bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Application Rate and Timing of Diclosulam on Weed Control in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Grey T. L. , Bridges D. C. , Eastin E. F.
Published: April 2010

Field studies were conducted from 1996 to 1998 in Georgia to determine peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and weed response to ethalfluralin (0.8 kg ai/ha) plus diclosulam applied preplant incorporated (PPI) at 9, 18, 26, 35 and 52 g ai/ha. Other treatments included ethalfluralin PPI followed by paraquat plus bentazon (140 and 280 g ai/ha, respectively) early postemergence (EPOST) applied alone or following ethalfluralin plus diclosulam (18 and 26 g ai/ha) PPI, ethalfluralin PPI followed by imazapic (71 g ai/ha) postemergence (POST), and ethalfluralin PPI. Ethalfluralin was applied PPI in all herbicide programs. Diclosulam controlled Florida beggarweed [Desmodium tortuosum (Sweet) D.C.], sicklepod [Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin and Barneby], and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) inconsistently, and POST application of paraquat plus bentazon was needed for acceptable control. However, diclosulam controlled common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), tropic croton (Croton glandulosus Muell-Arg.), wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla L.), and prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) without the need for POST herbicides. Higher yields were recorded with diclosulam PPI followed by a sequential application of paraquat plus bentazon than herbicide programs not containing diclosulam or diclosulam alone. Diclosulam PPI followed by sequential applications of paraquat plus bentazon provided greater control of sicklepod and prickly sida that resulted in greater yields. Yields from dicosulam PPI followed by paraquat plus bentazon EPOST were equivalent to yields with paraquat plus bentazon EPOST followed by imazapic POST or imazapic EPOST.
Genetic Relationship between Purple and Wine Testa Color in Peanut1
Authors: Branch W. D.
Published: April 2010

A better understanding of the genetic relationship among different testa colors is needed in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding programs. Numerous genes are involved in this important U.S. market quality trait. However, the relationship among some of these genes is not yet known. The objective of this study was to determine the interaction among the three genes (P, w1, and w2) controlling purple and wine testa color. No maternal or cytoplasmic differences were found among three reciprocal purple x wine testcrosses. The F1, F2, and F3 segregation results suggest that purple testa color of PI 331334 differs from that of wine testa color parental lines (PI 264549, Wine-Frr 1 and Wine-Frr 2) by only two genes. These findings illustrate that the dominant purple testa color gene (P) is independent from at least one of the two recessive wine genes (w1 w1 or w2w2).
No-Pesticide Preliminary Yield Trials in Peanut1
Authors: Branch W. D. , Fletcher S. M.
Published: April 2010

Pest-resistant peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars are critically important to reduce the increasing cost of production. Current pesticides used in the U.S. are effective but very expensive. The objective of this study was to evaluate several advanced Georgia breeding lines when grown without nematicides, fungicides, or insecticides. Preliminary yield trials without pesticides were conducted for 3 yr (1996-98) at the Univ. of Georgia, Coastal Plain Exp. Sta. under irrigation. However, preplant and occasionally post-applied herbicides were used for weed control. Thrips damage was noticeably uniform and severe early in the growing season each year, but plants seemingly recovered by midseason. Probably the most endemic diseases in the Southeast are both early and late leaf spots [Cercospora arachidicola Hori and Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. & Curt.) Deighton, respectively] and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Results from replicated field tests strongly suggest that it would be economically feasible to significantly reduce pesticide cost by growing multiple pest-resistant advanced Georgia breeding lines as compared to the five check cultivars Florunner, GK-7, Southern Runner, Florida MDR 98, and Georgia Browne. However, dollar values were variable and low with no pesticides because of the overall reduction in yield. An alternative approach for greater net returns possibly may be achieved by only reducing currently recommended input costs rather than eliminating pesticides with pest resistant cultivars.
Evaluation of Detached Shoot and Leaflet Inoculation Techniques to Screen Peanut Genotypes for Resistance to Rhizoctonia Limb Rot
Authors: Franke M. D. , Brenneman T. B.
Published: April 2010

