hundred and four samples of fresh white cheese collected from street venders and the local markets to investigate the incidence of salmonella in fresh white cheese in Gaza. Results: Salmonella was found in four samples of "Traditional cheese". Differences between percentages of samples were not statistically significant. Conclusion: traditional cheese highly contaminated and usually exceeded the Palestinian Standard. The detection of Salmonella spp. suggests that traditional soft cheese commercialized in Gaza may represent a health risk for the consumers.
Copyright (c) 2023 Iyad Alzaeem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cost and Return Analysis of Maize (Zea Mays L) Production in Adamawa State, Nigeria
This study evaluated the cost and return of maize (Zea mays L) production in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives of this study were set out to: examine the socioeconomic characteristics of sampled maize farmers and to evaluate the costs and returns of maize production in the study area. A simple random sampling technique was adopted and used in selecting one hundred fifty (150) maize farmers in the area of study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin. The study shows that the majority 68.7% were full-time farmers with an average mean of 31 years of age and about 30.96 years of farming experience. The majority (85.3%) were male farmers and only 15.3% of the respondent had no formal education with an average land holding of 1.39 hectares. The analysis of farm budgetary technique shows and reveals that maize (Zea mays) production in the area of study is a profitable enterprise with a gross margin of ₦72,413.05 and net farm income (NFI) of ₦46,412.25. The coefficient of gross ratio was 0.50; this implies that 50% of the gross income of maize went to offset total farm costs. The net farm income of naira invested was 0.69 and the operating ratio was 0.59. A gross ratio of less than 1 is always desirable for farm business. The study recommends among other things that farmers should strengthen themselves financially by forming cooperative groups whereby members could have access to loans at a very low rate and farm inputs could be purchased in bulk to be shared among members at a reduced.
Cost, Return, Maize (Zea mays L), Production, Adamawa, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2023 Offar Gwandi Ta'awu, Virendra Kamalvanshi, Samuel John https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Carcass Characteristic, Caecal Metabolites and Dropping Quality in Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing a Humic Substances
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of humic substances added to diets on carcass characteristics, weight of visceral organs, fermentation process in the caecum and excretion of dry matter and crude protein in broiler chicks. One hundred one day old broiler chicks were assigned in two equal groups. Birds of the experimental group were fed with diets supplemented with humic substances (in amount: 5 g.kg-1 during the first two weeks and 7 g.kg-1 from the 3rd to the 6th week). No significant effect of humic substances supplementation was observed on carcass characteristics (carcass weight, carcass yield, abdominal fat pad) as well as the relative weight of the liver, the heart, the spleen and the bursa of Fabricius. On the other hand, in the experimental group was found significantly higher relative weight of the pancreas (P < 0.05). Also, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum content was not significantly affected, but tested substance lowered the pH value in caecum (P < 0.05). Significantly lover content of crude protein (P < 0.05) and also significantly higher concentration of dry matter (P < 0.01) in the droppings of chicks was found in experimental group than in the control group. It was concluded that the addition of humic substances to the diets can contribute to reducing the burden on the environment from poultry farms.
Copyright (c) 2023 František Zigo, Alena Hreško Šamudovská, Lukáš Bujňák https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Energy Profile in Broiler Chickens Fed with Different Levels of Humates
The objective of the study was the evaluation the effects of the peroral intake of humates (HS) added into feed mixtures on the energy metabolism of broiler chickens (Cobb 500). The selected parameters are concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol analysed in the blood serum. There were used four groups of birds (A, B, C, negative control; n=120) in the experiment. Chickens were fed with ground diets (starter HYD1, grower HYD2, finisher HYD3) with supplements of HS from day 1 to 37 as follows A: Humac nature (HN) 7 g/kg, B: Humac nature monogastric (HNM) 7 g/kg, C: HNM 5 g/kg feed (Humac Ltd., Slovak Republic). The diets had the following content of crude protein: HYD1 230.20, HYD2 222.20, HYD3 209.40 g CP /kg dry matter). The statistical evaluation of results was performed by one-way analysis of variance and means were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test and correlation analysis. Higher concentrations (P<0.05) of triglycerides in blood serum were analyzed in groups A or B by 0.24 and 0.26 mmol/l, respectively, in comparison to the control group (y = 0.35830x + 0.58324). The values of cholesterol were at a lower level (P<0.05) in all 3 experimental groups by 1.07, 0.54 and 0.84 mmol/l (y = - 1.18073x + 2.75772). The positive effect of the intake of HS on glucose concentration was not confirmed when a higher concentration (P<0.05) was analyzed in the blood serum of the control group compared with groups A or C by 3.31 and 4.56 mmol/l (y = - 4.06420x + 13.37519), respectively.
