Diyala Agricultural Sciences Journal

This experiment was carried out in order to study the effect of Mineral fertilizer and Sorbitol Sugar on the growth, and yield produced by chili pepper plant Barbarian F1, A factorial experiment with two factors, Mineral Fertilizer concentration 0, 0.5, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 g L-1 and Sorbitol Sugar 0 and 10 g L-1 was used in the term of (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed significant superiority of Mineral Fertilizer at 1.5 ml-1 in the plant height (59.62 cm plant-1 ), number of main branches plant-1 (5.600 branch plant-1), total leaf area (21.100 dm2 plant-1), number of fruits plant (88.25 fruit plant-1). One plant yield (0.718 kg plant-1) and total yield (23.94 tons hectare-1). The result also showed a significant increase of Sorbitol sugar in concentration 10 g L-1 in the plant height, number of branches1, total leaf area by balance, number of fruits, (58.63cm, 5.493 branch plants-1, 21.98dm2, 84.78 fruit plant-1, 0.685 kg plant-1, and 23.03 ton hectare-1 respectively). The interaction indicated that both variables were significant for all the studied traits, indicated that the response of pepper to the first variable is related to the second one. Thus, the research has concluded that the Interaction of variables, mineral fertilizer (1.5 g L-1) and Sorbitol Sugar 10 g l-1 has a great combination to increase the growth and the yield of chili pepper

The aim of this study was to assess the lactation, reproductive performance, and disorders of dairy cows in Waliso and Ilu districts. A total of 122 respondents who participated in the production of dairy cattle were chosen at random and proportional to their size. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version20. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results such as overall means, standard error (SE), graphs, tables, frequency, and percentage. Daily milk yield of local breed cow was1.890±0.05liters/per/cow/day, while cross breed dairy cows7.410±0.31liters/ cow/day. Cross breed dairy cows produced (1978.4597±0.98) liters/ lactation/cow and native breed cows produced (429.78±17.10) liters /lactation/cow on average. Results showed that local and cross breed dairy cows had lactations length of 7.58±0.05 and 8.90±0.29 months per lactation per year. The average reproductive performance of local and cross breed dairy cows was (AFS) 44.88±0.57and 24.43±0.29 months, (AFC)53.94±0.56and 33.43±0.29 months, (CI)14.35±0.41) and 14.35±0.41months, (DO)161±0.41 and 140±0.49) days, and (NSPC)1.69±0.06 and1.70±0.10 times, respectively. Daily milk yields, average milk yields, and lactation lengths were significantly (P0.05) different between the two Districts. The overall percentages of stillbirths, dystocia, retained fetal membranes, abortions, and mastitis were 8%, 6.35 %, 6.66 %, 12.15 %, and 11.8%, respectively. In inclusion, it could be concluded that the productive lactation, reproductive performance and disorder are relatively low. Thus, indicating that it is an urgent need for well-coordinated efforts of all concerned bodies to boost the productive and reproductive performance there by enhances the livelihood of the dairy farmers

Plant extracts and essential oils are promising new sources of non-toxic alternatives to chemicals substances. They are used for their antimicrobial properties against plant diseases of fungal origin, against bacterial, and those of virus origin. This study was carried out to study the antifungal activity of Artemisia herba-alba, Foeniculum vulgare and Citrus sinensis essential oils against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis. Essential oil was extracted by steam distillation. Antifungal activity of essential oil was investigated by macro-broth method of dilution by a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against this pathogen. The yield of essential oil obtained by steam distillation of Foeniculum vulgare samples was 2.31% greater than that obtained from Citrus sinensis sample which was 1.8%, followed by Artemisia herba alba samples 1.22%. Regarding antifungal activity, the results revealed a better inhibitory activity of Artemisia herba alba against the tested strainsat the lowest LC50 values (0.1 µl/ml). On the other hand, Foeniculum vulgare, Artemisia herba alba and Citrus sinensis essential oils show similar MICs of mycelial growth against this pathogen. The value of the MIC and CMF is greater than 50 µl/ml for the three essential oils.

