International Journal of Agricultural Technology

Screening of various Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes in relation to environmental temperature

Ali, N. — 2022-11-15

The five promising genotypes of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were investigated in Sargodha Pakistan to examine their adoptive variability to improve the forage production and quality. The results of the study revealed notable variations in yield and quality attributes of these genotypes. It was observed that the genotype SGD-Lucern 2002 produced highest green fodder yield (101.28 t ha^-1), dry matter (20.02 t ha^-1), crude protein (3.89 t ha^-1), average plant height (81.5 cm), digestible dry matter (73.29%), dry matter intake (4.28%), relative feed values (243.96) and number of tillers (490 m^-2) in winter when the temperature remained between 2℃ and 17℃. Whereas, in December-January, Alpharite showed better plant height (73.33 cm), having maximum values of neutral detergent fiber (34.7%) and acid detergent fiber (33.1). The maximum crude protein contents (21.95%) were found in Surdii 10 genotype. Based on the results of this study, the cultivation of genotype SGD-Lucern 2002 in similar ecological conditions is highly recommended.

Antioxidant activity of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol isolated from plant growth promoting endophytic Streptomyces KCA-1

Ayswarya, S. — 2022-11-15

Endophytic Streptomyces produce vast amount of unique bioactive natural compounds, which they use to promote the growth and development of the host plant. In the current study, the putative endophytic Streptomyces strain KCA-1 was evaluated for its capacity to produce various hydrolytic enzymes and plant growth promoting (PGP) parameters. The five main antibiotics (Vancomycin (30µg), Gentamycin (10 mcg), Tetracycline (30 µg), Penicillin (6 µg), and Nalidixic acid (30 µg) were also tested for antibiotic sensitivity. Utilizing the DPPH, ABTS, and metal chelating assays, the antioxidant capacity of the bioactive compound 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol isolated from Streptomyces KCA-1 was assessed. Streptomyces KCA-1 produced ammonia and IAA at rates of 56.2 mg/ml and 47.7 µg/ml, respectively, according to quantitative analysis i01n UV-spectrophotometry. Additionally, by utilizing siderophore, amylase, protease, and cellulose, it was found to possess all additional PGP and enzyme characteristics. Tetracycline (30 µg) and penicillin (6 µg) were found to be resistant against the strain KCA-1, whereas vancomycin (30 µg), gentamycin (10 mcg), and nalidixic acid (30 µg) were found sensitive. The antioxidant activity of the pure bioactive compound 2,4-DTBP reached a maximum of 86.4%, 89.4%, and 85.0% of DPPH, ABTS scavenging, and metal chelating activity at 1000 µg/ml with an IC50 value of 60 µg/ml, 17 µg/ml, and 20 µg/ml, respectively. This work paints a comprehensive picture of endophytic Streptomyces KCA-1 as the possible source for 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol synthesis, which could be a promising potential source of drug in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors

Plant nutrient uptake and rice growth on marginal peat soil as affected by dolomite and NPK compound

Barchia, M. F. — 2022-11-15

The inherent properties of the peat paddy field in Bengkulu, Indonesia, are marginal behaviour for agriculture activities due to its low fertility. The results showed that the peat soil ameliorated with dolomite had a significant impact on Ca_exch and Mg_exch in the soil, N and P uptake as well as plant attributes, such as productive rice tiller, fresh and dry straw weight, and dry rice grain weight. The applications of NPK fertiliser compounds significantly influenced total N and available P in the soil, N and P uptake by the plant, as well as the rice attributes. Soil Ca_exch was significantly correlated with soil pH, N, P and K uptake, as well as all rice attributes including productive rice tillers, fresh and dry straw weight, and rice grain. Soil Mg_exch significantly correlated with N uptake and productive rice tillers. N and P in the soil significantly correlated with N and P uptake and were highly correlated with all rice growth attributes. The rice growth and the harvested grains were increased by 10.733 kg plot-1 or equal to 8.40 Mg ha-1 due to the amelioration of the peat paddy with 2.000 Mg ha^-1 dolomite and the highest dose of NPK fertiliser compounds at 1.200 Mg ha^-1. Therefore, the marginal peat soils in Bengkulu could be potentially used for rice cultivation following the correction of their inherent properties with soil ameliorants

