EFFECTS OF ORGANIC MANURES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF GYPSOPHILA (GYPSOPHILA PANICULATA L.)

Cost effective and environmentally friendly crop production using a variety of animal manures is possible for all horticultural production systems including floriculture. Efficient production of summer cut flowers like gypsophila is feasible under small-holder production system. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different types and application rates of animal manures on growth, yield and quality of gypsophila cut flowers grown under field conditions. The experiment was carried out in the Horticulture Department Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Luyengo Campus of the University of Swaziland to determine the growth, yield and quality of gypsophila when fertilised with kraal manure, poultry manure and inorganic fertilisers. The treatments were kraal manure applied at 10, 20, 40 and 80 t/ha; and chicken manure applied at 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha. A control of inorganic fertiliser (2:3:2 (22) + 5% Zn) was applied at 1,400 kg/ha. The design of the study was a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Where significant results were obtained, means were separated using the Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). The results showed that chicken and kraal manure levels affected growth of gypsophila, with chicken manure at 40 t/ha inducing the highest plant height of 54.7 cm followed by kraal manure applied at 80 t/ha (52.6 cm). The lowest plant height of 38.4 cm was observed in plants applied with the inorganic fertiliser. Plants supplied with chicken manure at 40 t/ha had the highest cut flower length of 53.9 cm followed by kraal manure at 80 t/ha with 48.6 cm whilst inorganic fertiliser induced the lowest cut flower stem length of 37.5 cm. Gypsophila applied with chicken manure at 40 t/ha had the highest number of marketable cut flowers (7.1) followed by kraal manure at 80 t/ha with 6.7 cut flowers. Plants supplied with inorganic fertiliser had the lowest number of marketable cut flowers (5.1). The application of chicken manure at 40 t/ha induced the highest fresh and dry masses whilst inorganic fertiliser application resulted in the lowest values. There were no significant differences in the accumulation of N, P, and K in gypsophila plants due to the different treatments. It was concluded, therefore, that farmers should use chicken manure applied at 40 t/ha or kraal manure applied at 80 t/ha for profitable production of gypsophila under field conditions in Eswatini

Giardia Infection in Recently Acclimatized Kalahari Red Goats in Nigeria

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in recently acquired and acclimatized Kalahari Red goats in Nigeria was determined using a commercially produced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Giardia duodenalis coproantigens were detected in 46.9% of the faecal samples collected from 98 Kalahari Red goats. The highest (58.1%) and lowest rates (38.2%) were recorded in pre-weaned goat kids up to three months of age and adults goats over one year of age respectively. Infection was higher in females (56.8%) and diarrhoeic goats (75.0%) than males (38.9%) and non-diarrhoeic goats (45.7%) respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the infection rates among age categories, sexes and stool consistencies of the goats. The results of this study showed a high prevalence of Giardia infection in the Kalahari Red goat herd which may imply that they are susceptible to giardiasis if managed under conditions that may facilitate transmission from infected indigenous animals.Key words: ELISA, Giardia, goat, Kalahari Red, Nigeria

Effect of Sowing Dates, Intra-Row Spacings and Nitrogen Fertilizers of the Productivity of Red Variant Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarifa L)

Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons (June - Odober) of 1999 and 2000, at the research farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria to study the effects of some agronomic practices on the growth and yield of roselle. Three agronomic practices (sowing dates, intra-row spacing and nitrogenous fertilizer levels) at three levels each, were factorially combined to give a total of 27 treatment combinations. These were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Most of the results obtained were highly significant (P50.01). Sowing dates (June) gave the highest mean calyx (2035.15 kg/ha) and seed (2391.19 kg/ha) yields in both years. Intra-row spacing (80 em) gave the highest mean calyx (1651.11 kg/ha) and seed (2024.40 kg/ha) yields. Also, application of 60 kg N/ha gave the highest mean calyx (1671.99 kg/ha) and seed (2067.36 kg/ha) yields. It is evident from the results of this experiment that, the earlier the sowing of dates, the wider the intra-row spacing and the higher the nitrogenous fertilizer level, the higher the productivity of red variant roselle. Sequel to these facts, roselle sown in June at intra-row spacing of 80 em should be applied with 60 kg N / ha for optimum productivity in the study area

THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT GROWING MEDIA ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF WHITE ASTERS (SYMPHYOTRICHUM ERICOIDES L.)