This study was conducted by the faculty of Agriculture - University of Nile Valley during winter 2018/2019 to study the effect of three tractor forward speeds (5,7 and 9 km/h) on the performance parameters of the tractor (the draft force, wheel slippage, fuel consumption, field capacity and field efficiency). Tractor performance test was carried out when linked to three implements, which are disc plow, a disc harrow and ridger. The study was carried out on two different locations, location one has a sandy clay soil while location two has a clay texture. The results showed that the draft force, wheel slippage, effective field capacity and fuel consumption increased with an increase in speed. The disc plow with speed (9 km/hr) recorded the highest values of draft force and wheel slippage, while the ridger recorded the lowest values of these parameters for the same speed, except for effective field capacity. The ridger with speed (9km/hr) recorded the highest values of effective field capacity, while the disc plow recorded the lowest values of this parameter for the same speed. The Three implements with speed three (9 km/hr) recorded different values of fuel consumption. The statistical analysis showed that, the effect of forward speed was significant at a 1% level, while the effect of the implementing type showed no significant differences. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replicates.

The objectives of this study were to analyze energy input-output and to identify the energy use patterns for sunflower production in the mechanized rain fed agricultural schemes eastern Sudan. The results revealed that the total energy input used to produce sunflower was 1671.33 MJ ha-1 and the total energy output was 11882.83 MJ ha-1. Sunflower production was efficient in energy consumption. The result showed that the energy ratio of output to input was greater than seven. The results indicated that the average net energy, the energy productivity and the specific energy was 10211.5 MJ ha-1, 0.28 kg. MJ-1 and 3.52 MJ kg -1, respectively. Fuel energy input was the highest among the energy input items while hand labor energy input was lower. These results indicate the dependence of sunflower production in rain fed agricultural schemes eastern Sudan on machinery. This necessitated the availability and readiness of the relevant and appropriate machineries as well as sufficient amount of fuel. The results also revealed that the energy profitability was 6.11 and human energy profitability was 1165.83 MJ h-1.The direct energy input was greater than the indirect energy input. Similarly, non-renewable energy was much greater than renewable energy. The established information is useful to manage and to sustain the productivity of sunflower crop in the mechanized rain fed schemes eastern Sudan.

The study of heavy metals in the human diet is important due to their dual effects as either essential or toxic to the human body. In this study, we determined the concentration of selected heavy metals in common potato and corn chips brands in Iraq markets. Ten common brands were selected and analyzed for their concentrations of the studied heavy metals by ICP-MS. The results shown that the average heavy metals level in potato and corn chips in (mg kg-1±SD) were 2.68±0.67 and 2.96±3.00 for Mn, 4.64±1.99 and 5.82±5.45 for Fe, 0.29±0.33 and 1.36±0.95 for Cu and 2.84±1.26 and 6.26±1.67 for Zn respectively. Corn chips were found to contain higher heavy metals than potato chips. The daily consumption of heavy metals from potato and corn chips (20 g daily intake) is lower than the recommended level set by the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization. Also, Daily intake of these metals is lower than the oral suggested amount and the upper tolerable daily intake set by the US. The contamination risk for the Iraqi population especially children from heavy metals exposure by this study performs to be non-significant, emphasizing the need to conduct more studies and confirm examining of heavy metals in foodstuffs especially chips brands.

Over the decade many villages in Zamfara State Nigeria were known for artisanal gold mining which caused pollution of vast water bodies and area of land. This makes it imperative to analyze heavy metal contamination in wells and surface water. The present study evaluated the concentrations of heavy metals (iron, lead, cadmium, zinc, nickel, and chromium) in the ore processing water and well-water in some selected villages of Anka local government area in Zamfara State where mining is taking place. Anka town served as control due to absence of mining activities. The concentrations of heavy metals in the water samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration of Fe, Pb, and Cd ranged from 23.3 – 921.46, 0 – 132.8, and 3.3 – 4.1 ppm respectively. While Zn, Ni, and Cr were not detected in the water samples. Virtually all the detected heavy metals in the water samples exceeded the international organizations (WHO, USEPA, and EPA-EUC) maximum permissible limit of 0.3 – 1.00, 0.01 – 0.05, and 0.03 – 0.05 ppm of Fe, Pb, and Cd in water samples respectively. Interestingly, all the well-water from all the study locations was not contaminated with Pb despite its high concentrations in the processing water. Meanwhile both the processing water and well water were contaminated with Fe and Cd. These revealed that artisanal gold mining is contributing to the pollution of surface water bodies (used for irrigation and drinking) with Pb, while Fe and Cd may be in addition to their abundance in natural soil deposits.

