Purpose: Cameroon is the food basket of the Central African Region in terms of food production and a significant proportion of her population depends on the production of fruits and vegetables for livelihood. The Western Highlands of Cameroon is known for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. The Foumbot Production Basin in the Western Highlands of Cameroon is noted for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. Produce originating from this area is consumed throughout the nation, especially in the Southern Regions of Cameroon and also exported to neighbouring countries like Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic. This study therefore sought to find out how pesticides are being employed in the production of these crops (mostly fruits and leafy vegetables, of short growing cycles) in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands of Cameroon.
Methodology: A survey was conducted in which a well-developed questionnaire containing both closed multiple-choice and open-ended questions, was established to collect important information related to the topic from the market gardeners in the Foumbot Production Basin. A total of 100 market gardeners were interviewed. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data allowed us to assess the pesticide use practices of tomato growers by having a clear idea on demographic social characteristics (sex, level of education, age, and marital status), agronomic practices (cropping season and cropping system), application of pesticides (types of pesticides used, source of information’s relating to the use of pesticides, the moment of application, reaction following the ineffectiveness of the product, respect pre-harvest intervals, knowledge of the presence of residues in the fruits, health effects, wearing of PPE and disposal of empty packaging).
Findings: It was observed that a majority of the gardeners were males with mostly secondary education. Many of the gardeners did not disposed their empty pesticide containers properly while a majority did not use personal protective equipment during application. Up to 93% of producers do not respect or ignore the pre-harvest interval. Harvest was determined by the availability of buyers of the crop, irrespective of the last time it was sprayed. This is attributed to the complete absence of extension services and training.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This information can be used to develop a training programme on pest management especially on pesticide use in the Foumbot Production Basin.
{"title":"Pesticide Usage in Pest Management by Vegetable Producers in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands (Cameroon)","authors":"Abdulai Nkuh, D.N. Tarla, Norbert Ngameni, V.K. Payne","doi":"10.47672/aja.1589","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1589","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Cameroon is the food basket of the Central African Region in terms of food production and a significant proportion of her population depends on the production of fruits and vegetables for livelihood. The Western Highlands of Cameroon is known for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. The Foumbot Production Basin in the Western Highlands of Cameroon is noted for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. Produce originating from this area is consumed throughout the nation, especially in the Southern Regions of Cameroon and also exported to neighbouring countries like Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic. This study therefore sought to find out how pesticides are being employed in the production of these crops (mostly fruits and leafy vegetables, of short growing cycles) in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. 
 Methodology: A survey was conducted in which a well-developed questionnaire containing both closed multiple-choice and open-ended questions, was established to collect important information related to the topic from the market gardeners in the Foumbot Production Basin. A total of 100 market gardeners were interviewed. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data allowed us to assess the pesticide use practices of tomato growers by having a clear idea on demographic social characteristics (sex, level of education, age, and marital status), agronomic practices (cropping season and cropping system), application of pesticides (types of pesticides used, source of information’s relating to the use of pesticides, the moment of application, reaction following the ineffectiveness of the product, respect pre-harvest intervals, knowledge of the presence of residues in the fruits, health effects, wearing of PPE and disposal of empty packaging). 
 Findings: It was observed that a majority of the gardeners were males with mostly secondary education. Many of the gardeners did not disposed their empty pesticide containers properly while a majority did not use personal protective equipment during application. Up to 93% of producers do not respect or ignore the pre-harvest interval. Harvest was determined by the availability of buyers of the crop, irrespective of the last time it was sprayed. This is attributed to the complete absence of extension services and training. 
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This information can be used to develop a training programme on pest management especially on pesticide use in the Foumbot Production Basin.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"36 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135817732","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}
The main problem of agriculture is finding a compromise between (1) food security and (2) minimal nega- tive impact on the environment. Currently, the first task is called upon to solve traditional agriculture, the second — organic. To identify the most sustainable type of agriculture, it is important to compare their economic aspects. When comparing, the analogy method was used. To assess the dynamics of demand for organic products and resources for their production, data from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the National Organic Union and the Union of Organic Farming were analyzed. The purpose of the study: to identify the benefits and opportunities of organic agriculture, the conditions for its long-term sustainability. The problem under consideration: the choice of the most appropriate type of agricul- ture for solving the main problems of the industry. The study showed that the driver for the development of organic agriculture in developed countries is consumer demand and a number of positive externalities, while the limiting factors for the wide distribution of this type are the high price of products, the decrease in the level of food security of countries, the need to increase the cost of research and development of specific technologies. In the short term, traditional agriculture will continue to dominate due to higher productivity. Organic agriculture, with an increase in research costs and the introduction of innovations, can compete with traditional agriculture in the long term.