Identifying peanut genotypes with resistance to Rhizoctonia limb rot in the field is slow and costly. The objectives of this study were to compare detached leaflet and shoot inoculations as methods of screening for resistance to Rhizoctonia limb rot and to assess the relationship between genotype reactions in vitro and in the field. Eleven peanut germplasm selections and four cultivars, which exhibited a range of susceptibility to limb rot in previous field experiments in 1996 and 1997, were selected for evaluation. Detached lower reproductive limbs were suspended in Hoagland's solution and inoculated using a mixture of soil and oat seeds infested with Rhizoctonia solani. Detached leaflets on moistened filter paper in petri dishes were inoculated with hyphal plugs. Georgia Green and selections 512 and 283 were the most susceptible of all the genotypes to leaflet infections although Georgia Green is partially resistant to limb rot in the field. Disease levels for all genotypes were higher in the detached shoot inoculation study than in previous field experiments and symptoms observed were typical of those seen in the field. However, there was no correlation in relative susceptibility of the genotypes between the detached leaflet, shoot, or previous field experiments. Susceptibility of genotypes in the field may be determined by the combined resistance of the different plant parts or by factors not evaluated in this study. The detached shoot inoculation technique did not reproduce the same range of disease reactions on diverse peanut genotypes that were observed in the field experiments, but it did prove to be a good method of generating high levels of disease in vitro. The technique could probably be adapted to evaluate other factors such as relative fungicide performance or effects of environment on disease.
Effects of Application Method and Rate on Control of Sclerotinia Blight of Peanut with Iprodione and Fluazinam1
Authors: Damicone J. P. , Jackson K. E.
Published: April 2010

Two trials with iprodione and three trials with fluazinam were conducted to assess the effects of application method and rate on the control of Sclerotinia blight of peanut with fungicide. In order to concentrate the fungicides near the crown area where the disease causes the most damage, applications were made through a canopy opener with a single nozzle centered over the row to achieve a 30.5-cm-wide band (canopy opener), and through a single nozzle centered over the row to achieve a 46-cm-wide band (band). Broadcast applications were compared to these methods at rates of 0, 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 kg/ha on the susceptible cultivar Okrun. Sclerotinia blight was severe, with > 70% disease incidence and < 2000 kg/ha yield for the untreated controls in each trial. Linear reductions in area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), but not final disease incidence, with iprodione rate were significant (P < 0.05) for all methods of application. However, the rate of decrease did not differ among application methods. Linear increases in yield with rate of iprodione were greater for canopy opener compared to the band or broadcast applications. Only a 50% reduction in AUDPC and a maximum yield of < 2700 kg/ha was achieved with iprodione using the best method. At the maximum rate of 1.12 kg/ha, fluazinam provided > 75% disease control and > 4000 kg/ha yield for all application methods. Differences in disease control and yield among application methods only occurred at the 0.28 and 0.56 kg/ha rates of fluazinam. Reductions in AUDPC with fluazinam rate were quadratic for all application methods, but AUDPC values were less for the canopy opener and band methods at 0.28 and 0.56 kg/ha compared to the broadcast methods. The yield response to rate for broadcast applications of fluazinam was linear. However, predicted yield responses to fluazinam rate were quadratic for the band and canopy opener methods and approached the maximum response at 0.84 kg/ha. Targeting fungicide applications using the band and/or canopy opener methods was beneficial for fluazinam at reduced rates. Disease control with iprodione was not adequate regardless of application method.
Field Survey of Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus in Georgia Peanut
Authors: Wells M. L. , Pappu H. R. , Culbreath A. K. , Todd J. W. , Brown S. L.
Published: April 2010

A field survey to determine the incidence of Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) in Georgia peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was conducted during the 1999 and 2000 growing seasons. Confirmation of INSV infection was made by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During August 1999, a total of 504 symptomatic peanut plants were sampled from 42 fields representing 15 counties. Peanut plants showing symptoms of spotted wilt from 14, 15, and 15 counties were sampled during the early (June), mid (July), and late (August/September) periods of the 2000 growing season, respectively. During 2000, a total of 1433 peanut plants were sampled over the course of the survey. The 1999 survey yielded no INSV-positive peanut plants, while 87% of the plants sampled tested positive for TSWV. During the 2000 survey, INSV was detected from 2.0% of all peanut plants sampled, while TSWV was detected in 97.8% of all plants. All plants that tested positive for INSV also tested positive for TSWV. TSWV was detected from plants in each field. INSV was only detected from seven fields in four counties. Additionally, 90 peanut plants were tested for INSV in a Coffee County field in which that virus was detected in July 2000. TSWV was detected in 94% of those plants, while INSV was detected in 20% of the plants. Double infections were detected in 17% of the plants from the field in Coffee County. The natural incidence of another Tospovirus in peanut could have important management implications for peanut production systems.
Status of the Arachis Germplasm Collection at ICRISAT
Authors: Upadhyaya H. D. , Ferguson M. E. , Bramel P. J.
Published: April 2010

