African Journal of Agronomy

African Journal of Agronomy ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Genetic analysis on wild olives by using RAPD markers

M. Sesli¹*, E. D. Ye eno lu²

¹School of Tobacco Expertise, Celal Bayar University, Republic of Turkey, 45210 Akhisar, Manisa, Turkey.

²Akhisar Vocational School, Celal Bayar University, Republic of Turkey, 45210 Akhisar, Manisa, Turkey.

Accepted 09 May, 2019

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect genetic similarities and distances among wild olive trees by RAPD-PCR technique. Olives are raised at a high range from Artvin on the north, up to Hatay on the south and up to Mardin on the Southeast part of Turkey. The Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara and Black Sea regions of Turkey have suitable climatic conditions for olive breeding. Olive breeding had a rapid increase in the Aegean Region during recent years, among the agricultural products. Therefore, it is required to know the genetic relationships between wild olives and their cultural relatives in order to improve genetic resources and our knowledge of their evolutionary background. In this study, samples were mainly collected from Manisa province and additionally, samples were taken from Izmir and Mugla provinces for comparison. Genomic DNA’s were extracted from young leaves and PCR was used to generate RAPD bands. 60 random primers obtained from Operon Tech. were tested by RAPD- PCR. Total of 38 primers were given highly polymorphic and continuous scorable bands. 167 bands were found and each primer was screened at an average of 4.4 polymorphic bands.

Key words: RAPD, PCR, wild olive.

African Journal of Agronomy ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Luffa cylindrica - an emerging cash crop

I. O. Oboh¹ and E. O. Aluyor²*

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

²Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Accepted 22 January, 2020

Abstract

Sponge-gourds, the fruit of Luffa cylindrica, are widely used throughout the world. It is an annual climbing crop which produces fruit containing fibrous vascular system. It is a summer season vegetable. At the moment, from the results of studies carried out on this wonder crop, it encourages the commercial cultivation of the crop because of its increasing economic importance. The objective of this review is to show the potentialities of this crop that is virtually found around the globe. Areas such as agriculture, medicine, science, engineering and biotechnology will be discussed. Recent major advances and discoveries will be considered.

Key words: Luffa cylindrica, cultivation, crop, commercial, agriculture.

African Journal of Agronomy ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 8 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of salt stress on growth, stomatal resistance, proline and chlorophyll concentrations on maize plant

Murat Ali Turan¹*, Abdelkarim Hassan Awad Elkarim², Nilgun Taban³ and Suleyman Taban⁴

¹Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Uludag University, 16059 Bursa, Turkey.

²Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khartoum University, 13314 Shambat-Khartoum, Sudan.

³Agricultural Engineer, Kastamonu, Turkey.

⁴Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kastamonu University, 37100 Kastamonu, Turkey.

Accepted 03 January, 2020

Abstract

In this study, effect of applied NaCl on growth and stomatal resistance, proline and total chlorophyll concentrations of maize plant (Zea mays L. cv: RX 947) was investigated. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications under the greenhouse condition. The experimental soil was salinized with NaCl at the rates of 0 and 100 mM NaCl. Growth of the maize plants was inhibited by salinity. Applied NaCl significantly decreased dry mass of maize plants. Stomatal resistance and proline concentrations were increased by high salinity, while total chlorophyll concentration was decreased. NaCl caused to increase Na and Cl concentrations of plant.

Key words: Zea mays, salt stress, stomatal resistance, proline, sodium chloride.

African Journal of Agronomy ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 8 (2), pp. 001-010, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Performance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) intercropped under Parkia biglobosa in an agroforestry system in Burkina Faso.

Ahmed Nur Osman¹*, Anders Ræbild², Jørgen Lindskrog Christiansen³ and Jules Bayala⁴

¹Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Motalavej 68, 2th, 4220 Korsør, Denmark.

²Center for Forest, Landscape and Planning, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

³Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 30, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark.

⁴Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA) Burkina Faso, 04 BP 7192 Ouagadougou 04, Burkina Faso.

