International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

Orange peel waste (OPW) is a byproduct generated in large quantities during the juice extraction process in the citrus industry. Due to its high content of bioactive compounds and organic matter, OPW has the potential to be used in various industrial applications, thus reducing the environmental impact associated with its disposal. One of the most promising applications of OPW is in the production of animal feed, where it can be used as a source of dietary fiber, pectin, and antioxidants. In addition, OPW can be used as a source of natural pigments and flavors in the food industry, particularly in the production of confectionery, bakery products, and beverages. Another potential application of OPW is in the production of biofuels and biochemicals. The high concentration of carbohydrates in OPW makes it a suitable substrate for the production of ethanol, which can be used as a fuel or a feedstock for the production of other chemicals. Furthermore, OPW can be used as a source of essential oils, which can be used in the fragrance and cosmetics industries. Other industrial applications of OPW include the production of biodegradable polymers, wastewater treatment, and the remediation of contaminated soils. However, the utilization of OPW in industrial applications is still limited by several factors, such as the high variability in composition and the lack of standardization in processing methods. In conclusion, OPW is a promising source of value-added products that can be used in various industrial applications. Further studies are needed to optimize the utilization of OPW and to overcome the challenges associated with its processing and standardization.

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals Industry, Compost, Food Industry, Pectin, Biogas, Animal Feed.

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that has been widely studied for its ability to act as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens. This review summarizes recent research on the mechanisms of action of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent and its potential for use in sustainable agriculture. Trichoderma can control plant pathogens through various mechanisms, including competition for nutrients and space, mycoparasitism, and induction of systemic resistance in the host plant. The effectiveness of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent depends on various factors, such as the species and strain used, the timing and method of application, and the environmental conditions. In addition to its biocontrol properties, Trichoderma can also promote plant growth and health by improving nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. However, the implementation of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent in agriculture faces some challenges, such as the lack of standardized methods for production and application, and the need for further research to understand its interactions with other soil microorganisms. Overall, Trichoderma shows great potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides in agriculture, and further research and development are needed to maximize its efficacy and integration into farming practices.

Keywords: Plant Protection, Mycoparasitism, Biocontrol Agent.

In Chad Republic, kernels/grains of Shea butter Nuts butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) and locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) are two Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) which offers important revenues to the growers in the production, processing and marketing chain. However, un-identified post-harvest fungi that affect their sanitary quality, marketability and nutritional value are responsible for high post-harvest losses. The objective of the study was to contribute to the management of the post-harvest diseases of Shea butter nuts and locust bean. To achieve this, fungi were isolated from infected grains and their pathogenicity tested. Then, antifungal activity of essential oil (EO) of Thymus vulgaris (obtained by hydro distillation) and crude extract of Panax africana (obtained from a naturopath) was carry out by the dispersion method on the agar medium on four pathogenic fungi isolated from the two infected NTFP. Results showed that fungal species frequently associated with Shea nuts and locust bean grains were: Aspergillus niger (46%), Rhizopus nigricans (17%), Oidium sp (22%) and Cercospora sp (8%); and Oidium sp (55%), A. niger (18%), A. flavus (18%) and Cercospora sp (6%) in V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa respectively. Pathogenicity test was positive with all species of the genus Aspergillus and the species Oidium sp. Growth inhibition of the four fungal species tested with essential oil of T. vulgaris at 1.5 µl/ml and with crude extract of Panax africana at 120 µg/ml and this was significantly comparable (p<0.05) to the reference fungicide (Terazeb). Biological control of post-harvest diseases of V. paradoxa and P. biglosa grains with EO of T. vulgaris and Panax africana is envisaged for further studies.

Keywords: Antifungal activity, Post-Harvest Fungi, Vitellaria Paradoxa, Parkia Biglobosa, Panax Africana, Thymus Vulgaris.

The use of wastewater for irrigation is common in urban and peri-urban farms in Meknes city (Morocco). However, this water may contain waterborne pathogens that cause serious infections, including gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, and more severe pathologies. The consumption of contaminated vegetables could be a significant public health problem. This study aims to determine the bacterial and parasitic quality of vegetables produced in wastewater-irrigated farms in urban and peri urban areas of Meknes. The results showed a high bacterial load of vegetables. Total coliforms ranged from 1.2.102 CFU/g to 105 CFU/g, The consumption of contaminated vegetables could be a significant public health problem. This study aims to determine the bacterial and parasitic quality of vegetables produced in wastewater-irrigated farms in urban and peri urban areas of Meknes. The results showed a high bacterial load of vegetables. Total coliforms ranged from 1.2.102 CFU/g to 105 CFU/g, and fecal coliforms ranged from 10 CFU/g to 3.18.104 CFU/g. Many bacterial pathogenic species have been isolated, including Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium spp. For parasite contamination, helminths eggs were the most prevalent, followed by protozoan cysts, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia Lamblia. Of all the vegetables examined, lettuce was the most contaminated. Therefore, the handling and consumption of irrigated vegetables can present a high risk of infection among farmers and consumers.

Keywords: Contamination, Waterborne Pathogens, Parasitic Contamination, Irrigation, Wastewater, Vegetables.

