Pub Date : 2024-07-15DOI: 10.11648/j.aff.20241304.12
Maziku Zephania, R. Munubi, Augustine Mwandya
Red worms (Eisenia fetida) can convert biowaste and by-products into body mass and become high in protein and lipid content. However, the type of growth media used affects both larval body composition and growth performance. Using recycled organic materials from chicken manure (CM), cow dung manure (CDM) and rabbit manure (RM), the present study evaluated the production of red worms that could be used as a substitute protein source for fish meals. Two experiments were conducted, the first experiment tested the compatibility of each organic manure when mixed with soil separately, whereas the second experiment combined the three organic manures with a fixed amount of soil. The study was conducted for 60 days. The findings showed that red worms reared on 100 % CM had a significantly higher body weight (19.27 ± 0.9 g) followed by those reared on 100 % CDM and 75% RM, whereas red worms reared on 100 % RM had the lowest body weight (4.9 ± 0.1 g). A combination of 20% CM + 40% CDM + 20% RM + 20% Soil supported significantly higher body weight of red worms (24.9 ± 1.1 g), while the lowest value of body weight (5.1 ± 0.2 g) was in a combination of 20% CM + 0% CDM + 60% RM + 20% Soil). Furthermore, the results revealed that red worms reared on 100 % CDM without soil as waste substrate had the highest crude protein (73.28% DM) compared to red worms reared on other types of substrates. The study suggests the potential of reusing organic manure such as chicken and cow dung manure at different inclusion levels in the production of red worms.
{"title":"Organic Manure as Rearing Substrates for Red Worms (<i>Eisenia fetida</i>): Effects on Chemical Composition and Growth Performance","authors":"Maziku Zephania, R. Munubi, Augustine Mwandya","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241304.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241304.12","url":null,"abstract":"Red worms (<i>Eisenia fetida</i>) can convert biowaste and by-products into body mass and become high in protein and lipid content. However, the type of growth media used affects both larval body composition and growth performance. Using recycled organic materials from chicken manure (CM), cow dung manure (CDM) and rabbit manure (RM), the present study evaluated the production of red worms that could be used as a substitute protein source for fish meals. Two experiments were conducted, the first experiment tested the compatibility of each organic manure when mixed with soil separately, whereas the second experiment combined the three organic manures with a fixed amount of soil. The study was conducted for 60 days. The findings showed that red worms reared on 100 % CM had a significantly higher body weight (19.27 ± 0.9 g) followed by those reared on 100 % CDM and 75% RM, whereas red worms reared on 100 % RM had the lowest body weight (4.9 ± 0.1 g). A combination of 20% CM + 40% CDM + 20% RM + 20% Soil supported significantly higher body weight of red worms (24.9 ± 1.1 g), while the lowest value of body weight (5.1 ± 0.2 g) was in a combination of 20% CM + 0% CDM + 60% RM + 20% Soil). Furthermore, the results revealed that red worms reared on 100 % CDM without soil as waste substrate had the highest crude protein (73.28% DM) compared to red worms reared on other types of substrates. The study suggests the potential of reusing organic manure such as chicken and cow dung manure at different inclusion levels in the production of red worms.\u0000","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":" 36","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141832764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sorghum is a vital crop for food security in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming, however, the extended growing periods (6-8 months) required for these landraces make the crop vulnerable to recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are usually planted in March or April depending on the onset of rainfall and harvested around November but often fail due to drought. In such situations, early-maturing improved varieties are an option for farmers but access to seeds of these improved varieties is a challenge. Unlike the landraces, the improved early maturing varieties are planted around the first weeks of July and harvested in November. The formal seed system multiplies only a limited amount of improved sorghum seed, which is rarely available to smallholder sorghum growers, mostly as part of a government package for targeted programs. Therefore, a community-based seed multiplication (CBSM) scheme was introduced to address seed shortages among smallholder sorghum farmers. After a successful experiment in 2015 aimed at enhancing seed multiplication by smallholder sorghum farmers, the process was further implemented on a larger scale using the CBSM scheme. Between 2016 and 2017, three CBSM farmer groups consisting of a total of 56 participants were established in three districts of West Hararghe, Ethiopia. Seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) were multiplied on a total area of 49.58 hectares, resulting in 215.6 tons of certified seeds. The study's findings indicate that the CBSM scheme enhanced smallholder farmers' sorghum yields, incomes, and climate resilience by providing high-quality seeds, expanding access to improved seeds, improving crop quality, and empowering communities to manage seed distribution. Partnerships with local organizations and government agencies were vital for success, allowing the scheme to reach more farmers in different regions. The scheme proved successful for smallholder sorghum growers in Ethiopia's dry lowlands, offering lessons applicable to similar challenges elsewhere, and promoting sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers.
