Effect of Zinc and Boron on Growth, Seed Yield and Quality of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.) Cv. Arka Nishanth

The field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Navile, Shimoga during kharif, 2013 and Laboratory studies were conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, Bangalore. The four levels of nutrients M1:75:40:40NPK kg ha-1M2: RDF+ZnSo4 @10 kg ha-1 M3: RDF + Borax 0.1% spray at bud initiation stage M4: RDF + ZnSo4 @ 10 kg ha-1 + Borax (0.1%) spray at bud initiation stage. The combination of RDF + ZnSo4 @ 10 kg ha-1 + Borax 0.1% spray at bud initiation stage was effective in maximum plant height (33.80 cm),number of leaves plant-1 (34.30) at bud initiation stage, length of inflorescence (93.80 cm),number of siliqua plant-1(363),siliqua weight plant-1 (26.30 g), siliqua length (5.34 cm),No. of seeds siliqua-1(5.67),seed recovery per cent (92.87), seed yield(199.93 kg ha-1), germination per cent(92.20), seedling vigour index I &II (2100 & 467) compared to control with (30.09 cm, 26.60, 81.70 cm,13.80 g,4.63 cm,4.59,80.38%,138.75 kg ha-1, 83.70%,1243 and 357 respectively.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Nutrient Uptake and Physico – Chemical Properties of Soil Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Packages in Rice.

Field Study on Nutrient uptake and Physico – chemical properties of soil  influenced by organic and inorganic packages in rice was carried out at Research Cum Instructional Farm IGKV., Raipur (C.G.) during kharif  2010 and 2011. The soil of experimental field was ‘Inceptisols’ (Matasi), which was low in nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replication. The treatments consisted of Basmati type rice variety viz. Kasturi Comprising organic, inorganic and integrated nutrient management. Treatment T1 (50% RDF + 50% N (CDM), T2 (100% N((1/3 rd each CDM +NC+CCR) T3 (100% N (1/3 rd each CDM + NC + CCR) + Green manure in rice), T4 100% N (1/3 rd each CDM + NC + CCR) +Deep summer ploughing), T5 (50%N(CDM)+RP+PSB+Azos.), T6 (100%N(1/3 rd each CDM+NC+CCR) + Azos.+ PSB) and T7 (100% RDF).among different nutrient management practiceshigher nutrient uptake in grain and straw were observed under treatment T7(100% RDF).followed by T1 (50% RDF + 50% N (CDM) an INM treatment.whereas water uptake was exceeding in100% N applied through 1/3 rd each CDM + NC + CCR + Green manure in rice. Bulk density, pH and EC were also exceeds in T7, except T6 (100% N CDM + NC + CCR + Azos + PSB) which has higher OC.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Assessment of Important Plant Disease of Major Crops (Sorghum Maize, Common Bean, Coffee, Mung Bean, Cowpea) in South Omo and Segen Peoples Zone of Ethiopia

Production and productivity of maize, sorghum, Haricot bean Mung bean cow pea and coffee are highly threatened by different diseases in South omo and Segen peoples zone of Southern Nation Nationality Peoples Region of Ethiopia. However, the relative importance of each disease across locations has not been assessed and well profiled to sound management strategy. To determine the occurrence, distribution and the status of in the two zones , survey was carried out in three  districts of South omo and Segen peoples zone i.e. South Ari and Benatsemay(South omo zone) and Konsso (Segen peoples zone), in 2013 cropping seasons. Results indicated that 70% of maize sampled plants were infected by Trichometasphaeria turcica at South Ari district of South omo zone. Whereas at Segen peoples zone the heights infected percentage was recorded 45%( Fusarium graminearum) . The current study indicated that a complex of diseases exist at different crops of the studied areas  and the occurrence across districts is highly variable despite introduction and promotion of different management practices. Therefore holistic and cumulative integrated approach is required to manage the complex diseases in the surveyed areas.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Empirical Proof on Benefits of Integrated Farming System in Smallholder Farms in Odisha