{"title":"Organic and Conventional Agriculture- A Comparative Economics: Bulletin of Agrarian State University from Moldova: 2022; (5/462):123-130. ISSN 1994-2796 (Print) Scientific Article","authors":"Zolotariov Petru","doi":"10.47672/aja.1555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1555","url":null,"abstract":"The main problem of agriculture is finding a compromise between (1) food security and (2) minimal nega- tive impact on the environment. Currently, the first task is called upon to solve traditional agriculture, the second — organic. To identify the most sustainable type of agriculture, it is important to compare their economic aspects. When comparing, the analogy method was used. To assess the dynamics of demand for organic products and resources for their production, data from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the National Organic Union and the Union of Organic Farming were analyzed. The purpose of the study: to identify the benefits and opportunities of organic agriculture, the conditions for its long-term sustainability. The problem under consideration: the choice of the most appropriate type of agricul- ture for solving the main problems of the industry. The study showed that the driver for the development of organic agriculture in developed countries is consumer demand and a number of positive externalities, while the limiting factors for the wide distribution of this type are the high price of products, the decrease in the level of food security of countries, the need to increase the cost of research and development of specific technologies. In the short term, traditional agriculture will continue to dominate due to higher productivity. Organic agriculture, with an increase in research costs and the introduction of innovations, can compete with traditional agriculture in the long term.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"48 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82720471","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}
Akoa Akoa, Clément Eya’a, Obilima Armand, M. Martin
Purpose: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology risk of cercospora leaf spot in groundnut’s protection into some farmers in Cameroon, Methodology: The research adopted new approches like Cramer’s modified test after the factorial analysis of components (fac). 224 farmers were investigated during this experimentation by answers to 8 questions about methods of protection against cercospora. Globally the test shows that the impact of this pathology is moderated and the value is 0.86, finding value after the use twice Cramer’s modified test and a modified scale. Findings: This result explain why farmers in Cameroon continue to produce in spite of the encrease of this pathology around the word. And we observe that the variables of production in zone 1 and zone 2 are very different. Recommendations: The factorial analyses components of 224 groundnut’s farmers show the presence of and the different models of in situ conservation in the north and south region in Cameroon. These two agro-ecological area are differed by variables which characterizes every location. The V’ epidemiological risk test shows that leaf spot risk is moderated (0.86) because the Cramer’s test who represents the intensity of knowledge about these diseases is weak (0.14). This reason explains why groundnut production is also sustainable in regard of the lost of yields by these pathologies around the world. Cameroon cannot use or import in high quantities chemical products to manage this disease, because his armful for the moment is very weak.