ICRISAT maintains a substantial Arachis germplasm collection of 14,723 accessions, comprising 14,310 accessions of cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) from 92 countries and 413 accessions of wild species representing 43 taxa. All germplasm is freely available for distribution. Forty-five percent of the cultivated peanut collection is of var. hypogaea, followed by 35.7% var. vulgaris and 16.1% var.fastigiata. Varieties hirsuta and aequatoriana are represented by 20 and 15 accessions, respectively. All passport and characterization data are accessible through the internet. To enhance the utilization of the collection and understand the diversity it contains, efforts have focused on characterization and documentation of the collection and the formation of a core of 1704 A. hypogaea accessions. These are representative of the genetic diversity in the entire collection. The core provides an entry point into the collection and is currently being evaluated for maturity, biotic, and abiotic stress resistance and quality parameters, including aflatoxin contamination. A subset of the core is used in prescreening for polymorphic molecular markers. Evaluation of the wild Arachis collection to major abiotic stresses is a continuing process. Future efforts in both the wild and cultivated collections will focus on germplasm exchange and acquisition, and specific regions for future collections are identified. The development of molecular markers for diversity assessments in all Arachis taxa and alternative strategies for utilization of the wild species are also important areas of research.
Progress in the Development of Tissue Culture and Transformation Methods Applicable to the Production of Transgenic Peanut
Authors: Ozias-Akins P. , Gill R.
Published: April 2010

Genetic engineering is a tool for crop improvement that extends our access to beneficial traits beyond sexuallycompatible crosses. Genes from virtually any organism can be cloned and introduced into peanut. Gene function can be influenced by the regulatory elements used to control expression aswell as the genome context of the integration site(s) where one or multiple copies of the trans genes are inserted. Methods for the production of transgenic peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) that are based on biological or direct DNA transfer have been developed over the last decade. The most reliable method for the introduction of foreign DNA is microprojectile bombardment of embryogenic tissue cultures. With the use of a selectable marker gene for hygromycin resistance, transgenic plants can be recovered in 12-14 mo. Transgenic peanuts resistant to the lesser cornstalk borer have been produced with the objective of reducing aflatoxin contamination by decreasing insect damage to developing pods. The future application of this tool to increase pest resistance and enhance quality traits in peanut has enormous potential.
Evolving Political Issues Affecting International Exchange of Arachis Genetic Resources
Authors: Williams K. A. , Williams D. E.
Published: April 2010

While plant genetic resources continue to be essential for world food security, the exchange of these resources between countries has become increasingly encumbered during recent years. The free and open access to genetic resources that previously was considered the “common heritage of mankind” has been fundamentally changed by international multilateral agreements that recognize national sovereignty over genetic resources. Since the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993, many countries have implemented laws regulating access to their genetic resources. The development of legislation in several countries comprising the primary areas of origin and diversity of Arachis makes issues associated with germplasm exchange particularly relevant to investigators working with peanut. This paper describes some recent USDA experiences with obtaining access in Latin American countries harboring peanut genetic resources. Also discussed are implications and prospects for future international germplasm exchange, including aspects of collaborative research and benefit sharing with germplasm donor countries. Within this new political climate, the establishment of mutually beneficial precedents for accessing foreign genetic resources will be crucial for ensuring the continued exchange, conservation, and use of Arachis germplasm in the future.
New Directions for Collecting and Conserving Peanut Genetic Diversity
Authors: Williams D. E.
Published: April 2010

Existing strategies for collecting and conserving peanut genetic diversity need to be reassessed and updated in light of recent collecting efforts, technological advances, and the new political climate affecting international germplasm access and exchange. In the Americas, important taxonomic and geographical gaps in the collections still need to be filled before the full extent of peanut genetic diversity, both wild and cultivated, can be known from the crop's hemisphere of origin. Moreover, reports of peanut genetic erosion in Asia and Africa need to be investigated and addressed. The current global trend to implement national legislation regulating access to genetic resources presents new challenges for organizing and conducting plant explorations in other countries, making international partnerships more important than ever. The use of innovative new tools and methods for assessing, locating, and conserving crop genetic diversity, such as Geographical Information Systems and on-farm conservation, has recently increased. These new tools, methods, and partnerships are proposed as key elements for an updated strategy to help ensure that the unfinished work of collecting and conserving peanut diversity can be successfully continued into the 21st century.
Cost of Aflatoxin to the Farmer, Buying Point, and Sheller Segments of the Southeast United States Peanut Industry
Authors: Lamb M. C. , Sternitzke D. A.
Published: April 2010