Integrated farming system (IFS) is considered as one of the best option towards intensification of small holder farm income to ensure sustainable livelihood. Integration of resources is made through a combination of land, water and animal resources of a farm through careful planning including recycling of bio-resources. Governments and development agencies have designed projects/programmes in promoting IFS through demonstration of successful models and other means. Integration of resources is a process which involves great thought in investing in one of the resource combined and gaining benefits. This paper entails information on IFS adopted farms by analyzing three cases promoted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Khordha under ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture mandated to work on technology assessment, refinement and demonstration. All the IFS analyzed are pond based integrations involving crop-livestock and fish as major with minor integrations of enterprises like mushroom cultivation. The gross income of case 1 farmer was found to be Rs 5,19,600 from 0.8 ha in a pond based farming system followed by case 2 earning Rs 3,75,920 ( gross income) from an area of 1.872 ha crop based farming system and Rs 1, 50, 300 ( gross income) from an area of 0.8 ha crop based farming system adopting. The details of the case studies and economics are presented and these model farms play a great role in motivating nearby farmers in adoption of IFS. The study also concluded that adoption of IFS is profitable.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Carbon Hotspots in the Food and Beverage Industry: Insights from Analyzing the Product Portfolio of a Global Packaged Consumer Goods Company

This requires, among others, fundamental understanding of how much such hotspots can vary from product to product, across brands, and country of origin. Here, we apply a novel fast LCA methodology to first quantify and then analyze PCFs of 3,335 stock keeping units (SKUs) of a global food snack and beverage company. We find that the often cited dominance of the supply chain's contribution to the total footprint is valid for large portfolios of products in aggregate (75%-93% contribution). However, this does not remain universally valid when analyzing individual brands and SKUs: At SKU level, the metric varies widely, from 9% (smallest supply chain contribution) to nearly 100%. For 254 of the 3,335 SKUs, less than 50% of overall emissions originate in the supply chain. SKU-level carbon intensity (PCF divided by net SKU weight) varies widely as well, in our sample from 0.1 to 70. It also varies within brands, indicating a design challenge for stream-lined models.SKU-averagecarbon intensityvaries between ~0.4 (beverages) to ~4 (some baked snacks). The portfolio-level footprint (3,335 SKUs in our sample) is highly concentrated: 4% of SKUs contribute 50% of annual GHG; 2.5% of the 6,040 acquired individual raw materials contribute 40% of annual GHG from all raw materials, the majority of the 2.5% being agricultural ingredients.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Water Treated by Magnetic Field to Reduce Excess Nitrogen Output

Data suggests that the properties of magnetically treated water are different from those of untreated water. This fact is usually attributed to the weaknesses of intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds) and nucleation processes (effect of impurity, frequency and growth of nuclei). Water treatment by magnetic field is an attractive but still controversial issue concerning to animal production.The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of water treatment by magnetic field on nitrogen excretion in livestock.There were evaluated milk production, milk composition, blood biochemical profile, blood gas level and nitrogen balance. We found increases in urea blood, urea milk and decreases nitrogen in urine. These effects were attributed due metabolic alkalosis and reduced glutamine metabolism in kidney to Bicarbonate buffer production. We concluded that the treated water by magnetic field provides an effective way to reduce nitrogen animal excretion and contributing to mitigate environmental impact in livestock.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Evaluation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Compliance by Small Farmers in Kentucky: Assessing Microbial Quality of Produce

