Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2756-326X Vol. 6 (10), pp. 001-006, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Investigation of the effect of water deficit stress on yield and yield components in sunflower hybrids

Hussein Oraki*, Iraj Alahdadi and Fataneh Parhizkar khajani

Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Abouraihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Accepted 18 July, 2020

Abstract

In order to study the effect of water deficit stress on seed yield, yield component and some quantitative characteristics of sunflower hybrids, under three irrigation regimes (irrigation after 50 [normal irrigation], 100 [mild stress] and 150 [intense stress] mm cumulative evaporation from evaporation pan class A) and four sunflower hybrids (Azargol, Alstar, Hysun 33 and Hysun 25), an experimental split plot design based on a RCB was conducted in 2009 in the research station of university of Tehran, college of Abouraihan in Pakdasht region, Iran. Water stress significantly decreased seed yield, yield components and seed oil content but increased seed protein content in all sunflower hybrids. The highest seed yield of 2591 kg/ha was obtained from normal irrigation. An increase of the seed protein content and a decrease of the seed oil content occurred when water input decreased, although at different level for each hybrid according to their genetic constitution. Allstar hybrid had highest amount of all characteristics, except of seed oil and protein content. Results indicated that under normal irrigation, mild and intense water deficit stress, maximum seed yield was obtained by Azargol (3448 kg/ha), Alstar (2121 kg/ha) and Alstar (829 kg/ha) respectively. Therefore, Alstar hybrid under both levels of water deficit stress conditions in aspect of seed yield and related traits such as seed number per head, 1000 seed weight and head diameter had the most tolerance to these conditions. However, with normal irrigation, Azargol hybrid had highest seed yield.

Key words: Seed oil content, seed yield, sunflower, water deficit stress, yield component.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2756-326X Vol. 6 (10), pp. 001-012, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Persistent soil seed banks along altitudinal gradients in the Qilian Mountains in China and their significance for conservation management

Qiuyan Li¹, Haiyan Fang²*and Qiangguo Cai²

¹College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.

²Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.

Accepted 21 August, 2020

Abstract

The qualitative and quantitative parameters of persistent soil seed bank, including species composition, seed density, vertical distribution and the relationship of soil seed bank and vegetation, were assessed along an altitudinal gradient in seven communities in shady slope, sunny slope and summit plain of Qilian Mountains. The highest density of soil seed bank of 3946 seeds m^-2 was found in grassland in summit plain, and lowest of 225 seeds m^-2 in the dwarf scrub grassland in shady slope, while the highest numbers of species of 21 species in per sampled area of 962 cm² was found in grassland in sunny slope and lowest of 5 species in per sampled area of 962 cm² in scrub land in shady slope. Of the species 18% were annuals and 73% perennial herbs, only 1 shrub of Salix gilashanica was recorded. Considerably more seeds were concentrated in the upper layer (0 to 5 cm), and seed density declined by 71.10% in the lower layer (5 to 10 cm). There was a tendency for the soil seed bank to decrease in density with increasing elevation in both shady slope and sunny slope, although this pattern is complicated by the occurrence of different plant communities and species at different altitudes. Sorensen similarity index between soil seed bank and vegetation of the seven habitats was very low, and Picea crassifolia was absent in the soil seed bank despite being a prominent component of the surface vegetation at woodlands; thus, P. crassifolia has no persistent seed bank. It will be important to maintain the existing vegetation in the future management.

Key words: Soil seed bank, seed density, altitudinal gradients, slopes, conservation.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2756-326X Vol. 6 (10), pp. 001-007, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Factors defining the distribution limit of tsetse infestation and the implication for livestock sector in Tanzania

Imna Malele*, Hamisi Nyingilili and Atway Msangi

Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Research Institute, Majani Mapana, Off Korogwe Road, P. O. Box 1026 Tanga, Tanzania.

Accepted 05 September, 2020

Abstract 

Tsetse survey to re-define its distribution limit in Tanzania was conducted from 2005 to 2009. Based on the old tsetse infestation map, tsetse sampling using odour baited biconical traps were deployed and emptied after 24 h during the onset of dry season. The survey covered the southern, western, northern and north eastern regions of the country. Obtained results indicated that Glossina morsitans sl and G. pallidipes were the dominant and widely distributed tsetse species, although their boundaries had shrank. Changes in land use, which include human settlement and associated activities, infrastructure development and land reform policies, were the major reason for the new tsetse distribution limit. Movement and settlement of huge stocks of insecticide baited livestock in once tsetse infested areas significantly altered the ecology of favored tsetse habitats and their hosts leading to the disappearance of tsetse breeding sites and tsetse species. Human population increase in formally tsetse infested areas also contributed to the disappearance of tsetse. The most affected regions were found to be Rukwa and Mtwara. Chi square test indicated a significant difference on number of collected tsetse in different location; highest density observed in game reserve and the lower in areas near wild animal migratory corridor and protected forest areas. Tsetse flies were confined to protected areas, which include national parks, game and forest reserves. The new tsetse distribution limit is set to influence the epidemiology of African Trypanosomiasis, tsetse control initiatives and the future of livestock sector in Tanzania.

