Participatory agricultural production constraint analysis was conducted in AGP-II project supported district; Biyo-Awale district from Dire Dawa Adminisrative Councile (DDAC) of Ethiopia with the objective to assess agricultural production constraints of the target community in the study area. The study was used Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA) approach to collect and generate the required data and infortation. The study used PRA tools which included reviewing secondary data, focus group discussions, pair-wise ranking, and field observation. Results of PRA study revealed that the main crop production constraints facing the study area are shortage of improved crop varieties for cereal and horticultural crops, pest infestation (weeds, crop disease, and insects), moisture stress due to eratic rainfall distribution and inadequate moisture management practices. The PRA study also revealed that crop production was constraints facing are drought, deforestation, depletion of water resource and declining of soil fertility. The PRA study further indicates shortage of financial capital, and inadequate support in the income source diversification have been identified as major institutiona constraints that are limiting the capacity of the communities to diversify their livelihoods. Hence, there is need for research, development and institutional interventions to alleviate the identified constraints to crop production and socioeconomic in the study area through holistic approach.
Presentation by Abdoulaye Mando at the May 15, 2013 event "Natural Resource Management and Food Security for a Growing Population". For more information visit: http://www.wri.org/event/2013/05/natural-resource-management-and-food-security-growing-population
Presentation by Abdoulaye Mando at the May 15, 2013 event "Natural Resource Management and Food Security for a Growing Population". For more information visit: http://www.wri.org/event/2013/05/natural-resource-management-and-food-security-growing-population
Lecture 12 economic principles applicable to farm managementB SWAMINATHAN
For undergraduate agricultural students of the course ‘Ag. Econ. 6.4 Farm Management, Production, and Resource Economics (2+1)’ of Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujarat and other State Agricultural Universities in India.
The Training and Visit (T&V) system was a world Bank assisted program for conducting regular periodical pieces of training and visit to Farmers' field by extension workers. It helped farmers to receive problem-oriented guidance from extension staff.
Farmer Led Extension is a promising approach wherein farmer leaders were utilized as extensionists to transfer the technologies they learned with a view to boosting up production.
The FLE approach gives farmers the opportunity to share their experiences and practices through a method demonstration with fellow farmers in the area.
Reasons for Group Led Extension
1. Efficiency
2. Effectiveness
3. Collective action
4. Equity
Farm school :
“Farm school is a field where latest technology was demonstrated to progressive and interested farmers who undergo training for a certain period of time. Farm schools help in speedy dissemination and adoption of technologies through training of progressive farmers on the latest production technology.”
Participatory rural appraisals (PRA) were conducted in July 14 to 30, 2016 in AGP-II project target districts: Erar waldiya and Dire Teyara in Harari region of Ethiopia. PRA exercises were conducted using various PRA tools which included review of secondary data, focus group discussions, field observations (Transact walk) and pair-wise ranking. The tools were used to identify the biophysical and socio-economic constraints, opportunities and developments within the kebeles. Agricultural and animal productions are common in the surveyed Kebeles of the AGP-II target districts. Mixed farming is widely practiced in the kebeles of both districts. Staple food crops like maize and sorghum, and cash crops like vegetables and khat (Catha edulis Forsk) are commonly produced across all targets of AGP-II districts and also as region as well. Growing maize and sorghum in khat alleys is another cropping system practiced in both districts. The PRA work has also identified various categories of constraints to increasing crop production in the areas. The major bottlenecks include lack of improved crop varieties, low soil fertility, deforestation, moisture stress, disease and insect pests, and lack of awareness on soil fertility crop management. In most of the PRA Kebeles, it was found that continuous cropping, complete removal of crop residues from farm lands, soil erosion, deforestation, absence of fallowing, and inadequate soil fertility management practices are the major causes for low soil fertility and crop yields. In most cases, farmers apply Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), urea and farmyard manure to improve soil fertility and crop yield. However, very few farmers use integrated application of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure for crop production. In addition, no scientifically formulated and recommended fertilizer rates are available for the specific soils and environments. Thus, due to the lack of scientifically recommended rates of fertilizers and high costs of mineral fertilizers, farmers often use smaller rates of mineral N and P fertilizers based on haphazard estimations.
Determinants of Small-Scale Irrigation Use: The Case of Jeldu District, West ...Premier Publishers
The study was conducted in Jeldu district on two peasant associations namely Metekoma and Laku. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of Small-scale irrigation use. A total of 118 farmers were randomly selected and interviewed by using semi structured questionnaire. A three-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 118 rural farm households. Cross sectional data were collected through structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informants and observation. Household caloric acquisition was employed to measure household food security in the study area. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Binary logistic regression model reveals that, out of eleven explanatory variables, age of household, educational level of household, Adult equivalent, cultivated land size, Oxen ownership of household, livestock ownership in TLU, and total farm income were found to be significant. Governmental and non-governmental should give attention on intensifying agricultural production in order to encourage the productivity of limited land. The study concluded that small scale irrigation is one of the viable solutions to secure household food needs in the study area. The study also suggested the proper management system of the irrigation schemes in order to sustainably use them.
Lecture 12 economic principles applicable to farm managementB SWAMINATHAN
For undergraduate agricultural students of the course ‘Ag. Econ. 6.4 Farm Management, Production, and Resource Economics (2+1)’ of Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujarat and other State Agricultural Universities in India.
The Training and Visit (T&V) system was a world Bank assisted program for conducting regular periodical pieces of training and visit to Farmers' field by extension workers. It helped farmers to receive problem-oriented guidance from extension staff.
Farmer Led Extension is a promising approach wherein farmer leaders were utilized as extensionists to transfer the technologies they learned with a view to boosting up production.
The FLE approach gives farmers the opportunity to share their experiences and practices through a method demonstration with fellow farmers in the area.
Reasons for Group Led Extension
1. Efficiency
2. Effectiveness
3. Collective action
4. Equity
Farm school :
“Farm school is a field where latest technology was demonstrated to progressive and interested farmers who undergo training for a certain period of time. Farm schools help in speedy dissemination and adoption of technologies through training of progressive farmers on the latest production technology.”
Participatory rural appraisals (PRA) were conducted in July 14 to 30, 2016 in AGP-II project target districts: Erar waldiya and Dire Teyara in Harari region of Ethiopia. PRA exercises were conducted using various PRA tools which included review of secondary data, focus group discussions, field observations (Transact walk) and pair-wise ranking. The tools were used to identify the biophysical and socio-economic constraints, opportunities and developments within the kebeles. Agricultural and animal productions are common in the surveyed Kebeles of the AGP-II target districts. Mixed farming is widely practiced in the kebeles of both districts. Staple food crops like maize and sorghum, and cash crops like vegetables and khat (Catha edulis Forsk) are commonly produced across all targets of AGP-II districts and also as region as well. Growing maize and sorghum in khat alleys is another cropping system practiced in both districts. The PRA work has also identified various categories of constraints to increasing crop production in the areas. The major bottlenecks include lack of improved crop varieties, low soil fertility, deforestation, moisture stress, disease and insect pests, and lack of awareness on soil fertility crop management. In most of the PRA Kebeles, it was found that continuous cropping, complete removal of crop residues from farm lands, soil erosion, deforestation, absence of fallowing, and inadequate soil fertility management practices are the major causes for low soil fertility and crop yields. In most cases, farmers apply Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), urea and farmyard manure to improve soil fertility and crop yield. However, very few farmers use integrated application of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure for crop production. In addition, no scientifically formulated and recommended fertilizer rates are available for the specific soils and environments. Thus, due to the lack of scientifically recommended rates of fertilizers and high costs of mineral fertilizers, farmers often use smaller rates of mineral N and P fertilizers based on haphazard estimations.
Determinants of Small-Scale Irrigation Use: The Case of Jeldu District, West ...Premier Publishers
The study was conducted in Jeldu district on two peasant associations namely Metekoma and Laku. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of Small-scale irrigation use. A total of 118 farmers were randomly selected and interviewed by using semi structured questionnaire. A three-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 118 rural farm households. Cross sectional data were collected through structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informants and observation. Household caloric acquisition was employed to measure household food security in the study area. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Binary logistic regression model reveals that, out of eleven explanatory variables, age of household, educational level of household, Adult equivalent, cultivated land size, Oxen ownership of household, livestock ownership in TLU, and total farm income were found to be significant. Governmental and non-governmental should give attention on intensifying agricultural production in order to encourage the productivity of limited land. The study concluded that small scale irrigation is one of the viable solutions to secure household food needs in the study area. The study also suggested the proper management system of the irrigation schemes in order to sustainably use them.
Agriculture has been the major source of livelihood in Nigeria, primarily because the environment is favorable for Agricultural practice. On the basis of climate, topography and vegetation the country is divided into five agricultural zones, namely Dry sub humid, Sub-humid, very humid and swamp/flood. Subsistence agriculture formed the major system of farming in the olden days which provide food crops for human consumption, while surplus are transported to the local markets for sale. Subsistence agriculture also forms the basis upon which all other system of farming are built. Hence, this paper examines the problems and prospects of subsistence agriculture in Ibarapa East local Government Area of Oyo State. Ten farming centres were used as samples in the area. Questionnaires were used to collect relevant data. Percentage and T-test distribution techniques were used to analyze the data. The findings show that there is low agricultural production in the study area as a result of problems such as shortage of fund, land tenure system, inadequate transportation system among others.