In recent years the number of bacterial food-borne outbreaks associated with contaminated produce has increased substantially. Escherichia coli(E.coli) continues to contribute to the majority of foodborne illnesses. With more small farmers starting organic production and given a wide range of organic production practices, there is a vulnerable segment which demands continuous microbial safety assessments. In the current study, twenty small produce farms from fourteen counties in Kentucky participated in a survey outlining farmers’ procedures during their routine operations. These farms were visited three times, during the pre-growing, harvest, and post-harvesting seasons. A total of 59 produce samples were collected from 16 organic and 4 conventional farms, respectively. No differences were observed in the percentage of produce contaminated with E. coli between the organic (25%) and conventional (26.3%) practices. However, 45.5% of produce grown at and below the surface was contaminated with E.coli while 13.5% of the produce that grows above the surface was found to be contaminated. Most of the contamination was correlated with fields that were fertilized with manure in the past 90 days or less. Findings of the study were shared with participating farmers and they were counseled on Good Agricultural Practices.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Genipa Americana L. (Jenipapo) of the Brazilian Cerrado

Brazil has the largest biodiversity of any country in the world, which includes a large number of fruit species. Cerrado, a Brazilian biome that has a large number of underexploited native and exotic fruit species, is of potential interest to the agroindustry and a possible future source of income for the local population. This paper presents the centesimal composition, phenolic contents, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of Genipa americana L. fruit. The results indicated the following composition: moisture (75.00%), lipids (1.60%), proteins (0.67%), carbohydrates (20.50%), and ash (2.20%). The Genipa americana fruit contained considerable amounts of phenolic compounds (857.10 mgGAE.100-1 g) and flavonoids (728.00 mg.100-1 g), which contribute to its high antioxidant activity. This study highlights the potential of this fruit as an important source of both nutritional and bioactive compounds available in the native Brazilian flora.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Constraints to Watermelon Marketing in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Data obtained from ninety watermelon marketers from March, 2012 to June, 2012 were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, ranks and gross margin analysis. Results showed that 53.3% of the watermelon marketers were females; 50.0% were aged between 31-40 years; and 53.3% had secondary education. Gross margin analysis indicated that the total variable cost of watermelon marketing by the respondents was N 8, 671, 200.00 and the total revenue from sales was N 16,447,000.00, and marketing profit was N 7, 775, 800.00 indicating that watermelon marketing was profitable. Findings also revealed that losses resulting from fruits spoilage, lack of preservation facilities, high cost of transportation, and lack of credit facilities were the most severe constraints to watermelon marketing in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State. It is recommended that watermelon marketers in the study area form effective cooperatives which will help them collectively tackle these constraints in order to optimize their marketing activities.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Characterization of Farming Households and Assessment of Economic Viability of Water Users Association at Mafefe Irrigation Schemes in Limpopo Province of South Africa

The irrigation schemes were Mashushu, Fertilis and Mantlhane. Heads of household were older at Mashushu (average age=68) followed by Fertilis (59) and finally Manthlane (56). Household sizes ranged between 5 and 6. Some 21.7% of heads of household (37.5%-Mashushu, 20%-Fertilis and 7.7%-Manthlane) had no formal education, half (55%-Fertilis, 50%-Mashushu, and 53.8%-Manthlane) had primary while 25.3% (38.5%-Manthlane, 25%-Fertilis and 12.5%-Mashushu) had secondary education. Household income varied (average R26,991-Manthlane, R24,780-Mashushu, R21,807-Fertilis) across the schemes. The majority (88%) of farmers had = 40% of income from farming. On average, individual farmers made profit in all schemes (R6,654.50-Mashushu, R4,565.59-Fertilis, R5,938.78- Manthlane). Production increased with cost of tillage (p<0.01)and marketing (p<0.05). The cost for operating the WUA was estimated at R15 500 / annum while the income was estimated at R16 700 / annum. The WUA for farmers in the study irrigation schemes would therefore be economically viable.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Assessment of the Impact of Compost and Hydrogel as Soil Moisture Retainers on the Growth and Development of Forage Maize (Zea mays L.)

