International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 2756-3847 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-003, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Kenyan Environmental Conditions and Oilseed Mustard: An Adaptation Study

M. J. Mahasi, P. Mbehero and J.W. Kamundia

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)P. O. Njoro, Kenya.

Accepted 22 January, 2025

There is great potential for producing oilseed mustard as a cash crop and alternative crop for Kenya since its very early maturing (80 days) and highly adaptable. Oilseed mustard offers promise for semi-arid areas where Canola is not adapted. Its early maturity makes it an ideal break crop. The largest wheat and maize producing districts are experiencing excessive soil acidity, disease and pest problems due to continuous cropping. To alleviate this, a cheap and environmentally safe alternative crop has to be sought. During the 4 months fallow period after harvest, mustard can be seeded and ploughed in as green manure to increase the organic matter in the soil or the seed can be harvested and sold to the processors. The performance trials were conducted in two years ( 2002 and 2003) and comprised of 10 cultivars of oilseed mustards. These were planted at Njoro, Lanet and Naivasha in a Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replicates. The seed rate was 10 kg/ha. The source of nitrogen and phosphorus was DAP mixed with the seed at 100 kg/ha during planting. Recommended agronomic practices were followed and data collected on various agronomic parameters but only the seed yield was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The genotypes were significantly different (P< 0.05) in Njoro and Lanet in 2002 and at all sites in 2003. However seed yields at Lanet were generally low compared to the other 2 sites. Five lines in Njoro (Kenmd 02, Kenmd 03, Kenmd 08, Kenmd 09, Kenmd10) ranged between 1273 and 1302 kg/ha. Kenmd 09 and Kenmd 10 yielded highest in Naivasha (1226 kg/ha) with the lowest yielder in Njoro (Kenmd 01) being outstanding in Naivasha (1389 kg/ha). Kenmd 02 and Kenmd 05 were superior in Njoro and Naivasha in 2003. The superior mustard lines have been recommended for commercial production.

Key words: Adaptation, break/exhaust crops biofumigation, isothiocynates, agroenviroments, glucosinolates.

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 2756-3847 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Impact of Vermicompost Application on Soil Chemical and Physical Characteristics in Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) Cultivation

Rasool Azarmi*, Mousa Torabi Giglou and Rahim Didar Taleshmikail

Department of plant productions, Moghan Jounior College of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Accepted 10 November, 2024

In this study, the effects of vermicompost on soil chemical and physical properties was evaluated in tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum var Super Beta) field. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Different amounts of vermicompost (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1) were incorporated into the top 15 cm of soil. The soil sampling and measurements carried out 3 months after the application of vermicompost in soil and the soil samples were collected from depth of 15 cm. The results showed that addition of vermicompost at rate of 15 t ha-1 significantly (P < 0.05) increased contents of soil total organic carbon, total N, P, K, Ca, Zn and Mn substantially compared with control plots. The soils treated with vermicompost had significantly more EC in comparison to unamended plots. The addition of vermicompost in soil resulted in decrease of soil pH. The physical properties such as bulk density and total porosity in soil amended with vermicompost were improved. The results of this experiment revealed that addition of vermicompost had significant (P < 0.05) positive effects on the soil chemical, physical properties.

Key word: Vermicompost, soil chemical and physical properties, tomato, sheep manure.
 

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 2756-3847 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Fertilization Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in Limpopo's Vhembe District: An Analysis of Mineral vs. Organic Fertilizers

Jude J.O Odhiambo1* and Vidah N. Magandini

1Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, University of Venda
Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
2Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, University of Venda , Private Bag
X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.

Accepted 15 November, 2024

The use of mineral and organic fertilizers as straight fertilizers or in appropriate combinations may alleviate the problem of declining soil fertility and hence lead to increased crop yields. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess the use of mineral and organic fertilizer and (ii) determine the constraints with regards to use of inorganic and organic fertilizers by smallholder farmers in Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa. A survey of 84 randomly sampled farmers was conducted using a standard questionnaire. An interview schedule was the main tool of data collection while descriptive statistics were the main analytical technique. Of the farmers interviewed, 79% accessed information from neighbouring farmers. Only 50% of the farmers had easy access to fertilizers and the fertilizers were always available when needed. However, 75% of the farmers could not afford the required quantities of fertilizers due to limited funds. Up to 97% of the farmers could not access any credit. Over 65% of the farmers knew how and when to apply manure. Manure was affordable and readily available but transportation costs were high. Over 60% of the farmers stored manure in the open leading to significant losses of nutrients. Based on the results of this study, majority of farmers could not afford fertilizers nor access credit facilities. Fertilizer accessibility was still a problem in some areas. Extension services, especially with regards to information on the appropriate use of mineral and organic fertilizers, were not available to most farmers.