{"title":"Empowering Smallholder Sorghum Farmers for Resilience: Lessons from a Community-Based Seed Multiplication Scheme in West Hararghe, Ethiopia","authors":"Solomon Altaye, Habte Nida, Derara Sori, Temesgen Begna, Temesgen Teressa, Hailu Gichile, Ashenafi Getahun, Muktar Mohammed","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241304.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241304.13","url":null,"abstract":"Sorghum is a vital crop for food security in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming, however, the extended growing periods (6-8 months) required for these landraces make the crop vulnerable to recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are usually planted in March or April depending on the onset of rainfall and harvested around November but often fail due to drought. In such situations, early-maturing improved varieties are an option for farmers but access to seeds of these improved varieties is a challenge. Unlike the landraces, the improved early maturing varieties are planted around the first weeks of July and harvested in November. The formal seed system multiplies only a limited amount of improved sorghum seed, which is rarely available to smallholder sorghum growers, mostly as part of a government package for targeted programs. Therefore, a community-based seed multiplication (CBSM) scheme was introduced to address seed shortages among smallholder sorghum farmers. After a successful experiment in 2015 aimed at enhancing seed multiplication by smallholder sorghum farmers, the process was further implemented on a larger scale using the CBSM scheme. Between 2016 and 2017, three CBSM farmer groups consisting of a total of 56 participants were established in three districts of West Hararghe, Ethiopia. Seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) were multiplied on a total area of 49.58 hectares, resulting in 215.6 tons of certified seeds. The study's findings indicate that the CBSM scheme enhanced smallholder farmers' sorghum yields, incomes, and climate resilience by providing high-quality seeds, expanding access to improved seeds, improving crop quality, and empowering communities to manage seed distribution. Partnerships with local organizations and government agencies were vital for success, allowing the scheme to reach more farmers in different regions. The scheme proved successful for smallholder sorghum growers in Ethiopia's dry lowlands, offering lessons applicable to similar challenges elsewhere, and promoting sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers.\u0000","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":" 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141833026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Baseline characterization helps to understand the initial livelihood condition of the people in the watershed before and after the intervention of the project to measure the amount of change attained by the project. The objective of the study was to characterize baseline information on the existing biophysical resource used as benchmark for planning and impact monitoring and to identify and major constraints and potential in the watershed. The watershed was selected depending on agro-ecological representation, prevalence of resource management and land degradation problems and accessibility for intensive follow-up. Based on the preliminary outlet identified during the watershed selection process, the watershed boundary was delineated using GPS data and the map of watershed was geo-referenced and digitized for its contour, roads, rivers, and other features. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study and primary data was collected through field observation, household survey, focus group discussion and interview of the key informants. From the total 103 household heads living in the watershed, 62 household heads were selected as a respondent for the study. The collected data was managed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel 2010. The results of the study showed that about 29.4% of the watershed slope was characterized by flat lands, 45.7% moderate slope and 24.9% steep lands. As well as soil fertility status of cultivated land in the watershed were 33.9% low, 55.9% moderate and 10.2% high. The results of the study showed that the major constraints identified by sampled household heads were decline of soil fertility, soil erosion, climate change, land shortage, and deforestation were significantly contributed to the low crop yield in the watershed. About 27.4% of the sampled households had encountered decline of soil fertility problems, 25.8% of sample farmers encountered soil erosion problem, and 22.6% of sample farmers encountered climate change problem in the watershed. From the identified major constraints, the highest priorities were given for decline of soil fertility, soil erosion problem, shortage of feed and fodder, and decline of crop productivity respectively. In the watershed, immediate short-term actions should be taken particularly participatory integrated watershed management were recommended.
