https://www.agriscigroup.us/journals/international-journal-of-agricultural-science-and-food-technology A Peertechz Open Access Journal en-us 12 Feb, 2026 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-12-330.php Agroforestry has emerged as a sustainable land use system capable of enhancing soil health and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. The present study investigates the influence of fruit tree-based agroforestry systems on soil physico-chemical properties and carbon stock dynamics in comparison to sole cropping systems. Results revealed a significant improvement in soil quality under agroforestry, marked by decreased bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity, alongside enhanced organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and soil moisture. These improvements are attributed to continuous litterfall, root turnover, and better ground cover from tree-crop interactions. Simultaneously, agroforestry treatments demonstrated a higher total carbon stock across biomass (above and below ground), soil, and crops. The highest tree carbon density (8.71 t ha⁻¹) and total system carbon stock (52.88 t ha⁻¹) were recorded under apricot-based intercropping (Apricot + Rajmash), significantly surpassing the control treatments. Soil carbon stock was also notably greater under agroforestry systems, likely due to increased organic inputs and improved microclimatic conditions. These findings confirm that agroforestry not only enhances soil fertility but also contributes substantially to atmospheric carbon capture, making it a viable strategy for climate-resilient agriculture in the Himalayan region. 02 Dec, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-329.php Catfish farming is important because of its high-quality protein source, and it bridges the gap between domestic fish demand and supply. This study was aimed at evaluating the factors determining market outlets’ choice of cultured fish among youths and middle-aged fish farmer entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This is to enhance the profitability and sustainability of cultured fish among youth fish farmers, thereby improving the national food security. Primary data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire administered to 320 respondents using a multistage random sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, a market outlet choice model with multinomial logit, and multiple regression analysis. The Wald ratio of 499.90 with a p-value of 0.00 of the Multinomial Logit Regression (MLR) revealed that the model as a whole is statistically significant. The MLR model revealed a significant relationship at 1% between sex (p = 0.003), quantity of fish for sale (p = 0.004), access to market information (p = 0.000), and 10% between cost of fish sold (p = 0.089) and processors’ market outlet relative to wholesalers. It also revealed that significant relationships at 1% existed between sex (p = 0.008), cost of fish sold (p = 0.003), quantity of fish for sale (p = 0.000), access to market information (p = 0.000), and retailers’ market outlet relative to wholesalers. The model further revealed significant relationships at 1% between sex (p = 0.000), access to market information (p = 0.000), cost of fish sold (p = 0.001), and consumers’ market outlet relative to wholesalers. The adjusted R2 value obtained in the multiple regressions of the determinants of revenue of the marketers showed that 52.93% of the total variation in the dependent variable was accounted for by variation in the independent variables. The result showed that sex (p = 0.000), total market cost (p = 0.000), and distance to the market (p = 0.000) were significant at 1% while years of education (p = 0.021 was significant at 5%. Due to the significant relationship of these variables, the alternate hypothesis was accepted. Marketers should source information to market their product, and the government should assist in setting up easily accessible markets for cultured fish youth farmers. 30 Sep, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-328.php This study examined the perceptions and interests of Senior Secondary Students regarding agricultural science education in Benue State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study, and four hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a survey design. The population was 400 respondents. The sample of 200 respondents, which comprised senior secondary students it was drawn purposively from the population. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire titled: Students’ Perceptions and Interest in Agricultural Science Education Questionnaire (SPIASEQ), which was structured by the researchers from the literature review and used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts. The internal consistency reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha (α). The reliability coefficient of 0.71 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using percentages to answer research questions, while the Chi-square was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study were, students should be encouraged to improve conditions within the agricultural science education profession through the provision of incentives for those who choose this field as a career. Scholarships should be offered to students who have selected agricultural science as a career path, particularly those engaging in mechanized agriculture practices, by the government, organizations, and individuals. There should be an emphasis on integrating practical and theoretical methods within the course curriculum to enhance the learning experience. Hence, schools and educators should provide vocational guidance and clear explanations regarding the relevance of agricultural science education as a professional choice to students. This is vital for encouraging students to have positive attitudes toward agriculture science education and training-retraining of teachers for adequate competencies for the implementation of agricultural science education activities at senior secondary schools. Besides, these will enable production for efficient graduates for self-reliance and job empowerment in Benue State and the nation at large. 21 Jun, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-327.php Sustainable pest management is vital for promoting agricultural productivity while preserving environmental health. This study investigated the integration of plant-based pest control methods with environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to develop eco-friendly pest management strategy. Soil, plant, and air samples were collected from organic, agroecological, and conventional farms across Bangladesh. These samples were used to analyze the microbial and pest diversity. Plant extracts from neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) were prepared and tested against Helicoverpa armigera under greenhouse conditions at concentrations of 10%, 25%, and 50%. eDNA metabarcoding results revealed that organic farms exhibited the highest microbial diversity (Shannon index = 3.87), while conventional farms recorded the highest pest species diversity (species richness = 27). Pest mortality rates varied by concentration, with neem extract at 50% concentration achieving the highest mortality rate (91.3%), followed by garlic (85.7%) and tobacco (78.5%). Statistical analysis using One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test confirmed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between treatments and controls. The findings demonstrate that integrating eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring with plant-derived pesticides offers an effective and sustainable approach to pest management. 11 Jun, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-326.php The quantitative and qualitative analysis of pharmaceutical and biological compounds is of growing interest, yet it remains challenging due to the complexity of real sample matrices. Such analysis often requires the simultaneous detection of multiple compounds with high sensitivity and selectivity. In this study, raw Moroccan clay from the Chefchaouen region was used as an additive in different paste matrices for the detection of molecules of biological and environmental importance. Electrochemical techniques, including Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), were employed to evaluate the impact of clay incorporation into the composite electrodes. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the clay contains kaolinite, chlorite, and interstratified illite-smectite, suggesting improved electrochemical performance. An optimal clay content of 3% yielded the highest performance, yielding superior analytical responses compared to other tested proportions. The developed sensor shows strong potential for future use in the simultaneous detection of Paracetamol (PAR) and Dopamine (DA), particularly in real samples such as pharmaceutical tablets and biological fluids like urine. 12 Mar, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-325.php Green Tea is a popular beverage and a good source of bioactive compounds, in particular polyphenols. This mini-review talks about the application of green tea extract in the food industry because of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and possible health-promoting properties. The review also talks about the composition and properties of green tea extract, its use as a natural preservative, its potential for extending the shelf life of foods, and using as a functional food. Green tea extract antioxidant and antimicrobial as well as the ability to extend the shelf life of several food products and worth additional benefits to the health of consumers, particularly weight loss and cardiovascular health are some of the key findings. In this review, different food applications of green tea extract will be provided a wider view, including food natural preservation, improvement in the nutritional value of food products, and development of functional foods. Additionally, future prospects and innovations of incorporating green tea extract into foods are explored. Its prospects need to further explore the emerging fields in 3D printing as active packaging and utilization as personalized food products. Future work is also required to further optimize the efficacy and understand the long-term health consequences of green tea extract in food applications. Thus, green tea extract offers great potential as a valuable food ingredient with a future perspective in new food markets. 04 Feb, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-324.php Food security remains a pressing global challenge, particularly in emerging mining regions where the competition between agriculture and mining intensifies. Thus, the main objective of this study is to understand the potential spatial balances between mineral resource development and the food security situation in Northwest Ghana. Despite its agricultural dependence, the region faces declining soil fertility, erratic rainfall patterns, and land degradation, exacerbating food insecurity. The mining sector, while offering economic potential, poses threats to agricultural land, water resources, and rural livelihoods. First, the case study examines existing food security conditions in the area based on reported data. Secondly, the study assesses the proxies using 1990, 2000 2010, and 2020 Landsat 7 ETM, ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI image classifications. The study then compares the results to derive knowledge on existing and potential food security issues and looming mining activities in the region. The study finds that earlier studies reported food security challenges in Districts that are now earmarked to host mining. However, based on primary data, the analysis indicates little food security in the region with a minimum per capita consumption above the global average of 2,640 kca/cap/day in the observed years. Using Earth Observation data, the minimum food availability in a year is still above the reported average for Sub-Saharan Africa. The study finds that areas that host mining concessions and exploration leases show no food security hotspots but are highly degraded with flooding hotspots pronounced in the East and bare lands, devoid of vegetation, common in the West. These findings would help both local and national decision-makers to prioritize responses to Agenda 2030 SDGs in the study. 11 Jan, 2025 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-11-323.php Simple Centroid Mixture Design (SCMD) was used to formulate fourteen experimental runs and optimize some quality attributes of fried snacks. The independent variables were wheat flour (WF: 70-100%), high-quality cassava flour (HQCF: 0-30%), and defatted cashew nut flour (DCNF: 0-30%). The blends were extruded and fried. The texture and color properties, oil absorption, bulk density, and sensory properties of the extruded fried snacks were optimized using SCMD. The sample with the most desirable index was selected through numeric optimization, and its sensory attributes were compared with those of extruded snacks made from WF. The optimum ingredient combination for the fried snack, which exhibited lower oil uptake, maximum bulk density, and desirable texture, was 76% WF, 1.55% HQCF, and 22.22% DCNF. The optimized sample had higher sensory desirability than the control (wheat flour), except for hardness and crispiness. In conclusion, HQCF and cashew nut meal can be used to produce high-quality extruded fried snacks. 20 Dec, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-322.php The burgeoning global population needs more rice production ensuring future food and nutritional security. However, successful rice production often stagnates in the event of aberrant climatic phenomena. This challenge is exacerbated by sheath blight disease in rice, one of the most harmful diseases that leads to significant crop losses and has a wide host range, high genetic variability, and a lack of natural resistance in existing rice germplasm. As a consequence, addressing this issue emerges as one of the most crucial concerns for a sustainable global food basket. An effort has been initiated here briefly, though meticulously analyzing and highlighting sheath blight symptoms, pathogen characteristics, disease cycle, resistance mechanisms, QTL mapping, GWAS, and various management strategies, including cultural, biological, chemical, and biotechnological approaches. 17 Dec, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-321.php The metabolomics approach as one of the important tools of Metabolomics has provided a powerful motivation for scientists to combine data generated from extracted compounds to create a more holistic understanding of pest management. Its application allows us to identify the entire profile of detectable metabolites contained in Essential oil anti-insects as an environmentally friendly alternative. Focusing on plant protection insecticides, and leading to its substitution, pheromones found in the Costu essential oils (EOs) may exert beneficial effects on pest management. 22 Nov, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-320.php Various chemical nematicides are currently used effectively in the control of plant parasitic nematodes, but unfortunately, they have adverse effects on humans (carcinogenic) and the environment. Neem oil is one of the safe and effective alternatives to nematicides in the soil. The effectiveness of repeated neem oil application in suppressing nematode infestation in fig seedlings was therefore examined in this study, both in its natural form (10 ml/L) and in its nano-emulsion form (5 and 7 ml/L). The number of nematodes, egg mass, and galls on the stems of infected fig seedlings were measured at that time, and the effects of these natural additives were compared with the usual chemical insecticide (Starkim). The impact of such soil amendments on some typical plant parameters, the total microbial count (CFU) of soil, and the overall enzymatic activity of the fig rhizosphere were also included. Obtained results revealed that the nematode populations were suppressed by 80.3% due to the application of nano-emulsion of neem oil (at 7 ml/L) Also, nano-emulsion of neem oil resulted in the higher reduction of nematode egg mass (60.4%) after the third application. Regarding galls, the findings were closed from 66% to 64.6, 64.3, and 64.2%, respectively, for nematicides, normal neem oils, and nano-emulsion forms). Moreover, the results for plant (water content, fresh and dry weight) and soil health parameters (total microbial count and rooting enzyme activity) were in favor of the nano-emulsion of neem oil. From the above, the results of the present work recommend the use of nano-emulsion of neem oil as one of the effective and eco-friendly means to reduce nematode infection (and many other pathogens) as a promising approach towards safe organic farming. 06 Nov, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-319.php This research, spanning the 2021 and 2022 seasons, aimed to explore the impact of vermicomposting on the growth and productivity of Mango trees (cv. Keitt) cultivated in sandy soil at Ahmed Orabi Agricultural region, El-Obour City, Cairo Governorate, Egypt. The selected trees underwent various treatments, including water (control), vermicomposting at 1 or 2 Kg/tree, Spirulina platensis algae extract at (5 or 10ml/l), and their combinations. Optimal results in terms of leaf fresh and dry weight, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were observed with the treatment of 2kg vermicompost + 10ml/l algae extract. Furthermore, the addition of vermicompost along with algae extract improved the leaf status of N, P, K, and Ca. Application of both vermicompost and algae extract, whether individually or in combination, demonstrated positive effects on the physicochemical quality of the fruit. The findings suggest that the simultaneous use of vermicompost and algae extract holds promise as a supplementary material for enhancing the growth, productivity, and fruit quality of Mango trees. 25 Sep, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-318.php The enzymatic browning process, known also as melanosis, is a significant indicator of oxidative damage in commercially important shrimps and prawns. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) serves as a vital measure of molecular defense against melanosis, a crucial mechanism for organisms to combat detrimental factors such as free radicals. This contribution delves into the assessment of this process for the penaeid species, Parapenaeus longirostris and Penaeus kerathurus. Samples were stored at refrigerator temperature (4 °C) for 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 days for P. longirostris, and for 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 days for P. kerathurus. Each day’s samples consisted of groups of ten individuals (5 males, and 5 females). TAC was determined using the CrO5 method. Results revealed an initial TAC increase followed by a gradual decrease over time. Additionally, exterior changes in both species were visually documented daily to capture the macroscopic manifestation of enzymatic browning, aligning with the molecular profile of the samples. Furthermore, Quality Index Method was conducted, where five evaluators graded the organoleptic qualities (texture, odor, color) of the prawn individuals, daily. This assessment aimed to scrutinize the external alterations of the shrimps under refrigeration conditions, revealing changes via sensory evaluation and the Quality Index Method. 17 Aug, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-317.php Conventional farm operations comprising traditional soil tillage and burning stubble residues become the cause of concern for soil sickness threatening sustainable system productivity. Wheat and maize constituting one of the predominant cropping systems strive with the commitment of substantial contribution to the world food security front. A better understanding of these alarming issues insisted on us to explore ‘Conservation Agriculture’ practices designing a field experiment with tillage and crop residue management. The study from 2019 to 2022 derived phenomenal achievement with Zero Tillage (ZT) and Minimal Tillage (MT) in compliance with crop residue retention (+ R); while, the eventuality of stubble burning (- R) deteriorated soil health, especially with Conventional Tillage (CT). Results illustrated significantly higher system productivity (11.60 - 12.0 t ha-1) in terms of wheat equivalent yield at (ZT+R) stands followed by those (11.34-11.64 t ha-1) at (MT + R), significantly higher than those (10.52 - 10.59 t ha-1) at conventional (CT-R) stands and those (10.63-10.78 t ha-1) at (CT+R) stands. Soil health also significantly improved at (ZT + R) stands accounting for higher soil porosity (39.45%), pH (7.64), electrical conductivity (0.370 dS m-1), hydraulic conductivity (10.56 mm h-1), soil organic carbon (0.458%), and N, P and K contents (272.5, 18.36 and 254.8 kg ha-1) than at conventional (CT -R) stands. Therefore, the study could develop a viable cutting-edge agro-technology fostering sustainable maize-wheat production in a system perspective mode. Nonetheless, the stewardship of zero tillage along with stubble residues could also be envisaged for the mitigation of soil sickness, too. 14 Aug, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-316.php Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a widely used process for treating organic wastes and producing renewable energy. This review examines the effectiveness of AD in reducing pathogens in various waste streams and evaluates the safety of using digestates as agricultural fertilizers. The mechanisms of pathogen inactivation during AD are explored, including the roles of temperature, pH, ammonia, and microbial competition. Case studies demonstrate pathogen reduction rates ranging from 1-5 log units for different microorganisms. While AD can significantly reduce pathogen loads, challenges remain in achieving consistent and complete sanitization. Factors affecting digestate safety, such as feedstock composition, operating conditions, and post-treatment, are discussed. The review also addresses methodologies for enhancing pathogen reduction in AD systems. 27 Jul, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-315.php Background: Food barley is one of the main staple crops in Ethiopia, however, its production is influenced by several factors including the effect of weeds and low soil fertility. Purpose: An experiment was conducted with the objective of investigating the combined impact of weeding frequencies and NPS fertilizer rates on barley growth and yield performance. Methodology: Three levels of weeding frequencies (designated as W1, W2, and W3 for one-time, two-time, and three-time weeding, respectively), and five levels of NPS fertilizers (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1) were applied in an RCB and replicated three times. HB1307 was used as the test material. Results: The results indicated that NPS fertilizer rates and weeding frequency had a significant (p &lt; 0.01) main influence on barley phenology. The interaction between NPS fertilizer rates and weeding frequency resulted in a highly significant (p &lt; 0.01) impact on food barley production, grain yield, and other yield component metrics. Maximum straw yield (5476 kg ha-1) was obtained from the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1 with three weeding frequencies. Moreover, the highest grain output (4726 kg ha-1) and highest net return (106,889.8 ETB (Ethiopian Birr ha-1) with a marginal rate of return (47430.8%) were achieved by applying 200kg NPS ha-1 and weeding three times. Conclusion: Barley yield performance was greatly influenced by the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1 with three times weeding, resulting in the maximum grain yield (4726 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5476 kg ha-1) that was determined to be cost-effective. However, further research is required to achieve optimum rates of treatment. 11 Jul, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-314.php The Danuwar community is an indigenous group predominantly inhabiting the Terai, and Hilly regions of Nepal, practicing traditional agriculture. This study examines the current agricultural practices of the Danuwar community of Ganesthan, Nuwakot district, Nepal. Primary data were collected from direct field surveys with the help of structured and semistructured questionnaires. Similarly, the necessary secondary data were collected from published and unpublished literatures, and documents of Bidur municipality, Nuwakot. Still, Danuwars are practicing the traditional pattern of agriculture and needs training and skilled-oriented education for their improvement. Given their reliance primarily on agriculture, the transition towards modernization and commercial production of agriculture is pivotal for their socio-economic sustainability. Thus, it is suggested to empower them through technical education, market accessibility, irrigation, transportation, and microfinance activities that shall integrate the Danuwar community into mainstream development and attain self-sustainability. 09 Jul, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-313.php A substantial proportion of linseed yield is lost due to weeds in the Holeta area of Central Ethiopia. The weeds infest the crop fields during the early growth stage and consume growth resources. To protect the crops from weeds, farmers manage their fields using cultural practices. However, there is a knowledge gap between farmers on critical weed removal time for the management of the weeds from the crop. Therefore, it is assumed that determining the weed-free period after the sowing of linseed to control the weeds is necessary. The experiment was designed to determine the suitable weed-free period for the control of weeds and increasing linseed production. The trial was treated with different weed-free periods before 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days of sowing; and after 20, 30, 40, 40, and 60 days of sowing, twice hand weeding, weed-free, and control. The treatments were organized in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. It was found that Galinsogapulviflora was the most dominant weed, contributing to 18% of the total weeds present in the fields. Plots treated with weed-free after 20 days of sowing produced superior results in terms of reduction of weed dry weight by 100%, increased number of bolls per plant by 3.08 folds, stand count by 245%, and grain yield by 11 folds as compared to untreated check respectively. Hence, making weed free of linseed after 20 days of sowing is recommended for the management of various weeds in linseed. 06 Jul, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-312.php Water scarcity, mainly in arid and semi-arid zones, has encouraged efforts to adopt non-conventional waters for food production and agricultural development. Treated Wastewater (TWW) is one of the most continuously produced, accessible, and inexpensive water resources, with great potential for use in irrigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of drip irrigation methods (surface vs. subsurface at 15 cm depth) and water quality (borehole water vs. treated wastewater) on soil water content, morphological and physiological traits, and nutrient content in the plant and fruit of okra grown in the Nabeul region of north-west Tunisia, a semi-arid zone. The results indicated that Okra yield was significantly affected by water quality rather than irrigation technique. Irrigation with TWW significantly increased the Okra plant height; leaf number; total fruit/m²; final yield and leaf area compared with borehole water. Nutrient levels (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) in Okra plant parts (root, stem, leaf, and fruit) were also significantly increased with TWW in subsurface drip irrigation. Apart from these increased parameters were related to better soil moisture and increased available nutrients in the root zone. In terms of bioaccumulation, apart from Ni, the elements analyzed (Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd) in plant and fruits showed higher values in treated wastewater than in borehole water with fruit values exceeding the toxicity threshold for Cd and Pb. Furthermore, the increase in the content of trace metal elements analyzed in the fruit following irrigation with TWW did not affect the human Health Risk Index (HRI), which remained below 1 for all treatments. Furthermore, with regard to bacterial and fungal contamination of fruit, we note that although these parameters are significantly higher in Irrigation with TWW, they remain below the toxicity thresholds. Thus, the long-term effect and continuous monitoring of the water and fruit quality in wastewater-irrigated areas to take remedial actions for sustainable agriculture development and protect ecosystems are recommended. 03 Jul, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-311.php Table eggs are versatile foodstuffs used in various food products. Eggs are often consumed or incorporated into other food products to enhance taste and nutrition and act as an emulsifying agent. Too often the consumption of contaminated eggs leads to foodborne illnesses in people. When whole eggs or egg products come into contact with contaminated surfaces or other contaminated eggs, pathogens can spread from one egg to another. Research has been conducted to uncover ways to protect whole eggs and their products from contamination by coating the egg’s exterior with edible coatings. Mineral oil, among other edible oils, is one such oil shown to be effective in reducing the bacteria in eggs when applied to the egg’s exterior. With the average consumer becoming more aware of the chemicals used in the preservation of food, some researchers have started to explore more natural solutions to minimize the contamination of food products. The use of essential oils to prevent contamination has been studied and analyzed for their antimicrobial properties in the inhibition of the growth of foodborne pathogens. The oils used in this current study are Oregano and Clove Oil. Both oils used individually and combined compared to a positive control showed no differences (p > 0.05). Interestingly, when the oils were combined 1:1 there was a difference of 0.66 log in the survival bacterial counts compared to the positive control. However, this difference was also not significant (p > 0.05). 27 Jun, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-310.php An important fruit crop, grapes are vulnerable to fungal degradation, at different points, together with harvesting, post-harvest management, and storage. The effectiveness of ozone at concentrations 4416.6 L L-1, 6624.9 L L-1, & 8833.2 L L-1 in combination with sodium metabisulfite (SMB), at concentrations of 50 mg, 70 mg, and 90 mg per 100 ml of potato dextrose broth (PDB) was investigated to solve this issue. Fumigation, and food poisoning techniques, were used in these treatments to stop R. stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin’s radial growth. In a different trial, SMB in the forms of Indian, and African grape guards, as well as SMB powder packaged in pouches (at a rate of 0.5g per 500g of fruit), was examined, for its potential to combat Rhizopus rot in table grapes subjected to cold storage conditions (52 °C, RH-85-95%), over 49 days. The results showed that sodium metabisulfite at 90 mg/100 ml PDA, and ozone at 8833.2 l L-1 strongly reduced the radial growth of R. stolonifer by 94.82% and 98.14%, respectively. While the inoculation control registered 0.89 Disease Severity (DS), fruits treated with O3 and SMB showed, no symptoms of disease severity. Ozone at 7274.4 L L-1 & 5455.8 L L-1 demonstrated, greater firmness retention of the berries (85.09 N; 84.82 N), as well as higher concentrations of ascorbic acid (3.90; 3.88 mg/100 g). Additionally, these treatments reduced, the levels of Total Soluble Solids (TSS) (18.68 N; 18.72 N), Percentage of Loss in Weight (PLW) (7.49; 7.55), and TSS/acid ratio (20.57 N; 21.52 N). In the sensory evaluation, these therapies received the highest overall acceptance ratings (8.04; 7.70). When combined with ozone, the application of SMB powder at a rate of 0.5g per 500g of grapes showed promising results, among the fruits that had been treated with SMB. In addition, compared to ozone, SMB treatments produced significantly higher L* and b* values. The highest L* value (40.53), highest b* value (23.77), and lowest a* value (-1.92) were all found with SMB powder at 0.5g/500g grapes. In conclusion, ozone shows promise in regulating Rhizopus rot effectively and keeping, the qualitative characteristics of table grapes, during cold storage, offering a feasible substitute, for sulfur dioxide treatments in conventional grape production. 06 Jun, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-309.php Alleles present in a population at a given period are referred to as the gene pool. It is the total amount and variety of genes and alleles available for transmission to the next generation in a sexually reproducing population. In comparison to formal taxonomy, Harlan and Wet identified types of gene pools as main, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary gene pools for the classification of each crop and its related species. The total quantity of genes, types and variants of genes, proportion, and distribution of genes are all revealed by studying the gene pool of a population. Selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift are evolutionary mechanisms that influence a population’s gene pool. The number of genes and the number of people who carry these genes determine the size of the gene pool. Because of chance events, the number of each gene in a gene pool might shift over time. As a result, the goal of this review study is to evaluate the gene pool, classification, and importance of the gene pool in modern crop development programs. 15 May, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-308.php Optimal humidity control is essential for enhancing crop yields and ensuring favorable growth conditions in greenhouse agriculture. Packed bed systems have emerged as effective tools for regulating humidity levels, yet accurately assessing their performance remains unexplored, especially for temperate oceanic climates. This paper presents a packed-bed system with water as the working fluid to increase the humidity level during the winter for greenhouse cultivation. Accordingly, an experimental setup is developed, and a detailed parametric study is conducted. Further, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling approach is developed for evaluating the performance of packed bed systems for greenhouse applications under varying environmental conditions with various inlet air flowrates, such as 176 m³/hr, 286 m³/hr, 383 m³/hr, and 428 m³/hr. Operating with water at an average temperature of 15.7 °C and a flow rate of 12.8 kg/min, the system achieves a significant 50% increase in humidity ratio, transitioning from an inlet humidity ratio of 6 g/kgda to an outlet ratio of 9 g/kgda, indicating its efficiency in elevating air humidity levels. The multi-layer perceptron neural network, trained with 112 non-repeated datasets and employing a 2-10-10-1 topology, demonstrates high accuracy and resilience in estimating Δωa values for the packed bed system, with predictions closely aligning with experimental data and exhibiting a maximum discrepancy within ± 2.5%. This research contributes to the advancement of precision agriculture practices by providing a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving humidity control in greenhouse environments. 17 Apr, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-307.php Blast resistance tends to often break down, these necessitate search-resistant genes. The screen house experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020. A total of 56 rice genotypes, (Elite lines, monogenic lines, and local), were screened against ten Kenya isolates of Mangnaporthe oryzae. The establishment was by direct seeding of previously sprouted seeds. A completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two replicates was adopted. Inoculation was done 21 days after planting. Plants were maintained in the moist chamber (26–28 0C) for 48 hrs, then moved into an incubation chamber (25 ◦C ± 2). Disease assessment commenced 48 hours after inoculation until 21 days to full infection. Disease evaluations were performed according to the Standard Evaluation System of IRRI. Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) were carried out, blast resistant loci were identified using varied genetic markers that co-segregate with specific resistant loci Analysis was implemented in R version 3.3.2 (R Core Team, 2016). BLUPs were computed, in a mixed model to estimate the random effect of the genotypes. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and means separated by Tukey’s test at P < 0.05. Cluster analyses were performed in JMP software version 11.2 for Windows. Seven genotypes (IR12A311, IR10M210, IR74, 1R02A127, IR09A130, R66 and IR10N230) were more susceptible, IR13N152 and IR14F711 were more resistant to all Isolates. The monogenic lines IRBLsh-B and IRBLkh-K3 which carry blast-resistant genes, were susceptible to at least seven Kenya isolates. The local checks (Basmati 370, BAS 270 (pi9), BW196, and BAS370 (pi9) were highly susceptible. The genotype IR12F711 was consistently resistant to all Kenya Isolates. 