ISSN 2375-1231
Research Article
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN: 2375-1231 Vol. 12 (1), pp. 001-010, January, 2024. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Cyanamide: A key player in plant metabolic pathways
A. Amberger
Chair of plant Nutrition, Technical University of Munich, Am Hochanger 2, D-85350 Freising-Germany. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 20 October, 2023
Abstract
The calcium (Ca)-cyanamide is a nitrogen fertilizer with herbicide and fungicide side effects. Hydrogen cyanamide is absorbed as a molecule by roots and shoots of plants. It will be decomposed rapidly by the enzyme cyanamide hydratase to urea followed by urease to ammonium. From cyanamide decomposition mainly glutamate and alanine are built and the basic amino acids such as arginine, lysine and histidine are increased. The most dramatic effect of cyanamide is the strong inhibition of catalase and cytochromoxidase and the blocked thiols of redox systems. Cyanamide applied to dormant buds of fruit trees inhibits catalase activity and increases H2O2-content. Prior to bud break, arginine content decreases and associated with increase of polyamines such as putrescine, spermine, spermidine, histamine and cadaverine. These sharply decrease again at fully blooming stage.
Key words: Cyanamide, enzymatic break down, reaction with plant constituents and enzymes, amino acid metabolism, polyamines, dormancy break.
A. Amberger
Page: 1 - 10
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJCS/1161Research Article
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN: 2375-1231 Vol. 11 (2), pp. 001-010, February, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Lithological mapping of the unsaturated zone of a porous media aquifer to delineate hydrogeological characteristic areas: Application to Israel's coastal aquifer
A. Melloul*, J. Albert, and M. Collin
*Hydrological Service; POB 36118; IL-91 360 Jerusalem
Accepted 20 October, 2022
Abstract
With water quality steadily decreasing, decision- making with regard to water supply must improve aquifer management models, which are based upon various assumptions. Amongst these are assumptions concerning subsurface aquifer lithology. The objective of this study is to present a means of improving information and assumptions, as well as providing guidelines to characterise the unsaturated zone media. This media integrates soils and the "parental material" of soils, which results in a more realistic picture of the surficial layers of the aquifer. This is a key factor for understanding the behavior of the upper border of coastal aquifers and simulation of their hydrogeological models. Developing a digital GIS unsaturated zone map enables 3-dimensional depiction by illustrating the varying permeability characteristics of the stratigraphic layers. The resultant map conveys information about areas having low to high permeability and areas in which perched aquifers might be found. This can consequently contribute to better understanding of the recharge process, and of the reasons for deterioration of groundwater quality in the aquifer. In the case of aquifers prone to stress from significant anthropogenic land-use, the map highlights areas whose vadose zone has the ability to convey liquids and pollutants to the aquifer below. The focus of this study is Israel 's Coastal aquifer, a resource of critical significance to the country's water supply, which underlies the most populated areas of the country. This aquifer has been chosen because of its variegated lithology and water quality, the quantities of water being pumped from it, the large amount of existing data, and the potential of water which can be readily stored in it. This aquifer would appear to be an appropriate example of coastal aquifers around the world, to demonstrate the utility of such unsaturated zone mapping. This mapping can prove a tool for developing recommendations with regard to irrigation, land-use planning, and aquifer management.
Key words: GIS mapping, unsaturated zone/vadose zone, lithology, confined aquifer, phreatic aquifer, Coastal aquifer.
and M. Collin, A. Melloul*, J. Albert
Page: 1 - 10
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJCS/1158Research Article
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN: 2375-1231 Vol. 11 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effect of three different treatment levels of deltamethrin on the numbers of dung beetles in dung pats
Jordan Chihiya1, Christopher. Tafara Gadzirayi2 and Edward Mutandwa3
Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe, Africa.
Accepted 12 0ctober, 2022
Abstract
The effect of 3 different treatment levels of the pyrethroid deltamethrin on the numbers of dung beetles (Families, Hydrophilidae, Scarabidae and Staphilinidae) were investigated. A known quantity of cow dung was thoroughly mixed with a premeasured quantity of deltamethrin that would give the required concentration. Dung was exposed in the field for 1 week, collected and washed out to determine the number of beetles. The three levels tested against the control were 0.01mg, 0.1 and 1mg of deltamethrin per litre of dung. The Hydrophilidae and Staphilinidae showed a significant difference from the control at the concentration level of 0.1 mg per litre of dung. The Scarabidae were the most sensitive to deltamethrin showing a significant difference to the control at the lowest dose of 0.01mg per litre. The research recommends that any treatment of livestock especially cattle with deltamethrin that results in dung contamination of 0.1 mg for Hydrophilidae and Staphilinidae, and 0.01 mg for Scarabidae should be reviewed where possible, particularly in those countries where pyrethroids are widely used.