{"title":"Biophysical Resource Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials of Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia","authors":"E. Bedada, Bikila Mengistu, Meseret Muluna, Meron Tolosa, Mengistu Jifara, Alemayehu Biri, Firaol Legesse, Ajema Lemma, Bedo Hora, Lemma Teklu, Woubalem Abera","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241304.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241304.11","url":null,"abstract":"Baseline characterization helps to understand the initial livelihood condition of the people in the watershed before and after the intervention of the project to measure the amount of change attained by the project. The objective of the study was to characterize baseline information on the existing biophysical resource used as benchmark for planning and impact monitoring and to identify and major constraints and potential in the watershed. The watershed was selected depending on agro-ecological representation, prevalence of resource management and land degradation problems and accessibility for intensive follow-up. Based on the preliminary outlet identified during the watershed selection process, the watershed boundary was delineated using GPS data and the map of watershed was geo-referenced and digitized for its contour, roads, rivers, and other features. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study and primary data was collected through field observation, household survey, focus group discussion and interview of the key informants. From the total 103 household heads living in the watershed, 62 household heads were selected as a respondent for the study. The collected data was managed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel 2010. The results of the study showed that about 29.4% of the watershed slope was characterized by flat lands, 45.7% moderate slope and 24.9% steep lands. As well as soil fertility status of cultivated land in the watershed were 33.9% low, 55.9% moderate and 10.2% high. The results of the study showed that the major constraints identified by sampled household heads were decline of soil fertility, soil erosion, climate change, land shortage, and deforestation were significantly contributed to the low crop yield in the watershed. About 27.4% of the sampled households had encountered decline of soil fertility problems, 25.8% of sample farmers encountered soil erosion problem, and 22.6% of sample farmers encountered climate change problem in the watershed. From the identified major constraints, the highest priorities were given for decline of soil fertility, soil erosion problem, shortage of feed and fodder, and decline of crop productivity respectively. In the watershed, immediate short-term actions should be taken particularly participatory integrated watershed management were recommended.\u0000","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":" 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141833147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-03DOI: 10.11648/j.aff.20241303.13
Worku Bekuma, T. Zewdu, Meseret Girma
The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p<0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p>0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.
这项研究由费迪斯农业研究中心(FARC)在费迪斯区博科站进行。试验包括三种不同的间距安排:S1(100 厘米 x 50 厘米)、S2(75 厘米 x 50 厘米)和 S3(50 厘米 x 50 厘米),以及两种耕作制度(间作和单种)。这些处理以 3 x 2 的因子排列组合,采用随机完全区组设计,四次重复。象草和紫花苜蓿分别在九十(90)天和 10%开花时采集草料样本。结果表明,间距以及间距与间作的交互作用对牧草 DMY 和 CPY 有显著影响(p0.05)。与纯种大象草相比,间作可以提高草料干物质和草料总干物质的产量。产量优势分别可达 3.18% 和 19.65%。行距对紫花苜蓿干物质产量的影响不大,但种植制度会产生影响。由于间作紫花苜蓿干物质产量的叠加效应,间作和窄行距种植的紫花苜蓿干物质总产量更高。在三种不同的行距中,最窄行距 S3 的干物质产量最高(25.62 吨/公顷),其次是 S2(22.28 吨/公顷)和 S1(18.33 吨/公顷)。间距和间作对象草的化学成分没有显著影响,但间作可增加象草的干物质,降低灰分含量。建议研究地区和其他农业生态类似地区的农民考虑在种植象草两周后间作紫花苜蓿。行间和行内间距应为 50 厘米,以提高象草和全部牧草的干物质产量。