06 Apr, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-306.php Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a grain legume, a member of the Leguminosae family. Root-knot nematodes cause severe losses ranging from 15 to 85%. Different species of nematodes including root-knot nematodes reduce the yield of pea significantly. To control root-knot nematodes biological control is a more environment-friendly approach. The main objective of the study is to assess the effect of different antagonistic microbes and their secretory metabolites to manage root-knot nematodes in peas. Through this research, we aim to identify potential biological control agents that can be used as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides, contributing to sustainable pest management practices in agriculture. For this purpose, firstly, a brinjal seedling was transplanted for inoculum development which was inoculated with infective 2nd stage juveniles of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in Department of Plant Pathology research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Then two pea varieties viz. Matar sabaz and Pea-2009 were sown in pots and inoculated with nematode larvae after four weeks of sowing. Moreover, the management of nematodes was done by using the antagonists and their secretory metabolites application. The data of different plant growth and nematode-related parameters was taken and subsequently analyzed using analysis of variance and least significant difference test (LSD). Results showed that the antagonist’s treatment subsequently controlled root-knot nematodes (RKNs). Maximum plant/shoot length (47 cm), root length (25.25 cm), shoot weight (22.25 g) pod length (8.50 cm), No. of secondary shoots (8) and minimum number of galls (2.5 cluster), was observed in plants treated with Bacillus spp. (T1) while maximum No. of fruits (5.75) was observed in plants treated with Pseudomonas spp. (T2). Similarly, the number of nodules (7.50 clusters) primary shoots (5) Root weight (4.6 g) was observed in plants treated with Enterobacter spp. (T3). 06 Apr, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-305.php The research investigated the expenditure patterns of rural households in the Nigerian state of Ogun. The precise aims of this study are to ascertain the determinants that influence the weekly expenditure on food within the household and to estimate the total amount spent on food. A simple random sampling method was employed to ascertain the 480 rural households that comprised the study area. The interview schedule was employed to obtain essential data from the participants in the study area, including age, marital status, and food expenditure. The descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression were used to determine the determinant of the quantity spent on food in the households of respondents in the study area. Descriptive statistics indicate that 55.0% of the respondents are married, 75.0% have completed formal education, and the mean age, household size, and monthly income are estimated to be 45 years, 6 individuals, and ₦49,500.50, respectively. The majority of participants (66.67%) reported spending less than ₦20,000.00 on food. The estimated mean expenditures for food consumed at home and while away from home were ₦17,544.60 and ₦16,700.55, respectively. Household food expenditure is significantly and positively influenced by household income (p0.01), the age of the household head (p0.1), household size (p0.01), and occupation (p0.05), according to ordinary least squares regression. Food expenditure was significantly influenced by household income, household size, and the age of the household chief, according to the findings of this study. Policy consideration should be given to the price control mechanism for food so that it is more affordable for rural residents, according to the study. 26 Mar, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-304.php The process of evaluating the soil quality is complex and is impacted by a variety of physical, chemical, and biological indicators as well as how they interact over time, particularly throughout different cultivation periods. The main objective of the current investigation is to examine how various organic farming practices affect the soil quality indicators at selected organic farms throughout various cultivation times. The study sites in Egypt were selected to represent two great soil groups (Torripsamments and Haplotorrerts). Moreover, the selected farms have different organic cultivation periods and management practices. Soil samples were collected from five different farms and uncultivated soil in each soil great soil group as control. After analyzing soil samples in the lab, physical, chemical, and biological indicators were assessed and used to calculate the Soil Quality Index (SOI). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to obtain the minimum data set needed for soil quality evaluation. The length of organic cultivation in Torripasament raised the SQI value for physical and chemical indicators in the following order: 2 years > 6 years > 10 years > 13 years. Similar to Torripsament, the most sensitive indicators for SQI assessment in Haplotorrert were found to be soil respiration, microbial biomass C, microbial quotient, organic matter, and physical characteristics of soil quality. Results also indicated that organic farming improves most of the studied soil quality indicators of both soils (Torripsamment and Haplotorrerts). Soil respiration, Microbial Biomass (MBC), Microbial Quotient (MQ), organic matter, and physical aspects of soil quality were the most sensitive indicators of soil quality evaluation. Soil quality index (SQI) for Torripsamment was affected mostly by soil biological indicators, while soil physical indicators were the main indicators affecting SQI in Haplotorrerts. The best score for the soil quality index was at 13 years of organic cultivation periods in Torripsamment and at 17 years in Haplotorrerts. 09 Mar, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-303.php Few studies have examined how fertilizers affect soil chemical properties, cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) yield, and nutrient uptake in Ghana. This study examined how corn cob biochar (CCB) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer affected cabbage growth, yield, soil chemical properties, and nutrient uptake. The study was conducted during the 2021 major season at Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso. A 3×3 factorial experiment set out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was conducted. The treatments applied were control (No fertilizer), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB and 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB. Application of 100% NPK resulted in the largest (2.99 cm) stem diameter. Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the tallest plants (42.3 cm) and cabbage leaf spread (71.23 cm). Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the largest cabbage head circumference (67.43 cm). The 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB gave the highest yield (40679 kg ha-1). 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB increased nitrogen uptake, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 increased phosphorus and calcium uptake, 100% NPK + 5,000 kg increased potassium uptake, and 50% NPK + 2,500 kg increased magnesium uptake. Therefore, it is suggested that CCB and NPK fertilizers be applied to enhance the soil’s physical and chemical properties, nutrient uptake, and other factors contributing to cabbage growth and yield. 02 Mar, 2024 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-10-302.php Microbial enzymes can come from bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, yeast, microalgae, and cyanobacteria. The class of extremophile microorganisms is a source of interesting enzymes that can overcome various technological problems. Globally, these enzymes are industrially produced by fermentation using two techniques: submerged fermentation (SmF) and Solid-State Fermentation (SSF). Currently, microbial enzymes are probably the most important sector in biotechnology. This field finds different applications in various industrial sectors including chemical and pharmaceutical, food and animal feed, textile, agriculture, biodiesel, and so on. The present review surveys the microbial enzymes and their major characteristics, safety, chemical nature and classification, microbial sources of enzymes, production aspects, biotechnological applications, commercial overview, and perspectives and future prospects. 03 Jan, 2024 Antibiotic abuse has caused the emergence of an alarming number of resistant pathogens. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel agents. Most of the Sudanese people in rural areas rely on traditional medicine for the treatment of many infectious diseases. This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial antioxidant activities and phytochemical contents of Hibiscus sabdariffa fruits and Acacia nilotica pods. Antimicrobial assays of the ethanolic extracts of both plants showed that they exhibit diverse inhibitory activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and three Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella and Escherichia coli, and one fungi Candida albicans, with the zone of inhibition ranging from 16 to 20 mm in length. The antioxidant activity of A. nilotica was about 91 %; it was highly significant compared with the standard (Propyl gallate) which gave (94%). While the extract of H. sabdariffa showed weak antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening of A. nilotica indicates the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and saponins, while alkaloids were absent. The extract H. sabdariffa was rich in phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, but no tannins, triterpenes, or saponins were detected. These findings provide scientific evidence to support the traditional medicinal uses of these extracts and indicate the promising potential of these plants for medicinal purposes. 15 Nov, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-300.php Mustard (Brassica spp.), one of the most important oilseed crops, is currently the third-largest source of vegetable oil in the world. In Rabi, 2022–2023 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Barishal, research of Brassica juncea L. was carried out with 10 genotypes to assess yield and yield contributing features. The RCBD design for the experiment included three replications. Plant height, the number of primary branches, the number of secondary branches, and the number of seeds per siliqua were the characteristics for which the analysis of variance findings indicated that there were very significant differences. Using the UPGMA cluster analysis, four distinct clusters were found among the analyzed accessions. Cluster II obtained the most accessions (7), averaging 1765.28 kgha-1, representing 25.20% of the average group mean yield. A correlation study focuses on the highly significant and positive correlation between a crop’s associated features and its yield. The overall amount of variance was found to be 46.18% for PC1 and 17.61% for PC2 using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Maturity duration ranged from 106-110 days while the 50% flowering period varied from 43-46 days. Seed yield ranged from 1463 to 1970 kgha-1 and BJ-11536(12)-1 produced the highest yield among the genotypes. Which was it produced 23.58% and 20.41% higher yields than check varieties BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-19, respectively. The second highest yield was recorded from BJDH-05 which produced 18.90% and 15.85% higher yield over the check varieties BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-19, respectively. The lowest seed yield (1463 kgha-1) was obtained from the entry BJ-53611(12)-8. Based on, statistical analysis considering seed yield and other yield contributing characters, four lines BJ-11536(12)-1, BJDH-05, BJDH-20, BJ-11536(12)-5, and BJ-1110(12)-1 were noted as high-yielding accessions and could be used for future breeding program. 03 Nov, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-299.php Chitosan is a natural polymer produced from the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeleton of crustaceans. Chitosan has exceptional qualities, such as non-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, affordability, and its capacity to function as a proteinase inhibitor by way of the formation of phytoalexin. Furthermore, positive ionic charges on the chitosan molecule increase plant immunity and defense systems against pathogens, promote plant growth, and increase yield. Chitosan plays a significant role, particularly in reducing adverse effects of abiotic stress like salinity and drought, by affecting the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) such as proline, antioxidant enzyme activities, and total soluble sugars, which reverse the adverse effects of stress, improve the initiation of the antioxidant system, and increase photosynthesis, consequently improving plant growth and yield. Furthermore, chitosan treatment could suppress virus infections regardless of virus types as well as plant species. There are numerous physiological responses to chitosan application to improve plant immunity and defense systems, such as the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes to enhance plant resistance against pathogens, particularly fungi and bacterial infections. There are numerous benefits to chitosan, including inducing defense genes in numerous species, improving salt tolerance, enhancing plant growth under abiotic stress, improving germination parameters, increasing seedlings’ survival, and consequently, improving plant resistance to pathogen infection, increasing tolerance to abiotic stress, and improving plant growth and productivity. Furthermore, it extends the shelf life and improves the fruit quality of numerous fruits when used as a coating film. 03 Nov, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-298.php An experiment was conducted in the rabi season at Patuakhali, Bangladesh to verify the effect of different mulching materials for watermelon production under farmers field condition. The aim of this research was to test the possibility of salinity damage can be reduced by elevating potassium (K) fertilization rate on watermelon yield and nutrient uptake under salt stress condition. Four different fertilizer doses T1 = Soil Test Based (STB), T2 = STB + 50% K, T3 = Integrated Plant Nutrients System &#40;IPNS&#41; approach with 5 tonha-1 cowdung (CD) + 50% K and T4 = Farmers practices with many materials usedP1 = Silver color polythene mulch, P2 = Straw mulch, P3 = No mulch combination. Twenty days old seedling were used in farmers’ field. Other nutrients were also applied following STB method. Fertilizer used as the rates of N117P30K30S25 (T1), N117P30K37S25 (T2), N92P22.5K45S25 with 5 tonha-1cowdung (T3) and N100P40K35S30 (T4). All the plant growth, yield and quality characters were superior in T3 with silver polythene (31.96 tonha-1) while plants without mulch and STB method resulted poor growth and yield of 24.31 tonha-1. The higher rates of K contributed to 7- 27% increased yield over only STB dose for Patuakhali which implies the necessity of higher dose of K in salt affected soil in strengthening yield. With economic point of view, T3 (IPNS with 5 ton/ha cowdung + 50% K and silver polythene mulch) seedling reported the highest net return of 375780 Bd TK and found more economical with highest cost benefit ratio. 29 Aug, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-297.php Barley is one of the major crops produced in Ethiopia in general and in specific in the study area. Even though it is such an important and major crop in the study area, its yield is very low due to many production constraints which include a lack of improved varieties, poor agronomic practice, Soil acidity problems, diseases, weeds, and low soil fertility in many parts of Ethiopia including Guji zone. The activity was conducted during the 2019-2021 main cropping season at Bore with the objective of determining the effect of NPS and N fertilizer rates on yield components and yield of Food Barley under limed conditions of acidic soil for highlands. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications using the HB1307 Food Barley variety as a test crop. Four levels of NPS (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1) and four levels of N (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg ha-1) was used for these treatments which make a total of 16 treatment under limed and unlimed conditions. Analysis of the results revealed that all parameters were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected by the interaction of the factors (NPS, N, and liming) as well as the main effects except date to 50% heading and days to maturity which did not significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected. The highest grain yield (3862 kg/ha) was obtained from the combination of 100 kg/ha NPS and 23 kg/ha. Therefore, the use of 100 kg ha-1 NPS and 23 kg ha-1 N is recommended for food barley production in the study area and other areas with similar agroecologies. 19 Aug, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-296.php The agricultural system in Nepal is facing a decline primarily due to its traditional practices. Farmers’ morale is low as they invest significant effort but yield low production, leading to an exodus of young people seeking opportunities abroad. While Nepal is often depicted as an agricultural country in literature, the reality falls short. Improving productivity is crucial, and this can be achieved by enhancing labor efficiency and increasing arable land fertility. To address these challenges, the concept of smart agriculture has emerged, and implementing an IoT-based agricultural system could help manage the workforce and retain skilled youth in their homeland. The main objectives of the study were to develop a monitoring system for arable land using IoT and to predict and recommend suitable crops using machine learning. Due to constraints in time and resources, the study focused on Vyas Municipality Ward no-13 in the Tanahun district. Sensor devices were deployed in the selected ward, and data was collected four times a day at half-hour intervals, monitoring key parameters like Humidity, Temperature, Rainfall, and Soil moisture. In this research, Orange, Ginger, Onion, and Spinach are the main crops predicted and recommended suitable times. In conclusion, the implementation of IoT-based agricultural systems and Machine Learning algorithms can offer valuable insights to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding crop selection and cultivation timing. This could potentially revitalize Nepal’s agricultural sector and reduce the trend of young people leaving the country in search of better opportunities. 14 Jul, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-295.php Sorghum is the second most important food crop after teff in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to estimate the genetic variations, heritability, and expected genetic advances in the selected sorghum genotypes. Sixty-four sorghum genotypes were evaluated for 17 quantitative traits in 8x8 simple lattice designs at the Boko research site. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits. The Phenotypic Coefficient Of Variation (PCV) ranged from 4.74% for days to flowering to 24.74% for panicle width, while Genotypic Coefficients Of Variation (GCV) ranged from 3.58% for leaf length to 20.33 % for panicle width. The highest PCV and GCV values were recorded for panicle width, head weight, and harvest index. Moderate PCV and GCV were recorded for grain filling period, grain filling rate, plant height, panicle length, and grain yield; indicating the effectiveness of selection based on the phenotypic performance of the genotypes. Broad sense heritability (H2) ranged from 24.74 % for biomass yield to 96.6% for head weight, whereas GAM ranged from 4.8% for biomass yield to 41.95% for panicle width. High H2 coupled with high GAM was observed for grain filling rate, panicle length, panicle width, head weight, grain yield, and harvest index; indicating that these characters are controlled by additive gene action and phenotypic selection for these characters will be effective. However, the information generated in the current study it can be useful for breeders who want to improve yield and yield contributing traits of sorghum. 06 Jul, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-294.php This study used to cluster and principal component analysis to assess the agronomic and physiological variability of 40 maize inbred lines under low moisture stress conditions in Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Melkassa locations during the 2017 main season. The analysis of variance showed the mean square due to genotype was highly significant (p < 0>1 explaining principal components that accounted for 77.7% of the total variation among the inbred lines. The first three principal components PC1, PC2, and PC3 with values of 25.25%, 18.03, and 11.7% respectively more contributed. Grain yield, plant height, ear height, and the number of leaves per plant were the most important traits influencing the variability among the inbred lines. 03 Jul, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-293.php Ethiopian stored maize is expected to lose between 20 and 30% of its stock due to insect damage. To reduce these losses, Ethiopian farmers use chemically treated traditional storage structures and chemical-free Hermetic Storage Technologies (HSTs). We evaluated the storage techniques used in the area in this study. SPSS software was used to analyse the collected data, and mean differences were compared. The findings showed that after nine months of storage, maize stored in plastic containers, Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, chemically treated polypropylene bags, and chemically treated Goteras had grain damage of 4.83%, 5.65%, 56.83%, and 71.06%, respectively; the weight loss was 2.00%, 2.95%, 37.44%, and 56.87%. The percentage germination of maize grains stored in treated polypropylene bags and Goteras decreased from 55.33% to 48.48%, whereas maize contained in plastic containers and PICS bags dropped only slightly and was 98.83% and 95.80%, respectively. Insect development, maize grain damage, and weight loss were significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) for plastic containers, PICS bags, chemically treated polypropylene bags, and treated Goteras. As a result, secure maize storage technology, such as hermetic storage technology, may alleviate poverty by increasing household income. 24 Jun, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-292.php A field trial was conducted at Holeta Agricultural Research Station and Medegudina, Central Ethiopia, during the summer season of 2021 to study the effects of different weed control methods against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in summer planted Maize. The experiment included five treatments; COYOTE 440 SE 3L ha-1, Primagramgold 660 SC 3L ha-1, twice hand weeding, weed-free and weedy check. Major weeds in the fields were Polygonum nepalense, Raphanus raphanistrum, Guizotia scabra, Galinsoga pulviflora, Corrigiola capensis, Caylusea abyssinica, Plantago lanceoleta, Spergula arvensis, Medicago polymorpha, and Phalaris paradoxa. The result signified that the most dominant weed species was Polygonum nepalense with a relative density of 18.28 %. Statistically non-significant results due to all treatments being recorded on ear per plant and 1000 kernel weights at both locations. The results showed that the most effective treatment with higher weed control efficacy (100%) and reduced weed dry weight (0.00 kg/ha) was weed-free. The application of COYOTE 440 SE produced maximum stand count (90 m2), Grain yield (4266 kg/ha), and minimum yield loss (1.49%) while statistically non-significant results were produced in cob per plant and thousand kernel weights. Hence, the study concludes that COYOTE 440 SE 3L ha-1 and weed-free could be more effective as compared to all other treatments without compromising on maize grain yield loss due to weeds. 17 Jun, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-291.php In many tropical cropping systems, low soil fertility is a significant factor that hinders the development of vegetable crops. In order to get a good yield, it is necessary to increase the soil’s nutrient status to satisfy the crop’s needs, hence maintaining the soil’s fertility status. To determine the effects of Wood Shavings Biochar (WSB) and Poultry Manure (PM) on the performance of fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis), this study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Five (5) treatments—7.5 t/ha WSB, 7.5 t/ha PM, 2.5 t/ha WSB + 5 t/ha PM, 5 t/ha WSB + 2.5 t/ha PM, and control—were administered to the plots two weeks prior to planting. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Vine length, leaf count, vine girth, and leaf yield per plot were among the data obtained. They were statistically examined using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to compare the means of the treatments at a 5% level of probability. The results revealed that the optimum performance was provided by 2.5 t/ha WSB + 5 t/ha PM and 7. 5 t/ha PM, followed by 5 t/ha WSB + 2.5 t/ha PM and 7.5 t/ha WSB in terms of enhancing the soil nutrients, which in turn improved growth and yield. The fluted pumpkin planted in control gave the worst performances. The plots receiving 7.5 t/ha of WSB significantly reduced the soil acidity and increased soil’s concentration of Ca, K, and Mg respectively. While, 5 t/ha WSB + 2.5 t/ha PM significantly increased total N concentration, available P and organic matter. The study clearly showed that T. occidentalis leaves yield increased as a result of the addition of WSB and PM, hence WSB had the potential to increase the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the PM. For sustainable fluted pumpkin cultivation in the study area, utilization of 2.5 t/ha WSB + 5 t/ha PM and 7. 5 t/ha PM is therefore recommended. 16 Jun, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-290.php Hunger is a persistent global problem affecting billions of people worldwide, particularly those living in poverty and developing countries. Research work relates to experimental research work on the causes and effects of hunger and proposes potential solutions to address the problem. Poverty, conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and gender inequality are major drivers of hunger. Hunger leads to malnutrition, which impairs physical and cognitive development, reduces economic productivity, and undermines social stability. Addressing the underlying causes of hunger through policies that promote economic growth, sustainable agriculture, access to education and healthcare, social protection programs, and conflict resolution can create a world where everyone has access to adequate and nutritious food. By implementing a comprehensive and integrated approach, we can reduce hunger and ensure that it is no longer a barrier to economic and social development. This research was done to find out the solution to this issue. In the research work, I have studied data and analyzed it for the solutions. I have tried to present all the above concepts in a lucid way so as present the related concept in an effective manner. 30 May, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-289.php This study aims to determine the effect of the best types of mulch and organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of local Eban garlic. This research was conducted from May to October 2022 on the land of the Melati Women Farmer Group (WFG), Salu Village, West Miomaffo District, North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Timor. The experimental design used was a spit-plot design with three replications. The treatment consists of two factors: The first factor is the use of mulch, which consists of three levels, namely: TO = without mulch; T1 = organic mulch (rice straw mulch); and T2 = inorganic mulch (plastic mulch). The second factor was the use of cow manure, consisting of four levels, namely: P0 = no fertilizer (without treatment), P1 = cow manure (20 t/ha) + rice husk biochar, P2 = cow manure (20 t/ha) + biochar compost, and P3 = cow manure (20 t/ha) + biochar compost tea. The treatment combinations were T0P0, T0P1, T0P2, T0P3, T1P0, T1P1, T1P2, T1P3, T2P0, T2P1, T2P2, and T2P3 with 3 replications, so that 36 units were obtained. The results of the study showed that the combination treatment of straw mulch and cow manure (20 t/ha) plus rice husk biochar gave the best results on the local garlic yield index parameter eban (9.92). 19 May, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-288.php Context: Grain by-products are nonconventional feed resources that can be used as supplemental diets for rabbits, especially during the dry season when native forages are scarce and limiting in essential nutrients. Hence, this present study is to determine the inclusion of residue, Corn Gluten Residue Meal (CGRM), Soybean Gluten Residue Meal (SGRM), and Sorghum Brewer Dry Grain (SBDG) as a replacement for maize on the performance and digestion coefficient of growing rabbits. Methods: Forty mixed breeds of rabbits (4 - 6 weeks old) were allotted into four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Four experimental diets were then compounded by replacing maize (40% inclusion level) with CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG then fed to the growing rabbits at 3% of their body weight. Results: The crude protein contents of diets containing grain by-products (19.06% – 20.87%) were better than maize (12.96%). Evidently, the maize diet (55.56%) was higher in carbohydrate fraction than these grain by-product-containing diets (42.20 – 49.98). Rabbits fed diets containing grain by-products had significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) feed intake and final weight compared to rabbits fed maize. Rabbits-fed diets containing CGRM (87.41%) and SGRM (92.09%) were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in digestible crude protein than maize (76.79%) and SBDG (74.29%) diets. Also, diets containing maize and SGRM were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the digestible carbohydrate fraction than diets. Whereas, rabbits fed diets CGRM and SBDG had significantly better (p &lt; 0.05) nitrogen balance and retention compared to rabbits fed diet SGRM and maize. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the inclusion of CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG led to better performances and digestion but with inferior carbohydrate fractions and digestion percentages compared to the maize diet. 27 Apr, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-287.php Pawpaw is known as a fruit that contains nutrients and vitamins ranging from green ripe to over-ripe and unripe fruits of various varieties. The poor and delayed germination, rapid loss of viability in seeds due to the presence of sarcotesta, and condition of storage of seeds could be addressed through the storage in various containers. This paper focused on the investigation of the best storage methods that aid germination, seedling emergence and seedling performance of six pawpaw varieties. The experiment was set up in the Crop and Soil Science Laboratory Department and Nursery Site of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (Oyo-State). It was a 6 x 5 factorial experiment that consisted of 6 varieties of pawpaw; Pink Solo, Green Solo, Ghana Solo, Sunrise Solo, Ajawa Local, and Berry likewise the 5 storage methods are desiccator, refrigerator, plastic container, aluminum foil paper, and earthen pot. Data were collected by counting the number of germinated seeds manually from 4 – 16 days after sowing inside Petri dishes, emergence rate was also counted after seeds have been sown inside polythene bags and nursed for 12 weeks and the number of seeds germinated and seedling emergence was transformed into percentages. Seedling emergence rates were also counted manually and analysed by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), means were compared using the least significant difference at a 5% probability level. Significant differences were observed among storage methods and pawpaw varieties in germination rate, seedling emergence, and performance. The highest plant height was observed in green solo at 12WAS in the nursery (25.63 cm), the highest stem girth was recorded in Ajawa local 3.86 cm while the highest number of leaves was recorded in sunrise 9.9. The total emergence percentage was recorded in Green Solo at 93.8%. The highest germination percentage was observed in Ghana Solo 59.4%. The highest germination, seedling emergence, plant height, and number of leaves were recorded in the desiccator as 44.96%, 84.4%, 23.32 cm, and 9.38. Ajawa Local and Green Solo are recommended to be kept inside a desiccator or plastic container. 22 Apr, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-286.php The study was conducted to reduce the high feed wastage by practicing the improved feed trough in the study area. The trail was conducted at Tahtay Koraro district Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Improved feed trough was constructed on a total of 20 interested farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected andanalyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the improved feed troughs reduced feed waste significantly in the study area. That is 4.13% and 25% feed loss respectively in improved and traditional feed troughs. The result from the farmers perception also shows that, the farmers were preferred the technology in its less feed wastage, reduces feed contamination, gives an opportunity for persons to do other task than keeping animals, comfortable for the animals, reduces feed competition among the animals; and protects the feed from rain and sun. But farmers are less preferred the technology in its cost for its construction. Therefore, based on the result it is recommended that the technology has to be popularized and promoted to the large number of the farmers of the area for the efficient crop residue utilization. 01 Apr, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-285.php Draining excess water from the soil is the general purpose of drainage. Thus, soil protection is provided and product losses are prevented. Mole drainage consists of underground galleries that act as piped drainage. This type of drainage is mostly used successfully in clay, organic, and highly cohesive soils. It is used successfully in areas with high groundwater, during the improvement of salty and sodium soils. The biggest benefit of mole drainage is cheap and economical. In the mole drainage method, tunnels are opened under the tillage depth with a torpedo-shaped piece at the end of a foot extending under the soil. These tunnels are called mole drains. In the mole drainage method, the channels are built with mole drain plows and subsoilers. In order to benefit more effectively from mole drainages, parameters such as suitable working width, working depth and slope must be finely adjusted. For this, modern alternatives such as GPS and laser positioning systems can be used. 04 Mar, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-284.php The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries, and smallholder farmers are significant contributors to food production. In Uganda, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program was initiated in 2001 to provide extension services and agricultural input subsidies to farmers. However, the program has faced criticism for its high levels of corruption, militarization, and political influence, as well as for its failure to reach its intended beneficiaries, and smallholder farmers. This paper aims to examine the contribution of smallholder farmers to food security and its sensitivity to agricultural input subsidies in Uganda, with a focus on the NAADS program. Additionally, it covers the evolution of agricultural input subsidy policy in Uganda from 1987 to the present and analyses the findings on the impact of these subsidies on smallholder farmer productivity and food security. The findings conclude that the NAADS program contributes less to the target beneficiaries, and its priorities do not align with the set goals. The study further suggests several recommendations for improving the program and addressing the issues facing smallholder farmers in Uganda. 13 Feb, 2023 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-9-283.php Since 1995, the yield, benefits, and plantation area of red plum apricot have increased dramatically. But as red plum apricot trees’ canopy and roots grew, soil drying appeared and sometimes become severe in a wet year. The severe soil drying influence the yield, quality and benefits of red plum apricot because precipitation is small and with a big season change. At this time, the plant-water relationship has to be regulated on Soil Water Resource Use Limitation by Plant and Soil Moisture Vegetation Carrying Capacity. However, there are few studies on the utilization limit of soil water resources by red plum apricot forest land. In this study, daily precipitation, and soil water suctions at different soil water content are measured, and the maximal infiltration depth and the soil water resource use limitation by red plum apricot were estimated. The results show that wilting coefficient varies with soil depth from 7.98 in surface soil to 7.1% in 240 cm soil depth, the maximal infiltration depth is 290 cm and the Use Limit of Soil Water Resources by red plum apricot is 212.7 mm. When the soil water resource in the maximal infiltration depth is lower than the limit, the regulation of the plant-water relationship must be considered. 