-
Effects of Ecological Factors on Population Status and Morphological Traits of Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev. in Burkina Faso
Traoré Innocent Charles Emmanuel,
Bondé Loyapin,
Hien Bossila Séraphin,
Zaré Alhassane,
Doré Djaka,
Ouédraogo Oumarou
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, March 2022
Pages:
45-53
Received:
10 February 2022
Accepted:
26 February 2022
Published:
4 March 2022
Abstract: Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev. is a key agroforestry parklands species providing provisioning and regulating ecosystem services to people. Therefore, sustainable management and conservation of the species populations are great challenges on its distribution area. However, the species response to spatial variability of ecological conditions is poorly addressed, limiting its management and conservation. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the population status of F. albida along climate gradient in Burkina Faso and (ii) determine the effects of biotic and abiotic variables on population status and morphological traits of the species. Data were collected in 99 plots equally distributed in three climatic zones by focusing on biotic data in the plots (tree diversity and density, morphological traits of F. albida and all adult trees) and abiotic data (climate variables and elevation). The results showed that tree density and morphological traits of F. albida are significantly influenced (P<0.05) by climate zone. Tree density of the species increased from Sahelian to Sudanian zone while specific zone effects were observed for its morphological traits (tree diameter and height). Irrespective to climate zone, linear regressions based on diameter class distribution indicated that populations of F. albida are in degraded status exhibited by the dominance of largest trees. Tree diversity using Shannon index was negatively and significantly correlated to tree density of F. albida while opposite correlation was observed with tree height of the species. Specific and significant correlations were observed between abiotic variables considered in the study and morphological traits of F. albida. This study highlighted the instability of the population structure of F. albida and specific effects of biotic and abiotic variables on the species density and morphological traits. The results of this study could direct the management and conservation policies to ensure its sustainable use.
Abstract: Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev. is a key agroforestry parklands species providing provisioning and regulating ecosystem services to people. Therefore, sustainable management and conservation of the species populations are great challenges on its distribution area. However, the species response to spatial variability of ecological conditions is po...
Show More
-
Determination of Optimum Phosphorus Rate for Tef (Eragrostis tef/Zucc./Trotter) Under Balanced Fertilization in Vertisol, East Shoa Zone, Oromia Riginal State, Ethiopia
Assefa Gonfa,
Sosena Amsalu,
Saba Fetene
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, March 2022
Pages:
54-58
Received:
20 January 2022
Accepted:
19 February 2022
Published:
9 March 2022
Abstract: The fertilizer requirement of tef varies from agro-ecology to agro-ecology and from soil to soil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to refine optimum phosphorus rate for tef under balanced fertilization. The experiment was conducted on-farm during main cropping season for two consecutive years (2015-2016) in Vertisol at Ada’a District. The experiment had 8 treatments (six phosphorus rates each with fixed amount of N, K2O, S, Zn and B, negative control (without fertilizer), and recommended NP (60 N+10 P) kg ha-1). Phosphorus was applied at the rates of 0, 23, 46, 69, 92 and 115 kg P2O5 ha-1 using TSP (triple super phosphate) as a source of it. Nitrogen, K2O, S, Zn and B were applied at the rate of 92, 90, 30, 2 and 1 kg ha-1 from urea, potassium chloride, calcium sulfate, zinc sulfate and borax penta hydrate fertilizers, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with triple replication of each treatment. The ANOVA revealed that plant height and number of tillers were highly significantly affected (P<0.05) with phosphorus application rates. The above ground biomass (AGB), grain yield (GY) and straw yield (SY) which received phosphorus rates strongly significantly affected (P<0.001) over control. The maximum grain yield was recorded at 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 (30 kg P ha-1) following by 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 (20 kg P ha-1) and the results were found being 1719 and 1607 kg ha-1, respectively. Similarly, the maximum net benefits was recorded at 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 (30 kg P ha-1) and then at 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 (20 kg P ha-1) and the amounts were found being 56035.1 and 54744.4 ETB ha-1, respectively. However, the maximum marginal rate of return was recorded at 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 (20 kg P ha-1) and then by recommended NP with MRR 1329.5% and 306.8%, respectively. Therefore, 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 (20 kg P ha-1) could be recommended for the study site and areas having similar agro-ecology with the study area.
Abstract: The fertilizer requirement of tef varies from agro-ecology to agro-ecology and from soil to soil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to refine optimum phosphorus rate for tef under balanced fertilization. The experiment was conducted on-farm during main cropping season for two consecutive years (2015-2016) in Vertisol at Ada’a District. The...
