Agriculture and Forestry

We investigated the chemical nutrient composition of 15 selected indigenous and five of the newly introduced hybrid rice varieties in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The rice cultivars were field-grown, processed, and analyzed for proximate and mineral composition. The results showed that cv. "Canada" had the highest ash content (2.0 %). High percentage carbohydrate was found in all the genotypes (51.5-86.9 %). Cv."E4212" had the highest crude protein (7.94 %), while "Sipi" had the least (1.58 %). Cv."E4197" had the least energy value of 262.94 J/Kg, while "Canada" had the highest value of 398.82 J/Kg. "Canada" had the highest fat content (3.5 %), while "Sipi" and "Faro14 (I)" both contained the least fat (0.5 %). "China" and "Mass (II)" similarly had the highest percentage of crude fibre (2.5 %), while "E4334", "Faro 25 (II)" and "Mass (I)" all had the least value of 1.0 % for crude fibre. Cv."E4197" had a very high moisture content of 9.6 % as against "E4212" which had the least moisture content of 5.0 %. In relation to mineral content, "Chinyereugo" was highest in calcium (0.13 %), "Faro1(I)" had the highest amount of Magnesium (0.26 %), "E4197" and "E4212" had the highest percentage of phosphorus (0.55 %),"E4197" and "E4212" had the highest concentration of potassium (0.23 %), while "Canada", "Faro15 (II)" and "Chinyereugo" possessed the highest percentage of sodium (0.17 %). One of the newly introduced hybrid varieties "E4212" had relatively higher protein and mineral contents, but less fat content. "Sipi" variety has no special quality attributes over the other existing local rice varieties apart from the fact that it is among the varieties that contain relatively low fat percentage just as "Faro 14". The "Faro" varieties showed good proximate and mineral composition values which consumers would desire. The high premium presently placed on "Mass" varieties is uncalled for, since it has got no special characteristics over most other varieties. Consumers and farmers should therefore be better informed on the choice of rice varieties based on their nutritional quality attributes.

Ascertaining the attitude of farmers toward risk is an important first step in understanding their behaviour and coping strategies they normally adopt to mitigate the effects of risk they constantly face within the environment they operate. This study aims at examining risk attitudes of farmers using the Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent with a Purely Hypothetical Risky prospect (ELCEPH), and analyzing coping strategies use by food crop farmers to deal with risk situations at Agona Duakwa in East District in the Central Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 40 farmers from a sample frame of 100 farmers which was obtained through snow balling. Data was obtained through structured interview schedule with the selected farmers. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations) were further used to analyse the data with the help of Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) computer software. The study revealed that majority of food crop farmers are risk-averse. The regression result shows that access to microcredit, income status, age, education and household size are significant determinants of farmer risk attitude. Most food crop farmers use enterprise diversification, geographical diversification, and labour supply for non-farm wage to manage risk of loss in yield; however, the food crop farmers understudied neglect the use of crop insurance and some human and marketing risks coping strategies to deal with risk in their farming business.

The study examined the increasing commercialization of subsistence agriculture and identified the driving forces of the commercialization process. The study defined some concepts under which the process of agricultural commercialization was examined. The study was conducted in the three agricultural zones of Abia state, Nigeria. A total of 120 farm families spread across the state were enlisted for the study. Data were collected bimonthly for a period of six months with structured questionnaires. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and quantitative techniques. Results show that agriculture is not subsistence oriented. There is some considerable degree of market-orientation. Off-farm income was identified as important source of the commercialization of agriculture. The farm-level determinants of commercialization were labour, fertilizer and planting materials. The production elasticity of labour is high and there are diseconomies of scale. The study observes that the full potentials of agriculture have not been harnessed as agriculture is labour intensive and relies heavily on crude implements.

In addressing the problem of low soil fertility and land degradation occasioned by increased population growth, erosion of soil nutrients and extreme exposure of land to harsh weather conditions resulting in reduced yam yield, mulching technology was adopted by the farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. This study used a multi-stage sampling technique to select 105 farmers involving adopters and non-adopters of mulching technology. Data were analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and probit model. The results of budgetary analysis showed that seed yam and labour costs constituted significant parts of the variable costs. The average revenue per hectare for adopters was N412, 971.69 while that of non-adopters was N346, 456.75. However, the average net incomes were N326, 865.02 and N236, 087.40 for the adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The benefit-cost ratios were 4.79 and 3.13 for adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The probit model revealed that household size and hired labour were significant factors determining the farmers' adoption decisions. There is therefore the need to encourage farmers on the needs to adopt the land protecting technology and a policy thrust that make seed yam available and affordable as well as reducing the costs incurred on labour will be in the right direction.