08 Dec, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-282.php This review aims to address the use of molecular techniques applied to the identification of food. The application of molecular techniques in food is large, several authors comment on the detection and quantification of strains of pathogenic microorganisms present in foods and the presence of toxins and waste allergens not related to specific goods in production lines. They are also used to control the authenticity of many foods, very important for receiving raw material industries, identification of genetically modified organisms, and genetic selection in yeast for fermentation processes. The methods presented in this review proved to be fast, and effective and could be effective substitutes for chemical and physical methods, chemical and biochemical, producing results with greater accuracy, reliability and speed of analysis. 07 Dec, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-281.php Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, a large number of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) wastes were generated. It has caused great harm to the ecological environment, and even in the future may endanger human health. Therefore, it is of great significance to research biodegradable materials that can be used in the field of medical protective equipment. This article reviews the application of biodegradable materials in personal protective equipment. First of all, the classification, characteristics, and general application of biodegradable materials are described. Then, the application of biodegradable antibacterial materials, which can improve the degradability, antibacterial, and comfort of medical protective articles, is analyzed. Finally, the significance and challenges are discussed, and some prospects in this field are put forward. 30 Nov, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-280.php A noodle is a thin, long strip of spaghetti or a similar flour paste consumed with a sauce or taken with warm water with sugar and milk added as desired. In this regard, a modified noodle was produced from cocoyam with Bambara ground nut added to enhance the nutritional composition of the noodle. Central Composite Design (CCD) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used in the optimization procedure. The aim was to develop the best mix of procedure variables that can give optimum formulation with a high protein. The process variables were feed composition (X1), barrel temperature (X2), and feed moisture composition (X3). The responses were moisture, protein, fat, and fiber. Regression models and residual plots were generated and adequacy was tested with regression coefficient (R2) and the lack of fit test. Results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the process variables had a significant effect on the protein (p &lt; 0.05). Results for regression coefficients prove a fair fit of the model. The optimum noodle had 60g of Bambara ground nut, 120 oC barrel temperature, and 16% moisture content. Its responses were 10.66 mg/100g protein, 0.95 mg/100g fat, 1.60 mg/100g ash, and 1.75 mg/100g fiber. The optimized recipe shows improve nutrients. 30 Nov, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-279.php Some researcher groups in the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) Politecnico di Torino have an interesting experience with the applications of automatic systems in the agriculture fields [1-6]. 22 Nov, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-278.php Polyphenols constitute a group of the most important bioactive compounds widely represented naturally in many plant species. Fresh plant tissues, plant residues, and agro-wastes contain consequent amounts of polyphenolic compounds. In recent years, there is a developing interest in utilizing these bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications due to their beneficial effects on human health and their potential in improving the quality of food. However, their effectiveness is depending on many factors such as the extraction technique, the plant tissue, and species origin, environmental factors, the solvent used for the extraction, etc. The purpose of this critical review is to address and give an insight into the latest review and research articles regarding extraction methods and highlights the prospects of bioactive compounds found in several plant tissues. 27 Oct, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-277.php Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic food-borne parasite [1]. Nearly one-third of the world’s population has been exposed to the parasite, with prevalence ranging from ~10% to 50% depending on the geographical area. Human infection is usually asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals and may remain for life, but in immunocompromised persons, the infection might be fatal [2]. 03 Oct, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-276.php The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate gluten free fried products from defatted peanut flour and starches of common tropical roots. The result of the analysis showed that moisture content ranged from 3.52% to 5.89%; fat content ranged from 11.22% to 13.84%; crude fibre content ranged from 5.54% to 7.50%; colour (lightness) ranged from 22.21% to 69.88%; colour (redness) ranged from 9.95% to 26.54%;colour (yellowness) ranged from 10.15% to 43.17% and shrinkage ranged from 1.32% to 8.75%. The sample which was a composite of 90% sweet potato starch and 10% defatted peanut fried at 170 °C for 1 min had the lowest fat content. This study is very significant in meeting the demand in the management of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, since gluten free diet is the only medically accepted treatment in resolving the challenge attributed to the consumption of foods containing gluten. 26 Sep, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-275.php Nitrogenous fertilizer (NF) such as NH4NO3 is required to maintain the healthy growth of Phaseolus vulgaris, but when NF is applied indiscriminately, it causes hyperfertilization of the soil. One option is to reduce NH4NO3 and then optimize in P. vulgaris seed with s Bacillus thuringiensis and Micromonospora echinospora genus and species of endophytic bacteria plus a crude carbon nanoparticle extract (CENC). Under greenhouse conditions, P. vulgaris seeds were inoculated with B. thuringiensis and M. echinospora, then applied a CENC and fed at 50% NH4NO3, the response variables were germination and seedling phenology/biomass. All numerical data of the experimental were validated by ANOVA/Tukey (p &lt; 0.05). The results showed a healthy growth of P. vulgaris with B. thuringiensis and M. echinospora at 50% NH4NO3 plus 20 ppm of CENC according to the percentage of germination, phenology and seedling biomass, including all numerical values have a statistical difference compared to those registered in P. vulgaris without B. thuringiensis and M. echinospora, at 100% NH4NO3, neither CENC nor relative control (CR). The positive effect of B. thuringiensis and M. echinospora on P. vulgaris at 50% NH4NO3 was enhanced by CENC to maximize the optimization of NF without loss of soil fertility or risk of environmental contamination. 13 Sep, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-274.php According to the survey data on seawater quality in the Bohai Sea from 2020 to 2021, a single-factor data analysis was carried out on the seawater environmental quality of Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Shandong and the offshore waters. The results show that the seawater quality of the Bohai Sea in 2021 Compared with the more serious pollution in 2020, the main pollutants are active phosphate and inorganic nitrogen. The spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the eutrophication state index are high at the top of Bohai Bay and low on the outside, high in the southeast and low in the northwest. And through the comparison of water quality data for two years, the organic pollution and eutrophication near Panjin, Dalian, Yingkou and Weifang are getting worse day by day and the content of inorganic nitrogen and active phosphate in some waters in the Bohai Bay has increased. The total amount of materials discharged into the sea is controlled. 27 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-273.php Phosphorous fixation in soils is a serious concern worldwide, and biochar is gaining attention daily due to its potential benefits for improving the agronomic benefits of applied phosphorus. The present study aims to enhance understanding of the phosphorus transformation process in a deprived sandy soil following biochar amendments (no-acidified wheat straw biochar and chemically modified (acidification with 0.01 M C6H8O7) along with or without phosphorus at 250 mg kg−1. A 54-day pot experiment was conducted with two biochar levels of 4%, 8% (w/w), and control, and two phosphorus levels (without or with phosphorus). The results indicate that the integration of acidified wheat straw biochar with phosphorus resulted in increased available phosphorus in the soil. We conclude that incorporating acidified wheat straw biochar is a promising practice to potentially improve phosphorus availability in deprived soils. Further research is needed to explore site-specific phosphorus management for sustainable crop production. 25 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-272.php Historically, the United States has positioned itself as one of the leading producers and consumers of melons in the world with a 2020 production value of over $295 million (excluding watermelons). It has been estimated that on average the per capita consumption of melons in the U.S. is about 24 pounds each year [1]. 24 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-271.php This study develops a simultaneous system combining low-temperature drying, extraction, and sterilization under low temperature, by comprising a microwave source and a vacuum chamber. The study commences by investigating the reduction in moisture content under microwave heating in vacuum conditions as a function of the drying time, the material load, and the microwave output power. Subsequently, the study compares the results obtained for the yield and composition of the essential oil extracted from Coleus amboinicus Loureiro leaves using the proposed system with those obtained using a conventional steam distillation technique. Finally, the study investigates the performance of the developed system in inactivating Bacillus subtilis spores using a low-pressure plasma sterilization technique. The experimental results show that the low-temperature vacuum conditions established in the proposed drying system accelerate the rate of moisture removal. Furthermore, the microwaves penetrate the interior of the material, heating the internal moisture directly. This not only reduces the drying time but also preserves the original flavor and appearance of the dried material. The extraction results show no significant difference between the final yield percentages and compositions of the essential oils extracted using the proposed system and the distilled steam technique, respectively. However, the extraction time is reduced from 90 minutes in the distilled steam method to just 30 minutes in the proposed system. Finally, the plasma sterilization results demonstrate that the proposed system reduces the number of colony-forming units of Bacillus subtilis from 170 to 7 within a treatment time of 1 s, and achieves complete sterilization following 180 s. 17 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-270.php Milk is a healthy natural beverage and the main raw material of dairy products. It is well known that raw milk is the first link to guarantee and control the quality and safety of milk and dairy products. Only high-quality raw milk can produce high-quality dairy products. 10 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-269.php A problem we are facing more and more often has caught our attention. Neurotoxicity is caused by lead contamination of the environment and food chain. The purpose of this review is to present the harmful effects of lead on human health. In the long term, lead accumulated in the body can cause cognitive, motor, and behavioral changes. According to recent studies, lead is a real danger for children because it affects the development of the nervous system even in small amounts. This review also focused on suggesting a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C in the diet. Studies have shown that it has a possible neuroprotective role, being kept in high concentrations in the brain. 10 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-268.php Soil erosion is one of several major deterioration processes which result in soil degradation and declining agricultural productivity in Ethiopia due to the dense population, high livestock density, and intensive crop production in the area. Soil and water conservation practices are one of the mechanisms used to reduce erosion and associated nutrient loss, reducing the risk of production. Therefore, the review focuses on the importance of soil and water conservation practices on soil properties in Ethiopia. Several studies conducted in various parts of the country showed that the implemented soil bund reduced annual runoff and soil loss at different rates. Soil and water conservation have improved the soil Physico-chemical properties on conserved cropland (BD, SMC, pH, CEC, av. K, av. P, SOC, and TN) compared to the adjacent cropland without soil and water conservation measures. Soil and water conservation, reduce the removal of fertile topsoil and improves soil moisture, which favors crop growth as a result grain yield of the crops was increased. In general, the use of soil and water conservation strategies had clearly shown a positive impact on soil physico-chemical properties and crop yields. Therefore, to reduce soil erosion sustainably, different soil and water conservation options should be introduced and used considering agroecology, socio-economic profile, and climatic condition of the intervention area. 08 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-267.php Comparative genomics is the study of the similarities and differences in the structure and function of hereditary information across taxa. The objective of this study was to highlight the role of comparative mapping in crop improvement. Hence, the study encompasses comparative genomics over the past two decades, multiple investigations of many additional taxa have delivered two broad messages: multiple investigations of many additional taxa have delivered two broad messages: In most plants, the evolution of the small but essential portion of the genome that actually encodes the organism’s genes has proceeded relatively slowly; as a result, taxa that have been reproductively isolated for millions of years have retained recognizable intragenic DNA sequences as well as similar arrangements of genes along the chromosomes. A wide range of factors, such as ancient chromosomal or segmental duplications, mobility of DNA sequences, gene deletion, and localized rearrangements, has been superimposed on the relatively slow tempo of chromosomal evolution. Comparative genomics is the study of the similarities and differences in the structure and function of hereditary information across taxa. The objective of this study was to highlight the role of comparative mapping in crop improvement. Hence, the study encompasses comparative genomics over the past two decades, multiple investigations of many additional taxa have delivered two broad messages: multiple investigations of many additional taxa have delivered two broad messages: In most plants, the evolution of the small but essential portion of the genome that actually encodes the organism’s genes has proceeded relatively slowly; as a result, taxa that have been reproductively isolated for millions of years have retained recognizable intragenic DNA sequences as well as similar arrangements of genes along the chromosomes. A wide range of factors, such as ancient chromosomal or segmental duplications, mobility of DNA sequences, gene deletion, and localized rearrangements, has been superimposed on the relatively slow tempo of chromosomal evolution. 08 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-266.php Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the greatest significant grain crops in Ethiopia which ranked second only next tef in local production. However, its production is limited due to incorrect line spaces between crops. Therefore, field research was conducted at Dambi Dollo University during the 2020/2021 growing season under irrigated conditions for the production and yield of hybrid maize (BH546) with the help of optimizing spaces between rows. The test is performed using a three-dimensional Random Block Design with three replication in a single-factor test having three different line spaces (20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm). The highest values ​​of total ears in each crop, length of the ears, total seed rows in each cob, seed in each cob, the weight of a thousand grains, seed yield, and the harvest index are recorded in wide spaces (40 cm). The performance of hybrid maize (BH546) and part of the crop, a wide range of 40 cm rows between crops can be recommended in the study area. 03 Aug, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-265.php Production in industrial agriculture is under threat in the near future due to air pollution, excessive consumption, and climate change. Commercial production of traditional products is significant for the continuity of product diversity. Edible wild plants are usually collected from the wild and consumed for local needs. However, there are not enough initiatives for the cultivation of these plants. Turkey, which is very rich in point of biological diversity, is among the lucky countries in this regard. An important part of approximately 12000 plants in its flora is consumed as a food source by traditional methods. In this study, a list of 76 plants belonging to 34 families that are widely consumed for food purposes in Turkey is given. 26 Jul, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-264.php The study was conducted in Sudanese Sugar Industries during the period 2017 to aim the determination some heavy metals and microbial profiles of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standards. The samples were obtained from all Sudanese Sugar Industries namely, (Kenana, White Nile, Assalaya, Sennar, Guneid, and New Halfa). After that the samples were transferred to the laboratory to assess the quality parameters of raw sugar which include the determination of some heavy metals content of sugar cane per mg/kg in Sudanese sugar companies which include Mercury, Cadmium, Lead, and Arsenic, Determination Microbial analysis for final sugar which includes Detection of Thermopolis Bacteria (Sporeforming Bacteria, Bacteria producing H2S and H2 swell) and Determination Methophilic Bacteria (Total Count of bacteria CFU/10 gm, Determination Coliform Bacteria CFU/ 10 gm, Determination of Leuconstoc Mesenteroides Bacteria CFU/10 gm. and Enumeration of Yeasts and Moulds CFU/ 10 gm and Determination the concentration of Dextran. and the data were analyzed by using a Statistical system Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and analysis of variance technique by Least Significant Different Test (LSD) according to Fisher’s LSD method, 2010 at (Probability 0.05). Was applied to compare differences between means. The results showed that the mean concentration of Mercury, Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic was (0.02 mg/ kg grams of sugar), (0.62 mg/ kg sugar), (6.74 mg/ kg sugar), and (2.73mg/ kg sugar). These results Indicate all sample industries were agreeable with critical limit maximum value. It was concluded that the total count of Bacteria for raw Sugar White Nile and Sennar agreed with recommended limit. In the case of total yeasts, Sporeforming Bacteria, and Dextranium Bacteria all samples Industries were highest than the critical limit. While the total Moulds and Bacteria Production H2S all samples Industries were less than the critical limit except Kenana and Guneid respectively. Concerning the Total Count of Leuconstoc Mesenteroides Bacteria in sugar, the results revealed all samples Industries were higher than the recommended limit. And the samples Industries were online with the recommended limit concerning the dextran concentration except Guneid industry was highest than the critical limit (75 ppm). The study recommended that the Sudanese Sugar Industry needs to establish proper quality assurance laboratories to help in monitoring the quality and safety of raw materials and end products.In conclusion, the grain yield of maize increased with increasing N rate and plant density up to the optimum. Therefore, it’s possible to recommend using a high N rate with both low and medium plant density (&lt; 45,000 plants ha-1) and (45,000 to 65,000plants ha-1) to harvest high grain yield. 12 Jul, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-263.php Accurate nitrogen (N) fertilization and optimum plant density increase crop yields. In this study, I report the effects of N fertilization rate and plant density on maize yield in a meta-analysis, by using observations from 15 studies conducted in Ethiopia since the 2000s for possible refinement of N fertilizer and plant density recommendations. I assessed the response of maize to different N rates ha−1 compared to the control using the yield response approach. Application of N fertilizer significantly increased maize yields by 31.5% - 65.9% compared to control. plant density increased maize yields by 42% - 72.4% compared to the control. The interaction effect of the N rate increased maize yields by 27.6% - 95.9%, with Plant density, 58.7% - 152% on loam soil, compared to control yield. The interaction effect of Plant density with soil type increased maize yields by 47% - 108% on loam soil. In conclusion, the grain yield of maize increased with increasing N rate and plant density up to the optimum. Therefore, it’s possible to recommend using a high N rate with both low and medium plant density (&lt; 45,000 plants ha-1) and (45,000 to 65,000plants ha-1) to harvest high grain yield. 01 Jul, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-262.php The success of any breeding program rests upon the active involvement and participation of key stakeholders or technology recipients. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a versatile crop that is grown in most parts of the world, hence the need to involve different players in the process. Zimbabwe’s national variety development program includes a “Client-oriented” research approach called “Participatory Variety Selection” (PVS) in the process. The process that involved the evaluation of different advanced cotton genotypes by farmers in different cotton growing areas included five advanced genotypes and one commercial variety popularly grown by farmers. These were grown in a Mother-Baby Trial arrangement. Through the integration of farmers’ and researchers’ selection criteria, the study sought to enhance the identification and selection of best-performing cotton genotypes under diverse growing conditions. The study established that farmers’ preferred cotton attributes included large bolls (> 5g), uniform boll split (to avoid many picks), short interboll distance (many bolls per fruiting branch), uniform short height (1.0-1.2m), more bolls per plant (>30) and low pest damage (bollworms and Jassid). Through the use of these attributes, the farmers identified SN-96-5, 830-01-3, and 645-98-11 as their best performing genotypes through voting and Focus Group Discussions that were conducted where they recorded 206 votes, 130 votes, and 129 votes respectively. Total Seed Cotton Yield data from the farmer-managed plots (Baby Trial) and Researcher-managed (Mother Trial) were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. The study results which revealed significant differences in the genotypic, environmental variance, and interaction (Table 5) (P&lt;0.04, P&lt;0.001, and P&lt;0.035 respectively) identified genotype SN-96-5 as the best performing genotype. AMMI and GGE biplots also indicated that SN-96-5 was the most ideal, high-yielding, and fairly stable genotype. Therefore, SN-96-5 is recommended for release and commercial production in Zimbabwe. 02 Jun, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-261.php Global food security has become a major issue as the human population grows and the environment changes, with the current rate of improvement of several important crops inadequate to meet future demand. Crop plants have extended generation times, which contributes to the slow rate of progress. However, speed breeding has revolutionized the entire world by reducing generation time and speeding up breeding and research programs to improve crop varieties. In the absence of an integrated pre-breeding program, breeding new and high-performing cultivars with market-preferred traits can take more than ten years. After the first cross with parental genotypes, a large amount of time, space, and resources are committed to the selection and genetic advancement stages during the early stages of breeding. Speed breeding has the ability to shorten the time it takes to develop, market, and commercialize cultivars. Crop improvement in the face of a fast-changing environment and an ever-increasing human population is a major concern for scientists around the world. Current crop enhancement projects are progressing at a rate that is insufficient to meet food demand. Crop redesign is urgently needed for climate resilience, as well as long-term yield and nutrition. Crop progress is slowed significantly by the long generation time required by crop plants during the breeding process. Speed breeding is now being used on a large scale to shorten generation time and support multiple crop generations per year as a solution in this approach. Researchers are now using an integrated approach to improve breeding efficiency, combining speed breeding with current plant breeding and genetic engineering methods. Speed breeding is a promising approach for achieving nutritional security and sustainable agriculture by shortening breeding cycles for food and industrial crop enhancement. Speed breeding is a methodology that allows plant breeders to improve crop production by adjusting temperature, light duration, and intensity to boost plant development. It uses an artificial source of light, which is kept on continuously, to activate the photosynthetic process, which leads to growth and reproduction much earlier than normal. This will assist in meeting the demands of the future’s rising population. This can be accomplished using a variety of technologies, including genotyping, marker-assisted selection, high throughput phenotyping; gene editing, genomic selection, and re-domestication, all of which can be combined with speed breeding to allow plant breeders to keep up with a changing climate and growing human population. 02 Jun, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-260.php This study was conducted at Dore Befano and Meskan district of Sidma regional state and Gurage zone of south nation, nationalities, and peoples of southern Ethiopia’s (SNNPR), where maize dominated. The trial was conducted to evaluate the outcome of under sowing lablab on the grain yield, Stover, and appropriate time and seeding rate of forage crop under sowing. The trial was implemented using a 3 by 3 factorial combination with two sole treatments in an RCBD with three replications. The treatments were sole Maize (T1). Sole forage (T2) and Maize & Forage Simultaneous with maize sowing date full Simultaneous with maize sowing date 75%, Simultaneous with maize sowing date at 50%, Maize & Forage After 15 days of maize sowing full, after 15 days of maize sowing 75%, After 15 days of maize sowing 50%, Maize & Forage After 30 days of maize sowing full, Maize & Forage After 30 days of maize sowing 75% and Maize & Forage After 30 days of maize sowing 50% T3 to T11 respectively. Under sowing of lablab with maize did not affect the grain yield of maize. Among experiments, T5 was a more appropriate seeding rate and sowing time for under sowing of lablab with maize. 21 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-259.php This review paper was prepared by reviewing and summarizing several findings including research articles, FAO, and WHO databases concerning the pandemic and related issues. The security and safety status of foods during the pandemic outbreak and the possible solutions to food-related problems were also reviewed. The COVID-19 pandemic is currently not only affecting health but also the security of foods and nutrition. The effect of the Covid-19 on the entire food along the value chains was reviewed in this paper. The Coronavirus has been disturbing the health of world populations and food security. It is critically affecting the food processing business in various ways. The mitigating measures taken to contain the virus and decrease transmission to society are directly and indirectly affecting food security and safety. The overall food system is being disturbed by movement restrictions, closure of borders, and quarantine in turn resulting in low availability of food and an increase in the price of food products. The effect of the pandemic on food security can be estimated based on the impacts the previous pandemic Ebola made on the DRC and Liberia in 2014. The effects of the pandemic on the food production system and availability are similar. The mitigating measures suggested like movement restrictions, social distancing, and border closing and quarantine to protect the people from the COVID-19 are affecting global food security at large. Keeping the movement of foods along the value chain is crucial to creating and maintaining the confidence of consumers in the availability and safety of foods. Both security and the safety of foods are important things to be considered throughout the pandemic era. The important issue is that the low access to food and increase in price is challenging because; the pandemic affects labour for production at the farm, food processing personnel, marketing, and all the supply chains from production up to fork. 17 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-258.php Coffea arabica is one of the most widely consumed and marketed commodities in the world. The study was designed to characterize C.arabica honey for botanical composition, physicochemical parameters, and antioxidant properties of honey. Twelve honey samples of C. arabica honey were collected during the flowering period of coffee flowers from the Zander hive. The physicochemical properties of honey and the Botanical origin of honey were determined based on Harmonized methods of the International Honey Commission. The antioxidant power of the coffee monofloral honey samples was determined by dissolving 1.5 gm of honey with 25 ml distilled water and mixing it with 25ml methanol and placed at 25◦C for sixty minutes of maceration using a temperature shaker. The pollen count percentage from honey indicated that all honey samples collected from Gera, Gomma, Yayu, and Manna districts were identified as coffee monofloral honey representing 84%, 93%, 75%, and 73 % of pollen count respectively. The mean moisture, ash, HMF, EC, FA, pH, fructose, glucose and sucrose content of Coffea arabica honey were 22.48%, 0.21%, 11.88, 0.49 mS/cm, 13.44 meq/Kg, 3.32, 32.77%, 32.9%, and 3.57% respectively. The total phenol and flavonoid content range from 42.1-82.1 and 21.7-59.7 mg/100 g of GAE/g respectively while the radical scavenging activity ranges from 60.2- 66.3%. The pollen analysis of honey from the area is coffee monofloral honey since its pollen count exceeds more than 45% and the honey quality also meets the Ethiopian and International standards. The antioxidant power of Coffee honey has a considerable amount of polyphenolics which have relevant antiradical activity. 16 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-257.php Located in a subtropical zone, Taiwan has intense summer sunlight that affects beefsteak tomato cultivation. In this study, beefsteak tomatoes were grown net-house under photo-selective netting of different colors to investigate netting performance. A significantly higher photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was observed under the 24-mesh white (W24) and 24-mesh pink (H24) netting. A difference between the four net-house was only observed for wavelengths of 500–599nm. In 32-mesh blue (B32), the red to blue (R/B) and red to far-red (R/FR) ratios were significantly lower across canopies. The photosynthetic capacity of photosystem II of leaves in W24 was the lowest among the four treatments. In all four, fruit growth was relatively low under the impact of high temperatures, with the lowest single fruit weight and the smallest number of fruits per plant observed in W24. In H24 and 24-mesh pink (HH24), the yield per plant was significantly higher. Significantly fewer whiteflies were observed in the netting houses in H24, HH24, and B32 than in W24. However, the netting still failed to prevent high temperatures at noon. In H24 and HH24, the amount of light retained in the canopies was greater, the photosynthesis capacity was unchanged, the fruit yield was greater and the number of whiteflies in the netting houses was significantly lower. Therefore, pink netting is recommended for beefsteak tomato cultivation. 14 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-256.php The Ethiopian poultry population (chicken) is projected to be around 56.06 million, with indigenous, hybrid, and foreign breeds accounting for 88.19 percent, 6.45 percent, and 5.36 percent of the total poultry, respectively. Ethiopian poultry farming methods are typically low-productivity subsistence systems. This paper will now collect data on chicken kinds used for meat and egg production, as well as their use, difficulties, and potential in Ethiopian poultry productivity. It also discusses Ethiopian poultry production methods, their contributions, and challenges such as feed shortages, predators, disease, veterinary service, health management, marketing, genetic quality (breed), and Extension service issues. However, information covers both the past and the present; production options include training and extension services, veterinary services, market access, financial services, and the requirement for limited space and inputs. As a result, certain actions must be taken immediately to alleviate these limits and boost the poultry’s production potential. 12 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-255.php Information on the diversity of landraces, cultivation practices, and feeding habits is necessary to improve the crops through selection and/or hybridization. This study was conducted to generate information to document cropping practices, values, and socio-cultural aspects of fenugreek. A study was conducted in five districts of Oromia and one yem special districts at Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Regional States, and data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews from 144 general and 24 key informants. Assessment of data was conducted through interviews with informants regarding cropping systems of the specific landraces, plant nomenclature of traditional landraces, distinctive criteria of each landrace, and use of fenugreek. R software version 4.1.2 and MS Excel 2010 were used to analyze qualitative data, quantify, sort, determine proportions and draw figures, percentages, means, and tables. The result indicated that Hulbata guracha and Hulbata Dima in Eastern Hararghe and Abesha abish and Orome abish in Yem Special district were reported as popular farmers’ cultivars. The farmers named the cultivars mainly based on seed color, seed source, and taste. Sole cropping of fenugreek was more common in Yem special district (65.3%), whereas intercropping with sorghum and Catha edulis (khat) was common in East Hararghe (27.3%) and crop rotation was practiced in both East Hararghe (97.2%) and Yem especial district (88.8%). The farmers in the study area use fenugreek mainly as food in East Hararghe (100%) while in Yem special district used mainly as a spice (100%). This is due to socio-cultural and knowledge differences on the importance of fenugreek in the study area that influence feeding habits, cultivation practice, and uses. 06 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-253.php Tef is the first crop produced in Ethiopia and the main staple food and income generation source. The productivity of the crop is low due to different factors. This study aimed to identify factors affecting tef market participation decision and the level of market participation of tef producers’. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select appropriate sample households. The descriptive statistic, inferential statistic, and econometrics model were used to analyze the collected data. The result shows that 72.27% of sampled households sold their tef in the market. The double hurdle model result revealed that tef market participation decision was affected by land allocated for tef, the volume of tef produced, gender of household head, education level of household head, additional income sources, extension services, and market information while the intensity of participation was affected by the volume of tef produced, gender, education level, improved variety used, additional income sources, and extension service. These results suggest that to enhance the flow of tef to market and intensity of tef in participation skills and knowledge through training, advising, and supervision; capacitate farmers by the additional work atmosphere and empowering women farmers through improved variety and to access working capital are need attention by respective sectors that contribute in the commodity value chain. 