Salinity stress tolerance of advanced swamp rice breeding lines

Chozin, M. — 2022-11-15

Problem of salinity stress often occurs on rice grown on tidal swamps, especially those located in estuaries near river mouths. Salinity stress can drastically reduce plant growth and yield. The use of varieties better adapted to saline swamplands would lessen the risk of yield reduction or crop failure. The salinity tolerance of 10 advanced swamp rice breeding lines during early plant vegetative growth was reported their agronomic performances on a saline swampland. A greenhouse experiment was performed to grow the lines on a nutrient solution containing different concentrations of NaCl. Similarly, all these genotypes were subjected to field experiments on inland swampland and estuarine swampland. The mortality data on the greenhouse experiment during the first 7 days after transplanting (DAP) showed that the median lethal concentration of NaCl (LC50) ranged from 1963.28 ppm to 4863.44 ppm has placed UBPR 1, UBPR 3, UBPR 4, UBPR 6, and UBPR 8 as tolerant genotypes, UBPR 2, UBPR 7, UBPR 9, and UBPR 10 as medium tolerant genotypes, and UBPR 11 as susceptible genotype. However, as the plants reached 14 DAP the range of LC50 was reduced to between 1456.72 ppm and 3374.26 ppm, and accordingly no breeding lines could be deemed as tolerant genotype The water salinity of estuarine swampland reached 5865.23 ppm had resulted in a substantial reduction in the agronomic performances of all breeding lines. The grain yield of the breeding lines obtained from estuarine swampland was reduced between 25.8% and 52.9% when compared to those obtained from inland swampland, with the highest reduction found on UBPR 8. The current study provides new insight into the development of new rice varieties tolerant to salinity stress.

Microorganisms in biocontrol of plant pathogens: toxic effects on experimental rate

Haggag, W. M. — 2022-11-15

Beneficial microorganisms using biocontrol agents to reduce the use of unsafe chemical fungicides, give a potent alternative to control plant diseases and is a significant part of sustainable agriculture. Our previous study of a advantage of using biological control showed that biologically, biochemistry and physiology of production of antifungal substances are well documented. Therefore, the potentiality and toxic effects of some beneficial microorganisms included Pseudomonas putida , Streptomyces aureofaciens , Rhodatorula glutinis, Trichoderma harzianum as well as Algae, Oscillatoria geminate on experimental rate were done to combat plant pathogens. The antifungal activities of microorganisms were tested against the five tested foliar pathogenic organism’s i.e. Fusarium oxysporum, Pyrenophora teres, Septoria tritici, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani. The results showed that S. aureofaciens, P. putida and R. glutinis had effective against foliar pathogens. In addition, antifungal metabolites of the cell free bacterial and fungal culture media caused a significant reduction in all pathogen’s growth and germination. Hematological effective of synthetic and biological fungicides showed that the used chemical fungicide for comparison caused effects at recommendation rate. All biocontrol agents has a high degree of safety and the highest biosafety degree which was shown in S. aureofaciens, P. putida and R. glutinis which compared to chemical fungicide. It is recommended that can be using the tested bio-agents as alternative chemical fungicides.

Combination effect of NPK and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on edamame soybean growth and yield

Hutabarat, F. — 2022-11-15

The results showed that the combination of treatments had a significant effect on plant height and shoot fresh weight, total number of pods, number of pithy pods, and their weight. NPK application alone (300 kg ha^-1) resulted in greater growth than PGPR alone (30 mL L^-1) and control plants. Plant height was highest at 300 kg ha^-1 NPK but did not differ significantly from 225 kg ha^-1 NPK+7,5 mL L^-1PGPR and other combination. The shoot fresh weight was highest at 300 kg ha^-1 NPK but did not differ significantly from 225 kg ha^-1 NPK+7,5 mL L^-1 PGPR and 150 kg ha^-1 NPK+15 mL L^-1 PGPR. The absence of fertilizer and the use of exclusive application of biofertilizer PGPR led to edamame soybeans with inferior yield. The highest yield was expressed by total number of pods, number of pithy pods, and their weight was produced by 300 kg ha^-1 NPK alone and 225 kg ha^-1 NPK+7.5 mL L^-1 PGPR, but the latter did not differ from 150 kg ha^-1 NPK+15 mL L^-1 PGPR; and 75 kg ha^-1 NPK+22.5 mL L^-1 PGPR. The maintenance of edamame soybean growth and yield, enhancement of soil quality, and reduction of chemical residues are shown as all potential outcomes of the incorporation of 7.5 mL L^-1 PGPR with 225 kg ha^-1 NPK compound fertilizer. These outcomes have the potential to improve soil conditions.

