African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (11), pp. 001-006, November, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Genetic control of different traits in maize inbred lines (ZEA  MAYS L.) using graphical analysis

Zahra khodarahmpour

Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Shoushtar, Iran. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 12 October, 2020

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to investigate the genetic structure of the twenty-eight maize hybrids established from eight maize inbred lines. The seed of the F₁ population along with their parents were planted in Iran in 2008, using RCBD with three replications. Estimation of gene effects and some of the genetic parameters and graphic plot drawing of Hayman-Jinks method were accomplished. Statistics a and b for all traits was significant. Considering the average degree of dominance, as well as the Hayman graphical plot, dominance effects were observed for grain yield and plant growth period traits over dominance, complete dominance for grain diameter and additive gene action with partial dominance for ASI, grain filling period, grain number in row, grain number in ear, grain row number in ear, ear diameter, grain depth, 1000 grain weight and hektolitr weight traits.

Key words: Maize, genetic parameters, graphic plot.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (11), pp. 001-010, November, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Chemometric investigation of the effects of chemical properties and concentrations on the extractability of benzimidazoles with supported liquid membrane

Titus A. M. Msagati¹*, J. Catherine Ngila¹, Mathew M. Nindi² and Bhekie B. Mamba¹

¹Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.

²Department of Chemistry, University of South Africa, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa.

Accepted 02 November, 2020

Abstract

Principle component analysis (PCA) and a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed in the study of factors affecting extractability of benzimidazole anthelmintics using supported liquid membrane (SLM) in liver, kidney, milk and urine at four concentration levels. The SLM extraction process was monitored by liquid chromatography - mass spectrometer (LC-MS). The results showed that the extractability of benzimidazoles is dependent on both the concentration levels and the chemical properties of compounds. Based on chemical properties, extraction of the compounds from the liver matrix showed no significant difference (p = 0.05) for the following pairs; albendazole and oxibendazole, thiabendazole and mebendazole, oxibendazole and fenbendazole, and oxibendazole and mebendazole. At some of the concentration levels, mainly between 1000 and 100, 100 and 10, and 10 and 1 µg/Kg, there was no significant difference. It was also found that, there was significant difference (at p = 0.05) in the extractability in milk between oxibendazole and albendazole, and also oxibendazole and fenbendazole. For milk also, the concentration range from 10 to 100 µg/L, showed no significant difference (p = 0.05). Urine matrix on the other hand, showed significant difference in the recoveries at all concentration levels.

Key words: Benzimidazoles, supported liquid membrane (SLM), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principle component analysis (PCA).

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (11), pp. 001-004, November, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Review

A perspective on genetically modified food crops

Kamil Ekici* and Yakup Can Sancak

Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Veterinary College, University of Yuzuncu Yil, 65080 Van, Turkey.

Accepted 12 September, 2020

Abstract

Genetic modification is the alteration of genetic material that would not occur naturally. It can be used as a tool to improve the quality of foods. Through genetic modification foods can be produced in larger quantities by increasing its resistance to pests and adverse weather conditions. Their protein and vitamin content may also be increased thus making them more nutritious. There are also claims of potential risks such as possible allergic reactions to modified proteins. To date, no international consensus has been reached for evaluation of the safety of genetically modified plants for consumption. Over the last decade, the safety of genetically modified crops in animal feed or foods for human consumption has been routinely tested in some countries. Protein- and DNA-based methods have been developed for detection of genetically modified organisms. Worldwide legislation now faces questions on the use and labeling requirements of genetically modified crops and their derivatives. Still, there are concerns about the safety of genetically modified crops. Also, genetically modified crops could contain toxic substances or larger amounts of heavy metals and the crops might not be substantially equivalent in genome, proteome, and metabolome to unmodified crops. An additional concern is that contrary to expectations, genetically modified crops may be less nutritious; for example, they might contain lower amounts of essential phytoestrogens, needed to protect against heart disease and cancer. This review will focus on perspectives of the genetically modified food crops.

Key words: Food crops, genetic modification, transgenic, biotechnology-derived crops.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-009, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Seasonal effects on bunch components and fatty acid composition in Dura oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

Mhanhmad S.¹, Leewanich P.¹*, Punsuvon V.², Chanprame S.¹ and Srinives P.¹

¹Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.

²Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.