The objective of this review paper was to assess the effect of aflatoxin contamination in dairy products and its toxicity on public health in the Ethiopian dairy sector. Feed contamination by mycotoxins causes serious issues with the economy, food security, and safety. The economic impact can take different forms, direct market costs of missed trade or lower profits resulting from the rejection of contaminated animal products, reduced productivity, animal death, particularly in more sensitive calves, and increased treatment. Nougcake, which is often used as feed for dairy animals, is a significant source of aflatoxin contamination in the peri-urban dairy value chain in Addis Ababa. Aflatoxin AFM is the primary hydroxylated AFB metabolite in milk from cows that were discharged after consuming a meal contaminated with AFB for 12 hours. Prolonged or chronic exposure to aflatoxins has a number of harmful effects on health, including potent carcinogens and may affect all organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys; that cause liver cancer, mutagenic, hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects on cattle. According to Brazilian law, the maximum permitted levels for liquid milk, milk powder, and cheese are 0.5mg/kg,5.0mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg, respectively. As a result, there is increased aflatoxin contamination in both humans and animals. In conclusion, as compared to other countries, the effect of aflatoxin contamination and its toxicity was higher in Ethiopian dairy sector. In order to regulate aflatoxin contamination all coordinated efforts from all relevant groups should work together and further intervention should be implemented via policymakers, dairy sectors, Government and non-Governmental organizations.

This study examined the status of climate smart small ruminant production practices in Kwara State, Nigeria. About 105 small ruminant breeders were selected for the study. The data were analysed the use of frequency count, percentage, mean score, Binary Logistic Regression and Pearson product moment correlation. The result revealed that about 60% of the breeders were females and the mean years of experience in small ruminant production was 7 years. The result of most of the frequently used climate smart small ruminant production practices of the respondents showed that provision of medication to sick animals and cultivation of crops along with rearing of animals (90.5%), feeding with supplementary feeds, isolation of sick animals and vaccination of animals (92.4%); provision of shade through Planting of trees to reduce heat stress (93.3%); feeding with crop residues and building and maintenance of pens (96.2%) and grazing on pasture/grassland (97.1%). About 90.5% of the breeders have high status on the use of climate smart small ruminant production practices. Disease outbreak and high mortality (mean=2.07) was the highest ranked factors affecting the small ruminant breeders. The result of Binary Logistic Regression showed that educational level (B=3.985), membership of social group (B=6.083), access to extension services (B= 13.941) and years of experience (B= -0.544) were the determinant factors of the use of climate smart small ruminants production practices. This study therefore recommends that breeders should be provided with veterinary services and extension services.

Inoculation of important microbial strains in a modern intensive crop production is a critical step for the improvement of hybrid crop production. This study evaluated the impact of NPK consortia biofertilizer (NPK CB) and mineral fertilizer on growth and yield of two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids at Mewar University research farm, India. The research was conducted during 2020/2021 Kharif cultivation season. The split-plot design was adopted in three replications, each consisting of six treatments combinations; (T1 = control, T2 = 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), T3 = 100% RDF, T4 = NPK CB, T5 = 50% RDF + NPK CB and T6 = 100% RDF + NPK CB) and two maize hybrids (i.e., N.K-30 and N.K-30 plus). The result obtained revealed that the growth attributes, and yield attributes increased due to the combined application of NPK CB and mineral fertilizers. But there is no significant difference (p>0.05) observed between the studied hybrids, except for the 1000 kernels weight. Although the highest grain yield (1987.39 kg ha-1) obtained from the application of T6 (100%RDF + NPK CB) was comparable with the grain yield (1957.64 kg ha-1) obtained from the application of T3 (100% RDF). However, inoculation with NPK CB had superior effects on growth and yield attributes over the sole application of mineral fertilizers below the RDF. Hence, NPK CB could be a potent fertilizer input for hybrids maize production while reducing the level of chemical fertilizers below the RDF.

The research assessed farmers of arable crops in Akoko southwest local government area of Ondo State, Nigeria on their adaptation strategies to perceived climatic unpredictability. Using a multistage sampling, cross-sectional data were collected from 150 farmers in rural areas of all the local governments using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics including chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) were utilized to analyses the study's data. The study revealed a significant relationship between household size (χ2=179.3, p<0.05), farm size (χ2=136.4, p<0.05) and adaptation strategies. Also, there was a significant influence of gender (t=3.001), access to credit (t=2.459), and other sources of income (t=2.384) on adaptation strategies to be adopted by farmers at p<0.05. The findings indicate that the farmers are severely constrained by a lack of suitable irrigation infrastructure and insufficient government support, which has decreased production and may result in lower profits and more poverty. According to the results, farmers' perceptions of climatic unpredictability have a significant impact on their adaptation techniques. A better understanding of climatic variability would help farmers develop better adaptation strategies, which will enhance their livelihoods and lower poverty levels in rural regions. The government should launch awareness and sensitization programmers at all levels to create a community where farmers are well-versed in the causes and impacts of climatic variability.