Exploring medicinal plant associated fungal endophytes

Jacob, J. K. S. — 2022-11-15

Fungal endophytes play a vital ecological role in terms of plant defense from different environmental stresses. Fungal communities in the healthy leaves of kown Philippine medicinal plants, Ocimum sanctum and Plectranthus amboinicus were isolated and identified morphologically through agar-block method. Active mycochemical properties were also determined qualitatively subjecting each isolate to mycelial mat production and ethanolic extraction. Presence of lapachol, a natural napthoquinone was also evaluated. Fungal isolates positive for lapachol were subjected to antibacterial assay using standard microbiological procedures. Eight endophytic fungal species belonging to four different families were isolated and identified from O. sanctum leaves namely Lasiodiplodia sp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium vertillioides, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Mycelia sterilia. On the other hand, five species and the sterile mycelia were isolated and identified from P. amboinicus leaves including Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, Penicllium oxalicum, and Mycelia sterila. Qualitative mycochemical analyses exhibited that ethanolic extracts of each fungal isolates contain active biochemical compounds like anthraquinone, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenes, and sterols which can further be utilized for therapeutic and cosmeceutical development. It was recorded that the mycochemical properties exhibited by A. terreus differed from each plant species. Lapachol was detected positive among A. alternata, A. niger and A. terreus both from O. sanctum and P. amboinicus. Antibacterial assay showed potential inhibitory activities against E. coli and S. aureus. This current study shows the potential of these endophytic fungi for pharmacologic evaluations.

Stability and pre-emergence herbicidal potential of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil-based nanoemulsion during storage

Jintanasirinurak, S. — 2022-11-15

Natural herbicides from essential oils (EOs) are widely used in sustainable weed control. A citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) EO-based nanoemulsion was fabricated for using as a natural herbicide. It was created using a high-energy emulsification method in a microfluidizer. A gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was employed to determine the chemical composition of the citronella EO. The major components of the EO were 33.59% citronellal, 21.42% geraniol, 11.23% citronellol and 4.38% limonene. The citronella EO was formulated to nanoemulsion with a nonionic surfactant mixture (Smix). The Smix at hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) 14 consisted of Tween 60 (91.2% w/w) and Span 60 (8.8% w/w). The droplet size of the nanoemulsion decreased from 78.6 to 35.2 nm with an increasing number of microfluidization cycles, from 1 to 3 cycles at 15000 psi. The optimal number of microfluidization cycles was 3, which produced the smallest droplet size. The effect of stability storage on droplet size and herbicidal activity of the nanoemulsion was investigated for 10, 20, 30 and 60 days. Droplet size increased with storage time through to 60 days (from 35.2 to 55.2 nm). The herbicidal activity of the nanoemulsion at concentrations of 62.5, 125 and 250 µL L^-1 was determined on Amaranthus tricolor L. During 60 days of storage, the inhibitory effect percentage on seed germination and seedling growth decreased slightly. Also, the inhibition of seed imbibition and a-amylase activity showed non significantly changed with storage time. Our findings provide essential information for using and storing citronella EO nanoemulsion. The results revealed that the nanoemulsion could be stored at 4 °C for at least 60 days without phase separation occurring. The results show that the citronella EO-based nanoemulsion can be used as a natural herbicide and long shelf life.

The development of a training curriculum program on rice production for stakeholders

Junlek, P. — 2022-11-15

The knowledge on pre-growing rice production included rice culture, botanic characteristics, varieties selection, seed source, as well as time span of rice-growing, rice plot management, diseases and prevention. During harvesting period, rice farmers must gain knowledge about the process resulting to increase rice value, rice processing, and marketing channels. Findings showed that the body of knowledge on rice production must be consistent with both rice-growing process and farmer’s way of lifeFrom the knowledge gained in the training, rice farmers must apply for growing method which appropriated to the area’s condition and geo-social aspect of the community. The assessment of knowledge found that the participants had increased knowledge after the training with a statistical significance level at 0.01. As a whole, It was found that the sample group improved their professional rice production at a high level. Based on it’s the following were found at highest level: increase the professional rice farmer networks; efficialcy in increased yields; and rice production cost production and production management. Overall, the participants had a high level of satisfaction with the training program. The benefits of basic rice-growing training program and smart rice farmer program were found at a high level.

Hatchability of duck eggs as affected by types of incubators under varying relative humidity

