African Journal of Agriculture

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001-009, September, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Systematic studies (morphology, anatomy and palynology) of economically viable grass BRACHIARIA MUTICA  (Forsskil) Stapf in Eastern India

Saurav Dwari and Amal Kumar Mondal*

Plant Taxonomy, Biosystematics and Molecular Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721 102, West Bengal, India.

Accepted 03 March, 2020

Abstract

Poaceae is the one of the largest family among the monocotyledons in the world. Plants of this family are very frequent like other grasses. BRACHIARIA MUTICA, an economically important plant is considered as one of the best tropical grass for general purposes. The species were commonly used as green foliage, grazing and local resources for animal fodder. The present study deals with few systematic parameters viz. morphology, anatomy, palynology of B. MUTICA which is commonly known as para grass in Eastern India. The result showed some distinct morphological and anatomical as well as palynological characters. All the detailed systematic study of this plant has not worked earlier.

Key words: Brachiaria mutica, morphology, anatomy, palynology, economically viable, Eastern India.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 7 (8), pp. 001-003, August, 2020.© International Scholars Journals

Short  Communication

Determination of the suitable planting date and plant density for different cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Fars

Ali Soleymani¹*, Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian² and Lila Naranjani³

¹Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan (Esfahan) Branch, Esfahan, Iran.

²Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ramin  Agriculture and Natural Resource, University, Ahwaz, Iran.

³Department of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Dolatabad Branch, Esfahan, Iran.

Accepted 21 March, 2020

Abstract

In order to determine the suitable planting date and plant density in different cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in semi arid region, an experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Lamard, Fars, Iran in 2002 to 2003. The main plots were planting dates, November 6th and December 6th, the sub plots were plant densities, 250, 350 and 450 plants per m², and the sub sub plots were three cultivars of barley, namely: Kavir, Rayhanee and Karun. Effect of planting date was significant on the number of days from planting to physiological maturity. Cultivar had significant effect on the number of days from planting to physiological maturity, plant height, grain yield and harvest index. The interaction between planting date and cultivar was significant on aboveground biomass and grain yield, and also, the interaction between plant density and cultivar was significant on grain yield. Early sowing was as a result in a decrease in grain yield. The differences in grain yield between different plant densities demonstrated the remarkable influence of sowing density on this important factor. It seems that cultivation of karun, with 450 plants per m² in November 6th is suitable for this region.

Key words: Planting date, plant density, cultivars, barley.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 7 (8), pp. 001-003, August, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Thermal properties of Calamus deërratus, Raphia hookeri and synthetic board in building design in Southwestern Nigeria

Alausa S. K.¹, Oyesiku O. O.²*, Aderibigbe J. O.¹ and Akinola O. S.¹

¹Department of Physics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Accepted 16 March, 2020

Abstract

For a self-cooling building, alternative sources of roofing and ceiling materials in building design was investigated. The thermal property of Rattan palms (Calamus deërratus), Raffia palms (Raphia hookeri) and synthetic Nigerite asbestos sheets were determined using the Lees’ disc apparatus. Results showed that Rattan palms sheet had the lower thermal conductivity (k = 0.046 Wm^-1 K^-1) and a higher resistivity (r = 21.930 W^-1mK) compared with Raffia palms sheet. While both palms showed lower thermal conductivity (k = 0.046 to 0.056 Wm^-1K) and higher resistivity (r = 17.73 to 21.930 W^-1mK) than asbestos sheet (k = 0.084 Wm^-1K, r = 11.919 W^-1mK). The results indicated that Rattan palms have a higher potential for heat resistivity than many other wood based heat-insulating materials and are recommended for ceiling in modern building design.

Key words: Self-cooling building, insulators, heat, Lees’ disk, Rattan, Raffia.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 7 (7), pp. 001-005, July, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of benzyladenine (BA) on fruit set and mineral nutrition of morula (Sclerocarya birrea subspecies caffra)

O. G. Moatshe*, V. E. Emongor and O. Oagile

Crop Science and Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Botswana, Botswana College of Agriculture, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana.

Accepted 23 June, 2020

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of benzyladenine (BA) on fruit set and mineral nutrition of morula (Sclerocarya birrea subspecies caffra). Benzyladenine was applied when the fruitlets were 8 to 10 mm in diameter at concentrations of 0, 50, 100 or 150 mg/l. Application of BA to morula fruit trees significantly (p < 0.001) reduced fruit set of morula trees by between 48 to 67%. Morula tree sprayed with BA had significantly higher leaf and fruit mineral content than control trees. The fruit calcium (Ca) (p < 0.05), magnesium (Mg) (p < 0.05), nitrogen (N) (p < 0.01) and potassium (K) (p < 0.001) increased significantly with increasing BA concentrations. The results showed that BA can be used as a chemical agent to reduce crop load and improve the morula tree mineral uptake and mineral partitioning to the leaves and fruits.

Key words: Sclerocarya birrea subspecies caffra, benzyladenine, fruit set, mineral content.