This study examines credit demand by maize farmers and analyses factors influencing their use of informal and formal credits. The analysis is based on data collected from a survey of 590 maize farmers in seven districts of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana during May-July 2010. Descriptive statistics, probit and bivariate probit models were used to analyse the data. The study revealed informal credit sources for maize farmers as relatives and friends, traders and private money lenders. Maize traders are major players in the informal credit market followed by agricultural input sellers. Among the formal sources rural banks are the most prominent. Regional location, Gender, engagement in other economic activities and the level of agricultural commercialisation were observed to be factors that influence farmers' demand for informal credit. In addition to these factors, farmer years of education and proximity to financial institution influence demand for formal credit. The result of the bivariate probit suggests that formal and informal credits are not necessarily perfect substitutes but they complement each other to provide credit needs of farmers in maize production.

The obtaining the modulus of elasticity in compression of the wood with the use of dial gauges, fixed on opposite faces of the specimens, may lead to deformation values and consequently to different elastic modulus as a function of the faces chosen for its attachment, being the timber an anisotropic material. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two distinct positions for setting the dial gauges (A and B) in wood specimens tested in compression, using the assumptions of the test methods and calculation of the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190: 1997. The woods evaluated in trials were the Pinus elliottii and Corymbia citriodora, being used seven specimens per species. A specimen was taken to the rupture, obtained the values of the ma ximu m stress and strain (references) needed to obtain the elastic moduli of the six remaining specimens per species, certain non-destructively (two tests per piece). The results of analysis of variance revealed the equivalence between modules elasticity in compression parallel to the grain for both wood species investigated, resulting not significantly arrangement of dial gaugesto determine the properties of stiffness. However, the anisotropy of wood, these results cannot be extrapolated to other woods of the same or d ifferent species, justifying the setting of dial gauges in two different positions, allo wing for judging whether or not the equivalence between the modulus of elasticity.

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is increasing interest for the adaptation and use of the innovation systems approach to advance learning and development in the Agricultural Research and Development (ARD) sector. This crave is constrained by unavailability of a proven blue print that describe the paradigm shift from the linear approach and how such could function under different socioeconomic , cultural and political climate. This paper uses three case studies from the Sub Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP) to accentuate approaches and strategies for the successful use of the innovation system approach in agricultural research and development. The paper shows that the establishment of Innovation Platforms under the premise of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) at the grass-root uses social networks and capital to mobilize for collective action necessary to meet market demand. It also shows that the ensued iterative structure is suitable for dealing with policy issues that constrain value chain at district level, while the apex structure is functional in dealing with policy issues at national and regional level. This paper proposes a coordinated ARD strategy that links innovation platforms at the continental, sub-regional, national and the grass root as the best practices for comprehensive use of innovation system approach.

The study examined the price transmission and market integration of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets of Akwa Ibom State in Southern region of Nigeria. Average monthly prices (measured in naira per kilogram) of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets were used in the analysis. The data came from the quarterly publication of the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP). The data covered January 2005 to June 2013. The findings show that, prices of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets has constant exponential growth rate of 0.59% which suggests perfect co-movement for rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice in the study area. Also, the Pearson correlation coefficient matrix revealed that, the rural price of local and foreign rice has linear symmetrical relationships with their corresponding urban prices. The result connotes the existence of symmetric market information flows between the rural and urban rice markets in the state. The Granger causality test revealed bidirectional relationship between rural and urban price of local and foreign rice in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The results of the co-integration test revealed the presence of co-integration between the rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice as well as support the hypothesis of perfect price transmission between the two markets in the study area. The coefficients of the price variable in the co-integration equations for local and foreign rice markets converge to unity which connotes perfect market integration in the long run. The results of the error correction model (ECM) also confirm the existence of the short run market integration between the rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice in the study area. In addition, the result shows that, the price of local rice in both rural and urban markets adjusted faster than prices of foreign rice once there is an exogenous shock in the marketing process of rice in Akwa Ibom State. The index of market concentration (IMC) supports the high short run market integration between prices in rural and urban markets for local and foreign rice commodities and the quick adjustment of rural price of local rice in relative to rural price of foreign rice. Based on the finding, it is recommended that, the state government should continue to provide marketing infrastructures to improve the symmetric nature of information among participants in rice marketing in the state. Attempt should be made to reduce excessive externality costs in rice marketing in order to fully reap the benefit of rice market integration in the state.