06 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-252.php The data sources were both primary and secondary data. To enable an analysis of data collected through questionnaire, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 20) was used. The mean family size of the respondents was 6.04. The mean and SDs of cattle holding per household was (8.38±4.91). The total (67.9%) of respondents were having not have owned grazing land for their dairy cows. Tryponomiasis disease (Gendi) ranked first, Pasteurellosis disease second, and external parasites were third. (98.2%) respondents rear indigenous breeds. The mean daily milk production per cow was 1.4 liters. More than half of the milk was used for family consumption. Milk is sold in the area through an informal market directly to the retailer. Technical strategies to support smallholder cattle production should focus on improving technical and institutional constraints by providing adequate veterinary services, improving fodder cultivation, proper crop residue management, and improvement, supplying medical equipment and medicines, adequate extension service, improved water availability, and improving breeding systems. To ensure a reliable feed supply throughout the year, fodder conservation practices, especially hay and crop residues, should be encouraged. 05 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-251.php Rice is one of the millennium crops that give more attention by the government of Ethiopia to bring food security across the nation. Research has been conducted on rice and released promising rice varieties by Pawe agricultural research center in collaboration with Adet agricultural research center in the past. The objective of this demonstration was to popularize and demonstrate the newly released rice variety i.e. PSBRC92 and to get feedback from the end-users. In the field demonstration, a total of 50 rice producer farmers participated and they have given their own suggestions concerning the new rice variety compared with the check one. The advantages of using the new rice variety over the standard check are early maturity and high quality of resistance to diseases. Farmers’ agricultural experts and researchers were discussed fruitfully. Finally, farmers showed their interest to use the new rice variety, if they have got access to get the seed. Generally, all the stakeholders have agreed to do more to maximize and popularization of the new rice variety and the paper will provide some information to the readers about rice variety development research in Pawe as well as in Ethiopia. 04 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-250.php Background: Casimiroa edulis fruit is an underutilized seasonal fruit of Ethiopia, and is a rich source of many medicinal and nutritional properties. Casimiroa edulis is a fruit with good sources of different nutrients (minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and energy). The fruit is found in different parts of the country, Ethiopia. However, there are no clear research shreds of evidence of the fruits on post-harvest handling, preservation, processing, and value addition. Purpose of the study: The present study is aimed at the characterization and optimization of the enzyme-assisted casimiroa fruit juice clarification process based on selected quality parameters of the final product. Methodology: D-optimal Mixture Design and RSM were used to investigate the level of ingredients and the effects of independent variables on physicochemical composition, functional properties, mineral values, and acceptability tests of casimiroa fruit juice. Graphical and numerical optimization was conducted to find the best variables conditions. Casimiroa fruit was treated at various enzyme concentrations (0.01-0.2 %), incubation temperature (30-55 oC), and incubation time (30-100 min.) of treatment. A second-order Central composite (CCD) was employed to identify the effect of independent variables on the final product. Results: In this study, a statistically significant difference (P&lt;0.05) was observed within the process variables on nutritional profiles of casimiroa fruit juice. Furthermore, the enzyme treatment reduced the cloudy appearance of casimiroa fruit juice and improved its clarity of juice. The coefficient of determination and R2 values for the dependent variables were almost greater than 0.8. This study revealed that clarity, viscosity, TSS, TA, pH, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, P, and overall acceptability were significantly (p&lt;0.05) correlated to incubation temperature, incubation time and enzyme concentration. Incubation time and enzyme concentration were the most important factors affecting the characteristics of the casimiroa fruit juice as they exerted a highly significant influence (p&lt;0.05) on the dependent variables. Conclusion: In conclusion, enzyme treatment improves qualities of fruit juice and the overall optimization suggests that enzymatic-treated juice made with 75% fruit pure, 21.25% water, 2.63 % sugar, and 1.13 % citric acid with process variables of incubation temperature (44.01 0C), incubation time (62.74 min.) and enzyme concentration (0.2 %), respectively achieved the best formulation for this combination of variables with a desirable of 0.9029. 03 May, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-249.php The study was conducted in the Boneya Boshe, Wayu Tuqa, and Diga districts of western Oromia, during the 2020 main cropping season. The objective of the study was to demonstrate a recently released finger millet variety to the farmers in the study areas. A new variety (Bako-09) was planted along with standard checks (Gute and Gudetu) on 100 m2 adjacent plots, adhering to breeder recommendations. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed for this study. At maturity, participatory variety evaluation was done using qualitative and quantitative traits/criteria set by the farmers to select the best variety for future use. Disease resistance/ tolerance, grain yield performance, tillering capacity, number of fingers per head, and seed color were the first five most important criteria considered by the farmers in their order of importance. The new variety was ranked first based on these criteria and was selected as the first option for future use by the farmers. An independent sample t-test was used to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative data were qualitatively analyzed and described. The mean grain yield performance of the varieties (qt ha-1) was 24.73±1.05, 20.23±0.73 and18.36±0.34 for Bako-09, Gute, and Gudetu, respectively which is statistically significant (p&lt;0.01). The new variety, accordingly exhibited a yield advantage of 22.24% and 34.7%, respectively over Gute and Gudetu varieties. The technology gap and technology index for Bako-09 were 5.07 qt and 17.01%, respectively while the values were 14.77 qt and 42.2%; 4.4 qt and 20.17% for Gute and Gudetu, respectively, witnessing more stability and feasibility of the new variety to the farmers. The result of financial analysis also reveals that a net gain of 31755.83 ETB, 24073.33 ETB, and 20672.5 ETB were accrued from Bako-09, Gute and Gudetu varieties, respectively, evidencing more profitability of the new variety compared to the checks. The new variety, has consequently, met the farmer’s demand both in terms of qualitative and quantitative traits including financial benefits than the standard checks. This calls for wider dissemination of the variety with its full package to the farmers in the study area and with similar agro-ecological conditions. 20 Apr, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-248.php This study was conducted in the southern region of Ethiopia. The objectives were to assess the occurrence and level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in dairy cow feeds. The analytical technique used was Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze +the season and location interaction effect. Laboratory analysis showed that 81.2% of the feed samples had a detectable level of AFB1 within the range of 0.067-29.69 µg/kg and with an average of 7.91±5.83 µg/kg. From the positive samples, 52.5 and 4.58% of the feed sample were above EU (5 µg/kg) and USA (20 µg/kg) limits for dairy cattle feed respectively. Average AFB1 concentration during the dry season (8.74± 5.6 µg/kg) is significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than wet season (7.02± 5.86 µg/kg). This result implies that sustainable good practices should be maintained for all feed harvesting, storage, and feeding practices by feed producers and dairy farmers regarding aflatoxin contamination. 18 Feb, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-247.php The field trial was carried out in the 2014 cropping season in the Research and Training Farm (Eastern Farm) of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to assess the effect of NPK 15: 15: 15 fertilizer rates on the biological and economic yields of groundnut (Ogoja spreading cultivar). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Two viable seeds were sown at 40cm×40cm in a hole/hill along the crest of a 10m ridge with 0.5m spacing between two ridges on 28th June 2014. NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer was applied to each hill on 26th July at the rates of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg/ha using the ring method. Field data were taken on the total fresh weight (g) of biomass/hill, number of pods/hill, fresh weight (g) of pods/hill, number of seeds/hill, 100 seeds` weight (kg/ha), and harvest index. The field data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Coefficient of Variation (CV), and line graphs with error bars using Genstat 12 edition and Excel Package, respectively. Fisher`s list significant difference (F-LSD) was applied to detect a significant difference between two means (P= 0.05). The result showed that the soil was texturally sandy loam with a pH of 5.20. The soil was also low in organic matter, total nitrogen, and potassium. But, it was high in phosphorus and exchangeable acidity. The application of NPK fertilizer significantly influenced (P≤0.05) the total fresh weight of biomass of groundnut with 150kg/ha giving the highest total fresh weight of biomass/hill. In the same vein, the application of NPK fertilizer at 250kg/ha also significantly increased (P≤0.05) the number of pods/hill. However, NPK fertilizer application did not significantly affect (P≥0.05) the total fresh weight of pods/hill, number of seeds/hill, 100 seed weight/hill, and harvest index. 31 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-246.php Nigeria is a leading cashew producer, but this has not been reflected in the development of the downstream cashew value chain industry. The launch of the “Agriculture Promotion Policy (2016 – 2020)” document was designed to encourage value addition to export crops such as cashew as ways of creating jobs and wealth to value chain actors. However, it is still unclear why cashew processors are unable to exploit this opportunity to improve value addition to cashew. This makes it imperative that factors influencing value addition to cashew products in the South-East zone, Nigeria be analyzed. A cross-sectional survey design involving a structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 353 randomly selected respondents from the South-East zone, Nigeria. The study found that income, access to market, product characteristics, and cost of cashew processing technology significantly influence value addition to cashew products in the two models, whereas government policy on cashew processing and market facilities were significant in the second model. The relative risk ratios for age, educational level, income, processing experience, access to market, distance to market, government policy on cashew processing and market facilities were > 1, suggesting the likelihood of processor’s preferring to add value to cashew kernel, and both cashew products as against cashew nut for any unit increase in these variables. This study provided vital insights about how the relative significance of these factors will aid policy analysts and decision-makers to determine which of the factors to focus on while developing specific policies for the cashew value chain industry. 20 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-245.php Maize (Zea mays L.) is a plant that is grown for human and animal consumption, as well as biofuel and a range of industrial applications throughout the world. By 2020, it is predicted to outnumber wheat and rice in terms of demand. Farmers pick among two types of maize varieties in modern agriculture. Hybrids and open-pollinated varieties are mostly influenced by the current environmental and economic conditions and availability of seed for the preferred variety type. As a result, minimizing the time required for inbred development is critical in supplying varieties that fulfill the needs of modern farmers. The use of doubled haploid technology is the most effective way to accomplish this. The in vivo technique is widely regarded as a valuable tool for improving breeding efficiency. In maize, in vivo haploid induction has been quite successful and several commercial breeding programs currently use it extensively. Many factors such as anther stage, donor plant, and anther preparation were discovered to influence in vitro haploid induction (Androgenesis) in maize. Color indicators are widely used to distinguish typical fertilization kernels from those produced via haploid induction. Because gamete production is hindered in haploid plants, they are sterile. As a result, haploid chromosome duplication is required to permit self-pollination for seed production and genotype preservation. In the production of maize DH lines and colchicine is the most often used chemical as a chromosomal doubling agent. DHs are the ideal material for genetic improvement and genetic studies of maize because of their utility in homozygous line creation, recurrent selection, and induction of mutation, genetic enrichment, and compatibility with other technologies. 20 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-244.php Sorghum is a critical crop especially in semiarid areas where there is inadequate moisture.it is the fifth important crop among the cereals. Sorghum is a C4 plant which is originated and diversified in Ethiopia. It is used for feed, fuel, and consumed by human beings in the form of enjera, boiled porridge or gruel, malted beverages, beer, popped grain, and chips. In Ethiopia, biotic, socioeconomic, and abiotic restrictions limit sorghum production and productivity. Drought, Striga, disease, insect pests and etc are major problems Sorghum breeding program Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, which is part of the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, is in charge of coordination in Ethiopia. National and regional sorghum improvement programs have released many open-pollinated and hybrid sorghum varieties for Ethiopia’s various agro-ecological zones. Nowadays to feed the world population the production and productivity of sorghum should be increased. As a result, the aim of this review is to evaluate the progress, successes, and challenges of sorghum production and productivity in Ethiopia. 19 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-243.php The aim of this review is focused on the physical, chemical, and antioxidant properties of Ethiopian honey such as moisture contents, reducing sugars (glucose and fructose), free acidity, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural, (HMF), phenolic compounds, minerals, and water-insoluble solid and enzymatic activity of honey. Generally, the average values of the parameter were within the acceptable ranges of National, EU, and FAO/WHO which was set as permission limit requirement for general blossom honey quality. Accordingly, HMF (9.46±7.11mg/kg), moisture contents (18.93%±1.92%), free acidity (23.2±10 meq/kg), pH (3.94±0.14) ash content (0.32%±0.13%), electrical Conductivity (0.41±0.16 mS/cm), water-insoluble solids (0.20%±0.07%), reducing Sugar (70.46%±3.5,0%), and Sucrose (2.75%±1.1%) of the honey was found to be low, this value suggesting that Ethiopian honey were of good quality. The total phenolic contents of honey were high and strongly correlated with the antioxidant activity/radical scavenging capacity. A large portion of research findings are not focused on medicinal value therefore, more research would be important to focus on honey from medicinal plants and to build up the possible relations between the bioactive substances in plant parts and their nectars. 19 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-242.php Mamey apple (Mammea americana) is a tropical fruit largely consumed and more and more coveted as it is a rich source of antioxidants. There is considerable interest in fruits phenolic compounds due to their different characteristics and particularly to their role in protection against cardiovascular diseases and cancers through their antioxidant activity. Nutritional characteristics were determined in six mamey apple fruit accessions: Sonson, Pavé 11, Lézarde, Ti Jacques, Escouët and Antonio. The pulps of the ripe fruits were analyzed for moisture, ash, total lipid, total protein, and carbohydrate contents. This study represents a detailed report of phenolic compounds in mamey apple pulp. The metabolite profiling associated with the antioxidant potential represents an important step to the bioactive molecules characterization. The results showed that the accessions studied contained three main classes of phenolic compounds: flavan-3-ols, phenolic acids and flavonols. Those phenolic compounds characterization was then carried out first using liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Diode Array Detector (DAD). Finally, spectral characteristics and fragmentations were acquired by Mass Spectrometry (MS) using the Electrospray Ionization Interface (ESI). All the identified compounds are interesting metabolites known for their biological properties and nutritional benefits 13 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-241.php Apple is a climacteric temperate fruit with high market demand providing essential components to the body. Nowadays, apple production is increasing every year especially in EU member countries are the highest producer. Hence, this paper reviews the postharvest quality and associated changes during handling. Usually, farmers face difficulty in estimating the right harvesting time though Different methods exist to test the maturity stage such as counting the days after full bloom, color change, firmness test, measuring soluble sugar, starch iodine test and Streif index. Depending on different factors, farmers can choose the best maturity estimation method in various locations. Postharvest diseases of apples makeup a major part of the economic losses incurred during apple production. Annual losses of many fruits, including apple, vary from 5 to 35% and for developing countries, it ranges between 20%-50%. The most common causes are poor harvesting methods, transportation and storage methods which can open access for fungal growth species such as Botrytis species. B. cinerea is one of the most important of the species with unique characteristics causing the highest losses. 12 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-240.php The present study was conducted in all Sudanese Sugar industries; namely; (Kenana, White Nile, Assalaya, Sennar, Guneid and New Halfa) during production season at 2017. The study aimed to evaluate the existence of food safety Management System implemented by all Sudanese sugar industries with reference to the Food Safety Management System &#40;FSMS&#41; of the International Standard Organization (ISO 22000). The data were collected using ISO 22000 checklist and direct interviews. Likert Five-Point Scale was used in scoring the checklist statement and the arithmetic mean was obtained. The results of the study revealed that the general requirement of the Food Safety Management System was not applicable; score less than (1.8 points) whereas its documentation that supports food safety programs scored major deficiencies in five industries less than 3.4 points. Secondly, the requirement of management responsibility attained non-compliance in three industries. Thirdly, the Requirement of Resource Management in all Sudanese sugar industries had major deficiencies except one factory scored minor deficiency less than 4.2 points. Fourthly, Planning and realization of safe products requirement was non-compliance in three factories less than 2.6 points and not applicable in the rest factories. Finally, the requirement of validation, verification and improvement of food safety programs was not applicable in all Sudanese Sugar Industries where it recorded less than 1.8 points. Lack of top management commitment and involvement and lack of government support represent the main constraints and barriers to implementing food safety systems in Sudanese sugar companies. Sudanese sugar industries need to implement food safety systems like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System) that represent the minimum requirement to implement Food Safety Management System. 08 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-239.php Genetic modification entails incorporating DNA into an organism’s genome as well as putting new DNA into plant cells in order to create a genetically modified plant. Chemicals are poured into plants to improve product sizes and productivity in genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a type of clinical farming. The goal of genetic modification is to provide enhanced features to plants by altering their genetic makeup. This is done by inserting a novel gene or gene into the genome of a plant. Flavr Savr tomatoes were the first genetically modified plants, and they were modified to delay the ripening process, preventing tenderness and rot. Complete crop production increased significantly after the introduction of GM crops at some point during the generation; some of these increases may be due to GM technologies and crop protection advances that have been made possible, despite the fact that GM crops adopted so far are not crop yields. GMOs gain humanity when they are utilized for purposes like improving the availability and quality of food and hospital therapy, as well as contributing to a cleaner environment. If employed correctly, they have the potential to improve the economy without inflicting more harm than good, as well as gain from its ability to alleviate hunger and sickness around the world. However, the full potential of GMOs cannot be identified without thorough research and attention to the dangers associated with each new GMO on a particular scenario basis. Improved resistance to disease and pests can be achieved by genetic modification. It may enable the production of more nutritious staple plants that provide key micronutrients that are frequently lacking in the diets of poor people. As a result, the purpose of this review was to assess the deployment of genetically engineered crops and their effects on modern agriculture progress. 07 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-238.php Pre extension demonstration of onion varieties was conducted at Fadis and Babile districts of East Hararghe zone one kebele from one FRG established and 10 trial farmers. Both varieties were sown on 10*10 plot size of demonstration plots with full package technology. The training was given for farmers on onion agronomic practices to make full package technology. The bulb yield of the improved onion varieties (Red Bombay and local) were 22.86, 18.74ton/ha at Erer and 22.00, 17.92 ton/ha Ballina Arba Kebele respectively. The result showed that there was a significant difference between both varieties at &lt;1% level. Red Bombay has a 22.37% yield advantage over local check. 05 Jan, 2022 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-8-237.php In this study, the effect of oxidative improvers such as glucose oxidase (10-30 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid (50–150 mg/kg) were compared on the rheological properties of two sets of flours with different extraction rates (75% and 82%). The optimized formulation via the response surface method revealed that the oxidative improvers have a different reaction in different types of flours. In flours with a 75% extraction rate, glucose oxidase played the main role, while in the flours with an 82% extraction rate, ascorbic acid was more effective. Also, this study showed that the effects of both improvers are dose-dependent, for the 75% extraction rate of flour, the optimal dose of glucose oxidase is 23 mg/kg, and for the 82% extraction rate of flour, the optimal dosage is 90 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. Finally, the effect of the optimal formulation was investigated on the bread properties and the results were compared with the control sample. 31 Dec, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-236.php The development of botanical insecticides as a novel and safer alternative strategy, botanical insecticides which contain plant extracts as active components are safer as well as environmentally friendlier than synthetic insecticides. The field experiment was conducted at Ginir district with the objectives to evaluate the Nimbecidine insecticide against field pea aphid and to determine the application rate and frequencies for the effective management of field pea aphid. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three (3) replication. The treatments include five rate of nimbecidine (3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 L/ha) and three frequencies (0, 1, 2 and 3). Aphid population significantly affected by the rate and frequency of nimbecidine at the rate 4.5 lt/ha the mortality reached from 27.89 to 10.67% on two times sprayed plots. The highest yield advantage of 35.61% and 33.86% over the untreated control was obtained from the plots treated at the rate of 4.5 and 4 lt/ha when sprayed two times. Therefore, Their use in pea aphid IPM at the rate of 4.5lt/ha at the frequency of two times application at flowering and pod setting stage provides good results. 24 Dec, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-235.php Participatory variety selection is the most important breeding program which enhanced the adoption of improved varieties through creating awareness based on smallholder farmers’ selection criteria. Several different improved sorghum varieties are released at different international and national research institutions at different times, however, the technologies were not properly addressed the farmers based on participatory, client oriented and demand driven. The experiment was carried out in West Hararghe Zone; Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia with the objective to identify and recommend the best adapted and performed improved sorghum varieties with farmers’ preference traits through continuous performance evaluation at different stages of the sorghum. A total of six sorghum varieties were evaluated in randomized complete block design in the 2019 main cropping season. Farmers have evaluated the entire experimental units using different statistical tools like direct-matrix and pair-wise ranking algorithms at maturity stage. Farmers set selection criteria to identify the superior improved varieties as compared to the local check by listing different agronomic traits like yield, biomass, seed color, seed size and biotic and abiotic resistance. The analysis of variance showed that there was highly significant difference (p&lt;0.01) among the genotypes for all studied traits. The greatest grain yield was recorded from the variety Dibaba (11325 Kgha-1) and Jiru (10200 Kgha-1) respectively. Likewise, based on the overall farmer’s preference, Dibaba and Jiru were ranked first and second and followed by Adelle, ETS2752 and Chiro respectively. Additionally, the study revealed that participatory varietal selection is playing decisive role in gathering farmers’ perceptions, preferences, merits and shortcomings of sorghum varieties for future improvement. Hence, based on the result of the study, variety Dibaba and Jiru were recommended for multiplication and distribution to farmers through both formal and informal seed systems. Generally, the integration of plant breeders and farmers’ perceptions are used to increase the adoption rate and design a good breeding program for future improvement. 30 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-234.php The present study was conducted in Sudan Sugar industry factories (Kenana, White Nile, Assalaya, Sennar, Guneid, and New Halfa) during the production season of 2017. The study aimed to evaluate the existing Assessment of the extent of implementing the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System &#40;HACCP&#41; by Sudanese sugar factories with reference to FSMS of the ISO 22000: 2005. The data were collected using ISO 22000 checklist and direct interviews. Likert Five-Point Scale was used in scoring the checklist statement and the arithmetic mean was obtained. The result showed that the Good Manufacturing Practices were varied between major deficiencies in White Nile, Assalaya, Sennar, and New Halfa due to score less than (3.6 points) and non-compliance in Kenana and Guneid due to score less than (2.6 points); the Sanitation Standard Operation Procedures (SSOP) assessed as major deficiencies in (Assalaya and Sennar) and minor deficiencies in (White Nile and New Halfa) due to score less than (5points). Moreover, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points System revealed that it was varied between non-compliance in (Kenana, White Nile, and Guneid) and not applicable in (Assalaya, Sennar and New Halfa) due to score less than (1.8 points). Interestingly, the Sudanese sugar industries take all quality control characteristics from cane production to sugar production carefully, but unfortunately don’t care about any food safety systems. Lack of top management commitment and involvement and lack of government support represent the main constraints and Barriers of implementing food safety systems in Sudanese sugar companies. The study recommendations that the Sudanese Sugar Industry needs to establish proper quality assurance laboratories to help in monitoring the quality and safety of raw materials and end productions. 30 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-233.php This study was designed to determine the microbial and heavy metal contamination level in expeller’s groundnut oil. Ten samples of groundnut oil were collected, labeled from E1 to E10 and the microbial and heavy metals examination tests were laboratory assessed. The study results showed that, the Total Count of Bacteria (TCB) for all oil Expellers samples was 33.8 Colony Forming Unit (Cfu)/ml oil. The highestt value was (111 Cfu/ml) in E10 and the lowest value (7 Cfu/ml oil) in E1. Concerning the Total Count of Fungal (TCF) for all samples was 31.4 and 6.75 Cfu/1ml for the yeast and mould respectively. Yeasts highest count was 109 Cfu/ml in E10 and the lowest count was 6 Cfu/ml in E1. while moulds highest count was 18 Cfu/ml in E10 and the lowest number of 2 Cfu/ml oil was found in E2. The bacterial detection test of Staph, Bacillus, Coliform, and E.Coli in the oils Expellers explored that no bacterial presence in E1, E3, and E7 but, the four types were recorded in E5, E9 and E10. On the other hand E2, E6 and E8 showed positive detection to Staph and Bacillus, while E4 was positive to Bacillus detection only. The Concentration of Iron (Fe) on expeller oil samples (E2, E3, E4, E6, E7, E8, E9 and E10) was higher than the minimum specification limit of 5meq/kg for heavy metals, but E1 and E5 were within the minimum specification limit. All expellers oil samples were higher than acceptable limit for Copper (Cu) concentration that established by SSMO and Codex alimentary for heavy metals of less than 0.1meq/kg. As well as, the Concentration value of Lead (Pb) all expeller oil samples were above the specification limit of heavy metals that should not be more than 0.1meq/kg. 30 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-232.php The present activity was conducted at Keta Berenda kebele of Dodola district of West Arsi Zone of Oromia in 2019 cropping season with the objectives to evaluate cluster-based pre-scaling up fodder oat mixture with vetch, collect farmers’ opinion on the performance of the technology, improve farmers’ knowledge and skill of application of the improved technology through training and increase local capacity for future scaling-up. Keta Berenda kebele was purposively selected from the district based on the livestock population potential and accessibility. Thirty-one farmers (24 males and 7 females) who had the willingness to accept and disseminate the technology and possess adequate land for forage production were selected in cluster form and established as 1 FREGs in collaboration with development agents of the Kebele. Fourteen trial farmers were nominated from the members for forage establishment. The technology was established on a land size of 2.945 ha with all recommended agronomic practices. The training was given for 20 farmers and 3 development agents on; forage production, management, and utilization practices. 8.01 t ha-1 biomass yields were obtained from an oat-vetch mixture. Hence, the technology should be further promoted on a wide scale to address the feed shortage scarcity of the study area. 17 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-231.php Maize Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is considered an economically important pest and becoming the main threat to food security. This polyphagous pest is widely distributed in various countries of the world especially tropical and subtropical regions. The toxicity of two entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana were evaluated against 2nd instar larvae of FAW under controlled conditions. The results showed that among tested entomopathogenic fungi, B. bassiana was found more toxic than M. anisopliae. B. bassiana caused 79% larval mortality while M. anisopliae 59%. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were showed LT50 of 84.01 h and 80.99 h, respectively. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were showed LC50 of 1.3×107 and 1.8×107 spores ml−1, respectively. The current study concluded that Entomopathogenic fungi can give effective control against early instar and further studies are needed to check the efficacy against older instars under field and laboratory conditions. 10 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-230.php Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L. (or) Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is being a very nutritious and health protective food, are highly perishable nature. Its sensitivity to postharvest loss due to poor handling, diseases and physical injury limits its successful marketing. Therefore, simple technology is required to reduce the postharvest loss of this commodity. The use of edible coatings with bio-extracts appears to be a good alternative preservation technique to extend the mature tomato fruits. This study was, therefore, initiated to investigate the effect of using bio- extracts garlic bulba and capsicum incorporation with coating materials (maize starch and beeswax on physicochemical quality of tomato fruit stored at ambient conditions (temperature 15.5 to 20.2oC and relative humidity of 55.5 to 67.3%). The experiment was conducted using complete randomized design of two varieties (Fetane and Melkashola) and six treatments. The tomato fruits were coated by dipping into solution for 3 minutes. The treatments prepared were on coating solution of MGE( 9.5% maize starch with 0.5% garlic extract), MCE (9.5% maize starch with 0.5% capsicum extract), BCE (9.5% beewax mixed with 0.5% capsicum extract), BGE (9.5% beewax mixed with 0.5% garlic extract), 10% maize starch without bio-extract, 10% beewax without bio- extract and control. The treatment means were tested at significance level of P ≤ 0.05. The effectiveness of bio-extracts with coating materials on physicochemical quality of tomato fruits were evaluated at three days intervals for 30 days. There was a significance difference (P&lt;0.05) between coated and uncoated fruits. All coatings delayed tomato ripening and improved the keeping quality parameters but best results were exhibited by 9.5% with 0.5% BCE followed by 9.5% with 0.5% MGE by maintaining the mature tomato fruit for 30 days. The study showed that the Fetane variety has maintained more quality attribute than Melkashola variety during storage. 10 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-229.php Jatropha curcas received a lot of attention as a biodiesel feedstock in several countries around the world. The leaf area (LA) estimation is important for biological research due to its close relationship to soil fertility, plant physiological parameters, and photosynthetic efficiency. Allometric models for reliable and accurate models for estimating the leaf area of Jatropha curcas plants based on non-destructive measurements of leaf length (L), width (W), and/ or leaf margins length (P) were developed. Jatropha plant leaves were randomly selected for model construction to estimate the leaf area using L, W, and P leaf values. Simple and accurate equations were obtained, based on leaf width (AL = W1.795), R2 = 0.987, rib length (AL = L32.081), R2 = 0.989, width and rib length (AL = LW0.320), R2 = 0.997, rib length and leaf periphery segment (AL = LP1P120.274), R2 = 0.995, and half rib and width length (AL = LW/0.50.467), R2 = 0.994. The equations were accurate for estimating leaf area of small, medium, and large size of Jatropha leaves. 