African Journal of Agriculture

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 185-192, June, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Quality change using random mixing of soils from different areas of Punjab by means of XRD technique

Altaf Aziz Hoodbhoy¹*, Muhammad Theba¹ and Abdul Sattar Asif²

¹Department of Physics, G.C. University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

²Department of Physics, High Energy Physics, Punjab University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 23 May, 2016

Abstract

The results obtained from investigation of soil samples collected from different units of Punjab like agricultural, commercial and industrial units are reported and analyzed in this paper. XRPD studies from various units showed that the phases present in the soil samples were Quartz (SiO₂), Calcite (CaCO₃), Albite NaAlSi₃O₄, Chlinochlore Mg ₅Al(Si,Al) ₄O₁₀, Illite {(K.H₃O) Al₂Si₃AlO₁₀(OH)₂, Vermiculite {Mg(Mg,Fe)₃ (Si.Al)₄ O₁₀(OH)₂.4H₂O}, Gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O), Talcum {Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂)}, Aluminate Al₂O₃, Chamosite (Fe,Al,Mg,Mn)₆ (Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₈, Dolomite (Ca,Mg)CO₃ and Epidote Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃ (SiO₂O₇) (SiO₄)(OH)₂. The result and mean values of concentrated data in weight %age of phases showed that Quartz, Illite, Albite and Calcite were the major constituents of the soil of Narowal and Faisalabd, while Quartz, Illite and Chamosite were the major constituents of soil in Multan. But, all other phases appeared as minor components of the soil. These were present in very small amount in the soil. From the plot of the comparison of the mean weight percentage of phases, it was clear that Illite was major phase in largest amount (53.27%, 42.62%) in the soil of Faisalabad and Narowal respectively, while Quartz (SiO₂) appeared as the major phase in the largest amount (68.83%) in the soil of Multan. The special sample S-1 showed that some minerals which were already present in the soil of Narowal and Faisalabad disappeared after combining the soil samples. It means that there was a chemical phase which not only became the reason for disappearance of the minor phases but also affected the values of major phases. The appeared phases were Q, CAL and ILL while the disappeared phases were AL, CL, G, T and AM. In the same way, in the special sample S-2, CH, DL and EP did not appear after combining all the samples of Multan.

Key words: XRPD phase analysis, sample mixing, readjustment of the phases, weight %age concentration, soil fertility upgradation, area, specific mineralogy.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 178-184, June, 2016.  © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effectiveness of the insecticide treatments against the leaf infestation by red pumpkin beetle

Surya Fazle Abed*, Muhammad Kazi and Khaleda Ali Bhashani

Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

E-mail:[email protected]

Accepted 26 May, 2016

Abstract

Neem oil, Mehagoni oil, Bishkatali leaf extract, larvin 75 WP and diazinon 60 EC were assessed for their performance in controlling Red pumpkin beetle Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas). Bottle Gourd variety BARI Lau-4 was planted in Entomology Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications . The effectiveness of the treatments against the pest was evaluated on the basis of beetle population per plant and leaf infestation at 24, 48 and 72 HAT and 7 DAT in field level. Considering the effects of chemical insecticides, both larvin 75 WP and diazinon 60 EC were found to be statistically identical and highly effective in reducing beetle population. Among the botanicals, Neem oil at 7.5% showed better response whereas beetle population was relatively higher in Bishkatali leaf extract treated plots. For each treatment, the number of red pumpkin beetle per plant was at its minimum at 24 HAT that exhibited upward trends in the following intervals. In addition, after the final spray, percent leaf infestation decreased only in the chemical treated plots other than few exceptions.

Key words: Red pumpkin beetle, chemical insecticides, botanicals, effectiveness.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 158-168, May, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Socio-economic overheads of drought and household coping mechanism in India

Shah Dhyan Kapoor

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi - 110016, India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 25 March, 2016

Abstract

Drought induces distress like food and water scarcity and it has other adverse impacts, particularly on gender. The paper analyses socio-economic costs of drought and household coping mechanism in India in two different development scenarios. It highlights unequal and inadequate access and use of land, water and other resources in semi-arid areas as it continues to pose challenge for agricultural growth, occupational mobility and gender equity. Long term drought measures, integrated regional land and water management and strengthening local institutions are suggested for better access to basic resources, to reduce household distress, enhance coping capability and to improve gender equity.

Key words: Drought, agriculture, household risk coping, gender, India.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 148-153, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Coconut seedling (Cocos nucifera) losses due to termite pest species and possible control measures

Yamilé Machar¹*, Majak Justin Benjamin² and Charles Deng El Tahir²

¹Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P O Box 6226, Tanzania

²University of Dar Es Salaam, P O Box 35064, Dares Salaam, Tanzania.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 25 February, 2016

Abstract

Subterranean termites are major pests of various food and cash crops in tropical and subtropical regions causing serious seedling losses. If control measures are not applied, losses ascribed to termites is estimated at 20%. The aim of this study is to assess coconut seedling (Cocos nucifera) losses due to termite pest species and to suggest possible control measures. Assessment of termite damage to coconut seedlings was conducted in established coconut nurseries at four villages (Nyambili, Pagae, Mtawanya and Nambunju) over a period of one year. Hand sorting was carried out from twenty seedlings foraged by termites and to identify termite pest species present in the coconut nurseries. The common pest species were Microtermes, Pseudacanthotermes, Macrotermes and Odontotermes. Infestation from these species was diverse but the most serious parts affected were plant roots, tunneling in root collar, wilting and eventually death of the seedling. Seedlings with physiological stress were uprooted to identify termite species related to the death. Losses caused by Pseudacanthoermes, Microtermes and Macrotermes ranged from 20-100%. Termite pest species abundance from coconut nurseries was significantly different. This study provided information on termite pest in coconut nurseries that can be used for development of sustainable and socially acceptable termite control measures.

Key words: Foraging, termite pest species, coconut seedlings, dry season, wet season, Rufiji district.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 3 (2), pp. 135-147, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Relationship between social capital and the performance of vegetable production program (VPP) in western region Nepal

Apasiri Lampoon*, Supakorn Nitibhon and Chartchai Kraibutr

Multiple Cropping Center, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 8 January, 2016

Abstract

The performance of agricultural extension program varies among communities and households. The performance of such program is traditionally analyzed looking at human, physical, financial and natural capital related factors. This study aimed at knowing the relationship between social capital and the performance of vegetable production program (VPP) in selected sites in the far western region of Nepal. Social capital at household and site level was measured in its six dimensions expressed as networks, trust, collective action and cooperation, social norms, reciprocity, and proactivity. The result of simple linear regression (OLS) model showed in general that the adoption index of vegetable farming at household level is found positively correlated with social capital index. However, some expressions of social capital, like interpersonal trust and bonding network, negatively affect the adoption of vegetable farming by the household. The collective action, existing general ethical norms and reciprocity have positive contribution in adoption of vegetable farming by the household. At the site level, social capital significantly contributes to increase community participation and promote gender equity in the program. The sites with higher level of social capital were found adopting vegetable farming at larger proportion. The interpersonal trust and bonding networks of households create inertia for change in farming system at the initial stage, and their effect can be reduced by improving general trust level and strengthening bridging and linking networks in communities. The reinforcement of ethical norms, increment in reciprocity and cooperation among the households also help to increase the adoption of vegetable farming by the households.

Key words: Social capital, vegetable production program, adoption.