Key words: Hydrophilidae, Staphilinidae, Scarabidae, Pyrethroids, Deltamethrin
Christopher Tafara Gadzirayi and Edward Mutandwa, Jordan Chihiya
Page: 1 - 4
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJCS/1157Review
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN: 2375-1231 Vol. 11 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Maize research and production in Nigeria
Iken, J.E.* and Amusa, N.A.
Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Nigeria.
Accepted 16 November, 2022
Maize (Zea mays) is a major important cereal being cultivated in the rainforest and the derived Savannah zones of Nigeria. Land races, improved high yielding and pest and diseases resistant varieties of maize have been developed.
Abstract
Key words: Maize, Zea mays, Nigeria.
J.E.* and Amusa, Iken , N.A.
Page: 1 - 6
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJCS/1156Research Article
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN: 2375-1231 Vol. 11 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A study of the effect of residual and applied phosphorus on the yield and quality of fodder sorghum crop in wheat based cropping system
Manzoor Ahmad Ganai1*, Amarjeet S. Bali2, M. A. Bhat1* and I. A. Bhat2
1Rice Research and Regional Station, Khudwani, India.
2Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, India.
Accepted 13 November, 2022
Abstract
The experiment was carried out with the objective of studying the effect of phosphorus application timings and its sources in wheat-sorghum cropping system during rabi 2004 and kharief 2005, at the main campus Chatha of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, India. The soil was loamy in texture, neutral in reaction with low available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and organic carbon (OC) and medium in available potassium (K). The treatments comprises of two factors viz. four P application timings to preceding wheat crop while the second factor which comprises of four sources of P applied to the succeeding sorghum fodder crop were laid out in split plot design. Studies indicated that wheat crop performed better with basal application of P than its delayed application through improvement in P up-take. However, in subsequent sorghum fodder crop, delayed application of P in preceding wheat crop proved instrumental in production of higher fodder yield. Among the sources used farmyard manure (FYM) as a source of P in sorghum, caused phenomenal increase in growth parameters. Delayed application of P in wheat and application of P in sorghum through different sources favoured crude protein content. However, effect on crude fibre content of the fodder sorghum was not significant. Delayed application of P in wheat followed by recommended P through FYM in sorghum proved beneficial with a benefit cost ratio ranging from 2.07 to 2.08.
Key words: Yield, quality, economics, phosphorus sources, residual effect, wheat-sorghum.
M. A. Bhat* and I. A. Bhat, Manzoor Ahmad Ganai*, Amarjeet S. Bali
Page: 1 - 4
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJCS/1155Research Article
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN: 2375-1231 Vol. 10 (5), pp. 001-016, May, 2022. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Integrated effect of liquid bioslurry and inorganic fertilizer on selected soil chemical properties, maize (Zea mays) growth, yield and grain quality
Mercy Kamau Rewe1*, Esther Muindi1, James Ndiso1, Kevin Kinusu2, Stephen Mailu3, Peterson Njeru4 and Rewe Thomas5
1Pwani University, P. O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
2Kenya Biogas Program, P. O. Box 19875-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
3KALRO Naivasha, P. O. Box 25-20117, Naivasha, Kenya.
4KALRO Muguga, P. O. Box 32-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya.
5Great Lakes University of Kisumu, P. O. Box 2224, Kisumu, Kenya.
Accepted 05 November, 2021
Abstract
A bottle-neck to maize production in Kenya is expensive fertilizers and insufficient knowledge on use of organic fertilizers, which can be remedied by informed bioslurry use. Field experiments were conducted at Waruhiu Farmers’ Training Centre, during 2019 short and 2020 long rains to evaluate effect of bioslurry, inorganic fertilizers and their integrations on soil chemical properties, maize growth and yield and grain quality. Treatments were: 100%bioslurry (BS), 75%BS+25%fertilizer, 50%BS+50%fertilizer, 100%fertilizer and Control. Soils were tested before and after two cropping seasons for selected chemical properties. Growth and yield parameters were evaluated. The 100%bioslurry increased pH, TN, TOC and Mn most by 5.9%, 46.4%, 35.5% and 112.5% respectively. Soil pH decreased only in 100%fertilizer. The 100%fertilizer increased exchangeable P and K most by 46.4% and 73.6% respectively but decreased Ca, Mg and Zn most. No significant difference (P≤0.05) was noted in most growth parameters except control. Stovers and stalk yields were highest in 100%bioslurry in short rains by 45.5% and 42.2% while grain yields were in 100%fertilizer by 29.3%. In long rains, 100%fertilizer increased stovers and stalk yields most by 49.6% and 51.9% respectively while 75%BS+25%fertilizer gave higher grain yields by 82.3%. The tested levels of bioslurry and its integrations improved evaluated parameters, though long term experiment is required to ascertain results.
Keywords: Bioslurry, fertilizer, soil chemical properties, maize, grain quality.
Esther Muindi, Peterson Njeru and Rewe Thomas, James Ndiso, Kevin Kinusu, Mercy Kamau Rewe*, Stephen Mailu
Page: 1 - 16
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJCS/1154