International Journal of Agricultural Technology

Hybrid Performances and Heterosis in Sweet Corn as Grown under Organic Crop Management in Tropical Highland Climate

Chozin, M. — 2018-11-15

Significant variation among the genotypes were observed to be the most traits, except for kernel row number and soluble solids (°brix). There were 12 out of 28 hybrids exhibited better general performances over the better parent and check variety. The estimates of MPHs, BPHs, and EH for the plant growth traits exhibited undesirable direction on all crosses, vis. positive for plant height, negative for stalk diameter, and positive for taller ear height. The desired significant negative directions in MPH and EH were recorded on most of the hybrids for tasseling and silk dates. No significant BPH was found on all crosses for tasseling date and only several crosses for silking date. Significant positive MPH and BPH, but not EH, were found on six crosses and three crosses, respectively. The majority of crosses showed significant positive MPH and BPH for unhusked ear weight, but only several numbers for unhusked ear length and diameter, and weight. None of the crosses showed significant positive EH. Similar features of MPH, BPH, and EH were found for husked ear length, ear diameter, and ear weight, except seven and two crosses, indicated significant positive Eh for ear diameter and ear weight, respectively. No significant positive MPH, BPH, and EH on all crosses for kernel row number. For kernel number row^-1, a large number of crosses had significant positive MPH, but the lesser number had significant positive BPH and EH. Most of the crosses exhibited non-significant MPH, BPH, and EH for soluble solid content. These finding suggested that progress of sweet corn hybrid breeding for organic production in tropical highland climate could be expected from the heterosis exploitation of the ear traits.

Biosynthesis of Zinc Nanoparticles and Its Effect on Enzymes Production by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonus flourescens Using Different Agricultural Wastes

El-Mohamedy, R. S. R. — 2018-11-15

Biological synthesis of zinc nanoparticles is an environmental eco-friendly. Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens which has been isolated from healthy beans plants and identified in plant pathology department at (NRC) were used for production of pectinase and chitinase enzymes in media containing different agriculture wastes and zinc nitrate to initiate nanoparticles synthesis. Pomegranate peel and Colocasia peel were the most promising wastes in zinc nanoparticles synthesis 100, 200 nm as proven by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV visible spectral analysis. The effectiveness of different agricultural wastes on the linear growth of green bean root rot fungi in vitro was investigated. Also, Pomegranate peel and Colocasia peel were the most effective on reducing linear growth of all pathogens. And enzymes activity from two bacterial strains was used different agricultural wastes as substrate and its antagonistic effects on pathogenic fungi.

Morphological and Molecular Based Identification of Corn Downy Mildew Distributed in Thailand

Janruang, P. — 2018-11-15

In Thailand, corn downy mildews are reported to cause by six species of fungi including Peronosclerospora sorghi, P. philippinensis, P. sacchari, P. spontanea, Sclerophthora rayssiae var. zeae and P. maydis. The fungal species of corn downy mildew distributed in different geographic areas of Thailand based on morphological and molecular identification was determined. The disease samples were collected for morphological and DNA sequence observations. The results showed that all fungal isolates possessed various conidial shapes with 15.0-19.8×15.0-32.0 µm in size and different conidiophore types using septum position. Therefore, morphological characteristics of conidia and conidiophore type were similar in range to P. maydis and P. sorghi. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the 28S rDNA gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region. The results of ITS1 region analysis indicated that 31 sequences were grouped together with P. maydis obtained from the GenBank database (NCBI) at a 99% similarity coefficient and separated from other sequences. Therefore, the present study suggested that four species in Pest List of Thailand should be removed from the list of corn downy mildew, including P. philippinensis, P. sacchari, P. spontanea and Sclerophthora rayssiae var. zeae.