Wheat row planting has been seen as good agronomic practice for increasing wheat yield in Ethiopia. Agricultural extension activity is concerned with the promotion and scaling-up of wheat row planting. Farmers have been practicing the row planting manually since 2009. However, there is lack of empirical study on the impact of row planting on wheat yield compared to the conventional broadcast planting method in highland and lowland wheat producing agro-ecologies. To fill this gap, this study estimates the impact of row planting on wheat yield of farmers. Cross-sectional survey data collected from randomly selected 248 farmers, logit model, and propensity score matching methods were used to achieve the objective of the study. The study obtained that wheat row planting has significant impact on wheat yield of farmers in the selected highland agro-ecology; and it has non-significant yield impact in the lowland agro-ecology. The mean yield of row planted wheat was higher by 13.9 percent when compared to the mean yield of conventional broadcast planting method in the highland area. It is recommended that other agronomic practices along with the row planting method need to be considered for increasing wheat yield as well as for the successful promotion, adoption and scaling up of best agronomic practices.

Ob jective of this study was to identify effects of soil management on the availab ility of soil mo isture, growth and yield of maize. Th is study was carried out-under randomized comp lete block design, consisting four soil management treatments, which were grouped into six replications. The soil management treat ments are P0M0 = control (no-tillage and no-straw mu lch); P1M0 = soil t illage and no-straw mulch; P0M1 = no-tillage with straw mu lch thickness of 10 cm; P1M 1 = soil tillage with straw mulch thickness of 10 cm. Results showed that soil t illage with straw mu lches could maintain the availability of soil moisture in the depth of 20 cm up to 60 cm, as well as provide a significant imp rovement of maize growth and grain yield.

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of resource use in rice production with the Kpong Irrigation Project (KIP) as a case study. Seventy farmers were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The Cobb-Douglass production function was used to estimate the coefficients of the various variables analysed and MPP, MVP and allocative efficiency index were also used to estimate the efficiency of resource use in the study area. The regression results showed that the farmers were in the second stage of production, which is, decreasing returns to scale (using the elasticities). The results of the efficiency computation indicated that land (6.63), fertilizer (1.76) and seed (10.84) were being underutilized and labour (0.000036) and chemicals were being highly over utilized in the study area. The study recommends that KIP should embark on repair works on the roads, provide appropriate machinery services and desilting the drains.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a legu me crop grown in the semi-arid regions of Africa. So me farmer's local variet ies possess stable traits that could be selected for breeding, but there is lack of in formation. Eighteen cowpea genotypes from farmer's field were p lanted in a rando mized co mplete b lock design with four replications at the experimental farm of the Reg ional Agricultural Research Centre of Maroua in 2011 for agro-morphological characterizat ion. The data collected were subjected to multivariate analysis using XLSAT2013 and correlations were performed on SAS (Statistical Analysis System) version 9.3. The results revealed that the genotypes were predo minantly spreading habit with rough and wh ite seeds. Despite the variab ility of the genotypes, the results also indicated that they form five distinctive groups in the base of discriminant descriptors. Regarding the interrelationship between the descriptors, the leaf area (r =-0.58), days to 50% (r =-0.79), days to 95% maturity (r =-0.77) and thrips damages (r =-0.66) showed a significant negative correlation to the grain yield indicating the need for advising early co wpea maturing variet ies where the rainfall cycle is short. In addition, late maturing genotypes are more subject to thrips damages. A significant positive correlation was revealed between the nu mber of the grain per pod and the grain yield (r = 0.62), suggesting that this descriptor is the most important yield co mponent for cowpea. Molecular investigation could provide additional information on the genetic basis of these genotypes.

Urban trees have aesthetic functions and mitigate high temperatures, however their maintenance requires constant pruning. This work aimed to apply the tailings resulting from tree management in particleboard production. Particles from urban tree pruning of Jatobá, Canelinha and mixture of these species were used, in addition to castor oil resin as adhesive. Particleboard was evaluated according to NBR 14810:3 and results compared with the main standards. Panels presented satisfactory values for water absorption and thickness swelling. For mechanical properties, particleboards made from Jatobá showed better results. Thus, it’s possible employ residues from pruning high density urban tree in particleboard.