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress that affects plant growth and development at various stages of the plant’s life cycle. The impact of salt stress on seedling, vegetative and reproductive stages can vary depending on the salt concentration, duration of exposure, and plant species. In general, salt stress can lead to reduced germination, growth inhibition, and decreased yield and quality of crops. At the physiological level, salt stress can cause osmotic and ionic stress, leading to water imbalance and nutrient deficiency. This can result in reduced photosynthesis, stomatal closure, and reduced transpiration rates. Plants exposed to salt stress may also accumulate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. In response to salt stress, plants activate various defense mechanisms such as osmo-protectants, antioxidants, and signaling pathways to mitigate the damage caused by ROS. Salt stress can also affect the fiber quality traits of crops. Studies have shown that cotton plants exposed to salt stress produce shorter and weaker fibers, leading to reduced yield and quality of cotton fiber. In conclusion, salt stress has a significant impact on various aspects of plant growth and development, including seedling, vegetative, and reproductive stages, as well as physiological and fiber quality traits. Understanding the mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in plants can help develop strategies to improve crop productivity and sustainability in saline environments.

Keywords: Cotton, Salinity, Abiotic Stress, Omics Approaches.

This research aimed to identify the agricultural extension agents’ attitudes towards the use of electronic extension methods, as well as the obstacles they face during their use, in addition to the impact of independent variables on the degree of attitudes. The research included (169) agricultural extension agents, and the number of questionnaires returned and completed according to the research conditions was (138) agricultural extension agents, representing about (82%) of the study community, and the results revealed that 64% of the agricultural extension workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showed positive attitude, and that 18% showed negative and neutral attitude towards electronic agricultural extension methods, and the most important obstacles were the lack of follow-up of agricultural extension agents to websites interested in electronic extension methods, followed by the lack of seriousness of some agricultural extension agents in using electronic extension methods, a significant positive correlation was found at the level of 0.01 between “educational level” and access to training in agricultural extension methods and the availability of electronic devices for agricultural extension agents as independent variables and the degree of agricultural extensions’ attitudes towards food. The electronic agricultural extension service as a dependent variable, and there is a negative significant correlation at a significant level (0.01) between age, as an independent variable, and the degree of extension trends as a dependent variable.

Keywords: Extension workers, Saudi Arabia and Electronic Extension Methods.

Insect pests pose a significant threat to wheat production globally, leading to substantial economic losses and reduced yields. This review paper provides an overview of the different types of insect pests that affect wheat, the damage they cause, and the methods used for their control. The major insect pests that infest wheat include aphids, Hessian fly, armyworms, and cereal leaf beetles. These pests cause damage by feeding on the leaves, stems, and developing grain, leading to reduced plant growth and ultimately reduced yield. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a widely accepted approach for sustainable management of insect pests in wheat. IPM involves a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical control methods to reduce pest populations and minimize pesticide use. The use of resistant wheat varieties, crop rotation, and sanitation practices are examples of cultural control methods that can reduce pest populations. Biological control methods involve the use of natural enemies such as predators, parasites, and pathogens to control insect pests. Chemical control methods are used as a last resort and involve the use of pesticides in a targeted and judicious manner. Biotechnology offers an alternative approach to controlling insect pests in wheat. The use of genetic engineering to develop insect-resistant wheat varieties has been successful in reducing insect pest damage. However, concerns about the potential ecological and social impacts of genetically modified organisms need to be addressed. In conclusion, sustainable management strategies that integrate biological, cultural, and chemical control methods are essential for effective control of insect pests in wheat production. The use of genetically modified organisms should be carefully evaluated to ensure that their use does not have adverse ecological and social impacts.

Keywords: Wheat, Insect Pests, IPM, Zero-Hunger.

In this study, the performance of twenty tomato genotypes was evaluated against two different NaCl concentrations (6 and 12 dSm-1) along with a control in a glasshouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The morphological characteristics such as plant height, root length, shoot length, fresh root weight, fresh shoot weight, dry root weight, dry shoot weight, fresh plant biomass, dry plant biomass, fresh root to shoot weight ratio, dry root to shoot weight ratio, root/shoot length ratio, Na+ determination of roots and leaves, K+ determination of roots and leaves, and Na+/K+ ratio of roots and leaves were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to estimate the variability among the tomato genotypes. The results showed that genotype CLN-2498A performed the best for all the studied traits under control conditions, while genotype Nadir performed poorly for these parameters. Genotype PGRI-17902 was considered as the best genotype for all traits under NaCl stress of 6 dSm-1, while genotype PGRI-19905 performed poorly. Under the 12 dSm-1 stress condition, PGRI-17260 appeared to be the best genotype for all recorded traits, and Sundar revealed the least performance for all the above-mentioned characters. The outcomes of this study could be helpful in developing salt-tolerant tomato cultivars.

Keywords: Tomato, Salinity Stress, Genetic Diversity.

The sunflower is a remarkable oilseed crop due to better oil composition and short duration. In this experiment combining ability was computed for achene yield and its related trait. Fifteen genotypes of sunflower were crossed by using line × tester pattern. Out of 15 genotypes, A6, A7, A10, A11, A12, A17, A19, A20, A21 and A26 were taken as females (lines) and A8, A9, A16, A18 and A22 were taken as male (testers). The parental and 50 F1 crosses seed was sown in randomized complete block design in 3 replications in next growing season. The data was recorded for leaves/plant, leaf area, plant height, head angle, fresh head diameter, dry head diameter, number of achenes/head, average yield/plant, 100 achene weight and harvest index. The recorded data was used to estimate the genetic of descriptive traits among the genetic material. Heterosis study revealed that A19 × A22 was best hybrid for plant height. A21 × A8 performed well for number of achenes per head and directly involved in increasing yield. A7 × A8 hybrid combinations expressed positive and significant SCA values for average yield. The intermediate inheritance pattern was observed for all traits. It can be concluded that investigated material can be efficiently used for the development of high-yielding hybrids along with genetic improvement of sunflower accessions for different traits.

Keywords: Genetic diversity, combining ability, sunflower.