Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

Antioxidant properties, antidiabetic activity, and GC-MS phytochemical analysis of wheat-based bread fortified with celosia argentea seed flour

2024-08-17T04:56:49-05:00

Pseudocereals like Celosia argentea seed have been indicated to have numerous therapeutic and prophylactic potentials that are yet to be incorporated into food materials. This study evaluated the antioxidant properties, antidiabetic potential, and phytochemicals of wheat-based bread fortified with Celosia argentea seed flour. Bread samples were produced using standard methods, fortifying refined and whole wheat with 5 and 10% Celosia argentea seed flour. The antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibition of bread samples were determined using standard methods. The phytochemicals present in the methanolic extracts of bread samples were identified with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Statistical significance was tested at α_0.05. The result of the antioxidant properties for bread samples were Total flavonoid content (0.61-0.85 mg/g), Total Phenolic Content (1.1-1.31 mgGAE/g), total antioxidant capacity (1.19-3.34 mgGAE/g), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.13-0.54 mg/g) and DPPH (42.58-49.75%). The IC₅₀ values obtained for Celosia argentea seed substituted wheat bread ranged between 58.20 and 171.05 μg/mL. The antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibition showed a significant (p<0.05) increase as the percentage of inclusion of Celosiae argentea seed increased. Bioactive compounds detected in bread samples produced by the fortification of wheat flour (whole and refined) with Celosia argentea seed flour include 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester; Docosanoic acid, methyl ester; E,E,Z-1,3,12-Nonadecatriene-5,14-diol; Linoleic acid ethyl ester; and Squalene. The predominant health benefits of phytochemicals detected in bread samples fortified with C. argentea seed were anti-inflammatory potentials, antioxidant protection, and reduction of lipid peroxidation. Including Celosia argentea seed impacted the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of bread samples.

Optimizing yield and irrigation water productivity of wheat under Sahel conditions in North East Nigeria

2024-10-03T23:57:46-05:00

Unsustainable irrigation practices are a major threat to the available water resources and food security of the country. This research was conducted to determine the optimal wheat grain yield and water productivity (WP) under limited irrigation practices for the enhanced livelihood of small farmer holdings in the Sahel region of northeast, Nigeria. The research was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement and replicated three times. The main plot treatment was 7 (I1), 10 (I2), and 14(I3) days irrigation intervals, while the subplot factor was 100 (V1), 85 (V2), and 70% (V3), of crop water requirement (ETc) replacement. The cropWat model was used to determine the crop water requirement (ETc) of the wheat (var. Norman) used in the research. The findings indicated that a 7-day irrigation interval increased grain yield by 20.18 over a 10-day irrigation interval and by 63.10% over 14-day irrigation intervals. Grain yield was found to decrease by 44.80 and 747.25kgHa-1 respectively for 85 and 70% ETc replacement irrigations from full ETc replacement irrigation. Crop water use efficiency was higher and better (0.74 mm-kg/ha) with I1V2 irrigation treatment for wheat and saved 11.55.50 m3 irrigation water over other irrigation schedules. It is recommended that 7 7-day irrigation interval be maintained, while irrigation depth can be reduced by up to 15% for optimum water productivity.

Effects of alternative production system on the growth performances of two varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l.)

2024-10-17T01:53:58-05:00

This paper examines the effect of an alternative production system on the growth performances of two varieties of tomatoes. Alternative farming systems provide a process for crop production using materials of natural origin to enrich soil and protect crops, thereby reducing the use of agrochemicals. Padma 108 F1 and Platinum 701 F1 tomato varieties were cultivated using both conventional and alternative farming methods in a completely randomized design. On the alternative farming method plot, cured cow dung manure was used for soil enrichment, and manual weeding was employed. In addition, insect pests’ control was achieved with a concoction of garlic (6 g/l), ginger (10 g/l), clove (5 g/l), onions (10 g/l), and dried capsicum pepper (4 g/l). Fungicidal treatment was by an infusion of leaves from Siam weed, neem, and bitter leaf (5 g/l each). Plant height, numbers of leaves, flowers, and fruits produced were determined manually for twelve weeks of observation on both plots. The highest height of 107.5 cm was observed in Padma tomato plants, while the least height (103.5 cm) was obtained for Platinum variety, at week 12. However, there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the heights of the two tomato varieties at full maturity and in between the farming systems. The same trend was observed for number of leaves, flowers, and fruits produced. The alternative farming model in this study produced similar growth performances in the two tomatoes varieties, and exhibits the potential to be a substitute for the conventional farming system of tomato as practiced by the smallholder farmers. Further studies on the bioactive components of the botanical materials used would be encouraged.