Callus Induction and Cell Suspension Culture from Leaves of Kadsura coccinea

Jedoroh, N. — 2018-11-15

Kadsura spp. is a vine glabrous woody which belongs to Schisandraceae that is rare plant found in highland. It is an ancient plant group that low adaptation for living. Shape and scent of fruits like sugar apple, and edible when ripping. It contains the nutrition value and high antioxidants. It is a valuable medicine to prevent the tumor HIV resistant and hepatitis. In presently Kadsura spp. become extinct. The calli from leaves of Kadsura spp. was induced by this study. The leaves were sterilized and cultured on solid synthetic medium, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplement with Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) were used as 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 mg/L concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), meta-Topolin (mT), 2, 4-dichlorophenol-xyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg/L of BAP combined with 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 mg/L of 2,4-D. The maximum number of leaves were induced calli of 55.55 % and 350.16 mm³ averaged area on medium with 0.5 mg/L of BAP with 0.5 mg/L of 2,4-D, but 0.5 mg/L of BAP with 2 mg/L of 2,4-D gave the highest average area (1,079.53 mm³) after 4 weeks. The growth rate of cell suspension cultured in liquid MS medium supplement with 0.5 mg/l of BAP and 0.5 mg/l of 2,4-D resulted the fresh weight and dry weight of cell suspension with the best grown for 15 days of 1.12 g/10 mL, 0.14 g/10 mL fresh and dry weight respectively. Cell suspension was rapidly grown during the period of 6-15 days. The cell suspension was cultured on MS solid medium combine with 0.5 mg/l of BAP and 0.5 mg/l of 2,4-D and 0.2% (W/V) AC after 4 weeks. The best result for calli induction and perfectly for plant regeneration were the MS medium without AC. This research work is developed an optimized protocol for plant breeding.

The Roles of Calcium Lactate on Bruised Damage in Papaya Fruit

Khurnpoon, L. — 2018-11-15

Bruise damage reduces postharvest quality and it was rejected by consumer. Lack detail about bruise mechanism reported in papaya fruit, the prevention and reduction of postharvest loss were limited. The tissue softening as a result in the change of cell wall solubility and depolymerization including changes in physical properties were following bruise damaged. The maintaining cell wall integrity by calcium lactate application before bruising was tested. Papaya fruits were non-dipped or dipped in 2% calcium lactate solution at 55°C for 5 minutes, then air dried at room temperature for 1 hour. Two groups of fruit sample were separated; one group was impacted from height level at 75 cm while the other was non-impacted. The result showed that bruise treatment reduced skin lightness, chroma and hue angle especially in ‘Khak dam’ papaya, but could maintain by calcium lactate application. This treatment also preserved the reduction of fruit firmness by 4 days concomitant with the solubilization of pectin during bruising was reduced by calcium lactate treatment. Water-, Na₂CO₃ - and potassium hydroxide-soluble fraction were low in calcium lactate treatment both with and without bruise damage. Non-significant different between non-dipped and dipped in calcium lactate in TSS, skin color development and fresh weight loss in bruise treatment. However, calcium lactate treatment reduced the increase in bruise area of 20 and 10% in ‘Khak dam’ and ‘Holland’ papaya, respectively. Fruit decay incidence was 5% low in fruit treated with calcium lactate following bruise damage than non-dipped.

Design and Fabrication of a Mechanised Centrifugal Melon Shelling and Cleaning Machine

Olaoye, J. O. — 2018-11-15

A mechanized centrifugal melon shelling and cleaning machine with a capacity of 114kg/h was developed and tested at the fabrication workshop of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin. It comprised of the hopper, feed control mechanism, shelling unit, cleaning unit, power transmission unit and the frame. The machine performance was evaluated using a 2 × 3 × 5 factorial experimental design for shelling two varieties of melon seeds, (eastern and northern) varieties .The factors in the factorial experiment were at three levels each of shaft speed (1400 rpm, 2100 rpm and 2800 rpm), melon varieties (eastern and northern) and the moisture content of the seed (7%, 12%, 17%, 22% and 27% wet basis). Each treatment combination was performed in triplicates making a total of 90 values. The results showed that the highest shelling efficiency for variety E was at 78.7% at a moisture level of 17% and operating speed of 2100 rpm while the highest shelling efficiency for variety N was 76.5% at a moisture content of 22% and operating speed of 2100 rpm. Also, the highest cleaning efficiency for variety “E” was recorded as 66.4% at a moisture content of 17% and operating speed of 2800 rpm while the highest cleaning efficiency for variety “N” was recorded as 64% at a moisture content of 22% and operating speed of 2800 rpm. Therefore, melon shelling machine based on this technology could provide quality melon seeds at low cost for domestic use and for melon oil processing industry.