Our objectives were to investigate the acute responses of the heart rate variability (HRV) before, during and after the execution of different Vertical Jump (VJ) protocols and correlate the levels of sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation after the VJ execution with the performance variables in VJ. Eight male athletes (29±4.9 years; 186±8.6 cm; 24.8±2.1 kg.m-2; 12±1.2% body fat) of a team participating in the first division of the National Basketball League (NBL), from Brazil, were evaluated. For the HRV analysis, each subject was instructed to stand in a orthostatic position on the jump platform System Optical (Cefise®, São Paulo) for a period of 10 minutes of rest before (R1) and after the VJ executions (R2). Right after the R1 period, athletes performed 5VJ with five seconds intervals (total time ~ 30 seconds) between VJ (5VJ) and then underwent 60 seconds of maximum continuous VJ (60SVJ). The HRV were automatically transferred and analyzed by the softwares "Polar ProTrainer5™" (version 5.41.002., Kempele, Finland) and HRV analisys (version 2.1., Kuopio, Finland), respectively. The HFnu was used to represent the parasympathetic modulation, whereas LFnu represented the sympathetic modulation. The ratio LF:HF was used to represent the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic modulations. The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey test was used to compare differences in HRV during the execution of the experimental protocol. Linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used between the VJ performance variables (mean of 5VJ and 60SVJ, jumps` number and fatigue index) and the sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation LF:HF R2 (p< 0.05). The following comparisons of the HRV were found between the different protocols: 5VJ (LF 93.9±5.4 nu) versus R1 (LF 64.2±19.9 nu); 5VJ (HF 6.0±5,4 nu) versus R1 (HF 35.6±19,9 nu); 5VJ (LF:HF 40.1±37.4) versus R1 (LF:HF 2.6±1.9 nu) (p < 0.001); 60SVJ (LF:HF 8.3±13.8 ms²) versus 5VJ (LF:HF 40.1±7.7 ms²); R2 (LF:HF 6.5±5.7 ms²) versus 5VJ (LF:HF 40.1±7.7 ms²) (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the average height of 5VJ with the sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation LF:HF R2 (r = 0.7942 , p = 0.01) and fatigue index 60SVJ with the sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation LF:HF R2 (r = 0.7206 , p = 0.04). It is concluded that the 5VJ test characterized by intermittent high intensity loads, showed high significant responses of sympathetic modulation (LF; LF:HF) compared to the 60SVJ protocol. The 5 min recovery was not sufficient for the onset of vagal tone (parasympathetic modulation), which was accompanied by higher fatigue index presented by basketball athletes.

An on-farm yam experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching on soil temperature and moisture regime on white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) growth and yield in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Three mulching options (grass mulched, polythene mulched and unmulched) was selected and related to crop growth and yield. Grass mulch significantly (P < 0.05) lowered maximum soil temperature by 1-2℃ at 15cm depth during the thermal critical period (January-March). This led to higher rate of emergence which accounted for 28 and 46% to the polythene mulch and the unmulched plots respectively. Furthermore, grass mulch had tuber yield of about 4-6 tonnes ha-1 season-1 greater than the polythene mulch and the unmulched plots. Irrespective of mulching materials, it was found that mulching significantly (P< 0.05) increased tuber yield by about 6-8 tonnes ha-1 season-1 than the unmulched. The effect of grass mulch over nylon mulch on yam performance in the study was also discussed.

The present study evaluated the main physical and chemical characteristics of Syrah grapes, coming from the tropical region of São Francisco river valley, harvested at different times and their relationship with analytical characteristics of resulting wines. Grapes came from the first half of 2009 harvest, collected at Casa Nova - Bahia, a semi-arid and hot region, comprising an interval from 84 days after pruning (84 dap) to the beginning of grape over-ripening, 133 days after pruning (133 dap). Harvests at 84, 91, 98, 105, 112, 119, 126 and 133 dap, were analyzed for pH, soluble solids and acidity in grapes, which were then processed for wine production. Maximum sugar/acidity ratio (s/a = 56) were observed in grapes harvested between 126 and 133 dap, coincided with the highest concentration of anthocyanins (851 mg L-1) and total tannins (2.6 g L-1) in the resulting wines, indicating that grapes collected between 126 and 133 dap showed the best potential for winemaking in the tropi...

Under the United Nat ions Framewo rk Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), part icipating countries are required to report national inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or uptake. The current challenge is to reduce the uncertainties in producing accurate and reliable act ivity data of Carbon (C) stock changes and emission factors essential for reporting national inventories. Improvements in above ground biomass estimation can also help account for changes in C stock in forest areas that may potentially participate in the Clean Develop ment Mechanism (CDM), REDD plus and other initiat ives. The methods adopted for such estimations vary with respect to geography, objective of the study, available expertise, data and scientific excellence adopted. However the current objectives for such estimates need a unified approach which can be measurable, reportable, and verifiable. Th is might result to a geographically referenced bio mass density database for tropical forests that would reduce uncertainties in estimat ing annual bio mass increment and forest aboveground biomass. In the light of above requirements, this paper intends to present an overview of the methodologies adopted in India fro m local to country level estimates to assess C sequestration potential in d ifferent forest co mponents. The paper also discusses remote sensing and Geographical Informat ion System (GIS) in itiat ives taken in this field and the possibility of adopting an integrated approach for reliable, accurate and cost effective estimates.