The availability of water is one of the most critical factors for food production in arid lands. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of compost and hydrogel in holding soil moisture and to monitor their effects on the growth and development of forage maize. This study was conducted in the experimental area of Chapingo University North Campus at Bermejillo, Durango, Mexico. The experiment was arranged in split plots within randomized blocks with three replications. The doses of hydrogel (0, 12.5 and 25 kg ha-1) were the main plots, and the compost doses (0 and 20 ton ha-1) were the subplots. Hydrogel doses of 12.5 and 25 kg ha-1 significantly increased (P= 0.05) plant height and stem thickness and flag leaf length and width, mainly 74 days after planting. These responses followsa higher moisture content, measured at three depths (15, 30 and 60 cm), in the hydrogel-treated soil than in the untreated control. Additionally, the root volume was significantly larger when the hydrogel was applied at any of the doses tested in this study. The growth and development of the plants were not affected by the compost application.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Challenges in Groundnut Production and Adoption of Groundnut Production Technology Information Packages among Women Farmers

 Reviving groundnut production in Nigeria requires concerted efforts by the stakeholders. Women farmers are important groundnut producer in Taraba` state, they are involved in all aspect of the groundnut value chain. Several groundnut production technologies have been developed and communicated through the extension service to the farmers. Conversely there has been a decline in production and participation by women farmers. Therefore women farmers remain resource poor and largely illiterate. To up scale production and take advantage of the industrial potential of this crop an investigation was conducted to document the socio economic, demographic and institutional variables of women farmers, identify technology information packages communicated to the farmers and adoption of these technologies. A total of 200 farmers were interviewed, respondents were sourced using multi stage sampling procedure. Data collected were summarized and submitted for descriptive statistics, stepwise regression analysis as used to identify socio economic, demographic, institutional and institutional factors that influence the adoption of certified seeds, use of insecticides, storage and harvesting techniques among the women farmers. Showed that most of the respondents are married, fulltime farmers and are fairly educated. The household size, marital status, source of information, primary occupation, age, land tenure status and recommended fertilizer dosage, significantly influenced adoption of certified seeds, use of insecticides, storage and timely harvest among groundnut women farmers. Groundnut producers indicated that lack of credit facilities, high cost of improved seed and technical know-how, lack of fertilizer, as factors that limits production. The study revealed the need to enhance access to improved varieties, biopesticides, harvesting and processing techniques, credits and farm input for groundnut producers.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Determination of Total Olive Oil and Cis-Trans Fatty Acids Composition of Sirnak Province Olive Genotypes at Southeastern Anatolia

Olive plants, throughout history, have formed the basis of the civilizations in the Mediterranean region and in researches; the gene center is expressed Southeastern Anatolia region as homeland of olives [1]. In recent years, willingness to live healthier and longer, countries plays a decisive role in the nutrition policy. Areas where olive trees grow is effective for obtaining good quality olive oil. Fat quantity and fat quality which obtained from olive may differ by region. Therefore, increasing the efficiency in the olive oil sector at the international level, regional characterization of Turkish olive and olive oil are important. This research was run on the olives which selected as promising as a result of the selection operation 34 types, common in the population Sirnak, and olive oil contents and fatty acid composition were determined. As a result of research in the province of Sirnak genotype total oil were determined between from 2.0 % to 8.8%. The composition of fatty acids were determined as palmitic acid from 10.34% to 20.92%, stearic acid 2.25% to 3.91% ; oleic acid 49.33 % to 67.96 %, linoleic acid 7.52% to 31.51% and linolenic acid 0.63% to 2.72 %, respectively.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Development of Treated Rice Husk as an Alternative Substrate Medium in Cucumber Soilless Culture

The performance and suitability of different substrates for the soilless culture of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv.Bringy) were studied over a two growing seasons under greenhouse condition employing five different substrates [V:V, 3treated rice husk by composting (TRH): 1 biochar(B) derived from pyrolysis of rice husk, 3 TRH: 1 coir dust (CD), 3TRH: 1 Hundzsoil (HS), 3TRH: 1 fine sand and TRH only]. The results showed that there were significantly differences in fruit yield and growth parameters between the substrates. Media containing 3TRH: 1B led to a significant increase in fruit yield and most of physiochemical characteristics and growth parameters of cucumber plant as compared with the other growth media. It was concluded that the medium containing treated rice husk and Biochar had the best performance for cucumber plant growth as a local growing media due to the superior of its physiochemical characteristics while keeping stability to continue the growth and fruit production for a long season.