Accepted 12 October, 2019

Abstract

In agroforestry systems, crop yields under trees are often low compared to outside. This study explored crop management under trees for improved production and income for farmers. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) sole and intercrops were grown under and outside the shade of six randomly selected Parkia biglobosa trees during one season in south-central Burkina Faso. The area under the canopy of each tree was divided into four main plots according to cardinal directions, and sub-divided into three concentric zones. Control plots were established outside the tree canopy. The crops were intercropped in two different proportions using the replacement method and compared to sole crops. Days to flowering were noted and yields were measured, and Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Monetary Advantage Index (MAI) calculated. Flowering was earlier outside than under the trees and intercrops flowered earlier than sole crops. Cowpea sole crops had significant grain yield losses of up to 21% under trees compared to outside, and pearl millet yield was reduced up to 67% under trees. Intercrop yields were less affected by growth under trees. LER was significantly higher under the trees than outside, and were always larger than unity indicating benefits of intercropping over sole cropping. Intercropping with two rows of cowpea and one row of millet gave significantly higher economic benefit than mixture with one row of each of the crops. Results indicate that intercropping could improve the system’s productivity, increase the income for farmers, and compensate losses in pearl millet under the canopy.

Key words: Intercropping, land equivalent ratio, monetary advantage index, Parkland.

African Journal of Agronomy ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 8 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Concentrations of metal contaminants, vitamin and mineral in waxed caviar from Mugil cephalus (L.,1758)

lkan Ali Olguno lu* and Mine Perçin Olguno lu

Adiyaman University, Kahta Vocational Training School, Aquaculture and Fisheries Program, 02400 Kahta-Adiyaman, Turkey.

Accepted 18 October, 2019

Abstract

In the research to determine the compositions of metal contaminants, vitamin, mineral and fatty acids upon the Mugil cephalus (L.,1758) caviar imported from Mauritania and waxed in Turkey. It has been found that the fish samples that the caviar belonged to, were caught in waters which were rich in terms of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) and their amount has been determined as 11.35 and 0.004 mg/100 g in raw caviar; 12.24 and 0.005 mg/100 g in waxed caviar respectively. It has been found that these values are close to the values that are dangerous for human health. Iron (Fe) amount, on the other hand, has been quite low, 0.87 mg/100 g. In both samples, it has been found that, it is vitamin E that is richest in it and the amount of vitamin A is above the FAO/WHO’s recommendation about reliable daily consumption amount for adults. The highest value has been phosphorus (P), in terms of minerals. Furthermore, the value of protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate, energy of waxed caviar were significantly higher (p<0.05) than raw caviar. Lead, mercury and copper (Pb, Hg and Cu) concentrations in raw and waxed caviar were below detection limit. Fatty acids of raw and waxed caviar oil were C16:0, C16:1, C18:1 n-9; C20:5 n3;C22:6n-3. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was determined as the dominant saturated fatty acid. Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) was also found as the major unsaturated fatty acid in raw and waxed caviar samples.

Key words: Mugil cephalus, waxed caviar, vitamin, mineral, metal contaminant.

African Journal of Agronomy ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 8 (1), pp. 001-007, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Arthropod assemblage dynamics on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in a subtropical agro-ecosystem, South Africa

Augustine Suh Niba

Department of Biological Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, P/B X1 NMD Mthatha 5117, South Africa. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 22, November, 2019

Abstract

Arthropod assemblages were monitored on cowpea during the 2008/2009 cropping season in the Transkei area of South Africa. A total of 5953 insects belonging to 21 species, in 12 families and 5 orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Homoptera and Lepidoptera) were counted from 18 observations on cowpea from seedling to maturity. Aphids, Lepidoptera larvae, blister beetles and pod-sucking bugs accounted for high levels of population infestations, persistence and overall damage inflicted on the crop. Natural enemies recorded during the study were ladybird beetles, wasps, assassin bugs and spiders. Insect pest activity was much concentrated between eight and thirteen weeks after sowing (WAS) corresponding to flower budding and pod formation stages of cowpea respectively. Results from this study have significant implications for the integrated control of the insect pest complex of cowpea in sub-tropical agro ecosystems.

Key words: Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, insect pests, natural enemies, Transkei.