Allelopathic Potential of Jasminum Officinale on Weed Species

Allelopathy is generally defined as any direct or indirect harmful or beneficial effect of one plant on another mediated by the production allelochemicals. The scope of this study was the evaluation of the potential allelopathic effect of Jasminum officinale against some weed species.  The effects of extracts obtained from root, stem and leaves of J. officinale, were evaluated against ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and Johnsonn grass (Sorghum halepense). The aqueous leachates of jasmine demonstrated promising allelopathic potential by inhibiting seed germination and radicle elongation of all tested species. The more profound research in the field of allelopathy will eventually lead to the development of bioproducts designed for pest or weed control using allelochemicals

Alternative Antimicrobial Formula for Plant Protection

The European Strategy regarding plant protection products encourages the research for solutions which strongly contribute to the agro-ecological transition. They should be able to provide effective and efficient products for both farmers and consumers, reducing the pesticides use. Previous studies reported that extracts prepared from different plant species are capable of inhibiting in vitro development of fungal phytopathogens. The aim of this research was the study of the antimicrobial activity of a plant protection formula composed by a mix of plant extracts. The final scope was establishing a proper treatment timing strategy for controlling primary infections. Therefore, the effectiveness of the mixed formula containing Humulus lupulus and Urtica dioica against Alternaria sp., the cause of early blight attacking several vegetable species, was studied. Experimentation plan was performed using standard methods for antimicrobial testing. The potential and limitations of plant extracts used to control early blight were discussed. The results obtained have potential practical applicability and are directed to the development of environmentally viable solutions for the design of bioproducts for plant protection. Better knowledge on this topic will help optimizing crop protection strategy, ensuring sustainable agricultural development

An overview on organic agriculture of Romania in the context of the current European development model

This works stand as an overview on organic agriculture of Romania in the context of the current European development model, presenting relevant information on the organic sector, legislation in force and some data regarding the trade market, at national and European Level. Organic agriculture is a holistic system of production designed to maximize productivity of diverse communities within the agro-system, combining tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. The organic production sector is one of the most dynamic industrial sectors of EU, with significant increase every year for the last 10 years, in response to the growth in consumers demand. According to official numbers, the ecological agriculture in Romania has seen an upward trend in recent years, both in the vegetable and livestock production sector. Although ecological agriculture represents narrow segments in terms of both acreage and production, it is gaining increased attention due to its sustainable principles of ecological importance and to the economic opportunities it may offer

Spatial Variation in the Levels of Concentration of Metal Contaminants in River Kubanni Zaria, Nigeria.

The paper looked at the spatial variation in the levels of concentration of metal contaminants in river Kubanni Zaria, Nigeria. The main sources of data for the study were sediments from four different sections of the long profile of the river and the instrumental Nitrogen Activation Analysis (INAA) technique was adopted in the analysis using Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1). The NIRR-1 is a miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR). The chemical contaminants, Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Dy, Na, K, As, La, Sm, Yb, U, Br, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Rb, Zn, Cs, Ba, Eu, Lu, Hf, Ta, Sb, and Th currently exist in all the sections of the river in different levels. The statistical inference from ANOVA and student f-test shows that there is no significant difference in the levels of concentration of the metal pollutants between one section of the river (sampling point) and another. This is therefore a reflection of the manner in which turbulent flow within the river and indeed the effect of stream flow can thoroughly mix up the river water to the extent of ensuring spatial uniformity in level of concentration of these metal contaminants Keywords: Catchment area, levels of concentration, metal contaminants, river Kubanni  sediment, significant difference, spatial variation

Concentration of Metal Pollutants in River Kubanni, Zaria, Nigeria.

The study focused on concentration of metal pollutants in River Kubanni Zaria, Nigeria. The main sources of data for the study were sediments from four different sampling locations along the long profile of the river.  The samples were prepared in the laboratory according to standard method and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was adopted in the analysis of the data using Nigeria Research Reactor – 1 (NIRR -1). 29 metal pollutants; Mg, Al, Ca,Ti, V, Mn, Dy,Na, K,As, Br, La, Sm, Yb, U, Sc, Cr, Zn, Fe, Co, Rb, Cs, Ba, Eu, Lu, Hf, Ta, Sb and Th were indentified in the river at various levels of concentration.  The result of the analysis showed that most of the metal contaminants in the river are routed to anthropogenic activities from the four different sections of the river, while few are routed to geologic formation in the catchment area. The presence of most of these metal pollutants in water may have severe health implication on the consumers because most metals are known to be carcinogenic to humans; therefore the study recommended that anthropogenic practices that produce these chemical elements in the catchment area be controlled. Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, chemical elements, carcinogenic, geologic formation, Kubanni River, level of concentration, metals, pollutants

Energy and sustainability transitions: the case of community renewables for off-grid rural electrification in Nigeria with emphasis on Shape community project.

The transition from one energy system to another has been analysed by many researchers especially in the context of developed countries. Community renewable energy transition in rural areas is largely under-researched, particularly in developing countries. This study developed a model based on indicators from transition theory and concepts to assess the transformative potential of the processes and governance approaches to community renewable energy in accelerating energy and sustainability transition in off-grid communities in Nigeria. The exploratory research adopted a case study approach and analysed renewable energy planning and decision-making processes as well as evaluated the development of a pilot community renewable energy project in Shape rural community in Nigeria. In addition to documentary evidence, the study gathered data primarily by interviewing 24 relevant actors in the Nigerian electricity industry as well as actors involved in the pilot community renewable energy project. The study reveals that the processes and governance approaches adopted are in line with transition theory and have the potential of contributing to the transformation of the rural electricity provision in Nigeria. However, there is still a long way to go for Nigeria to effectively implement an integrated governance approach capable of accelerating the transition processes. The study found that community renewable energy is motivated by several determinants including: the lack of energy accessibility; removing carbon emissions; meeting environmental obligations; achieving energy security; and, addressing cracks in the current system of rural electrification. The study further found a lack of local initiatives at the grassroots level that can add pressure to make the transition happen. The study found the establishment of an arena for the identification of the challenges facing rural communities and development of strategies. However, some prominent actors are not involved in both strategic decision-making and the implementation process. Of concern, the study revealed a lack of clearly defined responsibilities with most of the government agencies carrying out renewable energy activities independently. Similarly, the study found several barriers which are classified as: actor; interaction; institutional; infrastructural; and, socio-political that are challenging the successful transition to community renewable energy. This work contributes to current attempts to operationalise transition theory and concepts to assess on-going transition processes and governance. This is a significant contribution to the literature because it helps in linking theoretical development with sustainability in practice in a developing country context. The study may assist policy makers, communities and other relevant stakeholders in designing an integrated governance framework for renewable energy transition in rural areas