{"title":"Effect of Spacing of Elephant Grass Intercropping with Alfalfa on Biomass Yield and Nutritive Value of Elephant Grass in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia","authors":"Worku Bekuma, T. Zewdu, Meseret Girma","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241303.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241303.13","url":null,"abstract":"The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p<0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p>0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.\u0000","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":"10 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141388215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-02DOI: 10.11648/j.aff.20241302.15
Esmat Hegazi, Abou Zeid, Manal A. Attia, Mervat A. Hasaneen, Amany Shall, Mohamed Eryan, Nagat Aly, Sania Showiel, Safaa El-Rahman, Hamdy Taleb, Anter Mahmoud, W. Khafagi, Marwa Farag
Faba bean Vicia faba L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, Orobanche crenata Forsk (Orobanchaceae), present great threat parasitic weed to some crops in Egypt including faba bean. Egyptian farmers were forced to abandon growing faba bean crops due to O. crenata heavy soil infestation. Several methods have been used for controlling this parasite, but without obvious success. Many researches have shown that intercropping has been more effective than monocropping in suppression of parasitic weeds. The effect of intercropping (fenugreek, radish and flax) using two resistant cultivars (Giza 843& Misr 3) on the emergence of the broomrape spikes and faba bean production were carried out. Intercropping flax or fenugreek among faba bean cultivars, caused a significant reduction in the infestation levels of O. crenata and increased the faba bean yield compared with sole treatments. Flax was more effective in the reducing infestation rate by O. crenata than fenugreek. This reduction appeared to be related to reduced seed germination which may have been as a result of allelochemicals released by fenugreek roots, though this was not confirmed in this study. The reduction in weed infestation was more pronounced in Giza 843, than in Misr 3. Flax treatment showed the lowest weed infestation compared with other intercropping treatments. Fenugreek intercropping treatment resulted in the highest pod yield for both Giza 843 and Misr 3. Using resistant cultivars intercropping with fenugreek or flax is very promising trend that generally combines both good yield and low number of emerged spikes that reduce broomrape seed bank in the infected soils, with variations depending on the cultivar and growing season.
蚕豆是埃及大众饮食中蛋白质的主要来源。扫帚菜(Orobanche crenata Forsk,Orobanchaceae)对埃及的一些作物(包括蚕豆)构成了严重的寄生杂草威胁。由于 O. crenata 严重侵扰土壤,埃及农民被迫放弃种植蚕豆作物。人们曾使用多种方法来控制这种寄生虫,但都没有取得明显的效果。许多研究表明,在抑制寄生杂草方面,间作比单作更有效。研究人员利用两种抗性栽培品种(Giza 843 和 Misr 3)进行了间作(胡芦巴、萝卜和亚麻),研究了它们对扫帚穗的出现和蚕豆产量的影响。与单独处理相比,在蚕豆栽培品种间套种亚麻或胡芦巴可显著降低 O. crenata 的侵扰水平,并提高蚕豆产量。亚麻比葫芦巴更能有效降低 O. crenata 的侵染率。这种降低似乎与种子发芽率降低有关,可能是由于葫芦巴根释放的等位化学物质造成的,但这一点在本研究中并未得到证实。与米斯尔 3 号相比,吉萨 843 号杂草侵扰的减少更为明显。与其他间作处理相比,亚麻处理的杂草侵扰率最低。对 Giza 843 和 Misr 3 来说,胡芦巴间作处理的豆荚产量最高。使用抗性栽培品种与胡芦巴或亚麻间作是一个非常有前景的趋势,通常既能获得好的产量,又能减少萌发穗数,从而减少受感染土壤中的扫帚菜种子库。
{"title":"Effect of Intercropping by Flax, Radish and Fenugreek on Faba Bean, <i>Vicia faba</i> L., Production and Reduction of <i>Orobanche crenata</i> Forsk Seed Bank","authors":"Esmat Hegazi, Abou Zeid, Manal A. Attia, Mervat A. Hasaneen, Amany Shall, Mohamed Eryan, Nagat Aly, Sania Showiel, Safaa El-Rahman, Hamdy Taleb, Anter Mahmoud, W. Khafagi, Marwa Farag","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241302.