International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

This study was carried out to assess the mycological quality of palm oil sold in Eke Awka market. A total of 40 samples (one from each seller) were collected in sterile bijou bottles. The samples were processed using standard techniques. The fungal contaminants isolated were identified based on their gross macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The isolates included; Aspergillus niger 30(43.5%) Penicillum species 15(21.7%), Phialophora verrucosa 9(13.0%), Alternaria alternata 5(7.2%), Microsporum gallinae 5(7.2%) and Fonsecaea pedrosoi 5 (7.2%). Aspergillus niger had the highest frequency of occurrence followed by Penicillum species. The presence of these organisms in the palm oil samples showed that they are contaminated with fungal isolates which may cause health problems on individuals who consume or apply it topically without heat processing.

Keywords: Palm oil, Fungal isolates, Public health, Awka

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oilseeds both in Iran and throughout the world with drought stress being one of the main limiting factors of its growth and production in Iran. Environmental stress such as water limitation during growth and development of plants can affect seed quality and quantity. Usually, water deficit stress has detrimental effects on many processes in plants, which include reducing photosynthesis, accumulation of dry matter, stomatal exchanges, and protein synthesis that affect their growth stages. Field experiment was laid out split plot with randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included water stress (control, complete irrigation, Irrigation from planting to flowering, Water cut in the pod and grain filling, Irrigation from planting to rosette, Water cut in the flowering ) and potassium fertilizer (control, 150, 200 and 250 kg). Analysis of variance showed that the effect of water stress and potassium on all characteristics was significant (except biological yield).

Keywords: Plant height, Biological yield, Grain yield

This study was conducted to investigate the milk yield and composition of White Fulani cows fed dietary levels of soya milk residue during early lactation period of 14 weeks postpartum. Three primiparous and six multiparous (third parity) White Fulani cows were used for the study. The experimental cows were milked twice daily (morning and evening), and the calves were allowed to suck milk from their dam before and after milking. The completely randomized design with three dietary treatment levels (0, 20 and 30%) of soya milk residue and three cows per treatment was employed. The average milk yield per day ranged between 2.29 and 3.28 kg. The 30 % inclusion level of soya milk residue recorded the highest (P<0.05) morning, evening and total milk yield. The morning milk yield is between 1.4 and 1.8 times higher than that of the evening milk yield. The ranges of 3.38 to 3.65% milk protein, 3.75 to 4.70% milk fat and 0.80 to 0.84% milk ash were observed. Strong and negative correlations were observed between the total milk yield per day versus milk fat, milk protein and milk total solids (r = -0.998; -0.599; and -0.946 respectively). Magnesium (120.04 to 135.67 mg/kg) and potassium (1800.52 to 2200.30 mg/kg) constitute the lowest and highest concentrations of the milk minerals. In conclusion, lactating White Fulani cows can benefit when fed Panicum maximum grass basal diet and concentrate diet with up to 30% inclusion level of soya milk residue for efficient milk yield and composition.

Keywords: Milk, yield, composition, White Fulani cows

In order to examine the effect of saffron density on corm regeneration and yield, an experiment was conducted as completely random blocks within 5 replications for a period of four years from 2009 to 2013 at Khorasan Agricultural Jihad Research Farm. There were four treatments selected as corm density (1998, 2798, 3996 and 7992 Kg per ha). The statistical data and details from the second and third year of the experiment were evaluated and analyzed. The results showed that the greatest number of corms was obtained from the highest density (120 corms per square meter) in the second and third years. As compared to the second year, the corm regeneration rate in the third year obtained the maximum density, i.e. a total of 8306 corms (34% increase against the second year). Additionally, the same density yielded the greatest number of flowers which amounted to 4309. The results of correlation coefficient on the traits under study within the two years of experiment indicated that the second year involved the greatest significantly positive correlation (r=0.75**) between the total weight of corms and the W<2g group. Moreover, the total weight of corms in the third year showed the greatest significant positive correlation (r=0.91**) and the W<2g group. In general, it seems that the greatest number of daughter corms and number of flowers were yielded from the density of 7992 kg per ha, which is more desirable for achieving higher yield.

