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Stimulatory Effects of Flakes and Compost Amendment Based on Tithonia diversifolia on the Quality of PIF Plantain Seedlings Growth and Tolerance to Mycosphaerella fijiensis
Meshuneké Arouna,
Dakolé Daboy Charles,
Wassom Damien Fabrice,
Fotsing Silatsa Landry,
Elock Mbang Gaston,
Kengoum Djam Marie Paule,
Ché William Asah,
Kom Timma Jospin Walter,
Niemenak Nicolas,
Boudjeko Thaddée,
Ewané Cécile Annie
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2023
Pages:
107-120
Received:
12 June 2023
Accepted:
5 July 2023
Published:
17 July 2023
Abstract: Plantain (Musa AAB) in the banana family of Musaceae, contribute to food security for sub-Saharan African population due to its high energy value (128.6 kcal/100 g), minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus), dietary fiber and vitamins (A, B and C) as well as poverty alleviation for millions of people in these regions. However, plantain production in Africa and Cameroon in particular still encounters numerous problems despite these performances. Some of these problems include the decline of soil, ineffective control methods, parasitic constraints and principally, the unavailability of quantity and quality seedlings. The use of micropropagation technique as an alternative of seedlings unavailability in quantity and quality has been explored, yet, it requires expensive laboratory equipment’s and technical skills and is not affordable by small scale farmers. Chemical control remains the principal method which consists in the use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides that is reasonably efficient, yet the use of these chemical products shows some limits such as toxicity to the environment and human, costly to small scale farmers, pathogen resistance in plants and destruction of non-targeted species. The production of plantlets from stem bits (PIF) plantain seedlings in substrates with organic inputs like Tithonia diversifolia flakes and compost could be an alternative to the problem of growing healthy and good quality plantain plants. The objective of this research is to evaluate the stimulatory effects of flakes and compost amendment based on Tithonia diversifolia on the quality of PIF plantain seedlings growth and tolerance to Mycosphaerella fijiensis in nursery. The vegetative growth parameters, susceptibility to black Sigatoka disease and accumulation of biomarkers were assessed in the sterilized and non-sterilized substrate state. Flakes and compost amendment based on T. diversifolia significantly increase the height and the diameter of pseudo-stems, the total leaf area but also protect the seedlings against BSD up to about 89% compared to the control ones. They enhance the accumulation of biomarkers such as chlorophyll, sugars, amino acids, polyphenols, proteins, content and defense-related enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and ascorbate peroxidase). Flakes and compost amendment based on T. diversifolia seem to act as vital stimulators. They can therefore be seen as a tool for more sustainable and resilient agriculture, and poverty reduction for poor small farmers.
Abstract: Plantain (Musa AAB) in the banana family of Musaceae, contribute to food security for sub-Saharan African population due to its high energy value (128.6 kcal/100 g), minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus), dietary fiber and vitamins (A, B and C) as well as poverty alleviation for millions of people in these regions. However, plantain ...
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Rapid Species Discrimination of High Value Hardwood -- Pterocarpus macrocarpus via Real-Time PCR
Jiaying Wang,
Jihong Zhang,
Weijun Duan,
Xianfeng Chen,
Yan Wang
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2023
Pages:
121-127
Received:
20 June 2023
Accepted:
8 July 2023
Published:
17 July 2023
Abstract: Pterocarpus macrocarpus, a perennial, woody tree, is considered as a commercially valuable species with various applications in furniture making, building materials, drug development, and dyeing. The genus Pterocarpus comprises 66 species growing throughout the tropics, with P. macrocarpus and P. indicus being morphologically closely related, leading to difficulties in distinguishing them via anatomical features. The calcium-dependent protein kinase (CPK) gene is a Ser/Thr protein kinase existing in plants, whose Ca2+ sensing and kinase activities play a significant role in plant growth, development and response to various stresses. However, current molecular methods such as DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis are time-consuming and labour-intensive. In the present study, a rapid and reliable real-time PCR method for wood identification of this species was established. Through target regions selection, primer/probe design and testing, method validation, specificity and sensitivity analysis, the most efficient real-time PCR approach taking partial CPK gene region as the target, was finally built up. It has also been proven to be highly specific and sensitive with a detection limit near 1.8 × 10-2 ng/μL. This study provides a useful tool for wood species discrimination for the proper utilization of this valuable timber, which will certainly benefit the wood industry towards a better and reasonable circumstance.
