Kang Shann-Ren¹, Lin Cheng-Yung¹, Cheng Yu-Shin², Lin Der-Yuh², Huang Tsung-Ping³, Hung Kuo-Hsiang⁴, Liang Hsiao-Mei^1*

¹Kaohsiung Animal Propagation Station, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Pingtung 91247, Taiwan

²Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Tainan, 71246, Taiwan

³Animal Propagation Department, Taiwan Sugar Corporation, Tainan 70176, Taiwan

⁴Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan

Abstract

Taiwan native chicken strain (Taishu No. 7) carrying homozygous gene for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was evaluated for heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations for body weight at birth (BW0), body weight at 16 weeks of age (BW16), egg weight at first egg (FEW), body weight at first egg (BWFE), age at first egg (AFE) and number of eggs laid up to 40 weeks of age (EN40) in female chickens. The multivariate animal model using the residual maximum likelihood procedure was applied. The estimations realized over three generations and the pedigree file was composed of 141 individuals. Heritability estimates of BW0, BW16, FEW, AFE, BWFE, and EN40 were 0.306, 0.763, 0.071, 0.284, 0.681, and 0.200, respectively. The body weight traits showed that the BW16 had the negative genetic correlations with BW0, AFE, and EN40 (r_g = –0.061; r_g = –0.242; r_g = –0.087), but had the positive genetic correlations with FEW and BWFE (r_g =0.419; r_g =0.945). The egg production traits showed that the EN40 had the negative genetic correlations with BW16 and AFE (r_g= –0.087; r_g = –0.195), but had the positive genetic correlation with BW0, FEW, and BWFE (r_g = 0.336; r_g = 0.039; r_g =0.182). Based on the results of this study, the BWFE could be introduced as a suitable indirect selection criteria for improving egg production because of the higher heritability and a positive genetic correlation with egg production.

Keywords: Genetic parameters, Heat shock protein 70 gene, Homozygote, Taiwan native chicken

My Syahrawati¹*, Edhi Martono², Nugroho Susetya Putra², Benito Heru Purwanto³

¹Lecturer in Plant Protection Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Andalas, Padang, Indonesia

²Lecturer in Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

³Lecturer in Soil Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Cultivation techniques that are usually followed in rice cultivation is believed to greatly affect the interaction between arthropods in form of bottom-up and top-down ways, which in turn, affects their diversity and abundance. Beside of that, the spider is generalist predator that has a great potential as a biological pest control agent. This research aimed to determine the effects of spider presence, fertilizer and irrigation level on abundance of herbivore and carnivore in rice cultivation in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Wates – Kulon Progo). It was done in factorial design using three factors: fertilizers (organic, inorganic, and without fertilizer), irrigation levels (less water = 2 cm, conventional >10 cm), and spider presence (with and without spider). Each combination treatment had three replications.  The results showed that the interaction between fertilizer and irrigation level affected soil PH and total N of rice plant but not to total N of soil. Organic fertilizer with less irrigation decreased the abundance of carnivore but it did not affect the abundance of herbivore. Meanwhile, interaction between spider presence and irrigation level affected carnivore abundance, but not to herbivore generally. The spider presence decreased Delphacidae abundance but did not affect the abundance of Alydidae dan Staphylinidae.

Keywords: Ecological effect, Natural enemies, Parasitoid, Predator, System of rice intensification

Muhammad Zakirullah^1*, Sumayya Innayat¹, Tariq Jan¹, Muhammad Arif², Muhammad Ali¹, Mehboob Alam³

¹Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

²Directorate of Outreach, Agricultural Research, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

³Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The unavailability of green fodder throughout the year and low quality fodder are some of the main constraints that contribute in low yield of livestock. To overcome the restraint in quality and quantity, an experiment was designed at Agriculture Research Institute, Tarnab – Peshawar to investigate the effect of different levels of amino acid (aspartic acid) and zinc (zinc sulphate) on the quality and quantity of berseem. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications. Different levels of amino acid were applied @1000, 2000 and 3000 ml ha^-1 to main plot while Zinc was applied @14 and 28 kg ha^-1 to sub plot.  Maximum stem height (73.77 cm), branches per stem (20.39), highest percentage of crude protein (17.67 %), crude fiber (33.59 %), dry mater (21.75 %) and green fodder yield (27.84 t ha^-1) was recorded in the plots that received the amino acid @ 3000 mlha^-1, while the plots that received amino acid at lowest rate i.e. 1000 ml ha^-1 yielded the lowest stem height (60.22 cm), minimum number of branches per stem (12.72), low percentage of crude protein (15.85 %), crude fiber (31.21 %), dry matter (19.38 %) and lowest green fodder yield (23.72 t ha^-1). Similarly, zinc applied at higher rate of 28 kg ha^-1 boosted the stem height (70.89 cm), number of branches (16.62), crude protein (17.86 %), crude fiber (35.01 %), dry matter (21.53 %) and green fodder yield (28.91 t ha^-1) compared to zinc applied @ 14 kg ha^-1. It is therefore, recommended that while growing berseem amino acid @ 3000 ml ha^-1 and Zinc @ 28 kg ha^-1 should be applied in order to get good yield and a quality crop.