Keywords: corm weight, crocus sativus flowers, plant density

Ethanol extract of Psidium guajava and Andrographis paniculata leaves individually has been reported to have antiviral activities. Combination of both plants in a formulated form to increase the antiretroviral potency have never been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of combined ethanol extracts of P. guajava and A. paniculata leaves as antiretroviral to Simian retrovirus (SRV). The source of SRV was from Macaca fascicularis inoculated in A549 cells. This virus can be used as a model for human immunodeficiency virus that caused (aqcuired) immunodeficiency syndrome. Leaves of both plants were macerated in 96% ethanol then dried with rotary evaporator. Formula of both extracts were used in this study with different ratios and analyzed with MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method to determine the cytotoxicity on non infected A549 cells. The ratio of P. guajava and A. paniculata with minimal toxicity was three parts of P.guajava and one part of A. paniculata at concentrations less than 125 ppm. These concentrations of the extract formula were then added to A549 infected cells compared to lamivudine as control. The supernatants were collected on day-1, 3 and 5 to evaluate the viral replication. Based on the copy number of SRV using real time–Polymerase Chain Reaction, the formula showed highest inhibition (99.96%) at concentration of 125 ppm on the fifth day. This result showed that the P. guajava and A. paniculata with ratio of 3:1 was most potential as antiretroviral compared to lamivudine, a generic antiretroviral drug.

Keywords: Psidium guajava, Andrographis paniculata, combination, cycle threshold, antiretroviral

The adaptation and evaluation of Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana and Panicum coloratum grass species was conducted at Jinka Agricultural Research Center in the 2013 main cropping seasons under rain fed conditions in order to identify adaptable and high biomass yielding grass species to study agro ecology. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design /RCBD/ with three replications per each species. Each species was drilled in a single plot area of 3 m x 4 m = 12 m2. Both agronomic traits (seed emergency date, date of 50% heading and plan height) and yield data (the fresh biomass yield and dry matter yield) were collected and evaluated. The agronomic trait measured in relation to the days to seed emergency was ranged from 7-9 days for Cenchrus ciliaris, Pancium colaratum and Chloris gayana. The average height growth potential of species at 50% heading is 88 cm, 1.18 m and 1.48 m for Cenchrus ciliaris, Pancium colaratum and Chloris gayana and Cenchrus ciliaris species was headed earlier within average 62 days, Pancium colaratum and Chloris gayana headed last with a mean of 118 and 145 days. The fresh biomass and dry matter yield production potential of species were 33.20t/ha, 49.8t/ha and 40.8t/ha, 6.68t/ha, 15t/ha and 7.6t/ha for Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana and Panicum coloratum. Out of the tested three grass species the one which gave the maximum dry matter yield was Chloris gayana, which gave (15 tones ha-1) in the cropping season is advisable for the study areas and their vicinities. Hence, use of the best performing grass species is important in the test community even though further testing is important by including their feeding value under different intervention, chemical composition and their response to the disease and pest resistance to put the recommendation on strong basis.

Keywords: Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dry matter yield, Panicum coloratum, Grass species

The adaptation and evaluation tested Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) accessions was conducted at Jinka Agricultural Research Center in the 2013 main cropping season under rain fed condition aim to identify adaptable and high biomass yielding Alfalfa accessions. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design /RCBD/ with three replication per each tested accession. The tested Alfalfa accessions used in the current study were Alfalfa local accession, Alfalfa DZ .220 and Alfalfa DZ.410. An E ach accession was sown in a single plot area of 3 m x 4 m = 12 m2. The mean values of the agronomic characteristics (germination date and plant height) of tested Alfalfa accessions are depicted that there is none significant differences (P>0.05) between Alfalfa local accession and Alfalfa DZ.220 and Alfalfa local accession and Alfalfa DZ .410. The plant height growth potential of accessions at 50% heading to the study area is 55cm, 68 cm and 92 cm. On the other hand, the fresh and dry matter yield per hectare was obtained in this study revealed that there is significant difference (P<0.05) among the three tested alfalfa accessions. The fresh biomass yield (FBY) and dry matter yield (DMY) production potential of tested accessions to study area was; 29.5t/ha, 44t/ha, 16 t/ha and 5.67t/ha, 10.88t/ha and 3.5 t/ha for Alfalfa local accession, Alfalfa accession DZ.410 and Alfalfa accession DZ.220. Out of the tested Alfalfa accessions over cropping season, the one which gave consistently the maximum dry matter yield was Alfalfa accession DZ.410 which gave (10.88 tones ha-1) in the cropping season is advisable for the study areas. Hence, use of the best performing forage species is important in the test community even though further testing is important by including their feeding value under different intervention, chemical composition and their response to the disease and Pest resistance to put the recommendation on strong basis.