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241302.15","url":null,"abstract":"Faba bean <i>Vicia faba</i> L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, <i>Orobanche crenata</i> Forsk (Orobanchaceae), present great threat parasitic weed to some crops in Egypt including faba bean. Egyptian farmers were forced to abandon growing faba bean crops due to <i>O. crenata</i> heavy soil infestation. Several methods have been used for controlling this parasite, but without obvious success. Many researches have shown that intercropping has been more effective than monocropping in suppression of parasitic weeds. The effect of intercropping (fenugreek, radish and flax) using two resistant cultivars (Giza 843& Misr 3) on the emergence of the broomrape spikes and faba bean production were carried out. Intercropping flax or fenugreek among faba bean cultivars, caused a significant reduction in the infestation levels of <i>O. crenata</i> and increased the faba bean yield compared with sole treatments. Flax was more effective in the reducing infestation rate by <i>O. crenata</i> than fenugreek. This reduction appeared to be related to reduced seed germination which may have been as a result of allelochemicals released by fenugreek roots, though this was not confirmed in this study. The reduction in weed infestation was more pronounced in Giza 843, than in Misr 3. Flax treatment showed the lowest weed infestation compared with other intercropping treatments. Fenugreek intercropping treatment resulted in the highest pod yield for both Giza 843 and Misr 3. Using resistant cultivars intercropping with fenugreek or flax is very promising trend that generally combines both good yield and low number of emerged spikes that reduce broomrape seed bank in the infected soils, with variations depending on the cultivar and growing season.","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":"456 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140750916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
It has been generally accepted that for breeders to embark on intensive production of rabbits there is a need to use appropriate body weight rabbit that has better performance. To provide such information, this study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of weight at first mating on the performance of the New Zealand White rabbit population at the University of Benin Teaching and Research Farm. The rabbits were grouped into four based on their weight before the first service (1.00 to 1.49kg, 1.50 to 1.99kg, 2.00 to 2.49kg, and 2.5kg and above) as weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The rabbits were raised under acceptable management. The experimental animals were fed a commercial diet of 18% CP and 2700kcal/kg ME. Data collected were weight of doe before service (WBS), number of time served (NTS), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter weight at weaning (LWW), pre-weaning mortality percentage (PWM), gestation length (GLT), and stillbirth (SBT). The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the R statistical package version 3.3.3 (2017). Significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results obtained showed an increasing trend with body weight at first service. The mean values for LWB were 40.08±1.04, 43.83±2.16, 49.26±2.93 and 45.57±3.74 g for weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Rabbits in weight 2 and 3 had a higher CV of 30%. Mean LWW ranged from 366.20±26.92 in group 1 to 442.90±29.74 in weight group 4. The average LSB was 4 kits. Litter sizes at weaning (LSW) were 3 kits except for group 4 with 4 kits. The body weight at first mating had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the performance traits. Gestation length (GLT) and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) showed significance (P<0.05). Gestation length (GLT) was highest in weight group 4 with mean days of 32.14±0.40 and the least in group 3 (30.53±0.09). Percentage SBT was highest in group 3 (10.48%) and none was recorded in group 4, 0.00±0.00. Percentage PWM was highest in groups 1 and 2 with 23.25% and 1.50%, respectively, while there was no PWM recorded in groups 3 and 4. The results of the efficiency of gain of offspring from the weight group were not significantly different (P>0.05) except for mortality which showed a significant difference (P<0.05). Rabbits from weight groups 1 and 3 showed better performance but for the high mortality in group 1, it will be better to mate rabbits for the first time at weight group 3.
