Twenty one maize varieties that were collected from Bako Agricultural Research Center, Western Ethiopia were screened for resistance against maize weevils in insect science laboratory of Addis Ababa University. The varieties included sixteen hybrids (BH-660, BH-540, BH-543, BHQPY-545, BH-661, BH-546, BH-547, SPRH-1, AMH-760Q, AMH-851, AMH-853, AMH-854, MH-138Q, OHL HUV, Shone and Limu) and five open pollinated varieties (Melkasa-2, Melkasa-4, Melkasa-6Q, Gibe-2 and Morka). The parameter measured for screening were parental adult’s weevil’s mortality, F1 progeny emergence, percent protection, percent grain damage and weight loss, weight of damaged and undamaged grains, Dobie index of susceptibility and selection index. Based on Dobie index of susceptibility, 6 varieties (Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH, BHQPY-545, AMH-760Q and AMH-851) respectively were categorized as resistant varieties, whereas the rest 15 (Melkasa-2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-853, OHL HUV, Melkasa-4, BH-543, BH-546, BH-547, Morka, AMH-854, Gibe-2, Limu, BH-660 and Shone) were rated as moderately susceptible varieties. However, based on selection index, 6 (Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH, BHQPY-545, AMH-760Q and AMH-851) were rated as resistant, 5 (Melkasa-2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-853 and OHL HUV) were rated as moderately resistant, 8 (Melkasa-4, BH-543, BH-546, BH-547, Morka, AMH-854, Gibe-2 and Limu) were rated as moderately susceptible and 2 (BH-660 and Shone) were rated as susceptible varieties. Therefore, the aforementioned 6 resistant varieties could be stored relatively for longer period (≥ 2 months) under farmer’s storage conditions. Hence, these resistance varieties could be implemented as a cheap, ecologically sound and effective management method to reduce loss caused by S. zeamais under storage conditions at national level.
Assessment of Grain Storage Structures and Containers in Relation to Build-Up...Nezif Abamecha
This study was designed to assess farmers grain storage containers in relation to buildup of storage pests in three
selected districts of southwestern Ethiopia. One district was selected from each zone based on the production
potential of selected grain crops such as maize, sorghum, wheat and faba bean. Then, 25 households were randomly
selected from each district to collect stored grain samples used for the identification of storage insect pests, and
grain samples were taken from different storage structures, including un-plastered and plastered gombisa, gumbi,
and polypropylene sacks. The results showed that the dominant insect species in maize, sorghum and wheat grains
were weevils (Sitophilus spp.) followed by the Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier) and flour
beetles (Tribolium spp.), while the bean weevil (Zabrotes spp.) was the only species recovered from stored faba
beans. High numbers of insects were recorded from both plastered and un-plastered gombisa, gumbi and
polypropylene sacks. In addition, the number of each insect pest in each storage method recorded per 100 g-1 grain
increased as the duration of grain storage increased. The results of this study also demonstrated that most of the
farmers in the study areas perceived insect pests and rodents as the main postharvest pests causing considerable
losses of stored grains. The poor storage systems of farmers predispose the stored grains to insect and rodent
attacks. Thus, there is a need to train farmers on storage hygiene and to develop and disseminate efficient grain
storage facilities to reduce losses in grain stores. Moreover, further studies need an improved pest detection method,
such as the use of bioacoustics tools, to manage pests associated with grain stores.
A presentation of the head of the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources: Polish Genebank concerning plant genetic resources conservation in Poland.
The Potential of Heliotropium indicum and Chili Pepper Extracts to Control Af...Premier Publishers
The experiment examined the potential of some organic extracts to control African army worm on maize plantations. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of four treatments each replicated four times. Treatments consisted of extracts from the leaves of Heliotropium indicum (HE), extract from dried chilli pepper (CPE), combination of H.indicum with dried chilli pepper extract (HE + CPE) and Cypermethrine (CP) insecticide incorporated in the study for comparison with the botanicals and the untreated check as control (CL). A susceptible and improved maize variety SAMARU 38 was used for the experiment. Data were collected on the following parameters for each treatment: Number of plants infested before and after treatment, percentage damage before and after treatment, total damage after treatment, percentage level of infestation after treatment, and percentage yield increase. All treatments at different plant growth stages reduced the number of holes on the maize plant and these values were significantly different from that of the untreated control plot. Field results indicated that extract of H. indicum, chili pepper and their combinations were effective in controlling army worm. Grain yield in extracts of H.indicum were higher than monocrotophos treatments and the untreated check. Incorporating the plant extracts treatments into sustainable maize production will help to improve the crop yield in resource-poor-farmers field, as well as increase monetary returns for their investment without altering the eco system.
Plant exploration, germplasm collection, conservation and utilizationSyed Zahid Hasan
Sequentially given germplasm exploration, collection, conservation,evaluation and utilization sof Agroforestry plants.
Some information and pictures collected from google.
Assessment of Grain Storage Structures and Containers in Relation to Build-Up...Nezif Abamecha
This study was designed to assess farmers grain storage containers in relation to buildup of storage pests in three
selected districts of southwestern Ethiopia. One district was selected from each zone based on the production
potential of selected grain crops such as maize, sorghum, wheat and faba bean. Then, 25 households were randomly
selected from each district to collect stored grain samples used for the identification of storage insect pests, and
grain samples were taken from different storage structures, including un-plastered and plastered gombisa, gumbi,
and polypropylene sacks. The results showed that the dominant insect species in maize, sorghum and wheat grains
were weevils (Sitophilus spp.) followed by the Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier) and flour
beetles (Tribolium spp.), while the bean weevil (Zabrotes spp.) was the only species recovered from stored faba
beans. High numbers of insects were recorded from both plastered and un-plastered gombisa, gumbi and
polypropylene sacks. In addition, the number of each insect pest in each storage method recorded per 100 g-1 grain
increased as the duration of grain storage increased. The results of this study also demonstrated that most of the
farmers in the study areas perceived insect pests and rodents as the main postharvest pests causing considerable
losses of stored grains. The poor storage systems of farmers predispose the stored grains to insect and rodent
attacks. Thus, there is a need to train farmers on storage hygiene and to develop and disseminate efficient grain
storage facilities to reduce losses in grain stores. Moreover, further studies need an improved pest detection method,
such as the use of bioacoustics tools, to manage pests associated with grain stores.
A presentation of the head of the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources: Polish Genebank concerning plant genetic resources conservation in Poland.
The Potential of Heliotropium indicum and Chili Pepper Extracts to Control Af...Premier Publishers
The experiment examined the potential of some organic extracts to control African army worm on maize plantations. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of four treatments each replicated four times. Treatments consisted of extracts from the leaves of Heliotropium indicum (HE), extract from dried chilli pepper (CPE), combination of H.indicum with dried chilli pepper extract (HE + CPE) and Cypermethrine (CP) insecticide incorporated in the study for comparison with the botanicals and the untreated check as control (CL). A susceptible and improved maize variety SAMARU 38 was used for the experiment. Data were collected on the following parameters for each treatment: Number of plants infested before and after treatment, percentage damage before and after treatment, total damage after treatment, percentage level of infestation after treatment, and percentage yield increase. All treatments at different plant growth stages reduced the number of holes on the maize plant and these values were significantly different from that of the untreated control plot. Field results indicated that extract of H. indicum, chili pepper and their combinations were effective in controlling army worm. Grain yield in extracts of H.indicum were higher than monocrotophos treatments and the untreated check. Incorporating the plant extracts treatments into sustainable maize production will help to improve the crop yield in resource-poor-farmers field, as well as increase monetary returns for their investment without altering the eco system.
Plant exploration, germplasm collection, conservation and utilizationSyed Zahid Hasan
Sequentially given germplasm exploration, collection, conservation,evaluation and utilization sof Agroforestry plants.
Some information and pictures collected from google.
This survey was conducted on an experimental parcel of the Agronomic High School of the National Polytechnic Institute Félix HOUPHOUET- BOIGNY (ESA-INPHB) of Yamoussoukro (Côte d’Ivoire). It aims to evaluate the insecticidal effect of 2 local plants aqueous extracts on termites (Azadirachta indica and Cassia siamea) dosed at 131.25 g powder/ L compared to a chemical pesticide (Chlorpyrifos ethyl) dosed at 480 g / L. A total of 11 termite species were collected from the plots. The fungus-growers with 6 species are the most dominant group. Four soil-feeder species and one wood-boring species were also collected. Only fungus-growers are present in the areas treated with plant extracts and chlorpyrifos ethyl. It was observed a high abundance of termites in heading stage of the rice growth. In maturity stage, ie 4 months after sowing the efficiency of chlorpyrifos ethyl decreased as plant aqueous extracts remain effective. Among the two tested plants, Azadirachta indica seems to be the most effective compared to Cassia siamea against termites. Chlorpyrifos ethyl could be used as a cure for its swift action on termites while Azadirachta indica could be used preventively and for crops whose destructive action is long term.
Evaluation of rice genotypes for resistance to the stalk-eyed fly (Diopsis lo...Innspub Net
Globally, rice production is limited by abiotic and biotic factors. Of the insect pests attacking rice, the stalk-eyed fly is the most abundant. Major rice growing districts in Uganda are affected, and varieties grown by farmers are susceptible. The objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to stalk-eyed flies among improved rice genotypes in Uganda. Fifty genotypes from the Africa Rice Centre, IRRI, South Korea and the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Uganda were screened under cage and field conditions at NaCRRI. Trials were laid out in an alpha lattice design, with 3 replications, for both experiments. Natural infestation (D. longicornis or D. apicalis) was used in the field while cage trials utilized artificial infestation with D. longicornis. Data on deadhearts were collected from seedling to tillering stages, at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Analyses of variance were performed using restricted maximum likelihood. Infestation levels for 31 (62%) rice genotypes were the same under both field and cage conditions, 4 (8%) genotypes showed higher susceptibility in the cage than in the field and 15 (30%) were more resistant in the cage than in the field. Genotypes NERICA 4, TXD306, NM7-22-11-B-P-1-1 and K85 were identified as the most resistant varieties. F3 genotypes (GSR IR1- 5-S14-S2-Y1 x K85, Gigante x NERICA4, NERICA4 x Gigante, NERICA1x NERICA4, NERICA4 x NERICA6, and NERICA4 x SUPA) were also found resistant. These genotypes were recommended for release and further advancement, respectively.
Over recent decades, agriculture has undergone enormous changes as a result of both technological advances and changing human needs and desires. On one hand, yields per unit area have increased dramatically through a combination of improved crop varieties and a greater use of external inputs. On the other hand, there has been increasing pressure on land for uses other than the production of food, as well as growing concerns about the sustainability and safety of some modern practices. During the course of the conservation developments a practical ex situ conservation strategy has been developed for the storage of predominantly orthodox seed producing food crops. The central role in this conservation concept is played by so-called genebanks. International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), coordinates a global network of gene banks to provide plant breeders with the genetic resources necessary for developing crops more resistant to diseases, insect pests, poor soils, and harsh weather, thus enabling farmers to maintain high yields. In India, NBPGR plays a pivotal role in the improvement of various crop plants and diversification and development of agriculture through germplasm introduction from various institutes/organizations located in foreign countries and germplasm collection from within the country and abroad and conservation thereof.
In spite of the enormous contribution by various institutes to global food security and sustainable agriculture, its role is not widely recognized or understood. Greater efforts are needed to assess the impact of its use and to bring this information to the attention of policy-makers and the general public so as to help generate the resources needed to strengthen programmes for its conservation and use.
GENOMIC AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC APPROACHES TOWARDS THE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF AN U...Faraz Khan
With the world population estimated to be nine billion by 2050, the need to exploit plant genetic diversity in order to increase and diversify global food supply, and minimise the over-reliance for food on a few staple crops is of the utmost importance. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.), is underutilised legume indigenous to Africa, rich in carbohydrates, with reasonable amounts of protein. It is known to be drought tolerant, able to
grow on marginal lands where other major crops cannot with minimal rainfall (<700 mm) and chemical inputs. Crop improvement for abiotic stress tolerance and increasing/stabilising yield have been difficult to achieve due to the complex nature of these stresses, and the genotype x environment interaction (GxE). This review paper highlights how a number of recent technologies and approaches used for major crop research, can be translated
into use in research of minor crops, using bambara groundnut as an exemplar species. Using drought tolerance as a trait of interest in this crop, we will demonstrate how limitations can affect genomic approaches for understanding traits in bambara groundnut, and, how genomic and transcriptomic methodologies developed for major crops can be applied to underutilised crops for better understanding of the genetics governing important agronomic traits. Furthermore, such approaches will allow for cross species comparison between major and minor crops, exemplified by bambara groundnut leading to improved research in such crops. This will lead to a better understanding of the
role of stress-responsive genes and drought adaptation in this underutilised legume.