10 Nov, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-228.php Sorghum is the most well-known helpful cereal crop for poor farmers in Ethiopia’s dry lowland areas due to it’s a high yielding, drought tolerant, nutrient use efficiency crop that can be grown over 80 % of the worlds’ cultivated land. It has many advantages in the economic lives of the farmers in the highlands of the country. It is a source of food, feed, fuel, construction, fencing to poor farmers of Ethiopia. Though, many biological and environmental stresses are reducing grain yield increment. Foliar and grain diseases are one of the main biological stresses limiting sorghum production and productivity in the high and intermediate rainfall areas of Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to review the current state of highland sorghum improvement in Ethiopia’s highlands. Breeders, pathologists, agronomists, and research extension workers have all worked hard to overcome the constraints. In addition, the national sorghum research program is focusing on developing tolerant varieties that can withstand a variety of pressures by backcrossing tolerant characteristics into existing potential landraces and elite advanced lines. Due to many yield-limiting conditions, the crop’s production is well below its potential. Sorghum breeding began in Ethiopia in the early 1950s to solve important production difficulties that contributed to low productivity, and as a result, a number of improved varieties have been offered to farmers. Since 1978, research and development efforts previous to Ethiopian sorghum enhancement have been studied. Generally, believe that future productivity will most likely increase as a result of the integration of a diverse collection of mutually beneficial disciplines and organizations with varying priorities in technology development, advancement, promotion, and market/product production. Multidisciplinary methodologies, system sustainability with temporal and spatial intensification, and participation of essential stakeholders, including farmers, in the technological development, increase, promotion, and proper intervention in production are also of interest. 28 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-227.php In this paper, the application of biological methods to reduce biogenic amine content in foods was introduced. Biogenic amine oxidase, a special protein that can degrade biogenic amine into acetaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, has been introduced in this paper, and two major amine oxidases and their degradation effects on different biogenic amines were briefly reviewed. In addition, various microorganisms that could produce amine oxidase were summarized in this paper, and their application in the fermentation was shown. This short review summarizes the important biological methods currently used to degrade biogenic amines and provides new theoretical guidance for removing or reducing the biogenic amines in foods. 26 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-226.php Maize is considered as one of the important grain crop in the world. Maize is in high demand within district because it is one of the staple food and also used for animal feed. Current yield attained by small scale farmers is lower than the potential of our existing varieties. In field experiment at Njizweni situated in Gqeleni sub-district was conducted in November 2018 to evaluate the agronomic and yield performance maize cultivars in a semi-arid environment. Plant population, plant height, leaf area, number of cobs/plant, cob length, number of grains per cob, 100 grain weight and number of cobs were significantly different (p<0>0.05) on maize grain yield although maximum number of cobs per plant (1.76) was recorded on PAN 6R-710BR, PAN5R-591R, BG 5285 and WE 6208B. 20 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-225.php The study was aimed with identifying and characterizing honeybee floras and their flowering seasons in south western parts of the country. Relevant data were collected through conducting questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, field observations and lab analysis of pollen and honey samples. In addition, seasonal performance of colonies in terms of brood area, adult population, pollen and nectar stores were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS-ver.20 and MsExcels. Accordingly, a total of 200floral species categorized under 77families identified. Of which, 26(13%) grouped under 16 families characterized as major bee floras. Seasons, January to February, July to August were considered as Dearth periods; March, September to October were brooding seasons, April, November to December were major nectar flow seasons. March to April and November to December were major honey flow seasons being the first for high land and mid land areas and the later for lowland areas whose major botanical origin was Schefflera abyssinica and Guizetia scabra respectively. However, in some areas with better forest covers, Manilkara butij become a major honey source plant. Whereas, January, June to July, March (in low lands) were considered as minor/mini harvesting seasons whose major botanical origin was Vernonia species, Croton macrostachyus and Combritum species respectively. It was noted that there was a significant correlation among brood area, adult population, pollen store and nectar stores at p&lt;0.01. 19 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-224.php Evaluating land suitability of a given watershed is vital to predict potential and limitation of the land for surface irrigation. The present study was evaluated the suitability of Gudina Wacho watershed for surface irrigation development using parametric evaluation approach. The watershed was classified in to four lands mapping units, based on three soil profile pits were opened at each land mapping unit. Soil samples from each profile pit have been taken to analyze each selected soil physical and chemical properties. Slop analysis of the watershed was computed from the DEM using GIS technique. Results of the land suitability evaluation for surface irrigation showed that, a total area of 3064 ha (72.6%) was slightly suitable (S3) and area of 1154 ha (27.4%) was currently not suitable (N1). The limiting factors were slop, soil texture and drainage. For all land mapping units, chemical soil parameters such as CaCO3, ECe and pH, and the physical parameter (soil depth) were not limiting factors for surface irrigation in the study watershed. Therefore, the area is potential for irrigation production with some limitations and under proper management it can benefit the local community to meet the food demand. In order to sustainably develop the area for irrigation development; land leveling operation or soil conservation work has to be incorporated to break surface slope and to make it suitable for surface irrigation. 14 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-223.php Pre-scaling up of improved finger millet variety (kako-1) was conducted in 2019/20 mehere season in Halaba Zone, two selected kebeles under Weyira District,southern Ethiopia under rain fed conditions through involvement of farmers in participatory demonstration. The demonstration was carried out with the specific objectives:to popularize and demonstrate improved Finger millet technology (Kako-1) and to collect farmers feedback on improved finger millet variety. The demonstration was conducted at layignawu Badana and kufe kebele on farmers field of Weyira Districts on 10ha land coverage totally 20 beneficiary farmers field .Site and beneficiary farmers selection criteria were conducted purposively by cooperating with woreda and kebele extension personnel by willingness to accept technology, land availability and accessibility of the area. Training was given by focusing on agronomic practices and awareness creation for all selected beneficiary farmers and concerned extension personnel. Also, all necessary inputs (10kg/h kako-1 seed,100kg/h NPSB and 150 kg /h Urea) were provided from Hawassa agricultural research center.Yield and farmers feedback data were collected and analyzed by using descriptive statistics applying on SPSS software Accordingly, 2.7 tone/ha average mean grain yield was obtained. According to farmers’ feedback, the variety kako-1 has high tilling capacity, high grain yield, early maturity, high biomass yield and quality Therefore the variety need to extended to wide area.So, all concerned bodies need to work to facilitation of further extension of kako-1 variety for Halaba zone and other similar agro-ecological zones to improve finger millet production and productivity of smallholder farmers. 12 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-222.php This review paper is aims to give a brief description of encapsulation and control release technology in food preservation. Besides the material give potential information for those who interested for future development perspectives of the sector and also create awareness potentially for readers, traders, Students, factory workers, technologist and related stakeholder. the selection of encapsulating materials depends on the types, origins, and properties of these food ingredients. It is being increasingly popular in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and functional food industries as a highly effective method that performs various functions; the major being prolonging the shelf-life of the active, masking the undesirable flavour, colour and taste and controlling the release of bioactive. 11 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-221.php Vegetable production technology packages adoption is essential for intensifying its productivity thereby improve the income of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Analog to vegetable, production adoption of Potato and onion also play a great role in improving the daily livelihood of farmers. However, there are few studies on its technology adoption to encourage farmers to substitute their production methods by modern production techniques and maximize return from the sector. The objective of this review paper is to review determinant factors of vegetable technology package adoption in Ethiopia by using the finding of popular published empirical researches. The findings of the review identified that, adoption of potato and onion technologies in Ethiopia is low due to different constraints caused by demographic factors, socio-economic factors, institutional factors and technological factors. Similarly, different empirical researches which are reviewed by this 0review paper identified different types of potato and onion production technology packages like improved seed varieties, fertilizers, quality seed, irrigation services, crop protection methods, and storing house.As a result of the above combinations of vegetable production technology adoption factors, the expected outcome to be obtained from the sector is still poorly performed. By considering the importance of these potato and onion production technology packages, applying and implementing the procedures of adoption bring the decision to adopt technologies and improve the extent of it thereby sustain potato and onion production in Ethiopia. 04 Oct, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-220.php Egg quality treats are significantly impacted by nutritional factors either deficient or excessive quantities in the layer diets. In this study one hundred eight, 32 weeks age of Bovans Brown chickens were used as an experimental animals. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric based ration diets were formulated. The level of ration replacing NSC by TTLM was at 0%(T1), 5%(T2), 10%(T3) and 15%(T4) from the total ration. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used with four treatments, three replicate (9chicken/replicate) and the experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Egg quality parameters were determined at the interval 28 days by randomly taking 5 freshly-laid eggs from each replication and determine egg size, eggshell, albumen and yolk quality by using different measurement parameters. The results showed that egg shape index, yolk weight (g) and yolk ratio (%) were similar (P>0.05) among treatment groups. Eggshell thickness and yolk color score were significantly varied (p&lt;0.05) with different levels of TTLM substitution. In the present study shell thickness, shell weight and shell ratio were higher in the treatment groups (5, 10 and 15% TTLM) than the control (0%) diets. The study showed that shell thickness ranged from 0.32-0.38 mm at T1 and T3 TTLM, respectively. Haugh unit (84.04±1.79) and albumen height (7.01±0.23) were highest (P&lt;0.05) at T3 than the other treatments. Based on results most of the external and internal egg quality parameters were significantly changed when the level of TTLM increased up to15% than the control diet and it implies a great opportunity in utilizing TTLM. 13 Sep, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-219.php Urea is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers worldwide. More than 90% of the world’s production of urea is used as fertilizer [1a]. Soil bacteria containing urease enzyme, catalyze the conversion of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide via ammonium carbonate formation and decomposition. Nitrogen from urea can be lost to the atmosphere as a gas if fertilizer urea remains on the soil surface for an extended time period during warm weather. Urea breakdown can begin as soon as it is applied to the soil. In the presence of the urease enzyme and a small amount of soil moisture, urea hydrolysis occurs and nitrogen is lost due to ammonia volatilization [1-5]. 04 Sep, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-218.php Natural bee bread contains various active ingredients, which can promote human health. However, the functional evaluation of bee bread is seldom reported. We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of natural bee bread on lipid metabolism using rats as model organism. Rats were treated with three doses of bee bread (80 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg). A blank control group and a high fat model control group also were set up. The protein and gene expression of Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS), Acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the liver tissue of rats were measured by reagent kits and real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), respectively. The results showed that bee bread treatment groups significantly decreased the concentration of FAS and ACC in the liver (P&lt;0.05). LPL was also reduced after bee bread treatment, even though the difference was not statistically significant from the high fat model group. The gene expression levels of FAS and ACC significantly declined (P&lt;0.05) in all treatment groups compared with the high fat model group. It was concluded that the natural bee bread has a positive effect on the regulation of rat lipid metabolism, indicating that it is a promising lipid metabolic regulator candidate to treat hyperlipidemia. Practical applications: Our results show that it is a promising lipid metabolism regulator, and may be used to treat hyperlipidemia. 31 Aug, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-217.php The study was conducted in Jimma Horro Weredas of Kellem Wollega Zone of Ethiopia to assess beekeeping production classifications. Three kebeles peasant associations (Tibe, Kaba Sayo and Gille) were purposively selected of which 144 respondents; 48 from each agro-ecology were used for data collection. Around 90% of respondents got bee collections by holding groups while 2 and 8% get their cluster by purchasing and since parentages as ability separately. The mean honeybee cluster holding of the illustration defendants for old-style, intermediate and modern hives were 5.47, 3 and 1.3 Semi organized form was established to accumulate major statistics. The organized records were deliberate by evocative figures and the results were restrained through tables and charts. The mainstream (90%) of the defendants found beekeeping by holding groups. Honey was calm double a year beginning May to June and November to January. The defendants designated that, they have attention to improve beekeeping smears in the part. So the management and (NGOs) would funding by exercise them on how to achieve honey bee flora, and giving frame honey bee tools to improve the honey yield is similarly exact significant to boost the yields of beekeeping in the assessment part. 25 Aug, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-216.php The experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Field of Bangladesh Agricultural Institute, Gazipur during 2019 to quantify the border effect on rice. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design with twelve replications. The treatment was non border (T1) and border (T2). Border treatment (T2) had significant and positive influence on different parameters of rice. Grain yield and associated yield components improved in border treatment. Border effect was estimated at 8% in respect of grain yield. Increased tillers/hill (18%), filled grains/panicle (47%), grain weight/panicle (45%), grain growth (12%) weight of 1000-grain (0.97%), biological yield (4%) and harvest index (4.5%) were observed in border rows. Rice plant both flowered and matured 3 days earlier in border rows. Carbon input and uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn by rice were found higher values in border treatment. Carbon accumulation increased about 4.4% in border rice. Two lines/rows of rice hill should be excluded for harvesting of plot yield. Otherwise 8% yield will be deducted in actual yield calculation for eliminating the border area effect/border effect (for 2 lines/rows of hills around the plot). 24 Aug, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-215.php The purposes of this study were to assess the effectiveness of drought tolerance indices for selection of drought tolerance in orange fleshed sweet potato genotypes. In order to assess efficiency of drought tolerance indices, 10 Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato genotypes (OFSP) were evaluated under Normal or full irrigation and extreme water stress environments. A total of 9 drought tolerance indices including Stress tolerance index (STI), Tolerance (TOL), Mean Productivity (MP), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI) Yield Index (YI), Yield Stability Index (YSI), Harmonic Mean (HM), and Stress Intensity Index (SII) were calculated based on yield obtained from the two moisture regimes. Rank mean, standard deviation of ranks and rank sum were calculated to identify well-performed varieties according to all indices. These STI, GMP, YI, SII and TOL showed high and significant correlation under both (Yp) and (Ys) condition. In consideration of all indices a variety MUSG014065-21-13, MUSG014065-21-14, and MUSG014019-7-50 exhibited the best mean of ranks and almost low standard deviation of rank. Among 10 genotypes, the combination of nine drought indices and deviation identified MUSG014065-21-13, MUSG014065-21-14, and MUSG014019-7-50 as a three promising and drought tolerant genotypes. 24 Aug, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-214.php Agronomic Efficiency indicated the grain yield production potential of variety in response to the applied nutrients. Field experiment was conducted at the research Farm of Bako National Maze Research Center Western Ethiopia during 2020/2021 in order to investigate the nitrogen response and agronomic efficiency of various maize genotypes. Ten maize varieties were tested under two level of nitrogen (N1 = 0 kg/ha and N2 = 184 kg/ha) in factorial arrangement with three replications. Each variety was planted in uniform spacing of 75x30 cm. Then response of each variety for the applied nitrogen were evaluated. Agronomic efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilizer associated with grain yield of various commercial maize varieties was calculated using average grain yield and applied nitrogen to indentify the agronomic efficiency of each maize varieties. Based on calculation result maize hybrid BH661 showed the highest agronomic efficiency (35.42), where as Gibe3 showed the lowest value (4.68) compared to others tested varieties. This result indicated that Gibe3 respond poorly for the applied nitrogen where as Hybrid BH 661 highly responded for the increasing applied N input. The result has indicated the need of specific recommendation for nutrient scarce area, that lack nitrogen or for farmers who lacks money to buy nitrogen fertilizer should be used Gibe3 to get better yield. On other hand in optimum or high nitrogen available condition the hybrids which have high agronomic efficiency should be sown to boost maize grain yield but with taking into account the optimum rain fall and agro ecology of each variety. 18 Aug, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-213.php The arid and semi-arid regions comprise more than forty present of the Earth’s land surface on which a large number of people situated and largely engaged in agriculture to meet their basic needs. However, agriculture in these regions are highly influenced by several factors including water limitation, extreme heat, frequent drought, bared and marginal soil, vulnerable topography for natural hazards, erosive rain and wind. In order to cope with these challenges a number of essential scientific investigation and cultural practices have continuously released, modified and recommended to sustain agriculture production in these regions. Some of these indispensable investigation and practice included that soil and water conservation, rain water harvesting and supplementary irrigation, use of stress tolerant crops and integrating of diverse farming system. So in this review it is attempted to discuss several points concerning arid and semi-arid land agricultural constraints and management action carried out to solve such constraints. 11 Aug, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-212.php Pre scaling up of malt barley was conducted at Dodola District of West Arsi Zone to increase production and productivity among malt barley producer’s farmers. Dodola district was selected due to its potential for barley production. Again three kabeles namely Ganata,Danaba and Kechema were selected purposively based on potential of the crop for malt barley production. From selected kebales 139 farmers were selected, for cropping season (2017/18). An improved variety of malt barley called IBON 174/03 distributed for farmers.One hundred quintals of malt barley seed was given for the selected farmers. The seed covered the land size of 83.5 ha at the rate of 125kg per hectare by the malt barley during the production year (2017/18).Orientation was given for the farmers on the advantages of producing in cluster over the conventional (traditional) way. In Addition to this awareness on production and packages of malt barley was also delivered to the farmers on set of June which was sponsored by Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). Two times Monitoring and evaluation have been done in collaboration with Sinana research center researchers and agricultural office experts of Dodola district .Exchange visit as well as both villages based and large scale field day were arranged for further promotion of malt barley to other potential areas. From one hectare the productivity of improved malt barley (IBON 174/03 an average grain yield scored 45.1 q/ha, 40 q/ha and 35 q/ha at Ganata,Danaba and Kechema Kabeles respectively.Malt barley is potential crop in the highlands of West Arsi Zone in general and at Dodola district in particular. The crop is used for household consumption as well as industrial crop in generating income for small holder farmers. IBON 174/03 was acceptable during field day by farmers due to their disease tolerant, early maturity. After harvesting farmers like the variety IBON 174/03 due to its productivity (high yield per hectare). Thus, highland farmers should use IBON 174/03 variety of malt barley in order to increase their malt barley production and generate more income for their livelihood. Further dissemination of malt barley is more expected from concerned body for addressing potential areas. 16 Jul, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-211.php Nowadays, several global major production constraints of crop plants are identified: climate change, rapid population growth, increasing demand for food, reduction biodiversity, increasing demand for agricultural inputs and other multiple factors simultaneously affect crop plant production and productivity. These all production impediments are resulted substantial yield reduction across the world. Currently, climate change is becoming a serious challenge across the world with significant threats of food security, ecosystems, economic stability, and water resources. Climate change is also impacting the world through hampering the productivity; particularly the tropical regions of the world are suffering from drought and heat to develop and produce the high yielding crops during the crop life cycle. Climate change is caused by different agents, mainly greenhouse gas emissions from natural systems and human activities and shift in climate patterns and composition. Climate change has a potential to adversely affect agricultural productivity to the irreversible level and drives to hunger of millions of the global community. However, plant breeding was playing key roles in tackling production hindrance of crop plants through developing high yielding and resistance crop varieties against the production constraints. Plant breeding is the science improvement of crop plants for quantitative and qualitative traits and developing improved resistance crop technologies against biotic and abiotic stresses. These days, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies are developed and used to overcome the drastic effect of climate change on food security and livelihoods of the world communities. Climate adaptation and mitigation are the most important and an interdependent strategy that uses for complement one another in tackling the impact of climate change and pave the way for sustainable survival of earth’s inhabitants. Climate adaptation has direct relation with the reduction of the negative impact of climate change through developing resilient crop plants to climate change whereas mitigation is devise to overcome causes and reduction of the possible impacts of climate change. Climate change affects food security in various ways, especially through impacting on all four components of food security (availability, accessibility, affordability, utilization and nutritional value and food system stability), through impacting on crop production and yield, through impacting on water availability, through impacting on fisheries production, through impacting on agricultural pests and through impacting on livestock production. Generally, plant breeding has profound impact on food production and will continue to play a vital role in the food security. Plant breeding is primarily relied on presence of substantial genetic variations to address the maximum genetic yield potential of the crops and exploitation of these variations through effective selection for improvement. 14 Jul, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-210.php Our dietary choices are one of the leading global causes of environmental degradation and decline in human health. The increasing consumption of fossil fuels, the emission of greenhouse gasses, deforestation and the extraction of fresh water by the food industry have triggered worldwide concern about the western lifestyle and our future in this world. Although modernization and new technologies in agriculture have helped end hunger, the lack of communication with environmental development promotes water and consequently food insecurity around the world, as well as malnutrition and an increase in chronic diseases. This mini-review summarizes the environmental and health impacts caused by the Western food industry and shows that we need to promote the development of food science together and in a communicative way with health and environmental sciences. 02 Jun, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-209.php Sixty two advanced hybrid sorghum varieties were evaluated in three environments, Kobo (KB), Sheraro (SH) and Mieso (MS) during 2019 of the main season. The objective of this study was to evaluate sorghum hybrids for production in drought stressed areas of Ethiopia. The experiment was piloted using a randomized complete block design with two replications. The result of over sites showed for grain yield, environments, environment by block and genotype by environment interaction effect highly significant variability among the genotypes. These point out that the variability among varieties and highly diverse growing situations across these three environments and vital in governing the expression of these traits. Significant genotype interaction by environment resulted either from differential responses of the variety or the test environments were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001). Out of 62 genotypes, G52, G47 and G38 were with near zero IPCA scores and hence have less interaction with the environments. Out of which only G47 and G52 had above average yield performance. Among environments, SH exhibited near zero IPCA1 score and hence had small interaction effects among environments, indicating that all the genotypes performed well in this location. So, it is the most favorable environments for most genotypes while MS and KB were good for only few genotypes. Genotypes, G36, G49, G37, G12, G68 and G6 generally exhibited high yield of positive IPCA1 score, from which G28, G55 and G34 had high IPCA1 scores in which G55 and G28 being the overall best genotype. Hence, the G55 and G28 were identified as specially adapted and the highest yielding genotype to the corresponding environments. Generally, G33 can be recommended for specific adaptation whereas, G55 and G28 relatively for wider adaptation. 31 May, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-208.php Subsistence crop farming accounts for 70% of the total food production in Nigeria. However, it is faced with a plethora of challenges. Hence, this study assessed the challenges faced by rural subsistentc farmers in Kwara state under four thematic areas: 1. access to Agricultural loans and credit facilities, 2. availability of agricultural inputs, 3. access to a competitive market, and 4. access to information. This qualitative survey was conducted like a one on one interview with 20 subsistent farmers between January and April 2021 in the three senatorial zones of the state. Results of the study were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. All of the farmers considered access to agricultural loans and credit facilities as well as unavailability of agricultural inputs as the main challenges and setbacks they face in their farming experience. Access to competitive markets and information was further considered as the secondary challenges encountered. This study has an overall objective of assessing the impact of the four thematic challenges associated with subsistent crop farming in Kwara state and to profer possible ways to bridge the gap in other to achieve food security in the state. The study reports the impediments of rural subsistence farming in Kwara state while the provision of agricultural credit facilities and subsidized agricultural inputs for subsistent farmers to achieve food safety and security was recommended. 21 May, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-207.php Animal specimens are easily invaded and corroded by molds, which seriously affects the beautful shape and integrity of biological specimens, It’s led to a huge economic loss. And the traditional methods & agentia of molds controlled are always spoisonous and polluted agentia. In this paper, review the detecting methods of animal specimens infected molds, exploring methods and reagents of prevention of molds,which can make the animal specimens be preserved for a long time without mold damage. This way would be green, environmental-friendly, and protect the human health and reduce economic losses. 23 Apr, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-206.php The survey was conducted for three years from 2018 to 2020 cropping seasons in four regions, Amahara, Oromia, SNNP and Benishangul Gumuz, to identify storage insect pests and to assess post-harvest loss of maize in major producing areas Ethiopia. All the collected data were analyzed by using the SPSS software and difference among means were also compared. A total of 280 farmers field were surveyed. 98% of the surveyed farmers used traditional storage structures. Sitophilus zeamais was occurred with a dominant mean number 120, 115 & 116 in Asosa, west Gojam & Hawasa areas, respectively. High mean 31.84% of grains damaged was recorded in the sample collected from Hawasa whereas, low mean 6.03% in the sample collected from Buno Bedele areas. High mean 18.00% of weight losses was recorded in the samples collected from Hawasa. The majority 64% of the surveyed farmers stored their grains for more than eight months. The mean number of weevils, weight loss and grain damage showed an increasing trend as the storage periods increased because of most of the farmers stored their maize with husk and/or unshelled in the house; store with cobs in bare ground which favors moisture development and temperature increment in the store. From this survey, it can be concluded that most of the surveyed farmers used traditional storage structures, stored their grains either shelled or unshelled, heap with stalk in the field for a longer period and used insecticides for the control maize weevils. These insecticides have harmful effect on the environment and human health. Therefore, uses of hermetic storage technology can be suggested to the farmers for, reducing weight loss, grains damage, use of insecticides and providing appropriate grains quality. 23 Apr, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-205.php Dairy farmers in many parts of the world complain about the deviation from the normal calf sex ratio following Artificial Insemination (AI). The prospective and retrospective studies were conducted to compare the sex ratio of the calves born following Artificial Insemination (AI) and Natural Mating (NM) under institutional and smallholder-managed dairy farms. This study also compared the reproductive performance of dairy cattle under institutional management and smallholder systems. The data encompassed farm records maintained between 1996-2014 G.C by dairy farms at Arsi University-Asela, crossbreeding center at Gobe ranch, and Agarfa ATVET College. These farms reared both F1 and crossbreds with higher (>75%) exotic inheritances (grade crosses). The study also considered household and progeny history surveys on smallholder dairy farms (n=90) adjoining to the institutional farms which were randomly selected from Tiyo, Kofele, and Sinana districts. The result indicates that most of the respondents at Tiyo (96.8%) and Kofale (100%) were concerned about the differences in the sex ratio of calves born from AI service and natural mating, while most of the respondents at Sinana (29%) did not report such differences. The respondents in Tiyo and Kofale districts reported higher numbers of male calves (58%) and higher numbers of female calves (58.1%) born from cows inseminated artificially respectively. The Average Age at First Calving (AFC) had no significant difference between genotypes (F1 and grade crosses) reared at the institutional farms. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in AFC across the ranches. The AFC was lower in the institutional farms when compared to those managed at smallholder management conditions. The number of services per conception (NSC) varied p&lt;0.05) across the dairy farms. No significant differences were observed among the sex ratio of the calves born through natural and AI mating systems either at the institutional or smallholder farms. However, differences due to season and year were observed, indicating the effect of non-genetic factors influencing the sex ratio of the calves. In some seasons the numbers of male calves were higher while the reverse was true for some other seasons. Therefore, the reproduction traits of the cattle differed (P&lt;0.05) across the institution and smallholder production systems having lower values observed among the cattle raised at the dairy farms and higher for the F1 crossbred than grade crosses, while production trait of the cattle differed (P&lt;0.05) across the three dairy farms and there were no significant differences in calf sex ratio among the calves born from AI and NM. 17 Apr, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-204.php Determination of genetic diversity and their relationships among breeding materials is very crucial in crop improvement strategies. Characterization and evaluation of germplasm is pre-requisite to screen out the desired genetic materials for the genetic improvement programs. The collection of germplasm relies on the several number of accessions it possesses and the genetic materials available in those accessions for yield and yield components. Climate change and geographical isolation are identified as two majors in the formation of new species. The other sources of germplasm diversification and evolution are biotic factors like competition and predation among themselves. Phenotypic characters are the most important conventional tools to analyse variation among the genetic materials and the visible morphological traits are very crucial tools in genetic diversity investigation. Plant breeding is primarily relied on the variation exist in the genetic diversity of cultivated and their wild relatives together for further improvements. Plant phenotyping is defined as the investigation of plant characters by researchers for yield, quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic variation and selection are the two basic principles of plant breeding. Additive (heritable) and non-additive variance (dominance and epitasis) are the important components of genetic variance of any quantitative traits. Hence, it is important to decompose the visible phenotypic variation into heritable and non-heritable components with suitable genetic components like genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. Genetic diversity is the totality of genetic difference of genetic variation in the genetic make-up of a species. Genetic diversity ha paramount role in the perpetuation of a species through offering adaptation mechanisms to biotic and abiotic environmental stresses and enables change in the genetic composition to cope with changes in the environment. Eventually, plant genetic diversity is playing a key role in the continuation of agricultural development with significant improvement in different morphological and agronomical characteristics. Selection for improvement highly depends on inherent levels of genetic diversity present at the time in the species, rate of evolutionary response and adaptation to the environmental conditions. As the genetic diversity increases the ability to adapt to changing environments also increases within a given species. Especially, when the climate fluctuation, new pests and diseases are occurred, the species which have huge genetic diversity capable of overcome the challenges. Since crop plant improvement program is integrated with different research disciplines, the availability and accessibility of diverse genetic materials ensure the sustainability of global food production network. 