{"title":"Effect of Weight at First Mating on the Performance of New Zealand White Rabbit Population in the Rainforest Zone of Nigeria","authors":"Collins Obugo, God’spower Bello-Onaghise, Arierhire Orheruata","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241302.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241302.14","url":null,"abstract":"It has been generally accepted that for breeders to embark on intensive production of rabbits there is a need to use appropriate body weight rabbit that has better performance. To provide such information, this study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of weight at first mating on the performance of the New Zealand White rabbit population at the University of Benin Teaching and Research Farm. The rabbits were grouped into four based on their weight before the first service (1.00 to 1.49kg, 1.50 to 1.99kg, 2.00 to 2.49kg, and 2.5kg and above) as weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The rabbits were raised under acceptable management. The experimental animals were fed a commercial diet of 18% CP and 2700kcal/kg ME. Data collected were weight of doe before service (WBS), number of time served (NTS), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter weight at weaning (LWW), pre-weaning mortality percentage (PWM), gestation length (GLT), and stillbirth (SBT). The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the R statistical package version 3.3.3 (2017). Significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results obtained showed an increasing trend with body weight at first service. The mean values for LWB were 40.08±1.04, 43.83±2.16, 49.26±2.93 and 45.57±3.74 g for weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Rabbits in weight 2 and 3 had a higher CV of 30%. Mean LWW ranged from 366.20±26.92 in group 1 to 442.90±29.74 in weight group 4. The average LSB was 4 kits. Litter sizes at weaning (LSW) were 3 kits except for group 4 with 4 kits. The body weight at first mating had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the performance traits. Gestation length (GLT) and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) showed significance (P<0.05). Gestation length (GLT) was highest in weight group 4 with mean days of 32.14±0.40 and the least in group 3 (30.53±0.09). Percentage SBT was highest in group 3 (10.48%) and none was recorded in group 4, 0.00±0.00. Percentage PWM was highest in groups 1 and 2 with 23.25% and 1.50%, respectively, while there was no PWM recorded in groups 3 and 4. The results of the efficiency of gain of offspring from the weight group were not significantly different (P>0.05) except for mortality which showed a significant difference (P<0.05). Rabbits from weight groups 1 and 3 showed better performance but for the high mortality in group 1, it will be better to mate rabbits for the first time at weight group 3.","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":"117 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-02DOI: 10.11648/j.aff.20241302.13
Amanuel Warke, Tesfaye Wakgari
Soil acidity is a type of soil deterioration that has a negative impact on Ethiopia's overall and Western Oromia's specific sustainable agricultural production. Currently, soil acidity in highland portions of Western Oromia, including Gimbi, Nedjo, and surrounding areas, is a major problem that can impede agricultural productivity. Reviewing the mechanisms of soil acidification, which can affect soil nutrient availability and agricultural production, as well as management choices, were done in this context for this review topic. The main causes of acid soils are leaching of exchangeable basic cations and topsoil erosion caused by high temperatures and heavy rains, which promote the loss of organic matter the most. In most of Ethiopia's highland regions, the removal of agricultural waste and ongoing use of inorganic fertilizers that produce acidity are major factors in the development of soil acidity. Al and Mn toxicity are caused by acid soil, which also reduces nutrient availability. Furthermore, agricultural yield decreases due to acidity in the soil. The management options for acid soils include crop types resistant to Al toxicity, liming, and the use of organic materials as integrated forms of soil fertility control. Therefore, lime and organic fertilizers should be employed as crucial agricultural techniques for small-holder farmers in acidic soil locations in order to decrease the effects of soil acidity.