Abstract: Pterocarpus macrocarpus, a perennial, woody tree, is considered as a commercially valuable species with various applications in furniture making, building materials, drug development, and dyeing. The genus Pterocarpus comprises 66 species growing throughout the tropics, with P. macrocarpus and P. indicus being morphologically closely related, leadi...
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Soybean (Glycine max) Yield Loss Due to Weeds at Jimma, Ethiopia
Tigist Bidira,
Tamiru Shimales,
Tekleeyesus Firde
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2023
Pages:
128-130
Received:
14 June 2023
Accepted:
14 July 2023
Published:
26 July 2023
Abstract: Weeds are a serious and economically more harmful than insects and crop diseases in soybean. Assessment of crop yield and economic losses due to weeds in soybean is an important aspect which helps in designing appropriate management strategies against weeds. A study was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Research Center to estimate the yield loss due to weed competition and determine critical period of weed interference to prevent quantitative and qualitative yield losses in soybean which is paramount for the possibility of developing the management method. Eight treatments including standard checks were used, and arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Two hand weeding applied at 25 and 45 days after crop emergence gave maximum yield (20.4 q/ha) and had no significant differences compared with weed free. However, the highest yield loss (60.29%) recorded from the plot received weedy control treatment. This clearly indicates that serious crop weed competition has taken place between the 25 and 45 days after crop emergence to secure high yield in soybean. Generally, weeds contribute 60% yield losses in soybean under Jimma conditions.
Abstract: Weeds are a serious and economically more harmful than insects and crop diseases in soybean. Assessment of crop yield and economic losses due to weeds in soybean is an important aspect which helps in designing appropriate management strategies against weeds. A study was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Research Center to estimate the yield loss due ...
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Evaluation and Stability Analysis of Early Maturing Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Genotypes in Lowland Agro Ecologies of Ethiopia
Masreshaw Yirga,
Yechalew Sileshi,
Demelash Bassa
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2023
Pages:
131-135
Received:
29 June 2023
Accepted:
24 July 2023
Published:
31 July 2023
Abstract: Soybean is becoming the most important oil crops in Ethiopia. The national soybean breeding program is working to develop high-yielding, adaptable and stable varieties to increase production and productivity in the country. Breeding for early-maturing varieites is currently given due emphasis to overcome soybean production drawbacks in moisture defecit areas. Hence, performance evaluation of early maturing soybean genotypes across representative environments is essential to examine genotype × environment (GxE) interactions and identify the most stable and performed genotype. The trial was conducted using 10 soybean genotypes including checks in RCB design with four replications. The materials were evaluated over eight locations and G x E interaction was assessed using GGE-biplot analysis to identify stable genotype across testing environments. Data on phenological, agro-morphological and reaction to important diseases were collected for the crop. The combined analysis of variances showed significant to highly significant (P ˂ 0.01) difference among genotypes, environments and G x E interactions for most of the studied traits. GGE-biplot models showed that the eight environments used for the study belonged to four mega-environments. According to the GGE results, G3 (JM-HAR/G99-15-SD-2), and G7 (JM-HAR/PR142-15-SB) were identified as ideal genotypes in terms of higher-yielding ability and stability, and hence thesegenotypes are recommended for mega environment production in the country.
Abstract: Soybean is becoming the most important oil crops in Ethiopia. The national soybean breeding program is working to develop high-yielding, adaptable and stable varieties to increase production and productivity in the country. Breeding for early-maturing varieites is currently given due emphasis to overcome soybean production drawbacks in moisture def...
