Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity and richness of woody species in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India

Zaara Kidwai

WWF-India, Dehradun Programme Office 30-72/1, Rajpur Road, Near Pine Hall Lane, Dehradun-248001, India. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +91-8791706064.

Accepted 09 February, 2020

Abstract 

Effect of anthropogenic factors against species richness and diversity of the woody vegetation was analyzed in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, North-West India from February to May 2009. Sixteen transects, ranging from 1.8 to 2 km in length were laid throughout the 80 km² study area covering all the available habitat types. 10 m radius circular plots were laid to enumerate tree layer and degree of various anthropogenic factors making a total of 318 plots throughout the study period. These factors were quantified in each plot at a scale of 0 to 4 (0-none and 4-very high). Along with ocular observations, software EstimateSWin750 was used to calculate richness and diversity of trees along each transect. The ocular results showed highest number of trees in Malajodka (369) and the least number of trees in Kiraska (93). Observed tree diversity was found to be maximum for the transect of Pandupol – Kiraska (18±3.05). Whereas, least diversity was found to be in the transect of Sadar I (6±2.23), having lesser degree of disturbance than former. Richness estimates showed highest value of richness (32.95±16.44) in transect of Malajodka which is in hilly tracts and least value for richness (6±0.43) in the transect of Sadar I.

Key words: Anthropogenic factor, diversity, richness, vegetation plots, Sariska.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Efficacy of azoxystrobin 25 SC along with bioagents on chilli powdery mildew diseases under field condition

P. Ahila Devi* and V. Prakasam

Centre for Plant Protection studies, Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003, India.

Accepted 20 September, 2019

Abstract

Field trials were conducted to determine the bioeffficacy of Azoxystrobin 25 SC against Powdery mildew of Chilli. Three sprays with Azoxystrobin at 150 a.i, 125 g a.i and 100 g a.i/hac were introduce on chilli plants for controlling the spread of Leveillula taurica. The results for the first and second season revealed that maximum control of powdery mildew disease is by Azoxystrobin at 150 g a.i/hac giving the maximum reduction of about 91.15 and 90.95 compared to the second season recording of 86.07 and 84.06, respectively.

Key words: Bioefficacy, yield, Azoxystrobin 25 SC, powdery mildew, Leveillula taurica.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Comparative productivity and profitability of organic and conventional tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)Trotter] production under rainfed condition: Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Medhn Berhane¹*, Fassil Kebede², Ibrahim Fitiwy³ and Zenebe Abreha⁴

¹Shire Soil Research Center, Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 492, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

²Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection Department, Mekelle University, P. O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

³Dryland Crop and Horticultural Sciences Department, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

⁴Natural Resource Economics Management Department, Mekelle University, P. O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

Accepted 16 July, 2019

Abstract 

A field experiment was conducted to examine tef yield, yield attributes, infiltration rate and macro invertebrates under rain fed conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the comparative productivity and profitability of organic and conventional tef production and as such, 50 composite soil samples were collected for soil analysis in the laboratory. A total of 50 plots were selected (25 plots each for organic and conventional farm). In addition, 50 respondents were identified through stratified sampling of organic and conventional farming users and interview schedule was developed and used. The interview was done using semi-structured questionnaire to capture data pertaining to costs, revenue, demographic aspects and agronomic practices in each farming. The results from the field experiment of organic tef farming showed significantly higher plant height (87.64 cm), biomass yield (5.12 ton/ha), organic matter content (1.6%), infiltration rate and richness and diversity of soil macro invertebrates. Organic tef production was profitable than conventional tef production with financial internal rate of return (110%). It was also found that 100% of both respondents said that organic and conventional tef have no grain storage problem and they experience also similar disease or insect pest occurrence. Therefore, Organic farming has a profound vitality from the strategic importance of agro-ecological and environmental health point of view and sustainable crop production system; the farming community should use organic fertilizers in place of mineral fertilizer to increase tef productivity and profitability.

Key words: Organic farming, conventional farming, productivity, profitability, tef, Eragrostis tef.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Ethno-veterinary health management practices amongst livestock producers in Africa – A review

Kubkomawa, H. I.^1*, Nafarnda, D. W.², Adamu, S. M.¹, Tizhe, M. A.¹, Daniel, T. K.¹, Shua, N. J.¹, Ugwu, C. C.³, Opara, M. N.³, Neils, J. S.⁴ and Okoli, I. C.³

¹Department of Animal Production and Health, the Federal Polytechnic, P. M. B.  35, Mubi. Adamawa State, Nigeria.

²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Abuja, Nigeria.

³Dept. of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P. M. B.1526, Imo State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Animal Production, Adamawa State University, P.M.B. 25 Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Accepted 16 August, 2019

Abstract 

The objective of this review paper is to highlight the ethno-veterinary health management practices found amongst livestock producers in Africa. It is to also help livestock agents and farmers to integrate and promote the use of ethno-veterinary medicine in animal health care, focusing on livestock diseases and parasites in Africa. Plants are the most commonly used ingredients in the preparation of ethno-veterinary medicines. All plant parts, including leaves, bark, fruits, flowers, seeds and roots are used in medicinal preparations. Edible earth from termite and anthills is also used in ethno-veterinary preparations. Limestone and minerals are commonly used in decoctions and concoctions. Part sand products of animals, such as skin sand hides, bones, milk, butter, castor oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, snake oil and even urine and dung are ingredients of ethno-veterinary medicines. Honey, vegetable oils, butter and salt are used for their healing and preservative properties. Spiritual forces maybe invoked by prayers during rituals. Rituals are important in the interaction between African livestock keepers and their animals. To ensure that the herd thrives, animal husbandry is strictly ritualized. Many different rituals are performed, such as invoking the gods through dance or the sacrifice of an animal. Other rituals involve writing a phrase from the Koranona slate and washing it in a calabash. The liquid is then used to drench the sick animal. Ritual incantations and prayers are sometimes connected with particular plants and special ingredients. To keep animals healthy, traditional healing practices have been applied for centuries and have been passed down orally from generation to generation. Before the introduction of western medicine, all livestock keepers relied on these traditional practices. Ethno-veterinary medicine is accessible, easy to prepare and administer, cheaper and forms part of our traditional culture. It is a good attempt on traditional African practices of treatment of animal diseases and parasites. However, we can skip those which are harmful methods like hot iron branding; snake oil leading to killing or loss of snakes and also be discouraged. Researchers, healers and livestock keepers can together experiment the practices / evaluate them after careful selection of few best practices and test them at field level and then disseminate with more confidence. Extracting roots or barks of trees /plants can also be discouraged to preserve the wealth of plants or only sustainable harvesting practiced. This approach will prevent loss of knowledge on EVM and promote low cost solutions locally.

Key words: Ethno-veterinary, ritual, livestock health management, Africa.