{"title":"A Review on the Impact of Soil Acidification on Plant Nutrient Availability, Crop Productivity, and Management Options in the Ethiopian Highlands","authors":"Amanuel Warke, Tesfaye Wakgari","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241302.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241302.13","url":null,"abstract":"Soil acidity is a type of soil deterioration that has a negative impact on Ethiopia's overall and Western Oromia's specific sustainable agricultural production. Currently, soil acidity in highland portions of Western Oromia, including Gimbi, Nedjo, and surrounding areas, is a major problem that can impede agricultural productivity. Reviewing the mechanisms of soil acidification, which can affect soil nutrient availability and agricultural production, as well as management choices, were done in this context for this review topic. The main causes of acid soils are leaching of exchangeable basic cations and topsoil erosion caused by high temperatures and heavy rains, which promote the loss of organic matter the most. In most of Ethiopia's highland regions, the removal of agricultural waste and ongoing use of inorganic fertilizers that produce acidity are major factors in the development of soil acidity. Al and Mn toxicity are caused by acid soil, which also reduces nutrient availability. Furthermore, agricultural yield decreases due to acidity in the soil. The management options for acid soils include crop types resistant to Al toxicity, liming, and the use of organic materials as integrated forms of soil fertility control. Therefore, lime and organic fertilizers should be employed as crucial agricultural techniques for small-holder farmers in acidic soil locations in order to decrease the effects of soil acidity.","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":"203 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-20DOI: 10.11648/j.aff.20241302.12
Mesay Tadesse, N. Geleta, Gudeta Nepir
Knowledge of genetic variability is necessary to develop a suitable breeding method for crop improvement. Thus, further information on the existence of variability in sesame accessions is needed to set appropriate breeding strategies and improve sesame in terms of yield and desired quality traits. Based on this concern, this research was conducted to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among sesame accessions. A total of sixty-four sesame (Sesamumindicum L.) Accessions were evaluated in an 8*8 lattice design with two replications in 2021 at the Werer Agricultural Research Center. The results of the analysis of variance showed that, except for the 50% days to emergence and the number of seeds per pod, there were statistically significant differences between the accessions for all traits. A relatively high (>20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was estimated for the number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield, and biomass yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) was recorded for thousand seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, biomass yield, and seed yield. The information and genetic variability obtained in the present study could be used to plant appropriate breeding procedures and develop genotypes with high productivity in future sesame improvement programs.
要想为作物改良制定合适的育种方法,就必须了解遗传变异性。因此,需要进一步了解芝麻品种中存在的变异性,以制定适当的育种策略,从产量和所需的品质性状方面改良芝麻。基于此,本研究对芝麻品种的表型和基因型变异性、遗传率和遗传进展进行了估计。2021 年,研究人员在韦勒农业研究中心(Werer Agricultural Research Center)对 64 个芝麻(Sesamum indicum L. )品种进行了评估,采用 8*8 网格设计,两次重复。方差分析结果表明,除 50%出苗天数和每荚种子数外,其他所有性状在不同品种之间均存在显著差异。每株荚果数、每株二次分枝数、种子产量和生物量产量的表型和基因型变异系数相对较高(>20%)。千粒重、每株一级分枝数、每株豆荚数、生物质产量和种子产量的遗传率较高,遗传进展占平均值的百分比(GAM)也较高。本研究获得的信息和遗传变异性可用来在未来的芝麻改良计划中采用适当的育种程序和开发高产基因型。
{"title":"Studies of Genetic Variability in Sesame (<i>Sesamum</i> <i>indicum</i> L.) Collections for Morpho-Agronomic Traits at Werer, Ethiopia","authors":"Mesay Tadesse, N. Geleta, Gudeta Nepir","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241302.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241302.12","url":null,"abstract":"Knowledge of genetic variability is necessary to develop a suitable breeding method for crop improvement. Thus, further information on the existence of variability in sesame accessions is needed to set appropriate breeding strategies and improve sesame in terms of yield and desired quality traits. Based on this concern, this research was conducted to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among sesame accessions. A total of sixty-four sesame (<i>Sesamum</i> <i>indicum</i> L.) Accessions were evaluated in an 8*8 lattice design with two replications in 2021 at the Werer Agricultural Research Center. The results of the analysis of variance showed that, except for the 50% days to emergence and the number of seeds per pod, there were statistically significant differences between the accessions for all traits. A relatively high (>20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was estimated for the number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield, and biomass yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) was recorded for thousand seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, biomass yield, and seed yield. The information and genetic variability obtained in the present study could be used to plant appropriate breeding procedures and develop genotypes with high productivity in future sesame improvement programs.