The acid silage of fish waste is a source of generating feed simply process and at low cost and sustainable alternative to the disposal of this waste now docked in the environment. This work aims to evaluate the method of production of silage made with muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid commercial) for the process of production, conservation in acidic medium, health assessment, job burnout for the production of animal feed and chemical profile. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Rondônia, Campus Rolim de Moura with viscera tambaqui (Colossoma macroponum) were obtained from fish farms in the county. They were passed on meat grinder, reserved in plastic drums which was added the acid. After three weeks of incubation samples were sent to a specialized laboratory in this resulted in negative for the presence total coliform, fecal coliform and heterotrophic bacteria. It can be seen that 210 days after the material showed no visible changes or odor, color and consistency. To achieve a pH of around 6.0 was used 6.4 g of commercial caustic soda. This time added sodium levels represented 2.9 % in the silage. The silage neutralized or made with pH levels around 4.0 provided the occurrence of fungi of the genus Mucor and Rhyzophus. Regarding the chemical profile obtained levels of 30.81 % crude protein, 26.73 % ether extract, 0.62 % calcium and 0.73 % phosphorus in the dry matter. The process can be simple and potentially considered for use as animal feed.

Snap bean is becoming an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia primarily produced for export markets. Although several research results indicated strong association of green pod yield with yield contributing traits in snap bean, limited information is available under Ethiopian condition. Field experiment was conducted to study the nature and extent of association among 16 traits in snap bean genotypes. Positive and significant genotypic correlation was observed between green pod yield with number of pod per plant (r g =0.775), single green pod weight (r g = 0.664), pod dry weight (r g = 0.333), pod length (r g = 0.537) and leaf area per plant (r g = 0.665) while significant negative genotypic correlation was found between green pod yield and days to 50% flowering (r g =-0.437) and days to first picking (r g =-0.557). Genotypic path analysis showed that pod number per plant exerted the maximum positive direct effect (0.688) on green pod yield followed by single green pod weight (0.539) while plant height exhibited maximum negative direct effect (-0.458). Generally, traits having positive and significant correlation and high direct effect on green pod yield revealed direct selection of these traits could bring about green pod yield improvement in snap bean.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic properties of aqueous extracts leaves of Cassia obtusifolia and Piliostigma reticulatum against Haemonchus contortus. For this purpose, phytochemical screening of two plants followed by eggs hatching and larval development tests subjected to five increasing concentrations (3.125, 6.25: 12.5: 25, 50 mg / ml) of aqueous extracts in comparison with a control group were conducted. We notified the presence of flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols, coumarins and alkaloids in the two extracts. All concentrations of two extracts caused a significant (P&lt;0.05) percentage inhibition of eggs hatching and larval development of H. contortus compared to the control group. These in vitro results suggested that extracts of C. obtusifolia and P. reticulatum possess ovicidal and larvicidal properties and may be used in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminant. However, it is suggested that in vivo tests must be conducted ...

Hort icultural crops with the similar weight and uniform shape are in high demand in terms of marketing value. Therefore, an awareness of grading fruits and vegetables based on weight is crucial. A part of this research was aimed to present some physical properties of Castor seed. In addition, in this study the mass of Castor seed variety was pred icted with using different physical characteristics in four models includes: Linear, Quadratic, S-curve, and Power. According to the results, all properties considered in the current study were found to be statistically significant at the 1% probability level and the best and the worst models for prediction the mass of Castor seed were based on third projected area and first projected area of the Castor seed with determination coefficients of 0.82 and 0.757, respectively. At last, mass model based on third projected area fro m economical standpoint is recommended.

A major problem is tropical pasture conditions in acid soils of low fertility. In this context the condition of nutrition of forage plants has low availability of phosphorus (P). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of two phosphate sources (meat and bone meals and superphosphate) in dry matter production of Tifton (Cynodon dactylon L.). The experiment was conducted from March to July 2011, in the experimental farm of UNIR, Rolim de Moura, RO. The experiment was carried out in buckets of 10 kg of soil. Treatments were the addition of increasing doses of P 2 O 5 (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) plots with nitrogen fertilization (20 kg ha-1) in each section (30 days), there is still a witness (only N) and absolute control (no N and no P). The randomized blocks design was used with five replicates (3x2+2). Variable analysis, had different levels of production in relation to the cutting times can be attributed to the difference in solubility between the sources of P 2 O 5 studied. In terms of response in four sections, the production levels of dry matter generated by the meat and bones proved effective in relation to single super phosphate, ranging from 94%, 66% and 78% compared with the doses 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 , respectively. The meat and bone meal produced satisfactory answers in relation to dry matter production of Tifton, compared to conventional fertilization.

The use of domestic sewage in the agriculture is an alternative for reduction of the pollution of rivers, preservation of resources hydrics and availability of water and nutritious for plants. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation with sewage effluent and rhizobia inoculation on growth parameters and macro and micronutrients contents in shoots of leguminous trees grown in an Alisol in northeastern Brazil. Irrigation with sewage effluent and rhizobium inoculation affected significantly the growth parameters and nodulation of L. leucocephala and M. caesalpiniaefolia. Statistically higher values of shoot dry matter and plant height were observed in leguminous trees irrigated with sewage effluent, compared to treatment with water irrigation.Sewage effluent irrigation treatment also increased significantly the contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn in shoots of woody legumes studied after harvest. Inoculation with Rhizobium promoted significant increases in growth parameters and macro and micronutrients contents, only when associated with application of sewage effluent.