Key words: Mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers, smallholder farmers, Limpopo province.
 

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 2756-3847 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil Using Compost and Organic Manure

Harrison Ifeanyichukwu Atagana

Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 10 November, 2024

Contaminated soil (FAO: Lithosol) containing >380 000 mg kg-1 total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was bioremediated by composting. The soil was inoculated with sewage sludge and incubated for 19 months. The soil was mixed in a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) with wood chips. The soil-wood chips mixture was then mixed in a ratio of 4:1 with sewage sludge. Compost heaps were set up in triplicates on wood pallets covered with double layers of nylon straw sheets. Control experiments which contained the contaminated soil and wood chips but without sewage sludge were set up in triplicate. Moisture, temperature, pH, ash content, C:N ratio of the compost mixture and TPH of the soil was monitored monthly. The concentrations of selected hydrocarbons in the contaminated soil were measured monthly during the incubation period. Temperature rose to about 58°C in the sewage sludge compost within two months of incubation, while temperature in the control fluctuated between 15 and 35°C throughout the incubation period. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was reduced by 17% in the control experiments and 99% in the sewage sludge compost at the end of the incubation period. The concentrations of most of the selected hydrocarbon components were reduced by up to 100% within the same period. Microbial activities were shown to correlate with the reduction in hydrocarbon contents of the soil.

Keywords: Bioremediation, composting, PAHs, sewage sludge, soil.
 

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 2756-3847 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of Yield and Quality Attributes in Organic Versus Conventional Lettuce Production 

Polat E.*,  Demir H. and Onus A. N

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, 07058, Antalya, Turkey.

Accepted 17 January, 2025

The simplest definition organic farming is a production system, which excludes synthetic inputs and resorts to external inputs only where the system cannot be sustained by internal recycling. Recent studies comparing conventional and organic farming have shown an increase in organic matter, nutrient content, and microbial biomass in organically managed soils. The present study was undertaken to evaluate how conventional and organic farming systems affected the yield and some quality properties of lettuce by investigating the effects of some natural substances (blood flour, manure, liquid seaweed extract etc.) on yield, quality and nutrient content of organically versus conventionally-grown lettuces. As a conclusion, results of both years showed that the conventional growing had higher yield than organic growing, respectively 20% in total yield and 21% in marketable yield. On the other hand there was no difference in terms of food nutrition value and quality and that is why it is possible to recommend organic lettuce growing as it has much more positive effects on human health.

Key words: Organic growing, conventional growing, lettuce, yield, quality.
 

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 2756-3847 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluating the Role of NEB-33 Fortified Fertilizers in Pepper Cultivation

Akande, M. O.1, Kayode, C. O.2, Oluwatoyinbo, F. I.2 and Adediran, J. A.1

1Institute of Agriculture Reasearch and Training, P.M.B. 5029 Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Federal College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Accepted 19 February, 2025

A two year field study was conducted in Institute of Agriculture Reasearch and Training experimental field at Ibadan, Nigeria to evaluate the effects of NEB-33 fertilizer additive on the growth and yield of chilli pepper (Capsium fruitscen). Treatments consisted of control, NPK, poultry manure (PM), organomineral fertilizer (OM), cow dung (CD) and their combinations with NEB-33. The organic fertilizers were applied at the rate of 5 t ha-1, while NPK 15:15:15 was applied at the rate of 90 kg N ha-1 and NEB-33 was applied at the rate of 5.6 kg ha-1. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used for the experiment and was replicated three times. Results show that treatments significantly (P>0.05) improved growth and yield of chilli pepper. Number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, stem girth, number of branches, number of fruits, and fruit yield ranged from 129 - 170, 30.4 – 44.2 cm, 20.7 – 35 cm2, 2.0 - 2.7 cm2, 12 – 17, 392 – 682 and 1.01 – 3.08 t ha-1 respectively. Percentage increase in number of leaves, plant height, leaf area ranged from 5.4 – 70%, 17.8 – 48.7% and 3 – 73.4%, respectively, in treated plant over control. In terms of total number of fruit yield, percentage increases were 15, 7 , 13 and 27% respectively in NPK + NEB, CD + NEB, PM + NEB and OM + NEB whereas in case of fruit yield, percentage increases were 17, 9, 8 and 12%, respectively, for NPK + NEB, CD + NEB, PM + NEB and OM + NEB over their sole application.

Key words: Efficiency, growth regulators, NEB-33 additive, organic and inorganic fertilizers, pepper yield.