{"title":"Evaluation of the Risk of Epidemiology against Leafspot in Some Farmers Traditional Systems on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Conservation in Cameroon Using Cramer’s Modified Test","authors":"Akoa Akoa, Clément Eya’a, Obilima Armand, M. Martin","doi":"10.47672/aja.1479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1479","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology risk of cercospora leaf spot in groundnut’s protection into some farmers in Cameroon, \u0000Methodology: The research adopted new approches like Cramer’s modified test after the factorial analysis of components (fac). 224 farmers were investigated during this experimentation by answers to 8 questions about methods of protection against cercospora. Globally the test shows that the impact of this pathology is moderated and the value is 0.86, finding value after the use twice Cramer’s modified test and a modified scale. \u0000Findings: This result explain why farmers in Cameroon continue to produce in spite of the encrease of this pathology around the word. And we observe that the variables of production in zone 1 and zone 2 are very different. \u0000Recommendations: The factorial analyses components of 224 groundnut’s farmers show the presence of and the different models of in situ conservation in the north and south region in Cameroon. These two agro-ecological area are differed by variables which characterizes every location. The V’ epidemiological risk test shows that leaf spot risk is moderated (0.86) because the Cramer’s test who represents the intensity of knowledge about these diseases is weak (0.14). This reason explains why groundnut production is also sustainable in regard of the lost of yields by these pathologies around the world. Cameroon cannot use or import in high quantities chemical products to manage this disease, because his armful for the moment is very weak. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73007408","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}
Purpose: Water saving practices are crucial for crop production in drought prone areas. This study was conducted in Bugesera District, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. The objective was to determine the effect of irrigation levels and mulching types on growth and yields of beans. Methodology: A split plot experiment consisting of three irrigation levels as main plots and three mulching types (no mulch, grass mulch and plastic mulch) as subplots, in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replications was conducted. Climbing bean, Mac 44 variety, was planted at 50 cm × 20 cm spacing. Different levels of irrigation and mulching were applied from 3 weeks after crop emergence. Irrigation water was applied using a manual watering can. Findings: Bean height and grain yield varied significantly due to the combined effects of irrigation × mulching. Highest value of plant height, 100 grain weight and yield value were obtained under the combination of 50% irrigation level with grass mulch. Compared to the control, yield improvement of 83%, 100 grains weight improvement of 39% and plant height increase of 20 % were observed under I1M1. Significant and positive correlations were observed between yield, plant height and yield parameters. The observed interdependence of yield parameters is illustrated by the positive and significant correlation between these parameters. Combining irrigation and mulching would improve climbing production while saving irrigation water up to 50%. Recommendation: Both plastic and grass mulch gave similar results, however grass mulch is recommended for climbing bean production in the study area due to its additional advantages over the plastic mulch.
目的:节水措施对干旱易发地区的作物生产至关重要。这项研究是在卢旺达东部省的布格塞拉区进行的。目的是确定灌溉水平和覆盖类型对豆类生长和产量的影响。方法:采用随机完全区设计(RCBD)，以3个灌溉水平为主小区，3种覆盖类型(无覆盖、草覆盖和地膜覆盖)为次小区，进行3个重复的分割小区试验。攀缘豆，mac44品种，种植间距50 cm × 20 cm。作物出苗后3周起施用不同程度的灌溉和覆盖。灌溉水使用手动喷壶。结果:在不同灌覆条件下，豆高和籽粒产量变化显著。在50%灌溉水平加覆盖条件下，水稻株高、百粒重和产量值最高。与对照相比，I1M1处理的产量提高了83%，百粒重提高了39%，株高提高了20%。产量、株高与产量参数呈显著正相关。观测到的产量参数之间的相互依赖关系由这些参数之间的正显著相关说明。灌溉与覆盖相结合可提高攀援产量，同时节约灌溉用水达50%。建议:塑料覆盖和草覆盖的结果相似，但由于草覆盖比塑料覆盖有更多的优势，因此建议在研究区域内用于爬山豆生产。
{"title":"Influence of Irrigation Levels and Mulching Types on Growth and Yield of Bean in Drought Prone Area of Bugesera, Eastern Rwanda","authors":"Jeanine Uwanyirigira, S. Owido, J. Lelei","doi":"10.47672/aja.1368","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1368","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Water saving practices are crucial for crop production in drought prone areas. This study was conducted in Bugesera District, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. The objective was to determine the effect of irrigation levels and mulching types on growth and yields of beans. \u0000Methodology: A split plot experiment consisting of three irrigation levels as main plots and three mulching types (no mulch, grass mulch and plastic mulch) as subplots, in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replications was conducted. Climbing bean, Mac 44 variety, was planted at 50 cm × 20 cm spacing. Different levels of irrigation and mulching were applied from 3 weeks after crop emergence. Irrigation water was applied using a manual watering can. \u0000Findings: Bean height and grain yield varied significantly due to the combined effects of irrigation × mulching. Highest value of plant height, 100 grain weight and yield value were obtained under the combination of 50% irrigation level with grass mulch. Compared to the control, yield improvement of 83%, 100 grains weight improvement of 39% and plant height increase of 20 % were observed under I1M1. Significant and positive correlations were observed between yield, plant height and yield parameters. The observed interdependence of yield parameters is illustrated by the positive and significant correlation between these parameters. Combining irrigation and mulching would improve climbing production while saving irrigation water up to 50%. \u0000Recommendation: Both plastic and grass mulch gave similar results, however grass mulch is recommended for climbing bean production in the study area due to its additional advantages over the plastic mulch. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84268490","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}
K. B. Jinadu, B. O. Oluwatosin, O. A. Fasae, J. Abiona, A. Oderinwale, A. Adekanbi, S. Abdulsalam, A. Akingbade
Purpose: Plant secondary metabolites available in Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe additive to enhance the physiological health status of rams. Thus, this study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed diets containing varying levels of TTFM. Methodology: Twenty five (25) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20 ± 0.20kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. Blood samples were collected at the onset and the end of the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical indices. Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings: Results showed that haematological parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) different in all dietary treatments except for eosinophil obtained at 20th week of the study with the lowest (p>0.05) value at 1.5% TTFM. Total serum protein and glucose values were positively influenced as addition of TTFM increased. It can be concluded that TTFM could be utilized for ram productivity without any adverse effect on the health status of experimental rams. Recommendation: It can therefore be recommended that TTFM could be included into the diets of WAD rams up to 2.0% level to improve the positive blood profile responses.
