Journal profile
Open Journal of Agricultural Research is an international journal dedicated to the advancements in agriculture throughout the world. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists, students, academics and engineers all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of agricultural sciences.
Latest Articles
An Assessment of Insect Fauna on Staminate and Pistillate Flowers of Cocos nucifera: A Case of Asebu in the Central Region of Ghana
Abstract
Quantitatively, this study aimed to determine the abundance and diversity of the insect fauna that visits the staminate and pistillate flowers of Cocos nucifera. The study was conducted at an experimental plantation belonging to the Coconut Research Programme (CRP) of the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Council for
[...] Read more.
Quantitatively, this study aimed to determine the abundance and diversity of the insect fauna that visits the staminate and pistillate flowers of Cocos nucifera. The study was conducted at an experimental plantation belonging to the Coconut Research Programme (CRP) of the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to provide diagnostic support for the Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) at Asebu in the Central Region of Ghana. The populations of coconut palms represented the dwarf type with few tall ecotypes. Five Insects were randomly chosen with newly opened inflorescences. Observations and collections of insect visitors to coconut flowers were made once a week on 30 newly opened inflorescences, five from each batch within the plantation. Specimens of the data were deposited in the official insect collection and processed at the laboratory of the Entomology Museum of the Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The study indicated that 9 different species of insects were identified to be the true fauna that visited the staminate and pistillate flowers of C. nucifera Ethiosciapus sp., Sarcophaga sp., Scolia dubia, Lucilia sp., Ornidia sp., Apis melifera, Dactylurina standingeri, Red Ant and Black Ant. These insects were observed in all the six batches considered and were available at all times of the day. Most of the insects were observed in the early morning from 6 am - 9 am followed by the evening 4 pm –7 pm. The abundance of insect visitors was low during the mid-day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in all six batches during high temperatures. The results of this study revealed that there were abundances of Ethioscipus sp. was the least abundant in all the batches followed by Scolia dubia then Sarcophaga sp. Red Ants had the highest abundance in most of the Batches thus becoming the most abundant insect that forage the coconut inflorescence at the Asebu plantation. The bees, Apis melifera and Dactylurina standingeri were the most abundant species after the Red Ants. All these groups of insects were not considered in the study and it is recommended that further studies consider such visitors to observe which insects are doing what on the inflorescence. The range for the ‘time of day for’ of the study was mostly diurnal (morning 6 am-9 am, afternoon 11 am-2 pm and evening 4 pm7 pm). There was no observation made of the pollination system or activities of these insect visitors nocturnally. There may be high pollination activities of these insects during the late evenings. It is recommended that future work should incorporate the late evening period to observe an abundance of diurnal insect visitors of the coconut inflorescences.Keywords: Insect, Fauna, Staminate, Pistillate Flowers, Cocos nuciferaFull article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
Article
Effects of Three Selected Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Garden Eggplants (Solanum aethiopicum) at Mankessim in the Central Region of Ghana
Abstract
This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effect of three selected pollinator-friendly practices on the African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) at Mankessim in the Central region of Ghana. The study focused on determining how the practices affect the production and yield of garden eggs. The three pollinator-friendly practices were
[...] Read more.
This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effect of three selected pollinator-friendly practices on the African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) at Mankessim in the Central region of Ghana. The study focused on determining how the practices affect the production and yield of garden eggs. The three pollinator-friendly practices were the use of mulch, cassava hedgerow/marigold plants and controlled pesticide application in garden egg farms. Experimental-control group design was used. Mulching positively influenced the number of flowers, fruits and height of garden eggplants. Cassava hedgerow/marigold plants influenced the number of flowers, but had no significant effect on the number of fruits and plants’ height. There was no effect on the number of flowers, fruits, and height of garden eggplants when pesticide application was controlled or uncontrolled. No significant influence was observed in fruit weight in all treatment and control plots. The growth and yield trends observed in this research indicated that practicing the three pollinator-friendly practices may encourage flower visitors leading to effective pollination and increased yields. It is recommended that mulching be practised in garden egg farming to increase the growth and productivity of garden eggplants.Full article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Article
Health condition of palm trees of Mexico City, with an emphasis on “crowns”
Abstract
The government of Mexico City carried out the introduction of palm trees in the 50s to increase the visual appearance of the main avenues. As a result of introduction of these exotic species, phytosanitary problems appeared. Currently there is scarce information on how to evaluate the health of these majestic
[...] Read more.