Keywords: Amino acid, Zinc, Berseem, Quality and quantity

Emmanuel Ejiofor¹*, Ebhohon Shirley², Adanma Obike², Bliss Onyedikachi², Atasie Okechukwu²,  Ajah Obinna², Kanu Michael², Ndukaku Omeh²

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria

²Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, the fatty acid profile of oils obtained from palm tree grown on polluted soil in Southern Nigeria. Oil extraction was performed using traditional method. Carotenoid content of palm kernel and palm oil in the test oil showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease when compared to the controls. Mores so, acid and peroxide value increased (p<0.05) significantly in the test oil when compared to the control. The percentage composition of various fatty acids of palm kernel oil from polluted soil were caprilic 2.99%, capric 52.67%, lauric 16.69%, palmitic 8.06% and stearic 19.57%. Fatty acid percentage composition of palm kernel oil from unpolluted soil were caprilic 2.66%, capric 49.18%, lauric 15.17%, palmitic 8.47%, and oleic acid 0.92%. Fatty acid percentage compositions of palm oil from polluted soil were myristic acid 0.28%, palmitoleic 62.09%, oleic acid 37.62%. Unpolluted soil showed lauric acid 0.36%, palmitic acid 44.57% and oleic 55.05%. The absence of palmitic acid and the reduction of oleic acid could be attributed to the impact of the crude oil spillage on the plant. This study shows that crude oil spillage affects composition of fatty acid and oil chemistry, suggesting the use of oil as indicator for environmental pollution.

Keywords: Crude oil spillage, Fatty acid, Palm kernel oil, Palm oil, Pollution, Southern Nigeria

Muhammad Awais Bashir¹, Muhammad Javed¹, Fariha Latif¹*, Faiza Ambreen²

¹Department of Zoology, Wildlife & Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²Department of Zoology, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Metal ion pollution of water generates addition of metals in the fish organs that leads towards redox reactions, making free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS). All organisms have a strong antioxidant defense system to defend their tissues from injurious effects of ROS produced by metallic ions toxicity. During this study, effects of various doses of copper sulphate (CuSO₄) on peroxidase activity in the liver, gills, kidney and brain of Cirrhina mrigala were measured. One year old C. mrigala were subjected to 96-hr LC₅₀, 2/3^rd, 1/4^th and 1/5^th of LC₅₀ of CuSO₄, discretely, for period of the 30 days in glass aquariums with three replications for each treatment. The control group of the fish did not receive any metal stress. After 30-day exposure of CuSO₄, the fish from all treated groups were sacrificed and their liver, gills, kidney and brain is separated for peroxidase enzyme assay. Peroxidase enzyme activity in the CuSO₄ treated fish were compared amongst several treatments and with the control fish. Activity of peroxidase enzyme in all organs of the fish increased significantly (p<0.05) after exposure of CuSO₄ as compared to the control fish. Peroxidase activities in the liver, gills, kidney and brain tissues of metal stressed fish were measured as 0.891±0.002, 0.824±0.004, 0.767±0.004 and 0.334±0.004UmL^-1, respectively. 

Keywords: Peroxidase activity, Copper sulphate, C. mrigala

Hanaa Khudhaier Mohammed Ali Al-haidary

Department of Field Crops, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Karrada District,

Al-Jadiriya, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out in spring seasons of 2012 and 2013 to increase the efficiency of nitrogen application in spite of that no splitting nitrogen has practiced for the studied cultivars. Five splitting treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) of nitrogen application were studied in three sunflower cultivars (Shumos, Akmar, and Zehrat Al-Iraq). The results showed that Shumos cultivar, T4 treatment of nitrogen application and their interaction gave the highest seed yield (6.3 and 6.43), (5.78 and 6) and (6.62 and 6.9 ton ha^-1), respectively, on both seasons. The highest significant correlation value belonged to the correlation between seed yield and leaf area (0.85 and 0.87) for both seasons. It can be concluded that splitting of nitrogen fertilizer during growth stages is effective to increase the efficiency of nitrogen application and lead to increase seed yield. Also, leaf area could be a selection criterion to improve seed yield.

