Identification key to species of sphecini (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae: Sphecinae) in Iraq

• Razzaq Shalan Augul1, Mohammad Saleh Abdul-Rassoul1, Ibrahim K. Kaddou2

1. Iraq Natural History Research Center and Meusum, Baghdad University, Iraq 
2. Department of Biology, College of Science, Baghdad University, Iraq

In this study, 150 specimens of the Sphecini tribe (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae: Sphecinae), collected from different region of Iraq are investigated.

Nine species belonging to two genera were determined; this species are: Sphex flavipennis Fabricius, S. pruinosus Germar, S. zubaidiyacus Augul, Prionyx crudelis (F. Smith), P. macula (Fabricius), P. stschurowskii (Radoszkowski), Prionyx viduatus (Christ,), Prionyx lividocinctus (A. Costa), Prionyx niveatus (Dufour) and Prionyx kirbii (van der Linden).

The last two species have been recorded for the first time in Iraq. Identification keys to genera, species and figured of male genitalia are illustrated.


FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE AT: Volume 6, Number 1, January 2015 – JBES
JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)

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Multivariate analysis of important morphological traits in some rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Genotypes--IJAAR

• Mahsa Mohammadjani Asrami, Hamid Najafi Zarrini, Seyyed Rasoul Mousavi

In order to determine traits relationship and genetic diversity in some commercial genotype in Canola based on morphological traits, an experiment was conducted with eight Canola varieties in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in experimental field of Sari Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Iran. The correlation coefficients illustrated that there are a positive and highly significant genotypic character association between plant height and Percent of oil per plant (0.511), plant height and Percent of protein (0.840), seeds per siliqua and siliqua length (0.914), 1000-seed weight and Percent of oil (0.762).

Determination of correlation coefficients is an important statistical procedure to evaluate breeding programs for high yield. Stepwise regression indicated that 85/37% total variation exists in these traits accounted by the traits 1000- seed weight and Percent of glucosinolate. Principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis were used for understanding the data structure and traits relationship.

Results of principal component analysis of genotypes showed that first three factor represent 87.5 percent of variance. Cluster analysis based on agro morphological traits divided 8 accessions into 3 Clusters. PCA appears to be a useful technique to differentiate between cultivars/breeding lines for selection purposes.

Full Article Available here: Volume 5, Number 6, December 2014 – IJAAR

Research Journal: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

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Volume 6, Number 2, February 2015 – Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)

Volume 6, Number 2, February 2015 – JBES 

Assessment of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) concentrations in soils along a major highway in Wukari, North-Eastern Nigeria
Achadu, O.J Goler, E.E, Ayejuyo, O.O Olaoye O.O, Ochimana, O.I
J. Bio. Env. Sci. 6(2), 1-7. (Full Text)

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Temporal trends in phenology and demographic status of Acacia modesta population in Malakand Division, Pakistan
Zahid Muhammad, Nasrullah Khan, Atta Ullah
J. Bio. Env. Sci. 6(2), 8-15. (Full Text)

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Physico-chemistry characterization and zooplankton specific diversity of two fishponds in Yaoundé (Cameroon, Central Africa)
Dakwen Jeannette Prudence, Zébazé Togouet Serge Hubert, Tuekam Kayo Raoul Polycarpe, Djeufa Heuchim Charly, Nziéleu Tchapgnouo Joseph Guy, Foto Menbohan Samuel, Njiné Thomas
J. Bio. Env. Sci. 6(2), 16-30. (Full Text)

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Influence of aluminium sulfate and copper sulfate on some characteristic in Rosa hybrida | JBES

• Malihe Shahreki Nader1, Yahya Dehghani Shuraki2*, Hamid Reza Mobasser1

1. Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan Branch, Zahedan, Iran
2. Seed and Plant Certification and registration Institute, Karaj, Iran

Flowers play a vital role in angiosperm reproduction; they are often pigmented and or perfumed to attract pollinators. However, despite its irreplaceable ecological role, the flowers are energetically expensive to maintain beyond their useful life, and therefore have a limited life-span that is usually taken away after pollination; causing senescence syndrome. Aluminum sulfate can decrease cut rose petal acidity and cause fixation of anthocyanin pigments and increase cut rose flowers vase.

