scholarly journals Microclimate Modification Using Eco-friendly Nets for High-quality Tomato Transplant Production by Small-scale Farmers in East Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha O. Gogo ◽  
Mwanarusi Saidi ◽  
Francis M. Itulya ◽  
Thibaud Martin ◽  
Mathieu Ngouajio
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Poor Growth ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Fine Mesh

Unfavorable environmental conditions, pests, and viral diseases are among the major factors that contribute to poor growth and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings in tropical areas. Improving crop microclimate and excluding insects that transmit viruses may improve transplant quality and yield in production fields. This study was carried out in two seasons at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field of Egerton University in Njoro, Kenya, to investigate the effects of agricultural nets herein called eco-friendly nets (EFNs) on germination and performance of tomato seedlings. Tomato seeds were either raised in the open or under a permanent fine mesh net (0.4-mm pore diameter). Eco-friendly net covers modified the microclimate resulting in significantly higher day temperatures and relative humidity, compared with the open treatment. Nets increased temperature and relative humidity by 14.8% and 10.4%, respectively. Starting seeds under a net advanced seedling emergence by 2 days and resulted in higher emergence percentage, thicker stem diameter, more leaves, and faster growth leading to early maturity of seedlings and readiness for transplanting. Netting improved root development by increasing root quantity and length. Stomatal conductance (gS) and estimates of chlorophyll content were higher in seedlings under net covering compared with those in the noncovered control treatment. Insect pests and diseases were also reduced under net covering. The use of the net in the production of tomato transplants presented a 36.5% reduction in the cost of seeds, through improved emergence and reduced pest damage. All other factors held constant, healthy and quality transplants obtained under a net covering also translate into better field performance; hence, increasing economic returns for commercial transplants growers, as well as for tomato farmers. Results of this study suggest that EFNs can be customized not only for their effective improvement on growth and quality of tomato transplants but also for their pest and disease management in the nursery alone or as a component of integrated pest and disease management.

scholarly journals A comprehensive mycofloral diversity of pedosphere, phyllosphere and aerosphere of Som. (Persea bombycina Kost.)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjit Kumar Ray ◽  
Piyush Kumar Mishra ◽  
Saurav Das
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Host Plant ◽  
Curvularia Lunata ◽  
Rhizopus Stolonifer ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Muga Silkworm

AbstractSericulture is an important cottage industry of Assam producing natural silk of both Mulberry and Non-Mulberry silk. The sericulture industry is closely associated with the Assamese traditions and rituals. In non-mulberry silk, Muga silkworm which is endemic to North-East India only produce exquisite silks of golden color. Rearing of Muga silkworm is one of the important aspects to producing silk of high quality. The quality of the primary host plant i.e. Som (Persea bombycina Kost.) greatly affects the quality of cocoon and silk produced by these industries. Therefore, planting and growing a disease-free plant has its own importance in sericulture. However, Som is very susceptible to different foliar diseases caused by fungi, which can reduce the yield of leaf from 13.8 - 41.6% annually. Therefore, a comprehensive mycofloral study of the host plant is important to forecast the future diseases and design different disease management procedures. This study has been done for a period of two years from 2014 - 2016 in Goalpara district of Assam and overall mycoflora of pedosphere (rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere), phyllosphere and aerosphere were identified and correlated with the seasonal variation. The rhizosphere, air, and phylloplane was dominated by Rhizopus stolonifer (22.13%; 15.08; 24.01) while Aspergillus niger (12.63%) was the dominant flora of non-rhizosphere. Seasonal variation was found to play an important role in shaping the mycofloral community structure in soil and phyllosphere. In summer, soil was majorly dominated by Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Curvularia lunata while Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus clavatus, Penicillium chrysogenum dominated the winter soil. In phyllosphere, the Chatuwa and Jaruwa, the winter generations were mainly dominated by Rhizopus stolonifer. While as the environmental temperature gradually increased with relative humidity in Aheruwa, Bhodia, Kotia and Jethuwa generation there was a shift in diversity with a gradual increase in occurance of Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. Pestaloptiopsis disseminata one of the major pathogen of Som was found highest in aerosphere followed by phyllosphere and it was only dominated in Aheruwa generation. It was found that occurrence of P. disseminata were high when the temperature ranges between 25° - 28° with 70 −80% of relative humidity. This study provides a deep insight into the fungal diversity of host plant Som with respect to pedosphere, aerosphere, and phyllosphere and this knowledge can be used to better select the plantation area and design different disease management strategies to sustain and proliferate the industry for socio-economic development and to conserve its cultural essence.