Lagasca, A. C. — 2022-11-15

The mean percentage hatchability was not significantly affected by types of incubators, two levels (70% and 80%) of relative humidity, and the interaction effect of types of incubators and relative humidity. However, the percentage of egg hatching was significantly affected by types of incubators such that the means of the percentage hatch in Cabinet-Type Electric Incubator (M=43.95%) and in Bamboo or “Garong”-Type Incubator (M=41.88%) were significantly higher from “Lawanit” Board-Type Incubator (M=27.68%). There was no significant difference in the percentage hatch as affected by two different levels of relative humidity and the interactions of types of incubators and varying percent relative humidity. In this study, the use of Bamboo or “Garong”- Type Incubator indicated the lowest cost (₱0.83) to hatch a duckling, the cheapest (₱17.70) to produce a duckling, and highest ROI of 2.00%.Thus, the Bamboo or “Garong”-Type Incubator was the most economical to use among the three types of incubators.Among the three types of incubators under the two levels of relative humidity, it was observed that the cost to hatch and the cost to produce a duckling is lower under 80% relative humidity with an average cost of ₱1.89 and ₱20.00 respectively. Higher ROI (1.56%) was also observed when the eggs were incubated under 80% RH than 70% RH with an average ROI of 1.54%. Furtheremore, the Cabinet-Type Electric Incubator and Bamboo or “Garong”-Type Incubator were identified to be the most efficient types of incubators. All the hatching parameters were not significantly affected by two levels (70% and 80%) of relative humidity.

Serum biochemical values of indigenous Boschveld chickens in response to baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation

Maoba, S. — 2022-11-15

The use of eco-friendly feed additives such as probiotics to improve of chicken performance has been highlighted. However, the effect of baker’s yeast, one of such probiotics on serum biochemical characteristics of unsexed indigenous Boschveld chickens has not been investigated. This study revealed that indigenous Boschveld chickens aged day 1 to 90 offered diets containing baker’s yeast at 5, 7.5 and 10 g/kg feed had significantly higher (p<0.05) serum total protein and significantly lower (p<0.05) serum cholesterol, when compared to the chickens fed diets containing baker’s yeast at 0, 2.5 and 12.5 g/kg feed. Unsexed indigenous Boschveld chickens offered diets having baker’s yeast at 5.0 and 7.5 g/kg feed had significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum triglycerides than indigenous Boschveld chickens offered baker’s yeast at 0, 2.5, 10 and 12.5 g/kg feed. In addition, chickens fed diets supplemented with baker’s yeast at 5.0, 7.5 and 10 g/kg feed had significantly higher (p<0.05) serum globulin than those offered baker’s yeast at 0, 2.5 and 12.5 g/kg feed. Conversely, no significant difference was found in the serum albumin, glucose and uric acid between the control and the yeast groups. Quadratic calculation indicated that serum total protein, globulin, cholesterol and triglycerides were optimised at 7.3, 3.7, 6.9 and 7.0 g bakers yeast/kg feed, respectively. Results indicate that inclusion of yeast at 7.3, 3.7, 6.9 and 7.0 g/kg supported optimal serum total protein, globulin, cholesterol and triglycerides formation in indigenous chickens aged from 1 to 91 days fed 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 g bakers yeast/kg feed.

Women and climate change impacts in Uganda: A review article

Nakiyemba, A. — 2022-11-15

Climate change becomes the universally a major challenge facing humanity. The effects occur at global, regional, and local levels. It threatens the community, but not equally because women have limitations to access alternative resources such as movement to cities, jobs, and services. The climate change has impacted to women which increased in the levels of drought, death of livestock, scarcity of traditional food sources and water shortage in Uganda. There are decreased in crop production, loss of biodiversity, and solid fuels as firewood and charcoal for domestic use. Environmental degradation and human mobility are increased the availability of freshwater sources is reduced. There are also increased in wildfires, outbreaks of infectious diseases, climate-related displacements, armed conflicts, child marriages, human trafficking, epidemics, and gender-based violence. The quality of water for household use is reduced. The study showed that Ugandan women face different challenges from men because their societal roles have been constructed differently. Women in rural areas are depending mainly on natural resources more than men, therefore, they are more vulnerable to climate change. On other hand, women face socio-economic and political barriers and this makes them more susceptible and vulnerable to disasters. The study is emphasized the need for the development of robust support systems to cushion rural women from the vulnerable effects of climate change.

Optimization of Lingzhi cultivation in a closed smart mushroom cultivation house using control system via online application

Nuansoi, W. — 2022-11-15

The result revealed that the proper humidity control system with fogging system for Lingzhi cultivation was in 15 seconds and every 15-minutes pause. The system continuously operated to reach the set value at 90-95%. The temperature must not exceed 30°C. The humidifier fan system is operated when the carbon dioxide exceeded to 1,000 ppm. The ability of humidity control section was 16.80% which greater than traditional mushroom farming. The ability of temperature control is 8.84% greater than before. There are 76.51% of carbon dioxide inside the cultivation house that was higher than the traditional methods. There are shown at 100% which less light than traditional methods. In terms of productivity, the yield was 50.19% which better than traditional cultivation. The result on the proper shelving for smart cultivation system showed that A-type of shelving had a flowering rate of 89.75%. Engineering Economics Analysis concluded that the system would payback in a period of 2.3 months.