The role of aluminum sulfate to increase the vase life of cut flowers is not limited to lowering the pH of vase solution. The experiment was conducted at the research laboratory of education complex of zahedan (in iran). Laboratory lighting was provided by fluorescent lamps. The field experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with factorial design with four replications. Analysis of variance showed that the effect of aluminium sulfate and copper sulfate on all characteristic was significant.
FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE AT: Volume 6, Number 1, January 2015 – JBES
JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)

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Effect of blending speed on efficiency and consistency of a grains drink processing machine | IJAAR

Agidi Gbabo, Ibrahim Mohammed Gana, Solomon Musa Dauda

Key words: Blending speed, consistency, drink extraction, efficiency and grains drink.

Abstract:

The effect of Blending speed on blending efficiency and consistency of drink produced from a Grains drink processing machine was studied. Three grain types of two varieties each for maize (zea mays), soybean (glycine max) and guinea corn (sorghum bicolor) were blended at speeds of 1400 r.p.m, 1300 r.p.m, 1000 r.p.m and 800 r.p.m using vertical- horizontal blade assembly.The drinks from the grains were also extracted by centrifugal separation using the same machine and the blending efficiency and drink consistency were analyzed. The result obtained showed that blending speed of 1400 r. p. m had the highest blending efficiency of 79.48% and consistency of 89.6% on dehulled white maize when blended for 600 seconds while blending speed of 800 r.p.m had the least blending efficiency and consistency of 20.03% and 24.5% respectively on dehulled yellow maize for the same blending time interval of 600 seconds. The development of this machine would solve the on-demand of automated production of grain drinks in the food industry.

FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE AT: Volume 2, Number 4, April 2012 – IJAAR

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Pathogenicity of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

• O.S. Osunlola1*, B. Fawole2

1. Department of Crop Production, Kwara State University, Kwara State, Nigeria
2. Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is a major biotic factor militating against sweet potato production. The pathogenicity of M. incognita on three sweet potato cultivars:

Kayode, TIS 4400-2 and TIS 70357-OP-1-79 was investigated in a screen house experiment at the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. A vine cutting of each cultivar was planted in a 16 litre polyethylene pot containing 15 litre steam-sterilized sandy loam soil.

Three weeks after planting, the seedlings were inoculated separately at four inoculum densities: 0, 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 eggs of M. incognita using a 3 x 4 factorial experiment replicated four times in a randomized complete block design.

Data were collected on fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, dry shoot weight, dry root weight, galling index, tuber yield, tuber quality and nematode reproduction.

All data were analyzed using ANOVA (p<0.05). M. incognita significantly (p<0.05) reduced the fresh shoot weight by 16.3-23.6%, fresh root weight by 28.3-62.3%, number of tubers by 63.2-69.2% and tuber yield by 72.3-83.2%. The gall index and the final nematode population increased with increase in inoculum density.

The result showed that M incognita caused growth, yield and quality reduction in sweet potato; therefore, management of root-knot nematode should be part of sweet potato production efforts especially in areas where the nematode is endemic.
FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE at: Volume 6, Number 2, February 2015 – IJAAR
JOURNAL NAME: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

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Impact of climate change on cattle production and adaptation in the municipality of Banikoara in Benin | IJAAR

• S. Katé1, P.V. Houndonougbo2, U.P. Tougan3, A. Tchobo4, N. Gounou4, O.J.
  Ogodja4, B. Tinte5, E. Ogouwale5, S. Diarra6, B.A. Sinsin2

1. Institut National des Recherches agricoles du Bénin (INRAB), Republic of Benin
2. Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques de l’Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
3. Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi de l’Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
4. Ministère de l’Agriculture de l’Elevage et de la Pêche (MAEP), Republic of Benin
5. Faculté des Lettres, des Arts et des Sciences Humaines de l’Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
6. Université du Mali/Institut Polytechnique Rural de Formation et de Recherche Appliquée de
   Katibougou, Republic of Mali

This study aims to determine the composition of cattle herds, the perception of cattle breeders on climate changes and adaptation means used in the municipality of Banikoara in Benin. It appears that 69-85% of cattle breeders are from Fulani ethnic group. Livestock production is their main activity (60-85%; p <0.05). Their secondary activity was agriculture.