Website: https://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Screening of wheat genotypes for leaf rust resistance along with grain yield

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks., is one of the main diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Egypt, causing up to 50% of yield losses. Genetic resistance is the most economic and effective means of reducing yield losses caused by the disease. However, breeding genotypes for disease resistance is a continuous process and plant breeders need to add new effective sources to their breeding materials. Among 42 Egyptian wheat varieties screened for leaf rust resistance, only 9 varieties (Sakha94, Giza168, Gemmiza9, Gemmiza10, Gemmiza11, Sids12, Sids13, Misr1 and Misr2) exhibited seedling and adult plant resistance during 2010/11 and 2011/12 growing seasons. Out of 41 monogenic line (Lr genes) tested, only 13 Lr genes (Lr9, Lr10, Lr11,Lr16, Lr18, Lr19, Lr26, Lr27, Lr29, Lr30, Lr34, Lr42 and Lr46) exhibited seedling resistance while, 9 Lr genes (Lr19, Lr20, Lr21, Lr24, Lr29, Lr30, Lr32, Lr34 and Lr44) showed adult plant resistance at both growing seasons. This result may add a depth of their resistance to be exploited as good sources of resistance. Partial resistance traits of wheat seedlings were present in 12 varieties (Sids12, Misr2, Sakha94, Misr1, Sids13, Giza168, Gemmiza9, Sids7, Beniswef4, Sakha93, Gemmiza11 and Sids6), recording the longest incubation and latent period. However, 10 varieties (Sakha8, Sakha93, Giza144, Giza155, Giza156, Giza157, Sids4, Sids5, Sids8 and Beniswef4) were marked as having high level of partial resistance of adult plant, recording ACI less than 20%, AUDPC less than 332.5 and r-value less than 0.101. The highest significant loss percentages were found in susceptible wheat cultivars i.e. Gemmiza7, Sakha61 and Giza164 (12.24%, 12.10% and 9.08%, respectively). However, insignificant loss percentages were found in resistant cultivars i.e. Giza168 (1.87%), Misr2 (2.44%) Sakha94 (2.46%). Inverse relation was present between the disease level and grain yield. Cultivating of resistant cultivars such as Misr2, Giza168 and Sakha94 is recommended to escape heavy yield losses wreaked by the leaf rust disease.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

The effect of some factors on stimulating the growth and production of active substances in Zingiber officinale callus cultures

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the most widely used herbs that contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health promoting properties. [6]-Gingerol, a major pungent ingredient of ginger also has great potent antioxidant activity. Callus cultures of ginger were induced from shoot tip segments of auxiliary buds taken from in vitro growing rhizomes. Of different auxins tested in MS medium contents, 2,4-D was the most effective in inducing and maintaining callus cultures. BA was most effective in maintaining callus culture compared to kinetin (Kin). Also, the effect of some factors as precursors and biotic elicitors on callus growth and production of active substances were investigated. Mevalonic acid (MVA) at concentration of 1, 5 and 10 mg/l, Phenylalanine (Phe), Leucine (Leu) and Valine (Val) at 50, 100 and 150 mg/l, yeast extract (YE) and Aspergillus niger (AS) at 250, 500 and 750 mg/l showed negative effect on both callus fresh weight (FW) and callus dry weight (DW) compared to control. In the present study, it was observed that 6-gingerol production is positively influenced by the addition of MVA followed by YE in callus culture. While, the other levels of precursors and biotic elicitors did not succeed in producing either of 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol or 6-shogaol.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Physico-chemical properties of yoghurt containing cress seed mucilage or guar gum