Rhizosphere is a bio–influenced zone of soil where the interaction of microorganism and plant roots occurred tailored by the activity of soil enzymes. The activity of the enzymes depends largely on the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil environment. Experiment was carried out to examine the activity of phosphomonoesterases in the rhizosphere of cassava planted in two sites (Samaru and Minjibir) located in savanna ecologies of Nigeria. Soils from rhizosphere of the cassava were sampled from each treatment in an experiment involving split plot design. The treatments included 3 main plots (phosphorus rates at 0, 17.5 and 35 kg P2O5 ha–1) and 3 sub–plots (mycorrhizal inoculants: Glomygel and Mycodrip; and a Control). The Result of the analysis indicated higher activities of the phosphomonoesterases (acid and alkaline phosphatases) in Samaru site than Minjibir. The former recorded higher acid and alkaline phosphates activities over the latter with a magnitude of 96.84% and 43.65% respectively. This is attributed to the variability in the soil characteristics between the two sites. The main effect of P fertilizer indicated that 0 kg P2O5 ha–1 recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher phosphomonoesterases activity than application of 17.5 and 35 kg P2O5 ha–1. Inoculation with mycorrhizae also increased the activities of the phosphomonoesterases in both sites which indicate increase mycorrhizal colonization as a result of inoculation. It is concluded therefore, that the activity of phosphomonoesterases in the rhizosphere can be affected by fertilization as well as enhanced by inoculation with the influence of soil characteristics.

The study identified the fisherfolks’ perception of artisanal fishing enterprises in North-Central, Nigeria. Information were collected with the use of questionnaire and analysed using frequency count, percentage, mean score and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The result revealed that 68.4 % of the respondents preferred fishing grounds, about 59.4 % of the respondents preferred group discussion and visit by extension agents and about 61.5 % of the respondents preferred radio. About 38.9 % of the respondents indicated the evening as the preferred time to acquire training. The result showed that 92.8 % of the respondents had knowledge of the basic safety and precaution measure. Fish products should be free of any chemical (x ̅=4.47) was the highest-ranked perception statement. The result revealed that there is a significant relationship between the respondents’ perception of fishing enterprise and knowledge of sustainable fishery practices (r= 0.119; p= 0.001) at 1 percent level of significance. The study recommended that there should be the provision of training in the low knowledge areas on sustainable fishery practices and extension service delivery should be timely.

The drying process plays an important role in heat-sensitive product dehydration. This study was conducted to evaluate the response of three species of mulberry fruit (Morus nigra L. (Black mulberry), Morus alba L. (White mulberry), and Morus alba L. (White shahtoot) grown in Halabja, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Four levels of ascorbic acid treatment at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% lthen, divided into two groups; the first dried under solar radiation the second dried by one of the very high-quality machines (oven) for drying all kinds of vegetables and fruits. The mulberry fruits were harvested at the ripening stage by hand in April 2021 from the trees 10 years old. The results appeared that black mulberry is significantly superior that has higher moisture and total sugars content while having the lowest ash content and polyphenol oxidase activity on the two other species. Additionally, the ascorbic acid treatment significantly decreased total sugars content and peroxidase activity, while significantly increasing moisture content and polyphenol oxidase activity in fruits as compared to untreated fruits. Furthermore, sun drying significantly increased the fruits content of moisture, ash, total sugars, and polyphenol oxidase activity as compared to oven drying.

The study identified the factors affecting the adoption of agrochemical safety measures among crop farmers in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study include; identifying the rate of awareness of agrochemical safety measures, to identify adoption level of agrochemical safety measures and to determine the effect of socio-economic characteristic on the adoption of agrochemical safety measures. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 220 crop farmers for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Result of the study revealed that farmers in the area were aware of the following agrochemical safety measures: avoid eating and drinking when using agrochemicals/bathing after spraying (85%), washing spraying clothes separately from other clothes (74%), and danger of ingestion/inhalation of agrochemicals (70%) among others. Also, results on the adoption of agrochemical safety measures show that 50% of the respondents adopted on a high scale level, 38% adopted on a medium scale and 12% adopted on a low scale. Level of education, extension contact, farm size, and household size were the socio-economic characteristics that had un influence on the adoption of agrochemical safety measures in the area. It is therefore recommended that extension workers should intensify un enlightenment campaign on the danger of exposure to agrochemicals in order to achieve full adoption of agrochemical safety measures by crop farmers.