International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 9 (1), pp. 001-011, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Differential expression of microRNAs in roots and leaves of Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) under drought stress

Adikeshavan Thilagavathy and Varadahally Rangaiah Devaraj*

Department of Biochemistry, Central College Campus, Bangalore University, Bangalore- 560 001, India.

Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Accepted 03 August, 2018

Abstract

Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression via microRNAs (miRNAs) plays crucial role in plant responses to environmental changes.  Hyacinth bean, a versatile adapter to drought conditions, exhibited miRNA mediated regulation of gene expression in tissue-specific manner as revealed by Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Contrasting expression pattern of two miRNAs; miRNA167 and miRNA393 in root and leaf tissues suggested different targets and functional divergence of miRNAs within the same species. Target prediction and gene annotation showed that majority of the target genes included transcription factors involved in plant growth, development and stress responses. Membrane transporters, metabolic enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and components of miRNA biogenesis were other predicted targets, suggesting the crucial roles of these miRNAs in diverse physiological functions under drought stress. Considering the expression pattern of drought responsive miRNAs and functional annotation of their predicted targets a possible regulatory network operating in roots and leaves of hyacinth bean, contributing to signal transduction pathways for osmotic homeostasis, and antioxidant defense is proposed.

Key words: Drought, Lablab purpureus, Hyacinth bean, Differential expression, microRNA.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 1476-1479, July, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Performance of different varieties and plant spacing on growth and yield of knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var.gongylodes)

Silatar, P., Patel G.S.*, Acharya S.K and Vadodaria J.R.

Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, S.D. Agricultural University, Jagudan, Gujarat, 382710, India.

*Corresponding Author: Email: [email protected]

Accepted 17 May, 2017

Abstract

Knol-khol varieties with different plant spacing were evaluated for growth and yield. Highest plant height (26.33 cm), plant spread East-West and North-South (36.89 cm and 36.48 cm, respectively) and leaf area (261.45 cm²) was observed with the plant spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm. Whereas, maximum stem thickness (11.90 cm) was recorded with variety Purple Vienna. Minimum days taken (52.08) for harvesting, maximum yield per plot    (10.33 kg) and per hectare (36.15 t) were recorded with the plant spacing of   20 cm × 20 cm. Though, plant spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm showed best for fresh weight of knob (308.25 g). Among varieties, maximum fresh weight of knob (277.36 g), yield per plot (9.51 kg) and per hectare (33.28 t) were found with variety Purple Vienna.  From the findings of the study conducted, it is inferred that 20 cm x 20 cm plant spacing and variety of Purple Vienna is most suitable for knolkhol cultivation under North Gujarat condition.

Key words: Plant spacing, varieties, knoll-khol, knob, yield etc.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 1465-1475, July, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Trading prices for India’s major cereals during WTO regime: Growth rates, TOT, elasticities and foreign trade policies                                                                              

Madiga Bala Dastagiri¹, Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao² and AnjaniSneha Vajrala³

¹Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030. India.

²Director, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030. India.

³Junior Research Fellows, ICAR-NAARM, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030.

Corresponding author. E-mail: E-mail: [email protected].                                                           

Accepted 16 June, 2018

Abstract

World price influence on international trade and hence economic precision is required. This is basically foreign trade research study. The exports and imports of major cereals viz., rice, wheat, maize and total cereals from 1990-91 to 2015-16 were selected. Estimated CAGR, Instability Index, Terms of Trade, Export import price elasticities of commodities and their top destinations. The results found that wheat export prices more than import prices indicating India has comparative advantage in wheat. The terms of trade for wheat and total cereals were found to be more than rice and maize crops. The exports price growth rate of wheat was more than imports, while remaining crops witnessed reverse trend. The rice witnessed high export elasticities. Export import prices of all cereals were unstable. The study found that the highest exports and imports growth rate for cereals was observed in Bangladesh and Australia respectively, while same countries also emerged as top export import destinations in cereals. The study suggests that India should make multilateral agreements in these countries. Multilateral trade relationship with high CAGR countries would help in smooth trade of agricultural crops.