AN OVERVIEW of the CHALLENGES of AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH in SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA:...Premier Publishers
This study, analyzes the challenges of national agricultural research institutions (NARIs) in Eritrea from organizational perspective. It examines the institutional and research capacities, and the human and financial capabilities of NARIs. The data for this study was taken from a study conducted in June 2017 in the Ministry of Agriculture. The study used both survey and case study methodologies. The study seeks to answer the following two research questions: what are the challenges of NARIs in Eritrea? What can be learned from the experience of SSA countries NARIs? In this study, it is found that NARI has inadequate human, material and financial resources and limited research agenda. NARI has shortage of operational funding and trained personnel in specialized areas, which require higher education level. The current agricultural research system under NARI is less responsive to the various challenges and constraints of agricultural production and development in Eritrea. NARI should focus on participatory demand driven research methodology and integrate the needs of small-scale and commercial farmers, and improve its management, planning, monitoring and evaluation systems, including physical and human capital, and its research agenda. There is a need for the development of strategy that integrates elements that reinforce and build the present capacity of the agricultural research system.
Sources of Technical Inefficiency of Smallholder Farmers in Sorghum Productio...Premier Publishers
This study aims to estimate the technical efficiency and identify sources of technical inefficiency in sorghum production by smallholder farmers in Konso district, southern Ethiopia using data collected from a sample of 124 households. Individual levels of technical efficiency scores were estimated using the Cobb-Douglas functional form, which was specified to estimate the stochastic production frontier. The estimated stochastic production frontier model indicated that input variables such as land, Urea, DAP, labour, oxen and chemicals found to be important factors in increasing the level of sorghum output in the study area. The mean technical efficiency of the sample households was about 69%, which shows existence of a possibility to increase the level of sorghum output by about 31% by efficient use of the existing resources. The estimated stochastic production frontier model together with the inefficiency parameters showed that, age, education, family size, off-farm occupation, extension service, livestock holding, plots distance and soil fertility were found to be significant in determining the level of technical inefficiency of sorghum production in the study area. Negative coefficients of education, family size, off-farm occupation, extension service and soil fertility indicates that improvement in these factors results in a significant decrease in the level of technical inefficiency. Akin, positive coefficients of age, livestock holding and plots distance were found to increase households’ technical inefficiency. Hence, emphasis should be given to improve the efficiency level of those less efficient households by adopting the practices of relatively efficient households in the study area. Beside this, policies and strategies of the government should be directed towards the above mentioned determinants.
Even though Ethiopia had undertaken different policy measures since 1991 to boost agricultural production and increase the spillover effects of agriculture, there is no available study done to know the effects of such policies. This study aimed to fill this gap by analyzing the supply response of the commodity chosen haricot bean in Sidama Zone of Southern Ethiopia. The study applies the modified Nerlovian model and uses price data and non price data from 1991-2012.The result of the estimates of the time series data shows that acreage is positively and significantly influenced by change in its own price in the long run. Acreage and yield are highly influenced by price and non price factors both in the long run and short run. Generally farmers respond to price incentives by reallocating land and increase yield. The error correction term shows that deviation of acreage from the equilibrium corrected in the current period and it takes less than five years to come to the equilibrium. On the other hand any deviation of yield from the equilibrium corrected in the current period and takes less than two years to come to the equilibrium. The empirical results illustrate that there is still great potential to increase production through improvement of price and non price inputs. Hence the ongoing measures should be directed towards assuring appropriate remunerative prices and increase investment and supply of other non price factors like, increase investment in irrigation.
Status of Agricultural Food Sector: Basis for A Proposed Continuity PlanIJAEMSJORNAL
This study described the status of agriculture in the province of Nueva Ecija. It determined the current situation of the farming business in Nueva Ecija in terms of agricultural land use, its statistical profile on agriculture, crops grown by cities and municipalities and the presence of support agencies in maintaining the continuous development of farming and other forms of agriculture therein. Based on its agriculture profile, land, mostly irrigated shares the biggest portion in terms of its usage for food production. Rice, corn, onion and tomatoes are the major crops being grown in cities and municipalities. Findings revealed that rice and corn share the biggest in domestic consumption. For support agencies, bank and business agencies are found in support for farmers while the government mostly provides seminars. It was also revealed that other seeds for crops are introduced as a farmer’s option and lesser in choosing for an investment in their income. As their contingency plan, farmers opt to sell and engage in driving rather than farming during lean months. Pest attacks constitute the main problem encountered by farmers, while seeding management is a priority. The above findings point to certain sustainability that requires improvement and a continuity plan to match up with the continuous supply of goods from the farms to the demands of an increasing population for its consumption.
Measurement of Technical Efficiency of Small Scale Farmers under the Growth E...BRNSS Publication Hub
The study investigated the technical efficiency of small-scale farmers under the growth enhancement scheme in Egbeda and Surulere Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Multistage sampling technique was used in the random selection of 250 respondents using copies of a structured questionnaire. The result of average input used of respondents was farm size (1.59ha), labor used (23 man-days), seed (30 kg), years of education (6.23 years), fertilizer (259.69 kg), and seasonal extension contact (7) while the average input per farm was 4,162.89 kg. Efficiency of farmers was influenced by the significant input variables such as farm size (3.3749), fertilizer (0.2094), and experience were significant at 1% while years of education (0.6038) and agrochemicals (0.0846) were significant at 1% and 10%, respectively. The distribution of efficiency score showed that farms within the range of 0.81–0.90 were highest with 62.4%. It was, therefore, recommended that policy that will stimulate more extension services and labor availability to improve on output.
Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Vegetable Crop Commercialization in East...ijtsrd
Transforming the subsistence oriented production system into a market oriented production system as a way to increase the smallholder farmer’s income and reduce rural poverty has been in the policy spotlight of many developing countries, including Ethiopia, particularly in the East Hararghe Zone. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of household level output side commercialization of vegetable crops in the East Hararghe Zone. A multi stage sampling procedure was used to select 230 sample vegetable producers by using probability proportional to population size. Descriptive statistics and econometric models were used to analyze data. The findings further revealed that the mean household vegetable commercialization index HCI was 89.21 . The results from the Tobit regression model revealed that commercialization of vegetable crops was determined by the distances to the nearest market center, access to market information, livestock ownership, cooperative membership, and the area allocated under vegetable production. This study recommended that improving market access, organizing farmers into groups to have better access to agricultural inputs, providing market information through networking and institutions, and clustering and intensification of vegetable crop production are therefore crucial in enhancing the commercialization and level of vegetable commercialization in the study area. Solomon Ayele | Kibret Ketema | Hussein Abro "Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Vegetable Crop Commercialization in East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-7 | Issue-6 , December 2023, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd59881.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/59881/determinants-of-smallholder-farmers’-vegetable-crop-commercialization-in-east-hararghe-zone-oromia-regional-state-ethiopia/solomon-ayele
This study aims to analyze the technical efficiency of sorghum production by smallholder farmers in Konso district, Southern Ethiopia using cross sectional data collected from a sample of 124 sorghum producing households. Individual levels of technical efficiency scores were estimated using the Cobb-Douglas functional form, which was specified to estimate the stochastic production frontier. The estimated stochastic production frontier model indicated that input variables such as land size, fertilizer (Urea and DAP), human labour, oxen power and chemicals (herbicides or pesticides) found to be important factors in increasing the level of sorghum output in the study area. The result further revealed significant differences in technical efficiency among sorghum producers in the study area. The discrepancy ratio, which measures the relative deviation of output from the frontier level due to inefficiency, was about 90%. The estimated mean levels of technical efficiency of the sample households was about 69%, which shows existence of a possibility to increase the level of sorghum output by about 31% by efficient use of the existing resources. Among the household specific socio-economic and institutional factors hypothesized to affect the level of technical inefficiency, age, education level, family size, off/non-farm activities, extension contact, livestock holding, plots distance and soil fertility status were found to be significant in determining the level of technical inefficiency of sorghum production in the study area. Hence, emphasis should be given to improve the efficiency level of those less efficient households by adopting the practices of relatively efficient households in the study area. Beside this, policies and strategies of the government should be directed towards the above mentioned determinants.
Determinants of Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Irrigation Water Use...AI Publications
The main objective of this study was to identify the key determinants of farmers’ willingness to pay for improved irrigation water use using the contingent valuation method. Cross sectional data were collected from 251 households using a two-stage sampling technique (purposive and random sampling techniques) from four kebeles of Woliso District through a semi-structured questionnaire. The result from the Tobit model revealed that education level, family size, irrigable land size, number of oxen owned, total annual income, experience in irrigated farming, dissatisfaction, credit utilization and cash crops have significant and positive effect on households’ WTP for the improvement of the existing irrigation use whereas initial bid was found to have a negative and significant effect. Since these variables are identified as major determinants of willingness to pay for improved irrigation water use, policy makers and government should take into account in the designing of improved irrigation water supply system.
Researched sustainable energy alternatives and biofuel technology development, resulting in recommendations and presentations to project managers Ambassador (Ret.) Reno L. Harnish III, and Mr. Doug Faulkner of Leatherstock, LLC.