Copyright (c) 2023 Andrej Marcin, Pavel Naď, Soňa Gancarčíková, Lukáš Bujňák, Magdaléna Skalická, František Zigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Ochratoxin Incidence in Poultry Feed Mixtures
Ochratoxin is one of the most frequently occurring mycotoxins in food and feed. In humans and animals, it is the cause of health disorders, mycotoxicosis. Monitoring the content of ochratoxin in food and feed is an important part of preventive measures. This work was focused at determining the concentrations of ochratoxin in complete feed mixtures for broilers and turkeys by ELISA analysis. The presence of ochratoxin in concentrations lower than 2 ppb was confirmed in the examined samples. The ochratoxin content limit for supplementary and complete feed mixtures for poultry, which represents a value of 100 ppb in feed with a moisture content of 12%, was not exceeded in the samples.
Copyright (c) 2023 Michaela Harčárová, Pavel Naď, František Zigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of Reduced Crude Protein Level on Fecal Nitrogen Excretion and Blood Profile in Finishing Pigs
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a low-protein diet on the selected variables of protein and energy metabolism in the blood serum as well as on the indicators of fermentation in the faeces (fecal crude protein, ammonia, pH, volatile fatty acids, and dry matter). Twelve finishing pigs (initial body weight: 64.6 ± 3.35 kg) were randomly divided into two groups and fed basal diets with crude protein (CP) levels of 13.6% and 15.4%, respectively. The Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, and Tryptophan levels in the 13.6% CP group were the same as those in the 15.4% CP group after the addition of four crystalline amino acids—Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, and Tryptophan to the diet. The blood and faeces samples were taken from the cranial vena cava and from the rectum at the end of the study period (44 days). The results showed that with the decrease in dietary CP level from 15.4% to 13.6% (a decrease of 1.8%), the fecal crude protein, the fecal ammonia, as well as the blood urea level decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group (P< 0.05 and 0.01, respectively).
Copyright (c) 2023 Lukáš Bujňák, Pavel Naď, Tomáš Mihok, Alena Hreško Šamudovská, František Zigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Efficacy of Different Anaesthetics on Depth of Anaesthesia and Hematological Parameters of Pigs
Four groups of piglets were included in the experiment. In each of the experiments, we applied azaperone as the first premedication drug in the 2nd group 4 mg/kg body weight and in the other groups 5 mg/kg body weight. In experiment no. 1, we subsequently administered diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.m.) and ketamine (10 mg/kg, i.m.) to the piglets. In experiment no. 2, we applied xylazine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and ketamine (20 mg/kg, i.m.). In experiment no. 3 we used diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.m.), xylazine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.). In experiment no. 4, we administered xylazine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.) to piglets. We applied the mentioned drug combinations intramuscularly in the area of ​​the neck muscles. Subsequently, in each of the experiments, we performed epidural anesthesia using 2% lidocaine, in a dose of 1 ml/40 cm of body length. After putting the animals under anesthesia, we recorded breathing and pulse frequencies, body temperature and checked reflex responses at time intervals. We performed a zero blood collection before the application of the first drug, the first collection after anesthesia and then a second collection the next day, in order to determine the hematological profile. From the conducted experiments, we assessed the relationship of the used combinations of substances to the course and depth of anesthesia and, according to the hematological profile, we evaluated the effect of these substances on specific hematological parameters. We recorded the longest duration of anesthesia in the first experiment when one of the piglets had disappeared pedal reflexes even after 90 minutes. On the contrary, the shortest anesthesia was during the third experiment, when all piglets reacted 60 minutes post-lidocaine. During experiments 1 and 3, we noticed a significant drop in body temperature compared to the reference values. In a short time interval after the lidocaine administration, the reflex of the pelvic limbs completely disappeared in all tested subjects in each of the experiments. In experiment no. 3, at time 5 minutes post lidocaine administration, the nasal reflex and the reflex of the forelegs were also negative in all animals. In all tested subjects, 30 minutes after the epidural anesthesia was performed, we observed a negative reflex of the pelvic legs during the second and third trials. During experiment no. 3, we also observed a negative nasal reflex and a reflex of the front legs in the majority of the tested animals in the mentioned time interval.