Accepted 12 October, 2020

Abstract

Rainfall and temperature in the different seasons can affect yield and oil quality of oil palm. A study was carried out on bunch components and fatty acid content of oil samples from Dura oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in the wet (July to October 2007) and dry (January to April 2008) seasons. Experimental area was a farmer’s plantation in Pathio district, Chumphon province, the southern part of Thailand. Significant differences among seasons were observed in fruits/bunch, kernels/bunch and oil/bunch ratios. Myristic and palmitic acid in mesocarp oil from the fruits harvested in dry season showed reduction of percentage compared to those from wet season. However, stearic and linoleic acid percentages increased 0.90 and 1.79%, respectively, in the samples from dry season more than those from wet season. In kernel oil, oleic acid content from dry season was higher than that from wet season. The data suggest that different harvesting times affect oil content and fatty acid composition in the oil. This study found a statistically significant correlation (P < 0.01) between mesocarp oil yield (kg) and amount of rainfall as well as accumulated temperature in the three months before harvesting while the kernel oil yield (kg) showed higher correlation with accumulated temperature than the amount of rainfall.

Key words: Bunch component, fatty acid composition, palm mesocarp, palm kernel.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-010, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessing the contribution of smallholder irrigation to household food security, in comparison to dryland farming in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa

Oni, S. A.¹*, Maliwichi, L. L.² and Obadire, O. S.³

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, School of Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, University of Venda, Limpopo province, South Africa.

²Department of Family Ecology and Consumer Science, School of Agriculture, School of Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, University of Venda, Limpopo province, South Africa.

³Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, School of Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, University of Venda, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Accepted 21 October, 2020

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of irrigation to household food security, in comparison to dry-land farming. This study used both primary and secondary data to analyse the factors. The primary data was collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire administered to selected farmers in the study area. A probability sampling method (that is pure or simple random sampling technique) was used to select the respondents. From a total population of 3,236 small-scale irrigators in Vhembe District, 147 irrigation farmers were randomly selected while 43 dry-land farmers were selected adjacent to the selected irrigators. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the variables in the model, selected from factors identified by previous researchers that affect food security in rural areas. A comparison of the variables in the model was carried out between irrigators and dry-land farmers. The results obtained showed that the proportion of food secured households was higher among farmers who were on the irrigation projects (86.3%) compared to dry-land farmers (53.0%). From the analysis, irrigation and per capita aggregate production were found to have a positive influence on the probability of households being food secure. This means that the likelihood of food security increases when farmers increase agricultural output and have access to a piece of land on the irrigation project. The food security of households is also dependent on other factors such as household size and farm size. These two variables were found to have negative and significant effects on household food security. The implications of these findings are that the likelihood of a household being food secures decreases with an increase in household size and farm size. Water has obvious advantages in that it increases farmer’s yields, promotes diversified farming enhances household food security and increases household incomes. Farmers who are on irrigation projects are more likely to be food secure than dry-land farmers. With concerted support from government, and all stakeholders, food security can be enhanced at the household levels. In addition education and extension training are essential for farmers to adopt new technologies. The study suggests that households that need to be targeted for food aid are those with large families, without access to irrigation water, families with few assets, and those without access to agricultural land and implements.

Keywords: Household food security, rural livelihood, smallholder irrigation, dry-land farming.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-005, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of alfalfa, corn and sunflower with date palm on decreasing soil pollution

Mohebi A. H.* and Dialami H.

Date palm and Tropical Fruits Research Institute of Iran, P. Box 61355-16, Ahwaz-Iran.

Accepted 19 September, 2020

Abstract

Uptake of pollutants by plants, and entering the food chain can cause different diseases for humans. There are different methods for refining contaminated soils. One low-cost method for refining contaminated soils is using phytoremediation that has lower cost, compatible with nature and require fewer facilities than the other methods of refining. Khuzestan province in Iran has oil wells that cause soil pollution. We carried out an experiment in a completely randomized statistical design in greenhouse with treatments such as: T₁-sole date palm in non polluted soil (control), T₂-date palm with corn in non polluted soil, T₃-date palm with alfalfa in non polluted soil, T₄-date palm with sunflower in non polluted soil, T₅-sole date palm in polluted soil, T₆-date palm with corn in polluted soil, T₇-date palm with alfalfa in polluted soil and T₈-date palm with sunflower in polluted soil. Total plant, shoot and root weight was measured and TPH concentration in soil was determined. The results showed that there was significant difference between fresh and dry weight of total plant in the different treatments. T₃ had the highest weight and T₇ had the lowest weight. Alfalfa larger amounts of TPH concentration was removed more than corn and sunflower soil in polluted soil.

Key words: Phytoremediation, date palm, corn, alfalfa, sunflower, TPH.