Morphological and molecular identification of mealybugs on mangosteen fruits in registered packaging houses on the Bali Island

Nurbaya, S. — 2022-11-15

Based on morphological identification, the species of mealybug on mangosteen fruit in registered packing house in Bali was Dysmicoccus neobrevipes. Living insect characteristic of female, D. neobrevipes imago were oval or rotund body; gray or grayish orange in color; yellowish brown legs. The body was covered by white wax with 17 pairs of striking lateral wax filaments. These morphological characters were clearly seen by mounting the female imago. Molecular identification by using mtCOI gene that amplified at 649 bp had confirmed similar result, namely D. neobrevipes. Based on the level of mtCOI sequence homology, D. neobrevipes that found in Bali shared a high similarity (99.8%) with D. neobrevipes from Shenzen, Haikou and Guandong Province of China. Threfore, the D. neobrevipes is common mealybug was found in Indonesia.

The potential of Pentalonia nigronervosa Coq. and Pentalonia caladii van der Goot as vectors of Banana bunchy top virus

Pertiwi, T. K. — 2022-11-15

The potential of Pentalonia caladii, also known as a taro aphid as vector of Banana bunchy top virus in comparison to banana aphid, P. nigronervosa was determined. A specific DNA fragment of BBTV was successfully amplified after acquisition feeding period from single and pooled samples of P. nigronervosa, but only from pooled samples of P. caladii (5, 10, 15, and 20 aphids). Differences in transmission efficiency were based on the disease incidence and severity, i.e., 70% and 58.3% by P. nigronervosa and 25% and 25% by P. caladii, respectively. Furthermore, the serial transmission assay indicated that P. nigronervosa retained BBTV longer than P. caladii (96 hours and 24 hours, respectively). Although further studies are needed, P. caladii showed potential as a BBTV vector, meaning it should be considered as part of disease management strategies

Species diversity and population structure of fishes in the Khanom Estuary, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Southern of Thailand

Petsut, N. — 2022-11-15

The research finding was investigated the species diversity and population structure of fishes in the Khanom Estuary, Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province carried out in November 2016 (the northeast monsoon) and July 2017 (the southwest monsoon) at ten sampling stations. The fish specimens were collected using beach seine and dip-net. A total of 1,406 individuals representing 37 species from 27 families were found. The most dominant family was Gobiidae [5 species (13.5%)], e.g., Acentrogobius viridipunctatus, Acentrogobius caninus, Glossogobius sp., Brachygobius doriae and Gobiopterus chuno followed by Ambassidae with three species (8.1%) and other families with one or two species each. Ambassis kopsii and Gerres filamentosus were mostly distributed in the study area. They were found in brackish water canal ecosystems, estuary ecosystems, and the coastal marine ecosystem. The population structure corrected in November 2016 revealed that the average abundance of the fish population was between 0.43–1.34 individuals/m² and in July 2017, the average abundance of the fish population was between 0.87–3.76 individuals/m². The highest average fish product in the southwest monsoon season (July 2017) was about 3.46 Kilograms/Rai. The data of diversity, evenness and dominance indices of fish specimens showed that the fish specimens in the collecting sites that showed low to medium diversity (Hʹ; 0.73–1.73). The distribution of fish specimens in the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon seasons was not even, and some fish specimens were more dominant than the other specimens in each collecting sites.

Factors influencing dead on arrival and condemnation of broilers during catching, transport, lairage and slaughter

Pirompud, P. — 2022-11-15

The effects of each factor in the final model of a multilevel analysis of the risk factors for dead on arrival (DOA) and condemnation were expressed as an estimate ratio (ER). The results showed that risk factors associated with the percentage of DOA were season, time of transport, rearing density, weight per crate, and feed withdrawal time. Risk factors associated with the percentage of condemnations are season, time of transport, mean body weight, rearing mortality and culling rate, and rearing stocking density. The key factors that significantly affected the percentage of DOA and could be relatively easily reduced were weight per crate (ER =0.045 for each additional 1 kg) and feed withdrawal time (ER =0.001 for each additional 60 minutes). Reducing or eliminating these factors results in a reduction in DOA, which improves profitability and animal welfare. In addition, reducing the stocking density per crate and transporting at night or in the morning should be implemented to reduce the percentage of DOA and the percentage of condemnation

Stomatal response of red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) due to water stress