The government of Mexico City carried out the introduction of palm trees in the 50s to increase the visual appearance of the main avenues. As a result of introduction of these exotic species, phytosanitary problems appeared. Currently there is scarce information on how to evaluate the health of these majestic monocots, in this sense, it is necessary to implement assessment scales to determine the health condition of the most frequently found species to advance on their care and management. The present study had the following objectives: 1) To determine the current state of health of palm trees by means of a scale of visual evaluation of the crown; 2) To know the diversity and structural characteristics of palm trees and 3) To determine the influence of composite variables on the ecosystem services such as the amount of shade provided. Health of palm trees were evaluated two times (dry and rainy seasons in 2022) on 35 transects of 200 m length. An imaginary circle divided into twelfths was overlapped on palm tree “crowns”, and through it, two absolute variables, Live Crown Ratio (LCR) and Crown Quality (CQ) were evaluated. Composite variables were also calculated. The 12/12 health scale adapted in the present study was useful. Four health categories were obtained for the Live crown ratio (LCR): 7.62% of the palm trees were in critical condition, 7.80% were in intermediate condition, 80.36% were in normal condition, and 4.20% were in excellent condition. Meanwhile, for crown quality (CQ), the percentages were 13.50%, 20.00%, 56.96% and 0.43%, respectively. The total height and “crown” diameter showed a positive correlation with the volume composite variables. The shadow area projected as an important ecosystem service increased as the health of the palm trees improved. This is the first study on palm trees health assessment in Mexico City.Full article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Article
Response of Three Cucumber Cultivars to the Application of Sulphate of Ammonia as top Dressing with Respect to Fruit Yield and Shelf Life
Abstract
The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of the Horticulture Department, University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala campus with the aim of determining the response of three cucumber cultivars (Marketer, Nandini, Pointset) to the application of sulphate of ammonia as top dressing with respect to fruit yield, and shelf
[...] Read more.
The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of the Horticulture Department, University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala campus with the aim of determining the response of three cucumber cultivars (Marketer, Nandini, Pointset) to the application of sulphate of ammonia as top dressing with respect to fruit yield, and shelf life. It was a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on total fruit yield, shelf life and percentage fruit decay in storage. Their effect on the varieties differed significantly to a varying degree. The factors, however, had no significant impact and caused no difference in the fruit yield and fruit weight. 15:15:15 NPK effect on the cucumbers caused a high decay incidence when applied alone or in combination with (NH4)2SO4. Therefore, the application rate may be revised or reduced to experiment if decay incidence would decline in storage. Further studies may extensively be carried out to note if varying the rate of NPK would impact positively on the shelf life of cucumber. (NH4)2SO4 effect increased weight loss in cucumbers hence, better storage techniques should be considered by controlling high temperatures. Complete fertilizer; 15:15:15 NPK and (NH4)2SO4 had a positive impact on protein and fibre. Hence, their application is recommended for increasing protein and fibre level in cucumbers.Full article
Article
Effect of Rainfall on Yield Related Traits and Total Carotenoids Contents of 42 Accessions of Provitamin A Cassava at Two Cropping Seasons in Ibadan
Abstract
Cassava crop improvement is a function of selecting superior genotypes that meets the end-users needs and preference. This is done via genotype testing at different environments thereby subjecting the materials to the elements of climate and other environmental factors. In pro-vitamin a cassava genotypes, dry matter (DM), total carotenoids (TC),
[...] Read more.
Cassava crop improvement is a function of selecting superior genotypes that meets the end-users needs and preference. This is done via genotype testing at different environments thereby subjecting the materials to the elements of climate and other environmental factors. In pro-vitamin a cassava genotypes, dry matter (DM), total carotenoids (TC), and fresh root yield (FYLD) are important traits for improving economic status, nutritional health and livelihoods of farmers and processors. This study evaluated the effect of rainfall patterns on 42 provitamin A Cassava accessions for FYLD, DM, TC at different months (6,9&12 months after planting) and for two seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021) in Ibadan. The study shows that the relationship between TC and FYLD were more variable at second season than in the first season. The relationships between TC & DM and FYLD & DM at both seasons showed similar variability. The rainfall pattern shows that higher rainfall trend was noticed at the first cropping season (2019/2020) than 2020/2021 cropping seasons. At different months categories and across cropping season, rainfall recorded the least value of 4.58mm at 6 Months After Planting (MAP) which was in the month of December, increased at 9 MAP (Mar) and all through the 12 MAP (107.05mm). Traits relationship with rainfall shows that yield increased with rainfall, DM (25.70%) was highest during the months of least rainfall (4.58mm) and decreased (16.40%) as rainfall (52.09mm) starts during the 9 MAP and at 12 MAP, when the rainfall was 107mm, the DM was 18.76%. Total carotenoids were highest at 6 MAP with 13.76 µg/g when the rainfall was least and decreased (13.04 µg/g) with increased rainfall. During the first cropping season, DM and TC were higher with higher rainfall but with reduced fresh root yield while at second season, when the rainfall was lower, fresh root yield was higher.Full article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Article
Study for Some Body Weight and Egg Traits in Domyati and Khaki-Campbell Ducks
Abstract
The duck industry makes an important contribution to the availability of animal protein sources in Egypt, little known about the genetic parameters, particularly the heritability and genetic correlations of body weight and egg production in ducks. Body weight is the most essential feature for genetic improvement due to its ease
[...] Read more.
