International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1(1), pp. 025- 027, December 2011, ISSN: 2167-0447 ©2011 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Relationship between Laboratory Seed Quality Test and Field Performance on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L]. Walp)

OLASOJI¹ J.O., A.O Aluko^1,   R.A. Badmus¹ Olosunde A.A.

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected]

Received December 7, 2011; Accepted December 20, 2011

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the relationships among leaching of electrolytes from seeds into steep water, germination and field emergence and performance on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan using six (6) genotypes of cowpea. All laboratory tests were conducted using complete randomized design (CRD), replicated three (3) times with 50 seeds per replication, experimental design used on the field was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results showed that significant differences existed (p<0.05) among the genotypes examined. With respects to germination percentage it ranged from 3.67% to 70.67%. Ife Brown had the highest germination percentage of 70.67 among the genotypes. it also appeared to have good seed quality and high seed yield of 566. 10kg. Coefficients of correlation between field emergence, seed yield and seed testing traits differed for all varieties; seed germination and seed vigor were positively correlated with field emergence. Result shows that seed conductivity test was negatively correlated with seed yield/ha. It was observed that poor seed quality, have greater effects on performance of plant on the field. Therefore, the results suggested that poor quality seeds will affect the field emergence which may affects the yield and agronomic performance of the crops. 

Keyword: Relationship, Quality test, Cowpea, Field Performance, Laboratory Seed.

Full Length Research Paper

Growth response of Afzelia africana (SM. EX PERS.) Seedlings to different potting mixtures

 *Agbogidi, O.M. and Avwevughware, O. I

Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria

 *Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected]

Received December 7, 2011; Accepted December 23, 2011

Abstract 

A study was carried out at the nursery site of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Delta State University (DELSU), Asaba Campus, Nigeria in 2008 to investigate the growth response of Afzelia africana seedlings to different potting mixtures. Top garden soil (100%), top garden soil (50%) + pig manure (50%) (TS+PM), sharp sand (50%) + cow dung (50%) (SS+CD) and sawdust (50%) + poultry droppings (50%) (SD+PD) sourced from DELSU, Asaba campus served as the treatments. Seedlings from Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. Oyo State were transplanted into bottom perforated polypots. The set up comprised four treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. The experiment was monitored for 12 weeks after transplanting (WAT) while growth characteristics were measured forth nightly. The results showed that A. africana seedlings sown in a mixture of SS+CD had the highest plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and collar diameter and were significantly (P≤0.05) different from those planted in the other mixtures TS alone and TS+PM). A. africana seedlings exposed to SD+PD died as from the 3^rd week after transplanting (WAT). No trace of life was noticed as from the 4 WAT. Conclusively, Afzelia africana seedling responds differently to potting mixtures with the mixture of SS+CD producing the highest growth characteristics hence SS+CD could be recommended to A. africana growers. Alternatively, 100% TS and a mixture of TS+PM could also be used by Afzelia africana 

Keywords: Afzelia a fricana, potting mixtures, growth responses.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1(1), pp. 020-024, December 2011, ISSN: 2167-0447 ©2011 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper

Vistra Green-Stained cDNA AFLP Technique for Identification of Transcript Profiles in Supernodulating Soybean

Puji Lestari¹ and Suk Ha Lee²

¹Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Reseources Research and Development, Jl.Tentara Pelajar No. 3 A Bogor 16111, Indonesia

²Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea

*Corresponding Author's E-mail: [email protected]

Received December 5, 2011; Accepted December 22, 2011

Abstract 

To understand the molecular bases of symbiotic association, cDNA-AFLP technique was performed to identify differential transcripts between supernodulating soybean mutant, SS2-2, and its wild type, Sinpaldalkong 2. To determine optimum time point for identifying the transcripts, templates were prepared from soybean leaves depending on time after inoculation (TAI) of Bradyrhizobium japonicum on 3 soybean genotypes, SS2-2, Sinpaldalkong 2 and Jangyeobkong. While to identify the trasncripts associated in symbiotic interaction, cDNA-AFLP was carried out based on pre-determined time on 2 genotypes, SS2-2 and Sinpaldalkong 2. Gel-based vistra-green stained cDNA-AFLP system with non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel was established in this study. As the results, transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) showed the polymorphic banding patterns regardless of TAI. Using 22 primer combinations of EcoRI and MseI, polymorphism levels of the TDFs among 3 genotypes were found to be the highest on one week after inoculation (WAI), determining the optimum time point for isolating differential transcripts profiles. A total of 4000 amplicons were recognized, leading 147 differential   fragments to be specific in the SS2-2 (61 fragments) and 86 TDFs specific to the wild type. Approximately 80.3% of fragments were successfully reamplified, and used as candidates for differentially expressed genes in the symbiotic association specifically in supernodulating and normal soybeans.