{"title":"Haematological Parameters and Serum Biochemical Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Diets Containing Tetrapleura tetraptera (African Porridge) Fruit Meal","authors":"K. B. Jinadu, B. O. Oluwatosin, O. A. Fasae, J. Abiona, A. Oderinwale, A. Adekanbi, S. Abdulsalam, A. Akingbade","doi":"10.47672/aja.1321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1321","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Plant secondary metabolites available in Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe additive to enhance the physiological health status of rams. Thus, this study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed diets containing varying levels of TTFM. \u0000Methodology: Twenty five (25) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20 ± 0.20kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. Blood samples were collected at the onset and the end of the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical indices. Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). \u0000Findings: Results showed that haematological parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) different in all dietary treatments except for eosinophil obtained at 20th week of the study with the lowest (p>0.05) value at 1.5% TTFM. Total serum protein and glucose values were positively influenced as addition of TTFM increased. It can be concluded that TTFM could be utilized for ram productivity without any adverse effect on the health status of experimental rams. \u0000Recommendation: It can therefore be recommended that TTFM could be included into the diets of WAD rams up to 2.0% level to improve the positive blood profile responses.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81742973","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}
Purpose: Tomato is one of the most popular and versatile vegetables in the world and organic production with high yields of desirable quality are a target of many producers. However, the yield of tomatoes in Uganda are low compared to other parts of the world. The reason is that most soils in Uganda are low in fertility. There is widespread soil degradation, due to massive soil erosion resulting into loss of organic matter, high soil acidity and nutrient imbalance hence low crop yields. This study aimed at establishing the effect of different poultry manure on the performance of tomatoes. Methodology: The field trials were conducted in the mid altitude environment at BSU farm. Four treatments which included broiler, Layer, combination of Broiler and Layer chicken manure and the control were applied. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. Measurements were made on number of leaves, number of flowers, plant height, fruit weight, fruit size, number of tomatoes and yield per hectare. Broiler and layer chicken manure increased the number of leaves, plant height number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight and fruit size significantly. Findings: The results indicate that poultry manure is very rich in macro nutrients. Among the treatments, broiler and layer chicken manure gave the highest fruit yield of 13.8 and 13.4 tons per hectare (t/ha) respectively. A combination of the manure produced 12.8 t/ha and the control treatment gave the lowest yield of 8.1 tons per hectare (t/ha). There was no significant difference between broiler and layer chicken manure. Both manures were equally good and enhanced yield. Therefore, farmers may opt for either of the two depending on the availability. Recommendation: The study recommend that either broiler or layer chicken manure can be used for production of tomato in order to achieve high yields.
