Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 001-003, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communications

Yield performance of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst cultivation on substrates containing different protein and carbohydrate sources

E.Iclal Erkel

Kocaeli University, Arslanbey Agricultural Vocational School, Kocaeli-Turkey. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 22 October, 2018

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different dosages of molasses as a carbohydrate source and corn-gluten meal as a protein source on the yield of Ganoderma lucidum and to improve yield on solid state medium. Three dosages (1, 2 and 3%) of gluten meal or molasses were added to sawdust and bran based medium. Results showed that yield was increased significantly when 1% molasses and gluten meal were added to substrate media. Molasses was found to be the best supplement as a carbohydrate source compared to gluten which is rich in protein.

Key words: Ganoderma lucidum, Reishi, cultivation, molasses, gluten, substrate, yield

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 001-005, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation on the growth and the development of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

S. Boureima¹, M. Diouf¹, T.A Diop^2*, M. Diatta¹, E. M. Leye², F. Ndiaye² and D. Seck¹

¹Centre d’Etude Régional pour l’Amélioration de l’Adaptation à la Sécheresse, B.P. 3320, Thiès, Sénégal.

²Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Champignons, Département de Biologie végétale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, B.P. 5005, Dakar, Sénégal.

Accepted 12 September, 2018

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) has recently been introduced into cropping system in Senegal in the context of crop diversification and poverty alleviation. A pot experiment was conducted to study the response of sesame plants to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse in a complete randomized block with two factors, the variety on 3 levels (32-15, Jaalgon 128 and 38-1-7) and the inoculation on 4 levels of Glomus spp isolates. The results indicate that inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi significantly increases leaf number and leaf area of Sesamum. The leaf area increased by 136% at the plants inoculated with Glomus fasciculatum and number of leaves by 70% at the plants inoculated with Glomus mosseae. Moreover, inoculation improved the root system by increasing volume and dry weight of roots. The isolate Glomus intraradices increased root volume of Jaalgon 128 by 233%. At the 32-15 associated Glomus mosseae one recorded an increase of 115%.

Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizae, growth, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Reproductive performance of rabbits re-mated at different intervals post-partum

M. A Oguike* and N. L. Okocha

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. M. B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State. Nigeria.

Accepted 09 October, 2018

Abstract

Investigations on post-partum re-mating intervals were conducted using 27 primiparous Dutch and Chinchilla crosses. Three treatments comprising re-mating intervals at 3, 4 and 5 weeks designated Ta, Tb, and Tc, respectively were used for the investigations. Nine does were randomly assigned to each of the treatments. The does were fed concentrate at the rate of 210 g doe-¹ day^-1, fresh forage and clean water were supplied ad libitum. Parameters studied were: Receptivity, Conception rate, Gestation length, Stillbirth, Litter size at birth, Litter size at weaning, Litter birth weight, Litter weight at weaning. Body weight of doe at mating, kindling and weaning were recorded. Results of the study showed that receptivity was higher in Ta and Tb than Tc. Conception rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) for Ta (100.00%), than Tb (56.17%) and Tc (44.53%). Stillbirth recorded significantly higher (P<0.01) value for does re-mated at 3 week intervals (Ta, 3.70%) while Tb and Tc recorded 0.00 and 0.33%, respectively. Litter birth weight of Ta (45.21 g) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of Tb (65.53 g) and Tc (63.19 g). Also litter weaning weights of Tb (152.22 g) and Tc (147.22 g) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of Ta (101.66 g) In conclusion, although week 3 re-mating interval has higher conception rate than the rest of the treatments, re-mating does at week 4 post- partum appeared better because it recorded no stillbirth and higher litter weights at birth and weaning all of which are indicative of higher reproductive efficiency.

Key words: Rabbit does, re-mating interval, early weaning, reproductive performance.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Participatory sunflower production, technology dissemination and value addition in Southwest Kenya

N. E. K. Okoko¹, M. J. Mahasi²*, N. Kidula¹, M. Ojowi¹ and F. Makini¹

¹Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) – Kisii, Kenya.

²Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) – Njoro, P. O. Private Bag Njoro, Kenya.

Accepted 09 October, 2018

Abstract

Sunflower is widely adapted and one of the major oil crops grown in Southwest Kenya. It is regarded as a high value cash crop and a source of high quality edible vegetable oil in Kenya. Southwest Kenya lies within the Lake Victoria region and is suitable for sunflower production. During Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) farmers attributed the low production to poor agronomic practices, inadequate pest and disease control, lack of high yielding varieties, decline in soil fertility, shortage of good quality seeds at planting, low producer prices, shortage of sunflower seed for processing, lack of access to credit, lack of markets and market information, weak research - extension – farmer linkages and low adoption of developed technologies. To address some of these constraints, on -farm research activities were undertaken by Kenya agricultural Research Institute (KARI) using participatory research approach targeting small- scale resource challenged farmers who are vulnerable to food and nutritional insecurity. The PRA was favoured because the top-down approach of technology development and dissemination had led to poor adoption of technologies. The objectives of the project were; to scale up promising sunflower varieties, enhance value addition activities and to link farmer marketing groups to existing and new market opportunities. The treatments were; intra – row planting, pure stands (75 x 30 cm and 70 x 30 cm), alternate planting (1 row sunflower and 1 row maize) and two rows sunflower and two rows maize. The results indicate that pure stands had significantly (P 0.05) higher yields of both seed and oil than other treatments. However during farmer evaluation single alternate (1 row sunflower with 1 row maize) was ranked first followed by pure stand (75 x 30 cm) and intra row in a decreasing order. The single alternate row was ranked first based on food security, bird control and income generation since it provides both maize for household use and sunflower as a cash crop. Therefore this technology should be recommended for up scaling to more farmers in the region.

Key words: Sunflower, PRA, scaling up, value addition.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The design and proposal of a thermodynamic drying system for the dehydration of Rosell (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and other agro-industrial products

Meza-Jimenez J.¹, Ramirez-Ruiz J. J.²*, and Diaz-Nunez J. J.³

¹Instituto Tecnológico de Colima México, Avenida Tecnológico No. 1 Villa de Álvarez Colima, México.

²University of Colima, México, Avenida Gonzalo de Sandoval No. 444 Colima, Colima México.

³University of Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua. Hernry Dunant No. 4016. Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Accepted 09 November, 2018

Abstract

The proposed solar thermodynamic drying system reduces the traditional dehydration process of Rosell used in the western region of Mexico, from approximately 4 days to 4 h. In addition to the 95% reduction in process time, this system also maintains the Jamaica’s nutritional content, especially that of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The proposed drying system is based on current operating conditions in Colima, Mexico as well as on three quantifiable control variables of Jamaica: product weight, product humidity, and product drying temperature. The product control variables were quantified and defined during the project as: Initial weight (1.0 kg of fresh product), final weight (0.152 kg of dry solid), initial humidity (84.8%), final humidity (14.3%) and dry temperature (48 to 68º C). Based on these control variables, the proposed system operates a continuously moving band at a constant speed. As the Roselle moves along the band through the system’s drying chamber, it is dehydrated by heated air. Initially, the system uses solar energy to heat fluid (water or thermal oil). The heat generated is transferred from fluid to surrounding air via a forced convection process. By greatly diminishing drying time and controlling humidity, the system affords considerable control over optimal end -product quality (protection from pollutants and destructive microbial activity). The proposed system’s settings can be easily adjusted to accommodate other products as well, making it even more commercially viable for agro-industrial producers. The drying process eliminates the water or humidity content of the calyxes yet maintains the nutritional properties specifically, the ascorbic acid content. A low cost and durability of the system is considered in the design.

Key words: Low Cost Solar, Dehydration drying System, Roselle, Thermodynamics System, Agro-Products, Dehydration, Colima, Mexico.