The Use of Epiphytic Lichen as A Biomonitor on Air Quality, Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide Deposition in Mab Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province

Pitakpong, A. — 2018-11-15

Lichens were the co-occurring organisms including of fungi and algae that were used as the environmental biomornitor or biomarker extensively. Results of air pollution to lichen diversity in surrounding area of Mab Ta Phut industrial estate, Rayong province were reported. The duration of study was in October 2012 to September 2013. A kind and frequency of lichen using the frequent surveying flame (20 x 50 cm2) on mango trees of 110 were studied by collecting nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide deposition using the method of atmospheric collection with the tube of passive sampling, and measured gas deposition by ion chromatography technique. Results found 11 families, 20 genera and 26 species including the foliose lichens of 6 species and the crustose lichens of 20 species. The most of lichens were belongfs to genera of Arthonia, Dirinaria, Lecanora and Physcia. Lichen species of Physcia poncinsii Hue and Pyxine cocoes (Swartz) Nyl were presented with highly frequency in all areas. The measurements showed that a value of nitrogen dioxide deposition of 0.28-5.08 ppbv and sulphur dioxide deposition of 0.52-7.60 ppbv. The analysis of correlation between lichen diversity of biomarker and gas deposition in each study area using the correlation coefficient of Pearson value were found that both of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide deposition had negatively significant correlation with lichen diversity index at 95% confidence interval (r = -0.245, p < 0.05) and (r = -0.081, p < 0.05), respectively. There were demonstrated nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide deposition increasingly that had been affected to lichen diversity, there was possibly used lichen as the atmospheric biomonitor.

Efficiency of Antioxidant and Absorbent on Browning and The Optimal Factors of Plant Regeneration from Young Seed of Gluta usitata (217 Mae Ka) by Tissue Culture

Rakrawee, R. — 2018-11-15

Gluta usitata (Anacardiaceae) is a lacquer tree and create lacquer varnish can be utilized in many aspects especially art and culture. Recently, its harvest faced troublesome and yields of varnish tree are decreased. Consequently, the conservation of plant has reduced, and this plant has become extinct. The experiment was chosen to use plant tissue culture technique to preserve and increase this plant. The experiment was compared the effect of Woody Plant Medium (WPM) combined with different concentration of antioxidants were 2, 4, 6, 8 g/L Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP), 20, 30, 40, 60 mg/L ascorbic acid or citric acid and absorbents of 1, 2, 3 g/L activated charcoal to reduce browning of phenolic compound in the explants. The results showed that 2 g/L activated charcoal gave the lowest of browning on seed and medium (about 0.9±0.2 points). The addition of 40 mg/L ascorbic acid was generated the highest of shoots (approximately 1.88±0.4 shoots/seed) after culture for 4 weeks. in vitro propagation of seed germination on WPM supplemented with 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mg/L 6-Benzyl amino purine (BAP), Thidiazuron (TDZ) and meta-Topolin (mT) 3% sucrose and 0.2% phytagel was efficiently resulted. Other result revealed that 1.5 mg/L BAP, 2 mg/L TDZ and 2 mg/L mT gave the highest seed germination at 1.6±0.2, 1.8±0.2 and 1.6±0.2 shoots/seed, respectively. The best of plant growth regulators for seed germination was 2 mg/L of TDZ after 6 weeks.

Application of Nano-particles Derived from Chaetomium elatum ChE01 to Control Pyricularia oryzae causing Rice Blast

Song, J. J. — 2018-11-15

Pyricularia oryzae causing rice blast was isolated and proved for pathogenicity. Chaetomium elatum ChE01 was proved to be antagonized P. oryzae in bi-culture antagonistic test which averaged inhibition of 60.40 % within 15 days. Fungal metabolites from C. elatum ChE01 were extracted and tested to inhibit P. oryzae. Results showed that crude ethyl acetate expressed antifungal activity against P. oryzae which the effective dose₅₀ (ED₅₀) was 231 ppm., followed by crude methanol and crude hexane which the ED₅₀were 460 and 2,122 ppm. respectively. It was shown that nano-CCE gave the highest inhibition P. oryzae which the ED₅₀ was 8.25 ppm, and followed by nano-CEM and nano-CEH which the ED₅₀values were 11.21 and 65.52 ppm, respectively. Further research findings are investigated in pot and field experiments.