{"title":"Effect of Different Poultry Manure on the Performance of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum mill)","authors":"Julius Agaba, D. Osiru, Daniel Ndizihiwe","doi":"10.47672/aja.1315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1315","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Tomato is one of the most popular and versatile vegetables in the world and organic production with high yields of desirable quality are a target of many producers. However, the yield of tomatoes in Uganda are low compared to other parts of the world. The reason is that most soils in Uganda are low in fertility. There is widespread soil degradation, due to massive soil erosion resulting into loss of organic matter, high soil acidity and nutrient imbalance hence low crop yields. This study aimed at establishing the effect of different poultry manure on the performance of tomatoes. \u0000Methodology: The field trials were conducted in the mid altitude environment at BSU farm. Four treatments which included broiler, Layer, combination of Broiler and Layer chicken manure and the control were applied. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. Measurements were made on number of leaves, number of flowers, plant height, fruit weight, fruit size, number of tomatoes and yield per hectare. Broiler and layer chicken manure increased the number of leaves, plant height number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight and fruit size significantly. \u0000Findings: The results indicate that poultry manure is very rich in macro nutrients. Among the treatments, broiler and layer chicken manure gave the highest fruit yield of 13.8 and 13.4 tons per hectare (t/ha) respectively. A combination of the manure produced 12.8 t/ha and the control treatment gave the lowest yield of 8.1 tons per hectare (t/ha). There was no significant difference between broiler and layer chicken manure. Both manures were equally good and enhanced yield. Therefore, farmers may opt for either of the two depending on the availability. \u0000Recommendation: The study recommend that either broiler or layer chicken manure can be used for production of tomato in order to achieve high yields.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73076414","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}
David K Muruu, J. Kinyua, M. Kepue, Linnet Kerubo, Isaac Njaci, Bernard Mware
Purpose: Viral diseases cause severe yield losses and quality decline in crops worldwide. Despite their economic significance, the occurrence and distribution of the major viruses and viroids infecting Taro in Kenya remain poor, limiting the development of robust disease management strategies to mitigate their spread. This study thus aimed to identify the viruses and viroids infecting Taro in Kenya as a basis for developing effective management strategies to support the prevention and control of Taro viruses. Methodology: Viral surveys and sampling were conducted across nine Taro-growing counties with diverse agroecological conditions in Kenya to determine the incidence and distribution of viruses affecting Taro. Leaf and whole plant samples of symptomatic edible and wild Taro were collected for PCR, RT-PCR, and small RNA sequencing assays to determine the diversity of viruses and viroids infecting Taro. Results: Disease-like symptoms, including stunting, leaf rolling, shrinkage, deformed leaves with mosaic and yellow veins, and dwarfism, were observed. An overall mean disease incidence of 32-60% was recorded in all sites surveyed. Small RNA sequencing revealed the presence of both DNA and RNA viruses. Detected DNA viruses included the Taro Bacilliform Virus (TaBV) and Taro Bacilliform CH Virus (TaBCHV), badnaviruses specific to Taro, the sweet potato Badnavirus B, sugarcane bacilliform virus, and sweet potato leaf curl virus. The RNA viruses included the sweet potato feathery mottle and Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus. A Citrus exocortis viroid was also detected. Interestingly, the wild relatives of Taro displayed very few viral sequence hits. This study reports the Taro viruses and viroids circulating in Kenya and is the first to describe the incidence, distribution, and sequence variability of TaBV in Kenya. Recommendations: Future studies should focus on developing effective management strategies to support the prevention and control of Taro viruses, including genetic resources for virus-Taro interactions, removing infected crops, controlling insect vectors, and developing virus-free planting materials.