\u0000","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140225639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming on the germination and seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment consisted of two factors, namely; five priming solutions (distilled water, KNO3 (0.2%), GA3 (200 ppm), cow urine (10%), and tap water), and two soaking durations (6 hrs. and 9 hrs.). The factorial combination of these factors was arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Different parameters were measured, including seed germination percentage, germination index, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, as well as root volume. Notably, the main effect of the priming solution had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the aforesaid germination and seedling growth attributes. However, the main effect of soaking duration and their interaction with priming solutions did not exhibit a significant effect (P>0.05). Among the priming solutions, the application of cow urine at a 10% concentration exhibited a significant effect on the seed germination and subsequent growth of the cardamom seedlings. Advantageous results of seedling vigor indexes I and II were observed from cardamom seeds primed with the same solution. Accordingly, the growers and seedling producers in the study area are advised to apply a 10% cow urine priming solution before sowing cardamom seeds for enhanced germination and seedling growth.
我们进行了一项实验,以确定种子处理对豆蔻发芽和幼苗生长的影响。实验包括两个因素,即五种催芽溶液(蒸馏水、KNO3(0.2%)、GA3(200 ppm)、牛尿(10%)和自来水)和两种浸泡时间(6 小时和 9 小时)。这些因素的因子组合采用随机完全区组设计,重复四次。测量了不同的参数,包括种子发芽率、发芽指数、芽和根的长度、芽和根的鲜重和干重以及根的体积。值得注意的是,打底液的主效应显著(P0.05)。在底肥溶液中,施用 10%浓度的牛尿对豆蔻幼苗的种子萌发和随后的生长有显著影响。使用相同溶液催芽的豆蔻种子在幼苗活力指数 I 和 II 方面均表现出优势。因此,建议研究地区的种植者和秧苗生产者在播种豆蔻种子前使用 10%的牛尿催芽液,以提高发芽率和秧苗生长。
{"title":"Effect of Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Cardamom (<i>Elletaria cardamomum</i> L. Maton) at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia","authors":"Behailu Mekonnen, Asrade Chane, Belay Gezahegn, Hassan Seid, Getachew Shiferaw, T. Mulualem","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241302.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241302.11","url":null,"abstract":"An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming on the germination and seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment consisted of two factors, namely; five priming solutions (distilled water, KNO<sub>3</sub> (0.2%), GA<sub>3</sub> (200 ppm), cow urine (10%), and tap water), and two soaking durations (6 hrs. and 9 hrs.). The factorial combination of these factors was arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Different parameters were measured, including seed germination percentage, germination index, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, as well as root volume. Notably, the main effect of the priming solution had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the aforesaid germination and seedling growth attributes. However, the main effect of soaking duration and their interaction with priming solutions did not exhibit a significant effect (P>0.05). Among the priming solutions, the application of cow urine at a 10% concentration exhibited a significant effect on the seed germination and subsequent growth of the cardamom seedlings. Advantageous results of seedling vigor indexes I and II were observed from cardamom seeds primed with the same solution. Accordingly, the growers and seedling producers in the study area are advised to apply a 10% cow urine priming solution before sowing cardamom seeds for enhanced germination and seedling growth.\u0000","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":"11 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140227328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-11DOI: 10.11648/j.aff.20241301.12
Damtew Girma Legese
{"title":"Effect of Intra Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Growth Performance of Hot Pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum </i>L.) at Wolkite University, Central Ethiopia","authors":"Damtew Girma Legese","doi":"10.11648/j.aff.20241301.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241301.12","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7466,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries","volume":" 32","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139625760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}