The changes in physico-chemical properties of yoghurt containing cress seed mucilage (CM) compared with yoghurt containing guar gum (GG) or plain yoghurt during storage at 5 ± 2 °C for 15 days were evaluated. CM was prepared and added to standardized buffalo’s milk (∼3.2% fat and ∼15.0% TS) at rate of 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.10% but GG was added at the rate of 0.025% and 0.05% to create 5 treatments. The latter batch had no CM or GG, serve as a control (C). No significant changes in pH values and proteolysis (SN/TN ratio) of all yoghurt samples throughout the storage period were observed. CM containing yoghurts showed adverse effect on the concentration of acetaldehyde and diacetyl until day 10 and day 15, respectively compared with C and that containing 0.025% GG. Yoghurt samples containing different levels from CM or 0.025% GG exhibited lower in wheying-off and whey syneresis compared with C. No significant changes in the firmness of the yoghurt containing 0.025% and 0.05% CM or 0.025% GG were found throughout the storage period, while yoghurt containing 0.05% GG exhibited lower firmness compared with other yoghurt samples. Apparent viscosity of yoghurt containing GG or CM was higher than that of C until day 10. However, yoghurt containing 0.025% and 0.05% CM or 0.05% GG showed continued increase in apparent viscosity until day 10 while for yoghurt containing 0.10% CM, the increase was observed until day 5 and decline thereafter.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Biological parameters of the predator, Amphibolus venator Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) preying on larvae of Tribolium confusum Duv.

Certain biological aspects of the predator, Amphibolus venator Klug (Reduviidae: Hemiptera) had been studies when preyed on larvae of Tribolium confusum Duv. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) under laboratory conditions. Development and reproductive capacity of the predator were investigated at three constant degrees of temperatures (20, 27 and 35 ± 1 °C) combined with three relative humidities (50, 60 and 70 ± 5 R.H.). The data revealed that the adult predator consumed an average of 354.3 prey at 27 °C and 60% R.H. These conditions seemed to be optimum for rearing the experimental predator when fed on larvae of T. confusum. At these conditions, oviposition periods, number of deposited eggs and preying capacity were highest and associated with lowest mortalities in mature and immature stages compared with other conditions.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Effect of some stored insect pest species on biological aspects of the predator, Amphibolus venator Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The Reduviid predator, Amphibolus venator Klug (Reduviidae: Hemiptera) was reared on larvae of Plodia interpunctella Hb., Tribolium confusum Duv., Trogoderma granariumEverts, Lasioderma serricorni Fab and Rhizopertha dominica F. under optimum laboratory conditions of 27 ± 1 °C and 60 ± 5% R.H. The most preferable host was found to be R. dominica and L. serricorni larvae, followed by T. confusum and P. interpunctella, while the larvae of T. granarium appeared to be unsuitable host for this predator.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Impact of ridge–furrow water harvesting system on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production under rainfed conditions in Matrouh, Egypt

In the North Western Coastal Zone (NWCZ) of Egypt, low rainfall results in poor crop production. Different techniques should be examined to enhance the crop yield productivity and increase the water use efficiency. The ridge–furrow water harvesting system (RFWHS) is examined under the rainfed conditions in the NWCZ of Egypt over the two growing seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. Two ridge:furrow ratios of 120:60 and 60:60 cm ridge:furrow were used and compared to the conventional cultivation in a flat plot. The RFWHS was combined with different plant densities produced from three different row spacing (i.e., 20, 30, 60 cm). The faba bean yield was highly influenced by the ridge:furrow ratio, the seed yield was increased by 47% and 128.2% when the 60:60 cm ridge:furrow ratio was used as compared to the conventional cultivation in the first and second seasons, respectively. The row spacing of 30 cm apart produced the highest seed yield of 491.1 kg/ha in the first season and 261.3 kg/ha in the second season as compared to 20 cm and 60 cm row spacing. The water use efficiency followed the same pattern as that of seed yield; it was the highest for the 60:60 cm ridge:furrow ratio and the highest for the 30 cm row spacing. It is concluded that the RFWHS can be used effectively in increasing faba bean production and maximizing water use efficiency in limited rainfall areas.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Enhancing yield and acceptability of Kareish cheese made of Reformulated milk