The number of males by herd varied between 9 and 15 with the highest amount recorded in district 9 (p <0.05). The number of females by herd varied from 20 to 34 with the greatest amount met in the district 10 (p <0.05). The highest amount of introduced females (3) was found in district 4 (p <0.05). The average amount of males and females kept by cattle breeders one year ago had decreased respectively from 18 to 16 and from 35 to 31 (p <0.05). All breeders were married. 98.5% of breeders indicate a significant impact of climate change on livestock production.

The reported indicators of climate change were: frequent droughts, winds, excessive heat, the late rains and frequent floods. 76-100% of farmers reported overgrazing, pastoral productivity reduction, water resources declining, narrowing corridors and crop residues reduction.

The adaptation means used by breeders include transhumance, enhancement of crop residues, medical prophylaxis, strengthening of the committees of transhumance corridors management, creation of water dams and installation of fodder reserves, introduction of new breeds, and improvement of cattle performances by selection.

Full Article Available at: Volume 6, Number 2, February 2015 – IJAAR

Publisher: International Network for Natural Sciences (INNSPUB)

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Volume 6, Number 2, February 2015 – International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

Adventitious organogenesis induced in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) var. “half-blood” maltese: morphogenetic and histological study
Kaouther Benmahmoud, Emna Jedidi, Asma Najar, Rachida Ghezel, Claire Kevers, Ahmed Jemmali, Nadhra Elloumi
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 1-7. (Full Text)

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Morphological and genetic variation in Aegilops geniculata Roth. from Tunisia
Khaled Mguis,  Asma Mahjoub, Mejda Abassi, Ali Albouchi, Zeineb Ouerghi, Ben Brahim Nadia,  Zoubeir Béjaoui
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 8-21. (Full Text)

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Chemodynamics of cypermethrin in eggplant agroecosystem in Bangladesh
Shahinoor Rahman, Md. Mahbubar Rahman, Md. Zinnatul Alam
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 22-28. (Full Text)

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Comparative examination of the effect of manure and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components of rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis L.)
Seyede Roghaye Hosseini Valiki, Sobhanallah Ghanbari
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 29-37. (Full Text)

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Impact of climate change on cattle production and adaptation in the municipality of Banikoara in Benin
Katé S,  Houndonougbo P. V,  Tougan U. P, Tchobo A,  Gounou N,  Ogodja O. J, Tinte B, Ogouwale E, Diarra S, Sinsin B. A
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 38-46. (Full Text)

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Pathogenicity of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Lam)
O.S. Osunlola, B. Fawole
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 47-53. (Full Text)

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The effects of soil organic matter content and soil texture on the population number of Pratylenchus loosi, in tea plantation of Iran
A. Hosseinikhah Choshali,  A. Seraji, S. Rezaee, A. Shirinfekr, S.N. Mirghasemi
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 54-61. (Full Text)

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Pollination and yield attributes of (Cowpea) Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. (Fabaceae)as influenced by the foraging activity of Xylocopa olivacea Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and inoculation with Rhizobium in Ngaoundere (Cameroon)
Kengni Beaudelaine Stephanie, Ngakou Albert, Tchuenguem Fohouo Fernand-Nestor
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 62-76. (Full Text)

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Yield Potential Study of various locally developed strains/cultivars of Vigna radiata L. under agro ecological conditions of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Ammarah Maqbool, Liaquat Ali, Amber Raza, Saman Maqbool, Sana Rasheed, Nazish Irum, Parveen Kousar
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 77-81. (Full Text)

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Effect of weather conditions on growth, yield and quality of Menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.) cultivars transplanted in different years on different dates under sub-tropical climate of north India
Nilofer, Anil Kumar Singh, Saudan Singh, S.P Gangwar, Man Singh, Rupal Singh, Anju Yadav
Int. J. Agr. Agri. Res. 6(2), 82-88. (Full Text)

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