Keywords: Alfalfa accession, Alfalfa DZ.220, Alfalfa DZ .410, Alfalfa local accession, Dry matter yield, Fresh biomass yield

In order to study the effect of Humic acid on morphophysiological parameters in varieties of tulips, an experiment was conducted in research farm of agricultural faculty, University of Zanjan in Iran during 2013 growing season. The experiment has two factors, including humic acid at 4 levels (0, 200, 400 and 800 ppm) and varieties of tulips (Tulipa Inzell, Tulipa ‘Spryng’, Tulipa Leen Van Der Mark, ‎Tulipa ‘Early Surprise). The experimental design was in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. The results showed that humic acid foliar application had positive effect on all attributes in this experiment. The results of the present study indicate HA treatment (800ppm) alone had the greatest impact on the amount of chlorophyll a, b, total soluble protein in a leaf and the peroxidase activity. Considering the time of flowering, application of HA treatment (800 ppm) took less than the control treatment. The highest value of Chlorophyll a, total protein and peroxidase activity were obtained from Tulipa Leen Van Der Mark. On the other hand, the lowest value of Total Chlorophyll and total protein and the peroxidase activity were seen in Tulipa Inzell. The shortest time of flowering was related to Tulipa Spring and the longest time was recognized in Tulipa Inzell. Interaction Tulipa Leen Van Der Mark with HA treatment (800ppm) had the highest value of Chlorophyll a and b, total Chlorophyll and protein and peroxidase activity. Tulipa Spring and application of HA treatment (800 ppm) had least length of time to start flowering.

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In order to evaluate and compare the reaction of rapeseed cultivars in the recommended and late planting date, a split plots experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in Alborz province. Five rapeseed cultivars which in the last tests had better performance of yield, cold tolerance and adaptation with names of: Elite, Okapi, SLM 046, Licord and Zarfam were compared in recommended (11 September) and late (11 October) planting date. Planting dates as main plots and cultivars as subplots determined. Some traits Surveyed in this research, including plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed weight, oil content, oil yield and seed yield. According to results, except for oil content, all traits were decreased in late planting date. Okapi on recommended planting date with an average of 4112 kg per hectare and Elite in the late cultivation with an average of 2937 kg per hectare had the highest grain yield. Path analysis showed that number of pods per plant on recommended cultivation time has the highest correlation with direct positive effect on grain yield.

