Factors influencing the ammonia treatment of rice straw

Small samples of ground rice straw (initial moisture content 7%) were treated at ambient temperatures with aqueous NH3 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 % levels (on a dry matter basis). The final moisture content was 21%. Samples at each level of ammoniation were held for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The IVDMD of the samples, predicted from the pepsin-cellulose method, indicated a strong trend towards higher digestibility with increasing levels of NH3 application, although the difference between 6% and 8% NH3 was small. Treatment at ambient temperatures was completed in 7 days. In a second set of experiments, samples of straw were treated with 6% NH3, such that the final moisture contents were 13% and 25%. These samples were stored at 30, 60 and 90°C, and for 6, 18, 72 and 168 hrs. IVDMD analyses indicated that increasing treatment time, temperature and moisture content of the straw, all had positive effects on the IVDMD

POSTHARVEST STORAGE OF THE POMERAC UNDER REFRIGERATION

A postharvest storage trial was conducted to determine the effects of four different storage temperatures, ambient (28°C), 5°C, 10°C and 15°C on the shelf-life of the ponierac (Eugenia malaccensis) or French Cashew. The aim of the experiment was to determine the best storage conditions for extending the shelf-life of the pomerac, while maintaining acceptable physical, chemical and organoleptic properties. The physical parameters measured included fruit firmness, percent fresh weight loss and specific gravity. The chemical parameters studied were ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH and anthocyanins. Sensorymeasurements included color, firmness, odor, decay and shrivelling. Preliminary results showed that under ambient conditions the pomerac had a shelf-life of 4-6 days. Fruits held at 10°C and ^"C were shrivelled, decayed and showing color loss in the skin after 10-15 days in storage. At 5°C fruits were acceptable in terms of color, firmness, taste and odor even after 20 days in storage

Solar Crop Dryers for the Caribbean

Crop drying in the Caribbean is carried out mainly by small farmers and estates, the normal technique being by simply spreading the material out in the sun. This method however, suffers from a number of disadvantages which could be alleviated by the use of solar or mechanical dryers. The paper describes an approach which identifies two basic types of simple, natural convection solar dryers well suited for the small farmer situation, where only small quantities would be dried at any time. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate dryer performance for both types. In the case of drying produce from the larger estates where much larger quantities are being harvested, the packed bed dryer is projected. This type of dryer can operate using either solar energy, hydrocarbon fuel or biomass as an energy source or, alternatively, can utilise any convenient combination of these sources. For the drying of timber and forages, greenhouse type solar dryers, working either by natural or forced convection are described

Towards collaborative agro-innovation in developing countries: the Caribbean perspective

Innovation has been recognised as a distinctive input to wealth creation through the stimulation of new ideas, processes and products. A nation's economic prosperity has been attributed to the concerted efforts in research and development, technology transfer and collaboration among firms, knowledge institutions and the government. This paper discusses the challenges and determinants of agro-operations and innovation initiatives in developing countries. With particular reference to the Caribbean region, available country statistics and data are analysed. A generic model of collaborative innovation for agriculture that stresses collaboration among the stakeholders (government, knowledge institutions, public and private firms and others) is described. Drawn from the experience of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the paper illustrates the rationale and the action agenda of the country to revitalise its agro-operations and innovation capabilities for sustainable development. The country's experience may provide insights for other developing countries in the areas of innovation capability building and technology transfer.collaborative innovation; agricultural sector; Caribbean countries; agro-innovation; developing countries; Trinidad and Tobago; sustainable development; innovation capabilities; technology transfer; agriculture.