Aflatoxin in peanut imposes considerable economic cost to the southeast U.S. peanut industry. A federal marketing agreement administered by the Peanut Administrative Committee ensures the consumer that only edible quality peanuts are allowed entry into edible markets. The 1993-1996 crop years were analyzed to estimate the net cost due to aflatoxin to the farmer, buying point, and sheller segments of the southeast peanut industry. Farmer stock peanuts are examined for visible Aspergillus flavus, the mold primarily responsible for aflatoxin contamination in peanut. Detected lots with aflatoxin (Segregation III) are removed from edible channels because the lot is presumed to be at high risk for aflatoxin contamination and the value of farmer stock peanuts is reduced. The farmer segment net cost due to Segregation III lots averaged $2,595,937 per year. Segregation III lots are generally placed under loan in the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Buying points are paid to handle peanuts for CCC, but at a lower rate per ton than commercial commissions; thus, a loss is incurred to the buying point segment. Buying point losses from handling Segregation III lots average $532,585 annually. The southeast peanut sheller segment incurred the highest cost associated with aflatoxin. The majority of the cost was due to the purchase of Segregation I farmer stock that required further processing due to the aflatoxin contamination found via chemical testing. The average net annual cost to the southeast sheller segment over the 4-yr period was $22,697,737. Segregation III lots and aflatoxin cost the farmer, buying point, and sheller segments of the southeast U.S. peanut industry $25,825,259 annually. On a total Segregation I farmer stock basis, aflatoxin cost the southeast peanut industry an average of $25.53/Mg and an average $69.34/ha.
Timing of Aldicarb Applications to Control Meloidogyne arenaria in Peanut1
Authors: Rich J. R. , Gorbet D. W.
Published: April 2010

Four fieldtrialswere conductedin northwest Florida to determine the efficacyofaldicarb appliedat varyingtime intervals after planting on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) to manage the peanut root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria. Initial treatments with aldicarb (Temik 15G), fenamiphos (Nemacur 15G), and phorate (Thimet 15G) were made at planting of peanut cv. Southern Runner. The chemicals were applied as 20-cm-wide bands over the open seed furrow using a tractor-mounted Gandy applicator. Post-plant treatments were made with a Gandy applicator at time intervals from 28 to 104 dafter planting as 36-cm-wide bands over the row centers. Post-harvest M. arenaria population densities were affected little by any chemical treatment compared to the control. The efficacy of the chemical treatments was variable and averaged onlya 295-kglha yield increase for the single at-plant applications of aldicarb compared to the control. Allat-plant + post-plant aldicarb treatments increased yield over the control by an average of712 kg¡ ha. Results from these trials did not establish a single optimal time for post-plant application of aldicarb on peanut. Data from these tests, however, indicated that a post-plant aldicarb treatment can be applied latter than previously recommended in Florida.
Geographical Distribution of Genetic Diversity in Arachis hypogaea
Authors: Holbrook C. C. , Isleib T. G.
Published: April 2010

The U.S. maintains a large (> 8000 accessions) and genetically diverse collection of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm. It is costly to screen all accessions within this collection for traits that could be useful in cultivar development. The objective of this research was to identify countries of origin that are rich sources of resistance to important peanut diseases. This would allow peanut breeders to focus their efforts on smaller subsets of the germplasm collection. Accessions in the peanut core collection were evaluated for resistance to late (Cercosporidium personatum Berk. & M. A. Curtis) and early (Cercospora arachidicola Hori) leaf spot, tomato spotted wilt Tospovirus (TSWV), the peanut root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1], and Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR)[Cylindrocladium crotalarie (Loos) Bell & Sobers]. These data then were examined to determine if genes for resistance clustered geographically. Several geographical areas that appear to be rich sources for disease-resistant genes were identified. China had a relatively large number of accessions with resistance to the peanut root-knot nematode. Peru appeared to be a rich source of material with resistance to CBR. Resistance to late leaf spot was more frequent than expected in accessions from Bolivia and Ecuador. Bolivia was also a valuable source of resistance to early leaf spot. Early leaf spot resistance also was more prevalent than expected in accessions from India, Nigeria, and Sudan. India, Israel, and Sudan were valuable origins for material with resistance to TSWV. Accessions with multiple disease resistance were most common in India, Mozambique, and Senegal. This information should enable plant breeders to utilize more efficiently the genes for disease resistance that are available in the U.S. germplasm collection.
Status of the Arachis Germplasm Collection in the United States
Authors: Holbrook C. C.
Published: April 2010

An extensive working collection of Arachis germplasm is maintained by the USDA at the Southern Regional Plant Introduction Sta. in Griffin, GA. Much of this collection is maintained also under long-term seed storage at the Nat. Seed Storage Lab. in Ft. Collins, CO. The working collection consists of 9027 accessions of A. hypogaea and 684 accessions of Arachis species. About half of the A. hypogaea accessions are unimproved landraces collected in the crop's centers of diversity in South America. The other half is comprised of germplasm obtained from countries outside of South America. The U.S. germplasm collection of peanut was the first major germplasm collection to have a working core collection. Research has verified that this core collection can be used to improve the efficiency of germplasm utilization. This has stimulated a great amount of germplasm evaluation work and has resulted in the identification of numerous sources of resistance to several economically significant pathogens. Considerable efforts in the U.S. also have been devoted to the use of wild species of Arachis for sources of resistance to pathogens. Programs are ongoing to introgress high levels of resistance or immunity to early (Cercospora arachidicola Hori) and late (Cercosporidium personatum Berk. & M.A. Curtis) leaf spots, nematodes, and viruses. Genetic resources have been particularly useful in adding disease resistance to peanut cultivars. This has had a significant economic impact on U.S. peanut farmers. The largest impacts have been from the development of cultivars with resistance to Sclerotinia blight (Sclerotinia minor Jagger), the peanut root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1], and tomato spotted wilt Tospovirus. Use of these resistant cultivars has an estimated economic impact of more that $200 million annually for U.S. peanut producers.
Optimization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation protocol for aromatic ric
Authors: Hossain MR , Hassan L , Patwary AK , Ferdous MI
Published: April 2010