The argan multipurpose tree, is often described as an endangered species since several physical and anthropogenic factors reduced the density and surface of argan ecosystem. With the aim of helping to select superior planting material for implementation of conservation activities in arid environments, genetic variability for several morphological characters of stem and root was studied. 12 seedlings per family distributed in randomized complete block were grown for 12 months under nursery conditions. Several morphological characters of stem and root were observed at the end of the experiment. Intra-family variability was more important than inter-family variability for all characters. Higher heritabilities were observed (0.54 to 0.59) for length of the smallest root and stem length. We did not observe any differentiation between the three populations for stem and root characters. Seedlings from drier site appear to have taproots longer; root / stem ratio and ratio of fresh mass were also higher. Seedlings of some families invested more in their taproot, a key organ for Argan seedling survival. Argan is characterized by great variability between individuals of the same family 'half-brother' which gives possibility to select high quality planting material for regeneration and that can adapt to drought conditions especially after transplantation.

Mangrove forest is an important costal ecosystem in the t ropical and subtropical coastal reg ions. It is among the most productivity, ecologically, environ mentally and biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. With the improvement of remote sensing technology such as remote sensing images, it provides the alternative for better way of mangrove mapping because covered wider area of ground survey. Image classification is the impo rtant part of remote sensing, image analysis and pattern recognition. It is defined as the extraction o f d ifferentiated classes; land use and land cover categories fro m raw re mote sensing digital satellite data. One p ixel in the satellite image possibly covers more than one object on the ground, within-class variability, or other complex surface cover patterns that cannot be properly described by one class. A pixel in remote sensing images might represent a mixture of class covers, within-class variability, or other co mplex surface cover patterns. However, this pixel cannot be correct ly described by one class. These may be caused by ground characteristics of the classes and the image spatial resolution. Therefore, the aim of this research is to obtain the optimal threshold value for each class of landuse/landcover using a combination of thresholding and fuzzy rule-based classification techniques. The proposed techniques consist of three main steps; selecting train ing site, identify ing threshold value and producing classificat ion map. In order to produce the final mangrove classification map, the accuracy assessment is conducted through ground truth data, spectroradiometer and expert judg ment. The assessment discovered the relationship between the image and condition on the ground, and the spectral signature of surface material in identifying the geographical object.

Two hundred and forty day-old chicks with average body weight of 48.92±1.5 g were randomly distributed into 12 pens each with 20 chicks, representing four feeding regimen of T 1 (Unrestricted, Control), T 2 (Restricted at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age), T 3 (Restricted at 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of age) and T 4 (Restricted at 63, 70, 77 and 84 days of age). The experiment lasted for 22 weeks, during which feed intake and body weight changes were monitored. At the end of the experimental period, six pullets from each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate carcass yield, abdominal fat and weights and lengths of different parts of gastrointestinal tracts. The daily feed intake as well as body weight changes at different ages were non-significant (P>0.05). The feed efficiency also did not significantly varied (P>0.05). In contrast, the total feed intake (g) was significantly different (P<0.05) between treatments and birds under T 4 consume less. Dressed weight (g); abdominal fat free carcass (g); carcass with abdominal fat (g) and breast meat weights (g) were significantly (P<0.05) different. Abdominal fat weight was also highly significant (P<0.01) between the treatments. The weight and percentage of GIT and total giblet and parts of giblets were not (P>0.05) affected except liver weight which was higher (P<0.05) for T 3 . Cost of feed consumed per kg live weight gain was lower for the feed restricted birds and it was the least for T 4 . Besides, the labor cost was lower for the feed restricted groups. It is concluded that feed restriction at later days of age (T 4 ) is economically beneficial compared to the other early age restricted groups based on partial budget analysis. The results of this study suggested that the feed restriction at middle age (T 3 ) might be considered as beneficial in terms of carcass cut characteristics and T 4 on economic return.