Keywords: canola, late planting, path analysis, planting dates

In this study, a standard double ring infiltrometer was designed, constructed and was used to determine the mean infiltration rate of the study site and to compare measured values with predicted values from a known infiltration model. The double ring was developed galvanized iron with the dimensions of 30cm height and 30cm and 60cm diameters for the inner and outer rings respectively following the FAO (1998) standard. The selected study site was the experimental farm of the department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. The site measures an area of 5227m2. Soil samples were collected from test holes 10 – 15cm deep, made at 20 – 30cm away from the installed rings prior to the test. The tests were carried out at nine locations uniformly spaced within the site. The collected samples were tested in the laboratory to determine the initial soil water content of each test location using the oven dry method, and also the soil type based on texture following the USDA Textural Triangle Classification. The measured field rates were validated using the Green and Ampt model which requires the values of the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity the moisture deficit , and the effective suction at the wetting front . The values for , were obtained in literature from the soil properties estimation by Rawls et al. (1982), according to soil texture. The soil textural class analysis for the site ranged from loamy sand to clay. The infiltration results which showed a lot of heterogeneity as observed from one location to location were: (Z11 = 1.13, Z12 = 55.00, Z21 = 1.00, Z22 = 4.24, Z31 = 11.00, Z¬32 = 5.66, Z41 = 27.12, Z42 = 9.90 and Z51 = 1.70)mm/hr. with a mean rate of 13.00mm/hr. Likewise the calculated rates present the following values: (Z11 = 13.60, Z12 = 65.42, Z21 = 13.60, Z22 = 9.60, Z31 = 12.56, Z¬32 = 7.60, Z41 = 26.00, Z42 = 3.50 and Z51 = 4.10)mm/hr. with a mean rate of 17.33mm/hr. The both mean rates thus presented fall into the class range of infiltration rates for loam soil type as given in literature and hence the site is inferred to be generally loam soil type. This soil type is relatively good for agricultural use as it has good capillary network, moderate pore spaces, good water retainability and moderate infiltratibility.

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Twenty four sexually matured (8 months old) healthy male rabbits (bucks) were used to determine the effect of Gonadotrophin (Diclair®)) on semen characteristics, body conformation hormonal profile. The 24 bucks were divided into 4 treatment groups of 6 turkeys per group identified as T1 (control), administered with 1.00ml physiological saline, T2 , administered with 9.00 I.U Diclair®, and T3 administered with 13.50 I.U Diclair®, with one turkey per replicate in a completely Randomized Design (CRD). The injections were divided into 3 does each and administered intramuscularly in the thigh for three consecutive days. Semen was collected twice one week after Diclair® administration and continued twice a week for 9 weeks using artificial vagina. Four rabbits were randomly selected from each treatment group and bled one week after Diclair® injections to collect blood for hormonal assay. Sixty five days after Diclair® injections, measurements for body conformation were made using a measuring tape. The results showed that were significant differences (P0.05) among the treatment groups in all the parameters for semen quality; semen volume, semen pH, individual motility, sperm concentration, proportions of live, normal, abnormal and dead sperm cells. The results further showed that there were significant difference (P0.05) among the treatment in groups in final body weight, weight gain and all the parameters for body conformation: body length, head length, ear Length, tail length, hip width, heart girth, withers height, except initial body weight which was similarl (P0.05) among the treatment groups. Similarly the results showed that there were si0gnificant difference (P0.05) among the treatment groups in follicles stimulating hormone(FSH),Luteinizing hormone(LH) and testosterone levels. The results of this study suggest that Diclair® enhanced semen quality and body conformation of the rabbit bucks and was not detrimental to the hormonal profile of the bucks.

Keywords: Bucks, Semen quality, Body confirmation, hormones, Dickair®

Twelve sexually matured (2-2.6 years old) healthy Balami rams were used to determine the effect of Gonadotrophin (Diclair®) on haematology and serum biochemiatry. The rams were divided into 3 treatment groups of 4 rams, identified as T1 (control), administered with 1.00ml physiological saline, T2, administered with 54.00i.u Diclair® (0.36ml), T3, administered with 108.00i.u Diclair® (0.72ml) with one ram per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The injections were divided into three doses each and administered intramuscularly in the thigh for three consecutive days.One week after Diclair® treatments, four rams from each treatment group were bled from the jugular vein for haematology and serum biochemistry. The results of the study showed significant differences (P<0.05) among the treatment groups in all the haematological parameters except Basophils which were not detected among the treatment groups. The results further showed significant differences (P<0.05) among the treatment groups in all the serum biochemical parameters. However, some of the values were within the normal ranges while others were either higher or lower than the normal ranges indicating that Diclair® had deleterious effects on these parameters. This suggests the need to constantly monitor the blood profile during Diclair® treatment in Balami rams.

Keywords: Balami rams, haematology, serum biochemistry, Diclair®