Keywords: biological nitrogen fixation, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, cDNA AFLP, soybean, supernodulation, transcript derived fragmen (TDF).

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1(1), pp. 028- 033, December 2011, ISSN: 2167-0447 ©2011 International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Sustainable Livelihood: Potential Role and Quality Assurance of Camel Export Trade in Somalia

Wamalwa Kinyanjui, Castiello Massimo, Innocente Sergio, Munyua Solomon John Muchina, Matete George and Njue Sophycate

*Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations; Somalia, P.O Box 30470-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Received December 13, 2011; Accepted December 24, 2011

*Corresponding Author's E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Increasing market integration is an unavoidable process for most pastoral societies. The livestock sector which accounts for about 80% of Somalia’s GDP plays a significant role in food security and socio-economic development of pastoral societies relying on enhanced market integration of local livelihoods and globalization of the economy. An estimated 70,000 camels are exported annually contributing substantially to the 80% of livestock exports in normal years. These exports have, in the past, been hit by recurrent trade bans by Somalia’s major livestock importing countries in the Middle East on suspicion of the presence of transboundary animal diseases. Primary and secondary data collection was carried out through field visitation and interviews of the relevant stakeholders using pre-tested questionnaire. Support measures put in place by donors and international agencies, including FAO Somalia, which included capacity building, support to existing veterinary institutions; disease surveillance, livestock treatments, vaccinations, fodder and pasture establishment and conservation and establishment of water catchments have gone a long way to ensure sustainable camel export trade.  According to Bosasso port veterinary officer, there has been a steady increase in camel exports since livestock trade ban was lifted by KSA in October, 2009. This is essential if regions of Somalia are to achieve self reliance at national level and improve household food and economic security, to accelerate  reduction in poverty levels and nutritional security.

Key words:  Capacity building, Livestock, Livelihoods, Sustainability, Trade, household food and economic security.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1(1), pp. 006- 016, December 2011, ISSN: 2167-0447 ©2011 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Current extent of Evergreen Agriculture and Prospects for Improving Food Security and Environmental Resilience in Ethiopia

 Kiros Meles Hadgu^1*, Mowo, J², Garrity, DP²  and Sileshi G³

 ¹Faculty of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 231, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

²World Agroforestry Centre, PO Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

³World Agroforestry Centre, PO Box 30798, Lilongwe, Malawi

*Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected]

Received November 27, 2011; Accepted December 21, 2011

Abstract 

Agroforestry in Ethiopia has received increasing attention in recent years as a way of improving food security and environmental sustainability.  This paper reviews and assesses the current status and potential of Faidherbia (acacia) albida (Del.) A. Chev. to contribute to evergreen agriculture (integration of trees with annual food crops to maintain vegetative soil cover and nutrient supply through nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling) in Ethiopia. A total of 115 farmers were randomly selected from different altitudinal zones for interview and observations of their farms. About 95% of the respondents confirmed that Faidherbia albida increases grain yield of cereal crops from 1 t/ha to 2.5 t/ha through enhancement of soil fertility and soil moisture retention. In addition, almost all respondents (97.5%) consider Faidherbia albida as beneficial tree species for improving their livelihood by providing livestock fodder, bee forage, fuel wood and income (through sale of mortars, wooden car stoppers, tables and stools). It also serves as vegetative soil cover during the long dry season, reduces soil erosion and provides shade for livestock and people. The paper concludes that there are good prospects for evergreen agriculture (for example, Faidherbia based farming practices) in the country as a means of improving smallholder food production, livelihood and the environment. The paper recommends experimental research and farmers testing on succession of fertilizer tree species which can fix N in short-, medium- and long-terms. In addition to N fertilization, evergreen agriculture should also consider other plant nutrient requirements like P and K through application of small dose of mineral fertilizer or other low cost inputs.

Key Words: Agroforestry; climate change; Ethiopia; Evergreen Agriculture; Faidherbia  albida; food security.