Show More
-
A Review of Bio-Role Fumigation's in Plant Parasitic Nematode (PPNs) Control
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, March 2022
Pages:
59-63
Received:
11 February 2022
Accepted:
7 March 2022
Published:
15 March 2022
Abstract: Worldwide there are greater than 4,100 species of PPNs. The most common opponent of agricultural production is PPNs. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) cause substantial economic destruction to an extensive range of crops. Nematicide Chemicals are considered the furthermost operative method in reducing nematodes population. Increasing concern over chemical nematicides has increased interest in safe alternative methods to minimize these losses. This review focuses on the role of bio-fumigation against PPNs in sustainable agroecosystems. Bio-fumigation is a long-term approach for controlling diseases, nematodes, insects, and weeds in the soil. It was originally defined as the pest-controlling effect of decomposing Brassica tissues, but it was later broadened to include animal and plant leftovers. Glucosinolates are the principal active molecule responsible for the bio-fumigation process in various plants. Plant age and tissue type influence glucosinolate accumulation and myrosinase activity, which are influenced by environmental factors such as planting density and herbivory. Glucosinolates are sulphur-containing chemicals produced by the secondary metabolism of plants in the order Capparales, which includes the Brassicacea family among others. Natural antimicrobials and anti-carcinogenic agents, glucosinolates are well-known. Therefore, researchers should have to focus on environmentally save methods of plant parasitic nematode management like bio-fumigation. This biofumigation may be replace the fumigant nematicides for future.
Abstract: Worldwide there are greater than 4,100 species of PPNs. The most common opponent of agricultural production is PPNs. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) cause substantial economic destruction to an extensive range of crops. Nematicide Chemicals are considered the furthermost operative method in reducing nematodes population. Increasing concern over che...
Show More
-
Comparison of Photosynthetic Characteristics and Reproductive Traits of Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) Between Cultivars
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, March 2022
Pages:
64-71
Received:
16 March 2022
Accepted:
1 April 2022
Published:
8 April 2022
Abstract: The production of winter squash used vertical trellising was popular in the greenhouse for easy to manage growth and fruiting. This study investigated the photosynthetic characteristics of six winter squash cultivars to explore the differences in crop production efficiency between cultivars by vertical trellising cultivation. Plant growth, photosynthetic characteristics and fruit quality of winter squash cultivars ‘Black lamp’, ‘Tastemaker’, ‘East elite’, ‘Julius’, ‘Sugar’ and ‘Lyric’ were surveyed. The photosynthetic rate (Pn) was measured on the 70th day after planting. We selected the three leaves above the fruit in which to compare the Pn between cultivars, and surveyed all leaves on ‘Black lamp’ and ‘East elite’ in order to make a comparison between nodes. The Pn values of ‘Black lamp’, ‘East elite’, ‘Lyric’ and ‘Tastemaker’ were significantly higher, at 14.02, 13.06, 12.33 and 12.19 μmol CO2/m2∙s, respectively. The Pn of the leaves on 5–8th nodes decreased significantly, and the Pn of the 1st–5th nodes up to the fruit also decreased. With regards to reproductive traits, the first pistillate flowers of ‘East elite’ and ‘Black lamp’ bloomed on the 30th day after planting, while the other cultivars bloomed on the 35–37th day after planting. The six cultivars were classified according to the size of the fruit on the 48th day after pollination: ‘Lyric’ and ‘Tastemaker’ were classified into the largest group, at 1203 and 1106 cm3, respectively; the second group contained ‘East elite’ and ‘Julius’, at 870 and 687 cm3; while ‘Sugar’ and ‘Black lamp’ were in the smallest group, at 353 and 217 cm3, respectively. The soluble sugar and total soluble solid (TSS) contents of ‘East elite’ were significantly elevated, their values being 630.6 g/kg and 13.3%, respectively. The starch content of ‘Lyric’ was the highest at 193.7 g/kg. "Black Light" was a fruit-number type, and the increase in fruit number could increase the yield/plant; "East elite" was a fruit-weight type, and the yield per plant was related to the weight of a single fruit. The influence of the unit leaf of “Black Lamp” on the fruit fresh weight was the lowest performance in the reproductive growth. In order to increase productivity of small fruit such as ‘Black lamp’ western pumpkin, the balance between the vegetative growth and the reproductive growth was necessary to be improved.
Abstract: The production of winter squash used vertical trellising was popular in the greenhouse for easy to manage growth and fruiting. This study investigated the photosynthetic characteristics of six winter squash cultivars to explore the differences in crop production efficiency between cultivars by vertical trellising cultivation. Plant growth, photosyn...