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Influences of Salient Agronomic Practices for Mitigation of Biennial Bearing in Coffee (Coffea arabica L.)
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2023
Pages:
136-143
Received:
21 June 2023
Accepted:
10 July 2023
Published:
9 August 2023
Abstract: Coffea arabica L. is a perennial cash crop which is highly affected by biennial bearing. Most of the time, agronomic practices are applied with the objectives of boosting coffee productivity and production. But very less emphasis on their role of mitigating coffee yield bienniality. Most literatures and scholars didn’t clearly and directly indicate the significance of agronomic practices in diminishing oscillation productivity of Arabica coffee. Thus, this review was conducted to assess the importance of salient agronomic practices in alleviating biennial bearing of Arabica coffee and to identify the existing gap by generating biennial intensity analysis from different findings. Salient agronomic practices such as fertilizer application, cover crop, shade, plant density and pruning methods were articulated in this article. These practices contributed in increasing productivity and mitigating bienniality via improving physiological jeopardize agents such as branch die-back, profuse flower bud, plant nutrient, over bearing of berries and rapid exhaustion of productivity parts and environmental stress. It was elucidated that sole field management was less efficient for biennial bearing mitigation than integrated management practices. The integrated agronomic practices that boost coffee yield need to be supported by non-biennial bearing variety for complete abolish of bienniality. Currently, there is no non-biennial bearing Arabica coffee variety. Thus, coffee genetic improvement for bienniality is highly recommended in future coffee breeding program.
Abstract: Coffea arabica L. is a perennial cash crop which is highly affected by biennial bearing. Most of the time, agronomic practices are applied with the objectives of boosting coffee productivity and production. But very less emphasis on their role of mitigating coffee yield bienniality. Most literatures and scholars didn’t clearly and directly indicate...
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Application of Stable Isotope and Multi-Element Analysis in the Origin Traceability of Teak (Tectona spp.) Imported into China
Haibo Wang,
Bo Lu,
Xiaowei Kang,
Ming Ma,
Jianguo Chen
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2023
Pages:
144-149
Received:
21 July 2023
Accepted:
10 August 2023
Published:
22 August 2023
Abstract: Teak (Tectona spp.) is a precious species with high commercial value. Its characteristics vary from different growth regions, and its value will also be different. There has been a lack of reliable technological means to trace the origin of teak from various countries. In this study, we collected samples of teak trees in Myanmar, Cote d'Ivoire, and Panama from the ports where timber is imported into China to measure the content of 11 elements and the ratios of stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N, which are used by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Furthermore, software for statistical analysis, such as SPSS and SIMCA, was utilized to explore the statistical correlations of difference factors among samples from different countries and assess the application values of origin traceability. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in the content of Rb, Sr, and Ba, as well as three rare earth elements (REEs)—La, Ce, and Nd—among the teak samples from the three countries. Moreover, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the δ13C and δ15N values, indicating significant differences (p<0.05) in δ13C between the samples from Myanmar and those from Cote d'Ivoire and Panama. However, the δ13C analysis alone was not effective in discriminating the samples from Cote d'Ivoire and Panama. In addition, an orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was conducted by combining isotope ratios and element content. This analysis resulted in an accuracy of 92.3% in discriminating between teak samples from the three countries, indicating a good level of discrimination. As such, it becomes feasible to achieve a certain degree of origin traceability for teak using δ13C as the main difference factor for significance testing. The discriminant analysis combining isotope ratios and element content enhances the discrimination accuracy, which can be applied to trace the origin of teak imported from different regions.
Abstract: Teak (Tectona spp.) is a precious species with high commercial value. Its characteristics vary from different growth regions, and its value will also be different. There has been a lack of reliable technological means to trace the origin of teak from various countries. In this study, we collected samples of teak trees in Myanmar, Cote d'Ivoire, and...
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