All good potting media should meet the needs of plant’s root for air, water, nutrients and support. Satisfactory growth of annual transplants and nursery crops can occur in soilless media made up of a wide range of components. White asters are important flowering plants usually grown in gardens, as potted plants and bedding plants. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of different growing media on the growth and development of white asters. The different treatments combinations used included: garden soil; soil + sand (1:1); sand + kraal manure (1:1); soil + sand + compost (1:1:1), and soil + sand + shredded bark (1:1:3). The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). White asters grown in soil/sand/shredded bark mixture had the highest number of leaves (32.0), plant height (23.2 cm), leaf area (30.9 cm2), leaf area index (0.35), number of flowers (18.8), flower diameter (4.8 cm), shoot fresh mass (27.3 g), shoot dry mass (5.8 g), root fresh mass (3.6 g), root dry mass (0.6 g), and root length (13.2 cm). Plants grown in soil/sand/shredded bark mixture had twice the shoot dry mass of those grown in soil/sand/ compost medium. The roots dry mass of plants grown in soil/sand/shredded bark mixture was more than double that of plants grown in soil/sand/compost mixture. Plants grown in soil/sand/compost mixture had the lowest number of leaves (17.3), plant height (18.5 cm), leaf area (17.2 cm), leaf area index (0.19), number of flowers (11.5), flower diameter (4.2 cm), shoot fresh mass (13.6 g), shoot dry mass (2.9 g), root fresh mass (1.3 g), and root dry mass (0.3 g). Therefore, it can be recommended that farmers or florists who want to grow white asters may use soil/sand/shredded bark mixture for optimum growth and development of the plants

THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT GROWING MEDIA ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF WHITE ASTERS (SYMPHYOTRICHUM ERICOIDES L.)

All good potting media should meet the needs of plant’s root for air, water, nutrients and support. Satisfactory growth of annual transplants and nursery crops can occur in soilless media made up of a wide range of components. White asters are important flowering plants usually grown in gardens, as potted plants and bedding plants. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of different growing media on the growth and development of white asters. The different treatments combinations used included: garden soil; soil + sand (1:1); sand + kraal manure (1:1); soil + sand + compost (1:1:1), and soil + sand + shredded bark (1:1:3). The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). White asters grown in soil/sand/shredded bark mixture had the highest number of leaves (32.0), plant height (23.2 cm), leaf area (30.9 cm2), leaf area index (0.35), number of flowers (18.8), flower diameter (4.8 cm), shoot fresh mass (27.3 g), shoot dry mass (5.8 g), root fresh mass (3.6 g), root dry mass (0.6 g), and root length (13.2 cm). Plants grown in soil/sand/shredded bark mixture had twice the shoot dry mass of those grown in soil/sand/ compost medium. The roots dry mass of plants grown in soil/sand/shredded bark mixture was more than double that of plants grown in soil/sand/compost mixture. Plants grown in soil/sand/compost mixture had the lowest number of leaves (17.3), plant height (18.5 cm), leaf area (17.2 cm), leaf area index (0.19), number of flowers (11.5), flower diameter (4.2 cm), shoot fresh mass (13.6 g), shoot dry mass (2.9 g), root fresh mass (1.3 g), and root dry mass (0.3 g). Therefore, it can be recommended that farmers or florists who want to grow white asters may use soil/sand/shredded bark mixture for optimum growth and development of the plants

Isolation of protein isolated from defatted Carica papaya linn. seeds: influence of pH and NaCl on its solubility and functional properties

This work reports the isolation of protein from defatted Carica papaya Linn. Seed (CPS), with the crude protein product containing 88.08% protein. Under its natural conditions, the solubility of this protein isolate is comparable to sweet lupin protein isolate (98.79%). The solubility of the protein decreases with decreasing pH, with the minimum solubility observed at its isoelectric point (pH 4). The water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, foaming capacity, foam stability, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability were found to be 3.65 g/g, 3.60 g/g, 26.14%, 13.06%, 74.05m2/g, 100.80%. The profiles of functional properties were determined with varying pH values and NaCl concentration, and improved properties were observed in the alkaline pH range and in the presence of NaCl