scholarly journals Enhancing Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae Var capitata) Yields and Quality Through Microclimate Modification and Physiological Improvement Using Agronet Covers

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everlyne M. Muleke ◽  
Mwanarusi Saidi ◽  
Francis M. Itulya ◽  
Thibaud Martin ◽  
Mathieu Ngouajio
Keyword(s):  
Pore Diameter ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fine Mesh ◽  
Brassica Oleraceae ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Adverse Environmental Conditions

<p>Adverse environmental conditions have contributed to perpetual poor cabbage (<em>Brassica oleraceae var. capitata</em>) yields in sub-Saharan Africa. Elsewhere, net covers have been reported to provide a low-cost technology with the potential of modifying the microclimate around a crop for better performance. Two experiments were therefore conducted over a span of two seasons to determine the effects of agronet covers on microclimate modification and subsequent cabbage yield and quality. The treatments comprised cabbage plants grown under either fine mesh (0.4 mm pore diameter) or large mesh (0.9 mm pore diameter) agronet covers maintained permanently closed, or opened thrice weekly from 9 am to 3 pm and a control treatment where cabbage was grown in the open field. Net covering generally modified the microclimate by raising temperatures, relative humidity and volumetric water content but lowering photosynthetic active radiation and diurnal temperature range compared to control. The use of agronet covers resulted in better cabbage performance. The large mesh (0.9 mm) enhanced leaf stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content, and improved fresh and dry weight as well as head quality. Results of this study present the use of agronet covers as a potentially effective technology for use by small-scale farmers in protected cabbage culture in sub-Saharan Africa.</p>

Effect of physical seed treatment on yield and quality of crops: A review

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Govindaraj ◽  
P. Masilamani ◽  
V. Alex Albert ◽  
M. Bhaskaran
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pests ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Seed Treatments ◽  
Chemical Additives ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Chemical Agents ◽  
Physical Treatments ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Reasonable Use

Seed treatments are the biological, physical and chemical agents and techniques applied to seed to provide protection and improve the establishment of healthy crops. The benefits of seed treatments are increased germination, uniform seedling emergence, protect seeds or seedlings from early season diseases and insect pests improving crop emergence and its growth. Anthropogenic changes of the soil, water and atmosphere due to the use of different chemical additives for raising plants productivity led to searching alternative ways. Safe methods for increasing the yield includes the reasonable use of chemicals and substitution of some of them by appropriate physical treatments viz., magnetic field, gamma irradiation, electric field, laser irradiation, sound, healing energy, light and heat.

scholarly journals 400 Effects of Hot Air Treatments on the Postharvest Physiology and Quality of Mango Fruit

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 512F-513
Author(s):  
E.M. Yahia ◽  
A. Mondragon ◽  
M. Balderas ◽  
P. Santiago ◽  
L. Lagunez
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Chilling Injury ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Mango Fruit ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hot Air

Heat treatments have several potential positive effects in fruit, including insect and decay control, amelioration of chilling injury, and delay of ripening and senescence. Hot water treatment (46.1°C for 65-90 min, depending on fruit weight) has been used in Mexico and some other countries as a quarantine insect control treatment for mangoes. Hot air treatments can provide several advantages compared to hot water in regard to installations, costs, reduced injury, and compatibility with other systems such as controlled atmospheres. In this work we have investigated the effect of hot air treatments at 44 to 48°C and 50% relative humidity for 160 and 220 min, on the physiology and quality of `Manila' and `Óro' mango fruit stored at 10°C and 85% relative humidity for up to 4 weeks. No injury was observed in both cultivars exposed for 160 min, but some injury was observed when fruit were exposed for 220 min. Some of these fruit also failed to ripen. Heat treatment (especially for 160 min) delayed ripening of fruit, as measured with color and texture changes, compared to the control. Heat treatment changed the protein composition of the fruit and affected the activity of peroxidases.