Conducted industry and governmental resource analysis to promote partnerships and funding supporting sustainable energy development between the government and the private sector.
Analyzed the effects of job growth, increased occupational skill, and economies of scale to build a model to raise the standard of living in Uganda through biofuels initiatives.
Impact of the Adoption of Improved Varieties of Household Income of Farmers i...BRNSS Publication Hub
In Benin, maize occupies a strategic place in the agricultural sector due to its growing importance in national
consumption and trade with neighboring countries. This study aims to analyze the impact of the adoption of
improved maize varieties on the income and expenditure of maize farmers in the South Atlantic Department
of Benin. The data used were collected from 144 maize growers in the Atlantic Department. Maize farmers
with or without improved varieties were selected randomly. The average treatment effect method with
propensity score matching was used to estimate the impact of the adoption of improved maize varieties
on household income and expenditure. Maize growers using four impact indicators: (i) Netincome; (ii)
school expenses; (iii) health expenditure; and (iv) food expenditures. The results showed that the adoption
of improved maize varieties led to an improvement in annual netincome (a relative effect of 8.78%), health
expenditure (a relative effect of 15.88%), and expenditure on education (a relative effect of 16.08%). On
the other hand, the adoption of improved varieties of maize has no significant influence on the expenditure
invested in the dietof household members. It shows that the adoption of improved varieties of maize by
which has a positive impact on the netincome, health expenditure, and household education expenditure.
Impact of the Adoption of Improved Varieties of Household Income of Farmers i...BRNSS Publication Hub
In Benin, maize occupies a strategic place in the agricultural sector due to its growing importance in national consumption and trade with neighboring countries. This study aims to analyze the impact of the adoption of improved maize varieties on the income and expenditure of maize farmers in the South Atlantic Department of Benin. The data used were collected from 144 maize growers in the Atlantic Department. Maize farmers with or without improved varieties were selected randomly. The average treatment effect method with propensity score matching was used to estimate the impact of the adoption of improved maize varieties on household income and expenditure. Maize growers using four impact indicators: (i) Netincome; (ii) school expenses; (iii) health expenditure; and (iv) food expenditures. The results showed that the adoption of improved maize varieties led to an improvement in annual netincome (a relative effect of 8.78%), health expenditure (a relative effect of 15.88%), and expenditure on education (a relative effect of 16.08%). On the other hand, the adoption of improved varieties of maize has no significant influence on the expenditure invested in the dietof household members. It shows that the adoption of improved varieties of maize by which has a positive impact on the netincome, health expenditure, and household education expenditure.
Superior Commodities Potential and the Strategy Development in Sigi District...inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
When breeding diploid potatoes, tetraploid progeny can result from the union of 2n eggs and 2n pollen in 2x-2x crosses. Thirty-three crosses were made to examine tetraploid progeny frequency in 2x-2x crosses. All crosses were between S. tuberosum dihaploids and diploid self-compatible donors, M6 and DRH S6-10-4P17. Using chloroplast counting for ploidy determination, the frequency of tetraploid progeny was as high as 45% in one of the 33 crosses. Based upon single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, the tetraploid progeny were attributed to bilateral sexual polyploidization (BSP), which is caused by the union of 2n egg and 2n pollen. Dihaploids were identified that produce lower frequencies of 2n eggs. The results of this study suggest that S. tuberosum dihaploids with a high frequency of 2n eggs should be avoided in 2x - 2x crosses for diploid breeding programs.
This study developed a low cost and affordable to small-scale farmers’ indirect air-cooling combined with evaporative cooling (IAC+EC) system for storage of fruit and vegetables under both arid and hot; and humid and hot climatic conditions. Field heat from freshly harvested produce should be immediately removed through cooling to the desired storage temperature. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of IAC+EC system in terms of the cooling time requirement of the fresh tomato fruit. A fresh tomato cooling experiment to remove field heat during the summer month of September in Pietermaritzburg was conducted for 36 hours where the IAC+EC system was compared to storage under ambient conditions. The results showed that 16 hours was required to reduce the flesh temperature of tomatoes to 16.5°C while the flesh temperature for tomatoes under ambient conditions followed the ambient temperature profile with time of storage. The IAC+EC system reduced and maintained the microenvironment air temperature inside the coolers to 16.5°C - 19°C. The ambient temperature varied between 21 and 32°C. The results in this study are evidence that IAC+ EC system can be a choice for farmers, for cooling the fresh by reducing the field temperature after harvest.
Dioscorea rotundata is a staple food crop for millions of people in the tropical and subtropical regions. In vitro germplasm conservation is a very useful tool in yam improvement strategies but very little is known about the genetic integrity and stability of in-vitro conserved yam plants. In this study, 42 accessions from in vitro and field populations were genotyped using 11 microsatellite markers and 23 morphological descriptors to assess variability within and between accessions. Out of the 23 morphological variables used, 13 were identified as most discriminate and were used to cluster the accessions into 4 clusters using the unweighted pair group arithmetic mean average (UPGMA). Accession maintained in field as well as in in-vitro showed high genetic similarity (R2 = 0.91, p-value: 1e-04). Out of the 42 accessions analyzed, nine accessions maintained in the field and in-vitro displayed different genetic profiles. This study provided basic information on the possible somaclonal variation of yam accessions maintained through in-vitro. Further study with advanced tools such as next-generation sequencing is required to elucidate the nature of the observed variation within clones.
A study was carried out on plant density at the experimental field of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, Yaoundé to determine the appropriate spacing to improve rainfed rice production in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018. The planting spacing used were 15cm x 15cm, 20cm x 20cm, 25cm x 25cm and 30cm x 30cm giving the plant populations of 444444, 250000, 160,000 and 111,111 plants / ha respectively using two varieties (Nerica 3 and Nerica 8). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed in the growth and yield across the years. Treatments were highly significant concerning the number of days to the appearance of the first flower, the number of days to 50% flowering, and the number of days to 50 % maturity. Plants were taller with more tillers and gave higher yields in 2017 than those of 2018. The spacing significantly affected the plant height, number of tillers, and panicle length for both varieties. The interaction of spacing and variety was significant for the number of tillers per m2 and the number of seeds per panicle, however, it was not for the weight of 1000 grains and the percentage of full bales. The yield components determining yield increase were the number of panicles / m2 and the number of seeds/panicles. Nerica 3 variety gave higher yields compared to the Nerica 8, the closer the spacing, the higher the yield. There were a strong significance and positive correlation between yield, number of panicles, and the number of grain per panicle. The spacing that gives the highest number of panicle per m2 was 15 cm X 15 cm and this spacing gave good yield in the region where the study was carried out.
Intermolecular interaction is the material basis for cells to achieve their functions, and protein-protein interaction is an important approach to illuminate the regulation network of biological molecules and has important theoretical significance and potential application value for revealing the activity law of life in nature. This paper mainly summarizes and analyzes the new advances and applications of modern biotechnologies in the study of protein-protein interactions, including local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), yeast two-hybrid, GST-Pull-down, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and coimmunoprecipitation. At the same time, the principles of different research methods for protein-protein interaction and their other applications in the field of life sciences are also discussed, all of these will provide a reference value for the analysis of protein-protein interaction and the molecular regulation mechanism of biomacromolecules.
Field experiment involving five improved onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties and carried out at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center during the 2018 to 2019 cropping seasons under irrigated condition to identify the best performing variety for seed production to the target areas of Arsi Zone. The onion varieties included in the field experiment were (Nafis, Robaf, Nasic Red, Bombe Red, and Adama Red). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, seed yield, and yield components were studied. The result showed that Variety had a significant effect on most phonological and growth attributes as well as on yield attributes. The number of days to flowering and vigorously were significantly affected by variety; while plant height, days to boolting and branch number was not significantly influenced by variety. Flower stalks height and diameter, number of umbel per plant, and umbel diameter also significantly affected by variety. Seed yield per umbel and mean seed yield per hectare also showed a significance difference among varieties. The highest seed yield per hectare (1415.89 kg/ha) was recorded from Adama Red and followed by Nafis variety, whereas Nasic rerd, Bombe red and Robaf show no significance difference among each other, Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved onion varieties such as Adama red and Nafis is advisable and could be appropriate for onion seed production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.
Rubber trees are among the important cultivated crops in Malaysia, and have contributed to the country’s overall economic growth since the 1950s. However, the existing anatomical and morphological studies are relatively insufficient. Currently, Hevea brasiliensis has been cultivated and planted commonly as a commercial planting clone, while Hevea camargoana remains to be a non-cultivated and underutilized rubber species. For many years, there only exists little information both in private plantations and government agencies that have carried out anatomical and morphological assessments on these underutilized species. There is little information about the characteristics of H.camargoana, thus raising the issue among plant breeders on how to best use this underutilized rubber species. This study attempts to investigate the taxonomic values and characteristics of Hevea brasiliensis and Hevea camargoana through anatomical and morphological studies.
