International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

Effective strategies for optimizing rapeseed cultivation involve the careful selection of varieties and the appropriate use of pesticides

Janak Pant — 2024-11-13

This research investigates the management of rapeseed through suitable application of pesticides and variety selection. Control of aphid and variety selection of mustard have some detrimental effects on crop growth, development, and yield. Therefore, from November 2017 to February 2018, we conducted an experiment to assess the status of mustard using various varieties and pesticides. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The three varieties (Pragati, Bikash, Unnati) of mustard are the main factor, and insecticidal and treatment were subfactors of experiment, which included Spinosad 45% suspension concentrates at 0.44 ml/liter water, Imidacloprid 70 water dispersible granule at 14 gm/ liter water, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% wettable powder at 2g/liter water, and untreated control. Phenological characters for plant variety were assessed to record the data regularly. Bikash had the higher plant height among other varieties. Higher leaf and branch numbers, including number of seeds per pod, were to be found the highest in the variety Pragati, but yield, biomass, and harvest index were statistically similar in all varieties. Seeds per pod, yield, biomass, and harvest index were the highest with Imidacloprid, followed by Beauveria, Spinosad, and Control. The highest number of aphid populations was seen during the last week of December-mid-January. Imidacloprid was found to be the most effective and economically viable option for rapeseed growth and production. Similar effects from cropping any varieties, Unnati, and Bikash Pragati were noticed.

Factors affecting rice domestic production output in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia: A study using OLS regression model

Siek Darith — 2024-12-19

This study explores the attitudes of domestic farmers toward rice production practices and identifies factors affecting rice yields in Preah Vihear Province. Cambodia's economy is heavily reliant on rice cultivation. Rice is a staple food and a major export, significantly contributing to the nation's food security. However, rice production in the entire country faces challenges such as limited irrigation, small farm sizes, and geographical constraints. Preah Vihear province, a remote, mountainous area in northern Cambodia bordering Thailand and Laos, is a key rice-producing region characterized by hilly terrain and small-scale farming. Known for its stunning natural beauty and the famous Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the province offers unique opportunities for farmers to increase their income and gain access to international markets through distinctive and renowned rice seeds. To better understand factors affecting rice domestic production in Preah Vihear, a primary statistical ordinary least squares (OLS) model will be applied to analyze rice output and related variables. The findings of this study are instrumental in developing targeted strategies that aim to enhance rice yields and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers. By identifying key controllable factors, farmers can make informed decisions to increase their profits, ensure sustainable rice production, and contribute to the overall economic growth of farming communities.

Evaluation of performance and yield of modern wheat cultivars through foliar nutrition strategies for sustainable agricultural development

Md Masud Rana — 2024-12-19

This research investigates the evaluation of performance and yield of modern wheat cultivars through foliar nutrition strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The research. This research, conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 at the University of Rajshahi, evaluated the impact of reduced fertilizer through foliar feeding on two advanced wheat cultivars using a randomized complete block design with five treatments: T₁ (control), T₂ (1500 ml liquid fertilizer per hectare), T₃ (2500 ml liquid fertilizer per hectare), T₄ (1500 ml liquid fertilizer with 2.5 kg urea per hectare as spray), and T₅ (1500 ml liquid fertilizer with 2.5 kg urea and 1.5 kg muriate of potash per hectare as spray). The study found that the highest plant height (97.86 cm), chlorophyll content (48.20 mg m^-2), and yield attributes, including plant height (99.36 cm), total tillers per plant (8.057), productive tillers per plant (5.000), productive spikelets per spike (18.610), spike length (15.777 cm), 1000 grain yield (41.183 g), grain yield (3.247 t ha^-1), straw yield (7.738 t ha^-1), biological yield (10.985 t ha^-1), and harvest index (29.558%), were achieved with T₅. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of modern wheat varieties under reduced fertilizer conditions, highlighting the potential for sustainable wheat fertilizer management, particularly under drought conditions.

