International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture

International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture ISSN 2375-1096 Vol. 8 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of chemical properties of soils on gum elementary compositions from Acacia senegal variety kerensis in Samburu and Marsabit districts

Joseph K. Lelon*, Meshack O. Muga, David W. Odee, Chemuku Wekesa and Beatrice Ndakwe

Kenya Forestry Research Institute, P. O. Box 20412, Nairobi, Kenya.

Accepted 24 December, 2019

Abstract

Geographical Positioning System was used to mark the sites of Acacia senegal variety kerensis in Marsabit and Samburu districts. Soil and gum samples were collected for analysis of pH, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Soil pH (6.0 - 6.7) varied significantly (p < 0.05) with pH of gum (4.54, 4.50, 4.51 and 4.52) in all the sites. In Merrile, organic carbon in gum (0.15%) was significantly higher than 0.073, 0.055 and 0.027% in Logologo, Laisamis and Sereolipi, respectively. Soil nitrogen (0.30, 0.4 and 0.8%) in Merrile, Laisamis and Logologo were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to the nitrogen (0.31 - 0.32%) in gum, while soil N (0.3%) in Sereolipi was not significantly correlated with gum nitrogen (0.23%) and was significantly lower than those of Merrile, Laisamis and Logologo (0. 31, 0.32 and 0.32%). Phosphorus (700.2 and 705.2 ppm) in gums from Sereolipi and Merrile were significantly higher than 412.2 and 412.2 ppm in Laisamis and Logologo. pH (4.5 - 4.54) and nitrogen content (0.31 - 0.32%) in gum from Merrile, Laisamis and Logologo were within the international standards (pH 4.2 - 4.8) and (0.24 - 0.41%). Chemical properties of soils were major factors that influenced the gum quality.

Key words: Acacia senegal, soil, gum arabic quality, sites.

International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture ISSN 2375-1096 Vol. 8 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in Central Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Gidey Yirga

Biology Department, Mekelle University P. O. Box 3072, Mekelle Ethiopia. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +251-914-750373.

Accepted 13 November 2019

Abstract

This research was initiated to document indigenous knowledge associated with traditional medicinal plants; specifically to identify the plant parts used for medicinal purposes and investigate plant species that are used as medicines for the treatment of human health problems. Twelve traditional healers in the study area were interviewed to gather information on the knowledge and use of medicinal plants used as a remedy for human ailments. The study reported that 16 plant species were commonly used to treat various human ailments. Most of these species (68.75%) were wild and harvested mainly for their leaves and the remedies were administered through oral and dermal. The indigenous knowledge transfer was found to be different. Some traditional healers transfer their indigenous knowledge while others kept the knowledge with them for the sake of secrecy. Most of the traditional healers were found to have poor knowledge on the dosage and antidote while prescribing remedies to their patients. More than one medicinal plant species were used more frequently than the use of a single species for remedy preparations.

Key words: Ethno-botany, Indigenous knowledge, Knowledge transfer, Medicinal plants.

International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture ISSN 2375-1096 Vol. 8 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of auxins and auxin polar transport inhibitor (TIBA) on somatic embryogenesis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

K. Venkatesh¹, A. Roja Rani²*, Nirmala Baburao² and G. Padmaja³

¹Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007, India.

²Department of Botany, Osmania University College for Women, Hyderabad 500095, India.

³School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India.

Accepted 28 October, 2019

Abstract

The phytohormone auxin plays an important role in growth, developmental and physiological processes. The effect of auxins, 2,4-D, NAA, IAA, Dicamba and picloram, was tested for somatic embryogenesis in groundnut. Among the different auxins tested 2,4-D favored the best response of somatic embryogenesis with induction of 18.3 somatic embryos per explant that were big, healthy, succulent and green in color. Immature zygotic embryos axes cultured on MS medium with 4 mg/l TIBA (Auxin polar transport inhibitor) did not respond for somatic embryogenesis but when cultured on medium supplemented with TIBA (2 mg/l and 4 mg/l) and 2,4-D (4 mg/l) showed the induction of somatic embryogenesis. When the concentration of TIBA was increased (6 mg/l) keeping the level of 2, 4-D (4 mg/l l) constant, it resulted in browning of explants within a week of culture. These observations demonstrate the requirement of 2,4-D for induction of somatic embryogenesis and that addition of TIBA (2 mg/l and 4 mg/l) decreases the response of somatic embryogenesis and further higher levels (6 mg/l) being inhibitory for somatic embryogenesis.

Key words: Auxin polar transport inhibitor, somatic embryogenesis.

International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture ISSN 2375-1096 Vol. 8 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Phytoextracting cadmium and copper using Mucuna pruriens

E. O. Nwaichi*, M. O. Wegwu and E. N. Onyeike

Toxicology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P. M. B. 5323, Rivers State. Nigeria.

Accepted 13 December, 2019

Abstract

Mucuna pruriens var pruriens commonly known as Mucuna, a fast-growing, high-biomass-accumulating plant was investigated to underscore its suitability for metal (Cd and Cu) extraction in an oil spill condition. Process enhancement was made using NPK, UREA and Poultry manure fertilizers. These amendments facilitated metals availability in the order PM>NPK>UREA for Cd extraction and PM>UREA >NPK for Cu extraction for both root and shoot samples. Mucuna accumulated appreciable quantities of Cd (up to 32 mg/kg) and Cu (up to 62 mg/kg) metals in their tissue regardless of the concentration of metal in the soil and achieve > 50% contaminant removal for both Cu and Cd. Extraction was maximal with increased metal bioavailability evident in PM treated groups. Below 10% (w/v) pollution, non-assisted Mucuna competed favourably with those of amendment-assisted groups for Cd extraction into tissues. However, there was a marked variation between non-assisted and assisted groups for Cu extraction into tissues.

Key words: Mucuna, extraction, amendment, metals, soil.