Copyright (c) 2023 Robert Link, Peter Reichel, Jana Oslancova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of Rice Combine Harvester on Postproduction Losses and Production Costs: The Case of Luzon, Philippines
This study quantified the effects of rice combine harvester (RCH) on rice output particularly on harvesting-threshing losses and production costs. The postproduction losses using different models of RCH were established following a randomized complete block design with two replications and these were compared with the traditional method of harvesting and threshing rice. Partial budget analysis was employed to determine the benefits derived by farmer-adopters using the data gathered from a one-shot cross sectional survey involving 448 respondents. Results of the field experiments revealed that postproduction losses with the three models of RCH did not differ significantly, ranging from 1.19% to 1.76% of the total yield. Comparing the harvesting-threshing losses in using RCH and the traditional method, the use of RCH significantly reduced harvesting-threshing losses by 1.02 percentage points. Prevention of postharvest loss was more pronounced during the wet season harvest at 1.54 percent. From the point of view of the farmer-adopters, the use of RCH lowered harvesting costs by PhP 3,908.60/ha/ and gained additional PhP 718.40/ha for losses prevented by using RCH. Thus the farmer-adopter could potentially gains additional benefit of PhP 4,627.00/ha/cropping season. With these, the use of RCH has the potential to enhance rice competitiveness by lowering the production cost and preventing paddy loss by PhP1.12/kg or 9.56% of the current production cost.
Postproduction losses, Production cost, Rice combine harvester
Copyright (c) 2023 Hernaiz G. Malanon, Renita SM. Dela Cruz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effect of Humic Substances on the Content of Copper and Zinc in the Turkey Muscle
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of humic substances on the changes of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content in the thigh and breast muscle of turkey. For the trial, 20 turkeys (BIG 6) were allocated into two groups (control group and experimental group) of 10 birds. Experimental group was supplemented with 0.5 % Humac Mycotoxi Sorb (HM). The control group received a basal diet without any supplements. The Humac Mycotoxi Sorb was added to turkey feed for 10 weeks. In the breast and thigh muscles, we found a statistically significantly higher (P < 0.001) Cu content after the addition of 0.5% HM to the feed (4.43; 4.18 mg.kg-1 ) compared to the control group of turkeys (2.70;3.35 mg.kg-1). Also, in the breast and thigh muscles, were found a statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) Zn content after the addition of 0.5% HM to the feed (50.98; 64.42 mg.kg-1 ) compared to the control group of turkeys (44.33; 62.95 mg.kg-1).
Copyright (c) 2023 Magdaléna Skalická, Pavel Naď, Lukáš Bujňák, Andrej Marcin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Study of the mortality rate in pre-fattening pigs
The focus of this experimental work was the long-term analysis of the mortality of pigs in the pre-fattening category, as well as the determination of the most important etiological and predisposing factors of death. We carried out this research on farm in the east of Slovakia, in the Spiš region, over a period of three years. Based on our 36-month monitoring of pig mortality, we found that pre-fattening mortality was on a downward trend with mortality rates of 2.79%, 2.72% and 2.71% in consecutive years. There is also a certain seasonal impact on mortality in pre-fattening, because we found a higher incidence of deaths especially in the cold spring, autumn and winter months. Diseases such as respiratory and diarrheal diseases were among the most important etiological and predisposing factors of mortality in the observed farm.
Copyright (c) 2023 Jaroslav Novotný, David Grivalský, Zuzana Krepelková, Katarína Bardová, František Zigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Technology Adopted in Dairy Farms in the Central-Westerm Province of Chaco-Argentina
It´s necessary to make visible the characteristics of the existing dairy systems in the province of Chaco, although it isn´t taken into account in the statistics. The objective of the work was to identify the adoption of technology in different groups of producers of dairy establishments in the center-west of the province of Chaco-Argentina. Visits were identified and made to 14 dairy establishments between September 2021 and July 2022. The drums were divided into three groups: dairy farm group of agricultural schools (GEA) with mechanical milking, group of dairy farms with only one milking per day (G1O) with manual milking and the group of dairy farms with two milkings per day (G2O) with mechanical milking. The medium and ranges were obtained. The number of cows in milking was 13 (4-24), 7 (12-15) y 14.5 (7-20) (p>0.05). The hectares dedicated to milk production of 18 (13-69), 45 (25-247) and 30 (20-235) hectares (p>0.05), the use of rotation within the lots, 66%, 57% and 100% apply technology. The age at first pregnancy was 24 (24-36), 24 (24-36) and 27 (24-36) months (p>0.05), the duration of breastfeeding in days, 210 (210-300), 180 (150-240) and 205 (200-210) days (p>0.05). The well-marked differences appear in the presence of floor and cement roof in the milking place that only the establishments of two milking possess it. The three groups perform hands hygiene before starting milking and nipple washing before the start of the milking. However, only GEA is the one that performs the sealing of the nipples at the end of the milking. The groups of producers of dairy establishments in the center-west of the province of Chaco-Argentina, which make two milking per day showed a greater adoption of technology in the social aspects and the milking routine. However, we must continue working and that forces the need to generate care policies.