Enhancing Broccoli growth by bacillus rhizosphere bacteria

2024-10-24T06:06:39-05:00

This study examines the enhancement of broccoli growth by Bacillus Rhizosphere. Bacteria Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable known for its high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and low calorie count, making it a recommended daily food. Tropical regions grow broccoli in mountainous areas. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes minimizing chemical fertilizers, and biofertilizers like Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Bacillus, can reduce their use. Bacillus improves plant growth by fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate and potassium, and producing phytohormones. Understanding Bacillus growth dynamics is vital for optimizing its agricultural application. This study aimed to analyze growth curves of different Bacillus species and investigate their potential role in promoting broccoli growth. This study was carried out in January–April 2024 at the Soil Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, and Bumi Agro Technology Company, Lembang. The research was divided into 3 stages: growth curve determination, Bacillus liquid inoculant preparation, and application of treatment to plants. The findings showed that isolates of B. safensis strain MDL5, B. altitudinis strain RPW2, B. subtilis strain YPS4, and Bacillus sp. strain SZ057 reached the highest point in their growth curves after 4 and 5 days of incubation. After that, the curves slowly went down. Inoculating Bacillus into broccoli plants resulted in an increase in plant height by 43.28–58.75% compared to the control.

Nitrogen and sulphur release dynamics and kinetics in soils incubated with sulphur-augmented nitrogen sources

2024-10-24T06:11:48-05:00

The study investigated N and S release dynamics and kinetics in soils incubated with sole and sulphur-augmented N fertilizer sources to evaluate their release patterns, potentially releasable quantities, and release rate constants. 50g of soil samples (from Ibadan and Ogbomoso, Nigeria) were measured into incubation cups and treated with Cattle Manure (CM) at 90 kg Nha^-1, CM at 90 kg Nha^-1+sulphur powder (SP) at 30 kg Sha^-1, Cocoa Pod Powder (CPP) at 90 kg Nha^-1, CPP at 90 kg Nha^-1+SP at 30 kg Sha^-1, NPK 20-10-10 at 90 kg Nha^-1, NPK 20-10-10 at 90 kg Nha^-1+SP at 30 kg Sha^-1and No Fertilizer Treatment (NFT). The incubated soils were moistened with distilled water at 60% field capacity thrice per week throughout a 105-day incubation period under ambient laboratory conditions and were analysed for N and S contents at 21, 42, 63, 84, and 105 days. The experiment was a completely randomized design with three replicates. Data on N and S release were evaluated, and fitted into zero, first- and second order kinetics equations. Release dynamics of N followed the order; NPK+SP/NPK/CPP+SP/CPP>CM+SP/CM>NFT in soils of both locations, while orders of S release were CPP+SP/CPP>CM+SP>CM/NPK+SP>NPK>NFT and CPP+S/CPP/CM+SP>CM>NPK+SP>NPK>NFT in soils of Ibadan and Ogbomoso, respectively. The release of N and S conformed to zero, first, and second order kinetics with coefficients of determination (R²), ranging from 0.20 to 0.99. Therefore, soil incorporation of sole and sulphur-augmented CM and CPP could be substituted for sole and sulphur-augmented NPK 21 days before planting of N and S-demanding crops.

Soil quality and vegetation identification in closed sand-gravel mining area in West Java, Indonesia

2024-11-02T07:30:53-05:00

This paper examines the soil quality and vegetation identification in a closed sand gravel mining area in West Java, Indonesia. Revegetation of disturbed mining areas is crucial in restoring soil quality and environmental function. The native plants play a pivotal role in accelerating this process. The goal of this mixed-methods study in closed sand-gravel mining was to look at the nutrient profile, texture, and microbial count of the soil in two places in the foothills of a closed mine, as well as to find and name the plant species that naturally grow well and to find and name the plant species that naturally grow well when it rains. The observation showed that the soil near the spring was more fertile than the soil away from the spring, and the soil surrounding the spring supported a higher plant density. The study area supported the growth of 22 plants, including two trees, 13 shrubs, two sedges, four grasses, and one fern. Notably, two perennial trees–Mexican lilac and beech wood–were successfully grown during the initial greening program conducted three years ago. The bacterial and fungal counts for both soils were 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) per g and 10⁴ CFU/g, respectively. We found different morphology in the soil fungal colonies, while the bacteria colonies remained homogenous. The results underscore that the soil in the disturbed mine area still supported the native plant growth. These findings are crucial for the preservation of these native plants, making them crucial for the intensive revegetation of the mining area prior to the introduction of suitable perennial trees.