Use of distributed electricity generation systems is currently increasing due to their economic and environmental benefits. Agricultural greenhouses require heat and electricity for covering their energy needs while their annual energy requirements vary significantly. Aim of the current work is the investigation of applying various distributed electricity generation systems in greenhouses. A review of different distributed generation systems currently used in various sectors as well as in greenhouses has been implemented. Various technologies are examined utilizing either renewable energies or fossil fuels in very efficient energy systems. Most of them are mature and cost-effective having lower environmental impacts compared with traditional centralized electricity generation technologies. Their use in greenhouses results in many benefits including the creation of an additional income for the farmer, reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere and increasing stability of the electric grid. It is suggested that distributed electricity generation systems should be used more in greenhouses when the necessary conditions are favorable.
Grain mold, considered the most important disease of sorghum, is associated with several fungal genera. The disease reduces both yield and quality. In this study, over 300 sorghum seed samples collected from Texas, Florida, and Georgia were evaluated for grain mold severity, seed weight, germination rate, and seed fungal community. Grain mold severity of the seed samples, except for those collected from Cameron, Texas, were rated 3 or higher, indicating that these sorghum lines were moderately susceptible under naturally-infected field conditions during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Seed weight across surveyed locations ranged from 1.1 g to 4.0g for samples collected in Texas during the same period. Percent germination rates for samples collected in Texas ranged from 59.6% to 86.7%. Sorghum samples collected from Florida and Georgia exhibited moderately susceptible response to grain mold infection. Mean seed weight was 1.9 g for samples collected from Florida, while in Georgia, mean seed weight was 2.3 g. Germination rate was low for samples collected from Florida and Georgia. Mycological analysis of sorghum seed samples collected from farmers’ fields in Central and South Texas during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons showed Alternaria species as the most frequently isolated fungal genus, accounting for 40% and 42 % in 2016 and 2017, followed by Fusarium incarnatum, F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, & F. semitectum Complex. In Florida and Georgia, Fusarium incarnatum, F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, & F. semitectum Complex was the most frequently recovered fungal species, accounting for 77% and 72% of the total. genera/species isolated from seed samples. Other fungal species, including Curvularia lunata, Bipolaris sp., Colletotrichum sublineola, F. verticillioides, Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, F. thapsinum, F. oxysporum, F. sporotrichioides, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, and Aspergillus niger were also isolated from sorghum seeds in various frequencies. In conclusion, the presence of large number of fungal genera associated with grain deterioration and their effect on other traits, makes management of this disease complex challenging. To identify grain mold resistant sources in a region, using the most dominant species in that region to screen the sorghum germplasm is recommended.
Potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. It is a valuable cash and food crop mainly grown by small-scale farmers. Potato is cultivated mainly under rainfed production conditions at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 metre above sea level (masl). Consequently, National Performance Trials (NPTs) test sites are located in these highlands. Recently, potato production has spread to the mid-highlands (1200-1500masl) mostly due to high food demand occasioned by population increase, and migration of small scale farmers from the densely populated highlands to the more spacious midlands. Consequently, there is increased need to breed potato varieties that can grow profitably in the warmer mid-altitudes. This development called for identification of new conventional NPT test sites located in the mid-altitudes. Six mid-altitude sites were identified and client-managed conventional NPTs carried out. Twenty six potato genotypes were evaluated for two seasons. First season crop was planted in 2016 while the second season crop was planted in 2017. There was a significant (p≤ 0.001) effect of genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interaction in the first season. Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. All genotypes yielded between 10 and 25 ton/ha. In the second season, only environments showed significant (p≤ 0.001) effects. Again, Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. Across the two seasons, Trans-Nzoia gave an average yield of 26.96 ton/ha followed by Kabete at 18. 21ton/ha. All the other four sites yielded less than 10 ton/ha. The high yields at Trans-Nzoia and Kabete could be due to higher altitudes in these two sites compared to the others. In order to develop potato varieties that can produce profitably in the warm mid-altitudes, breeding and early generation selections activities should be based in these areas.
The tests for the evaluation of seedling establishment, palatability and acceptability were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Technology and the Food Laboratory of the Department of Home and Rural Economics, Adamawa State College of Agriculture, Ganye, Adamawa State. The experimental designs used were Randomized Complete Block Design and the Completely Randomized Design. Some of the parameters measured were percentage seedling establishment, palatability, and acceptability tests. The highest mean percentage seedling establishment was observed in 12.00g levels of H. suaveolens whole powder treated shelled groundnut seeds (97.67, 97.00, and 94.00) at the three periods of storage. Percentage seedling establishment decreased with a decrease in levels of H. suaveolens whole powder. One of the major constraints to the use of plant materials as an alternative to synthetic insecticides is the issue of standardization in dosage of application. This work has suggested that, if groundnut seeds are to be used for sowing, they should be stored with a 12.00g level of H. suaveolens whole powder for every 300.00g for three months. However, if they are to be used for consumption, they could be stored with a 6.00g level of H. suaveolens whole powder for every 300.00g for at most three months. There was no significant difference between treated and untreated shelled groundnut seeds at the three periods of storage on the acceptability and palatability score of cooked groundnut at all dosages of application. All treatments were within the acceptable score rates even though the two rates of the synthetic insecticides, actellic dust were at the lowest acceptable score rate. The finding also showed that acceptability and palatability decreased with an increase in dosage of application. The periods of storage also had a significant impact on the mean percentage seedling establishment. It was observed that there was a higher percentage of seedling establishment when shelled groundnut seeds were stored from November- January. At this period of the year, the temperature and humidity are usually low and this might have necessitated the high state of inactivity and low performance of the bruchids compared to other periods of storage within the year.
Irrigation experiments of cocoa tend to concentrate on yield of matured cocoa trees compared to field establishment of young seedlings. Seedling survival leading to optimum population density are fundamental to obtaining maximum yield of crops. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of mulching and irrigation on survival of hybrid cocoa clone raised in three different growing media during the establishment phase. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design, with irrigation as the main plot factor, mulching as the subplot factor and growing media as the sub-sub plot factor with three replications. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) was used as the mulching material and each plant received 5kg at a rate of 5.6 t/ha. Irrigation was done daily by applying 4L of water except when it rains. Data was collected on soil moisture, plant height, leaf number, stem girth and plant survival. Results indicated that irrigation and mulching significantly (P<0.01) enhanced soil moisture. Cocoa seedlings raised in topsoil, mulched and irrigated significantly (P<0.05) increased survival rate (94.5%) compared to seedlings raised in soil without irrigation and no mulching (47.1%). Similarly, the survival rate of seedlings raised in growing media M2, mulched and irrigated (93.0%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than similar seedlings without irrigation (73.4%). However, the survival rate of seedlings raised in M3 without mulching but irrigated was significantly (<0.05) higher 92.1% compared to seedlings raised in M3 mulched and irrigated 67.1%. Irrigation is very important in ensuring high survival rate during early field establishment. Mulching with cocoa pod husk without irrigation did not improve cocoa seedling survival.
Few years ago National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) launched melon sheller to reduce burden of obtaining melon oil and cake, and to enhance rural women’s productivity. This study looked at the productivity of promoted melon shelling technology and preference by rural women in Nigeria. Data were gathered from the NCAM workshop and survey of melon processors in Niger State. In the workshop, it was found that time allowed for soaking melon and covering with piece of clothes contributed to the productivity of the sheller. Results from survey revealed that 95.1% of the respondents’ preferred Internal Combustion technology and 90.2% liked electric-driven melon shellers over the manual one. Also, 69.5% obtained the shellers from local fabricators rather than NCAM. The technology led to increased turnout of melon (378kg/hr) and reduced wastages to 1.26kg out of 75.6kg. The study concluded that the promoted melon sheller is efficient and have positive implication on the rural women’s productivity and revenue. The study recommends that the rural women should put the melon sheller into its maximum capacity use. The NCAM should extend training to the local fabricators so that they can improve on the technology most especially in the areas of winnowing and washing of melon kernels.
Keeping in view of lack of recommended rates of N and NPS fertilizers, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer and nitrogen on growth, physiology and above ground biomass of garlic. Four NPS (0-0-0, 78.75-69-12.75, 105-92-17 and 131.25-115-21.25 kg N-P-S ha-1) and three nitrogen fertilizer rates (114.13, 228.26 and 278.33 kg N ha-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Significantly highest plant height (28.02 cm), leaf diameter (1.27 cm), dry and fresh weight (4.71 g and 6.11 g) and leaf length were recorded on garlic plants supplied with 105-92-17 kg N-P-S ha-1 and also the highest plant height (27.75 cm), leaf length (24.02 cm), fresh and dry weight (6.23 g and 5.04 g) were recorded on garlic plants supplied with 278.33 kg N ha-1. The interaction effect also show a significant effect in almost all the growth parameters; the early day to 50% emergence was recorded from a plot which received 228.26 kg N ha-1 and 105-92-17 kg NPS ha-1 and the highest plant height, leaf length, fresh and dry above ground biomass and leaf diameter were 29.62 cm, 25.60 cm, 6.93 g, 5.59 g and 1.4 cm, respectively were observed by the interaction of 278.33 kg N ha-1 and 105-92-17 kg N-P-S ha-1 with no significant difference with 228.26 N and 78.75-69-12.75 kg N-P-S ha−1. From this one season experiment, fertilizer rates 307.01-69-12.75 kg N-P-S ha−1 could be recommended for garlic production.
