by Kavitha Ramavath, Bee Hameeda and Gopal Reddy
Original Research
Four bacterial isolates selected from among 200 obtained from different source samples were evaluated for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. These are found to be good for P solubilization, IAA, HCN, siderophore and NH3production with antifungal activity on phytopathogenic fungi and abiotic stress tolerance. Tomato plant growth was enhanced by these isolates at seed germination (14-19%) and pot culture (increase in biomass 47-76%). These isolates are identified as Bacillus siamensis RS8, Bacillustequilensis MS3, Bacillus subtilis subsp stercoris MS19 and Bacillusvelezensis MS20 having potential for developing as bioinoculants to enhance the tomato plant growth and productivity.
World Journal of Agricultural Research. 2019, 7(2), 69-75. DOI: 10.12691/wjar-7-2-5
Pub. Date: April 08, 2019
9288 Views1747 Downloads
by Elizabeth Odoyo, Bosibori Bett, Murenga Mwimali and Anne Seda
Case Study
Although the impact of climate change on a regional scale has been much discussed, the perception of change and the responses this induces at the level of resource-poor smallholder farmers has been less studied, particularly those of female farmers. This study examined challenges faced by a group of Kabuor-Upendo female farmers and the appropriateness of their responses in the context to climate change in a Peri-urban town of Kisumu County in Kenya. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires in Kisumu East Sub-County. According to respondents, climate variability is the dominant factor in their set of perceived challenges. These include inadequate and unreliable rainfall and recurrent drought and flood. Their coping strategies as found in this study include crop diversification, planting of drought tolerant crops and irrigation. These are consistent with government policy on climate smart agriculture practices. Therefore, these proactive actions by smallholder female farmers are also areas identified for intervention at both national and local government level. In view of this, it can be concluded that female farmers’ challenges and responses will be appropriate entry points for policy initiatives in the context of climate variability.
World Journal of Agricultural Research. 2019, 7(2), 61-68. DOI: 10.12691/wjar-7-2-4
Pub. Date: March 20, 2019
9591 Views1491 Downloads
by Kunindjani Adou Koffi, Gbakayoro Jean Brice, Méïté Alassane and Brou Kouakou
Original Research
The aim of this work was to determine the nutritional potentialities of the main traditional dishes of Côte d'Ivoire, starting from experiments in vivocarried out with rats. The selected starchy food dishes were dried and crushed and the sauces were freeze-dried. The biochemical parameters were determined by the AOAC and BIPEA methods. Different coefficients of nutritional efficiency of these dishes and the biometrics of the organs after their consumption have been determined. Results revealed that all the typical Ivorian dishes studied lead to a normal weight gain, ranging between 2.28 and 3.03 g per day. The coefficients of food efficiency, protein efficiency and digestive use are satisfactory with values respectively between 0.31 and 0.41, 0.36 and 0.51, 0.94 and 0.96. All the dishes studied did not train any abnormal changes in the weight of the kidneys, heart, and liver, for normal consumption and over the study period. In conclusion, the typical Ivorian traditional foods are rich in nutrients. Their nutritional coefficients efficiency were satisfactory. The consumption of these dishes is without any direct pathological risk for the noble organs in particular the kidney, the heart and the liver.
World Journal of Agricultural Research. 2019, 7(2), 56-60. DOI: 10.12691/wjar-7-2-3
Pub. Date: March 16, 2019
7972 Views1537 Downloads
by R.M.D.H. Rathnayake, R.M. Dharmadasa and D.C. Abeysinghe
Original Research
Pogostemon heyneanus Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic, perfumery important, industrial crop widely cultivated in many Asian countries for its distinguished fragrance and other therapeutic purposes.Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different spacing and fertilizer levels on physical and chemical yield (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in different parts (Leaf, Stem & Root) of Pogostemon heyneanus. Nine treatment combinations consisting of three levels of space (S1-90cm×45cm, S2-90cm×60cm and S3-90cm×90cm) and three levels of fertilizer (F1-Organic, F2-Inorganic and F-3 Control) was used for the field experiment in a completely randomized block design with three replicates. The plant height, canopy spread, number of leaves, number of branches, length of branches, number of roots and length of roots were recorded at two weeks intervals. The fresh weight and the dry weight of leaves, stems and toots of uprooted plants were recorded in each month. TPC, TFC and TAC of leaf, stem & root were determined by colorimetric Folin-Ciocalteu method, Aluminium Nitrate method and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay respectively. The highest values for all TAC, TPC and TFC (55.5±0.58AB, 11.6±0.25A and 86.1±2.83A) were found in leaves of Pogostemon heyneanus planted in the treatment combination S3F1. The order of increase TPC, TFC and TAC of P. heyneanus was leaf > root > stem.The highest number of leaves, leaf area, leaf fresh weight and dry weight (928±6.2A, 9484±4.9A, 516.2±4.9A and 70.3±0.7A) recorded in the treatment combination S3F1. Therefore, it can suggest to use 90cm×90cm space and organic fertilizer (Compost) for cultivation of P. heyneanus in commercial scale. Presence of higher amount of dry matter content and chemical yield (TPC, TFC and TAC) in the leaves scientifically validate traditional claims of harvesting the leaves and value of leaf for the development of newer effective drugs instead of roots and stem.
World Journal of Agricultural Research. 2019, 7(2), 49-55. DOI: 10.12691/wjar-7-2-2
Pub. Date: March 05, 2019
10995 Views2062 Downloads
by Francis Adarkwah, Stephen Twumasi Annan, Proper Lumorh Deo-Donne and Anthony Anyamesem-Poku
Original Research
The study, which was a pot experiment, was carried out to evaluate the effect of depth of planting on growth and flowering of physic nut (Jatropha curcas). It was conducted at the Sinna Garden, Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana. Seeds were planted at different depths of 2 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm using completely randomized design. Data were collected on leaf number per plant, number of flowers produced per plant, plant height, girth of the stem, canopy size, number of branches per plant, total leaf area, and total plant fresh and dry weight. Growth analysis was performed and correlation among characters also analyzed. Results obtained in the studies revealed that percent emergence deceased with increased depth of planting and significant differences were observed in percent emergence among the different depths of planting. The 2 cm planting depth proved to be the most effective depth to achieve high emergence rate while the 6 cm was the least. Planting depths of 2 cm and 6 cm were the best in terms of growth parameters and flowering production. In all the analyses conducted, it was observed that planting Jatropha curcas seeds at 2 cm and 6 cm depths yielded the highest number of flowers, growth rate, and biomass production. Therefore, the study recommended that in order to ensure faster growth to maximize the benefits from Jatropha curcas in terms of ecosystem services delivery; it is highly recommended that you plant at 2cm and 6 cm.
World Journal of Agricultural Research. 2019, 7(2), 36-48. DOI: 10.12691/wjar-7-2-1
Pub. Date: March 04, 2019
11724 Views1335 Downloads