Estimate of Genetic Variability Parameters among Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea ...Premier Publishers
Sixteen groundnut genotypes (including local check) were evaluated for quantitative parameters. The crop was sown during 2015 wet season in Ethiopia across four locations. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Twelve quantitative parameters were studied. The analysis of variance revealed the prevalence of significant difference among the genotypes for all studied parameters. Based on mean performance of genotypes Beha gudo, Manipeter and Werer-962 were found to be best for grain yield in kg/ha. High to moderate estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were exhibited by all characters except for SHP and NSP indicating that those characters could be used as selection indices for crop improvement. High heritability was observed for 100SW (91.2%), AGBP (90.3%), NBP (90.2%), PH (89.4%), NMP (86.8%), NSPOD (85.7%), HI (83.7%) and KY (79.7%) accompanied by high genetic advance indicating the predominant role of additive gene action and the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of groundnut genotypes based on these characters. Low broad sense heritability and low genetic advance was observed only for SHP and NSP indicating low genetic potentials for these characters and non-additive gene effect prevails.
Toxic Effects of some Pungent Smelling Seed Extracts and Powders on Sitophilu...Premier Publishers
Sitophilus zeamais is a notorious field-to-store pest of maize in the Tropic. The use of chemical insecticides, regardless of its adverse effects has been the major means of managing this pest. In this study, bio-insecticides of plant origin was used to control maize weevil in the store. The dry fruits of Capsicum frutescens, Piper guineense and Aframomum melegueta were extracted with ethanol, using Soxhlet apparatus. The extracts and powders were evaluated on S. zeamais Motschulsky for mortality, oviposition and adult emergence. The long term storage of the treated maize was also investigated. The results obtained shows that all extracts and powders from C. frutescens and P. guineense caused 100 % mortality by day 12 of exposure with all extract concentrations and doses of powder applied. Powders of A. melegueta was able to achieve 100 % mortality only by day 12 of exposure. The extracts also suppressed oviposition and subsequent adult emergence. Extracts and powders of A. melegueta and P. guineense completely prevented infestation and hence damage of the treated maize grains for a period of three months. The result obtained suggests that extracts and powders of the test plants most especially that of P. guineense and C. frutescens can be utilized in protecting stored maize grains from infestation by S. zeamais.
Abstract— The indiscriminate use of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers e and synthetic pesticides, can cause high levels of toxic residues in food, biological imbalance, environmental contamination, intoxication of humans and animals, and other direct and indirect effects. The use of plant extracts as alternative insecticides is a way to minimize the problems caused by synthetic insecticides. Insecticides are in the second position in the trading market of agrotoxics in Brazil. The species Tagetes erecta L. and Tagetes patula L. have antioxidant properties, larvicidal, fungicidal, antimicrobial, nematicide and insecticide. In order to verify the possibility of Tagetes sp. extracts be suitable alternative to the use of synthetic insecticides, the bioassays laboratorial were designed through of insect mortality test of Sitophilus zeamais. We evaluated the antioxidant activity by the test of DPPH, in addition to screen the chromatographic profile of the extracts. It is concluded that the extracts evaluated are efficient in insect mortality, checking still considerable amount of antioxidant compounds, as identified also flavonoids, terpenes and alkaloids in extracts. According to these results we conclude that T. erecta and T. patula has phytotoxic compounds that can promote and expand its use as a natural insecticide.
Genetic material of plants which is of value as a resource for present and future generations of people is referred to as plant genetic resources.
The whole library of different alleles of a species or sum total of genes in a species is known as gene pool, also called germplasm, genetic stock and genetic resources.
The term gene pool was coined by Dobzhansky in 1951.
The term germplasm was first used by Weismann in 1883.
FSC 503: Biodiversity and conservation of fruit crops
Collection: Tapping of genetic diversity from various sources and assembling at one place is called germplasm collection.
Evaluation: It deals with the assessing the agronomic potential of an accession including quality parameters and response to various abiotic and biotic stresses.
Documentation:Germplasm conservation, in its various stages, includes a range of activities for which information is required or from which information is derived. This may refer to species, their sites of origin, or activities or stages of conservation. The action of recording, organizing, and analyzing conservation data is known as documentation.
Incidence and toxigenicity of fungi contaminating sorghum from NigeriaPremier Publishers
Each Agro ecological zone was transversely delineated into 5 districts and five villages (at least 20 Km from each other) called “locations” were selected in each district. In each district, Sorghum grains in stores, bunches in the field and sorghum grains in the market were sampled from five locations, each approximately 20 km from the previous sampling location. The mycological analytical procedures were performed under aseptic condition. Plates were counted for fungal colonies using a colony counter and the number of fungal colonies per gram of sample was calculated as CFU/g. The fungi species were isolated and subsequently identified using MEA/CYA media for Aspergillus and Penicillium species and PDA for the fusarium species Toxigenicity studies on strains representing species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium was carried out to determine their ability to produce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); aflatoxin B2 (AFB2); aflatoxin G1 (AFG1); aflatoxin G2 (AFG2); OTA, ZEN, DON and FB1. A total of 701 isolates were recorded which consist of 67 confirmed fungal strains. Aspergillus species formed the majority with 346(49.6%) followed by the Fusarium species with 186(26.7%) then Penicillium species with 102(14.6%) while others such as Cuvularia, Phoma, Alternaria, Rhizormucor constitutes 67 (9.0% )strains of the total population.
Barley is one of the most important traditional crops in Ethiopia which is a major center of genetic diversity for barley along with other crop plants species. Two hundred seven accessions and 18 released varieties were laid down in 15*15 simple lattice design and planted in 2008 main cropping season (June to Nov) at Kokate. The objective of the study was to conduct the morphological characterization and to determine the nature and degree of variability in morpho- agronomic traits of landrace of barley in southern Ethiopia collections. The proportion of genotypes in kernel row number were 26.6, 15.3, 16.6, 41.5 and 0.4% for two rowed with lateral floret, two rowed deficient, irregular, six rowed with awns on lateral floret and branched heads, respectively. Genotypes with white kernel color (57.5%) and amber (normal) lemma color (50%) were dominant. The highest diversity indices pooled over the characters within zones/ special woredas were recorded for accessions sampled from Dawro (H’= 0.75 ± 0.05) followed by Sheka (H’=0.74 ± 0.07), Gamgofa (H’ =0.70 ± 0.05) and Keffa (H’= 0.70 ± 0.08). These zones can be used for in situ conservation for barley landraces as representatives of southern Ethiopian high lands. The barley genotypes were clustered into five distinct groups of various sizes based on 8 qualitative traits. The estimates of diversity index (H’) for each trait in each of the three altitudinal class has shown that polymorphism was common in varying degrees for most traits, implying the existence of a wide range of variation in the materials.
Changes in Aflatoxins Contents of the Maize (Zea Mays L.) Stored in Clay Gran...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Maize protection without any risks for human health and environment concerns might be valued on alternative uses of pest control methods that do not only rely on synthetic insecticides. A combination of leaves derived from Lippia multiflora Moldenke and Hyptis suaveolens Poit. Benth were tested for their protective effect on the aflatoxins levels of maize cobs and grains stored in traditional and improved granaries in Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, 4 aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) were determined with high performance liquid chromatography according to the official method of AOAC. Results showed presence of afltatoxins in 58% of samples, and specifically aflatoxin B1 from half the samples, with rather higher levels than the reference values of the European Union. The levels of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 resulted from both maize cobs and grains treated with biopesticides (from 0.06-0.53 µg/kg to 2.18-50.70 µg/kg) were significantly lower than those recorded with untreated maize of control granaries (ranging from 0.06-0.53 µg/kg to 12.48-346.15 µg/kg). In the treated maize, the aflatoxins levels increased slightly during 6 months of storage, while the untreated maize cobs were with significant increasing of the same toxins traits month after month. For each stage, aflatoxins levels of maize cobs and grains did not differ whether they are treated in traditional or improved granaries with both plant materials.
The estimated risk of exposure in aflatoxins, specifically in total aflatoxins and AFB1, deriving with intakes of maize stored for 6 months are respectively 114.37±2.2 ng/kg body weight/day and 36.21±0.11 ng/kg body weight/day for the untreated granaries and 7.15±0.04 ng/kg body weight/day and 2.12±0.17 ng/kg body weight/day for the treated granaries. These levels are strongly higher than the maximal Reference Value (0.15 pg/kg body weight/day) tolerated for Toxicity exposure. Therefore, it’s necessary to sensitize, on a larger scale, actors of maize path, namely farmers, retailers, processers and consumers about such mycotoxins in maize products for providing health safety to Ivorian populations.
Standard heterosis of pipeline maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids for grain yield an...Premier Publishers
The knowledge of gene action and heterosis also helps in identification of superior F1 hybrids in order to use further in future breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of standard heterosis of the pipeline maize hybrids for grain yield and yield related traits. A total of eleven pipeline maize hybrids and two standard checks (BH546 and BH547) were evaluated using randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2015 main cropping season at Northwestern Ethiopia. Mean squares due to genotypes were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for most grain yield and yield related traits indicating the existence of genetic variation among the evaluated genotypes. The standard heterosis ranged from -38.72 to 33.65%and the highest heterosis was recorded for CML395/CML202//CML464 cross. The observed highest heterosis for grain yield and related traits indicated the possibility of increasing yield by exploiting heterotic potential of maize genotypes. The information generated by this study could be useful for researchers who need to develop high yielding maize hybrids.
This survey was conducted on an experimental parcel of the Agronomic High School of the National Polytechnic Institute Félix HOUPHOUET- BOIGNY (ESA-INPHB) of Yamoussoukro (Côte d’Ivoire). It aims to evaluate the insecticidal effect of 2 local plants aqueous extracts on termites (Azadirachta indica and Cassia siamea) dosed at 131.25 g powder/ L compared to a chemical pesticide (Chlorpyrifos ethyl) dosed at 480 g / L. A total of 11 termite species were collected from the plots. The fungus-growers with 6 species are the most dominant group. Four soil-feeder species and one wood-boring species were also collected. Only fungus-growers are present in the areas treated with plant extracts and chlorpyrifos ethyl. It was observed a high abundance of termites in heading stage of the rice growth. In maturity stage, ie 4 months after sowing the efficiency of chlorpyrifos ethyl decreased as plant aqueous extracts remain effective. Among the two tested plants, Azadirachta indica seems to be the most effective compared to Cassia siamea against termites. Chlorpyrifos ethyl could be used as a cure for its swift action on termites while Azadirachta indica could be used preventively and for crops whose destructive action is long term.
Evaluation of rice genotypes for resistance to the stalk-eyed fly (Diopsis lo...Innspub Net
Globally, rice production is limited by abiotic and biotic factors. Of the insect pests attacking rice, the stalk-eyed fly is the most abundant. Major rice growing districts in Uganda are affected, and varieties grown by farmers are susceptible. The objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to stalk-eyed flies among improved rice genotypes in Uganda. Fifty genotypes from the Africa Rice Centre, IRRI, South Korea and the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Uganda were screened under cage and field conditions at NaCRRI. Trials were laid out in an alpha lattice design, with 3 replications, for both experiments. Natural infestation (D. longicornis or D. apicalis) was used in the field while cage trials utilized artificial infestation with D. longicornis. Data on deadhearts were collected from seedling to tillering stages, at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Analyses of variance were performed using restricted maximum likelihood. Infestation levels for 31 (62%) rice genotypes were the same under both field and cage conditions, 4 (8%) genotypes showed higher susceptibility in the cage than in the field and 15 (30%) were more resistant in the cage than in the field. Genotypes NERICA 4, TXD306, NM7-22-11-B-P-1-1 and K85 were identified as the most resistant varieties. F3 genotypes (GSR IR1- 5-S14-S2-Y1 x K85, Gigante x NERICA4, NERICA4 x Gigante, NERICA1x NERICA4, NERICA4 x NERICA6, and NERICA4 x SUPA) were also found resistant. These genotypes were recommended for release and further advancement, respectively.
Over recent decades, agriculture has undergone enormous changes as a result of both technological advances and changing human needs and desires. On one hand, yields per unit area have increased dramatically through a combination of improved crop varieties and a greater use of external inputs. On the other hand, there has been increasing pressure on land for uses other than the production of food, as well as growing concerns about the sustainability and safety of some modern practices. During the course of the conservation developments a practical ex situ conservation strategy has been developed for the storage of predominantly orthodox seed producing food crops. The central role in this conservation concept is played by so-called genebanks. International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), coordinates a global network of gene banks to provide plant breeders with the genetic resources necessary for developing crops more resistant to diseases, insect pests, poor soils, and harsh weather, thus enabling farmers to maintain high yields. In India, NBPGR plays a pivotal role in the improvement of various crop plants and diversification and development of agriculture through germplasm introduction from various institutes/organizations located in foreign countries and germplasm collection from within the country and abroad and conservation thereof.