Putra, G. M. D. — 2022-11-15

The results showed that the water requirement of red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) plants varied depending on the Kc value in the growth phase. Under conditions of 30% ETc (T1), the water demand ranges from 0.63-2.4 mm/day; at 100% ETc (T2), the value of water requirements ranges from 2.12-8.00 mm/day; and at 150% ETc (T3), the value of water requirements ranges from 3.17-12.00 mm/day. The provision of different water requirements produces different stomatal responses. The highest number of stomata in T3 treatment was 16.25, and the least in T1 treatment was 10. The highest stomatal density in T3, T2, and T1 treatments were 185.22 mm^-², 136.78 mm^-2, and 118.54 mm^{- 2}, respectively. The largest porous area in the T2 treatment was 145.14 µm², and the smallest in the T1 treatment was 113.17 µm². Meanwhile, the stomata area and stomatal index in the three treatments were almost uniform, ranging from 577.44 µm² to 629.36 µm² for the stomata area and 0.17-0.2 for index stomata. It showed that the number of stomata and stomatal density of T1 and T2 treatments were significantly differed from T3 treatment. Meanwhile, the stomata area, porous area, and stomata index were not significantly differed. Plant morphological data were obtained by T3 treatment that gave the best results; production weight of 17.8 g, leaf area of 23.4 cm², number of leaves 200, and plant height of 62 cm. The red chili plant in the greenhouse system was more adaptive to water drainage.

Land suitability evaluation of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) at irrigated marginal lowland in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Rahman, N. — 2022-11-15

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) is one of the strategic vegetable commodities that farmers have been intensively cultivating in almost fertile highlands of Indonesia because of its high economic value and attractive market prospects. The result showed the actual suitability classes for shallot cultivation in the Cawang Kidau irrigation area covered 1,131.73 ha classified in marginal suitable (S3) with the heaviest limiting factors are erosion hazard, nutrients retention and nutrient availability and the rest areas, 193.48 ha classified as unsuitable classes for the shallot cultivation. Efforts to overcome the constrains and to improve from the marginally suitable classes to moderately suitable classes for the shallot cultivation are implementing terrace constructions, amelioration with lime, and optimum fertilizers applied

Comparative evaluation of the nutritional compositions of different Sri Lankan rice varieties on glycaemic regulation

Rathnayake, R. M. H. W. — 2022-11-15

The primary nutrition of rice (Oryza sativa) is carbohydrates in starches, sugars and fibre. The amount and type of carbohydrates are detrimental to health as they increase blood glucose levels, leading to the risk of diabetes. As intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect the glycaemic response of foods, understanding the influence of proximate composition and mineral content of rice on GI is useful. The nutritional composition and glycaemic potential of twelve rice varieties grown in Sri Lanka; Bg94-1, At405, Bw367, H.H.Z.36, Ld368, At362, Bg300, Bg352, Bg406, Madathawalu, Sudu heenati and Pachchaperumal were studied. The GI was calculated using fourteen healthy subjects consisting of seven males and seven females fed with cooked rice containing 50g carbohydrate and a reference food. The nutritional composition of the rice was compared with the GI of each variety. The GI of 12 rice varieties varied from 40- 69. The proximate and mineral compositions were significantly different except for the moisture level. This study suggested a significant negative correlation between GI and calcium content. Among the studied rice varieties, "Sudu heenati" showed a high level of calcium, chromium, protein and fibre values with low GI, which consumers would desire

Growth and productivity of Java Cardamom (Amomum compactum Soland ex. Maton) to shade and nitrogen supply

Rini, A. A. — 2022-11-15

Java cardamom (Amomum compactum Soland ex. Maton) is an herbal medicinal plant that used for a long time and one of the country's export commodities with the third-highest economic value after saffron and vanilla. The results showed no interaction between shade treatment and nitrogen fertilizer dose on the agromorphological characters and productivity of Java cardamom. The 75% shade gave the highest value to the variables of plant height, number of leaves, also stems and leaves productivity of Java cardamom. In comparison, 50% shade gave the highest value in terms of tillers and rhizome productivity

Semi-automatic rambutan boring machine

Ruaypom, K. — 2022-11-15

Semi-automatic rambutan boring machine were developed with dimensions of the machine 80 x 170 x 100 cm. The semi-automatic rambutan boring machine was powered by Motor Ac 220 Volt 0.25 kW and transmitted power to a 1:60 reduction gear, driving a chain with 20 sets of rambutan transport with a diameter of 40 mm to transport the rambutan to the seed drill set, size 18 mm. The drilling system was a 4 bar air pressure pneumatic, and the Geneva sprocket controlled the drilling range. The average rambutan boring capacity was 3,185 fruits h^-1, and variability of rambutan seed boring speed, rambutan diameter, rambutan height, rambutan weight, rambutan seed diameter, rambutan seed height, rambutan seed weight, rambutan peel, and rambutan seed boring ability were 1.13±0.54, 44.04±2.78, 60.60±3.83, 21.39±1.35, 8.60±0.54, 17.01±1.07, 5.41±0.34, 2.62±0.16 and 69.44±4.39, respectively. The efficiency of the semi-automatic rambutan boring machine was 95.75%, with a machine payback period of 140 days and a break-even point of 288.2 h year^-1