Key words: CAGR, cereals, price elasticity, destinations, World Trading prices, India.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 8 (6), pp. 1452-1456, June, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of professional competencies of agriculture officers to cope with problem of weeds in North West Frontier Province-Pakistan

*Haroon Raza¹, Afaq Patel¹ and Qadri Ahmed²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan.

²Department of Agronomy, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted December 11, 2017

Abstract

Professionally competent Agriculture Officers (AOs) play an important role in increasing the agriculture production through communicating new findings about the damage caused by weed. It has been tried to find the professional competency of AOs to cope with the weed problem in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. This study was initiated during in January, 2007 where 112 questionnaires were distributed among the AOs across all 24 districts of NWFP. One hundred and eleven AOs returned the questionnaires and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. The analysis revealed that all the officers had basic understanding of weed science. However; 7% of AOs had the required knowledge related to weeds. Majority of the respondents were not in a position to point out the weeds of major and minor crops. Same was the case regarding lack of farmers’ guidance in herbicide application. About 95% respondents rated weed science related knowledge from important to very important. The present findings recommends that the AOs are supposed to be trained in weed related problems, so that they can cope with the weed management problem of the farming community, for the increase of the quality and quantity of agricultural commodities and to raise the socio-economic status of rural people.

Key words: Agriculture Officers, weeds, professional competency.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 8 (6), pp. 1457-1464, June, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of factors that influence livestock insurance adoption by livestock farmers in Namibia

Utoni Nahas, Iyambo Sam and Nyamu Nehova

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted July 12, 2017

Abstract 

A sample survey of 269 questionnaires was administered to commercial and communal cattle farmers in the two regions of Namibia, (Omaheke and Otjozondjupa) to identify factors which affect the adoption of livestock insurance. About 205 questionnaires were collected and the 64 questionnaires were regarded as irregular responses or not returned. A computer software programme was used to generate a logit model. This model was used to test the alternative risk management strategies used by farmers in the two regions. In addition, this research took into account the off-farm investment and farm enterprise diversification. The logit model produced results that are statistically significant and negative estimated coefficient of the household characteristics. This implies that the Namibian livestock industry growth can be achieved with improved education, experience and support from other income as way of diversifying risk strategy. However, the positive relationship of variables FTHEFT and PROD implies the sector is suffering from continuous risk of theft and requires quality production to get market access. This necessitates the need for policy makers and insurers to design programme to educate farmers so that they can adopt proper risk management tools and thereby increase their participation in insurance. The low level of education of many farmers in the study area may have negatively influenced the decision to purchase livestock insurance in addition to other factors.

Key words: Risk management strategies, logit model, Namibia livestock industry.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 8 (5), pp. 1444-1451, May, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of the socio-economic status indicators for heads of farm families in Delta State, Nigeria

Abel Ekuke

Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 11 April, 2017

Abstract

The specific objectives were to collate a universe of socio-economic status indicators; carry out item analysis to validate socio-economic status indicators; select valid socio-economic status indicators for heads of farm families; and discuss the sociological implication of the valid items. Stratified and simple random sampling designs were used in selecting the towns and villages. Twelve percent of heads of farm families in selected Ibo speaking Local Government Areas of the state comprising Aniocha South (41), Ika South (47) Ndokwa West (55) and Oshimili North (31) were selected to give a sample size of 174 heads of farm families. Structured interview schedules were used in data collection. Data were analysed using point-biserial correlation coefficient and t-test. A universe of 106 items were collated from a pre-research survey. Sixty nine (69) items were found as valid indicators of socio-economic status. The number of relatives trained by the individual, axe, yam barn, motor cycle, motor car, bicycles and water cistern toilet had very important social and economic implications among the people. The indexes are recommended to development agencies for evaluating changes in socio-economic status of heads of farm families particularly after an agricultural development intervention programme.

Key words: Indexes, item analysis, valid items, socio-economic status indicators, farm families.