The duck industry makes an important contribution to the availability of animal protein sources in Egypt, little known about the genetic parameters, particularly the heritability and genetic correlations of body weight and egg production in ducks. Body weight is the most essential feature for genetic improvement due to its ease of selection, high heredity, and large impact on meat production costs. The target of this study was to evaluate and explain genetic parameters such as the heritability, the genetic and phenotypic correlations, and sire breeding value in Domyati (local) and Khaki-Campbell (foreign) ducks in order to improve body weight and egg traits. A total of 160 (80 Domyati and 80 Khaki-Campbell ducks utilized to measure body weight at 16 and 20 weeks g), as well as 7000 eggs (2500 Domyati and 4500 Khaki-Campbell) to measure egg traits (the egg number, egg weight, and egg mass are all measured throughout the first 90 days of laying). In Domyati and Khaki-Campbell ducks, the heritability estimated for body weight was moderate to high, ranged from 0.35 to 0.40, and 0.21 to 0.30 for egg production. The genetic correlations among body weight and egg traits were all positive and had high values, also among BW16 and BW20 were stronger (0.90); (0.99). So the genetic improvement in BW16 could be followed by an increase in BW20 weeks. It concluded that, the relatively high value of genetic heritability for body weights and egg traits in Domyati and Khaki-Campbell ducks, indicates that it is possible to genetically increase body weight and egg traits through selection and subsequently inbreeding to divide the herd into groups that are selected among themselves to keep their sons.Full article
Article
Floristic Composition and Structure in the Undergrowth of Agroforests in Neems in the Far North Region (Cameroon)
Abstract
This study took place in the Far North region of Cameroon. The general objective was to assess the floristic diversity of the undergrowth of Agrosystems in Azadirachta indica. The data were collected in 100 m long by 20 m wide transects surveyed in plantations of different ages. In total, 5
[...] Read more.
This study took place in the Far North region of Cameroon. The general objective was to assess the floristic diversity of the undergrowth of Agrosystems in Azadirachta indica. The data were collected in 100 m long by 20 m wide transects surveyed in plantations of different ages. In total, 5 transects were carried out, ie a total area of 1 ha per site. The sampling bands were established using the compass, decameter, GPS and wires. The experimental set-up used was a 5-repetition split plot. A total of 7689 individuals divided into 9 families, 13 genera and 16 species have been identified. Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma thonningii are the most common in terms of relative abundance. The analysis of the Family Importance Index (VIF) shows overall that the Combretaceae, and Mimosaceae are the most important in ecological terms. While those of the species show that Guiera senegalensis, Combretum micranthum and Acacia nilotica finally for the genera, it is Acacia, Guiera and Combretum which contains the most important ecological indices. The overall density of species within the plots varies between 129 and 105 ind / ha. The basal area varies from 2.02 to 3.88 m² / ha. The Importance Value Index (IVI) is of the order of 300 in the different plots. The floristic diversity of the undergrowth of Agrosystems (average ISH> 2) shows homogeneity and an even distribution between the different plots. Plots with similarity indices of less than 50% do not meet floristic affinity while similarity indices are high in plots with floristic affinities greater than or equal to 50%. The diameter structure showed a predominance of young individuals. This information drawn from the conclusion of the present study shows that they constitute an important argumentation of the advantages so that the services of agricultural development should be interested in the conservation and valuation of such an agroforestry system for the protection of the environment against the climate change mitigation and sustainable development of local communities.Full article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
Figure 3c
Figure 3d
Article
COVID-19 and the Non-Repayment of Agricultural Loans in West Cameroon: A major Challenge for the Small Farmer in an Individual Loan Situation
Abstract
This study raises the problem of the non-repayment of agricultural credits by producers who are members of the Community Growth Mutual (MC2), in this period of COVID-19. It questions the economic mores in force in most member countries of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA),
[...] Read more.