07 Apr, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-203.php Soil erosion and nutrient depletion has been a major national agenda and remains an important issue in the highlands of Ethiopia. In this review it was found that onsite nutrients are lost in agricultural land in the form of soil erosion, crop residue removal, harvested products, gaseous and leaching losses. Most of the essential plant nutrients are found on the top surface soil and hence the top layer of the soil is subjected to soil erosion and most onsite nutrients have been lost. Similarly, crop residue removal is a common activity in the highland of Ethiopia and causes a continuing onsite nutrient loss problem. Hence, soil nutrient depletion is becoming a major challenge for agricultural production. Moreover, nutrient loss from agricultural land became an economic loss to the farmers by both reducing crop yield and increasing the replacement cost of nutrient loss. Practicing proper soil and water conservation measures had a positive impact on the reduction of onsite nutrient losses and consequently increased crop productivity. However, limited studies have been reported on the impact of soil and water conservation practices on nutrient loss in Ethiopia. As a result, further studies need to conduct on the implication of soil and water conservation measures on a nutrient loss management. 06 Apr, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-202.php A survey was conducted in highland and mid altitude areas of Horro and Guduru districts of Oromia Regional States, Western Ethiopia with the objective of assessing the management system and status of grazing land. A single-visit multi subject formal survey method was followed to gather data about grassland holding, management systems and livestock holding. A total of 210 respondents, 60 from highland and 150 households from mid altitude were selected and interviewed. Data were collected and analyzed using discriptive stastics. The result showed all households of highland and 89.3% of mid altitude had private grazing land. About 38.3%, 61.7% and 100% of surveyed households of highland and 17.33%, 64% and 98% of mid altitude households respectively have practice of cut and carry, paddock feeding and free grazing systems of grazing. The practice of natural pasture preservation in the form of closure was very common and practiced by 95% of highland and 67.33% of mid altitude surveyed households with overall mean of 75.2%. Only few farmers, about 16.7% of highland and 29.33% of surveyed household of mid altitude have practice of hay making, while the practice of silage making was not known in both agro ecologies.The cause for the decreasing size of grazingland was ranked by the respondents. The major causes were listed as cultivation, expansion of towns (villagizations), investments and land allocation for social services (church, health services, offices). Accordingly the contribution of cultivation, expansion of twons, social services and investments were ranked as 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th respectively in highland, while cultivation,land allocation for social service, expansion of towns and investment ranked as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cause respectively in mid altitude. The cause for the deterioration of quality of grazing land was ranked similarily in both agro-ecologies. Accordingly disappearance of better and quality species was ranked 1st cause, expansion of invasive plants 2nd and depletion of soil as 3rd cause. Improved herding system like herd spliting in which different species of different feeding habit are kept separately were less known in both agro-ecologies. Therefore improved forage development with good practices of conservation and good livestock management systems should be focus of intervention in both agro- ecologies. 19 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-201.php Information on genetic variability in cowpea germplasm is important for crop improvement and for efficient utilization of the existing genetic resources. Hence, the objectives of the present investigation were to estimate genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and to identify divergent parents from distantly related clusters among Ethiopian cowpea accessions. The field experiment was carried out using 42 accessions at Abergelle Agricultural Research Center on station during the 2019 cropping season. Data were collected for 8 agronomic traits and analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p&lt;0.01) among the accessions for the traits studied. Seed yield had higher Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) coupled with the highest genetic advance as percent of mean (100%). All the traits had moderate (68.01) to very high (99.98%) broad sense heritability. Further, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was attained for days to flowering, grain filling period, plant height, pod length, seed yield and thousand seed weight reflecting the presence of additive gene action for the expression of these traits and improvement of these traits could be done through selection. The cluster analysis based on agronomic traits revealed four distinct groups at 90% similarity level. The highest inter cluster D2 was recorded between cluster III and cluster IV (D2=133.69 units). The range of inter cluster distance was 15.25 to 133.69 units, respectively. In conclusion, the high genetic distance revealed among clusters has to be exploited via crossing and selection of the most divergent parents for future cowpea improvement program. 19 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-200.php A literature review was conducted based upon 17 research reports on the beef cattle breeding activities in Ethiopia with an objective of summarizing and compiling research findings in different experiments on breeding works of beef cattle in Ethiopia and indicating future research directions. The review testifies that 27 breeds or types of cattle with 7 distinct breed categories were identified in Ethiopia. The review also summarizes the birth, weaning and yearling weights of indigenous cattle and their crosses at different levels of exotic blood. Conclusions and future research directions were also indicated in this review document. 17 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-199.php Thirty samples of fresh cow milk was taken from farmers immediately after milking and 15 milk samples was taken from market chains and analyzed for quality. From the sample about 31.08% were coagulate on clot on boiling test and 55.55% samples were coagulated on alcohol tests. Overall mean total bacterial counts, coliform and yeast and mould count were 5.74±0.10.65, 3.14±0.72 and 3.71±0.83 cfu/ml respectively and significantly different b/n producers source and markets channel source at (P&lt;0.05). The highest total colony count was 6.77±1.1cfu/ml was observed at retailers. From the samples about 66.7% of the sample was in a normal range for specific gravity and 33.3% of the sample was not in a range of normal specific gravity. The overall mean of fat, protein, solid not fat were 4.65±0.50%, 3.67±0.05%, 8.78±0.15% respectively. In general the result indicated that milk samples collected from producers and market chains, were subjected to microbial contamination and does not meet the international milk quality standard. Therefore, adequate sanitary measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumer level. 15 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-198.php AMMI analysis explained the highly significant effects of the environment, GxE interaction, and genotypes for wheat genotypes evaluated under restricted irriation timely sown multi-location trials in the Central zone of the country during 2018-19 and 2019-20. About 77.1%, 12.2% & 2.3% had been contributed by environments, interactions and genotypes of the total sum of squares due to treatments respectively in the first year. The utilization of more number of IPCA’s in AMMI and WAASB stability measures had altered the ranking of genotypes. Analytic measures of adaptability and Superiority indexes as per BLUP of genotypes identified DBW110, MP3288. Adaptability measures as per arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means and their corresponding values expressed deviation as observed in a seperate quadrant of Biplot graphical analysis. However, this group maintained the right angle with MASV, MASV1, and stability measures. The cluster of Superiority indexes as per averages yield of wheat genotypes placed in the adjacent quadrant. Superiority indexes favored HI8823, MP3288, DBW110 wheat genotypes for high yield and stable performance for the second year. Adaptability measures as per arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means along with the corresponding values of RPGV & MHRPGV expressed bondage and placed in a different quadrant. Cluster of Superiority indexes as per averages of the yield of wheat genotypes seen in the same quadrant as more than 73.5% variation accounted for by the first two principal components. 10 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-197.php Orobanche crenata (parasitic weed) is highly limiting factor for faba bean productions and the most serious agricultural economic importance pests in south wollo, eastern Ethiopia. Orobanche infested areas located in Eastern Amhara, Kutaber, Dessie zuria, Tenta and Mekedella distinct which are 40- 120 km far from the capital city of South Wollo zone Dessie. Kutaber and Dessie zuria districts were more infested for orobanche and makes out of production for the last 30 years. To regenerate faba bean production in the given districts Sirinka Agricultural Research Center in collaboration with ICARDA project have done different research activity on orobanche parasitic weed controlling methods using different synthetic chemical spray, chemical integrating with other cultural, and chemical methods, through different plant growth stage. Ashenge faba bean variety (orobanche tolerant) with two times of 0.3Lha-1 glyphosate chemical in 250 to 300Lha-1 water sprayed at faba bean flower starting & one week after first sprayed, and continuous hand weeding of orobanche weed before flowering. With these integrated management the Ashengie variety gave 22-26qtha-1 in the orobanche infested areas. .There was a wide training addressed for 112 male and 23 female. Total 135 participants attend at Kutaber district. The training addressed how to produce pure and quality seed production using 0.3L of Glyphosate chemical with Ashengie Variety to replace faba bean production and supplying for income generation of the farmer. Ashengie variety seed exchanged were 18.5 quintal among farmer using 4 male, 2 female, totally 6 in 2017 and the exchange in kind with any crop were 15.5 quintal seed for quality seed around Orobanche infested areas. From the above result total sale price reach 32000.00 Birr per 1 ton and farmer were more benefited in seed sales and used as seed source for Orobanche contaminated areas. 10 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-196.php Even though different studies were takes place, none of them can address the effective production constraints, marketing and its constraints and gender issues of vegetables as vegetables are one highly perishable agricultural products. Therefore, the reviewer wants to assess the production status and its constraints, marketing condition and value chain actors including the gender aspects helps for policy makers to prepare intervention policies which helps to develop its contribution from the agricultural sector .From production perspective low yield, due to lack of production and marketing skill, lack of capital, Adulteration (poor quality of seed) are found to be the constraints of production and productivity. Through the identification of value chain actors the commonly involved actors found to be producers, the middlemen/brokers, traders and consumers along with supporters and influencers. In marketing of vegetables ,mall holders in rural areas are often poorly linked to markets and do not adequately access functional market information. Often middlemen do make much higher marketing margins than the producers, limiting the motivation of farmers to expand vegetable production, lack of storage facilities as vegetables are highly perishable product affects marketability of the product. And finally gender issue is one of an important area which is not addressed in vegetable production and marketing (value chain) and thus future researchers should take compressive (value chain) approaches to address multi Sectoral constraints of vegetables in production and marketing. 08 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-195.php This research mainly focuses on the morphological characterization of genotypes of sweet potatoes present in Ethiopia for the selection of those with optimum dual-purpose (as food and feed characteristics). From August to December 2019, alpha lattice design using two replication was performed under field condition for this experiment. At 90 days and 180 Days After Planting (DAP), morphological characterization of the 40 sweet potato varieties based on 16 vine, leaf characters and storage root descriptors was performed. In order to exclude those that clearly did not meet the minimum appropriate value of the descriptors provided for selecting dual-purpose cultivars, field observational yield trials were conducted using CIP descriptors. The data generated in this study, using RSTUDIO software, Agricole kit, Partially Balanced Incomplete Block (PBIB), test function, were subject to Variance Analysis (ANOVA). The substantially different mean values were compared using the Tukey test at the p&lt; 0.05 stage. Cluster and main component analyses were both conducted using SPSS software (version 20.0). There were major differences among the 40 varieties in almost all of the leaf, vine and root characters examined except Central Leaf Lobe (CLL), Petiole Length (PL) and Storage Root Cortex Thickness (SRCT). Calculations based on root to vine ratio formulas were used to classify dual-purpose use varieties. When the 40 sp genotypes were also tested for dual-purpose use, the analysis found significant phenotypic diversity using the data from the calculation and analyzed data from morphological descriptors. Varieties with R/V values in the 0.2-0.3 range are recommended as dual-purpose high forage varieties, whereas those with R/V values in the 0.3-0.55 range are graded as dual-purpose high root varieties. As a result, 30 varieties can be recommended as dual-purpose based on the root/vine ratio. 06 Mar, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-194.php This study was conducted in Jimma Horro District of Kellem Wollega Zone of Ethiopia to assess management systems, productive and Reproductive performances of chickens. Three Kebeles (the smallest administrative unit of Ethiopia) from each agro-ecologies of the district were purposively selected of which a total of 165 respondents; 55 from each agro-ecology were used for data collection.The average number of chickens kept per household is similar (P≥0.05) in all agro-ecologies with an overall average of 12.04±0.1chickens.The study revealed the percentage flock structure of the area is about 29.4, 23.3 and 16.9, 16.4 and 14.1% for hens, chicks, pullets, cocks and cockerels respectively for highland, mid-altitude and lowland. Average age at maturity for cockerels and age at first lay for pullets were similar (P≥ 0.05) in all agro-ecologies and this is 7.3 and 6.9 months respectively. Local pullets and cockerels at maturity reach a weight of about 1.2 to 1.6 and 0.7 to 1.4 kg with overall average weight of 1.4 and 1.08 kg respectively. The average number of laying clutch per year is 2.9 and the average number of eggs laid per clutch was 12.3. These were similar (P≥ 0.05) across the three agro-ecologies. The average number eggs laid per hen is similar (P≥0.05) in highland and mid-altitude and the overall number of eggs laid per hen per year is 39.8 ranging from 30 to 50 eggs but, the difference seems wider (P≤ 0.05) from low land. The hatchability of incubated eggs has shown a significant difference (P≤ 0.01) among the agro-ecologies. The highest being observed in highland and the least was reported from the lowland. Generally, the study revealed poor housing and feeding system and low productive and reproductive performances of local chickens which need to be improved to improve the livelihoods and best nutrition of the local people. 24 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-193.php Because of its nutritional value, Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important food legumes both as energy and protein source. It is among the most important pulse crops produced in Ethiopia in general and on the highlands of Bale in particular. Field experiment was conducted at Sinana Agricultural Research Center on-station using RCBD with three replications to study the integrated effect of fungicide (sprayed at various frequencies) and faba varieties to manage chocolate spot. The experiment consisted of five (5) fungicide application frequencies and two Faba bean varieties (Gebelcho and Mosisa). Logistic model, [ln [(Y/1-Y)] was used to calculate the disease parameters such as disease progress rate (r) and AUDPC. The partial budget analysis was carried out to asses financial profitability of fungicide application for the management of chocolate spot. ANOVA showed statistically significant difference (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments for the disease parameters. The lowest chocolate spot severity (23.15%) and the best chocolate spot disease control was achieved from Gebelcho variety sprayed four times. Similarly, the lowest r (-0.00453units/day) and AUDPC (823.1 %-days) were recorded from Gebelcho variety sprayed four times. Regarding yield and yield components, ANOVA showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments. The highest number of pods per plant (15.28) was recorded from Gebelcho variety sprayed 2 times whereas, the highest TKW of 662.60 g was recorded from Gebelcho variety sprayed three times. In terms of grain yield, the maximum grain yield of 3515.44 kg/ha was obtained from Mosisa variety sprayed four times and four times spray of Gebelcho variety gave the second highest grain yield of 3313.70kg/ha. Partial budget analysis has shown the maximum marginal benefit of 41044.8ETBha-1 obtained from Mosisa variety sprayed four times at weekly interval while the second marginal benefit of 38624.4ETBha-1was obtained from Gebelcho variety sprayed four times at weekly interval. The maximum MRR of 1726.11 % was obtained from Mosisa variety sprayed once and the second highest MRR (1592.84 %) was calculated from Gebelcho variety sprayed four times. Therefore, the recommendation is made depending on the results from the biological studies and partial budget analysis. For small scale farmers, it is recommended to produce Mosisa variety by spraying mancozeb 80% WP once to maximize the financial benefit from faba bean production. But, for small scale farmers who can afford, it is recommended to produce faba bean variety Mosisa sprayed three times by a fungicide mancozeb 80%. However, for large scale farmers who are producing faba bean for export market are recommended to produce faba bean variety Gebelcho sprayed four times at 7-10 days interval. 23 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-192.php Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the world’s second most important grain legume after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Ethiopia is considered as a secondary center of genetic diversity for chickpea. The field experiment was conducted at Ginir district with the objectives to evaluate the effective management option against chickpea pod borer and to determine the optimum frequencies of the insecticide for the management of chickpea pod borer. The experiment was conducted using two chick pea varieties; Habru (more preferred) and Arerit (less preferred) and two insecticide Highway 50% EC (400ml/ha) and Nimbicidine (3lt/ha). The result revealed that both insecticides are effective against pod borer even if they have slight percent larval reductions. The pod borer damage reduction ranged from 56.83% to 69.94% and on Highway 50% EC treated plots as compared to the control on Habru variety. On the variety Arerit up to 76.30% larval reduction on the Highway 50% EC treated plot was occurred as compared to control. The minimum 36.17% larval reduction was occurred on the plot treated with Nimbicidine on the variety Habru. The Maximum percent of seed yield (57.95% and 57.95%) increased over check was occurred by Highway 50% EC one and two times treaded plots on the variety Arerit, respectively. The plot sprayed one and two times with Highway 50 22 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-191.php The aim of this study was to investigate the essential and non-essential metals concentration in corm of Ensete ventricosum and soil samples from some West Showa Zone. Ca and Mg were determined complecometric titration method, K and Na were analyzed using Flame Absorption Emission spectroscopy and the other metals with flame atomic absorption spectroscopy after appropriate quality control measures were undertaken to verify and maintain the quality of the data generated. The optimized wet digestion method for corm and soil analysis was found effective for all of the minerals and as it was evaluated through the recovery experiment, a good percentage recovery 95% (Fe concentration in corm) to 112% (Pb concentration in soil) was obtained for the minerals identified. The results of this study showed that the average the metallic nutrient concentrations of elements in the soil sample were ranged in order of decreasing in (mg.kg-1) 3521.11(K) >3497.85(Mg) > 3461.59(Fe) > 3294.93(Ca) >1096.89(Na) > (93.99(Mn) >16.74(Zn) > 3.77(Cu) > 0.26(Cd) but, the concentration of Pb was not detected and the metallic nutrient concentrations of elements in the corm were ranged in order of decreasing in (mg.kg-1) 16425.13(Ca) >13813.33(K) > 1323.55(Mg) > 1131.11(Na) > 76.78(Fe) > 16.16(Zn) >2.77(Cu) >1.94(Mn) but, Cd and Pb were not detected. The nutrient concentrations of the metals were also compared with recommended maximum permissible limits and some international reports; and found to be in a good agreement indicating no exposure risk of using the corm of Ensete ventricosum under the current situation. Statistical test of significance using ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) between the values of metals in the corm and soil samples obtained from all the sampling sites except Zn concentration for corm and Ca concentration in soil) is not found. 17 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-190.php Climate resilient practices in farming is an integrated process that reduces risks in production and marketing. This study introduced an integrated package of climate resilient practices in vegetable farming to cope with climate change and related problems. The study that was carried out in Udayapur district of Nepal and it analyzed application of climate resilient practices in value chain of vegetable farming. The data were obtained from Himalica pilot project initiated by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) which surveyed 300 vegetable farm households using a semi-structured questionnaire. In addition, a checklist was used for Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with farmers’ groups. The collected data were coded and entered into Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean were calculated. For the analysis of costs, revenue and profitability, simple accounting method was used. The study shows that profit of farmers depends on the market type and farmers revenue increases when they sell their produce through farmers’ co-operatives. Farmers need irrigation water, material supports, technology as well as organized farmers’ group in order to increase the profit and to mitigate the risk from climate change and climate variability. The study found that climate resilient practices in vegetable value chain benefits farmers in terms of social, economic and environmental aspects. 15 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-189.php The effort of developing countries in addressing zero hunger (Goal 2) with good health and well-being (Goal 3) of Sustainable Development Agenda requires a multi-disciplinary analytical approach to waste materials capable of decomposing through aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Hence a research on ripe and unripe banana peels as potential sources of nutrients, essential minerals and antioxidants was carried out using standard analytical techniques. The study revealed that the percentage moisture of the unripe and ripe banana peels ranged from 4.60 – 17.8; crude protein 1.94 – 2.73; fat 1.76 – 3.25; ash content 11.3 – 14.7; crude fibre 14.2 – 15.5; and carbohydrates 48.4 – 52.7. Mineral content showed significantly high levels of Na, K, Ca, Zn, Fe in unripe peels while that of ripe exhibited higher levels of Mn and P. Na/K for both ripe and unripe banana peels is less than 1 while Ca/P ranged from 1.63 - 2.64. The antioxidant capacity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay ranged from 3.75 - 13.6 mg TE/g and total phenolic content in unripe and ripe banana peels ranged from 8.42 - 15.8 mg GAE/g with higher value in unripe peels. The results indicate that the peels can be utilized as sources of fibre, carbohydrate and essential minerals in fortification of animal feeds. 13 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-188.php Exhaustive conventional tillage and removing residues of previous crops in the rice-based cropping system are labor intensive, costly, soil destructive and non-ecofriendly. In recent years, increased concerns for healthier food production and environmental quality, and increased emphasis on sustaining the productive capacity of soils, have raised concern in the maintenance and improvement of soil organic matter through appropriate land use and management practices. Strip tillage with the application of herbicides and crop residue mulching are being developed to overcome this challenge. A two-year experiment of the summer rice-mustard-winter rice (R-M-R) system was conducted at the farmers’ field in the northern Bangladesh during 2014-2016. Summer rice (BRRI hybrid dhan6), mustard (BARI Mustard 14) and winter rice (BRRI dhan28) were grown under, T1: Conventional tillage (CT) + three hand weeding (Control) and T2: Pre-plant herbicide (PRE) + strip tillage (ST) + pre-emergence herbicide (PE) + post-emergence herbicide (PO) with two levels of crop residue mulching, M0: no-mulch and M50: 50% standing mulch. The CT consisted of two primary tillage operations by a two-wheel tractor, and ST had done by a Versatile Multi-crop Planter in a single-pass process. The PRE (glyphosate) and PE (pendimethalin) in all crops and the PO (ethoxysulfuron-ethyl in rice and isoproturon in mustard) were applied at recommended dose and time. The combination of applied PRE, ST, followed by PE and PO herbicide and the retention of 50% mulch fetched the highest yield and economic returns of individual crop and the productivity of the summer rice-mustard-winter rice system. 13 Feb, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-187.php Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most important cereal crops grown principally during the raining season in Ethiopia which is commonly used for both human consumption and poultry feed. Green house experiment on the effect of watering frequency on germination and early growth of maize was carried out at Ambo Agricultural Research Center using a hybrid maize variety (Jibat) (Zea mays) from December 1 to January20th, 2018/19. The study was conducted to determine the effect of watering frequencies on germination and early growth of maize seed (Zea mays). The highland maize hybrid variety of AMH-851 (Jibat) was used as a test crop for the experiment. Three watering frequencies one day interval, three days intervals and five days intervals were used as an experimental treatment, and they were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The watering frequencies showed statistically significant differences, on plant shoot length and biomass weight, but the treatments didn’t reveal statistical difference on seedlings emergence. Therefore, one day watering interval shows better performance on shoot length, fresh and dry biomass. 28 Jan, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-186.php This study conducted during the season 2017 at ED-Duem Locality which is laid at Northern White Nile State of Sudan, the main objectives of this study was measurement, listing of all acacia raddiana tree sites their assessed the physical characteristics of the height, diameter at breast height and were account the abundance, dominance, and survival % of natural regeneration of acacia raddiana tree as the main species. The researcher used the systematic circular sampling plots methodology which established with total number of 130 sample plots. The sample plots were circular in shape with a radius of 17.84 m (0.1 ha in area.). In these sample plots all trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) equal to or greater than seven centimeters were measured for tree species, and the regeneration survey in each sample plot (10) quadrats ( subplots) of 1mx1m (1m²), the regeneration survey in each sample plot (10) quadrats ( subplots) of 1mx1m (1m²) were calculated. The results showed no significant different for acacia raddiana tree in eight sites, and the survival rate of Acacia raddiana regeneration are (20.4 -23.9%). 27 Jan, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-185.php Contamination of tuberous vegetables such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with Cadmium (Cd) and Nitrate (NO3-) due to the imbalanced fertilization may pose health risks to consumers. Potato is one of the dominant agricultural vegetables in Iran which is consumed in different ways. Excessive amounts of Cd and NO3- in potatoes can lead to organ dysfunction and various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Zn-fertilizers on increasing yield and reducing the Cd concentration and also monitoring the NO3- content in potato tubers of Ardabil province. For this purpose, In the first phase, potato tubers were sampled from 10 most important markets in the form of imbalanced completely randomized design in 2019 and the concentration of Cd when consumed with and without potato peel was assessed, then, in the second phase, the effect of Zn-fertilizers on the yield and concentration of Cd in high-risk areas was investigated in 2020 growing season. The results indicated that the maximum concentration of Cd among the samples was 0.14 mg kg-1 fresh weight and the minimum was 0.02 mg kg-1 fresh weight. According to the results, there was no significant difference between potato samples analyzed with peel and without peel. Therefore, in the second phase, in order to investigate the effect of Zn-fertilizers topdressing on potato tubers yield and Cd concentration, an experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with 3 treatments and 3 replications in Ardabil University’s farm. Experimental treatments were the T1 (control) = Farmer’s conventional fertilization with no Zn-fertilizer; T2 = T1 + 2 kg ha-1 Zn-chelate; T3 = T2 + applying 50 kg ha-1 soluble sulfate potassium containing Zn-chelate. The results illustrated that in control plots, while the yield was 23.3 tons per ha and the percentage of dry matter was 19.0 percent, the significant increase (p&lt;0.01) up to 34.0 tons per ha with 24 percent of dry matter was obtained in SSOP+Zn chelate treatment. Also there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.01) between Cd concentration in control treatment and treatments in which Zn-fertilizers have been used. The maximum Cd concentration has observed in control treatment with 0.13 mg kg-1 fresh weight and the minimum has obtained from SSOP+Zn chelate treatment by 0.01 mg kg-1 fresh weight. About Nitrate concentration in potato tubers of the field area, all data were located below the threshold concentration (60 mg kg-1 fresh weight). Therefore, for obtaining healthy agricultural products, using Zn-fertilizers in the agricultural soils with Zn deficiency should be considered seriously. By practicing balanced fertilization, i.e. applying Zn-fertilizers especially by topdressing method, the quality and quantity of agricultural products as potato will be upgraded and the Cd and NO3- concentration will be decreased significantly, the country’s quality of nutrition will improve and hence, the problem of malnutrition will be solved. 23 Jan, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-184.php The research activity was carried out with the objective of evaluating and identifying adaptable improved maize varieties and to familiarize farmers with maize production techniques. It was executed at Badessa and Doba district of Western Harerghea Zone in main cropping season of 2019. The variety selection process was carried out from different dimensions including utilization, marketing and field performance. Maturity period , cob size, seed size, grain color, disease and pest tolerance/resistance , market demand and yield were identified as important farmers criteria in the trial sites. Using these criterias the farmers identified varieties that suit their respective location. Accordingly, trial farmers showed special interest to BH 546 and BH 547 varieties. As the preference of the farmers in each sites have already been identified, it will be productive if the extension service consider farmers’ preferences in varietal promotion activity and are recommended for further scaling up to reach large small holder farmers through government organizations, Non-government Organizations, research institutes and other stakeholders works on maize technology promotion. 22 Jan, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-183.php Teff accounts for the largest share of the cultivated area and the major cash crops grown mainly for market in the study area. But the nature of the product and lack of proper functioning marketing system often resulted in lower producers’ price. The current research attempted to analyze the market chain of teff in Tole woreda Oromia Region of Ethiopia with specific objective of assessing the structure-conduct- performance paradigm of teff, identifying major factors influencing market outlet choice of teff producing farmers and to determine factors affecting amount of market supply of teff by farm households in Tole woreda. Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were generated from farmers and traders survey. A total of 122 teff producing sample households from four teff producing kebeles of the woreda and 42 teff traders from six teff marketing town were surveyed. Both descriptive and econometrics analyses were conducted. The structure-conduct-performance approach was used to evaluate teff market performance. The Market concentration ratio of largest four firms at the woreda level was 59.44% which indicated oligopolistic market structure. The econometric model results indicated that the amount of teff supply to market was significantly affected by age, educational status, total land holding, amount of credit used for teff production, number of oxen owned by household, lag market price of teff and Distance from home to all weather road at 1, 5,10% significance level. The multivariate probit model results indicated that age, sex, educational status, frequency of extension contact, off-farm activities, total land allocated for teff, access to information and family size s significantly influenced teff producer’s choice of market outlets for their produce. Thus, the government and concerned stockholders should expand equal accessibility of infrastructures such as road and transportation facilities to reducing transaction to promote the effective marketing of teff product supply through all outlets. 