Kareish cheese was manufactured from fresh buffalo skim milk as control and reconstituted milk from skim milk powder (SMP), milk protein powder (MPP) and stabilizer (Uni cream). Skim milk powder (SMP), milk protein powder (MPP) and stabilizer (Uni cream) were added at different ratios to water for making of Kareish cheese. Resultant cheeses were evaluated for their chemical, physical, microbiological and sensory attributes when fresh and during refrigerated storage (5 ± 2 °C) up to 4 weeks. The moisture content in reformulated cheese was increased with increasing SMP and stabilizer percentage in the formula during pickling. Reformulated Kareish cheese samples showed different ash contents as a function of adding SMP and MPP to the blend. Manufacturing Kareish cheese from reformulated mix of SMP, MPP and stabilizer in water resulted in lower pH values of resultant Kareish cheese compared to control (fresh skim milk). Among all treatments, control treatment (fresh skim milk) had the highest viscosity value. The penetration value was increased i.e. the firmness decreased, with increasing the ratio of stabilizer in reformulated treatment.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Biotechnological applications of fungal endophytes associated with medicinal plant Asclepias sinaica

Fungal endophytes associated with medicinal plants have potential role to promote plant growth through different mechanisms. However, the biological and ecological roles of fungal endophytes still totally unexplored. In this study, three different fungal endophytes were isolated from the medicinal plant of Asclepias sinaica and identified as Penicillium chrysogenum Pc_25, Alternaria alternata Aa_27 and the third fungal strain was described as sterile hyphae Sh_26. It was recorded that, these endophytes had various ability to produce several extracellular enzymes including amylase, pectinase, cellulase, gelatinase, xylanase and tyrosinase. Their antimicrobial activities against different specific test organisms were investigated as well. In addition, both endophyte isolates i.e. Sh_26 and Aa_27 were found to promote root growth higher than Pc_25 and control treatments. These fungal isolates had a considerable impact on plant growth parameters including root elongation as a result of ammonia and IAA production.


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Morphogenesis of immature female inflorescences of date palm in vitro

Plant regeneration from immature female inflorescences of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivar Siwi (semi-dry cv.), via somatic embryogenesis was achieved. Immature inflorescences explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with TDZ at 1.0 mg/l. Endogenous hormones (GA3, IAA, Zeatin and ABA), total soluble sugars (reducing and non-reducing sugars), free amino acids, indoles and phenols were determined. The levels of GA3 and IAA in explant reached the highest values and then decreased in callus stage. Zeatin, IAA, and ABA levels were higher in embryogenic callus. GA3 and zeatin in mature somatic embryo maintained a relatively high level while IAA and ABA dropped. The highest significant values of total soluble sugars and their fractions were noted in explant stage. Embryogenic callus stage induced a significant increase in total soluble sugars, free amino acids, phenols and indoles concentrations as compared to callus and mature somatic embryo. Callus induction was achieved by TDZ after 4–5 weeks of culture. The callus differentiated into embryogenic calli on free cytokinin medium. Light microscope observations revealed that the callus consisted of two different types of cells, soft vacuolated cells which did not implicate in embryo formation and compact aggregate cell masses which have the ability to generate the somatic embryos.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Some biochemical changes and activities of antioxidant enzymes in developing date palm somatic and zygotic embryos in vitro