EFFECTS OF GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3) ON THE GROWTH, FRUIT YIELD AND QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY (FRAGARIA × ANANASSA) IN A SUB-TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is a widely adapted small fruit grown from the low-altitude of tropics and subtropics to high-altitude in cold continental areas. Despite its nutritional benefits, little research has been undertaken to facilitate its wide scale production in sub-tropical environments. This experiment was laid down in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Its aim was to determine the effects of different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 ppm) of gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth, yield and quality of strawberry. The results revealed that plants treated with 75 ppm GA significantly (P < 0.05) had more growth in number of leaves, petiole length, plant spread and leaf area. Less leaf nitrogen (1.78%) and chlorophyll content index (25.01) were observed in GA treated plants with 75 ppm. Control plants sprayed with distilled water took more days to produce first flower (62.25 days) and fruit (69 days) as compared to GA treated plants which also produced fruits with more weight and yield which increased with increasing concentrations. Titratable acidity of the fruits was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in plants treated with 75 ppm GA3 and had higher vitamin C (71.88 mg/g) and total soluble solids (6.90 Brix). Results from GA treated plants at 50 ppm were the best in this experiment but more research needs to be done in the open field as this one was done in a lathhouse with plants grown in containers; differences might be observed in the field and there is need for more research on strawberry and bioregulators in the different ecological areas of Swaziland

Effect of Manure Application on Herbage Yield, Nutritive Value and Performance of Wad Sheep Fed Panicum maximum

Effect of types of manure on herbage yield, nutritive value and performance of WAD Sheep fed native Panicum maximum was investigated. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with each plot replicated thrice. Poultry manure and sheep - goat manure were applied through broadcasting to an established Panicum maximum stand to supply 200kgN/ha and 0kgN/ha (control). Grass herbage harvested from experiment plot were fed as sole diets to West African dwarf sheep to determine feed intake (g/h/d), nutrient digestibility (%) and weight gain (g/h/d). Results showed that Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced (P&lt;0.05) higher values for biomass yield, number of tillers, tiller height, leaf length and leaf width. The chemical composition of Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced (P&lt;0.05) higher CP and GE compared to sheep-goat manure. Similar trend of result was observed on mineral composition of Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced (P&lt;0.05) higher values for P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu compared to sheep-goat manure. The feed intake (g/h/d), nutrient digestibility (%) and weight gain of the animals fed Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced higher values compared to its counterpart. It was concluded based on data obtained from this study that poultry manure application will promote higher yield and nutritive value for the Panicum maximum. Animals fed with this as sole diet and as short feeding regime experienced high weight gain

Effect of Manure Application on Herbage Yield, Nutritive Value and Performance of Wad Sheep Fed Panicum maximum

Effect of types of manure on herbage yield, nutritive value and performance of WAD Sheep fed native Panicum maximum was investigated. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with each plot replicated thrice. Poultry manure and sheep - goat manure were applied through broadcasting to an established Panicum maximum stand to supply 200kgN/ha and 0kgN/ha (control). Grass herbage harvested from experiment plot were fed as sole diets to West African dwarf sheep to determine feed intake (g/h/d), nutrient digestibility (%) and weight gain (g/h/d). Results showed that Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced (P&lt;0.05) higher values for biomass yield, number of tillers, tiller height, leaf length and leaf width. The chemical composition of Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced (P&lt;0.05) higher CP and GE compared to sheep-goat manure. Similar trend of result was observed on mineral composition of Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced (P&lt;0.05) higher values for P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu compared to sheep-goat manure. The feed intake (g/h/d), nutrient digestibility (%) and weight gain of the animals fed Panicum maximum fertilized with poultry manure produced higher values compared to its counterpart. It was concluded based on data obtained from this study that poultry manure application will promote higher yield and nutritive value for the Panicum maximum. Animals fed with this as sole diet and as short feeding regime experienced high weight gain. Keywords: Poultry manure, sheep - goat manure, herbage yield, Panicum maximum, WAD Shee

Effects of Kraal Manure ApplicationRates on Growth and Yield of Wild Okra (Corchorus olitorius L) in a Sub-tropical Environment

Abstract: Wild okra (Corchorus olitorius L) is an important indigenous vegetable in Swaziland. Although the crop is a popular vegetable among rural communities, not much has been done to produce organic fertilizer application recommendations for its production. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of kraal manure application rates on growth and yield of wild okra. Kraal manure was applied at varying rates of 20, 40 and 60 tons/ha in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) where 2.3.2 (22) an inorganic fertilizer was used as a control, and was applied at the rate of 150 kg/ha. For every increase in the application level of kraal manure there were significant (p&lt;0.05) increases in all the growth parameters that were measured. There were also significant (p&lt;0.05) differences of fresh mass and dry mass yield of wild okra. There was an increase in fresh and dry mass yield with every increase in application level of kraal manure while the least fresh and dry mass was recorded in plants provided with 2.3.2 (22). Kraal manure applied at 60 ton/ha gave the highest yield of wild okra under the conditions of this experiment