Copyright (c) 2022 R. Cheij, O. Mora, A. Viana-Evin, M. Radlovachky, P. R. Marini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The The Effects of Solvents Polarity on the Phenolic Contents and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power of Cassytha filiformis, Commiphora schlechteri, Ochna natalitias and Pavetta assimilis
In the present study, the levels of Total Phenols compounds (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity of different extracts from leaves of Cassytha filiformis (C. filiformis), Commiphora schlechteri (C. schlechterii), Ochna natalitias (O. natalitia) and Pavetta assimilis (P. assimilis) were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu and ferric ion reduction methods, respectively. The extracts evaluated were prepared with solvents of different polarities (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol). The total phenols found in all samples increase with solvent polarity. The reduction power found was linearly proportional to the concentration and is greater the greater the content of total phenolics. All extracts of the species O. natalitia (DCM, EtAcO and MetOH) showed higher antioxidant capacity than the other species. Thus, the promising results found in the present study suggest a high potential of these species as a source for the development of therapeutically useful natural antioxidants.
Phenolic contents, Ferric reducing power, Cassytha filiformis, Pavetta assimilis, Ochna natalitia, Commiphora schlechteri.
Copyright (c) 2022 Isabel Chemane, Paulo Cumbane, Ana Raquel Sitoe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Content Analysis of Agricultural Information Dissemination by the Indigenous Language and National Print Media in Nigeria: Implications for Effective Communication
The study conducted content analysis of indigenous and national newspapers (NP) published between 2014 and 2015 with respect to agricultural information disseminated to stakeholders in agriculture. Both purposive and stratified sampling technique was used to select Akede and Alaroye as the indigenous and the Nation and Punch as NPs because of their popularity and coverage in Nigeria. A total of 384 newspapers were used for this study. Results showed that the newspapers featured less of agricultural related information despite the fact that the available agricultural information was carried in form of hard news (5.7% and 81.7%), features (7.3% and 91.7%), photography (4.7% and 50.0%), opinion issues (2.1% and 64.1%), and advertisement (1.6% and 56.2%) for indigenous language and national newspapers respectively. Also, information such as employment in agriculture-related (4.7% and 52.6%), health issues related to agriculture (6.2% and 53.1%), crop production (5.7% and 52.1%), animal husbandry (4.7% and 51.6%)for indigenous language and national newspapers respectively among others were the commonly featured news. Only 6.8% and 80.2% of the indigenous and National newspapers allotted column inches ranging from 0.00-7.0 to agriculture. About 6,8% and 60.4% and 4.7% and 58.9% of indigenous language and national NPs targeted the general audience and Male farmer for disseminating agricultural information. Significant difference existed in the agriculture information featured between the indigenous and national newspapers with an F-test value of 44.882 at p= 0.01; indicating that national newspapers featured agricultural news more than the indigenous ones. It was recorded that limited space was allocated to the few available information on agriculture in the sampled newspapers. It was concluded that agricultural news were not adequately disseminated in the dailies especially the local dailies that farmers mostly have access to. It was recommended that agriculture-related information should be published on the platforms where the target audience can access for effective communication
content analysis, information, agriculture, effectiveness
Copyright (c) 2022 Toyin F. Ojo, Gbenga F. Koledoye https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Rice Production Technology Improvements for Higher Productivity Along with the Sustainable Agriculture Process in the Mekong Delta