Some biochemical changes and activities of antioxidant enzymes in different developmental stages of date palm somatic and zygotic embryos were studied in vitro. The levels of endogenous ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and some biochemical components (phenols, flavonoid, free amino acids, proteins, and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) in the different developing stages of somatic and zygotic embryos of date palm cv. Sewi were determined. Zygotic embryo and also embryogenic callus contained high concentrations of AA (9.48 and 9.13 mg 100 g−1 f.wt., respectively). While the mature somatic embryos contain the lowest concentration of AA (4.09 mg 100 g−1 f.wt.), Zygotic embryo contains the highest significant levels of phenols, flavonoid, free amino acids, proteins and MDA. However, the lowest concentrations of phenols and flavonoids were recorded at the embryogenic callus. The POD activity was the highest level at embryogenic callus and then decreased gradually during the subsequent developmental stages, while, the activities of PPO and PAL were the highest levels at zygotic embryos

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Studies on conservation agriculture in Egypt

Four field experiments were carried out at Gemmieza Agricultural Experimental Research Station, AL-Gharbia Governorate during the four seasons of winter, 2012/2013, summer 2013, winter 2013/2014 and summer 2014 under exhausted clay soil condition to study the effect of three different tillage systems (conventional tillage (CT), conservation agriculture (CA) and semi-CA (SCA)) and two levels of NPK fertilizers (100% of the recommended doses of NPK and 1/2 recommended doses of it) on yield and its components of wheat (Gemmeiza-9 variety) and soybean (Giza-111 variety) through (maize–wheat–soybean–wheat–soybean) (M/W/S/W/S) cropping system.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

Characterization of fluorescent pseudomonads isolates and their efficiency on the growth promotion of tomato plant

Soil samples were collected from different rhizosphere plants grown in SEKEM farm, Bilbis, El-Sharkyia governorate, Egypt. Four fluorescent pseudomonads isolates, out of seventy one, were selected according to their efficiency to produce IAA, cyanide, antagonistic effect and high ability to solubilize potassium and phosphorus. These isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique to be different strains of Pseudomonas otitidis. Growth curve and growth kinetics were determined on king’s broth medium. Ps. otitidis SE8 gave the highest specific growth rate, multiplication rate and number of generation being 0.287 h⁻¹, 0.4147 h⁻¹ and 4.98 h⁻¹, respectively. This strain also showed the lowest of doubling time. Ps. otitidis SE8 and OL2 had higher activity to solubilize phosphorus than other tested strains. Bacterial strain SE8 also gave a considerable amount of soluble potassium as compared with other strains being 80.7 ppm. The maximum IAA and gibberellic acid production was also recorded byPseudomonas SE8 and OL2. A remarkable quantity of siderophores was detected in the case of Ps. otitidis SE8 being 28.20 mM DFOM. Application of these isolates as inoculants for tomato plants in green house was performed.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/

A study on the Flora of El-Qantara Sharq in North Sinai, Egypt

The study on the Flora of El Qantara Sharq revealed that the presence of 138 species belonging to 110 genera follows 39 Angiospermae families. The percentages of the representation of these families were Gramineae by 15.9%, Compositae by 13.7%, Leguminosae by 10.8%, Chenopodiaceae by 10.1%, and Cruciferae by 4.3%, while each of Caryophyllaceae, Cyperaceae and Polygonaceae was represented by 3.6% and the percentage was 2.8% for both of Convolvulaceae and Zygophyllaceae whereas it was 2.1% for each of Aizoaceae, Amaranthaceae and Tamaricaceae. The percentage was 1.4% for each of Euphorbiaceae, Orobanchaceae, Solanaceae and Umbelliferae. The remainder families, Asclepiadaceae, Ceratophyllaceae, Combretaceae, Geraniaceae, Haloragiadaceae, Juncaceae, Labiatae, Malvaceae, Neuradaceae, Nitrariaceae, Palmae, Plantaginaceae, Potamogetonaceae, Primulaceae, Ranunculaceae, Salicaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Typhaceae, Urticaceae and Verbenaceae were represented by one species (0.7%) for each. Shrubs were represented by 11.5% of the recorded species while the percentages of perennial and annual herbs were 21.7% and 63% respectively.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/