In spite of the enormous contribution by various institutes to global food security and sustainable agriculture, its role is not widely recognized or understood. Greater efforts are needed to assess the impact of its use and to bring this information to the attention of policy-makers and the general public so as to help generate the resources needed to strengthen programmes for its conservation and use.
GENOMIC AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC APPROACHES TOWARDS THE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF AN U...Faraz Khan
With the world population estimated to be nine billion by 2050, the need to exploit plant genetic diversity in order to increase and diversify global food supply, and minimise the over-reliance for food on a few staple crops is of the utmost importance. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.), is underutilised legume indigenous to Africa, rich in carbohydrates, with reasonable amounts of protein. It is known to be drought tolerant, able to
grow on marginal lands where other major crops cannot with minimal rainfall (<700 mm) and chemical inputs. Crop improvement for abiotic stress tolerance and increasing/stabilising yield have been difficult to achieve due to the complex nature of these stresses, and the genotype x environment interaction (GxE). This review paper highlights how a number of recent technologies and approaches used for major crop research, can be translated
into use in research of minor crops, using bambara groundnut as an exemplar species. Using drought tolerance as a trait of interest in this crop, we will demonstrate how limitations can affect genomic approaches for understanding traits in bambara groundnut, and, how genomic and transcriptomic methodologies developed for major crops can be applied to underutilised crops for better understanding of the genetics governing important agronomic traits. Furthermore, such approaches will allow for cross species comparison between major and minor crops, exemplified by bambara groundnut leading to improved research in such crops. This will lead to a better understanding of the
role of stress-responsive genes and drought adaptation in this underutilised legume.
Estimate of Genetic Variability Parameters among Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea ...Premier Publishers
Sixteen groundnut genotypes (including local check) were evaluated for quantitative parameters. The crop was sown during 2015 wet season in Ethiopia across four locations. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Twelve quantitative parameters were studied. The analysis of variance revealed the prevalence of significant difference among the genotypes for all studied parameters. Based on mean performance of genotypes Beha gudo, Manipeter and Werer-962 were found to be best for grain yield in kg/ha. High to moderate estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were exhibited by all characters except for SHP and NSP indicating that those characters could be used as selection indices for crop improvement. High heritability was observed for 100SW (91.2%), AGBP (90.3%), NBP (90.2%), PH (89.4%), NMP (86.8%), NSPOD (85.7%), HI (83.7%) and KY (79.7%) accompanied by high genetic advance indicating the predominant role of additive gene action and the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of groundnut genotypes based on these characters. Low broad sense heritability and low genetic advance was observed only for SHP and NSP indicating low genetic potentials for these characters and non-additive gene effect prevails.
Toxic Effects of some Pungent Smelling Seed Extracts and Powders on Sitophilu...Premier Publishers
Sitophilus zeamais is a notorious field-to-store pest of maize in the Tropic. The use of chemical insecticides, regardless of its adverse effects has been the major means of managing this pest. In this study, bio-insecticides of plant origin was used to control maize weevil in the store. The dry fruits of Capsicum frutescens, Piper guineense and Aframomum melegueta were extracted with ethanol, using Soxhlet apparatus. The extracts and powders were evaluated on S. zeamais Motschulsky for mortality, oviposition and adult emergence. The long term storage of the treated maize was also investigated. The results obtained shows that all extracts and powders from C. frutescens and P. guineense caused 100 % mortality by day 12 of exposure with all extract concentrations and doses of powder applied. Powders of A. melegueta was able to achieve 100 % mortality only by day 12 of exposure. The extracts also suppressed oviposition and subsequent adult emergence. Extracts and powders of A. melegueta and P. guineense completely prevented infestation and hence damage of the treated maize grains for a period of three months. The result obtained suggests that extracts and powders of the test plants most especially that of P. guineense and C. frutescens can be utilized in protecting stored maize grains from infestation by S. zeamais.
Abstract— The indiscriminate use of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers e and synthetic pesticides, can cause high levels of toxic residues in food, biological imbalance, environmental contamination, intoxication of humans and animals, and other direct and indirect effects. The use of plant extracts as alternative insecticides is a way to minimize the problems caused by synthetic insecticides. Insecticides are in the second position in the trading market of agrotoxics in Brazil. The species Tagetes erecta L. and Tagetes patula L. have antioxidant properties, larvicidal, fungicidal, antimicrobial, nematicide and insecticide. In order to verify the possibility of Tagetes sp. extracts be suitable alternative to the use of synthetic insecticides, the bioassays laboratorial were designed through of insect mortality test of Sitophilus zeamais. We evaluated the antioxidant activity by the test of DPPH, in addition to screen the chromatographic profile of the extracts. It is concluded that the extracts evaluated are efficient in insect mortality, checking still considerable amount of antioxidant compounds, as identified also flavonoids, terpenes and alkaloids in extracts. According to these results we conclude that T. erecta and T. patula has phytotoxic compounds that can promote and expand its use as a natural insecticide.
Genetic material of plants which is of value as a resource for present and future generations of people is referred to as plant genetic resources.
The whole library of different alleles of a species or sum total of genes in a species is known as gene pool, also called germplasm, genetic stock and genetic resources.
The term gene pool was coined by Dobzhansky in 1951.
The term germplasm was first used by Weismann in 1883.
FSC 503: Biodiversity and conservation of fruit crops
Collection: Tapping of genetic diversity from various sources and assembling at one place is called germplasm collection.
Evaluation: It deals with the assessing the agronomic potential of an accession including quality parameters and response to various abiotic and biotic stresses.
Documentation:Germplasm conservation, in its various stages, includes a range of activities for which information is required or from which information is derived. This may refer to species, their sites of origin, or activities or stages of conservation. The action of recording, organizing, and analyzing conservation data is known as documentation.
Incidence and toxigenicity of fungi contaminating sorghum from NigeriaPremier Publishers
Each Agro ecological zone was transversely delineated into 5 districts and five villages (at least 20 Km from each other) called “locations” were selected in each district. In each district, Sorghum grains in stores, bunches in the field and sorghum grains in the market were sampled from five locations, each approximately 20 km from the previous sampling location. The mycological analytical procedures were performed under aseptic condition. Plates were counted for fungal colonies using a colony counter and the number of fungal colonies per gram of sample was calculated as CFU/g. The fungi species were isolated and subsequently identified using MEA/CYA media for Aspergillus and Penicillium species and PDA for the fusarium species Toxigenicity studies on strains representing species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium was carried out to determine their ability to produce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); aflatoxin B2 (AFB2); aflatoxin G1 (AFG1); aflatoxin G2 (AFG2); OTA, ZEN, DON and FB1. A total of 701 isolates were recorded which consist of 67 confirmed fungal strains. Aspergillus species formed the majority with 346(49.6%) followed by the Fusarium species with 186(26.7%) then Penicillium species with 102(14.6%) while others such as Cuvularia, Phoma, Alternaria, Rhizormucor constitutes 67 (9.0% )strains of the total population.
Barley is one of the most important traditional crops in Ethiopia which is a major center of genetic diversity for barley along with other crop plants species. Two hundred seven accessions and 18 released varieties were laid down in 15*15 simple lattice design and planted in 2008 main cropping season (June to Nov) at Kokate. The objective of the study was to conduct the morphological characterization and to determine the nature and degree of variability in morpho- agronomic traits of landrace of barley in southern Ethiopia collections. The proportion of genotypes in kernel row number were 26.6, 15.3, 16.6, 41.5 and 0.4% for two rowed with lateral floret, two rowed deficient, irregular, six rowed with awns on lateral floret and branched heads, respectively. Genotypes with white kernel color (57.5%) and amber (normal) lemma color (50%) were dominant. The highest diversity indices pooled over the characters within zones/ special woredas were recorded for accessions sampled from Dawro (H’= 0.75 ± 0.05) followed by Sheka (H’=0.74 ± 0.07), Gamgofa (H’ =0.70 ± 0.05) and Keffa (H’= 0.70 ± 0.08). These zones can be used for in situ conservation for barley landraces as representatives of southern Ethiopian high lands. The barley genotypes were clustered into five distinct groups of various sizes based on 8 qualitative traits. The estimates of diversity index (H’) for each trait in each of the three altitudinal class has shown that polymorphism was common in varying degrees for most traits, implying the existence of a wide range of variation in the materials.
Changes in Aflatoxins Contents of the Maize (Zea Mays L.) Stored in Clay Gran...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Maize protection without any risks for human health and environment concerns might be valued on alternative uses of pest control methods that do not only rely on synthetic insecticides. A combination of leaves derived from Lippia multiflora Moldenke and Hyptis suaveolens Poit. Benth were tested for their protective effect on the aflatoxins levels of maize cobs and grains stored in traditional and improved granaries in Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, 4 aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) were determined with high performance liquid chromatography according to the official method of AOAC. Results showed presence of afltatoxins in 58% of samples, and specifically aflatoxin B1 from half the samples, with rather higher levels than the reference values of the European Union. The levels of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 resulted from both maize cobs and grains treated with biopesticides (from 0.06-0.53 µg/kg to 2.18-50.70 µg/kg) were significantly lower than those recorded with untreated maize of control granaries (ranging from 0.06-0.53 µg/kg to 12.48-346.15 µg/kg). In the treated maize, the aflatoxins levels increased slightly during 6 months of storage, while the untreated maize cobs were with significant increasing of the same toxins traits month after month. For each stage, aflatoxins levels of maize cobs and grains did not differ whether they are treated in traditional or improved granaries with both plant materials.
The estimated risk of exposure in aflatoxins, specifically in total aflatoxins and AFB1, deriving with intakes of maize stored for 6 months are respectively 114.37±2.2 ng/kg body weight/day and 36.21±0.11 ng/kg body weight/day for the untreated granaries and 7.15±0.04 ng/kg body weight/day and 2.12±0.17 ng/kg body weight/day for the treated granaries. These levels are strongly higher than the maximal Reference Value (0.15 pg/kg body weight/day) tolerated for Toxicity exposure. Therefore, it’s necessary to sensitize, on a larger scale, actors of maize path, namely farmers, retailers, processers and consumers about such mycotoxins in maize products for providing health safety to Ivorian populations.
Standard heterosis of pipeline maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids for grain yield an...Premier Publishers
The knowledge of gene action and heterosis also helps in identification of superior F1 hybrids in order to use further in future breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of standard heterosis of the pipeline maize hybrids for grain yield and yield related traits. A total of eleven pipeline maize hybrids and two standard checks (BH546 and BH547) were evaluated using randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2015 main cropping season at Northwestern Ethiopia. Mean squares due to genotypes were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for most grain yield and yield related traits indicating the existence of genetic variation among the evaluated genotypes. The standard heterosis ranged from -38.72 to 33.65%and the highest heterosis was recorded for CML395/CML202//CML464 cross. The observed highest heterosis for grain yield and related traits indicated the possibility of increasing yield by exploiting heterotic potential of maize genotypes. The information generated by this study could be useful for researchers who need to develop high yielding maize hybrids.
Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition on Seed Quality of Common ...Premier Publishers
Common bean is used as one of the cheapest source of protein apart from being the major source of cash income in Ethiopia. Its reasonable protein content (22%) made it the poor man's meat securing more than 16.7 million rural people against hidden hunger. Despite the common bean significance contribution to Ethiopian people food and nutrition security and income generation, its production and productivity is low. Among many factors that contribute to the low yield of common bean, low access of seeds of improved varieties and the use of seeds stored for a longer period of time. The length of seeds stored under ambient conditions is a critical aspect of seed quality management. The longer seeds stored under ambient conditions, are the risks of losing the stored beans to storage pests and other seed quality deterioration factors. Therefore, generating information from research is required on effect of seeds stored under ambient conditions on different varieties of common bean. The analysis of variance showed that storage period and variety had significant influence on all seed quality parameters considered except no significant effect on number of hard seeds. No significant differences among varieties were observed on abnormal seedlings, number of hard, fresh ingeminated and dead seeds. However, storage period and variety interacted to influence significantly thousand seed weight, seedling shoot length, nd vigor index I and seedling fresh weight. Due to seeds stored for a long period of time in ambient conditions would make the seed deteriorate and loss its quality during storage. This indicates that, seed deterioration is the result of changes within the seed that decrease the ability to survive.
Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Se...Premier Publishers
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is produced in eastern Hararghe, both under sole crop and intercrop systems mainly from farms save seeds. Limited information is available on the effect of seed storage period and plant population on seed quality of the crop. Therefore, this study was conducted at Haramaya University research field to assess the effect of duration of seed storage at ambient condition and plant population on the seed quality of common bean. The treatments were arranged in, factorial combination of three improved varieties (Haramaya, Dursitu and Fadis), three storage periods (9, 33 and 45 months) and three plant populations (320000, 180000 and 115200 ha-1). The seed quality test in the laboratory was conducted to evaluate the seed samples produced from these in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The seed quality of Haramaya was exceeded by Fadis variety. All seed quality parameters except seedling shoot length, thousand seed weight and proportion of hard seeds during germination had positive and significant correlation with grain yield. Generally, the research findings suggested the importance of using seeds stored for short period of time, optimum plant population and high yielding variety to increase the seed quality of the crop in the study area.
Growth characteristics and yield of jute mallow when intercropped with common...Innspub Net
In Tanzania, farmers harvest Jute mallow for granted when it grows without being cultivated. This limits its potential production and possibilities for exploiting its fully benefit in nutrition and market. This study was conducted to find a better intercropping combination which is agronomically viable with higher yield advantages by integrating Jute mallow in commonly grown cereals in Tanzania. Field experiment was conducted at Hombolo Agricultural Research Centre in Dodoma and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) farm in Arusha to assess the growth and yield performance of jute mallow when intercropped with either maize, sorghum or finger millet. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that growth parameters of Jute mallow with sorghum and jute mallow with finger millet intercrops such as plant height, number of branches and number of leaves were not affected by intercropping. Jute mallow intercropped with maize suppressed growth and yield performance of Jute mallow. Among intercropped stands, Jute mallow intercropped with sorghum and with finger millet was not affected by intercropping on fresh leaf yield. However, all intercropped stands had yield advantages over mono-cropped stands, jute mallow-sorghum intercrop had the highest yield advantage with a LER of 1.7 and 1.53 in Dodoma and Arusha respectively. If farmers opt for intercropping and maximizing land use, this study recommends jute mallow to be intercropped with sorghum and with finger millet for better yields and sustainable growth.
Participatory Varietal Selection and Evaluation of twelve Soybeans [Glycine m...Premier Publishers
Participatory varietal selection was carried out at North Western parts of Ethiopia, Metekel Zone at Mandura and Mambuk woreda during the main cropping season in 2017/18, to select the best performing, stable, adaptable Soybean varieties in the target areas, to enhance accessibility of improved varieties for producers and to get farmers’ indigenous knowledge used in varietal selection for future soybean research. The result of the current study clearly showed a significant difference between the released 12 Soybean varieties for most agronomic traits obtained at both districts. Seed yield, disease resistance and Number of pods per plant were the dominant selection criteria used by the farmers at both districts. Accordingly, majority of farmers frequently selected Pawe-01 variety. In addition, farmers gave priority for Seed yield at both districts and secondly, they gave equal emphasis to Number of pods per plant, disease resistance and number of branch per plant at Mandura and plant height, seed per pod and disease resistance at Mambuk. General, development of high seed yielding with many pods per plant for Mandura and high yielding with medium plant height in line with disease resistance and medium maturing for Mambuk district can enhance farmers’ preference towards improved Soybean varieties.
Synergetic effects of various plant extracts as bio-pesticide against wheat a...Muhammad Qasim
Human health and environment are greatly affected by extensive used of synthetic insecticide, which is why the alternative way of pesticides, such as botanical pesticide consumption increase with the passage of time to control of insect pests. The insecticidal impact of Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Euclyptus (Eucalyptus globules) leaves extracts were investigated on Diurophous noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae). This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of bio-pesticide instead of synthetic chemicals against D. noxia. Experimental results showed that the percentage of mortality fluctuate with the fluctuation of concentration with time intervals and have great impact on the population of D. noxia. Single, doubled and tripled combinations of leaves extract were tested at two different concentrations (25 and 50%). The results suggested and concluded that from all the application of single botanicals A. indica give better result as compared to other single application while application of double combination M. olerifera with A. indica give significance result instead of other double mixture, meanwhile the triple combination (M. olerifera, A. indica and E. globules) performed excellent result as the others triple mixtures. The study revealed that combine used of M. olerifera, A. indica and E. globules leaves extract were very effective against D. noxia and surge as an alternative way of pesticides instead of synthetic chemicals.
Growth and Yield Response of Bread Wheat Variety Grown Under Varying Seed Rat...Premier Publishers
Wheat is among the most important staple crop globally. However, constrained by appropriate agronomic practices. Therefore, the information on the interaction effect of seed rate and weeding period is useful to identify the effective time of weeding for high yield of wheat. Thus, the present study conducted at Amuru district of Horro Guduru Zone, Ethiopia in 2019 cropping season with the aim of identifying optimum seed rate and appropriate time of weeding to improve production and productivity of bread in the area. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. The treatment was arranged in factorial combinations of four weeding intervals (farmer practice, weeding at two weeks after emergence, three weeks after emergence and four weeks after emergence) and three levels of seed rate (125 kg, 150 kg and 175 kg-1).The result showed that days to 50% heading, days to maturity and effective tillers per plant were highly significantly (p<0.01) affected by the interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate. Moreover, interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate was significantly (p<0.01) affected the weed above ground dry biomass. Guizotia scabra (22.47%) with population density (370), Phalaris paradoxa (22.10%) with population (364), Plantago lanceolata (18.58%) with population density (306), and Bidens piloso L. (8.74%) were the dominant weed species competing with wheat in the study area. Minimum relative weed density (26.6%) weed dry biomass (1.7gm) and maximum weed control efficiency (98.08%) was recorded at weeding four weeks after emergence and 175kgha-1seed rate. Thus, the finding suggest grain yield was increased (52.3%) when weeding four weeks after emergence over farmers practice and 13.75% at 175kg seed rate.
The Efficacy of Alchornea cordifolia Leaf Powder on Cowpea Beetle, Callosobru...Premier Publishers
The efficacy of Alchornea cordifolia leaf powder was investigated against cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus on stored cowpea in the laboratory. The tested leaf powder was added as admixtures to 20 g of cowpea grains at the following rates of at 0 (control), 3, 4, and 5g % (w/w) while in the control treatment there was no plant material added. Each of the treatments was tested by exposing five pairs of adult beetles in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to assess oviposition deterrent and egg hatching suppression by the plant material. The results showed that oviposition and percentage egg hatched were significantly (P <0.05) suppressed on seeds treated with higher dosage level of the powder. Leaf powder with the concentration of 5g% (w/w)/20g cowpea seeds was most effective in suppressing oviposition and egg hatched. Thus, the result revealed that A. cordifolia leaf powder has oviposition deterrent and ovicidal properties and as such can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling C. maculatus infestation on stored cowpea grains. Therefore A. cordifolia leaf powder can be incorporated into traditional storage pest management as well as integrated pest management and it may strongly recommended in developing countries.
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.
Genetic Variability and Multivariate Analysis in Indigenous and Exotic Sesame...Premier Publishers
The productivity of sesame in Ethiopia is below the world average due to lack of high yielding improved varieties. Understanding of genetic variability of characters becomes essential. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the
extent of genetic variation among yield and 19 yield components. One hundred sesame genotypes were evaluated in 10x10 triple lattice design at Werer during 2017 and 2018. The combined analysis of variance showed that the genotypes differed significantly. Higher phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for shattering resistance, whereas plant height, number of capsules per plant, harvest index and seed yield showed medium values. High heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance were observed for shattering resistance, plant height, capsule per plant, harvest
index and seed yield. The present study revealed that to increase sesame seed yield, the genotypes should possess a
greater number of capsules, shattering resistance and high harvest index, which known to be important yield contributing
characters and selection based on these characters would be most effective. The D2 analysis exhibited the group of
genotypes into seven clusters. Assessment of sesame genetic resources with molecular markers assisted breeding should be
considered in the future.
Effectiveness of anthraquinone and methylanthranilate against house sparrow (...Innspub Net
Among avian pests, house sparrow caused serious depredations, not only to seeds, but also seedlings of various crops particularly in the organic farming. Different mechanical and chemical ways have been reported to manage these losses all over the world. The present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of two bird repellents namely methylanthranilate and anthraquinone to manage the depredations of wheat seeds and seedlings against house sparrow in captivity. For this purpose house sparrows were offered with treated and untreated seeds and seedlings of wheat in two aviaries. By providing treated seeds and seedlings with these repellents, the relative effectiveness was appraised by comparing the consumed and unconsumed seeds and seedlings. Feeding responses of these birds against different doses of these repellents were investigated with the help of the closed circuit cameras adjusted in the aviaries. During the whole experiment among trial and control group highly significant differences (P<0.01)><0.05)>0.05) variance when wheat seeds and seedlings were offered to house sparrows. House sparrows were influenced more quickly by consuming wheat seeds and seedlings treated with both repellents. Sparrows displayed noticeable head-shaking and feather ruffling behavior by consuming the treated seeds and seedlings. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-6-number-5-may-2015-jbes/
Research Paper | Effectiveness of two diatomaceous earths (FossilShield® and ...InternationalNetwork
Influence of maize varieties CLH103 and SHABA on the effectiveness of FossilShield® and SilicoSec® against Sitophilus zeamais was evaluated in laboratory. Each product was used at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg and four exposure periods (1, 3, 7 and 14 days) for adult mortality and F1 progeny production. Damaged and germinated seeds were also assessed. Malathion (positive control) was used at the recommended dosage (0.5 g/kg). Probit analysis showed that FossilShield® and SilicoSec® were more toxic to weevils on CLH103 than SHABA from 3 days post-infestation, while within 1 day post-infestation, the two products were rather more toxic on SHABA than CLH103. Student t-test showed significant difference between the two maize varieties treated with FossilShield® in the reduction of adult emergence at 1 g/kg while with SilicoSec® this difference was observed for all concentrations. Malathion as positive control completely inhibited the development of insects on the two maize varieties. Like Malathion at the single dosage (0.5 g/kg), the number of emerged insects was completely reduced by each diatomaceous earth (DE) at 2 g/kg. FossilShield® (from 1.5 g/kg) reduced completely grain damages in the CLH103 variety, while FossilShield® (2 g/kg) almost reduced grain damages (1.0%). SilicoSec® achieved complete reduction on CLH103 variety, while, on SHABA variety, the reduction of grain damage was significantly different (7.4%). Seed germination was not affect by the DEs. In this study, the results showed that utilization of FossilShield® and SilicoSec® could be favorably considered as alternative solution to Malathion against Sitophilus zeamais.
The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm and laboratory of Institute of
Sustainable Agrotechnology, University Malaysia Perlis, Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia, with the objective
toinvestigate the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of aqueous extract of mungbean on seed germination and
seedling growth of three crop species, mungbean, sweet corn and okra. Different treatments of mungbean
aqueousextracts (vegetative fresh, vegetative after 2 weeks drying, vegetative after 4 weeks drying, flowering
fresh, flowering after 2 weeks drying, flowering after 4 weeks drying, flowering fresh, flowering after 2 weeks
drying, flowering after 4 weeks drying, maturity fresh, maturity after 2 weeks drying, maturity after 4 weeks
drying and water as control) were used to test their effect on the test species. The experiment was randomly
distributed and according to Completely Randomized Design(CRD) with five replicates. The results showed the
fresh vegetative aqueous extract of mungbean had a significant effect (stimulatory) on germination percent and
growth parameters such as number of root, root length and shoot height, of the three crop species. The study
revealed that the aqueous extract of mungbean have different effects (inhibitory and stimulatory) on the
seedlings and the mode of action depends on the associated plant species.Our results suggest that the aqueous
extract of mungbean from the different growth stages and drying periods have an allelopathic effect.
Wheat-pea intercropping for aphid control: from laboratory tritrophic approac...InternationalNetwork
Intercropping is an interesting practice to promote the sustainable control of insect pests such as aphids. In particular, volatile organic compounds emitted by aphid-infested intercropped plants may deter other aphid species from their host plants, while attracting natural enemies. In this study, olfactometer and net-cage behavioural assays were first conducted to determine the effect of wheat-pea mixtures combined with aphid infestations on odour preferences of the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae and two associated predator species, the ladybird Harmonia axyridis and the hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus. Healthy wheat plants were preferred by S. avenae, while wheat-pea mixtures combined with aphid infestations were significantly less attractive. H. axyridis preferred odours from healthy wheat plants mixed with aphid-infested pea plants. As for E. balteatus, their searching and oviposition behaviours were stimulated by the different wheat/pea combinations associated with aphid infestations. A field trial was also carried to compare the effect of mix and strip cropping wheat with pea on aphids and their natural enemies with both monocultures. Wheat and pea aphid populations were significantly reduced by both types of intercropping when compared to monocultures. Moreover, higher abundances of hoverflies, lacewings and ladybirds were found in wheat mixed with pea field, followed by strip cropping and monocultures. These findings show that wheat-pea intercropping can be efficient to reduce aphid populations, namely by promoting their biological control.