Keywords: Helianthus annuus L., Nitrogen, Sunflower, Vegetative growth, Seed yield

Tamer I. M. Ragab¹, Bahaa T. Shawky², Hussein M. Hussein³*, Magdy K. Zahran³

¹Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt

²Microbial Chemistry Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, Egypt

³Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain-Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt

Abstract

Rice straw (RS) and rice husk (RH) were selected as a local agricultural residues for biopolymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) extraction using 2% alkaline sodium hydroxide at 90^oC for almost 3 hours. The extraction process was optimized by Taguchi experimental design method. Results revealed that cellulose was 54.6 % and 52.75 % in case of RS and RH, respectively. Separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) were done using Aspergilus niger crude enzymes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which statistically optimized with two experimental design models (Taguchi and Placket-Burman design). Maximum glucose yield from hydrolysis of the extracted cellulose RS (CRS) and cellulose RH (CRH) was 255 mg/g and 120 mg/g, respectively. Bioethanol yield from the obtained fermentable glucose of CRS and CRH were 231.8 mg/g and 269.4 mg/g, respectively. Extraction, hydrolysis and fermentation processes optimization can be an alternative sustainable development approach to utilize this abundant agricultural waste for new and renewable energy.

Keywords: Rice straw and husk, Response surface methodology, Taguchi and Placket-Burman design, Bioethanol

Darwin Habinsaran Pangaribuan*, Kus Hendarto, Sheilla R. Elzhivago, Ade Yulistiani

Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung, Jl Sumantri Brojonegoro 1, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of organic fertilizer and urea fertilizer on growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and soil health. The research was conducted in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia in December 2016 until March 2017. This research was designed using a randomized factorial block design 2 x 4 with three replications. The arrangement of treatments are as follows: The first treatment was organic fertilizer (poultry manure that has been composted and combined with Biomax-Grow biofertilizer) consisting of 2 levels that are, 0 and 15 ton ha^-1. The second treatment was the dosage of urea fertilizer consisted of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha^-1. The results showed that application of integrated use of organic fertilizer and urea fertilizer would decrease the use of urea and be recommended for sweet corn cultivation.   Organic fertilizer gives a better postharvest quality of sweet corn and a better soil health with respect to soil respiration as well as fungi and bacterial population.

Keywords : Poultry manure, Soil respiration, Fungi, Microbial, Sucrose content

Muhammad Imran*, Tayyaba Naseem, Arshad Iqbal, Khalid Mahmood, Umer Ayyaz Aslam Sheikh

Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJ&K, Pakistan

Abstract

Declining population of honeybee day by day is the major threat, and this decline is due to variety of stressors. As honeybees are considered most important pollinators of our managed and wild corps, we investigated the effect of neonicotinoids; acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and clothianidin on honeybees by ingestion and contact method. Finding of this study showed that among these neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and thiacloprid were most toxic insecticides with 100% mortality at realistic field doses by ingestion method with sugar solution as a substitute of nectar after the exposure of 3hrs. Honeybee’s workers exposed with insecticides mixed pollen grains showed that imidacloprid and clothianidin were most toxic as compared to other insecticides at recommended field dose with 100% mortality and minimum mortality with 60% was observed at thiacloprid field dose after 3hrs exposure. The results of contact toxicity showed that all four insecticides were most toxic with wet filter paper with 100% mortality at recommend field dose after the exposure of 3hr, and with dry filter paper imidacloprid and thiacloprid showed 100% mortality and acetamiprid and clothianidin with 53.3% mortality after the exposure of 3hrs at field dose. Overall conclusion from the present study indicates that from these four insecticides imidacloprid was the most toxic as compared to all others on both ingestion and contact method at recommended field dose.

Keywords: Neonicotinoids, Insecticides, Sensitivity level, Honeybee, Apis mellifera

Chima Njoku

Department of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the physical and chemical properties of soil as affected by flood and erosion in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria. Sites selected for the study were: Control (arable land), fallowed floodplain, cultivated floodplain and erosion site. Five auger and core replicate soil samples were collected from each site at the depth of 0 – 30 cm and analysed for particle size distribution, bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, dispersion ratio, modified clay ratio, erosion ratio, erodibility factor, soil loss, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrate (NO₃^–), sulphate (SO₄^2-) and organic matter. Results from the study showed that the experimental sites were sandy loams which are easily vulnerable to erosion as a result of its properties. Physical properties indicated that the order of susceptibility to erosion was arable land < fallowed floodplain < cultivated floodplain < erosion site. The results of chemical properties showed that cations such as NH₄⁺ were higher in floodplains than arable land whereas anions such as NO₃^– and SO₄^2- were higher in arable land than floodplains. This phenomenon might be attributed to the fact that unlike NH₄⁺ which binds strongly to clay micelle, NO₃^– and SO₄^2- are anions and can be easily leached beneath root zone (0-30 cm) because of their negative charges. Moreover, the erosion site had the poorest fertility and productive status when compared to other sites.  The results also, showed that the floodplains have inherent capacity to boost crop productivity and the nutrients leached during flooding can be recovered through fallowing the floodplains for some periods before using them for crop production.

Keywords: Erosion, Deposition, Floodplain, Leaching and transportation