In the past, conservation effort has primarily focused on establishment of forest reserves for timber production, with minimal or no consideration to how these natural resources will help sustain or improve livelihoods of adjoining communities. This study examined the contribution of Aramoko forest reserve to the livelihoods of the adjoining communities in Ekiti State. One hundred and twenty pre-tested questionnaires were administered among the products collectors in the study area. Data collected were analysed and the result showed that 78.3 % of the respondents are married with 52.3 % of them male, while 50.8 % of the respondents aged between 51-70 years with 64.1 % having at least secondary education. Twenty-five (25) different products were collected by the respondents in the study area. These products include among others; timber with highest frequency of (120) followed by herbal plants (115), Archantina marginata (105), Thaumatococcus danielli (89), Bridelia ferruginea (70) and Irvingia garbonensis (65). The use of motor cycle accounted for 41.4 % of the respondents means of transportation, while 31.3 % of the respondents sell their product in bit at the village market. Picking, digging, plucking, cutting and uprooting were methods used for harvesting by the respondents while illegal felling (24 %) and indiscriminate bush burning (22.4 %) were the major conservation problem in the study area. Specifically, some of the products harvested are used for food, medicine, fuelwood, herbs and cultural purposes. The study recommends that research should be conducted into how these products can be artificially raised in the nursery for plantation establishment.
Cocoa farmer faces increasing challenging environment through exposure to risks factors which have impacted negatively on their production or output. Since farmers are primary producers and often times lack capacity to control risks factor, it is important to manage this factors. This study examines the cocoa farmers’ risk preferences and crop insurance perception and isolates the drivers of decision to uptake crop insurance among cocoa farmers in Ekiti state. The sample for the study consist of 200 cocoa farmers who were household heads selected through multi-stage sampling across four Local government areas of Ekiti State who are predominantly cocoa producers. Data collected on socio-demographic characteristics, perception of crop insurance and risk preferences, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic model. Results showed that majority of the cocoa farmers were without crop insurance, with higher enrolment in Membership of cooperative society, owned their land, larger household size and lower educational level but higher level of farm experience when compared to cocoa farmers who are holding crop insurance. Farmers risk preferences showed no significant difference between farmers with or without insurance. Education (β=0.59), Household size (β=0.0029) and Debt use (β=0.02), Membership of cooperative (β=-4.53), Farming Experience (β=-2.51), Owned Land (β=-2.19) and Non-Farm Income (β=-0.65) were among the significant determinants of insurance uptake. Risk mitigating measures such as provision of necessary incentives such as improved varieties of cocoa seedling, as well as provision of fertiliser and approved pesticides, financial assistance, and simple processing technologies that produce standard cocoa bean plus a re-jigged Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) for an improved discharge of its function are recommended.
Mitigation of climate change requires the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and the increasing use of renewable energies replacing fossil fuels. Agricultural greenhouses are energy-intensive agricultural systems using mainly fossil fuels. The use of renewable energies during their operation is limited so far. The possibility of using renewable energies for covering their energy needs has been investigated, focused on the Mediterranean region. Various sustainable energy technologies which are reliable, mature, cost-effective and broadly used in various applications are examined. These include solar-PV systems, low enthalpy geothermal energy, solid biomass burning, co-generation systems, high efficiency heat pumps and reuse of rejected industrial heat. Combined use of these systems in greenhouses can cover all their energy requirements in heat, cooling and electricity, reducing or zeroing their net CO2 emissions into the atmosphere due to operational energy use. It is concluded that depending on their local availability in Mediterranean countries, these benign energy technologies can assist greenhouse crop growers in the reduction of their carbon emissions, contributing in the achievement of the universal goal for climate change mitigation.
Field experiment was carried out under rain-fed conditions during the 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Adamawa State College of Agriculture, Ganye, solely to develop an integrated pest management for the control of groundnut Aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) [Homoptera: Aphididae]. The experimental Design used was the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Parameters measured were, average number of leaves per plot at 6 weeks after sowing, number of branches at 3 weeks after sowing, number of branches at 6 weeks after sowing, number of pods per plot, weight of harvested seeds per plot. The result obtained shows that, there was significant difference among the treatments in all the parameters measured at 0.05 level of probability using the Least Significant Difference (LSD). According to the results recorded, the highest mean yield of groundnut was obtained on plots treated with the combination of chemical and physical control methods (1444g) followed by plots treated with physical, chemical and cultural control methods combined (1296g). The highest mean number of pods per plant was recorded in the combination of physical, chemical and cultural control methods (18.00) followed by chemical and physical control methods as combined (15.00). The work shows that, the cultivation of groundnut with the control of groundnut Aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) using integrated pest control applied as recommended facilitates better growth and guarantees good crop yield. The use of physical, chemical and cultural control method is profitable in Ganye Area of Adamawa State and is therefore suggested for use to local farmers.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. Purple rice, as a special rice with important nutritional and health functions, has important scientific significance and application value for genetic improvement of purple rice and breeding of new varieties through in-depth study on its agronomic and related quality traits and products processed, and analysis of its genetic basis. In this paper, the new progress of purple rice in agronomic traits, quality traits, environmental impacts on purple rice and genetic basis of purple rice seed coat in recent years were reviewed and analyzed, and the application prospects of purple rice processing products and purple gene in rice genetic improvement were also prospected. Thus, our results will provide important information and reference for breeding new purple rice varieties with good quality and high yield.
Groundnut is an important oil seed crop, grown throughout the tropics and sub tropics worldwide. It is one of the three economically important oilseed crops grown in Ethiopia. Groundnut is commonly produced by small scale farmers as food and cash crops in the study area. The area has potential to the production of Ground nut for food and nutrition security as well as export commodity. However, scarcity of varieties that fit to the environment is one of the major constraints of production. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate five Ground nut varieties and select early maturing varieties with considerable yield and agronomic traits. The field experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at Abaya and varieties were planted in Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data were collected on yield and important agronomic traits. The computed analysis of variance revealed significant variations among varieties for days to maturity, number of primary branches, number of pegs per plants, Grain yield and shelling percentage. The pooled over year mean of varieties indicated , Tole- 1 variety ( Check) is high yielding with mean grain yield of 4174.7kg followed by variety Sedi (3552.5kg/ha) and Babile local (3550.4kg/ha).Variety Sedi has special merit in terms of earliness and therefore recommended for moisture stress areas of Abaya and location with similar agro ecologies while Tole -1 (Standard check) is high yielding varieties and should be used in production until new varieties will be developed through selection/breeding program.
Deep Behavioral Phenotyping in Systems Neuroscience for Functional Atlasing a...Ana Luísa Pinho
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) provides means to characterize brain activations in response to behavior. However, cognitive neuroscience has been limited to group-level effects referring to the performance of specific tasks. To obtain the functional profile of elementary cognitive mechanisms, the combination of brain responses to many tasks is required. Yet, to date, both structural atlases and parcellation-based activations do not fully account for cognitive function and still present several limitations. Further, they do not adapt overall to individual characteristics. In this talk, I will give an account of deep-behavioral phenotyping strategies, namely data-driven methods in large task-fMRI datasets, to optimize functional brain-data collection and improve inference of effects-of-interest related to mental processes. Key to this approach is the employment of fast multi-functional paradigms rich on features that can be well parametrized and, consequently, facilitate the creation of psycho-physiological constructs to be modelled with imaging data. Particular emphasis will be given to music stimuli when studying high-order cognitive mechanisms, due to their ecological nature and quality to enable complex behavior compounded by discrete entities. I will also discuss how deep-behavioral phenotyping and individualized models applied to neuroimaging data can better account for the subject-specific organization of domain-general cognitive systems in the human brain. Finally, the accumulation of functional brain signatures brings the possibility to clarify relationships among tasks and create a univocal link between brain systems and mental functions through: (1) the development of ontologies proposing an organization of cognitive processes; and (2) brain-network taxonomies describing functional specialization. To this end, tools to improve commensurability in cognitive science are necessary, such as public repositories, ontology-based platforms and automated meta-analysis tools. I will thus discuss some brain-atlasing resources currently under development, and their applicability in cognitive as well as clinical neuroscience.
Cancer cell metabolism: special Reference to Lactate PathwayAADYARAJPANDEY1
Normal Cell Metabolism:
Cellular respiration describes the series of steps that cells use to break down sugar and other chemicals to get the energy we need to function.
Energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and when glucose is broken down, much of that energy is released.
Cell utilize energy in the form of ATP.
The first step of respiration is called glycolysis. In a series of steps, glycolysis breaks glucose into two smaller molecules - a chemical called pyruvate. A small amount of ATP is formed during this process.
Most healthy cells continue the breakdown in a second process, called the Kreb's cycle. The Kreb's cycle allows cells to “burn” the pyruvates made in glycolysis to get more ATP.
The last step in the breakdown of glucose is called oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos).
It takes place in specialized cell structures called mitochondria. This process produces a large amount of ATP. Importantly, cells need oxygen to complete oxidative phosphorylation.
If a cell completes only glycolysis, only 2 molecules of ATP are made per glucose. However, if the cell completes the entire respiration process (glycolysis - Kreb's - oxidative phosphorylation), about 36 molecules of ATP are created, giving it much more energy to use.
IN CANCER CELL:
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
introduction to WARBERG PHENOMENA:
WARBURG EFFECT Usually, cancer cells are highly glycolytic (glucose addiction) and take up more glucose than do normal cells from outside.