Background and aims: Variability of soil CO 2 efflux strongly depends on forest management, soil temperature and soil moisture. A field experiment was carried out in Southern Ethiopia to investigate the effect of thinning on soil CO 2 efflux dynamics and associated soil temperature and soil moisture of 6-year old C. lusitanica stands. Methods: Soil CO 2 flux was measured every week using a portable infra-red gas analyzer (LI-COR 8100). Along with soil CO 2 flux measurements, soil moisture content (%) was measured with a Delta-T soil moisture meter and soil temperature was monitored using a temperature probe attached to the LI-COR 8100. Results: Mean monthly soil respiration was consistently higher in thinned than un-thinned stand. In both stands, soil respiration was significantly higher for the major rainy season and lowest for the dry season. Maximum soil respiration rate for thinned and un-thinned stands during the major rainy season were 5.48±0.15 and 5.36±0.16 μmol-1 m-2 /s respectively. 27-38% of the variation in soil CO 2 efflux can be explained by soil moisture content and 21-53% by T°soil. Conclusions: Seasonal dynamics in soil respiration could be driven by seasonality in soil resources (moisture & nutrients) and soil temperature. Thinning greatly influenced annual fine root production, mortality and decomposition and thus soil nutrients. Soil respiration might also be influenced by soil moisture and temperature to differing degrees.

Researches regarding the use of agricultural residues as raw material for the fibrous pulp and paper industries are important, especially the use of castor (Ricinus communis L.), whose application can be found in many sectors of the economy, with its main product derived from the oil of its seeds. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical properties of castor fibrous waste, such as leaves, branches and stems to evaluate the potential of these residues for pulp and paper production. Results of physico-chemical analysis of castor residues revealed the following contents: 80.10 % of holocellulose (50.56% of cellulose and 29.64% of hemicellulose); 17.34% of lignin; 1.48% of ash; 1.24% of extractives soluble in hot water; and 1.88% of extractives soluble in organic solvents. In general, fibrous crop residues of castor presented as a good alternative for pulp and paper manufacturing, since they have high cellulose content compared with its basic density.

This study aimed to evaluate the energy efficiency, thermal power and amount of volatiles released (CO 2 , CO and SO 2 ) by three models of wood-metallic cookstoves into single-family residences in the city of Irati / PR, Brazil. All cookstoves had a low average energy efficiency fro m 2.9% ± 0.3 (stove 1), 2.6% ± 0.5 (stove 2) to 4.6% ± 0.2 (stove 3). The thermal power was 159.3 W ± 14.2 (stove 1), 142.7 W ± 39.2 (stove 2) and 176.5 W ± 21.7 (stove 3). It was observed a high pollutant levels of volatile compounds such as CO 34,9 Nm 3 /kg ± 3,1; 35,2 Nm 3 /kg ± 8,6 and 24,5 Nm 3 /kg ± 2,1; CO 2 314,4 Nm 3 /kg ± 28,3; 316,5 Nm 3 /kg ± 77,0 and 220,9 Nm 3 / kg ± 19,0, lastly SO 2 0,027 Nm 3 /kg ±0,0; 0,027 Nm 3 /kg ± 0,0 and 0,019 Nm 3 /kg ± 0,0, respectively fro m first to third stove. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the stove 3 showed to be the most efficient among the models investigated. In general, the obtained data indicate a low energy conversion and a potential health risk to the user due the release of to xic gases, such as carbon mono xide, present in the smo ke inside the house's kitchen.

The new data of some species of the family Niphargidae (Crustacea Amphipoda Gammaroidea) from Balkan are presented. The species Niphargus borkanus S. Karaman, 1960, known and poorly described from springs in Boračko jezero Lake (Borke) only (Bosnia and Herzegovina), is redescribed and figured based on material from new locality, spring of torrent Pješčar, NW from Konjic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and its taxonomical position is discussed. Niphargus salonitanus S. Karaman, 1950, known from Dalmatia and Herzegovina, is cited from Vilina pećina Cave near source of Ombla River by Dubrovnik, Croatia, and some taxonomical characters of this species are given. Niphargus abavus G. Karaman, 2011, known from Markov Rt in Boka Kotorska is discovered in new locality of Boka Kotorska, Crna Gora (Montenegro). Niphargus valachicus Dobreanu & Manolache, 1933, known from Pontocaspian basin till Iran, is cited at the first time for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Three trials were conducted using completely randomized designs to evaluate the influence of concentration of thiamine supplementation on honey bee colony growth (brood and adult population) in different seasons. Twenty Iranian honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera meda), divided into 5 experimental groups, were used in the study. Control groups were fed sugar syrup. The experimental colonies were fed in the same manner but with syrup supplemented with different levels of thiamine (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm). Each diet was tested on a set of four colonies selected for each treatment. Changes in brood areas had significantly difference between colonies fed thiamine (200 ppm) and sugar syrup (control) in summer season (P&lt;0.05). In summer season the lowest brood production occurred in colonies fed sugar syrup. In winter season, adult population sizes and brood areas in colonies fed syrup supplemented with thiamine (200 ppm) were significantly larger than colonies fed sugar syrup (P&lt;...