scholarly journals Effects of peeling methods on the quality of cubiu fruits

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luty Gomez Caceres ◽  
Jerusa Souza Andrade ◽  
Danilo Fernandes da Silva Filho
Keyword(s):  
Tap Water ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Enzymatic Browning ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Processing Technologies ◽  
Traditional System ◽  
Industrial Processing ◽  
Tissue Integrity ◽  
Yellow Color

Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is an Amazonian Basin native fruit. Its importance comes from its high contents of pectin. Currently, processing technologies are necessary for the substitution of the traditional system (small crops and small-scale processing) for a larger scale system and thus increase the use of biodiversity and promote the implementation of Local Productive Arrangements of agribusiness in the Amazon. This research aims to evaluate the methods of peeling cubiu. Ripe fruits were divided into lots (150 each) and subjected to the following treatments: immersion in 2.5% NaOH boiling solution for 5 minutes, exposure to water vapor, and immersion in water at 96 ºC for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. The peel released during heat treatment and immediately removed under running tap water. In the control treatment, the fruits were manually peeled (unheated) with a stainless steel knife. The treatments were evaluated for completeness and ease of peeling, tissue integrity, texture, and peroxidase activity. The immersion in 2.5% NaOH boiling solution (5 minutes) stood out as the best treatment since it inhibited the enzymatic browning and intensified the natural yellow color of the cubiu fruit and easily and fully peeled the whole fruit more rapidly without damaging its tissues. This treatment was chosen as the most advantageous because it can promote simultaneous peeling and bleaching. Therefore, it is recommended for cubiu industrial processing.

Productivity of corn hybrids of different fao groups depending on microfertilizers and growth stimulants under irrigation in the south of Ukraine

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Yu. Lavrynenko ◽  
R. Vozhegova ◽  
O. Hozh
Keyword(s):  
Grain Quality ◽  
Laboratory Method ◽  
The South ◽  
Corn Hybrids ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Effi Ciency ◽  
Grain Moisture ◽  
Grain Productivity ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the research is to identify effi cient microfertilizers and growth stimulants considering biologi- cal features of new corn hybrids of different FAO groups under irrigation conditions in the South of Ukraine and trace their impact on grain productivity of the plants. The methods of the research are the fi eld method – to study the interaction of the research object with experimental factors of the natural environment, to register the yield and evaluate the biometrical indices; the laboratory method – to measure soil moisture, grain moisture content and grain quality indices; the statistical method – to evaluate the reliability of the obtained results; the calculation methods – for economic and energetic assessment of the growing techniques used. The results of the research. The paper defi nes the impact of microfertilizers and growth stimulants on the yield and grain quality of the corn hybrids of different maturity groups and on the economic effi ciency of growing them. The conclusions of the research. Under irrigation conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine it is recommended that the following hybrids should be grown in dark-chestnut soils: early maturity DN Pyvykha, medium-early Skadovskyi, medium maturity Kakhovskyi and medium-late Arabat, using the growth stimulants – treating the seeds with Sezam-Nano and fertilizing with Grainactive at the stage of 7–8 leaves.

PENGUATAN KAPASITAS WIRAUSAHAWAN MIKRO MENGGUNAKAN METODE PENDAMPINGAN DI DESA MEKARGALIH, KECAMATAN JATINANGOR, KABUPATEN SUMEDANG

Dharmakarya ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
RUDI Saprudin DARWIS
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Student Service