Otto Heinrich Warburg (; 8 October 1883 – 1 August 1970) In 1931 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his "discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.
WARNBURG EFFECT : cancer cells under aerobic (well-oxygenated) conditions to metabolize glucose to lactate (aerobic glycolysis) is known as the Warburg effect. Warburg made the observation that tumor slices consume glucose and secrete lactate at a higher rate than normal tissues.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
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Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
Comparing Evolved Extractive Text Summary Scores of Bidirectional Encoder Rep...University of Maribor
Slides from:
11th International Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (IcETRAN), Niš, 3-6 June 2024
Track: Artificial Intelligence
https://www.etran.rs/2024/en/home-english/
Richard's entangled aventures in wonderlandRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
2. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
6
design and conduct analysis of agricultural production systems with the aim of assessing crop production syetem,
constraints in order to identify potential interventions for enhancing crop production. Accordingly, participatory
rural appraisal (PRA) study was conducted to identify and priortrize crop production constraints and opportunities in
the target areas. .
A total of two districts namely Biyo-Awale and Wahile are AGP-II supported districts found in the DDAC. Both
districts are releatively potential in resource available such as farm land, water for irrigation and domestic use, and
for improving production and productivity of crops of the councile. However, before planning to any agricultural
research and development activities to be implemented, it imperative to design and conduct an assessment of
agricultural production systems to identify production constraints from the grass root. Accordingly, a bottom to up
approach of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools was used to identify and priortrize the existing crop production
constraints in the AGP-II supported districts of the Councile. The PRA study was conducted in the Biyo-Awale
district of the Councile. The PRA tools used included, among others, reviewing secondary data, focus group
discussions, field observation and Pair-wise ranking. This report highlights the main findings, and implications to
AGP-II interventions in the study area.
2. Methodology
2.1. Description of Study Area
The study was carried out in Dire Dawa Administration Council (DDAC). The Council is located in the eastern
part of the Ethiopia. It stretches between 90
27’
N and 90
49’
N latitude and 410
38’
E and 420
19’
E longitude. According
to the Atlas of the Ethiopia (ATLAS, 2011).The total area of the administration is 128,802 hectares out of which
98% is rural area and the remaining 2% is urban areas and the Administration shares common boundaries with
Somali National Regional States in the West, North and East and Oromia National Regional State in the Southern.
The council is a chartered city administration that consists of 9 urban and 38 rural kebeles. Agro-ecologically, the
administrative is mainly categorized in two agro-ecological zones; warm semi arid (lowland) and dry sub-humid
(midland). About 88% of the land area of the administration is estimated to be warm semi arid (lowland), while the
remaining 12% is sub-humid (midland).
The rainfall pattern of the Administration has a bimodal characteristic. The mean altitude of the administration
is 1260 meter above sea level ranging from 960 meter above sea level in the northeast to 2450 meter above sea level
in the southwest (EPA, 2010). The average annual rainfall is 618.3mm. The mean annual temperature is about
24.8°C. Based on the population projection from CSA (2007), the total population of the Council is estimated to be
about 440,000 of which 221, 000 are male and 219, 000 female. The mixed farming is the major economic activity in
the rural area of the Administration (96%). Crop production subsystem is both rain fed and irrigated. The major
crops grown are sorghum, maize, onion, tomato, pepper and cabbages, coffee and fruit crops like papaya, banana are
also grown in the area. In addition, livestock such as goats, sheep, cattle and camel are reared in the administration.
2.2. Sampling Procedure
The survey was conducted in selected Clusters of DDA where the AGP-II program is being implemented. The
survey used a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach. Prior to going into the survey, a team of experts
consisting of different disipline was established. Before starting the survey, the team was discussed with experts
from DDA of Agriculture and Natural Resource Offices to identify districts and Kebeles targeted by the AGP-II
program to develop sampling design. According to the AGP-II strategic work plan prepared by Agricultural Offices
of DDA, two clusters where Biyo Awale and Wahile were selected.
For this survey, purposive sampling technique was used to select representative Clusters, Kebeles and farm
households. Different factors were considered in selecting cluster, Kebeles and farm households. Accordingly, Biyo
Awale Cluster was selected purposively based on its potential in crop production, agro ecology and available
resources such as land, irrigation water. Following similar procedure, three Kebeles namely Adada, Awale and
Bishan Bahe were selected for the survey. Moreover, different factors that were supposed affecting the quality of
data to be generated were considered in selecting farm households. Accordingly, total number of household heads,
total number of population, sex and age of the head of the households were considered during selection of sample
farmers. Throughout the PRA a total of 100 farm households and experts were participated during the survey, out of
these; about 18% of the participants were female farmers.
2.3. Sources and Method of Data Collection
Review of secondary data: the survey started with review of different published and unpublished documents and
reports about the DDA. Secondary data on area description of AGP-II districts were collected from Agriculture
Offices. PRA tools such as Focus group discussions (FGDs), Key informant interviews and field observetion were
used to collect the primary data from the farm households on crop production and socio-economic constraints.
2.4. Data Analysis
The data collected from different sources were checked for consistence and completeness and analyzed using
descriptive statistics such as percentage, maens, frequency and ranking to draw and generate useful information.
3. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
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3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Description of Study District
Biyo awale is one of three rural clusters found in the DDAC. The district is located in the south east of the
administration. The administration of the district is found in Biyo Awale Kebele; which is located at a distance of 24
km from the capital city of the administration, Dire Dawa city. The district comprises of 21 rural kebeles, of which
12 Kebeles were selected by office of agriculture for AGP-II intervention. The district is estimated to have a total
area of 54,522 ha which accounts to 35 % of the total area of the DDAC. The district has a total of 17,851 household
heads of which 2,552 female headed households. According to the 2007 CSA projection as of 2014 the population of
the district is about 90,557 of which 52% are male and 48% female. The district is mainly categorized in three agro-
ecological areas, of which 76% of the total area is dry midland, 19% dry lowland (Table 1).
Table-1. Percentage of area coverage by agro ecology in the study area
No Agro-ecologies Percentage of area coverage
1 Dry low land (Lowland) 19%
2 Dry mid land (Midland) 76%
3 High land (highland) 5%
Total 100
The rainfall pattern of the district has a bimodal characteristic. The small rainy season is from March to April;
while the main rainy season extends from August to mid-September with average annual rainfall of the area is 500
mm with a range of 900 mm and 700 mm average maximum and minimum rainfall, respectively. The mean altitude
the district is 2000 masl with a range of 1000 to 3000 masl. Soil type of the area is dominated by sandy soil which
has low water holding capacity and very little amount of clay and silt. According to the information received from
the Bureau of Agriculture, about 80% of the soil of the districtis sandy soils. The area is dominated by mountain and
hills, shallow and infertile soils are the major characteristics of the area while deep and fertile soils are the major
features of the valley, and flat plains of the district.The Biyo Awale district has potentially rich in spring, and surface
runoff water resources especially during rainy season. The district is also endowed with groundwater resources
abstracted mainly from upper sandstone and limestone aquifers that act as reservoir of the groundwater. According
to Dire Dawa Integrated Natural Resource Master Plan Study, 2005, water resource utilization is by far less than the
estimated annual recharge in the district. The land use/land cover types in the district can be grouped into three major
classes, which are designated as cultivated land, grazing land and bare land. According to the information received
from the Bureau of Agriculture, the total area of the district is 54,522 ha, from this, 24,384 ha, 10,732 ha and 19,406
ha are cultivated land, grazing and bare land, respectively.
Geographical location of the study areas
4. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
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3.2. Livelihood System and Major Income Sources
According FGDs, the participant farmers reported that the main sources of income for farm households come
from vegetable and fruit products, livestock products and there are also community members engaged in off-farm
activities such as buying and selling of vegetable products, live animal and animal products, and petty trade,
collection and selling of firewood and charcoal in order to diversify their livelihood and income sources in the study
areas. However, the farmers pointed out that there is inadequate support provided to the community in the income
source diversification regard by any institutions working with the community. In addition, other factors such as lack
of financial support, and market problems are limiting factors the capacity of the communities to diversify their
livelihoods.
3.3. Crop Production
In the district farmers grow different crops, from cereal crops sorghum and maize are grown commonly.
Sorghum is cultivated in the main field and it is the major cereal crop grown under rain fed area, whereas maize is
grown under rain fed and irrigation. Besides the cereal crops vegetables and fruit crops such as potato, tomato,
onion, papaya, banana, and mandarin are grown as cash crops using irrigation and rainfed. From pulse crops
groundnut, haricot bean and sesame are grown. The groundnut is potential cash crops in the area, haricot bean is
grown under sowing of sorghum and maize, where sesame is newly introduced crops on area and some farmers
produced it on a limited area of fields. The relative importance of major crops grown in the district was presented in
Table 2).
The result of FGDs and secondary data shows that from cereal crops, sorghum is the most important crops
grown as shown with a rank of first followed by maize in all Kebeles, while from pulse/oil crops groundnut is the
most important crops grown as shown with a rank of first followed by haricot bean in all Kebeles. Similarly, from
vegetable and fruit crops, tomato and papaya is the most important crops grown as shown with a rank of first in most
of Kebeles. Availability of ground water, soil and land management intervention, availability of main cities such as
Harar and Dire Dewa, and proximity to Djibouti and Somali are potential opportunities for improving crop
production in the study area.