Cereal and grain legumes play a vital role in food security and as income sources for millions of people in Ethiopia.
However, poor storage handling and storage pests lead to high postharvest loss. This study therefore assessed
farmers’ storage practices and grain storage hygiene status in selected districts of Jimma, West Shoa, and East
Wollega zones of southwestern Ethiopia. One district was selected from each zone based on their production
potential of selected grain crops such as maize, sorghum, wheat, and fababean. Then, three Peasant Associations
(PAs) were randomly selected from each district. For the survey, 377 households (HHs) were interviewed. The
present study showed that farmers in the study areas stored their grains in different kinds of traditional structures,
such as plastered gombisa (14.1%), unplastered gombisa (25.5%), gumbi (13.8%), polypropylene sacks (41.4%),
and Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) bags (5.3%) and indicated that most farmers used polypropylene sacks
followed by unplastered gombisa. On the other hand, most of farmer’s grain storage hygiene status was categorised
as poor (50.7%) or very poor (33.3%). The results of this study demonstrate that the farmers use an inefficient
storage facility and adopt poor hygiene practices, which predisposes the stored grains to insects and rodent attacks.
Thus, there is a need to train farmers in storage hygiene and develop and disseminate efficient grain storage
facilities to reduce loss in farmers ‘grain stores
Similar to Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) (20)
Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pe...Premier Publishers
In Benin, chilli pepper is a widely consumed as vegetable whose production requires the use of performant varieties. This work assessed, at Parakou and Malanville, the performance of six F1 hybrids of chilli including five imported (Laali, Laser, Nandi, Kranti, Nandita) and one local (De cayenne), in completely randomized block design at four replications and 15 plants per elementary plot. Agro-morphological data were collected and submitted to analysis of variance and factor analysis of mixed data. The results showed the effects of variety, location and their interactions were highly significant for most of the growth, earliness and yield traits. Imported hybrid varieties showed the best performances compared to the local one. Multivariate analysis revealed that 'De cayenne' was earlier, short in size, thin-stemmed, red fruits and less yielding (≈ 1 t.ha-1). The imported hybrids LaaliF1 and KrantiF1 were of strong vegetative vigor, more yielding (> 6 t.ha-1) by developing larger, long and hard fruits. Other hybrids showed intermediate performances. This study highlighted the importance of imported hybrids in improving yield and preservation of chili fruits. However, stability and adaptation analyses to local conditions are necessary for their adoption.
An Empirical Approach for the Variation in Capital Market Price Changes Premier Publishers
The chances of an investor in the stock market depends mainly on some certain decisions in respect to equilibrium prices, which is the condition of a system competing favorably and effectively. This paper considered a stochastic model which was latter transformed to non-linear ordinary differential equation where stock volatility was used as a key parameter. The analytical solution was obtained which determined the equilibrium prices. A theorem was developed and proved to show that the proposed mathematical model follows a normal distribution since it has a symmetric property. Finally, graphical results were presented and the effects of the relevant parameters were discussed.
Influence of Nitrogen and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispani...Premier Publishers
Chia is an emerging cash crop in Kenya and its production is inhibited by lack of agronomic management information. A field experiment was conducted in February-June and May-August 2021, to determine the influence of nitrogen and spacing on growth and yield of Chia. A randomized complete block design with a split plot arrangement was used with four nitrogen rates as the main plots (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) and three spacing (30 cm x 15 cm (s1), 30 cm x 30 cm (s2), 50 cm x 50 cm (s3)). Application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased (p≤0.05) vegetative growth and seed yield of Chia. Stem height, branches, stem diameter and leaves increased by 23-28%, 11-13%, 43-55% and 59-88% respectively. Spacing s3 significantly increased (p≤0.05) vegetative growth. An increase of 27-74%, 36-45% and 73-107% was recorded in number of leaves, stem diameter and dry weight, respectively. Chia yield per plant was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in s3. However, when expressed per unit area, s1 significantly produced higher yields. The study recommends 120 kg N ha-1 or higher nitrogen rates and a closer spacing of 15 cm x 30 cm as the best option for Chia production in Kenya.
Enhancing Social Capital During the Pandemic: A Case of the Rural Women in Bu...Premier Publishers
Social capital plays an essential role in empowering people for social and economic change even during the pandemic. A livelihood project of the government was implemented among the members of a women’s association of a disadvantaged upland community in Bukidnon province, Southern Philippines for inclusive development. This study was conducted to determine the influence of some socio-economic attributes and the change in the knowledge level on the social capital of the rural women amidst the pandemic. The activities of the project were implemented considering the health protocols imposed by the government during the health crisis. The findings revealed that the trainings conducted resulted to a positive change in the knowledge level among the rural women. This facilitated the production of vegetables for their households and generated additional income very necessary during the pandemic especially that other economic activities were hindered. Similarly, there was a significant increase in the social capital of the rural women during the last two years. The main occupation, sources of income and their ethnicity significantly influenced the social capital of the rural women. The rural development workers and policymakers must consider the social capital of the group in the implementation of poverty alleviation programs.
Impact of Provision of Litigation Supports through Forensic Investigations on...Premier Publishers
This paper presents an argument through the fraud triangle theory that the provision of litigation supports through forensic audits and investigations in relation to corporate fraud cases is adequate for effective prosecution of perpetrators as well as corporate fraud prevention. To support this argument, this study operationalized provision of litigation supports through forensic audit and investigations, data mining for trends and patterns, and fraud data collection and preparation. A sample of 500 respondents was drawn from the population of professional accountants and legal practitioners in Nigeria. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and this was mailed to the respective respondents. Resulting responses were analyzed using the OLS multiple regression techniques via the SPSS statistical software. The results reveal that the provision of litigation supports through forensic audits and investigations, fraud data mining for trends and patterns and fraud data collection and preparation for court proceedings have a positive and significant impact on corporate fraud prevention in Nigeria. This study therefore recommends that regulators should promote the provision of litigation supports through forensic audits and investigations in relation to corporate fraud cases in publicly listed firms in Nigeria, as this will help provide reports that are acceptable in court proceedings.
Improving the Efficiency of Ratio Estimators by Calibration WeightingsPremier Publishers
It is observed that the performances of most improved ratio estimators depend on some optimality conditions that need to be satisfied to guarantee better estimator. This paper develops a new approach to ratio estimation that produces a more efficient class of ratio estimators that do not depend on any optimality conditions for optimum performance using calibration weightings. The relative performances of the proposed calibration ratio estimators are compared with a corresponding global [Generalized Regression (GREG)] estimator. Results of analysis showed that the proposed calibration ratio estimators are substantially superior to the traditional GREG-estimator with relatively small bias, mean square error, average length of confidence interval and coverage probability. In general, the proposed calibration ratio estimators are more efficient than all existing estimators considered in the study.
Urban Liveability in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Perspective fr...Premier Publishers
Urbanization and quality of urban life are mutually related and however it varies geographically and regionally. With unprecedented growth of urban centres, challenge against urban development is more in terms of how to enhance quality of urban life and liveability. Making sense of and measuring urban liveability of urban places has become a crucial step in the context of sustainable development paradigm. Geographical regions depict variations in nature of urban development and consequently level of urban liveability. The coastal regain of West Bengal faces unusual challenges caused by increasing urbanization, uncontrolled growth, and expansion of economic activities like tourism and changing environmental quality. The present study offers a perspective on urban liveability of urban places located in coastal region comprising of Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts. The study uses the liveability standards covering four major pillars- institutional, social, economic and physical and their indicators. This leads to develop a City Liveability Index to rank urban places of the region, higher the index values better the urban liveability. The data for the purpose is collected from various secondary sources. Study finds that the eastern coastal region of the country covering state of West Bengal depicts variations in index of liveability determined by physical, economic, social and institutional indicators.
Transcript Level of Genes Involved in “Rebaudioside A” Biosynthesis Pathway u...Premier Publishers
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a plant which has recently been used widely as a sweetener. This medicinal plant has some components such as diterpenoid glycosides called steviol glycosides [SGs]. Rebaudioside A is a diterpenoid steviol glycoside which is 300 times sweeter than table sugar. This study was done to investigate the effect of GA3 (50 mg/L) on the expression of 14 genes involved in Rebaudioside A biosynthesis pathway in Stevia rebaudiana under in vitro conditions. The expression of DXS remarkably decreased by day 3. Also, probably because of the negative feedback of GA3 on MEP-drived isoprenes, GGDS transcript level reached its lowest amount after GA3 treatment. The abundance of DXR, CMS, CMK, MCS, and CDPS transcripts showed a significant increase at various days after this treatment. A significant drop in the expression levels of KS and UGT85C2 is detected during the first day. However, expression changes of HDR and KD were not remarkable. Results revealed that the level of transcript of UGT74G1 and UGT76G1 up regulated significantly 4 and 2 times higher than control, respectively. However, more research needs to shed more light on the mechanism of GA3 on gene expression of MEP pathway.
Multivariate Analysis of Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) Clones on Mor...Premier Publishers
Information on genetic variability for biochemical characters is a prerequisite for improvement of tea quality. Thirteen introduced tea clones characterized with objective; assessing tea clones based on morphological characters at Melko and Gera research stations. The study was conducted during 2017/18 cropping season on experimental plots in RCBD with three replications. Data recorded on morphological traits like days from pruning to harvest, height to first branch, stem diameter, leaf serration density, leaf length, leaf width, leaf size, petiole length, leaf ratio, internode length, shoot length, number of shoot, canopy diameter, hundred shoot weight, fresh leaf yield per tree. Cluster analysis of morphological trait grouped into four clusters indicated, the existence of divergence among the tested clones. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between clusters I and IV (35.27) while the minimum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters I and II (7.8).Principal components analysis showed that the first five principal components with eigenvalues greater than one accounted 86.45% for 15 morphological traits. Generally, the study indicated presence of variability for several morphological traits. However, high morphological variation between clones is not a guarantee for a high genetic variation; therefore, molecular studies need to be considered as complementary to biochemical studies.
Causes, Consequences and Remedies of Juvenile Delinquency in the Context of S...Premier Publishers
This research work was designed to examine nature of juvenile offences committed by juveniles, causes of juvenile delinquency, consequences of juvenile delinquency and remedies for juvenile delinquency in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa with specific reference to Eritrea. Left unchecked, juvenile delinquents on the streets engage in petty theft, take alcohol or drugs, rape women, rob people at night involve themselves in criminal gangs and threaten the public at night. To shed light on the problem of juvenile delinquency in the Sub-Saharan region data was collected through primary and secondary sources. A sample size of 70 juvenile delinquents was selected from among 112 juvenile delinquents in remand at the Asmara Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in the Eritrean capital. The study was carried out through coded self-administered questionnaires administered to a sample of 70 juvenile delinquents. The survey evidence indicates that the majority of the juvenile respondents come either from families constructed by unmarried couples or separated or divorced parents where largely the father is missing in the home or dead. The findings also indicate that children born out of wedlock, families led by single mothers, lack of fatherly role models, poor parental-child relationships and negative peer group influence as dominant causes of juvenile infractions. The implication is that broken and stressed families are highly likely to be the breeding grounds for juvenile delinquency. The survey evidence indicates that stealing, truancy or absenteeism from school, rowdy or unruly behavior at school, free-riding in public transportation, damaging the book of fellow students and beating other young persons are the most common forms of juvenile offenses. It is therefore, recommended that parents and guardians should exercise proper parental supervision and give adequate care to transmit positive societal values to children. In addition, the government, the police, prosecution and courts, non-government organizations, parents, teachers, religious leaders, education administrators and other stakeholders should develop a child justice system that strives to prevent children from entering deeper into the criminal justice process.