ABSTRACTWeaknesses that are still commonly found in the businesses carried out by MSME entrepreneurs are the weakness of business accounting and packaging. Small scale business with limited marketing is seen as not requiring bookkeeping in its management and does not require packaging that is too good. This is the basis for the need for assistance to improve the capacity of MSME actors. Improving the capacity of MSME actors individually is done using the mentoring method. The choice to use a mentoring method to increase business productivity. Assistance was carried out with students of SMEs during the student service-learning program in Mekargalih Village, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency. Bookkeeping assistance is carried out by students by carrying out bookkeeping practices together so that the community can continue to learn good bookkeeping methods. Likewise, assistance in improving the quality of shredded chili packaging. Students help SMEs in designing packaging that will be used on their products. The assistance process is considered effective in supporting the business development of MSME entrepreneurs because the process can be carried out intensively. ABSTRAKKelemahan yang masih banyak ditemui pada usaha-usaha yang dilakukan pelaku UMKM adalah lemahnya pembukuan usaha dan pengemasannya. Skala usaha yang kecil dengan pemasaran yang terbatas dipandang tidak memerlukan pembukuan dalam pengelolaanya serta tidak memerlukan pengemasan yang terlalu bagus. Hal ini menjadi dasar perlunya dilakukan pendampingan untuk meningkatkan kapasitas pelaku UMKM. Peningkatan kapasitas pelaku UMKM secara perorangan dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode pendampingan. Pilihan untuk menggunakan metode pendampingan dalam meningkatkan produktivitas usahanya. Pendampingan dilakukan bersama mahasiswa terhadap pelaku UMKM selama pelaksanaan KKN mahasiswa di Desa Mekargalih, Kecamatan Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang. Pendampingan pembukuan dilakukan mahasiswa dengan cara melakukan praktik pembukuan bersama-sama sehingga masyarakat bisa terus mempelajari cara pembukuan yang baik. Demikian juga dengan pendampingan dalam peningkatan mutu kualitas kemasan abon cabe. Mahasiswa membantu pelaku UMKM dalam merancang kemasan yang akan digunakan pada produknya. Proses pendampingan dinilai efektif dalam mendukung pengembangan usaha pelaku UMKM karena proses bisa dilakukan secara intensif.

Varieties of sweet potato and features of their cultivation technology

2020 ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
Т.Э. Остонакулов ◽  
А.А. Шамсиев
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Sweet Potatoes ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Potato Varieties ◽  
Cultivation Technology ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Sprout Formation ◽  
Yield Formation