Table-2. Crops produced and their relative importance in the Biyo Awale district
Commodity crops Dry lowland Kebeles Dry midland Kebeles
Cereal crops Adada Bishan Bahe Awale
Sorghum 1 1 1
Maize 2 2 2
Finger millet 3 - -
Pulse/oil crops
Haricot beans 2 2 2
Groundnuts 1 1 1
Sesame - 3 -
Vegetables
Tomato 1 1 2
Potato 2 2 1
onion 3 4 3
Chilli pepper - 3 4
Cabbage - 5 -
Fruit
Papaya 1 1 2
Banana 3 2 -
Mango 2 3 1
Mandarin - 4 -
Coffee 4 5 3
Source: FGDs in the target area, 2017, ranking indicated that the highest area of production
3.4. Cropping Systems and Pattern
The district is characterized by diverse and intensive cropping system where most farmers usually grow two or
more crops on the same field per year. Figure 1 shows that the most dominating cropping system was mono
cropping, which is about 53% of farmers practiced mono cropping followed by intercropping (21%) and double
cropping (15%). Farmers followed mono-cropping practice dominantly by growing one or two crops (sorghum,
maize, or groundnut) on the same field per year without practicing crop rotation. During FGDs the farmers
mentioned that if the farmers allocate a plot of land for sorghum or groundnut, then they grow sorghum or groundnut
year per year. The farmers also practice double cropping in areas where irrigation access is there, by growing
tomato at dry season and after harvest of tomato, maize is planted. However, these cropping system practiced by
farmers without considering crop combinations, planting times, spacing and planting patterns using their indigenous
knowledge.
5. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
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Fig-1. Cropping system of the area
The cultivated area of land under all crops is high for the last five production year 2010/11 to 2014/15 (Fig.2).
The size of cultivated area under all crops is shows an increasing trend with decreasing rate from 2011 to 2014 and
decreasing after 2014 in both areas. This implies that the cultivated land scarcity may face the area. The average
cropland holding is also less than 0.5 hectare in the area.
Fig-2. Cultivated area by all crops during main season from 2011/12 to 2014/15
The cultivated area of irrigated land under all crops is shows a tremendous incremental trend in both modern
and traditional irrigated land for the last five year of production (2010/11 to 2014/15). However, the irrigated area
under modern irrigation is shows smooth incremental trends as compared to area irrigated land under traditional
irrigated area the in area. Figure 3 also shows that total irrigated area under modern and traditional irrigation
increases from 1469 hectares in 2010/11) to more than a double after five years which about 3205 hectares.
Fig-3. Cultivated area under irrigation
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3.5. Trend of Major Crop Production and Productivity
The production amount of sorghum, maize and others crops produced in the district shows an increasing trend
with some fluctuation of production for the last five years 2010/11 to 2014/15(Fig.4). Fig.4 shows that sorghum has
a lion share from cereal production in the area. The trend of vegetable and fruit crops production in the area was
increasing at increasing rate for the last five years. This implies that the cultivated area of irrigated land under
vegetable and fruit crops was increased in the area.
Fig-4. Amount of crops production during main season from 2010/11 tp 2014/15
As shown in table 3 the productivitry of sorghum and maize are 14qt/ha, and 15qt/ha respectively. The reason
for this low crop productivity might be generally associated with inadequate use of inputs such as improved seeds,
moisture, pressure of pests and diseases and inadequate management practices.
Table-3. Crop yield of major crops in the area (qt/ha) in the study areas
Commodity crops Yield (qt/ha)
Cereal crops
Sorghum 14-16
Maize 15
Pulse/oil crops
Haricot beans 13
Groundnuts 25
Sesame 8
Vegetables and fruits
Tomato 155
Potato 192
Sweet potato 200
Papaya 200
3.6. Crop Management
3.6.1. Soil Fertility Improvement by Crop Types
Soil fertility management practiced in the study is presented in Table 4. The farmers use combination of
farmyard manure with inorganic fertilizers on sorghum, maize, tomato, potato and onion in the area. Compost
making and using is not common practices in the study area, but there are few farmers who are using it only on
vegetables, maize and khat, by decomposing manure and weeds in pits. During group discussions farmers noted that
application of fertilizers at recommended rate is highly contributed to the crop yield increment, however, high cost
of fertilizers and moisture stress a limiting factor to use fertilizers.
Table-4. Soil fertility management for major crops in the study area, 2016
Crop types Fertilizer
management
Amount of fertilizer
application/ha
Method of fertilizer
application
Time of application
Sorghum Manure
+DAP +Urea
DAP = 50-80kg/ ha
Urea = 40-50kg/ ha
Manure= 10-12qt/ha
DAP =
broadcasting/mixing
with seed and drilling
Urea = side dressing at
knee stage of the
plant/at 6 leaf stage
Manure=broadcast
DAP = at planting
Urea = at cultivation
Manure = before
planting
7. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
11
Maize Manure
+DAP +Urea
DAP = 50-80kg/ ha
Urea = 40-50kg/ ha
Manure=1012qt/ha
DAP =
broadcasting/mixing
with seed and drilling
Urea = side dressing at
knee stage of the plant/
at 6 leaf stage
Manure=broadcast
DAP = at planting
Urea = at cultivation
Manure = before
planting
Groundnut Manure Manure 8-10qt/ha Manure=broadcast Before planting
Sesame Manure Manure 8-10qt/ha Manure=broadcast Before planting
Tomato Manure
+DAP +Urea
DAP =100-120kg/ ha
Urea = 80-100kg/ ha
DAP = broadcasting
Urea = side dressing at
transplanting and
DAP = at
planting/transplanting
Urea = at flowering
stage
Potato Manure
+DAP +Urea
DAP =80-100kg/ ha
Urea = 100-120kg/ ha
DAP = band/drilling
Urea = side dressing
DAP = at
planting/transplanting
Urea = at first and
second inter
cultivation
Onion Manure
+DAP +Urea
DAP =60-80kg/ ha
Urea = 50kg/ ha
DAP = band/drilling
Urea = side dressing
DAP = before
seedling
Urea = at first inter
cultivation practice
The PRA study identified major soil erosion types such as Gulley erosion, Sheet erosion and Rill erosion and
wind erosion in the area. These erosions are affecting the land resource by eroding fertile soil, and reducing farm and
grazing land by forming gullies. Soil bunds, stone bunds, terraces, check-dams, cut off drains and watershed
management are the most common bio-physical measures used by farmers for soil and water conservation in the
area. They also mentioned that watershed management through area closures and aforestation of degraded areas are
practicing to control runoff. Moreover, grass strips and planting of multipurpose trees along the soil bunds, and
contour to control soil erosion are also practicing as a biological measure in the area However, biological measures
for soil and water conservation practices in most areas is not significant as compared to physical.
3.6.2. Trend of Inorganic Fertilizer Supply
Fig.5 shows that DAP and Urea supplied by office of agriculture for the last five consecutive years. From the
figure the supply trends of both DAP and Urea is fluctuating, this may due to rainfall distribution in the area.
Fig-5. Quantity of fertilizers supplied by agricultural office in the past five years in qt
3.6.3. Type of Seeds used and Source
The farmers accessed seeds from different sources in the study area. For sorghum, maize, haricot bean and
groundnut, own saved, farmers and village market are common source for seeds of these crops. The mproved seeds
of sorghum, maize, haricot bean, tomato, papaya and mango, farmers obtained from Office of agriculture, NGOs
(emergency), and local market (for tomato and onion). During group discussion, the armers asserts that there is
limited access to only few improved varieties of maize such as melkasa-2 and katuman, improved seeds of tomato
such as Shante, Konchor and Roma-VF, onion (Adama red) and mango (grafted mango) through which are supplied
through offices of agriculture, and NGOs for emergency. The farmers noted that there are no improved varieties for
most crops although there are limited improved varieties provided to the area.
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12
3.6.4. Agronomic Practices
In study area, for maize and sorghum, land preparation is usually performed using oxen-plough, and hand tools
using human labour for the purpose of moisture conservation and weed control. Similarly, for vegetable and fruit
crops land ploughing is performed using oxen ploughs for primary tillage, and hand tools such as Hararghe Akafa
and Dangora using human labour. Moreover, during group discussion different farmers’ crop management practices
identified such as tillage frequency, planting methods, and cropping practices are presented in table 5.