A rapid, efficient and reproducible genetic transformation protocol was optimized for four aromatic rice varieties by using the established plant regeneration protocol. Mature embryos were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 carrying a binary vector pIG121-Hm with GUS (reporter gene) and hpt (hygromycin resistance) gene and the transformation experiment was performed by optimizing two important parameters viz. infection times and co-cultivation periods. The highest response to GUS assay was showed by Kalizira (70% GUS positive) followed by Pusa Basmati 1 (66.67%) when the explants were inoculated for 25 minutes and co-cultivated for three days. Twenty five minutes infection time (9.44%) and three day co- cultivation period (8.06%) were found effective for percentage of transgenic shoot regeneration. The highest percentage of putative transgenic shoots was regenerated by variety Kalizira (33.33%) followed by Pusa Basmati 1 (20.0%) and Radhunipagol (13.33%). Among the varieties, Kalizira produced the highest percentage (60%) of rooted shoots. Kalizira also showed the highest survival rate in growth chamber (75%) and in field condition (60%). The performance of Tulsimala was poor for almost all the cases. Keywords: Agrobacterium; GUS; hpt gene; Transformation and Aromatic rice DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4724 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 235-240, 2009
Productivity and Resource Use Efficiency of Boro Rice Production
Authors: Majumder MK , Mozumdar L , Roy PC
Published: April 2010

This study was attempted to measure and compare resource use efficiency and relative productivity of farming under different tenure conditions in an area of Bhola district. A random sampling technique was used in the study. Sample farmers were classified as owner, crop share tenant and cash tenant farmers. A total of 90 samples, 30 from each class were selected on the basis of random sampling technique. The study explored the difference in the efficiency and productivity among owner, cash tenant and crop share tenant. Total cash expenses as well as total gross costs for producing HYV Boro rice was highest in owner farms and lowest in crop share tenant's farm. When individual inputs were concerned it was observed that expenses on human labor shared a major portion of expenses in the production of HYV Boro rice where owner operators used more hired labor in compare to other groups. However, the cash tenant farmers were more efficient than owner and crop share tenant farmers. Due to poor resource base the crop share tenants were unable to invest on modern farm inputs. It may be mentioned that in Bangladesh the predominant tenancy arrangement is share cropping, which is an inefficient form of tenure arrangement in compare to cash tenancy. Keywords: Land tenure; Profitability; Efficiency; Elasticity of production DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4730 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 247-252, 2009
Disposal of layer droppings reared in case and impact on environmental pollution
Authors: Abdullah-Al-Amin M , Rahman MS , Howlider MAR , Ahmmed MM
Published: April 2010

A study evaluated the droppings disposal in layer farm and measures adapted to protect environmental pollution. Data were collected from 20 randomly selected layer farmers by a semi structured personal interview schedule from Sadar upazilla of Mymensingh. The independent variables such as age and gender of farmers, family size educational qualification occupation etc. and the dependent variables such as flock size, age of birds, feed consumption, egg and dropping production, cleaning of dropping etc. were studied. The feed consumption and droppings production/layer/day were 116.54 and 151.65g, respectively. Hen housed egg production was 80.55%. The cost for cleaning, price of droppings and profit on droppings sale/layer/day were Tk 0.01, 0.07 and 0.07 respectively. Half of farmer received maximum earning from droppings in winter. Most of the farmers had single storied house and used ceiling fan. Most of the farmers clean droppings in alternate day in the morning by the male worker using belcha to minimize environmental pollution and half of them used disinfectants. Average time required/day to clean droppings was 83.00 minute. Majority of the farmer consider cleaning of droppings to be a real problem for odour and gas (NH3) emission. Majority farmers stored droppings at high land as an open pit. Average distance between pit and shed was 58.33m. The highest proportion of the farmers used droppings in the crop field by composting while others sold to fisheries. Majority of the respondents opined that feed, droppings, dead birds, medicinal wastes and odour do not cause environmental pollution. Droppings disposal is a real problem for aesthetic, public safety and environmental point of view. Cleaning technique and tools needed to be modernized for efficient and cost effective cleaning. Standard method needed to be introduced for proper treatment and use of droppings to maximize its use and benefit. Keywords: Droppings disposal; Environmental pollution; Caged rearing DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4735 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 281-290, 2009
Influence of age on the spermiogramic parameters of native sheep
Authors: Hassan MR , Pervage S , Ershaduzzaman M , Talukder MAI
Published: April 2010