Effects of participation intensity on agricultural commercialization level among sweet potato farmers in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria

Isaac Ttunde Oyebamiji — 2024-12-19

This study examined the effects of participation intensity on agricultural commercialization of sweet potatoes in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria. Sweet potato is particularly a suitable food security crop as it produces a high yield in a short growing season even under low rainfall. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 485 sweet potato farmers. An interview guide was used to obtain primary data, which were analysed using descriptive and double hurdle Craggit regression models. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were male (86% and 87.6%) in both Kwara and Osun states, while the mean ages were 42 and 43 years, respectively. The results further showed that sweet potato intensity of participation in commercialization was significantly determined by gender, quantity consumed, and transaction cost of the crop in Kwara State (p<0.1, p<0.01, and p<0.05), respectively. However, for Osun state, it was significantly determined by age, gender, education, quantity consumed, and cooperative membership (p<0.1, p<0.1, p<0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.01), respectively. The study concluded that agricultural commercialization level of sweet potato was directly influenced by many factors in the study areas. It is therefore recommended that farmers should be assisted in lowering their transaction costs, particularly in terms of transportation costs. Cooperative membership performance should be enhanced positively for farmers through seminars, symposiums, and training.

Analyzing the determinants and challenges for transitioning conventional farmers towards agroecological practices in the centre region of Cameroon

Tiamgne Yanick Alphonse — 2024-12-19

This research examined the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the respondents and sheds light on the farmers’ perceptions of agroecological practices and their transition. Agroecology is a sustainable development perspective for our rural communities. This study assessed the determinants and challenges for transitioning farmers from conventional agricultural practices to agroecological practices, focusing on farmers in the Centre region of Cameroon. The probability sampling method was employed to establish a representative study sample. By utilizing descriptive statistical analyses, frequencies observed among adopters and non-adopters were compared from the study. Key findings revealed significant socio-economic and demographic disparities between adopters and non-adopters. Gender, education level, farm size, and access to credit were identified as critical determinants of adoption. Men adopted agroecological practices (77%) more than women (23%). Adopters had higher levels of secondary (63%) and tertiary education (26%) compared to non-adopters. In addition, adopters had a large farm size (8.4 ha) compared to non-adopters (5 ha), and a higher percentage of adopters (40%) had access to credit facilities. This study highlighted varied perceptions among respondents, with risk aversion being a significant barrier to adoption. The study identified ignorance, financial constraint, and a lack of technical knowledge as major obstacles to widespread adoption. The study emphasized the substantial knowledge gap between adopters and non-adopters and highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address the challenges facing the widespread adoption of agroecological practices.

Influence of varieties and growing seasons on the distribution of Botryodiplodia theobromae causing fruit rot disease of coconut

Osayomore Endurance Ekhorutomwen — 2024-12-19

This study examines an intensive field survey on the fruit rot disease of coconut that was conducted between April 2021 and March 2023 to observe the distribution of Botryodiplodia theobromae causing the coconut fruit rot disease across varieties and growing seasons in 2 major coconut-growing areas in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important economic crop. Its production is affected by several factors; among them, diseases play a major role. The fruit rot disease of coconut is a disease frequently encountered by coconut farmers. Fruit rot disease incidence was recorded daily from coconut fields cultivated with four different coconut varieties. The study examined a total of 8764 coconut fruits from 32 coconut palms. The causal agent of fruit rot was isolated from the internal tissues of infected fruits using the direct plating technique in potato dextrose agar. The causal agent of the disease was identified as B. theobromae. The study found that the relative distribution of B. theobromae in the study area significantly explained the proportion of the disease distribution in coconut varieties across the growing seasons. The study reveals a high level of variability in the percentage of disease incidence (PDI) between coconut varieties and fruit rot. The distribution and/or relative abundance of B. theobromae causing the fruit rot disease of coconut is influenced by coconut varieties and growing seasons in the two coconut-growing areas examined in the study.