Synbiotic Ice Cream Containing Germinated KDML105 Rice Flour and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5: Physicochemical, Probiotic Viability and Sensory Evaluation

Thaochalee, M. — 2018-11-15

Nutraceutical and functional food like probiotics and prebiotics are increasingly incorporated in food industries and pharmaceutical application to promote and maintain health conditions. The feasibility of synbiotic ice creams, manufactured to include germinated brown rice (KDML105) flour as prebiotic sources, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 as probiotic culture was determined. Physicochemical and sensory attributes of synbiotic ice creams, as well as probiotic survivability over a 30-day of storage were evaluated. Four synbiotic ice cream formulations were manufactured: Synb-1 (0% rice flour and 4.0% corn flour); Synb-2 (2.0% rice flour and 2.0% corn flour); Synb-3 (3.0% rice flour and 1.0% corn flour) and Synb-4 (4.0% rice flour and 0% corn flour). The physicochemical and microbiological analyses showed suitability with standards required by legislation, and all formulations had acceptable sensory attributes. Synb-1 and Synb-2 ice creams had higher counts of viable probiotic microorganisms compared to the other ice cream formulations. During a 30-day storage period, the product matrix and pH maintained the viability of the probiotic microorganisms above 10⁶CFU/g, thus revealing the potential of the manufactured synbiotic ice creams.

Evaluation of Selected Thai Herb and Spice Extracts as Natural Preservative on the Shelf Life of Chicken Nuggets

Wanangkarn, A. — 2018-11-15

The effects of Thai herb and spice extracts on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of cooked chicken nuggets during storage at 4±1°C for 21 days were investigated. Cooked chicken nuggets were treated with chemical food preservative (CFP), eugenol (Eu), galangal extract (Ga), sweet basil extract (Sw), and galangal and sweet basil extract (GS). The results were compared to those obtained for nugget without any food preservative (Con) and the addition of GS showed a lowest TBARS values and suppressed the growth of microbial thoughout the storage period. Regarding the standard for acceptable microbial counts of ≤ 6.0 log cfu/g sample, GS treatment could extend the shelf life up to 14 days with longer than Con sample. Moreover, GS samples revealed better color, textural and sensory scores than the other herb and spice samples. It was demonstrated that the combination of galangal and sweet basil extracts gave a potential as a natural preservative in processed meat products.

The Study of Natural Agents for Fungal Inhibition on the Surface of Medium Density Fibreboard during Construction

Wattanakitpisan, A. — 2018-11-15

The growth of fungi on the medium density fibreboard (MDF) were investigated for interior and furniture work that affect to health and construction plan.The encountered fungi were controlled by natural agents and evaluated according to Laboratory Manual for Wood decaying Fungi Protection, Thailand Foresty Department. Poisoned food technieque was used to test and resulted to wood vinegar was most effective treatment to inhibit Aspergillus sp. with a growth inhibition of 21.75% and spore inhibition of 94.76% which the ED₅₀value was 9.30 µg/ml. Chitosan and nano-elicitor significantly inhibited the growth of tested fungi. It was able to inhibit fungal growth of 35.75% and 34.25%, respectively, while the spore inhibition was 45.06% and 47.86%, respectively. To control Fusarium sp., Chitosan was the most effective bioactive compoung which inhibiting the growth of 38.50% and the spore inhibition was 47.86%. It was found that the tested natural products could not inhibited of colony growth of Penicillium spp. but it can inhibit the spore production. Nano-elicitor was foung to inhibit the spore production of 58.41% which the ED₅₀ value was 4.51µg/ml. Finally, the testing on pieces of medium density fibreboard showed that the fungi colony occurred at every replicate of inoculation control. While MDF pieces were sprayed with 1000 ppm of biological inhibitiors shown no symptom and less fungal colony on its surface.

Soil Genesis as Influenced by Topography of Pinkyo Area, Western Ethiopia

Yitbarek, T. — 2018-11-15

The influence of topography on soil genesis was investigated. Initially five slope categories (flat, level to nearly level, very gently sloping, gently sloping and sloping) were created using digital elevation model (DEM). Representative pits were opened in the five adjacent slope categories and the soils were described in situ following FAO soil description guideline. Pedon1 was deeped with weak horizon differentiation due to weak pedogenesis and classified as Eutric Fluvisols (Loamic) in WRB system of classification. Pedon 2 and 3 were deeped and classified as Haplic Vertisols (Hypereutric). Pedon 4 and 5 had shallow depth with thin (8-10 cm) surface horizons and coarse fragments in C horizon and classified as Eutric Cambisols. The soil genesis and soil type of the study area was greatly influenced by the topography of the area. This information would help for an appropriate land use planning, especially for land suitability for irrigation, since the study area is situated adjacent to Baro River, which supposed to have high potential for irrigation.