Table-5. Major agronomic practices used by farmers in the study areas
Crop types Method of
plough
Tillage
frequency
Planting
methods
Cropping
practice
Harvesting
technique
Threshing
methods
Sorghum Ploughed
with
ox
ploughs/hand
hoe
One to
two
Broadcasting Mono cropping Manually
by sickle
By hand
biting using
stick
Maize Ploughed
with
ox ploughs/
hand hoe
One to
two
Row
planting
Broadcast
Mono cropping
for rainfed
fields,
Rotation for
irrigated
Manually
by sickle
By hand
biting using
stick/hand
pilling
Groundnuts Ploughed
with ox
ploughs/
hand hoe
One to
two
-Row
planting is
common
Sole cropping
is common
Intercropped
mixed with
sorghum/maize
Manually
by hand
hoe
Striping by
hand and
supplied to
the market
without
shelling
Tomato Ploughing
withox
ploughs/hand
hoe
3 times Row
planting
Sole cropping Manually
by hand
pickin
-
Potato Land is
plough
with ox
ploughs/hand
hoe
3 times Row
planting
Sole cropping Manually
by hand
hoe
-
Onion Ploughed
with
ox
ploughs/hand
hoe
3 times Row
planting
Sole cropping Manually
by hand
pulling
-
Chili
Pepper
Land is
ploughed
withox
ploughs/
hand hoe
3 times Row
planting
Sole cropping Manually
by hand
picking
-
Cabbage Hand hoe 3 times Row
planting
Sole cropping Manually
by hand
picking
-
3.6.5. Pest Management Practice
The major weeds such as Striga, Parthenium, Amaranthus hybrid, Cocklebur and Spotted spurge (Marare) on
sorghum and maize, and Orobanche on tomato are among weeds identified by PRA farmers. The farmers also noted
that these weeds are not manageable by farmers practice in the study areas. The major disease such as Leaf spot,
Leaf blight on sorghum and maize, Powdery mildew, Down mildew, blight on tomato and, blight, on potato and
onion, and Anthracnose on mango are among the serious disease reducing crop yields in the area. Insects like stalk
borers on maize and sorghum, leaf minor (Tuta absuluta) and aphids on vegetable and thrips, fruit fly on mango
were the major insect pests reported by farmers. Farmers used cultural practices like smoking, and removing the
affected plant/branches. In addition, farmers used pesticides such as DDT, Marshal, Malathion, and Mankozebfor
vegetable crops.
9. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
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Table-6. Major types of pests and management practices used in study area
Major Pest Sorghum and maize Sesame Tomato Potato Onion Mango
Weed Striga hermonthica,
Striga
asiatica,Parthenium
hysterophorus,
Amaranthus hybrid,
Couch grass,
Cocklebur,
Common
nettle(Anamale )
Oxalis (wanjalii),
Cyprus Spotted spurge
(Marare),Argimon
Mexicana (Arama qore)
Cockleb
ur,
Spotted
spurge
(Marare)
, Spotted
spurge
(Marare)
Orobancha
(Tomabasho)
- - -
Frequency of
weeding
Three to four times
(hand weeding and
cultivation using hand
hoe for weeding)
Two to
three
times
(cultivati
on
Two to three
times
(cultivation
using hand hoe)
- - -
Insect Stalk borer,
Aphids/Macur
(sorghum), African ball
worm (Sorghum), Cut
worm, White fly,
Butterfly, Termite,
Shoot borer, Fruit fly,
Grubs(Qumbursii)
Army
worm
(Geri)
Spider mite,
Cut worm,
Fruit fly,
Aphid, white
flies
Spider mite,
Fruit fly,
Aphid, white
flies, Moth
Cut
worm,
Thrips,
Mites
and
Worm
Fruit fly,
termite
Aphid,
Thrips
Midge
Management Farm site cleaning, 2-3
times ploughining,
cut/uprooting and
remove the affected
plant, and
pesticides (DDT,
Marshal, Malathion-
spraying 2 to 3 times)
Late
planting,
sprayed
chemical
s(Malath
ion)
Farm site
cleaning,
manuring,
Spraying of
chemeical
(Mankozyeb :
2-3 times in a
month)
Farm site
cleaning,
manuring,
Spraying
chemical( of
Mankozyeb:
2-3 times in a
month)
Farm
site
cleaning
,
manurin
g,
Sprayin
g of
Mankoz
yeb: 2-3
times)
Site
cleaning
and
removing
affected
part of the
plants
Disease Leaf spot, Root rot,
Root knot, Leaf blight,
Head smut(on
sorghum)
- Powdery
mildew,
Down mildew,
Early blight
,Leaf spot,
Fruit decay,
Root knot,
bacteria wilt
rust
Late blight,
Fungal rot,
Leaf spot,
Root knot
Late
blight,
Fungal
rot,
Leaf
spot,
Root
knot
Fruit
decay, root
knot,
Dawny
mildew
Die back
powdermil
dew,Anthr
acnose
3.7. Market Services
The PRA result indicated that involvement of brokers and limited marketing infrastructure development such as
market place, information development for crop and livestock products are makes markets are poorly developed in
the study area. The farmers are engaged in production of different types of vegetables fruit and animals are produced
predominantly for market purpose. Products were taken to the nearby towns by producers in most cases. However,
price setting by brokers is among their major marketing problem as large part of the price margins are unfairly taken
away by the middlemen.
3.8. Gender Roles in Crop Production
The PRA study indicates that the males play a dominant role in cereal crop production activities such as land
cleaning, land preparation, inputs preparation, transporting manure to farm fields, planting, cultivation fertilizers
application, pest and disease management crop residue collection, harvesting, threshing and transportation of grains
to storage while females serving male in food, coffee, tea, and harvesting and marketing of crop products were
commonly performed by female in the study area. On the other hand, both females and males are equally involved
on decision making on type of crops grown, selling and buying of crop products in the study areas.
10. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
14
3.9. Crop Production Constraints
The livelihood activities of farmers are constraining by various constraintsbsuch as such farm land shortage,
most of the land is degraded due to soil erosion, poor soil fertility drought, limited capacity, and lack of access to
inputs and improved seeds in the area. However, farmers perceived these constraints and made an effort to feed
his/her families through practicing growing various crops such as cereal crops, pulse, vegetable and fruit trees on a
plot of land, and constructing soil bunds, and small indigenous ridges on their farm fields to conserve moisture, and
use of organic manure to maintain soil fertility. In addition, some farmers also intentionally grow fruit and some
multipurpose trees on farm lands in the area.
The major constraining crop productions as explained by farmers are shortage of improved seed varieties for
most crops in the study area. The shortage of improved seed varieties was ranked first as a constraining productivity
of crops in the study area (Table 7). The result of PRA study also indicates that the moisture stress due to erratic
rainfall was the second and third factor which limiting crop production in Adada and Awale, and Bishan Bahe
Kebele, respectively. Weed infestation were ranked by farmers, third in Adada, and Awale Kebeles and fourth in
Bishan Bahe Kebele as a major factor limiting crop production in the area. Similarly, insects and diseases outbreak
were ranked by farmers, third in Adada, and Awale Kebeles, and second in Bishan Bahe Kebele as a constrain for
crop prodction. Moreover, harvesting, threshing, and storage were identified as post harvest problem during the PRA
study. The result of PRA study further indicates that the access to free market for crop products particularly for
vegetables and fruit products was the first most important constraint in the study area. The PRA report also noted
high cost of inputs, lack of access to and use of market information, and lack of organized marketing system were
identified as main marketing constraints in the study area.
Table-7. Pair-wise ranking of constraints related crop production in the study area
Constraints Name of Kbeles
Production Adada Awale Bishan Behe
Shortage of improved varieties 1st
(4) 1st
(4) 1st
(4)
Crop insect and disease 3th
(2) 3th
(2) 2nd
(3)
Weed infestation 3th
(2) 3th
(2) 4nd
(1)
Moisture stress due to erratic rainfall 2nd
(3) 2rd
(3) 3rd
(2)
Knowledge and skill gap 4th
(1) 4th
(1) 4th
(1)
Post harvest problem
Harvesting technique 1st
(3) 1st
(3) 1st
(3)
Transportation 2nd
(2) 2nd
(2) 2nd
(2)
Storage 3rd
(1) 3rd
(1) 3rd
(1)
Processing (quality) 4th
(0) 4th
(0) 4th
(0)
Marketing constraint
Market access 1st
(4) 1st
(4) 1st
(4)
High price of inputs 2nd
(3) 3rd
(2) 3rd
(2)
Credit access 4th
(1) 5th
(0) 5th
(0)
Lack of market information 3rd
(2) 2nd
(3) 2nd
(3)
Lack of organized marketing 4th
(1) 4th
(1) 4th
(1)
Figures in the parenthesis: score values; Numbers outside the parentheses: ranking
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
Crop production is an integral part of the farming system, which plays a crucial role in the livelihood for farm
households of the study area. However, limited access to improved seed, diseases and insect pests, drought,
declining of soil fertility due to land degradation, increment of farm input costs, high postharvest losses, low
institutional support and poor marketing system are the major constraints to crop production in the area. Based on
the findings of the study, the following recommendations are given:
Introduce and promote improved crop varieties is a research priority area focusing toward generating of
high yielding, early maturing, and pests resistant varieties in the area.
Strength research-farmer-extension linkages to develop improved crop varieties adapted to local
conditions, and improved management practices
Improve the technical knowledge and skill of farmers and development agents in crop production and crop
protection practices by providing training to increase crop yield.
Expand irrigation facilities and improve irrigation water use efficiency by improving the irrigation system
in the area,
Participatory promotion of improved farm machineries and storage technologies should be conducted for
major cereal crops to reduce grain loss and quality.
Develop improved postharvest handling and storage technologies to prolons shelf life and minimize
postharvest losses for horticultural crops.
Build the capacity of farmer’s cooperatives/unions so as to provide cooperatives for input and output
marketing, and creating linkages with value chain actors could be improve the benefit of the farmers.
11. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
15
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