The study was conducted to evaluate the qualities of ram semen in different age groups (one to four years) were evaluated. The parameters included testes length (cm), testes breadth (cm), scrotal circumference (cm), live weight (kg), semen volume (ml), PH, sperm concentration (x109), motility (%), percentage of live, dead and normal, abnormal spermatozoa of native sheep. The average semen volume (ml) found to be 0.60, 0.91, 0.85 and 0.87; sperm concentration (109/ml) 1.03, 3.27, 4.45 and 4.17 and finally motility (%) were found to be 68.07, 75.03, 75.01 and 76.25 respectively for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year age of native ram. The effects of age on all parameters (testes length, semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration, motility, viability, normal spermatozoa) were significant except testes breadth and scrotal circumference. The value of all of these parameters increased linearly up to three years with the increase of age except PH. The result of the present study indicated that scrotal diameter, serving capacity; normal and live spermatozoa were comparatively better during the 3rd year than the 1st and 2nd year of age while the values were almost similar at 3rd and 4th year of age. With the increasing of age, the semen quality improved and stabilized up to at the age of 3 years. Keywords: Native sheep; Spermiogramic parameter; Age DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4738 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 301-304, 2009
Characterization and performance evaluation of white, Silver Bezoar and Black coated type of Black Bengal Goat in Bangladesh
Authors: Siddiqua SA , Amin M Ruhul
Published: April 2010

The study was undertaken to know the distribution pattern, morphometric characteristics, production and reproduction peculiarities of White, Silver Bezoar and Black coated types of Black Bengal goat in Sylhet, Mymensingh and Bogra region of Bangladesh. Live weight, body measurements, hair diameter and density per unit area were directly obtained from animals. Milk production, life span, number of kidding and other behavioural data (0-5 score) were collected by interviewing farmersThe proportion of White type linearly decreased from east (30% in Sylhet) to west (18% in Bogra) but an erratic fashion was observed in Silver Bezoar type. White type was significantly (p<0.001) heavier at 3, 6, 9 and 12 month among the groups. Body length behaved similarly although heart girth and height at wither showed irregular pattern between groups. White goat possessed coarser but Black goat had more dense (p<0.01) hair at flank and thigh. Herding tendency, resting in crowdy place, grazing habit (p<0.001) of White type was higher than its contemporaries. Average milk yield (g/day) was higher (p<0.05) in White type (366.84) than Black (248.83) and Silver Bezoar types (274.16). Above findings suggest that White and Silver Bezoar types of Black Bengal goat are superior to Black coated goats and thus demand due attention in order for their conservation. Further study is needed for genetic characterization for final recommendation. Keywords: Black Bengal goat; White type; Silver Bezoar type; Coat color; Hair density DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4740 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 309-315, 2009
Socioeconomic changes of farmers due to adoption of rice production technologies in selected areas of Sherpur district
Authors: Salehin MM , Kabir MS , Morshed KM , Farid KS
Published: April 2010

The study was aimed at finding out the changes occurred in different aspects of socioeconomic conditions of the framers due to adoption of rice production technologies. For the present study data were collected from 90 randomly selected farmers in three villages of Gourdwer union under Nakla upazila of Sherpur district with the help of interview schedule. Correlation and t-test were used to ascertain the relationship between the concerned dependent and independent variables. Findings revealed that about 51 percent of the farmers had medium adoption while 33 percent had high adoption of rice production technologies. Correlation analysis indicates that education, annual income showed significant positive relationships, and age and family size of the farmers showed significant negative relationships with their adoption of rice production technologies. Besides farm size did not show any significant relationship with their adoption. Findings also showed a significant increase in annual income (from Tk.88.82 thousand to Tk.109.26 thousand), food consumption expenditure (from Tk.17.35 thousand to Tk.20.41 thousand), housing environment (scores rose to 14.22 from 7.82) and family status of the framers (scores increased from 19.46 to 27.82). The differences between before and after changes in income, expenditure, housing environment score and family status score were statistically significant. Keywords: Rice production technology; Adoption; Socioeconomic changes DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4744 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 335-341, 2009
Government expenditure and theory of efficient private and public finance
Authors: Islam SMA
Published: April 2010