{"title":"Diversity of Viruses and Viroids Infecting Taro in Kenya Based on Small RNA Sequencing and PCR Detection","authors":"David K Muruu, J. Kinyua, M. Kepue, Linnet Kerubo, Isaac Njaci, Bernard Mware","doi":"10.47672/aja.1281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1281","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Viral diseases cause severe yield losses and quality decline in crops worldwide. Despite their economic significance, the occurrence and distribution of the major viruses and viroids infecting Taro in Kenya remain poor, limiting the development of robust disease management strategies to mitigate their spread. This study thus aimed to identify the viruses and viroids infecting Taro in Kenya as a basis for developing effective management strategies to support the prevention and control of Taro viruses. \u0000Methodology: Viral surveys and sampling were conducted across nine Taro-growing counties with diverse agroecological conditions in Kenya to determine the incidence and distribution of viruses affecting Taro. Leaf and whole plant samples of symptomatic edible and wild Taro were collected for PCR, RT-PCR, and small RNA sequencing assays to determine the diversity of viruses and viroids infecting Taro. \u0000Results: Disease-like symptoms, including stunting, leaf rolling, shrinkage, deformed leaves with mosaic and yellow veins, and dwarfism, were observed. An overall mean disease incidence of 32-60% was recorded in all sites surveyed. Small RNA sequencing revealed the presence of both DNA and RNA viruses. Detected DNA viruses included the Taro Bacilliform Virus (TaBV) and Taro Bacilliform CH Virus (TaBCHV), badnaviruses specific to Taro, the sweet potato Badnavirus B, sugarcane bacilliform virus, and sweet potato leaf curl virus. The RNA viruses included the sweet potato feathery mottle and Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus. A Citrus exocortis viroid was also detected. Interestingly, the wild relatives of Taro displayed very few viral sequence hits. This study reports the Taro viruses and viroids circulating in Kenya and is the first to describe the incidence, distribution, and sequence variability of TaBV in Kenya. \u0000Recommendations: Future studies should focus on developing effective management strategies to support the prevention and control of Taro viruses, including genetic resources for virus-Taro interactions, removing infected crops, controlling insect vectors, and developing virus-free planting materials.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"272 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76560802","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}
Purpose: A total of 60 pigs of both sexes (30 males and 30 females) reared under intensive system of management were randomly sampled and used in this study that lasted for 20 weeks, to assess the relationship between bodyweight and biometric parameters. Methodology: Data obtained for bodyweight (kg), height (cm), body length (cm) and heart girth (cm) were subjected to Bivariate Pearson Correlation, analysed using SPSS version 25. Findings: The result showed that despite higher numerical values recorded for female pigs, there were no correlation between sex and other body biometric parameters. However, body weight had strong correlation with other biometric parameters analysed. The body length had the highest direct contributions (r = 0.981) to body weight in male and female pigs respectively. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The forecast indices recorded in this work could be employed to predict bodyweight estimation and help in making management decision and breeding programs for genetic improvement in pigs.
{"title":"Body Weight and Biometric Parameters of Piglets Reared under Intensive System of Management in the Humid Tropic","authors":"B. I. Odo, C. C. Obiagwu, T. C. Amalu","doi":"10.47672/aja.1278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1278","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: A total of 60 pigs of both sexes (30 males and 30 females) reared under intensive system of management were randomly sampled and used in this study that lasted for 20 weeks, to assess the relationship between bodyweight and biometric parameters. \u0000Methodology: Data obtained for bodyweight (kg), height (cm), body length (cm) and heart girth (cm) were subjected to Bivariate Pearson Correlation, analysed using SPSS version 25. \u0000Findings: The result showed that despite higher numerical values recorded for female pigs, there were no correlation between sex and other body biometric parameters. However, body weight had strong correlation with other biometric parameters analysed. The body length had the highest direct contributions (r = 0.981) to body weight in male and female pigs respectively. \u0000Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The forecast indices recorded in this work could be employed to predict bodyweight estimation and help in making management decision and breeding programs for genetic improvement in pigs.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88757716","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}
Purpose: In Pakistan, sugarcane possesses significant importance in national agriculture to produce crystalline sugar and sugary production. However, the production is stagnant and faces multiple issues. This study aims to evaluate and solve the challenges that sugarcane farmers face in Sindh, providing evidence from sugarcane-rich district Ghotki. Methodology: We collected the data from sugarcane farmers in four areas of the Ghotki district via five in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions. Findings: The results pointed out that the sugarcane farmers are small landholders, and the sugarcane crop is their only source of livelihood. The significant challenges they faced were the sugarcane production system, land preparation, planting seasons, small landholdings, lack of capital, social problems, transportation, harvesting, and credit shortage. Unique Contribution to Practice and Policy: These findings are crucial for responsible institutions, mainly agriculture extension in the province, to devise policies to improve their livelihoods. If the government takes necessary action on these challenges, production and yield can increase in-country and the national economy by exporting refined crystalline sugar.