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) compost as substitution of synthetic fertilizers for sweet corn in Ultisols

Setyowati, N. — 2022-11-15

The combination of Mexican sunflower (MS) compost with NPK fertilizer significantly affected the yield component of sweet corn. Three hundred kg of NPK + 7.5 tons/ha of MS compost produced the highest yield, indicated by husked cob weight (256.56 g), unhusked cob weight (183.31 g), husked cob length (26.93 cm), husked cob diameter (43. 10 mm), and unhusked cob diameter (38.37 mm). Nonetheless, there was no significant effect of the combination on the growth of sweet corn; however, the combination tended to provide better fresh root weight (39.14 g), shoot dry weight (121.76 g), root dry weight (14.32 g) and plant dry weight (136,08 g). Accordingly, an MS compost application rate of 7.5 tons/ha may replace 50% of the recommended NPK fertilizer. This finding aids in the development of sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the usage of synthetic fertilizer

Nitrogen use efficiency of rice inoculated with free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Sotheara, K. — 2022-11-15

Nitrogen is an essential element that promotes vegetative growth, which is usually limited to the uptake of plants. In this study, rice plants’ efficiency to utilize nitrogen was investigated in field conditions in Phitsanulok province, northern region, Thailand. Biofertilizers containing five free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria were used to combine with chemical fertilizer (CF, 16-20-0) at different rates (187.50 kg/ha and 93.75 kg/ha). The results showed that the number of tillers per hill, total nitrogen in rice shoot and Nitrogen Partial Factor Productivity were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among all treatments. The maximum shoot height (98.80 ± 3.83 cm) was found in the NK5-5½CF treatment. The highest grain yield (4.71 t/ha) was observed in the treatment NK12-1½CF. NK12-1 combined with ½CF increased the shoot height to 4.71 cm, three tillers per hill and 0.6 t/ha (14.60%) of grain yield compared to control. The highest 1000-grain weight was produced in the NK 5-5 ½CF treatment (29.17 g), and the lowest was observed in control (27.64 g). All treatments were significantly different in Nitrogen Partial Factor Productivity (p < 0.05) but not in Nitrogen Harvest Index. In conclusion, biofertilizers applied enhanced rice growth, but had no effects on the yield components. NK12-1 was the most effective on nitrogen use efficiency. Also, NK5-5 and NK12-1 were capable of reducing half of the chemical nitrogen fertilizer input

Efficiency and effectiveness of high impact social responsibility projects, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Sreshthaputra, S. — 2022-11-15

The research findings revealed that for overall performance, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in implementation, the project recipients allocated a weighted score of 74.35% (high performance). Project efficiency was equated to weighted score of 48.88%, while for overall project effectiveness weighted score was 25.47%. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of the social responsibility project classification were considered according to the grouping of teaching and learning disciplines of Chiang Mai University, the Health Science exhibited the weighted score (overall performance) of 82.50% (high performance level), followed by Science and Technology with a weighted score of 71.25% (high performance level), while the Humanities and Social Sciences exhibited a weighted score of 66.65% (moderate performance level). The service recipients experienced a high level of satisfaction in the work process and a good perception of the projects. They get benefit from the projects in terms of health, the environment, and cost-effectiveness. These results aligned with the university’s aim of bringing knowledge readily available within the university to solve upstream, midstream, and downstream problems in response to improve the livelihoods of people in the area. The project achieved to be a high level of productivity and outcome according to the objectives of the university’s social responsibility project

Association of Hymenoptera Parasitoid with Fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis Complex) attacking Guava fruits (Syzygium aqueum) in Gianyar, Bali Province, Indonesia

Susila, I. W. — 2022-11-15

Fruit flies are considered a significant insect problem in Indonesia and worldwide as they prey on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The study found three types of fruit flies that attack water guava fruit in Gianyar Regency, namely Bactrocera albistrigata, Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera dorsalis. The highest percentage of attacks on water guava fruit was found in Gianyar District at 85.00%. The abundance of B. albistrigata species had the highest population with an average value of 353.4 individuals. Three species of parasitoid were found to be associated with fruit flies that attack water apple plants in Gianyar Regency, namely Fopius arisanus, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, and Opius sp. Species F. arisanus was the highest parasitization rate of 14.28%, and is an effective natural enemy candidate in controlling fruit fly attacks on water apple. The study suggested that the different host plants of fruit fly species should be further evaluated as an effective control technique and early warning for farmers and policy makers.