The efficient government finance will increase economic growth and thereby income distribution. This research has been formulated an efficiency theory of production and finance. This research compared the government expenditure patterns into two situations. One, when a government borrows and accordingly allocates resources for productive expenditures for private and public finance. Another situation is that when a government borrows and fixed the resources for productive expenditure for only public finance. A comparative efficiency theory of production and finance are being formulated to test the general equilibrium of production of goods and services. This general equilibrium theory of efficient production of a firm has been made a conclusion that government resource allocation in both for private and public finance is efficient and never creates economic distortion even if these resources are borrowed form domestic sources. These domestic sources might be private commercials banks or any other financial institutions. The government resource allocation is not efficient when the government borrowing is fixed only for increasing public finance. This process implies diminishing return and thus increases public expenditure implicitly. Increasing nonproductive government expenditure will expand the size of the government and accordingly reduce economic growth in the long run. But both the private and public finance from borrowing will not hamper the efficiency of the production of a firm and accordingly reduce economic distortion. The tendency of reducing economic distortion will ultimately increase economic growth and economic welfare as well. Keywords: Finance; Government Expenditure DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4748 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 367-371, 2009
Assessing the livelihood of slum dwellers in Dhaka city
Authors: Alamgir MS , Jabbar MA , Islam MS
Published: April 2010

The present study was an attempt to determine the factors affecting the livelihood of the socioeconomic improvement of migrants and to analyze the causes of rural-urban migration in slum areas. Slum areas have no available formal education facilities and slum people were found to be engaged in rickshaw pulling, day labourer, petty business, small job services etc. Analysis showed that migration and taking in micro credit were beneficial for the slum dwellers. Receiving and utilizing micro credit income level, consumption, expenditure and socio-economic status of the slum dwellers improved to some extent. Due to participation of slum dwellers in NGOs, their economic, social and decision making improved substantially. Credit disbursement through NGOs with integrated approach could bring positive changes in the life of poor slum women as well as their community. Findings showed that Fifty six per cent people migrated to Dhaka city for economic reason. Factors of migration had a significant contribution of rural urban migration and also significant livelihood improvement has taken place due to micro credit. At the individual level, the women were benefited in terms of mobility and skill, self confidence, widening of interests, access to financial services, build own savings, competence in public affairs and status at home and in the community that lead a better awareness for enhancing women's empowerment. However, there is a need for proper training for sustainable result in the long run. Keywords: Migration; Livelihood; Micro credit DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4750 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 373-380, 2009
Impact of Grameen Bank micro credit on change in livelihood status of women beneficiaries
Authors: Kuhinur S , Rokonuzzaman M
Published: April 2010

Grameen Bank (GB) is one of the largest NGO working with the socio-economic upliftment of the poor section, specially women of the society. The main focus on the present study is to determine change in livelihood status of women beneficiaries of GB in twenty selected centers of Jaforgonj north of Debidwar branch under Comilla district; and to identify the existing problems faced by GB participants. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected sample (15% of population), out of population size 663 of GB beneficiaries. Data indicated that change in livelihood status scores of the respondents varied from 4 to 24. The average change in livelihood status score was 13.94. The largest proportion (62 percent) of women belonged to medium, compared to 25 percent and 13 percent belong to low and high change in livelihood status categories respectively. Results of t-test on change of livelihood status in three dimensions namely ‘change of farm and house hold materials', ‘change of housing, health and sanitation' and ‘change of annual family income' in terms of ‘before' and ‘after' involvement were found highly significant. Out of 11 selected characteristics, education, annual income, credit availability, communication with GB employee and staff and attitude towards micro-credit program of GB were positively significant and only age and non-localite behaviour were negatively significant with dependent variable of change in livelihood status. Family size, farm size, organizational participation and attitude towards community did not show any significant relationship with change in livelihood status. Problems faced by beneficiaries in respect of ‘lack of sufficient amount of credit' was the most serious problems, credit disbursement delayed was the second problem and the third problem was ‘belief on dogmatism and fatalism' with problem index 199 among the six existing problems. Keywords: Grameen Bank; Micro credit; Livelihood status;  Women beneficiaries DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4750 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 381-386, 2009
Trends in international migration and remittance flows: Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Farid KS , Mozumdar L , Kabir MS , Hossain KB
Published: April 2010

International migration from Bangladesh has become a defining characteristic of the country. Especially since 1980s, large scale labour migration has become a common phenomenon of Bangladesh. This paper examines the various issues of international migration and remittance flows of Bangladesh on the basis of the secondary data generated from various reports of government and non-government organizations and of various publications of home and abroad. With a few exceptions, manpower export has been showing increasing trend year by year. Most of the expatriates, who are largely unskilled, are working in the Middle East countries and in the UK and the USA. Like overseas employment, remittances flow has been increasing every year with its increased share in GDP and export earnings. Major share of total remittances come from the Middle East countries. But individually the position of the USA is just behind Saudi Arabia over the last few years. Finally it can be concluded that proper attention should be given on overseas migration in order to keep the unemployment rate within tolerable level and to increase the amount of remittances which is an important source of foreign exchange. Keywords: International migration; Remittance; Expatriate; Employment; Increased share in GDP DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4751 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 387-394, 2009
Investigation on health condition of a freshwater eel, Monopterus cuchia from Ailee beel, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed GU , Akter N , Nipa SA , Hossain MM
Published: April 2010