{"title":"Challenges of Sugarcane Farmers in Sindh: A Micro-Level, Qualitative Study of Ghotki District","authors":"A. Mushtaq, Ahmed Channa Khalil","doi":"10.47672/aja.1244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1244","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: In Pakistan, sugarcane possesses significant importance in national agriculture to produce crystalline sugar and sugary production. However, the production is stagnant and faces multiple issues. This study aims to evaluate and solve the challenges that sugarcane farmers face in Sindh, providing evidence from sugarcane-rich district Ghotki. \u0000Methodology: We collected the data from sugarcane farmers in four areas of the Ghotki district via five in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions. \u0000Findings: The results pointed out that the sugarcane farmers are small landholders, and the sugarcane crop is their only source of livelihood. The significant challenges they faced were the sugarcane production system, land preparation, planting seasons, small landholdings, lack of capital, social problems, transportation, harvesting, and credit shortage. \u0000Unique Contribution to Practice and Policy: These findings are crucial for responsible institutions, mainly agriculture extension in the province, to devise policies to improve their livelihoods. If the government takes necessary action on these challenges, production and yield can increase in-country and the national economy by exporting refined crystalline sugar.","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81436065","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}
Purpose: Agricultural insurance has been offered in some developed economies for more than a century. In contrast, the sector remains underserviced in low and middle-income economies. Penetration of agricultural insurance exceeds 1 percent in developed economies but in low and middle- income countries, the agricultural insurance penetration is less than 0.3 percent. The gap between the penetration of non–life insurance and agricultural insurance increases as development status decreases. The purpose of this research work is to outline lessons from developed economies on how capacity building for agriculture insurance is done. Methodology: Relevant books references and journal articles for the study were identified using Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria entailed papers that were not over five years old. Findings: The study findings showed that insurance company’ in enveloped economies sell crop insurance policies through financial institutions or cooperatives, which are particularly important in marketing crop hail insurance. It was also found that in the developed economies, there is a national climate change policy as a means of capacity building for agriculture insurance. This policy helps the government to plan for training of staff and policymakers on how to advise farmers to take agricultural insurance. This policy also help in enhancement of the administrative and technical capacity of government institutions responsible for handling climate change related issues that affect agriculture insurance Recommendations: The study recommend policymakers in developing countries to focus on imperfections on the pricing of agricultural insurance products. This will help policymakers designing public support programs aimed at reducing the cost of insurance thus developing insurance products that are attractive and affordable to farmers and financially viable and sustainable for insurers. The study also recommend developing countries to embrace modern insurance pricing approaches that are based on the credibility theory such as the experience-based approach. This approach has been promoted in several developed countries to cover systemic risks because it allows for the adjustment of the expected loss based on additional credible information such as insured losses of other products. The study further recommend developing countries to promote insurer- insured partnerships.
{"title":"CAPACITY BUILDING FOR AGRICULTURE INSURANCE: LESSONS FROM DEVELOPED ECONOMIES","authors":"Ben Kajwang","doi":"10.47672/aja.1139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/aja.1139","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Agricultural insurance has been offered in some developed economies for more than a century. In contrast, the sector remains underserviced in low and middle-income economies. Penetration of agricultural insurance exceeds 1 percent in developed economies but in low and middle- income countries, the agricultural insurance penetration is less than 0.3 percent. The gap between the penetration of non–life insurance and agricultural insurance increases as development status decreases. The purpose of this research work is to outline lessons from developed economies on how capacity building for agriculture insurance is done. \u0000Methodology: Relevant books references and journal articles for the study were identified using Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria entailed papers that were not over five years old. \u0000Findings: The study findings showed that insurance company’ in enveloped economies sell crop insurance policies through financial institutions or cooperatives, which are particularly important in marketing crop hail insurance. It was also found that in the developed economies, there is a national climate change policy as a means of capacity building for agriculture insurance. This policy helps the government to plan for training of staff and policymakers on how to advise farmers to take agricultural insurance. This policy also help in enhancement of the administrative and technical capacity of government institutions responsible for handling climate change related issues that affect agriculture insurance \u0000Recommendations: The study recommend policymakers in developing countries to focus on imperfections on the pricing of agricultural insurance products. This will help policymakers designing public support programs aimed at reducing the cost of insurance thus developing insurance products that are attractive and affordable to farmers and financially viable and sustainable for insurers. The study also recommend developing countries to embrace modern insurance pricing approaches that are based on the credibility theory such as the experience-based approach. This approach has been promoted in several developed countries to cover systemic risks because it allows for the adjustment of the expected loss based on additional credible information such as insured losses of other products. The study further recommend developing countries to promote insurer- insured partnerships. ","PeriodicalId":7714,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Experimental Agriculture","volume":"493 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73928619","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}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：