19 Jan, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-182.php Climate smart technology intervention in production and productivity enhancement of agriculture sector for small holder farmers’ livelihood improvement is indispensable options. Taking this in consideration the double cropping practice research activity was undertaken with objectives of evaluate the productivity and profitability of double cropping practice technology under farmers condition, build farmers’ knowledge and skill of different crop combination production and management practice and strengthen stakeholders linkages and collaboration among stakeholders. A total of fifteen (15) trial and follower farmers were selected and organized as form of Farmers Research Groups. Improved varieties of common bean (KATB-1 and Batu) and sorghum (Melkam and Local) were replicated on the plot of 10mx10m. The yield performance of the improved varieties (Batu, KATB-1, Melkam and Local sorghum) were 12.13, 13.43, 31.91 and 26.57qt/ha at Sofi, and 12.13, 13.66, 31.96 and 26.47qt/ha at Wahil, respectively. The double cropping practices preferred as it diversify the crop, more yield obtained, and shorter crop cycle, better to cope up the dry spell, efficient use of land, reduce risks of striga and reduce risk of bird infestation. Moreover, based on the obtained result, Batu, KATB-1 and Melkam combination preferred by farmers since they could able to harvest twice within single season. From knowledge point of view the mean score for knowledge test before intervention and after intervention is 4.47 and 7.37 respectively. The result of paired-sample t-test indicates a significant difference between the mean score for knowledge test before intervention and after intervention at 1% significant level. This implies an improvement of farmers’ knowledge regarding the improved sorghum and Haricot-bean varieties as double cropping technologies due to technological intervention. Therefore, it is batter to be promoted and scale-up on wider area and reach large number of farmers. 18 Jan, 2021 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-7-181.php The production and productivity of field pea crop in Amhara region depends mainly on the un availability of quality seed supply system for a number of improved varieties. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the quality and seed management practices of field pea seeds from the informal and formal seed systems in Enarj Enawuga and Yilmana Densa Districts during 2016/17 cropping season. Seed samples of two field pea varieties were collected from both formal and informal sectors and tested for quality in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The quality of seed samples had significant difference for physical purity, germination and vigor indices among seed samples. Except for other crop seeds, all the seed samples from informal seed sector maintained the physical /analytical/ purity of seed quality components (above the standards). Most of the seed samples except four samples (seed samples collected from farmer two and twelve of Enarj Enawuga districts who grow Tegegnech variety (F2 and F12), farmer 18 and 22 of Yilmana Densa districts who grow Tegegnech variety (F18 and F22) had registered germination capacity above the standards (75%). The speed of germination was better to predict field emergence of the seed lot than the standard germination. Seedborne fungi such as Ascochyta pinodes, Ascochyta pisi, Fusarium sp, Phoma sp, Septoria pisi, Colletotrichum sp were found associated with the field pea seed. Among those fungi Ascochyta pinodes was the dominant. Most farmer seed management practices enable to maintain and improve their field pea seed quality in both districts. Extension should play a crucial role in training farmers in on-farm quality seeds of the field pea crop production and is therefore a prerequisite for the improvement of the informal seed system in both districts. 30 Dec, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-180.php This article reviews the historical evolution, current status, existing problems and development trend of China’s industrial hemp industry. The paper plays a role in promoting the healthy and sustainable development of China’s industrial hemp industry. 14 Dec, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-179.php This study seeks to catalogue the opportunities for livestock production in the North West Region of Cameroon. Using Google Earth Maps, twenty urban and twenty peri-urban points were randomly selected based on settlement, followed by a random selection of four livestock farmers per point to participate in this study. A random sample of 160 questionnaires was collected and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. The result showed that farmers kept a variety of livestock species of which most were pigs followed by poultry. Although poultry were the second most common species kept, they were more important than all other species in the livelihoods of farmers due to their multiple roles. This study suggests that information on innovations in livestock production should be available to farmers to improve their production and sales. 14 Dec, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-178.php Evaluation and demonstration study was conducted at Kemo-Gerbi kebele of Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha district on two to three year old Borana bulls with the objectives of evaluation and demonstration of bulls fattening technologies at on-farm level. One Farmer’s Research Extension Group (FREG) was formed for fattening the bulls. Twenty bulls were purchased from Borana zone by farmers for the fattening trials. Two feeding treatments (T1= crushed maize grain (20%) + wheat bran (45%) + 35% Noug seed cake and T2 = wheat bran (65%) + cotton seed cake (35%)) were evaluated at on- farm. Eight hour grazing was common for both treatments. The animals were randomly assigned for dietary rations and data on live weight change of the animals were taken using weight chart tape (developed by JICA project). Finishing weights, total weight gain and daily weight gain of the bulls were not different (P>0.05) between the treatments. Bulls fed on treatment one attained an average daily weight gain of 0.83 kg per bull; while bulls fed on treatment two gained 0.76 kg per bull per day. Total gross margin of treatment one (53,154.5 ETB) was higher than treatment two (49,467.75 ETB). Cost-benefit analysis showed that feeding option number one (T1) is more profitable than bulls fed on T2. However, fatteners can use any of the feeding options depending on availability of the ingredients in their area. 07 Nov, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-177.php Currently, in fish farming, Nile tilapia farming is one of the most widespread types worldwide and is present on all continents. However, stressors are normal in intensive rearing systems, which triggers immune suppression leading to a higher chance of infection, with Aeromonas hydrophila being one of the main responsible for the frequent diseases. Inhibition of reproductive and growth performance are also frequently observed in these situations. Thus, it is more than necessary to develop efficient treatments not only against the immune damage generated by stress in fish but also to prevent oxidative stress itself as well as against its side effects related to physiology and infections. The mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis is widely recognized in the literature for its immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, which makes it a potential supplement to counteract the effects of stress on intensive fish farming. In this study, we evaluated the effects of supplementation with the mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis through a randomized clinical trial regarding the immunological hematological variables in face of a normal situation and an induced stress situation as well as in the face of an immunological challenge by Aeromonas hydrophila. The mushroom proved to have a positive effect under the tested conditions, however, further studies will be necessary to determine its definitive effects. 05 Nov, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-176.php Soil acidity affects the growth of crops because acidic soil contain toxic levels of aluminum and manganese and characterized by deficiency of essential plant nutrients such as P, N, K, Ca, Mg, and Mo. The management options to correct acid soils are, improve nutrient use efficiency, liming, application of organic materials, biocha, appropriate crop rotations, crop mixtures, use of varieties that tolerant to Al and Mn toxicity. Biochar application improves crop productivity through enhancing water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), adsorption of plant nutrients and creates suitable condition for soil micro-organisms. 03 Nov, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-175.php Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important industrial, monocotyledonous perennial cash crop. Sugarcane brown rust (Puccinia melanocephela Syd. & P. Syd) is one of the most devastating diseases. Sugar cane brown rust is new for Ethiopia and currently only fincha sugar Estate is affected. The current study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of different fungicides (Opera, Tilt, Natura, Defender, Diprocon and Noble) with three times spray frequencies and their impact on yield and yield components under field conditions in Finchaa Sugar Estate, Ethiopia, during the main cropping season of 2016. For the management of sugarcane brown rust disease, seven treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications on sugarcane cultivated fields at Finchaa Sugar Estate. The statistical analysis showed that significant differences among treatments in sugarcane brown rust disease incidence, severity. Sugarcane brown rust incidence and severity were highest in the control plots compared to the fungicides sprayed plots. The highest severity value resulted in the lowest cane yield of sugarcane 26.26 t/ha in the control plots compared to a highest yield of 78.27 t/ha from sprayed plots with Opera fungicide and 64.9 t/ha from plots treated with Natura fungicide . Economic analysis revealed that the highest rate of return of 5751 birr was obtained from fungicide Opera and the highest net benefit 55559 birr again from Opera foliar spray treatment. The results of the present study revealed that the novel possibility of using foliar spray treatments which was found to be effective in decreasing sugarcane brown rust symptoms in sugarcane plants in Finchaa Sugar Estate and also increased yield. Further, the effective and feasible management options need to be developed on sugarcane brown rust disease in the country. 31 Oct, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-174.php In Ethiopia, improved agricultural technologies, like row planting are promoted in the recent times in order to address low agricultural productivity. However, despite such production enhancing technologies, utilization of such technologies remained low in Ethiopia. This study is focusedon the impact of row planting teff technology adoption on the income of smallholder farmer in the context of Hidabu Abote District, North Shoa zone. The study uses cross-sectional data that were collected from 181 randomly selected smallholder farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics,and econometrics models. From the descriptive statistics, it was found that out of thirteen explanatory variables seven of them were a significant difference among the groups. Results of the probit model revealed that, distance to central market, extension contact,off/non-farm income,farm size,household size, access to mass media,and access to credit affected the farmer’s adoption decision of the row planting of teff significantly. The finding of the propensity score matching analysis revealed that the average teff income per hectare of adopter is greater than that of non-adopter. Therefore, the findings of the study safely recommended that those significant factors adoption decision of the row planting of teff by any development intervention and policy makers, should be considered in setting their policies and strategies to speed up the use of row planting of teff. 30 Oct, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-173.php The oil produced by SN-Citec is a vegetable oil made from cotton seeds. The cotton seeds from the cotton plant go through several stages or workshops to give the oil. To obtain a quality oil, it is necessary to control the physico-chemical parameters such as humidity, water content, acidity level, fat content during the storage of the raw material which is cotton. The objective of our study was to contribute to the improvement of the storage of the raw material at SN-Citec: cotton seed. We determined the physico-chemical parameters of four (4) batches of seed after storage. The values obtained were compared to the standards of the codex stand. Thus standard methods were used to evaluate the quality of storage. The results of the analyses of the parameters during storage varied from 4.84% to 5.80% for the water content, 4.77% to 4.94% for the moisture content, 2.53% to 3.65% for the acidity content and 20.28% to 20.45% for the oil content of the seed. All the results found were in accordance with codex standards and the values in the laboratory’s archives. This study showed that the oil from SN-Citec is of good quality so to obtain an oil of hygienic and nutritional quality a good method of conservation of the raw material, a check of the moisture content of the seed before and during storage, a reserved environment and a good internal temperature of the materials during storage are important. 30 Oct, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-172.php Two improved food barley varieties (Gobe and Bentu) were demonstrated along with local check as a follow up of participatory variety selection activity. The objectives were to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of the varieties along with their management practices under farmers’ circumstances and to raise farmers’ knowledge and skill on food barley production and management practices. Sites were selected in collaboration with respective district agricultural offices. Trainings were given for farmers, Development Agents and experts and other stakeholders. The Participating farmers were also capacitated through follow up exchange visits and field days. Recommended seed and fertilizer rate were used for the demonstration trial establishment. According to the results, there was no statistically significant yield difference between the varieties at (p&lt;0.05). However, both Gobe and Bentu varieties have shown higher yield advantage over local variety showing a yield advantage of 62% and 11.5% over the local variety respectively. 29 Oct, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-171.php Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several fungal species including Aspergillus ochraceus, A. carbonarius, A. niger and Penicillium verrucosum. Various studies report shown that Ochratoxin A can be leads several health problems for both animal and human health through the consumption of Ochratoxin A contaminated plant and animal origin foods. For instance, Ochratoxin A has been shown to be nephrotoxic, teratogenic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic in human health. Therefore, the main aim of this review focused on the occurrence, analytical methods and the condition for the formation of Ochratoxin A. Number of studies finding report indicate that Ochratoxin A was existed in several processed and unprocessed food stuffs, species and different alcoholic beverage. Primarily, cereals and cereals contained food products have highly vulnerable for Ochratoxin A due the presence of high moisture contents. On the other hand, several environmental conditions are playing an important for the formation of Ochratoxin A in different food stuffs. For example, most important abiotic factors which influence the growth and Ochratoxin A production by such Spoilage fungi include water availability, temperature and gas composition. Finally, several analytical methods are used for detection of Ochratoxin A from different plant and animal origin foods such as Thin layer chromatography, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and High performance liquid chromatography. However, based on the sensitivity, resolution and efficiency currently high performance liquid chromatography techniques are more popular and advanced analytical techniques for different mycotoxins groups particularly, Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins detection. 28 Oct, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-170.php Now days food and nutrition insecurity is a key challenge of small holder farmers faces in Ethiopia in general and study area in particular. Based on this notion the research was conducted with objectives of objectives of promoting and popularize improved maize technologies, create awareness, improving farmers’ knowledge and skills through giving training, improve farmers’ livelihood and enhance stakeholders’ participation. A total of fifteen (15) trial farmers were selected from two potential Maize growing kebeles of Dire Dawa administration and one from Harari region. Three Farmers Research Groups having 45 farmers were established at each kebele. Two improved maize varieties (Melkassa-2 and Melkassa-6) were planted on a plot of 40mx40m per variety and trial farmers were used as replication. Training on which a total of 39 participants and field day on which 107 participants took part were also organized at Dire Dawa and Harari region. Melkassa maize varieties were evaluated based on their early maturity, yield and disease tolerance. Agronomic data and yield data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Based on this yield data of 21.6qt/ha Melkassa-6 and 23.6 qt/ha Melkassa-2 were obtained from overall farmers’ land in average. Melkassa-2 had 9.3% yield advantage over Melkassa-6. Thus Melkassa-2 ranked first by yield, Melkassa-6 second and, therefore, both varieties(Melkasa-2 and Melkasa-6) are recommended for further scaling up to reach large small holder farmers through government organizations, Non-government Organizations, research institutes and other stakeholders works on maize technology promotion. 27 Oct, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-169.php Faba bean variety demonstration was conducted at Adigollo kebelle (Ofla district, South Tigray, Ethiopia in 2016 main cropping season to demonstrate the performance of the Orobanche tolerant faba bean variety. The tested materials were improved (Hashenge) and local faba bean varieties. The demonstration was conducted in six farmers’ field that has plot size of 20 m by 20 m. Farmers were selected based on their interest to share their plot of land Farmers’ perception was collected individually and in group discussion form to evaluate the yield and yield components of the varieties at maturity stage. Moreover, grain yield and orobanche count per plot was measured from each plot. Based on the biological data, Hashenge variety gave higher grain yield (3.54 t/ha) as compared with the local variety (1.14 t/ha). Accordingly, Hashenge variety has shown 201.5% grain yield advantage over the local variety. On the other hand, orobanche count per plot was taken from each farmer’s plot. In this regard, the population of orobanche weed grown in the plots of Hashenge variety was lower as compared to the local variety grown plots (27.36 and 43.52 plants per m2, respectively). This shows more resistance to orobanche weed was recorded in the improved variety (Hashenge). Based on farmers’ perception, the Hashenge variety has better yield and other yield component performance as compared to the local variety and it was appreciated by farmers for further popularization and scaling up/out. Therefore, the improved and orobanche tolerant faba bean variety should be scaled out not only to the southern zone of Tigray region but also to other orobanche infested areas (locations) of the country, like south Wollo and North Gonder of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. 07 Sep, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-168.php The spatial distribution of plants in a crop community is an important determinant of yields. An attempt was made to evaluate the effect of different spacing on weed interference, growth and yield of watermelon in Ikorodu agro-ecology during the rainy season of 2019. Three different spacing namely: 1m x 1m, 1m x 0.5m, and 1m x 1.5m replicated three times were used. Data collected included weed fresh weight, weed cover score, weed density, vine length, number of leaves, vine girth at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after planting (WAT) and number of fruit, fruit diameter and yield per plot at harvest. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and where significant difference exist, means of treatments were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Results showed that sowing watermelon at 1m x 0.5m produced plants with thicker vines (4.10cm) and weed cover score (4.00) compared to sowing at 1m x 1m (3.86cm) and (6.66) respectively. Watermelon spaced at 1m x 1m spacing has the highest number of fruit (6.67) and fruit diameter (11.99cm) follow by 1m x 0.5m (4.67) and (10.79cm) and 1m x 1.5m having the least number of fruit and fruit diameter respectively. For optimum weed suppression which will in turn increase yield of the crop, it is therefore suggested that farmers should adopt 1m x 0.5m spacing in watermelon production. Further study in other humid agro ecological zone is equally recommended. 02 Sep, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-167.php CRISPR - Cas9 for gene editing has long been considered revolutionary in minimizing time frame to improve plant genetics and crop breeding. By using CRISPR tools we can improve desired traits, such as yield, plant height, gene expression, gene silencing, and disease tolerance. Flowering in plants is regulated by complex network of gene-controlled factors. This paper particularly aims at CRISPR-induced double-strand breaks used to create a gene “knock-ins” by exploiting the cells’ homology-directed repair. The precise insertion of a donor template can alter the coding region of a gene. Altering the Cas9 protein so it cannot cut DNA, transient gene silencing or transcriptional repression can also be done. The modified Cas9, led by a guide RNA, targets the promoter region of a gene and reduces transcriptional activity and gene expression. CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system based on RNA endoribonuclease to induce high-efficiency and inheritable targeted deletion of transcription factors involved in floral development in Papaver bracteatum. By using AP1, SVP, and TFL1 as the target genes, multisite and multiple-gene mutations were achieved to express multiplexed sgRNAs from a single transcript driven by the promoter in transgenic lines. Targeted deletions of chromosomal fragments between the first exon and second exon in either one or three genes were generated by using a single binary vector. Interestingly, the efficiency of site-targeted deletion was comparable to that of mutation with the multiplexed sgRNAs. DNA sequencing analysis of RT-PCR products showed that targeted deletions of AP1 and TFL1 may lead to frameshift mutations of the target genes. In addition, no RT-PCR amplified product was acquired after SVP targeted deletion. Furthermore, the targeted deletions resulted in abnormal floral development in the mutant lines compared to that of un-treated plants. AP1 and SVP mutations increased plant branching expressively, while treated mutant plants displayed a change from indeterminate to determinate inflorescences. Results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 with the RNA endoribonuclease Csy4 processing system is an efficient tool to study floral development and improve floral traits rapidly and phase change from Juvenility to flowering phase was tracked using shoot apical meristematic genes by vernalization and other gene editing factors. 02 Sep, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-166.php Ginger is an important crop that is produced worldwide for both spice and medicine. Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan countries which cultivate and export ginger to other countries. Even though ginger is an essential spice in the country, constraint faced during production reduces its output. Thus, this study aimed to identify the determinants of ginger production in the case of Yeki woreda. Primary data were collected using a self-administrative questionnaire administered on 110 ginger producers selected using a simple random sampling technique. Furthermore, data analysis methods descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were applied. The mean value of ginger yield was 51.74 quintals. The empirical result discovered that fertilizer use (p&lt;0.001), bacteria disease (p&lt;0.0340), education levels (p&lt;0.0001, &lt;0.0001, &lt;0.0009, &lt;0.0034), farm size (p&lt;0.0025), farmer experience (p&lt;0.0003), and weeds (p&lt;0.0018) were significant predictor variables in determining ginger production. Moreover, the result revealed that 85.00% of the discrepancy of ginger production explained by the independent variables included in the multiple linear regression model. Generally, fertilizer use, farm size in a hectare, the experience of farmers, weeds effect, diseases like bacteria wilt, and education level of farmers were the significant factors of ginger output. Therefore, the study recommends the implementation and improvement of ginger production at the producer level by considering the use of fertilizer, farm size, herbicides, education level of farmers, and control bacterial wilt disease. Thus, developmental institutions, agricultural extensions, and governments are advisable to improve the yield of ginger production via controlling the significant determinants.  27 Aug, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-165.php This study was conducted in Dawuro zone southern part of Ethiopia with aim of analyzing enset value chain with specific objectives of identifying actors and their functions along the value chain, examine the share of benefits along ‘enset’ value chain, analyze factor affecting market participation and outlet choice of producer. The multi-stage sampling method was employed to select representative producers. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected from 152 producers’ 57 traders and 66 consumers, respectively. While secondary data were collected from published and unpublished documents. Descriptive statistics, econometric models of Tobit regression and multivariate probit methods were used to analyze the data using STATA software. Participation and level of market participation were used as a dependent variable to analyze determinants of enset market participation. Market outlet choice was used as a dependent variable to investigate factor affecting outlet choice of the producer. The finding of the study revealed that major actors of the value chain are, input suppliers, enablers, enset producers, local collectors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. The performance of actors in value chain emphasized that about 26 % kocho and 25.95% ‘bulla’ profit margin shared by producers. Similarly, local collectors, wholesaler, and retailers have shared 27%, 22% and 25.08% of kocho; and 25.32%, 22.15% and 26.5% share of bulla margin respectively. Retailers got a high share of profit 26.5% from bulla. Moreover, local collectors get 27% share of profit from ‘kocho’. However, farmers have the lowest share of profit margin (26%) since local collectors and wholesalers govern the chain. the econometric result revealed that distance to nearest market at 10%, family size10% and incidence of the disease at 5% determined the probability of farmer’s market participation negatively and significantly. Education level 1%, quantity produced at 1%, consumer preference at 1%, transport facility at 1% and Price at 1% is determining the market participation of the producer positively and significantly. The result of multivariate probit model indicated that the outlet choices have significantly influenced by age of producer, education level, and distances to market, extension contact, packing animal owner, labor availability, output produced and price of the products. Moreover, the model result indicated that the predicted probability of choosing direct-consumers outlet was (29%) which is relatively lower than collectors (44%) retailers (38%) and wholesaler outlets (69%), since they face constraints immediately to get direct consumers, the probabilities of producers jointly to choose and not to choose four outlets were 2.29% and 5.43% respectively. The Wald χ2 test value of 112.64, which is significant at 1% significance level indicating that separate estimation of choice of four outlets is biased, and the decisions to choose the four outlets are interdependent and simultaneous. Therefore, collective efforts required motivation of extension agents and linking actors with the market are recommended to increase value chain of enset product in the study area. 20 Aug, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-164.php This study assessed the extent of agrarian households’ vulnerability to food insecurity and coping strategies in the Lower River Region of The Gambia and implication for policy. The data was collected principally through questionnaires administered to 230 households and 10 key informants. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science 20. A modified Consolidated Approach to Reporting Indicators (CARI) was also used to analyse vulnerability to food insecurity in the study area. The study found out that on average, the degree of vulnerability to food insecurity in the study area is about 45%. Vulnerability to food security is partly due to the large sizes of families, low income level of households, limited access to land and limited availability of food due to low food production, droughts and extreme climatic conditions. About 1,309 households were found to be highly vulnerable, and 4,394 households moderately vulnerable. Among the different districts in Lower River Region, the majority of the food insecure households are located in Jarra West District. As a coping strategy, 65.3% to food insecurity households, tend to reduce their expenditures on other needs to have money to buy food, 53.7% turn to the consumption of low quality and cheaper foodstuff with high carbohydrate content like rice, 52.1% borrow food from relatives, friends and neighbours and 51.3% reduce adults’ food consumption to secure the need of children for food in times of food deficit. Weak institutional and governance capacity, as well as unsustainable and inequitable use of natural resources among others were identified as common drivers of protracted crises. The study concluded that the trends in food security and nutrition in The Gambia are intrigued by climate variability and vulnerability to shocks and crises. To reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations, special subsidy packages should be designed to ease access to farm inputs, to better manage risks and respond to shocks in the short and long term. The government should also provide a regulatory environment which establishes basic conditions within which farmers, input suppliers, and food companies, among others can operate and make investment decisions in order to boost their production. The managerial and technical capacity of these farmers should also be built through the extension services, and the extension services should work with farmers to achieve the national priority of zero hunger. The government should reduce the amount of taxes levied on companies that produce or import quality planting materials and inputs and then negotiate with these companies to step down the cost of inputs to farmers. There is also a need for the introduction of new, appropriate and sustainable technologies to farmers and for intensification purposes. 19 Aug, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-163.php The contribution of inorganic fertilizer to enhance crop growth and yield cannot be ignored, but on the other hand their indiscriminate use is causing deterioration of the soil structure and soil acidity. A field experiment was conduct at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria to study the effect of variable rate of cattle manure on the growth and yield of maize (Zea Mays L). Five rates of cattle manure: control, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha-1 replicates three times laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was evaluated. Data were collected on vegetative traits and yield component and statistically analyzed. The growth and yield attributes increased significantly accordingly to the rates of cattle manure due to continuous supply of nutrient. The control plot gives significantly lower means and maize that received 20 t ha-1 recorded the highest mean in all growth and yield parameter evaluated in the study. Applications of 20 t ha-1 cattle manure significantly improve vegetative growth and yield attributes of maize plant and therefore recommended for adoption by resource-poor farmer can adopt the use of cattle manure at 20 t ha-1 as substitute for inorganic fertilizer, thus reduce environmental pollution posed by the disposal of the cattle waste and ultimately improve yield in the study area. 06 Jul, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-162.php The major determinants of malnutrition in Africa are low availability of nutritious foods and inadequate consumption of protein-rich diets. Consumption of nutritious snacks could help to reduce protein-energy malnutrition in children and adults. Biscuits are a ready-to-eat, convenient and cheap snack that is consumed by all age group in many countries. It can be produced from cereal and legume flour blends. A proximate composition such as protein, ash, crude fiber, and fat content of some cereal-legume based biscuit increased with increase in the percentage substitution of legumes flour. Carbohydrate content of biscuits decreased as legume substitution increased. The Ash (total mineral) content of some cereal and legume-based composite biscuits increased as the level of legume flour incorporation increased. The increased in some nutrient composition of the biscuit in cereal and legume blends could be due to the significant quantity of nutrients in legumes. Anti-nutritional factors (ANF) such as tannin and phytic acid affect digestibility and nutrient bioavailability for absorption. Substitution of malted cereal flour with legume flour resulted decreased in the level of both tannin and phytate in the composite biscuits and vice versa. Lower tannin and phytate content observed could be due to degradation of tannin and phytate during malting. Sensory attributes such as color, texture, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability of some cereal and legume-based biscuits were highly rated (in acceptable ranges). 02 Jul, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-161.php The study was aimed at analyzing milk value chains in West Hararghe zone with 140 producers were randomly selected from list of dairy producer kebeles. Meanwhile, 30 traders from different markets and 30 consumers in Chiro, Bedessa Gemechis and Mieso towns were selected and interviewed. Heckman two stage models were applied to identify determinants of milk market participation and volume of milk supply to the market. The results shows among those variables hypothesized to affect milk market participation decision, distance to the nearest market, crop income and age of household head were negatively and significantly affecting participation decision and also livestock unit is affect participation decision significantly and positively. Land size, improved dairy cows, livestock unit were significantly and positively influencing the value of milk marketed. The value chain analysis revealed that the major value chain actors are input suppliers, producers, collectors, rural and urban wholesalers, retailers, cafes and consumers. It is also found that milk passes through several intermediaries with value added products (boiled milk and yoghurt) before reaching the ultimate users. Therefore, policies aiming at increasing producer’s provision of modern inputs, number of milk cows and improving livestock production of milk cows and change of their attitudes towards milk production and processing, participating to dairy market were recommended to accelerate milk value chains development in the study area. 26 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-160.php Grain quality is in terms of heritably and physically pure whereas postharvest managements are used to increase grain/seed quality through seed processing while required storage condition maintain its quality. However, little information available on germination capacity of maize as affected by storage containers and period in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of storage containers with storage period on germination of maize grain in the laboratory. The experiment was conducted between December 2017 and May 2018 in Bako, West Shawa, Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in CRD designs with three replications. The treatments consist of two factors combinations with storage types (Gombisa, sack and Hermetic bag) and storage periods (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) months. Germination test was done by the standard procedures of international seed test agency (ISTA). The collected data were analyzed statistically using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS and means that were significantly different were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The result showed significant different (P&lt;0.05) interaction effect on germination. The values for initial loading were 98.0% and subsequently reduced 78.9% at the end of 6 months of storage. Initially, the highest 98.0% germination was recorded and reduced significantly (p&lt;0.05) to 72.0, 76.0 and 88.6% for Gombisa, Sack and Hermetic bags, respectively. Hermetic bag kept significantly higher germination percentage with 94.2 % at six 6 months in storage, respectively as compared to the rest of the two storage containers. The reduction of germination of grain stored in Gombisa and Sack were due to the grain damaged by weevils (S. zeamais, S. granaries, T. castaneum and S. cerealella) and increment of moisture content due to insect infestation and mould growth. From this study, it can be concluded that maize grains which was stored for less than 4 months had shown better seed germination but variations were observed among the storage structures studied. Also, Hermetic bag storage showed better result with higher germination throughout the storage periods. 