This study raises the problem of the non-repayment of agricultural credits by producers who are members of the Community Growth Mutual (MC2), in this period of COVID-19. It questions the economic mores in force in most member countries of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), where credit has become difficult for small rural farmers; And refers to the theory of the vicious circle of poverty, which advocates an indispensable recourse to foreign capital in the event of financial breakdown, as a means of increasing capital. Since the capital of rural producers remains insufficient and their possibility of reinvestment decreases, then becomes zero because of agricultural credit. To understand the factors of the non-repayment of these credits, data were collected from 100 agro-sylvo-pastoral producers of the Bayangam group (West-Cameroon) of both sexes, aged at least 18 years, having obtained an unpaid credit from the MC2 since 2019, and a manager of this microfinance institution. After analysis, it appears that beyond overproduction and anti-COVID-19 measures that lead to the missale or fall in prices on the market, the conditions of access to credit, the non-possession of acceptable guarantees, the misuse of the object of credit and the practice of financial cavalry by the borrower, as well as the rigidity of the procedures for prosecuting debtors significantly explain this non-repayment. It is associated with determinants such as age, level of education, marital status, type of agricultural activity of the debtor. Hence the need for flexibility of microfinance institutions vis-à-vis rural agro-sylvo-pastoral producers, who are severely affected by the economic shock of the COVID-19.Full article
Article
Cultivation Trial of an Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Species, Pleurotus Tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer 1951 (strain 190212) on Various Lignocellulosic Substrates
Abstract
In Central Africa, mushrooms are critically important non-timber forest products (NTFPs), both nutritionally and economically. A strain of edible and medicinal lignicolous fungus, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer 1951 (strain 190212), isolated from tissue (sclerotia), on PDA medium, was tested on corn grain and sawdust seedling substrates and on
[...] Read more.
In Central Africa, mushrooms are critically important non-timber forest products (NTFPs), both nutritionally and economically. A strain of edible and medicinal lignicolous fungus, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer 1951 (strain 190212), isolated from tissue (sclerotia), on PDA medium, was tested on corn grain and sawdust seedling substrates and on palm oil male inflorescence (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), ground corn (Zea mays L) stalks and grass (Paspalum notatum L) soaked for 24 hrs then drained for 24 hours, and unsoaked ground corn (Zea mays L) stalks. The highest mycelial growth rate recorded was about 0.9 cm on the PDA medium; 5.97 cm on the corn-based seedling medium and 11.95 cm on the sawdust-based seedling medium. Total mycelial invasion on the PDA medium was observed on day 10, day 14 on the corn-based seedling medium, and day 24 on the sawdust-based seedling medium. The onset of mycelial invasion was noticeable on day 3 of seeding for all treatments T0 (control), T1 (Final substrate based on soaked ground corn stalks), T2 (Final substrate based on unsoaked ground corn stalks), and T3 (Final substrate based on turf). Total invasion of mycelium was obtained at day 15 of incubation for treatments T1 and T2, at day 18 for treatment T3 and at day 24 for treatment T0. The results obtained on treatments T1 and T2 respectively (14.95±3.12% and 15.65±1.06%) of the maize stalk substrate, lead us to believe that the strain 190212 of Pleurotus tuber-regium species used has adapted and requires an improvement of the medium with nitrogen-rich additives such as soybean meal. This could achieve the theoretical yield of 20% or more, according to which a substrate can be considered better in producing sporophores.Full article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Article
Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon
Abstract
In the agroforestry systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the vertical and horizontal distribution of tree root biomass according to the soil profile is still poorly documented. The objective of this study is to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii,Erythrina sigmoidea,Ficus thonningii
[...] Read more.
In the agroforestry systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the vertical and horizontal distribution of tree root biomass according to the soil profile is still poorly documented. The objective of this study is to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii,Erythrina sigmoidea,Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas according to two types of soil (light soil and heavy soil) and three agroforestry technologies (fallows, wooded parks and plantations). The hedges were mostly monospecific in order to facilitate the identification of the roots. The experimental set-up is an entirely random factorial design with two factors. The evaluation of the distribution of tree roots was carried out using the profile method. To determine the different textural classes, a particle size analysis was undertaken in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The highest root densities are observed in the first 30 cm. Soil type has a slight effect (p <0.05) on rooting density in the last 30 cm of depth for all root classes, higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil. Commiphora kerstingiistands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all classes. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm. The root density was higher in the fallows. The results show that the root system is mainly concentrated near the stump.Full article
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Article
Views of
Downloads of
Citations of
ISSN: 2769-8874
DOI prefix: 10.31586/ojar
Journal metrics
Publication year
2021-2023
Journal (home page) visits
5096
Article views
10219
Article downloads
2948
Downloads/article
163.78
APC
99