This study examines sustainable agricultural development in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam by focusing on technology improvement for minimizing the environmental load in rice production with sufficient yield and quality. Among rice-producing countries, Vietnam is the third-largest rice export country worldwide. High-yield rice production is still a critical issue in Vietnam. However, in recent years, quality improvement and low environmental load agriculture have been fundamental issues. In this research, we conducted rice cultivation experiments in 2014, 2015, and 2017 under different conditions of planting density, fertilizer volume, rice variety, use of fertilizer applicator mounted on a transplanter, and use of high-density seedling mat called “Mitsunae.” We conducted 7 seasons with 79 planting patterns in experiments to compare yield, quality, and fertilizer volume in rice production. As a result of productivity achievement, high-density transplanting does not always produce a high yield. Each performance depends on transplanting density, rice variety, fertilizer volume, or other factors. In general, transplanting machine with a planting width of 25cm achieved a significant yield with short growing duration rice varieties. Those varieties are popular in the Mekong Delta. We conducted experiments of “high-density seedling mat” called “Mitsunae”, a new nursery technology developed in Japan, to reduce the environmental load and operating costs in rice production. With the “Mitsunae” method, we can reduce the number of rice seedling trays up to three times that of conventional seedling mats. Then, we can minimize the nursery surface area, nursery materials, and total working time, including transplanting time. The “life cycle assessment (LCA)” method is practical for correctly quantifying environmental load reduction. We investigated environmental load reduction caused by “Mitsunae” rice nursery process using LCA method in this research. We could achieve about 20% – 30% reduction of the “greenhouse gas (GHG)” emission volume and economic benefits created by the “Mitsunae” nursery process.
Copyright (c) 2022 Takeo Matsubara, Truong Chi Thanh, Ngo Quang Hieu, Nguyen Thanh Tinh, Yoshiaki Kitaya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Productive Characterization of Dairy Farms in the Central-Westerm Province of Chaco - Argentina
It is possible to produce efficiently in areas that are considered inadequate, as long as all the technologies are not transferred from the temperate zones in which the most important dairy basins of the country are located. The objective of the work was to identify and productively characterize the dairy farms in the center-west of the province of Chaco - Argentina. 11 dairy farms were identified and visits were made between September 2021 and April 2022 located in the center-west of the province of Chaco. The results show that the median and age ranges of the owners surveyed was 47 (36-67) years old, the area used for milk production was 50 (20-275) hectares, of which 78% is natural forest and 22% are dedicated to the production of cultivated pastures. The median and ranges of the milking cows were 9 (2-20) cows and 12 (3-15) dry cows, total milk production per day: in warm months 30 (14-300) liters and in cold months 30 (6-300) liters, the duration of lactation 200 (150-270) days. Dairy farms in the center-west of the Chaco province were identified and characterized, showing that there is dairy production in the region and that this forces the need to generate attention policies for them.
Copyright (c) 2022 Roberto Cheij, S. Ortiz, G. Eyheralde, M. Y. Domínguez, P. R. Marini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Endophytic Fungal Diversity of Cedrela angustifolia in an Environmental Gradient of Jujuy, Argentina
Fungal endophytes are a diverse group of microorganisms that colonize plant tissues without causing symptoms or signs. Foliar endophytic fungi were isolated from a tree species distributed in an environmental gradient. Three study sites were selected: urban, peri-urban and rural. Twenty-three taxa were identified using culture-based techniques. The taxa with the highest colonization frequency were: Alternaría, Diaporthe - Phomopsis, Phymatotrichum, Cladosporium and Xylaria. Foliar endophytic fungal diversity was higher in the rural site followed by the peri-urban and urban site.
Endophyte, Yungas, Meliaceae, forest, community.