Key words: Tsetse ecology, African trypanosomiasis, land use, conserved areas, livestock.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2756-326X Vol. 6 (10), pp. 001-008, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Biphenyl sorption to different soil clay minerals

Roman Tandlich^1,2* and Štefan Baláž^1,3

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA.

²Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.

³Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences-Vermont Campus, Colchester, VT 05446, USA.

Accepted 22 September, 2020

Abstract 

Only limited information is available in the literature on the role of soil mineral surfaces in the sorption of hydrophobic organic pollutants. This knowledge gap is addressed through the assessment of biphenyl sorption to kaolinite, illite and bentonite; using the batch equilibration technique with incubations lasting 6 or 21 days at 28 ± 2°C in the dark. Sorption of biphenyl onto kaolinite followed the Freundlich sorption isotherm, whereas linear sorption isotherms were observed on illite and bentonite. The biphenyl sorption partition coefficient on kaolinite ranged from 0.1 to 9.1 cm³.g^-1 after 6 days and no sorption was observed after 21 days. This could have been caused by a completely reversible sorption or a loss of binding capacity after 21 days. The respective values of the biphenyl sorption partition coefficient on illite and bentonite ranged from 20.3 ± 0.3 to 120 ± 8 cm³.g^-1. Sorption equilibrium on the internal clay surfaces was reached after 6 days, as indicated by the sorption data for illite and bentonite. Access of biphenyl molecules to the internal clay surfaces is a function of the ionic strength of soil solution and the soil organic matter is the dominant site for biphenyl sorption after 6 to 21 days.

Key words: Biphenyl, sorption, kaolinite, illite, bentonite.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2756-326X Vol. 6 (10), pp. 001-005, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Study of weed seedbank in soybean crop

Branko Konstantinović¹*, Maja Meseldžija¹, Milena Korać¹ and Bojan Konstantinović²

¹Faculty of Agriculture, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.

²Agrimatco group – Dipkom d.o.o., Narodnog fronta 73/1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.

Accepted 13 August, 2020

Abstract 

In the period 2007 to 2010, at localities Backi Maglic and Krivaja studies of weed seedbank were performed under soybean crop. Results showed that weed seed separated at Backi Maglic in all years dominated in the top soil layer, while the lowest quantities were separated from the deepest layer, and that number of weeds declined annually. At Krivaja, the lowest weed seed stocks were found in the top layer, and the highest in the deepest layer. At this locality, number of weed seeds kept rising from season to season, which was the consequence of application of different cultural practices.

Key words: Soybean, weed seedbank, Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., Datura stramonium L.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2756-326X Vol. 6 (9), pp. 001-007, September, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The interaction effect of water stress and manure on yield components, essential oil and chemical compositions of cumin (CUMINUM CYMINUM)

Ahmad Ahmadian¹*, Abolfazl Tavassoli² and Ebrahim Amiri³

¹Engineering and Technical Faculty, Torbate Heydariye, Iran.

²Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University, Shirvan Branch, Iran.

³Department of Agriculture, Lahijan branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran.

Accepted 21 April, 220

Abstract

Water stress enhances essential oils content in medicinal plants. Manure in soil prepares essential elements and increase quality and quantity of plant products. To study the effects of water stress and manure application on yield components, oil percentage and its main constituents on CUMINUM CYMINUM, this experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of Zahak, Zabol, south east of Iran in a complete randomized block in factorial design with four replications. Treatments including irrigation intervals (I₁: two times irrigation, I₂: three times irrigation and I₃: four times irrigation that are irrigation in germination, seedling, flowering and seed filing stages) and manure application (F₁: without manure application, F₂: 20 t/ha manure application). The chemical composition of the essential oil was examined by GC and GC-MS and they were significantly affected by water stress and manure (P<0.05). Three irrigation times with manure treatment produced the highest number of umbrella per plant, seed and biological yield and the lowest 1000 – seed weight and number of seed per umbrella. The effect of water stress and manure were significant on essential oil and its constituents. Three irrigation times with manure treatment caused the highest amount of cumin aldehyde and ρ-cymene and the lowest of β-pinene, γ-terpinene and α-pinene. Results showed that a relationship exist between the main constituents of cumin essential oil under water and manure application.

Key words: Cuminum cyminum, manure, irrigation, oil, oil constituents.