Seed and embryogenic callus cryopreservation of Thai rice (Oryza sativa L.) ‘Hom Mali Daeng’

Taratima, W. — 2022-11-15

Thai rice landraces are a valuable heritage that must be conserved. A suitable protocol for seed and callus cryopreservation of Hom Mali Daeng rice was investigated. Seed cryopreservation experiments were divided into three groups as room temperature storage, gradient freezing by storage at 0 °C for 30 min, -20 °C for 30 min before soaking in liquid nitrogen, and direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. All groups were stored for 1, 3 and 5 months before germination and planting. The highest germination percentage was recorded in the control group after 3 months of storage, while highest growth performance was found in the direct freezing protocol after 5 months of storage. The vitrification technique was used for callus cryopreservation. Calli were exposed to plant vitrification solutions PVS2 and PVS3 for 0, 20, 40 and 60 min before immersion in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. After thawing and regrowth, cryopreserved calli were cultured on MS medium with 1 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and 3 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine for 6 weeks. Results revealed that cryopreserved calli from PVS3 for 0 min treatment (immediately immersed in PVS3 before transfer into liquid nitrogen) and PVS2 for 40 min provided high survival percentages at 100% and 75%, respectively. The vitrification system used in this report demonstrated an alternate cryopreservation approach for Hom Mali Daeng rice seed and callus, which can be subsequently adapted to other rice varieties.

Characterization of collagenolytic enzyme from the hepatopancreas of blue crab

Thongpradub, W. — 2022-11-15

Hepatopancreas is an important source of collagenolytic enzyme, which is the enzyme responsible for muscle softening and gapping in crustaceans. The hepatopancreas collagenase of blue crab and monitor changes in total proteolytic and collagenolytic activities of the blue crab hepatopancreas during iced storage was characterized. The optimum activity of hepatopancreas collagenase was found at pH 9.0 and 40°C. The collagenase showed high stability over a pH range of 7.0-10.0 for up to 8 hours with over 70% activity remaining. The collagenolytic enzyme was stable at temperatures below 50°C for 8 hours with over 50% of activity remaining. Moreover, the collagenolytic activity constantly decreased with increased in concentration of NaCl (0-20% w/v). After the hepatopancreas had been stored in ice for 5 days, its pH value slightly altered, but the pH stayed in the 6.7-7.5 range. The total proteolytic and collagenolytic activities from hepatopancreas exhibited a similar pattern. Both activities were increased their highest levels within 2 days of storage. Thereafter, the activities were constantly decreased until the end of storage

The flavonol glycoside- and antioxidant alterations during the flowering stages of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr

Tripama, B. — 2022-11-15

The flavonol glycosides belong to a large group of flavonoids diverse in chemical structures and properties. In plants, these compounds are usually in O-glycosides with common quercetin or myricetin aglycon. Quercetin is generally the most abundant and prominent component. Flavonols and flavone glycosides were common cloves chemotypes with potential natural antioxidants. The changes and antioxidant capacities of flavonol glycosides during the flowering stages of clove (FS-1 to FS-4) were investigated. Identifications of flavonol glycosides constituent, total phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacities were evaluated the extracts generated in every stage of clove flowers formation. The experiment showed various concentrations of flavonols (quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glycoside, myricetin, myricetin-3-O-glycoside) and flavones (luteolin-7-O-glycoside, apigenin-7-O-glycoside), as the highest concentration of quercetin-3-O-glycoside was found during the bloom stage (FS-4) at 110.27 μg/g. The blooming stage also had a significantly higher in-vitro antioxidant capacity than FS-1, FS-2, and FS-3. Antioxidant activity was based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (OH•), and superoxide radical (•O₂) scavenging. It is suggested as the best stage in harvesting the cloves for the natural antioxidant source

Morphology and reproductive biology of Daiswa polyphylla (Smith) Raf.

Wittayapraparat, A. — 2022-11-15

Daiswa polyphylla (Smith) Raf. is a rare medicinal plant found in the highlands of Thailand. The research findings found that the flower emerged from the middle of a leaf whorl in April to May, bloomed from May to June, then fruit set and seed matured during May to January. The plants entered dormancy from September to January until resuming growth in April of the next growing season. Reproductive biology showed stigma receptive approximately 3-5 weeks after which it dried up. Pollen was 69.68 percent viable at anthesis and remained three percent viable at 33 days after blooming. D. polyphylla fruit took the time to develop approximately 9-28 weeks after flowering. Fruit ripening in 4-18 weeks were found during September to January. All seeds were viable from tetrazolium test, and seed germination from one fruit was approximately 45 percent. The research findings would possible be used for propagation and cultivation of D. polyphylla