Copyright (c) 2023 Cecilia Gabriela Giulianotti, Noemí del Valle Bejarano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of Agricultural Extension Services on Leaf Vegetables Farmers Use of Agro-Chemicals in Imo State, Nigeria
This study was designed to analyze the effects of agricultural extension services on leaf vegetables farmers’ use of agro-chemicals in Imo State, Nigeria. The study described socioeconomic characteristics of leaf vegetables farmers that use agro-chemicals, ascertained the role of extension services on use of agro-chemicals by leaf vegetable farmers, ascertained the sources of information on the use of agro-chemicals among leaf vegetable farmers, determined the influence of extension services on agro-chemicals use by leaf vegetable farmers and determined the extension variables influencing use of agro-chemicals by leaf vegetables farmers. Data were collected in 2021 with structured and validated questionnaire from 128 proportionately and randomly selected leaf vegetables farmers that use agro-chemicals in Imo State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency distribution and percentages as well as econometric tools of bivariate and logit regression models. Major roles of extension services in farmers’ use of agro-chemicals for leaf vegetables production were acting as catalyst to speed up adoption rate, technology transfer and source of information. The major sources of information to the leaf vegetables farmers on agro-chemicals use were fellow farmers association and traders on vegetables. Extension services positively and significantly influenced leaf vegetables farmers’ use of agro-chemicals. The agricultural extension variables influencing use of agro-chemicals by leaf vegetables farmers were availability of certain communication media, extension agents familiarity, relevance of subject matter, size of extension staff, size of audience, frequency of use of familiar teaching methods, farmers’ satisfaction with extension information, perceived usefulness of extension information, perceived quality of extension staff and relative cost of the extension teaching methods. There is need for extension services to intensify efforts at visiting and training leaf vegetable farmers on the appropriate application techniques of agro-chemicals to their vegetables to minimize the hazardous effects of the agro-chemicals on farmers’ health and the environment and consequently increase productivity and farm income. Keywords: Extension services, leaf vegetables, farmers, agro-chemicals, Imo State.
Extension Services, Leaf Vegetables, Farmers, Agro-chemicals, Imo State.
ENWEREM VITUS AYO IS THE LEAD AUTHOR WHILE
OHAJIANYA DONATUS OTUIHEOMA IS THE CORRESPONDENCE AUTHOR
Copyright (c) 2022 Vitus Ayo Enwerem, Olivia Chizoma Osuagwu, Eucaria Ngozi Okereke-Ejiogu, Joseph Onyewuchi Ajaero, Irenaeus Iro Osugiri, Donatus Otuiheoma Ohajianya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of Soil Penetration Resistance on the Performance of Semi-mounted Potato Planter
This study is conducted to evaluate the performance of semi-mounted potato planter (two row with a cup), on an area of (50 x 8 m) in the farm of the College of Agricultural Studies-Sudan University of Science and Technology. The effects of three levels of soil penetration resistance (100-70kg/cm2, 70-45kg/cm2 and 45-25kg/cm2) on the performance of potato planter was evaluated in terms of the seed to seed spacing, percentage of missing seed , depth of planting and field capacity. The results revealed that the increase in the soil penetration resistance induced a significant decrease in the depth of planting, Also There is no significant different between the two higher and medium levels of soil resistance (100-70kg/cm2 and 70-45kg/cm2), for seed to seed spacing, while there are a significant different in the lower level (24-45 kg/cm2). In contrast the levels of soil resistance did not show significant differences in the percentage of missing seed At the recommended soil resistance the effective field capacity and field efficiency of the planter was about 0.20 ha/hr and 63%, respectively. The developed polynomial relations between the studied evaluations attribute soil penetration resistance can be used to predict the field attribute to implement for certain soil penetration resistance
Field Performance; Soil Penetration Resistance; Missing Seeds. Compaction, potato tubers
Copyright (c) 2022 Omran Musa Abbas, Abdelkarim D. Elfadil, Hassan I. Mohammed, Omaima Bashir Khalid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Laboratory and Field Investigation Comparison for Seed Distribution Accuracy of a Multi-Rows Pneumatic Plate Metering Device
The aim of the study was to examine and compare the impact of laboratory and field trials on kernels distribution accuracy of a multi-rows pneumatic plate metering device. The effect of the two methods was verified at 15 and 20 r/min plate rotating speed integrated with most favorable values of 1.2 and 1.4 kPa vacuum pressures, respectively. A constant forward velocity of 2.7 km/hr was utilized for belt test and seed planter. Results exposed that vacuum amounts utilized with mentioned speeds were adequate for achieving precise seeding. Under both methods and speeds, laboratory attempts were found to be better in quality index than field trials with some propensity of 15 r/min to be superior. The lowest quality index obtained was 87.3% by field test, while worst miss and multiple indexes were 5.36% and 8.06%, respectively. Rows consistency CV was beneath 1.5% and the stability not surpassed 7.1%. Due to a set of factors confronting seed preciseness in the field, results concluded that more endeavors are robustly required to control such factors.