This study provides information on the growth and correlations between body traits of juveniles of two ectotypes of snail[Archachatina marginata var. saturalis (P)]. Three hundred juveniles, one hundred and fifty each of the black-skinned (BS) and white-skinned (WS) ectotypes selected from a pool on the basis of active appearance and absence of injury, blister or lesion on the foot and/or shell were used for the study. The selected juveniles were grouped into two on the basis of skin (foot) colour. Each group was replicated five times with ten juveniles per group in a completely randomized design. The results of this study showed that during the juvenile phase of growth, there was progressive weight increment with significant differences (P<0.05) between the juveniles of the two snail ectotypes (BS and WS) at hatch through to week two after hatch. The significant difference seized to exist after week two as growth was at par among the ectotypes. The absence of significant difference (P>0.05) after week two could mean that irrespective of their pigmentation and weight at hatch, juveniles of a particular breed always grow to catch up with others within the same environment. The results also showed that growth in terms of weight gain was generally low/slow during the first few weeks of life after hatch. The reason for this could be that the juveniles eat little or no feed (concentrate and/or forage) during this stage of life. The results of estimates of association between traits showed that all evaluated traits had strong positive correlations in the two snail ectotypes studied. The correlations between these traits were highly significant (P<0.001). The positive correlation values recorded among these traits could mean that the traits are influenced by the same genes in the same direction, and that there are direct relationships between the traits. Besides, it could be that weight increment in snails is as a result of increase in the size of corresponding traits. The high degree of correlation among traits indicates that selection for one trait will lead to improvement in the other trait. The results of this study could guide breeders in the development of stocks, and thus increase the availability of animal protein for the teeming Nigerian populace.

Salvia officinalis, previously used as an intercrop in coffee plantations, absorbed caffeine fro m incubation med ia. Caffeine was mainly found in the roots, together with traces of theobromine, while solely a small amount of caffeine was found in the shoots. In sterile plants, the caffeine accumu lation was similar in both the roots and the shoots. The addition of antibiotics to the incubation mediu m of non-sterile sage revealed an involvement of plant-associated microorganisms in the caffeine degradation. Three most active microorganisms were isolated from non-sterile sage roots and were identified by mo lecular and microscopic studies as Trichoderma hamatum (fungus), Pseudomonas putida (bacterium) and Rhodotorula glutinis (fungus). Whereas P. putida and R. glutinis were associated with the rhizosphere, T. hamatum e xisted as an endophyte inside the roots, as ascertained by colonization and re-isolation studies. The study demonstrates that the degradation of caffeine is in itiated by the ability of the microorganisms to perform demethylations, whereas the xanthine degradation may be attributed to either the plant or the microorganisms. Plants, which do not contain caffeine as a secondary product, have not yet been investigated for degradation of the co mpound. Trichoderma hamatum was not known as a caffeine degrading species and as an endophyte of Salvia officinalis. We propose a novel eco-biochemical interaction between endophytic T. hamatum and sage plants in caffeine degradation. If aro matic plants are used as intercrops in coffee plantations, the occurrence of caffeine degradation in those plants is of great importance.

Reports of damage by grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) to cassava and other crops has increased in recent years. The attack on cassava is particularly threatening to the livelihood of many poor subsistence farmers in Sierra Leone. As such, an evaluation was conducted to investigate the use of host plant resistance as an alternative method of managing grasshopper rather than the sole reliance on chemicals. The experiment was laid out in a randomized co mplete block design with three rep lications. Two b locks were used (protected and unprotected) with twenty cassava varieties

Ficus racemosa is a traditional medicinal plant found in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is commonly known as &#39;gular&#39;or ‘Dumur’. Owing to the presence of β-sitosterol it decreases the blood glucose concentration. Many active constituents isolated from different parts of this plant exhibit useful pharmacological activity. The objective of this dissertation is to identify the biological activity of the roots of an indigenous medicinal plant, viz., Ficus racemosa (Family: Moraceae) and to evaluate the possible phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of the crude extracts. Some chemical and biological researches on this plant have been conducted out so far, focusing mainly on the plant&#39;s bark and root. That&#39;s why the objective of this framework is to assess the different possibilities of developing new therapeutic targets from this plant&#39;s fruit that could be crucial for the treatment of many diseases.

Assessment of livelihood impacts is necessary information for the identification of whether the livelihood of the community is impacted or not. A study was conducted to explore impacts of forest cover change on rural local livelihoods in and around Jorgo Wato forest, West Wollega Zone of Oromia National Regional State. Purposive and random sampling selection of 120 household's interviews and 12 focus group discussions were used in this study. Due to forest cover changes, the livelihoods of the communities were affected and changed to more diverse activities. In order to minimize the impacts of forest cover change on communities and communities on forest cover change, programmes and strategies to use multiple benefits sharing of the communities from the various forests and forest products services as well as strengthening/establishing participatory forest management and forest policies that give carbon rights to land users are desirable prerequisites for enhancing forest benefits as the main means of protection.