The health conditions of freshwater mud eel, Monopterus cuchia of Ailee beel, Mymensingh district was investigated through clinical and histopathological observations from September 2005 to March 2006. Monthly sampling of water quality parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and total hardness were carried out. Water temperature and total hardness were at reduced level for fish during the months of November to January in the beel. Clinically weak body, rough skin, deep ulcer and grey brownish colour of the body were noticed especially from November to January. Major pathology in the skin and muscle such as loss of epidermis and dermis, necrosis of myotoms, huge vacuum spaces, marked melanomacrophage and fungal granuloma were found in December and January. Marked melanomacrophages, severe haemorrhage, vaccums, hepatic necrosis, fat droplets were found in the liver. In kidney numerous haemorrhagic areas, necrosis, few fat droplets and many fungal granulomas were seen in December and January. Histopathologically, sampled fishes were found normal in September and October and reduced pathological signs were observed in February and March. Clinically and pathologically eels were found to be more affected in December and January. Reduced temperature and total hardness might have played role in the occurrence of clinical and pathological changes in fish during the period. The fishes were affected by EUS, with the evidence of development of fungal granuloma in skin, muscle and kidney. Keywords: Health; Freshwater eel; Disease; Ailee beel DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4755 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 421-426, 2009
Engineering Model Reduction and Entropy-based Lyapunov Functions in Chemical Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Hangos Katalin M.
Published: April 2010

In this paper, the structural properties of chemical reaction systems obeying the mass action law are investigated and related to the physical and chemical properties of the system. An entropy-based Lyapunov function candidate serves as a tool for proving structural stability, the existence of which is guaranteed by the second law of thermodynamics. The commonly used engineering model reduction methods, the so-called quasi equilibrium and quasi steady state assumption based reductions, together with the variable lumping are formally defined as model transformations acting on the reaction graph. These model reduction transformations are analysed to find conditions when (a) the reduced model remains in the same reaction kinetic system class, (b) the reduced model retains the most important properties of the original one including structural stability. It is shown that both variable lumping and quasi equilibrium based reduction preserve both the reaction kinetic form and the structural stability of reaction kinetic models of closed systems with mass action law kinetics, but this is not always the case for the reduction based on quasi steady state assumption.
Fabrication and Characterization of Fullerene-Based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells with Porphyrin, CuInS2, Diamond and Exciton-Diffusion Blocking Layer
Authors: Oku Takeo , Takeda Akihiro , Nagata Akihiko , Noma Tatsuya , Suzuki Atsushi , Kikuchi Kenji
Published: April 2010

Fullerene-based bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated, and the electronic and optical properties were investigated. C60 were used as n-type semiconductors, and porphyrin, CuInS2 and diamond were used as p-type semiconductors. An effect of exciton-diffusion blocking layer of perylene derivative on the solar cells between active layer and metal layer was also investigated. Optimized structures with the exciton-diffusion blocking layer improved conversion efficiencies. Electronic structures of the molecules were investigated by molecular orbital calculation, and energy levels of the solar cells were discussed. Nanostructures of the solar cells were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction, which indicated formation of mixed nanocrystals.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Some New 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives
Authors: Bektaş Hakan , Karaali Nesrin , Şahin Deniz , Demirbaş Ahmet , Karaoglu Şengül Alpay , Demirbaş Neslihan
Published: April 2010

Some novel 4,5-disubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (3, 6, 8, 9) derivatives and or 3-(4-methylphenyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3]benzoxazole (5) were synthesized from the reaction of various ester ethoxycarbonylhydrazones (1a-e) with several primary amines. The synthesis of 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[(5-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (13) was performed starting from 4-Amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (2) by four steps; then 13 was converted to the corresponding Schiff base (14) by using 4-methoxybenzaldehyde. Finally, two Mannich base derivatives of 14 were obtained by using morpholine or methyl piperazine as amine component. All newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities and some of which were found to possess good or moderate activities against the test microorganisms.
Scyphiphin C, a New Iridoid from Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea
Authors: Feng Cui-Lian , Gong Ming-Fu , Zeng Yan-Bo , Dai Hao-Fu , Mei Wen-Li
Published: April 2010

Chemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea Gaertn.collected in Hainan Province of China resulted in the isolation of a new iridoid, scyphiphin C (1) and a known iridoid glycoside, shanzhiside methyl ester (2). Their structures were elucidated by a study of their physical and spectral data.