The Knowledge of and Attitude to and Beliefs about Causes and Treatments of M...Premier Publishers
Stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness are a common occurrence in the Sub-Saharan region including Eritrea. Numerous studies from Sub-Saharan Africa suggest that stigma and discrimination are major problems in the community, with negative attitudes and behavior towards people with mental illness being widespread. In order to assess the whether such negative attitudes persist in the context of Eritrea this study explored the knowledge and perceptions of 90 Eritrean university students at the College of Business and Economics, the University of Asmara regarding the causes and remedies of mental illness A qualitative method involving coded self-administered questionnaires administered to a sample of 90 university students to collecting data at the end of 2019. The survey evidence points that almost 50% of the respondents had contact with a mentally ill person suggesting that the significant number of the respondents experienced a first-hand encounter and knowledge of mental illness in their family and community. The findings show an overall greater science-based understanding of the causes of mental illness to be followed by recommended psychiatric treatments. The survey evidence indicates that the top three leading causes of mental illness in the context of Eritrea according to the respondents are brain disease (76%), bad events in the life of the mentally ill person (66%) and substance abuse or alcohol taking, smoking, taking drugs like hashish. (54%). The majority of the respondents have a very sympathetic and positive outlook towards mentally ill persons suggesting that mentally illness does not simply affect a chosen individual rather it can happen to anybody regardless of economic class, social status, ethnicity race and religion. Medical interventions cited by the majority of the respondents as being effective treatments for mental illness centered on the idea that hospitals and clinics for treatment and even cures for psychiatric disease. Changing perceptions of mental illnesses in Eritrea that paralleled the very caring and sympathetic attitudes of the sample university students would require raising public awareness regarding mental illness through education, using the mass media to raise public awareness, integrating mental health into the primary health care system, decentralizing mental health care services to increase access to treatment and providing affordable service to maintain positive treatment outcomes.
Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc on the Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Soybean ...Premier Publishers
An investigation was carried out at Kogi State University Student Research and Demonstration farm Anyigba during the 2019 wet season to observe the effect of phosphorus and zinc on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The treatments comprised three levels: phosphorus and zinc (0, 30 and 60 kg P2O5/ha; 0, 5 and 10kg Zn/ha) and two varieties TGX 536 – 02D and Samsoy 2. The investigation revealed that application of phosphorus affected growth, nodulation, yield and some yield components of soybean while zinc application, apart from the plant height, which is reduced significantly, had no significant effect on other growth characters, nodulation, yield and yield components. However, it was generally found to decrease most of the characters. Application of 60 kg P2O5/ha gave the highest growth and yield, while 30 kg P2O5/ha gave the highest nodulation. Application of 60 kg P2O5/ha significantly increased yield to 1.9t/ha, which was significantly higher over the control plots, which gave 1.7t/ha. Crude protein and oil contents of the seeds were not significantly affected by phosphorus application but were significantly affected by zinc application, which significantly decreased protein content as its amount an increase from 0 to 10 kg/ha, and significantly increased oil content from 0 to 5kg/ha and decreased it below 5kg/ha. It was also revealed that the two varieties responded similarly to phosphorus and zinc in terms of growth, grain yield and crude protein content of the seeds.
Influence of Harvest Stage on Yield and Yield Components of Orange Fleshed Sw...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted at Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center in 2018 under rainfed condition with supplementary irrigation to determine the influence of harvest stage on vine yield and tuberous root yield of orange fleshed sweet potato varieties. The experiment consisted of four harvest stages (105, 120, 135 and 150 days after planting) and Kulfo, Tulla and Guntute varieties. A 4 X 3 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Interaction of harvest stage and variety significantly influenced above ground fresh biomass, vine length, marketable tuberous root weight per hectare, commercial harvest index and harvest index. The highest mean values of above ground fresh biomass (66.12 t/ha) and marketable tuberous root weight (56.39 t/ha) were produced by Guntute variety harvested at 135 days after planting. Based on the results, it can be recommended that, farmers of the study area can grow Guntute variety by harvesting at 135 days after planting to obtain optimum vine and tuberous root yields.
Performance evaluation of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) and variability study...Premier Publishers
This study aimed at assessing genetic variability and to evaluate the performance of 13 improved upland rice varieties for yield and its components based on morphological traits. The field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design at Guraferda and Gimbo districts in the 2019 main cropping season. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) over the two locations revealed significant differences (p≤ 0.05) among varieties for days to 50% heading, days to 85% maturity, panicle length, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield. Similarly, the ANOVA for variety by location interactions depicted significant differences among the tested varieties for days to 50% heading, days to 85% maturity, and thousand-grain weight. High heritability was obtained from days to heading (88.5%), panicle length (85.0%), and grain yield (85.2%), which indicates these traits can be easily improved through selection. High to medium broad sense heritability and genetic advance as percentage of the mean for days to heading, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield indicates a good opportunity for improvement through selection using their phenotypic performance. This is mainly due to the high role of additive gene action in the expression of such traits. This study confirmed the presence of variability among varieties for most of the studied traits, which will create an opportunity for breeders to improve rice yield and other attributes.
Response of Hot Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) to Deficit Irrigation in Bennatse...Premier Publishers
This study was conducted at Enchete kebele in Benna-Tsemay Woreda, South Omo Zone to evaluate the response of hot pepper to deficit irrigation on yield and water productivity under furrow irrigation system. The experiment comprised four treatments (100 % of ETc, 85% of ETc, 70 % of ETc and 50% of ETc), respectively. The experiment was laid out in RCBD and replicated four times. The two years combined yield results indicated that, the maximum total yield (20.38 t/ha) was obtained from 100% ETc while minimum yield (12.92 t/ha) was obtained from 50% of ETc deficit irrigation level. The highest WUE 5.22 kg/ha mm-1 was obtained from 50% of ETc. Treatment of 100% ETc irrigation application had highest benefit cost ratio (4.5) than all others treatments. Applying 50% of ETc reduce the yield by 37% when compared to 100 % ETc. Accordingly, to achieve maximum hot pepper yield in areas where water is not scarce, applying 100% ETc irrigation water application level throughout whole growing season under furrow irrigation system is recommended. But, in the study area water scarcity is the major limiting factor for crop production. So, it is possible to get better yield and water productivity of hot pepper when we apply 85% ETc irrigation water throughout growing season under furrow irrigation system.
Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, ...Premier Publishers
Nigeria is still burdened with huge responsibilities of waste disposal because the potential for benefits of proper waste management is yet to be harnessed. The paper evaluates the capacity of the Sabo Cattle market in producing the required quantities of waste from animal dung alongside decomposed fruits with a view to generating renewable energy possibilities for lighting, security and other business activities of the market. It is estimated that about 998 million tons of agricultural waste is produced yearly in the country with organic wastes amounting to 80 percent of the total solid wastes. This can be categorized into biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. The paper evaluates the capacity of the Sabo Cattle market in producing the required quantities of waste from animal dung alongside decomposed fruits with a view to generating renewable energy possibilities for lighting, security and other business activities of the market. The Sabo market was treated as a study case with the adoption of in-depth examinations of the facility, animals and products for sale and waste generated. A combination of experimental, interviews (qualitative) and design simulation (for final phase) was adopted to extract, verify and analyse the data generated from the study. Animal waste samples were subjected to compositional and fibre analysis with results showing that the sample has high potency for biogas production. Biodegradable Wastes are human and animal excreta, agricultural and all degradable wastes. Availability of high quantity of waste generated being organic in Sabo market allows the use of anaerobic digestion to be proposed as a waste to energy technology due to its feasibility for conversion of moist biodegradable wastes into biogas. The study found that at peak supply period during the Islamic festivities, a conservative 300tonnes of animal waste is generated during the week which translates to over 800kilowatts of electricity.
Influence of Conferences and Job Rotation on Job Productivity of Library Staf...Premier Publishers
The general purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of conferences and job rotation on job productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The survey research design was used for this study using questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. This study covered the entire population of 661. Out of these, 501 copies of the questionnaire representing 75.8% were duly completed and returned for analysis. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the research questions. The finding showed that conferences had no significant influence on the job productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria (F cal= 7.86; t-vale =6.177; p >0.005). Finding also showed that job rotation significantly influences job productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria (F-cal value= 18.65; t-value = 16.225; P<0.05). This study recommended that, government should ensure that library staff participate in conferences with themes and topics that are relevant to the job they perform and also ensure that there should be proper evaluation and feedback mechanism which aimed to ensuring control and minimize abuse of their development opportunities. Again, there should be written statement of objectives in order to sustain job rotation programmes. Also, that training and development needs of library staff must be identified and analyzed before embarking on job rotation processes as this would help to build skills, competences, specialization and high job productivity.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Structure and Composition of Urinary Calculi of...Premier Publishers
Microscopic examination of urine samples collected from geriatric dogs revealed increased numbers of erythrocytes, leucocytes, epithelial cells and pus cells along with casts, bacteria, spermatozoa and crystals of various shapes. Among the different crystals, triple phosphate or struvite were predominant, followed by calcium oxalate dihydrate, calcium oxalate monohydrate and ammonium urate or biurate. The struvite crystals were, coffin-lid shape and while calcium oxalate dihydrate were octahedron or envelope and monohydrate crystals demonstrated “picket fence” and “dumbbell” and “hemp seed” appearance. Brown or yellow-brown spherical bodies with irregular borders with thorn-apple appearance were shown by ammonium urate or biurate crystals. SEM aspects of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals revealed perpendicular columnar strata, few with scattered hexa or octa-hedral coffin-lid shaped crystals and calcium phosphate crystals were like cracked eggshells. Presence of wavy phases with sundry areas (uric acid), picket fence (calcium oxalate monohydrate) and typical envelope (calcium oxalate dehydrate) were electron microscopic appearance of various crystals.
Gentrification and its Effects on Minority Communities – A Comparative Case S...Premier Publishers
This paper does a comparative analysis of four global cities and their minority districts which have been experiencing the same structural pressure of gentrification. The main contribution of this paper is providing a detailed comparison of four micro geographies worldwide and the impacts of gentrification on them: Barrio Logan in San Diego, Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, the Mission District in San Francisco, and the Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus District in Vienna. All four cities have been experiencing the displacement of minority communities due to increases in property values. These cities were chosen because their governments enacted different policies to temper the gentrification process. It was found that cities which implemented social housing and cultural inclusionary policies were more successful in maintaining the cultural and demographic make-up of the districts.
Oil and Fatty Acid Composition Analysis of Ethiopian Mustard (Brasicacarinata...Premier Publishers
The experiments was conducted at Holetta Agricultural Research Center, to analyze forty nine Ethiopian Mustard land races for oil and fatty acid composition traits The experiment was carried out in a simple lattice design. The analysis of variance showed that there were highly significant differences among genotypes for all oil and fatty acid traits compared. The significant difference indicates the existence of genetic variability among the land races which is important for improvement
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
Bills have a main role in point of sale procedure. It will help to track sales, handling payments and giving receipts to customers. Bill splitting also has an important role in POS. For example, If some friends come together for dinner and if they want to divide the bill then it is possible by POS bill splitting. This slide will show how to split bills in odoo 17 POS.
Students, digital devices and success - Andreas Schleicher - 27 May 2024..pptxEduSkills OECD
Andreas Schleicher presents at the OECD webinar ‘Digital devices in schools: detrimental distraction or secret to success?’ on 27 May 2024. The presentation was based on findings from PISA 2022 results and the webinar helped launch the PISA in Focus ‘Managing screen time: How to protect and equip students against distraction’ https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/managing-screen-time_7c225af4-en and the OECD Education Policy Perspective ‘Students, digital devices and success’ can be found here - https://oe.cd/il/5yV
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2. Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
Hiruy and Getu 078
have been used to control weevil in particular and storage
pests in general. Among these strategies, synthetic
chemical insecticides have been most commonly used one
by resource poor farmers who lack technical knowledge in
the safe handling and use of them in many parts Africa
including Ethiopia (Mvumi et al., 1995; Mvumi and
Stathers, 2003). But, environmental pollution, high cost of
application, direct toxicity to users, adverse effects on
beneficial and non-target organisms and increased risk to
workers safety (Ofuya and Longe, 2009) have been
associated as the negative attributes related to their
repeated use. This has directed to the search and
development of alternative management strategies such
as the use of resistant varieties against S. zeamais.
The use of resistant varieties is the cheapest, effective and
ecologically safe method of protecting grains such as
maize against insect pests in Africa, since there is no
special technology which has to be adopted by the farmer
(Helbig, 1997). Their use also requires little or no scientific
knowledge by the farmers (Ahmed and Yusuf, 2007).