Show More
-
Physiological Races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in Ethiopia in 2019/2020
Kitessa Gutu,
Tsegaab Tesfaye,
Netsanet Bacha,
Tamrat Negash,
Daniel Kassa,
Fikirte Yirga,
Megersa Debela,
Gudeta Bedada,
Tesfaye Dessale,
Ashenafi Gemechu,
Tilahun Bayisa,
Zerihun Eshetu,
Zerihun Tomas,
Girma Teshome,
Mitiku Kebede,
Bilal Temam,
Misgana Mitiku,
Bekele Kassa,
Yitagesu Tadesse,
Mequnanint Andualem,
Tsehaye Brhane,
Wulita Wondwosen,
Nurhussen Seid,
Zemedkun Alemu
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, March 2022
Pages:
72-76
Received:
14 February 2022
Accepted:
3 March 2022
Published:
9 April 2022
Abstract: Wheat stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp tritici is constant biotic constraint of wheat production across the world. Because of quick alteration of genetic makeup of wheat stem rust pathogen; monitoring shift in virulence within pathogen is crucial to avoid sudden occurrence of epidemics due race change. This study was to identify physiological races stem rust pathogen in Ethiopia during 2019 cropping season. Wheat stem rust samples were collected during 2019 main cropping season from major wheat growing areas of Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples regions of Ethiopia. Besides, samples were also collected from Afar region where wheat was grown by irrigation during off season. The samples where isolated on universally wheat stem rust susceptible line (McNair) for the sake of mono pustule isolation and multiplication to have sufficient spores. Each isolates where inoculated on twenty standard differential lines and each line was evaluated after fourteen days to determine the races. Eight stem rust races namely, TKKTF, TKTTF, TTTTF, TKKTT, TTKTT, TTRTF, TKPTF and TTKTF were identified from samples analyzed; TKKTF was identified from 175 (44.1%) stem rust isolates, while TTTTF was detected from 73 (18.4) samples analyzed. In addition, TKTTF was isolated from 70 (17.8%) samples; however, TTKTF, TTKTT, TTRTF, TKPTF and TKKTT were recorded from 48 (12.1%), 21 (5.3%), 4 (1%), 1 (0.25%) and 1 (0.25%) samples analyzed in the season. TTKTT races have 95% virulence spectra to stem rust resistance genes with in differential lines. Resistance genes (Sr24) that is available in most of commercial varieties worldwide became ineffective with these races. Therefore, breeding program should focus on searching for more sources of resistance to virulent races of the pathogen.
Abstract: Wheat stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp tritici is constant biotic constraint of wheat production across the world. Because of quick alteration of genetic makeup of wheat stem rust pathogen; monitoring shift in virulence within pathogen is crucial to avoid sudden occurrence of epidemics due race change. This study was to identify physiolog...
Show More
-
Silica Application Facilitates Vegetative Growth of Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) Under Water-Saving Irrigation
Li-Cheng Huang,
Fu-Yu Yang,
Yu Sung
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, March 2022
Pages:
77-84
Received:
4 April 2022
Accepted:
18 April 2022
Published:
25 April 2022
Abstract: Silicon (Si) is used to alleviate abiotic stress in plants. Applying siliceous fertilizer in combination with regulated deficit irrigation may reduce water consumption during plant vegetative growth period. In this study, winter squash ‘East Elite’ was irrigated with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM SiO2 under a field capacity—that is, the water content of 60% (C60, water-saving irrigation). The SiO2 treatments promoted plant growth including stem diameter, plant height and leaf number; however, the plant growth under water-saving irrigation was slightly (but significantly) lower than that under regular irrigation (C80). Silicon application in the water-saving irrigation can increase the accumulation of fresh and dry weight in the aboveground and underground of plant, but there is no significant difference between the treatments with different concentrations of silicon. Silicon application treatments was significantly higher chlorophyll content (SPAD) than C60, and followed by C80. The SiO2 in the plants increased with increasing SiO2 treatment concentration; however, the difference was nonsignificant. The 1.0 and 1.5 mM treatments increased the leaf transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. The growth of the plants treated with 1.5 mM SiO2 was greater than that of the plants left untreated. The 1.5 mM SiO2 treatment increased the activity of leaf catalase and peroxidase and reduced the leaf malondialdehyde content of the mild water stressed plants. Irrigation with a SiO2 solution in a water-saving irrigation system can stabilize plant growth and increase water use efficiency.
Abstract: Silicon (Si) is used to alleviate abiotic stress in plants. Applying siliceous fertilizer in combination with regulated deficit irrigation may reduce water consumption during plant vegetative growth period. In this study, winter squash ‘East Elite’ was irrigated with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM SiO2 under a field capacity—that is, the water content of 60%...
Show More