В 2017–2019 годах изучены сортообразцы сладкого картофеля на староорошаемых лугово-сероземных почвах Зарафшанской долины. Цель исследований – комплексная оценка сортообразцов батата в условиях Зарафшанской долины по скороспелости, росту, развитию, интенсивному размножению, формированию урожая, компактности клубней в гнезде, продуктивности, урожайности и лежкости клубней и выделение из них перспективных, а также разработка приемов агротехнологии получения высоких урожаев для данных условий. Почвы опытного участка характеризуются благоприятными агрофизическими и водными свойствами и низким содержанием гумуса, нитратного азота, подвижного фосфора и содержанием обменного калия от низкого до среднего. Сравнивали 18 сортообразцов батата. Выделенные сортообразцы изучали при ширине междурядий 70 и 90 см со схемой 70×25 и 90×20 см по 1, 2 и 3 растения в гнезде. Для получения рассады сортообразцов батата брали по 40 клубней и высаживали 20–22 февраля в пленочной теплице при температуре 15–18 °C, заделывая их на глубину 3–5 см. Влажность почвы поддерживали на уровне 65–70%. Через 7–10 дней после высадки почки начинают прорастать, а через 43–48 дней формируется рассада высотой 12–15 см, готовая для высадки в поле. Высадка рассады, как и других рассадных культур (томата, перца, баклажана) – по схеме 70×20–25 см во второй-третьей декаде апреля. Уход включал в себя междурядную обработку (культивация), прополку, борьбу с сорняками, подкормку, поливы. Уборка урожая – в конце сентября-начале октября с помощью картофелекопателя. В результате исследований выделились сорта по скороспелости, дружности формирования ростков, ускоренному размножению, продуктивности, компактности клубней в гнезде и с высоким товарным урожаем – Сочакинур, Хар-Бей и Япон. Возделывание этих сортообразцов по схеме 70×25 и 90×20 см способствует получению товарного урожая высокого качества не менее 43–48 т/га. In 2017–2019, studies were conducted on the study of varieties of sweet potatoes on old-irrigated meadow-gray-earth soils of the Zarafshan valley. The purpose of the research is a comprehensive assessment of sweet potato varieties in the conditions of the Zarafshan valley in terms of early maturity, growth, development, intensive reproduction, yield formation, compactness of tubers in the nest, productivity, yield and keeping quality of tubers and the selection of promising ones, as well as the development of methods of agricultural technology for obtaining high yields for given conditions. The soil is characterized by favorable agrophysical and water properties and low content of humus, nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and a low-average content of exchange potassium. Eighteen sweet potato varieties were compared. The selected variety samples were studied with a row spacing of 70 and 90 cm with a scheme of 70×25 and 90×20 cm for 1, 2 and 3 seedlings in the nest. To obtain seedlings of sweet potato varieties, 40 tubers were taken and planted on February 20–22 in a film greenhouse at a temperature of 15–18 °C, seeding to a depth of 3–5 cm, the soil moisture was maintained at 65–70%. 7–10 days after planting, the buds began to germinate, and after 43–48 days, seedlings were formed with a height of 12–15 cm, which is ready for planting in the field. Planting seedlings in the field is carried out, as well as other seedlings (tomato, pepper, eggplant) according to the scheme 70x20–25 cm in the second or third decade of April. Growing includes inter-row processing (cultivation), weeding, weed control, top dressing, watering. Harvesting in late September, early October with a potato digger. As a result of the research, varieties were identified in terms of early maturity, sprout formation, accelerated reproduction, productivity, compactness of tubers in the nest and ensuring a high marketable yield – Sochakinur, Xar-Bey, and Japon. The cultivation of these varieties according to the scheme 70×25 and 90×20 cm contributes to the production of a commodity crop at 43–48 t/ha with good qualities.

The functionality and quality of nutrition-related mobile applications in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Li ◽  
Jingmin Ding ◽  
Yishan Wang ◽  
Chengyao Tang ◽  
Puhong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Disease Management ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Diet Analysis ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Food Record

BACKGROUND There are an increasing number of mobile applications that provide dietary guidance in supporting healthy lifestyle and disease management. However, the characteristics of these nutrition-related apps are not well analyzed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of nutrition-related apps in China. METHODS Mobile apps providing dietary guidance were screened in Chinese iOS and android app stores using stepwise searching criteria in November 2017. Primary review was conducted by extracting information from the description of apps. Free apps that contain all the information of diet and nutrition, with the last update after 1st Jan 2016 were downloaded for further analysis on the nutritional functionality features based on the framework of Chinese Dietary Guidelines and on the market related features as well. The user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) was used to assess the quality of apps. RESULTS Among the 44 downloaded nutrition-related apps screened from 628 apps with dietary guidance content, only 11(25%) were aimed exclusively for dietary guidance, the others were aimed for fitness guidance (17, 39%), disease management (11, 25%) and maternal health (5, 11%) respectively. The nutritional functionalities of the 44 apps included nutritional information enquiry (40, 91%), nutrition education (35, 80%), food record (34, 77%), diet analysis (34, 77%), and personalized recipes (21, 48%). Twelve out of 44 apps contained all of the above five nutrition related functionalities. The diet analysis and suggestions were mainly focused on energy (33/44, 75%), less on other factors like dietary structure (10/44, 23%). About 96% (42/44) of the apps provided social communication functionality and 59% (26/44) of the apps supported user incentives. Eight out of 44 apps (18%) also applied intelligent recognition technology. Using 5-point uMARS as scales of quality, the median scores of the 44 apps was 3.6 (IQR = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS Most nutrition-related apps are developed in the service of health management other than for dietary guidance exclusively. Although basic energy balance theory was generally applied, the nutritional functionality of the nutrition-related apps is relatively limited and not individualized. More efforts should be taken to integrate with the scientific nutritional knowledge and innovative technology in developing an app followed with complete and personalized dietary guidance.

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