Because of these and the aforementioned several
reasons, it is very crucial to screen currently available
maize varieties in Ethiopia for resistance against storage
insect pest’s of stored grains in general and maize weevil
stored maize in particular. The present study, therefore,
was designed with the following objectives: 1) to evaluate
currently available varieties of maize in Ethiopia against
the most economically important insect pest of stored
maize, S. zeamais under laboratory condition, 2) to
determine the possibility of use of the resistant varieties in
the management of storage insect pests, particularly S.
zeamais as benign component of IPM (integrated pest
management) under substance farmers conditions in
Ethiopia and elsewhere with similar pest problem and 3) to
determine the possibility of use of the resistant varieties as
source of resistance in breeding programs so as to
diversify the basis of resistance against maize weevils.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Mass rearing of the test Insect’s
S. zeamais adults were collected from maize grains stored
in various farmers traditional storage facilities of major
maize producing localities Shashogo and Sankura districts
of southern Ethiopia and brought to the laboratory of Addis
Ababa University, Faculty of Life Science, insect science
insectary of Zoological Science Department of Ethiopia.
These test insects were cultured at 27 ± 30C and 55-70%
RH (Jembere et al., 1995; Kidane and Jembere, 2010).
Shone variety of maize grains were also obtained from
farmer’s storages of the aforementioned districts. It was
the most commonly grown hybrid in the region and
considered to be susceptible to insect infestation. The
grains were kept at -20 ± 20C for 2 weeks to kill any
infesting insects, cleared of broken kernels and debris and
then graded manually according to size, and similar sized
grains were selected and used for the experiment
(Gemechu et al., 2013). Following the methods by Kidane
and Jembere (2010) fifteen pairs of the adult of the S.
zeamais were placed in 12, 1- liter glass jars containing
250 g disinfested seeds. The jars were then covered with
nylon mesh and held in a place with rubber bands to allow
ventilation and to prevent the escape of the experimental
insects. The parent of the test insects were sieved out after
an oviposition time of 13 days. Then, the jars were kept
under laboratory condition until F1 progeny emergence.
The F1 progeny, which emerged after 30 days, were
sieved out and used for the experiment.
Collection of maize varieties
A total of twenty-one currently available maize varieties
including sixteen hybrids (BH-660, BH-540, BH-543,
BHQPY-545, BH-661, BH-546, BH-547, SPRH-1, AMH-
760Q, AMH-851(Jibat), AMH-853, AMH-854, MH-138Q,
OHL HUV, Shone and Limu) and five open pollinated
varieties (Melkasa-2, Melkasa-4, Melkasa-6Q, Gibe-2 and
Morka), were collected from Bako Agricultural Research
Center, Western Ethiopia. They were used for screening
of resistance varieties against the experimental insects
(maize weevils) in insect science laboratory of the Addis
Ababa University.
All of the aforementioned varieties used for the experiment
were F2 because they represent the generation that was
stored by farmers and vulnerable to S. zeamais. The
varieties are currently under production in different parts of
Ethiopia. As described by earlier researchers; Abebe et al.
(2009), Keba and Sori (2013) and Demissie et al. (2015)
seeds of each variety were procured, cleaned and
disinfested by keeping them in a deep freezer at -20 ± 2°C
for two weeks to avoid any field infestation by insect pests.
Then, they were also conditioned, equilibrated, and
acclimatized for additional two weeks to the laboratory
conditions prior to starting the experiment. The moisture
content of the seeds was adjusted to 12 - 13% through sun
drying.
Evaluation of maize varieties for resistance against
maize weevils
About 100 g seeds, from each of the maize varieties were
placed in a 1 L glass jar. No choice test method in which
predetermined maize weevils were introduced in each jar
was used for this study as adopted by Abebe et al. (2009).
Thirty newly emerged unsexed adult S. zeamais were
introduced to the jars to infest the 100 g seeds of each
variety and were kept to fourteen days for oviposition
(Derera et al., 2001). Seeds of each variety without
experimental insects were kept under similar conditions
and served as a control. The jars were then covered with
nylon mesh and held in a place with rubber bands to allow
ventilation and to prevent the escape of the experimental
3. Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
Int. J. Entomol. Nematol. 079
insects. All the treatments were arranged in a completely
randomized block design with three replications and
conducted in a laboratory at 25-30°C and 65-70% RH. This
has helped in maintaining uniform grain temperature and
moisture content among all samples, and to enhance
oviposition following similar procedures by Abebe et al.
(2009), Tefera et al. (2013) and Demissie et al. (2015).
Mortality was assessed thirteen days after introduction of
weevils.
Data collection
Following similar procedures by Abebe et al. (2009),
Tefera et al. (2013), Keba and Sori (2013) and Demissie
et al. (2015), data were recorded on the number of parental
insects alive and parental insects dead (parental insects
mortality), taken after 13 days the oviposition period. The
numbers of test insects that emerged from each variety
were counted every two days, starting from the onset the
first F1 emergence until no new F1 insects will emerge for
about 56 days. The total numbers of F1 insect’s progenies
that emerged per genotype were obtained by summing-up
each of the tested insects recorded per genotype. The
median development period (MDP) of the test insects
determined for each genotype were calculated as the time
(days) from the middle of the oviposition period to the
emergence of 50% of the F1 weevil progenies (Dobie,
1974; 1977). Sixty-eight days after introduction of the
insects, 30 seeds were randomly taken from each jar after
carefully mixing them in each jar. The number of seeds
damaged by experimental insects feeding were assessed.
Seed damage was expressed as a proportion of the total
number of seeds sampled. Grains weight loss was
determined using the count and weight method as adopted
by Gwinner et al. (1996) as:
% Loss in weight = UNd - DNu X 100
U (Nd + Nu)
Where U = weight of undamaged grain,
D = weight of damaged grain,
Nd = number of damaged grain and
Nu = number of undamaged grain.
Dobie’s index of susceptibility (DIS)
This was calculated using the method of Dobie (1974).
This involves the number of F1 progeny and the length of
median developmental time.
DIS = 100x [(Natural log F1) / (MDT)]
Where DIS =Dobie’s index of susceptibility, F1 = the total
number of first generation emerging adults and MDT = the
median developmental period in days. The Dobie Index of
susceptibility, ranging from 0 to 11, was used to classify
the maize varieties into susceptibility groups (Dobie,
1974): where 0 to 4 were classified as resistant; 4.1 to 7.0
were classified as moderately resistant; 7.1 to 10.0 were
classified as susceptible and >10 were classified as highly
susceptible.
Selection index (SI)
In addition to DIS, the varieties were also categorized into
resistant and susceptible categories based on the
selection indices adapted from the method of Tefera et al.
(2011) and Mwololo (2013) with slight modification, to see
whether the response classes of the tested varieties vary
from those that were categorized by Dobie index of
susceptibility. In selection index the susceptibility
parameters (parent mortality, F1 progeny emerged, weight
of undamaged grain, weight of damaged grains, percent
grain damage and percent weight loss) were integrated
and thus, a selection index was calculated by summing the
ratios between values, and overall mean and dividing by 5
(number of parameters) as described by Tefera et al.
(2011). Varieties with selection index <0.8 were classified
as resistant, those in between 0.8-1.00 were classified as
moderately resistant, those in between 1.00-1.39 were
classified as moderately susceptible and those with >1.40
were classified as susceptible as adopted by pervious
researcher, Mwololo (2013).
Data analysis
Data entry and analysis was done using Microsoft Excel
2013and SPSS Version 16, respectively. Data’s were not
transformed science both homogeneity as well as
uniformity were satisfied. To observe the response of
different varieties on % mortality, % number of F1 progeny
emergence and % weight loss of maize weevils infestation,
appropriate statistics, one way analysis of variance
(ANOVA) were used. Significant differences between
means were separated using Tukey's studentized (HSD)
test at 5% probability. Standard errors (±se) are given
following means in Tables. Correlation between the
treatments and the efficacy measuring parameters like
weight loss and others were determined using Pearson’s
correlation of SPSS program of version 16.
RESULTS
Response of different varieties of maize (hybrids and
open pollinated varieties) to maize weevil infestation
Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were
observed among both hybrids and open pollinated
varieties of maize in a number of F1 progeny emerged,
median developmental time, percentage grain damage,
percentage weight loss, and index of susceptibility as well
as selection index as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
Parental adult’s weevil’s mortality was not significantly (P
≥0.05) different among most of the maize varieties infested
or tested in comparison to the rest parameters of
4. Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
Hiruy and Getu 080
susceptibility measured. However, adult weevils that feed
on 6 out 21 varieties; Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH,
BHQPY-545, AMH-760Q and Jibat (AMH-851),
respectively, followed by 5 out of 21; Melkasa-2, BH-540,
BH-661, AMH-853 and OHL HUV, respectively suffered
higher mortality (that ranges from 13.67 to 16.33%), as
compared with the rest of 10 varieties; Melkasa-4, BH-543,
BH-546, BH-547, Morka (imp. USB), AMH-854, Gibe-2,
Limu, BH-660 and Shone which had lower mortality (<
13.67%). Besides, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower maize
weevils progenies emergence were recorded in 6 out 21
varieties; Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH, BH QPY-545,
AMH-760Q and Jibat (AMH-851), respectively, followed by
5 out of 21; Melkasa-2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-853 and
OHL HUV, respectively. However, significantly (P ≤ 0.05)
higher weevils progenies emergence were occurred in the
rest of varieties, of which the maximum was in the BH-660
and the minimum was in BH-661 (Table 1).
In similar manner, both grain damage and weight loss were
found to be significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in the 6 varieties;
Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH, BH QPY-545, AMH-760Q
and Jibat (AMH-851) followed by the 5 varieties; Melkasa-
2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-853 and OHL HUV, respectively
in comparison to the rest 10 varieties; Melkasa-4, BH-543,
BH-546, BH-547, Morka (imp. USB), AMH-854, Gibe-2,
Limu, BH-660 and Shone, of maize in which they were
relatively higher. In addition, relatively longer median
developmental time ranging from 44.33-53.67 were
required by weevils reared in the 6 varieties; Melkasa-6Q,
MH-138Q, SPRH, BH QPY-545, AMH-760Q and Jibat
(AMH-851), followed by the 5 varieties; Melkasa-2, BH-
540, BH-661, AMH-853 and OHL HUV, respectively in
comparison to the rest of varieties in which relatively
shorter median developmental time were required (<
44.33). Furthermore, the index of susceptibility was also
found to be lower (in the rage between 2.50-3.21) in the 6
varieties; Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH, BH QPY-545,
AMH-760Q and Jibat (AMH-851), followed by the 5
varieties; Melkasa-2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-853 and OHL
HUV, respectively as compared to the rest, in which it was
relatively higher (in the rage of 4.06-5.10) (Table 1).
Thus, based on susceptibility index, out of 21 tested
varieties, 6 varieties including Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q,
SPRH, BH-QPY 545, AMH-760Q and Jibat (AMH-851)
were categorized as resistant varieties, whereas the rest
15 varieties (Melkasa-2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-853, OHL
HUV, Melkasa-4, BH-543, BH-546, BH-547, Morka (imp.
USB), AMH-854, Gibe-2, Limu, BH-660 and Shone) were
rated as moderately susceptible varieties (Table 1).
However, the same varieties were rated as resistant,
moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and highly
susceptible categories on the base of selection index
adapted from method of earlier scientists, as indicated in
materials and methods. This selection index was derived
from F1 progeny emerged, weight of undamaged, weight
of damaged grains percentage grain damage and weight
loss. Based on it, 6 (Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH,
BHQPY- 545, AMH-760Q and Jibat (AMH-851)) were
rated as resistant, 5 (Melkasa-2, BH-540, BH-661, AMH-
853 and OHL HUV) were rated as moderately resistant
varieties, 8 (Melkasa-4, BH-543, BH-546, BH-547, Morka
(imp. USB), AMH-854, Jibe-2 and Limu) were rated as
moderately susceptible and 2 (BH-660 and Shone) were
rated as susceptible varieties (Table 2).
The correlations among the susceptibility parameters of
different maize varieties were highly significant (Tables 3
and 4). Index of susceptibility had strong positive
association with susceptibility parameters like the number
of F1 progeny emerged, percentage grain damage and
weight loss. However, it had strong negative relationship
with percentage parental adult weevil’s mortality and
median developmental time. Besides, the correlations
were strongly positive between the total number of F1
progeny emerged, and the percentage grain damage and
weight loss, while they were strongly negative between the
median development time, and percentage grain damage
and weight loss. Furthermore, they were also strongly
positive between the parental adult mortality and the
median development time, while they were strangely
negative between the parental adult mortality and the
percentage grain damage and weight loss (Table 3).
Similarly, selection index had strong positive association
with parameters like weight of damaged grains, the
number of F1 progeny emerged, percent grain damage
and weight loss, while it had strong negative relationship
with weight of undamaged grains. Besides, the
correlations were strongly positive between the total
number of F1 progeny emerged and the percentage grain
damage and weight loss, while they were strongly negative
between the F1 progeny emerged and weight of
undamaged grain (Table 4).
5. Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
Int. J. Entomol. Nematol. 081
Table 1 Response of different varieties of maize to infestation by maize weevils based DIS in about 2 months period
Variety Parental
adults
mortality
F1 progeny
emerged
Median
development
time
Grain damage % weight loss SI (Index of
susceptibility)
Resistance
category
Melkasa-2 (OP) 13.67±0.33ab 64.33±0.33cd 44.67±0.33abc 8.33±0.24cdef 5.99±0.24cdef 4.05±0.04d MR
Melkasa-4 (OP) 12.33±0.33abc 68.33±0.33def 43.33±0.33ab 9.67±0.24efgh 6.95±0.24efgh 4.23±0.04def MR
Melkasa-6Q (OP) 16.33±0.33e 22.00±0.58a 55.67±0.88gd 3.67±0.24a 2.64±0.24a 2.46±0.16a R
BH-540 (H) 11.67±0.33a 66.67±0.33cde 43.00±0.58ab 12.33±0.41hij 6.47±0.41defg 4.21±0.13def MR
BH-543 (H) 11.33±0.33a 75.33±0.33gh 42.33±0.33ab 9.00±0.24defg 8.86±0.24ghij 4.43±0.03def MR
BHQPY-545 (H) 14.67±0.33ab 26.67±0.33ab 48.33±0.33abcd 12.33±0.24hij 4.79±0.24bcd 2.95±0.06bc R
BH-546 (H) 12.00±0.58ab 73.00±0.58fgh 42.33±0.88ab 6.67±0.24bcd 8.86±0.241hij 4.40±0.09def MR
BH-547 (H) 11.67±0.33ab 77.67±0.33hi 43.00±0.58ab 13.67±0.24hijk 9.82±0.24ijk 4.39±0.06def MR
BH-660 (H) 11.00±0.58a 128.67±0.33k 41.33±0.33a 21.33±0.41l 15.33±0.96l 5.10±0.04g MR
BH-661 (H) 13.67±0.33ab 63.00±0.58c 44.00 ±0.33abc 4.67±0.24ab 5.27±0.24bcde 4.10±0.06d MR
MH-138Q (H) 15.33±0.33b 25.00±0.58ab 51.00±0.33cd 7.33±0.24bcde 3.35±0.24ab 2.78±0.21ab R
Morka (imp. USB) (OP) 11.67±0.33ab 80.67±0.33ij 42.00±0.58a 15.00±0.24ij 10.78±0.41jk 4.54±0.06ef MR
AMH-851 (Jibat) (H) 13.67±0.33ab 29.67±0.88b 45.67±0.33abc 6.67±0.24bcd 4.79±0.24bcd 3.22±0.05b R
AMH-853 (H) 12.67±1.20ab 64.33±0.88cd 44.00±0.58abc 8.33±0.96cdef 5.98±0.63cdef 4.11±0.05de MR
AMH-854 (H) 11.67±0.33a 74.33±0.33gh 42.33±0.33ab 11.67±0.24ghi 8.38±0.24ghi 4.42±0.03def MR
AMH-760Q (H) 13.67±1.20ab 28.33±0.88b 46.67±0.58de 4.67±0.24ab 4.07±0.24abc 3.11±0.08bc R
SPRH (H) 15.00±0.58b 26.33±0.33ab 49.67±0.33abcd 5.67±0.33abc 3.35±0.24ab 2.86±0.02abc R
OHL HUV (H) 13.33±0.33ab 63.33±0.33c 44.00±0.58abc 8.33±0.33cdef 5.99±0.24cdef 4.10±0.05d MR
Gibe-2 (OP) 12.33±0.33abc 68.67±0.33def 43.00±0.58ab 10.33±0.33fgh 7.42±0.24fgh 4.27±0.06def MR
Limu (P3812W) (H) 11.67±0.33ab 71.00±0.58efg 42.67±0.33ab 11.00±0.58fghe 7.9±0.41fghi 4.34±0.04def MR
Shone (PHB-30) (H) 11.67±0.33ab 82.67±0.33j 42.00±0.58a 16.00±0.33j 11.5±0.41k 4.57±0.06e MR
Means followed by the same letter within the column are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.01.
MR= moderately resistant; R = resistant; S = susceptible; OP=open pollinated varieties; H=hybrids.
Table 2 Response of different varieties of maize to infestation by maize weevils based on SI in about 2 months period
Variety Weight of
undamaged
Weight of
damaged
Percent grain
damage
Percent
weight loss
F1
emerged
Selection
index
Resistance
category
Melkasa-2 (OP) 3.68 0.13 8.33 5.03 65.33 0.94 MR
Melkasa-4 (OP) 3.61 0.17 9.67 5.40 66.67 1.0 MS
Melkasa-6Q (OP) 3.85 0.04 3.67 2.70 22 0.52 R
BH-540 (H) 3.64 0.13 9.00 5.80 68.33 0.98 MR
BH-543 (H) 3.51 0.22 12.33 6.80 75.33 1.21 MS
BHQPY-545 (H) 3.73 0.14 6.67 3.12 27.67 0.72 R
BH-546 (H) 3.51 0.22 12.33 6.93 73 1.20 MS
BH-547 (H) 3.45 0.26 13.67 7.10 77.67 1.30 MS
BH-660 (H) 3.15 0.52 21.33 8.33 128.67 1.93 S
BH-661 (H) 3.71 0.11 7.33 4.60 63 0.87 MR
MH-138Q (H) 3.81 0.07 4.67 2.87 25 0.59 R
Morka (imp. USB) (OP) 3.40 0.32 15.00 7.10 80.67 1.39 MS
AMH-851 (Jibat) (H) 3.73 0.13 6.67 3.37 29.67 0.73 R
AMH-853 (H) 3.67 0.14 8.33 4.93 64.33 0.93 MR
AMH-854 (H) 3.5332 0.20 11.67 6.80 74.33 1.16 MS
AMH-760Q (H) 3.77 0.0976 5.67 3.23 28.33 0.66 R
SPRH (H) 3.81 0.0704 4.67 2.91 26.33 0.60 R
OHL HUV (H) 3.67 0.1492 8.33 4.60 63.33 0.93 MR
Gibe-2 (OP) 3.59 0.1904 10.33 5.57 68.67 1.10 MS
Limu (P3812W) (H) 3.56 0.204 11.00 5.90 71 1.12 MS
Shone (PHB-30) (H) 3.36 0.344 16.00 7.40 82.67 1.45 S
Means followed by the same letter within the column are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.01.
MR= moderately resistant; R = resistant; S = susceptible; OP=open pollinated varieties; H=hybrids.
6. Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
Hiruy and Getu 082
Table 3 Correlation among susceptibility parameters of different maize varieties of DIS
Susceptibility Parameters SI PAM F1 MDT GD WL
SI 1
PAM -.804** 1
F1 .948** -.696** 1
MDT -.881** .610** -.726** 1
GD .853** -.694** .918** -.674** 1
WL .908** -.786** .893** -.768** .886** 1
Correlation coefficients with two asterisks (**) represent highly significant association at P values <0.01 and those without
asterisk are non-significant. SI= selection index, PAM=parental adults mortality, MDT= median developmental time, GD =
percent grain damage and WL = weight loss
Table 4 Correlation among susceptibility parameters of different maize varieties of SI
Susceptibility Parameters SI U D F1 GD WL
SI 1
U -.992** 1
D .955** -.971** 1
F1 .951** -.922** .842** 1
GD .982** -.977** .936** .918** 1
WL .925** -.904** .816** .893** .886** 1
Correlation coefficients with two asterisks (**) represent highly significant association at P values <0.01 and those without
asterisk are non-significant. U = weight of damaged grain, D = weight of undamaged grain, F1 progeny emerged, GD =
percent grain damage and WL = weight loss
DISCUSSION
The current study has indicated the existence of
considerable variation among the tested maize varieties
(open pollinated and hybrids) with respect to F1 progeny,
median developmental time, seed damage, seed weight
loss, the susceptibility index and the selection index.
These variations in turn suggests the presence heritable
variation among different varieties tested in terms of
possessions of resistant factors (qualities) that conifer
resistance to them against weevils attack. Similarly,
resistance of maize grain to its post-harvest insect pests
has been reported to be a genetic trait, which manifests
itself as antibiosis, antixenosis, and tolerance (Kumar et
al., 2006; Tefera et al., 2011). In similar manner, different
types of resistance factors to insect pests attack have been
reported and indicated as they include both morphological
and biochemical traits that work individually or collectively
(Wanja et al., 2015).
In the current study out of 21 varieties tested against
weevils, only 6 were resistant and the reaming were
moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and
susceptible varieties. Among the resistant’s, most (4 out of
6) were quality protein maize varieties. The fact that these
4 varieties were resistant against maize weevil might
probably be due to the effect of protein constituents such
as tryptophan and lysine content (biochemical effect)
which probably might adversely affect their feeding or
preference as a host or growth and development. In line
with this finding, different types of resistance factors to
insect pests attack have been also reported and indicated
as they include both morphological and biochemical traits,
and work individually or collectively (Wanja et al., 2015).
Similarly, Arnason et al. (2004) also indicated that protein
content was negatively correlated with the susceptibility of
maize cultivars to S. zeamais.
In the present study, the parental adult’s weevil’s mortality
was not as such significantly different among most of the
varieties infested in comparison to the rest of the
susceptibility parameters measured. This finding suggests
that adult mortality was not as such good parameter for
screening resistant varieties in comparison all the others
tested. This might be probably because this parameter has
been measured after the short duration of oviposition. In
line with this finding, Tadesse (1991) also suggested as
this parameter might not be a good indicator of
susceptibility, since adult weevils were found to survive
without food for more than ten days in a laboratory test. It
was also indicated that the overall rate of mortality of adult
maize weevils on different maize varieties was generally
low and concluded that there was no evidence for a
variation among the varieties in their effects upon the
mortality of S. zeamais (Dobie, 1974). Similar finding was
also reported by Abebe et al. (2009) and Tefera et al.
(2013).
The current study also indicated that almost all of the 5
parameters measured (F1 progeny, median
developmental time, grain damage, grain weight loss and
the susceptibility index measured were significantly varied
7. Screening of some Maize Varieties for Resistance against the Maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
Int. J. Entomol. Nematol. 083
among tested varieties in contrast to parental weevil’s
mortality. Besides, it has revealed that as they were
strongly correlated. Furthermore, it has also shown that
selection index which had integrated many parameters
were better than Dobie’s Index of susceptibility in which
only two parameters were considered. All these results
suggests that as all of the aforementioned parameters
were relatively better parameters for screening of resistant
verities of grains in general and maize in particular. This
finding is in accordance with report of Tefera et al. (2011)
and finding of Mwololo (2013) in which F1 progeny,
percentage grain damage, percentage weight loss and
flour weight were shown as they can be integrated to
calculate a susceptibility index.
In the present study, significantly lower numbers of F1
progeny emergence, lower percent grain damage and
weight loss, as well as requirement of longer
developmental time of F1 progeny were also observed in
six of resistant varieties, followed by 5 moderately resistant
varieties in contrast to the rest 10 varieties (moderately
susceptible and susceptible varieties) in which the inverse
were true. This result agrees with finding of Tadesse
(1991) who indicated that the extent of damage during
storage depend on the number of F1 progeny emerged in
each generation and the duration required for each
generation, and grains allowing more rapid and higher
levels F1 progeny emergence will be more seriously
damaged.
CONCLUSION
Six verities (Melkasa-6Q, MH-138Q, SPRH, BH-QPY 545,
AMH-760Q and Jibat (AMH-851)) out of 21 maize varieties
tested in the present study possess traits for resistance
against maize weevils. These varieties could be stored
relatively for longer periods of time in subsistence farmer’s
storage conditions. Hence, these resistance varieties
could be implemented and adopted as a cheap,
ecologically sound and effective management method to
reduce loss by S. zeamais under subsistence storage
conditions in the study area in particular, as well as at
national level in general. Besides, the resistant variety
screened in the current study could be also used as a
source of resistance in breeding programs so as to
diversify the basis of resistance against maize weevils.
However, these resistance varieties should be exploited
after repeated and refined tests to screen out the best
material(s) or factors that conifer resistance to them for
practical application in breeding programs to develop
resistant varieties.
From the present study, it is also possible to conclude all
tested parameters tested rather than parental adults’
mortality were relatively better methods for screening of
maize and other grains against storage insect pests. Thus,
they can be integrated to calculate a susceptibility index
(selection index), based on which varieties were well
categorized in to various response classes than
susceptibility index by Dobie’s which consider only two
parameters.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We sincerely like to thanks Arba Minch University and
Zoology Department of Addis Ababa University for
providing us with financial support to conduct the study.
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