Modern Agricultural Equipment Design and Control
Copyright (c) 2022 Elebaid Jabir Ibrahim, Abdelkarim Dafalla Elfadil, Anas Dafaallah Abdallah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effect Of Seedling Age on Growth And Yield of NERICA 4 Rice
The age of seedlings at transplanting is an important criterion in rice production as it primarily contributes to the number of tillers produced per hill and significantly affects growth and grain yield of rice. We examined the effect of seedling age at transplanting on growth and yield of NERICA 4 rice to ascertain the suitable age that will give optimal growth and yield. Four seedling ages (treatments) namely 14 Days (14DAS), 21 Days (21DAS), 28 Days (28DAS) and 35 Days (35DAS) were transplanted at the experimental field of Tsukuba International Center (Field A-1-3) in Tsukuba city of Japan, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Plant length, tiller number and leaf color were monitored from 20 days after transplanting till heading stage. Yield and yield components were analyzed at physiological maturity. Seedling age at transplanting had a significant effect on plant length, tiller number and leaf color but had no significant effect on yield and yield components. 14DAS seedlings had special ability to increase number of tillers (13), overall plant length at heading (106.9cm), number of panicles per square meter (266.6) and harvest index (0.46). Along with 21DAS seedlings, 14DAS seedlings recorded a lower grain yield (4.9 ton/ha) than 35DAS seedlings (5.0 ton/ha) due to a lower ripening ratio (64.8% for 14DAS and 66.6% for 21DAS) and lower 1,000 grain weight (19.0g and 20.5g respectively). 28DAS seedlings had the lowest yield (4.6 ton/ha) due to lowest number of panicles per square meter (229.6), lowest number of spikelet per panicle (105.7) and lowest ripening ratio (66.2%). In terms of panicle length, 35DAS obtained a higher value than 14DAS which was the lowest. It was observed that ripening ratio, 1000 grain weight and panicle length tend to increase with age of seedlings, but the differences were statistically insignificant. The study showed that transplanting seedlings older than 14 days does not significantly increase paddy yield and its components. However, there is an opportunity of significantly increasing the yield and yield components of 14DAS seedlings by increasing the amount of Nitrogen fertilizer applied at panicle initiation.
Copyright (c) 2022 Isaac Mupeta, Susuwele Chifundo, Claurence Nkumbe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Lipid Metabolism in the Cattle in Different Stages of Reproductive Cycle
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding dairy cows in different stages of reproductive cycle on biochemical parameters and oxidative stress. To evaluate the effect of oxidative stress on lipids and lipid metabolism and to determine the impact of nutrition and energy balance on oxidative stress in peripartum period and in early lactation. Concentrations of different biochemical parameters were measured but for this paper the most important ones were indicators of oxidative stress, cholesterol and triglycerides and also albumin. Factors associated with oxidative stress were period 3 weeks before calving and related to that negative energy balance and also content of nonfiber carbohydrates in the diet in peripartum period. However, further studies will be needed to more precisely determine the specific effects of diet and energy balance on oxidative stress in cows and to establish normal ranges for these biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Cow, Peripartum period, Lipid metabolism, Oxidative stress
Copyright (c) 2021 Mihok Tomáš, Bujňák Lukáš, Hreško Šamudovská Alena, Maskaľová Iveta, František Zigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Influence of Treated Rapeseed Meal on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Profile in Growing Pigs
This study was conducted to investigate the influence of replacing part of soybean meal (SBM) with 15% treated rapeseed meal (tRSM) on growth performance, blood parametres and nutrient digestibility in young growing pigs. A total of 12 crossbred growing pigs (Slovakian White x Landrace) with an average initial body weight of 15.70 ± 1.83 kg were divided into two dietary treatments according to their body weight and sex (six pigs in each group). The experiment lasted 34 days. The rapeseed meal was treated with the product that neutralizes the negative effects of glucosinolates contained in rapeseed by-products for pigs feeding. In our study, we did not observe negative effects of tRSM on body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. In blood profile, serum urea, albumin, glucose and total chlosterol were not influenced by dietary tRSM treatment. Concentration of total proteins was decreased at the end of the experimental period in the experimental group (P<0.01). For apparent total tract digestibility acid-insoluble ash was used as marker. Partially replacing of SBM with tRSM had no significant negative effects on the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fat. Finally, the inclusion of 15% of treated RSM in growing pig diets had no negative effects on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and selected blood characteristics.
pigs, rapeseed meal, growth performance, digestibility, blood characteristics
Copyright (c) 2021 Lukáš Bujňák, Pavel Naď, Iveta Maskaľová, František Zigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0