17 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-159.php Farmers usually rely on various fertilizers to enhance the yield and productivity of crop species. However, these fertilizers are likely to affect performances and qualities traits of crops. 11 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-158.php A cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2018 to November 2019 in Tiyo district, Arsi Zone of Oromia National Regional State in order to determine the prevalence of Shoats GIT parasites and the associated risk factors. 08 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-157.php This paper is mainly focused on identifying the socio economic and institutional factors influencing agroforestry adoption in Southern Province. Field survey was conducted during July to September, 2019 using structured questionnaire. This study was carried out in four districts in southern province of Rwanda. The number of respondents involved in the study was 650 farmers. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. For the selection of the sample, the study adopted a stratified random sampling technique and simple random technique. Binary logit regression model has been used to determine the factors affecting farmers adopting agroforestry. Finally, Binary regression analysis showed no significant association between the adoption of agroforestry practices and respondent’s age, gender, marital status, farming experience or income range of the respondents. On the other hand, there is a positive significant association between the adoption of agroforestry practices and household size is 0.00 p-value as well as the farm size of the respondents. It is expected that farmers with larger household size are more likely to adopt agroforestry practices than farmers with smaller household size and also shows that most of the farmers who were more likely to adopt agroforestry had a bigger land acreage for planting more trees. 08 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-156.php With a descriptive as well as econometric analysis method, this study investigated 140 arbitrarily selected dairy producer households, focusing on analyzing dairy market participation of small dairy farmers in Gubre town south nation nationality and people region of Ethiopia. The purpose of this paper is to provide information regarding the determinants of dairy market participation and rate of participation in Gubre town. Based on the findings, out of a total of 140 dairy producing sample respondents, 65 (46.43%) were they participate in the dairy market, while the rest 75 (53.57%) were nonparticipants. The mean production of milk per day for the sample, participant, and non-participant respondents was 1.94, 2.42 and 1.51 liter respectively. The number of children’s below the age of five year, the volume of milk produced, distance to the closest dairy market and information access considerably affects both the dairy market participation and rate of participation decision of the households. But the size of milking cows kept and credit use only affects the dairy market participation decision of the households. Hence, policies aiming at increasing producer’s provision of modern inputs, increasing the number and productivity of dairy cows and change of smallholder farmer’s attitudes towards dairy production and joining the dairy market were recommended to accelerate the dairy market contribution in the study area of Gubre town. 08 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-155.php This study was carried out to phenotypically characterize and differentiate sheep populations of Western part of Ethiopia. Physical observations and body weight and linear measurements were studied. Multivariate canonical and discriminant analysis were employed to differentiate population. Three districts; Dendi, Guduru and Mida Kegn districts were selected purposely based on sheep production potential and previous characterization studies. For example, majority of male sheep in Dendi district had horn while majority are polled in Guduru and Mida Kegn districts. The two canonical variates extracted explain a total of 100% of the total variation (80.6% by Can1 and 19.4% by Can2). The Can1 and Can2 presented high weighing for ear length and pelvic width, respectively. It showed that these traits demonstrating their importance to discriminate and to classify the sheep population in the areas. Sheep population of Dendi, Guduru and Mida Kegn districts were correctly grouped into their own geographical area for about 71.15%, 54.62% and 69.23%, respectively. The largest mahalanobis distance was found between sheep population in Dendi and Guduru (2.27). The smallest distance was found between Guduru and Mida Kegni with mahalanobis distance of 0.649. These results showed that sheep population in Dendi was found to be unique and confirmed the existence of two populations (Dendi and Guduru-Mida Kegn) in the study area. 04 Jun, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-154.php The negative effects of climate change in agriculture are already felt in the form of reduced yields and more frequent extreme weather events affecting both crops and livestock. It will require a significant investment in adaptation to maintain the current crop and the necessary increase in production, as the most threatened sector of the economy. 26 May, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-153.php Agriculture in India is the means of livelihood of almost two thirds of the work force in the country. It has always been India’s most important economic sector. 18 May, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-152.php Pre-extension demonstration and evaluation of early maturing sorghum varieties with the objectives of promoting and popularize improved lowland sorghum technologies and to create awareness, improving farmers knowledge and skills through giving training and to improve farmers’ livelihood and enhance stakeholders participation. 14 Apr, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-151.php The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition, antioxidant, antifungal and antileishmanial activities of the essential oils that were obtained from Mentha pulegium L. cultivated both in Algeria and in Tunisia. The kinetics of antioxidant activity was also studied. The essential oils are obtained by steam distillation with a yield of 1.30 and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) where 30 compounds were identified. The Antioxidant activity was defined using the scavenging test of free radicals (DPPH), while ascorbic acid is used as positive control. The values of IC50 are between 95-107 µg.mL-1. 11 Mar, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-150.php Cropping pattern means the proportions of area under various crops at a point of time. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of crop pattern, crop productivity using climate, water and crop yield models. The existing studies present that climate change models with higher spatial resolution can be a way forward for future projections. Various types of statistics, other secondary data and primary questionnaire method was applied to measure and analysis the problem. The cropping pattern differs from macro to micro region, both in space and time and is governed largely by the physical, cultural and technological factors. For the purpose of agricultural regionalization and planning, 04 Mar, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-149.php Yogurt supplemented with plant source proteins are received increased attention but few studies investigated effect of plant source proteins supplementation on protein digestibility and releasing of bioactive peptides. In this study, a residue rich in protein derived from common beans starch production, Common Bean Whey (CBW), was applied in development of novel yogurt. CBW from four major common beans varieties, namely white, black, kidney and cranberry were utilized. The novel yogurts were subjected to in vitro Gastro-Intestinal Simulation (GIS) digestion and protein digestibility, antioxidant activity and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory property were studied. Compared to the control, Common Bean Whey Fortified Yogurt (CBWFY), particularly black bean whey was the predominate stable sample to protein degradation in the gastric and intestinal phases. 03 Mar, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-148.php Coconut milk is that the liquid obtained by manual or mechanical squeeze of grated coconut lying in moneyed white liquids. During this study, coconut milk and coconut milk pudding were pared, and it’s microbiological, chemistry and sensory quality were studied. The dairy farm milk pudding was very little sweeter than coconut milk pudding. The dairy farm milk pudding was higher super molecule content than coconut milk pudding on the other hand coconut milk pudding found higher fat content than dairy farm milk pudding. The percentage of moisture, fat, minerals and total soluble solid were higher in CMP than DMP but percentage of protein CHO was showed opposite trends. 06 Feb, 2020 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-6-147.php Concentrate feed based yearling Arsi-Bale sheep fattening demonstration was conducted at Keta-Bareda and Wabe Gefersa kebeles of Dodola and Kofele districts, respectively. The objectives of the study were to demonstrate concentrate based rams fattening technology and to evaluate of its economic profitability at on-farm level. Two youth and one women research extension groups were formed purposely with collaboration of development agents. Seventy yearling Arsi-Bale rams were purchased from the surrounding markets and tagged with animal identification number. The experimental rams were then provided with anti-parasite treatments before commencing feeing. All rams were supplemented with a fattening ration of wheat straw +65% wheat bran +35% cotton seed cake for seventy five days. The body weight of rams was taken in fifteen days interval. Finally a mini field day was organized. 21 Nov, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-146.php The study was initiated to identify beef cattle value chain actors and their roles, and investigate the determinants of quantity of beef cattle marketed. To achieve this, primary data were collected from randomly selected 171 cattle fatteners, 14 butcheries, 8 hotel and restaurant owners, 8 traders, and 6 consumers using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. 26 Sep, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-145.php Momotaro tomato is an introduced vegetable commodity in West Java. Development of introduced vegetables needs an effective and effi cient supply chain performance to maintain the quality and quantity of the product until it reaches the consumers. PT. Saribhakti Bumi Agri is an agribusiness company that cultivates and sells introduced vegetables with shorter supply chain fl ows. Short supply chain has various benefi ts including lower prices and direct quality control by consumers. 25 Sep, 2019 https://www.peertechzpublications.org/articles/IJASFT-5-145.pdf 13 Aug, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-144.php Heat treatment of milk is the most widely used processing technology in the dairy industry. It results in many chemical and biochemical changes in milk, the extent of which depends on the temperature-time combinations, the heating method utilized, and milk pre-treatment conditions [1-3]. 31 Jul, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-143.php Huge collections of barley landrace genotypes in Ethiopian are not studied for the magnitude of genetic distances from each other. Though knowing the contribution of individual traits is crucial to focus on particular traits in cultivar development; the traits of these genotypes are not yet studied. 23 Jul, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-142.php Rice is a main food over the world. With the growing population and urbanization, the demand for the rice is increasing.To ensure the sustainable produce and market supply of rice is most important to meet the people’s need of rice and the sustainable development. Most of distribution area of rice is in resources-limited regions, and sometime natural calamities infl uences rice yield,quality and market supply almost every year in resources-limited regions over the world. 17 Jul, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-141.php The study was conducted at Adami Tulu agricultural research center on growth performance and carcass characteristics evaluation of one year old 24 Kereyu bulls. The objectives of the fattening trial were: to evaluate different feeds options on one year aged Kereyu bulls for them to attain 300kg export market weight gain, to evaluate the carcass characteristics of the animals under fattening and to identify the most economical feeding options to obtain the targeted export market weight gain. 03 Jun, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-140.php The natures of public abattoirs have a tendency for small market and information on these abattoirs is very limited. This study was conducted with the objectives to assess physical condition, functional infrastructure, daily data record, operational of the abattoirs and analysis the perception of abattoirs works on beef quality determinants at Adama, Dire Dawa and Haramaya University. To know the perception of abattoirs workers on beef quality and operational system survey and discussion was conducted on abattoir works (57) respondents and personal observation. The survey result and personal observation indicated that not all the abattoirs were working to their full potential. Adama, Dire Dawa and Haramaya University abattoirs were established for domestic consumption service. The facilities in abattoir were very few. 15 May, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-139.php Meat is one of the most nutritious animal products that humans can consume, particularly in terms of supplying high-quality protein, minerals and essential vitamins. Hence, the demand for meat is not only quantity wise, but also quality wise. The objective of this study was evaluate eating qualities of beef produced at public abattoirs from Arsi, Bale and Harar cattle breeds with semi-trained sensory panel evaluation and instrumental tenderness. To know the status of meat produced for domestic market in relation with globally demands. The samples were collected from the longissimus dorsi region between 12th and 13th ribs within 45 min after slaughters. 13 May, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-138.php Land degradation is one of a serious agricultural problem that posed severe threat to food production and the livelihood of peoples in Ethiopia. It resulted in high economic loss and threat in natural environment. The country loses about $106 million annually through soil and nutrient loss. Soil degradation is the one and the major form of land degradation that have been stayed for long period as the bottlenecks of the country’s economy and human wellbeing. The economic loss soil degradation in the form of soil erosion and nutrient depletion only from the highlands of the country is about10-11% of agricultural gross domestic products. Soil erosion is one of the major causes of soil degradation in the country. The annual soil loss rate on average is about 42 tones/ha for croplands, and up to 300 tones/ha in extreme cases. 12 Mar, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-137.php This experiment was conducted with the objective of to evaluate effect of sowing methods on biomass, seed and planting materials production with participatory of the local community in Afambo districts. Accordingly, the biomass yield of Panicum antidotale, Cenchrus ciliaris, Lablab purpureus (147), Vigna unguiculata (9333), and sowing by drill method was significantly higher than sowing by broadcasting methods. Drilling method was having significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on days of seed maturity, seed yield and plant height than broadcast method. But there was no significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of sowing methods on days of emergence and diseases incidence on both grasses and legumes. Similarly, drilling method was having significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on herbage yield than broadcast method on both grasses and legumes. But there was no significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of sowing methods on days of flowering, days of seed setting and on both grasses and legumes. According to the trial agro pastoralist perception P. antidotale was selected first followed by Cenchrus ciliaris for their palatability, bio mass yield, drought tolerance, due to its vegetation and morphological performance. 14 Feb, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-136.php This study investigated socio-economic determinants of utilization of manual screw press for cassava mash dehydration for gari production in four local government areas across the ADP zones in Kwara state, Nigeria. Using random sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire as research instrument, data for the study were collected from a sample of three hundred and eighty four (384) gari processors who use the screw press in the state. Multiple regression analysis show that a correlation (R=0.678) exist between utilization of the screw press and the independent variables which include age, household size, level of education, years of processing experience, extension visits, and income from gari processing. R2 value of 0.460 indicates that about 46% of the variation in utilization was explained by socio-economic variables included in the regression model. Three variables significantly influenced the decision of the respondents to utilize the manual screw press: age, level of experience, and income; the most important predicator being income with a Beta value of 0.699. Conclusively, it was recommended among others that research, extension, and policy makers consider the significant determinants identified in the study seriously if increased utilization is to be achieved by gari processors and others similar to them in the study area and the region. 11 Feb, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-135.php The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha and Bora districts from east Shoa zone as well as Kofele and Asasa from west Arsi zone of Oromia regional state. The objective of this study was to determine the best regression model for live weight estimation to be used by farmers without the use of weighing scale for indigenous sheep breed found in East Shoa and West Arsi zone of Oromia Regional State. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed to select the study kebeles and all the sheep for body weight and linear body measurements. 03 Jan, 2019 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-5-134.php Cellular Prion proteins have a wide variety of function from the birth of a cell to its programmed death. Prion protein can be the cause for a number of lethal animal and human diseases when misfolded. Furthermore, prion infection is transmissible. Polymorphisms of prion gene at different loci are associated with prion diseases development, the onset of symptoms and incubation period. Indel polymorphism in the promoter region of PRNP gene is found to be accoaited to BSE in cattle while the haplotype ARR at positions 136,154 and 171 is resistant to scrapie in sheep. Taking into account the severity of prion disease and its potential entrance to the food chain, genetic and clinical studies continued to be conducted in a different course of time in many countries. 24 Dec, 2018 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-4-133.php Iron has many special functions in the body. More than 65 percent of the body’s iron is in the blood in the form of hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen to tissues in the body. A compound that carries oxygen to the muscle cells called myoglobin, also requires iron. In addition, iron has a role in many chemical reactions within the body that generate energy. A human body can store excess iron as a reserve. The World Health Organization reported that iron deficiency anemia is one of the most widespread nutrient deficiencies in the globe. Diverse factors may affect its absorption like low dietary intake of iron, deprived iron absorption, or too much blood loss. Moreover, polyphenolic compounds widely found in coffee and tea such as chlorogenic acids, monomeric flavonoids, and polyphenol polymerization products also strongly inhibit dietary nonheme-iron absorption. Children, adolescents, pregnant women, women of child-bearing age, athletes, and older adults are groups at greater risk for iron deficiency. The objective of this review paper is to review factors influencing iron absorption. 14 Dec, 2018 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/IJASFT-4-132.php A study was conducted at Donbi watershed, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia to identify, describe and evaluate different introduced soil and water conservation practices and to assess farmers’ perceptions about soil erosion and conservation measures. The necessary data were generated through field measurements and structured questionnaire survey, group discussion and transect walk. The structures were evaluated by comparing the field measurement result with the recommended dimensions. The results obtained showed that level soil bund and fanya juu were the dominant structures identified in the watershed. 01 Nov, 2018 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/doi10.17352-2455-815X.000031-ijasft.php At a Global scale, we are growing as much grain as possible to feed world population and domestic animals. As the world population grows in the coming decades, we may not have enough grain to feed the world population. The limiting factors are land suitable for cultivation or farming, environmental conditions and water available for plant growth/farming. Thus, the goal should be how much grain, e.g. corn or wheat we can grow per gallon of available water? If we focus on available water for agriculture, then evaporation loss from soil is the major mechanism for the loss of water. 03 Sep, 2018 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/doi10.17352-2455-815X.000030-ijasft.php Food consumption and nutrition intakes it seem as a major problem in rural area of White Nile state in Sudan, in spite of this area is rich of food production resource, through this study we had tried to know the pattern of food consumption and nutritional intaking in this area by taking six groups of food. The measurement of food security in the State was assessing through a household survey data. The author used Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System &#40;AL-AIDS&#41; to estimate food price and expenditure elasticities and also used the nutrient demand model, in addition to the impact of the household characteristics on food and nutrition demand behavior; the result in term of cross price elasticity showed positive sign indicating response of substitution, in addition to the expenditure elasticities for all food groups showed positive signs excluding the oil group; generally, according to the nutrient demand model the result showed the household characteristics influence the nutrition intaking for all members of family, in other hand the regional factor appears to have negative impact between localities within the study area; finally, strongly recommended that the federal government strategy and policies for food security will be directed toward to the food supply and designed to increase income and procurement power. 19 Apr, 2018 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/doi10.17352-2455-815X.000029-ijasft.php Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are beneficial symbionts for plant growth. They are associated with higher plants by a symbiotic association, and benefit plants in uptake of phosphorus nutrients, production of growth hormones, increase of proteins, lipids and sugars levels, helps in heavy metal binding, salinity tolerance, disease resistance, and even in the uptake of radionuclides. 13 Apr, 2018 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-4-128.php The present study deals with the diversity of ants in three different sites of Thiruthangal, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar (Dist.), India. During the present study four subfamilies are noted. Myrmicinae is a dominant subfamily in three study sites. Dolichoderinae has a low relative abundance during the study period. 13 Dec, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/doi10.17352-2455-815X.000027-ijasft.php The study was conducted to characterize honeybee’s behavior and swarming tendency in Bale Zone of Oromia Regional state, South-eastern part of Ethiopia in 2014/15. Three districts (Dinsho, Adaba and DelloMenna) were considered based on variations in agro-ecology. 28 Oct, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-126.php The main object of this study is to investigate the effect of Agricultural input on Agricultural productivity in Nigeria from 1990 to 2016 using secondary annual time series data sourced from World Bank database (2016) and Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin (2016). 27 Sep, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-125.php The study was conducted in Adama, Lome and Adami-Tulu districts of East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State to assess commercial fattening practices, and to evaluate performance of commercial fattening. 15 Sep, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-124.php The study was conducted in three purposively selected districts of South Wollo Zone, Tehulederie, Kalu and Dessie Zuria, intended to analyze the physicochemical properties of beeswax produced in 2015/6. Twenty-six beeswax samples were collected being sourced from honey extract, ‘Tej sefef’, old combs and purchased beeswax blocks and analyzed at Sekota Dry land Agricultural Research Center laboratory according to the standard protocols of Ethiopian Beeswax specifi cation ET-1203-2005 developed by Quality Standard Authority of Ethiopia in 2005. 31 Aug, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-123.php A new method based on the coprecipitation procedure (CP) for separation/speciation using flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) determination was proposed for the determination of Cr(III)/ Cr(VI) in some real samples with Co(II)/α-Benzoin oxime precipitate. 07 Aug, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-122.php The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ages at slaughtering on carcass characteristics, meat composition and haematology of extensively managed Red Sokoto bucks slaughtered in Abeokuta Metropolis 01 Aug, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-121.php Background: In this study, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Cd were determined after heat treatment of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), leek (Allium porrum L.), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), 26 Jul, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-120.php Biscuit are usually produced from wheat flour, increasing cost and limited supply of wheat demand that attention be given to the application of indigenous grains to totally or partially replace wheat in bakery products. 23 May, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-119.php The species Canthon (Peltecanthon) staigi is a Neotropical “dung beetle” from Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, which plays a key ecological role reallocating organic material and in some cases being a seed disperser. 20 May, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-118.php Escherichia coli O157:H7 can enter into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under stress conditions. Pathogens in this dormant state may escape detection if conventional methods are employed, 20 Mar, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-117.php A new technology is developed to separate allelopathy from competition in pot experiments. Square pots of any sizes may be used. Each pot is divided by a metal or pvc mesh (100-150 micrometer) barrier fi xed from the bottom to pot surface. The barrier divides the pot into two sections fi lled by the same amount of soil mixture. 10 Mar, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-116.php The ability of racing pigeons to navigate and to fi nd their way home is determined by many factors. The aim of this investigation was to prove the outer and inner environmental impacts on the fl ying performances of racing pigeon fl ock. The fi eldwork consisted of taking down of various body measurements of 49 birds, which was improved by collection of racing-, meteorological-, geographical-, and pedigree data. 10 Mar, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-115.php Parameters related to nodulating ability of some legumes were studied in a pot trial in the Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven, Bulgaria during the 2013 and 2014 years. 20 Jan, 2017 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-3-114.php The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) belongs to the melanocortin system, has been well investigated in mammals. Which plays important roles in several physiological processes, such as regulating energy homeostasis, cachexia, cardiovascular function, glucose and lipid homeostasis, reproduction and sexual function, drug abuse, pain perception, brain infl ammation, and anxiety. 30 Dec, 2016 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-2-113.php The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and palatability of certain commonly found weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, Sorghum halepense, Cichorium intybus, Convolvulus arvensis and Lamium purpureum) in fodder crop areas. 30 Dec, 2016 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-2-112.php Tropical warehouse moth Cadra cautella Walker, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a major pest of stored food products worldwide. It was originated from the tropics and subtropics but it disperses through imported food cargoes. 23 Nov, 2016 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-2-111.php While livestock rearing and dairy production on a subsistence level has been a traditional occupation in rural India, changes in policy and governance and production, both at a national and international level have had a profound effect on livestock rearing practices, production and farming systems, and the indigenous biodiversity of the country. 11 Nov, 2016 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-2-110.php The study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of honey from Bale natural forest Southeastern of Ethiopia in 2014/15. For analysis thirty (30) honey samples each of 0.5 to 1 kg were obtained from three locations considering the different agro-ecologies of Bale and compared against to the national and international standards. 10 Nov, 2016 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-2-109.php The purpose of this study was to identify resource management skills in sorghum growing enterprise for training youths for employment in Kwara and Kogi State. The study adopted survey research design. 28 Sep, 2016 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-2-108.php Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern worldwide which can lead to a series of disabling complications and diseases. β-glucans are non-starch polysaccharides that are being used as food additives for their numerous health benefits including the ability to lower the postprandial glucose response. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of substituting β-glucans on the glycemic response and thermal properties of four commonly consumed starches. Oat β-glucans were added at concentration levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/w) to each of the four starch types. Composite starches were incubated with α-amylase followed by further incubation with amyloglucosidase. 11 Dec, 2015 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-1-106.php Muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis Helfer, generally reared outdoor on standing host trees for which it is always under pressure of vagaries of weather conditions causing substantial loss. Attempts were made to rear the silkworm under indoor conditions during different seasons. In first attempt, the worms were reared from brushing till spinning and in second, worms were first reared under indoor conditions up to 2nd in star and then transferred to outdoor condition. Rearing performance, larval and cocoon parameters were compared with complete indoor and outdoor conditions. 17 Oct, 2015 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-1-105.php Background and Aim: Fish plays a crucial role in human nutrition and food supply across the globe, particularly among the poor segment of the society. Food fish currently represents the major source of animal protein needed for growth and development, especially among the children and women who are more vulnerable to malnutrition in developing countries. The importance of food to an individual and society cannot be over emphasized, as food is a basic necessity of life and sufficient intake of quality food is imperative for people to live a strong, vibrant and productive life. Considering the importance of fish food, this study therefore assessed the contribution of brackish water fish farming to stable fish supply and food security in coastal communities of Rivers State. 14 Oct, 2015 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-1-104.php Propargite is an acaricide extensively used in India for controlling the populations of the red spider mite (RSM) infesting tea. Field experiments were conducted at two places in Tamil Nadu (India) during the dry season to determine the residues of propargite in black tea. Residues were quantified at different harvest intervals of '0' (3 hr), 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 14th day after acaricide application. Persistence, dissipation pattern, half-life value and safe harvest interval of the acaricide in tea were calculated. Residues of propargite dissipated exponentially after application at both the locations and reached below the CODEX MRL of 5 mg/kg on the 7th day. Regression lines drawn on propargite showed that like other acaricides it followed the first order dissipation kinetics. Half-life values varied from 1.63 to 1.92 days for propargite and a safety harvest interval of 7 days is suggested for the tea crop. 28 Sep, 2015 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-1-103.php The aim of the study was to eliminate the potentially harmful sulfite salts normally added to wine – based products for preservation purposes with the introduction into the wine natural products, with pronounced antioxidant activity. Frieze – dried samples taken from the plants Hippophaes and Goji Berry were added to dry white and red wines after their fermentation phase. In all sample tests the sensory and oenological characteristics remained almost unchanged compared to original samples (without the addition of natural products), although their antioxidant activity was significantly increased when leaves of the plant Hippophaes were added. Goji berry fruits and fruit of Hippophaes plant increased antioxidant activity compared to original samples. 18 Sep, 2015 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-1-102.php Fenpyroximate is an effective acaricide on several food crops. In the present study, dissipation of residue of this acaricide in black tea, tea infusion and spent tea was studied. Analysis was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The rate of dissipation was found to vary with the nature of the substrate. In tea leaves the half-life of fenpyroximate ranged from 2.20 to 4.22 days. The residue of fenpyroximate was not detectable in the tea brew. 23 Feb, 2015 https://www.agriscigroup.us/Agricultural-Science-Food-Technology/IJASFT-1-101.php The Arabian Gulf countries are also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. They consist of six countries that are located in the Arabian Peninsula or connected to it. The GCC was formed in 1981 and includes: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (Figure 1). Combined, all these countries have a population of nearly 50 million – the largest of which is Saudi Arabia (30 million) and the smallest is of Bahrain (1.6 million).