Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

Population Dynamics of Aphid, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis) Infesting Broccoli

Khyati Mathur — 2025-10-25

In order to study population fluctuations of aphid infestations in broccoli under middle Gujarat conditions, a Large Plot Technique (Completely Randomized Design) was adopted for the experiment carried out at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Horticulture, AAU, Anand during rabi, 2023-24. The plot was divided into six equal sized quadrates and five plants and three leaves from each plant were selected randomly from each quadrate to record the aphid population. The number of aphids was recorded as low (9.2 aphids/ 3 leaves) and then gradually rose to reach a maximum (72.4 aphids/ 3 leaves) in the second week of February (6th SMW). Subsequently, the population slowly dwindled as the harvest reached maturity. The number of aphids demonstrated a positive relationship with hours of bright sunlight. Additionally, the relationship between the aphids and the maximum temperature was significantly positive. The presence of aphids on broccoli showed a non-significant negative correlation with minimum temperature, morning vapour pressure, evening vapour pressure, morning relative humidity, and wind speed. The relationship between aphids and the evening relative humidity was identified as significantly negative.

Kolanut Production: A Case of Southwest States in Nigeria

Yahaya, A.T. — 2025-10-21

This study estimates the quantity of kolanut produced and supplied in the southwest state of Nigeria. Five notable states identified for high participation in kolanut value and supply chains, and communities where kola nuts are collated and moved to other parts of the country and neighbouring countries, were purposely sampled. A random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents from the list of members of the Kolanut Association in each of the states. Data compiled from the records of each collation centre was used for the analysis. The result reveals that there are five (5) distribution channels in the study areas. Osun state is ranked 1st with the highest number 532 of coalition centres. Ondo state has 127 collation centres and communities, and Ekiti state ranks 3rd with 109 collation centres. The findings reveal that 61.8% of collation centres were owned by women, whereas 37.8% were owned by males in Osun state. Additionally, the marketers in Ondo and Ekiti states (24.4% and 10.5%) were females, while male kola marketers dominate in Ogun (24.0%) and Lagos states (2.1%) respectively. The study further reveals that a total of 10,700, 10,680 and 10,340 tons, respectively, were supplied by three communities during the study period in Osun state. The study shows that in Ekiti state, Ayegunle-Ise and Ijan supplied the highest (1,380) and (1,140) tons of kolanut during the period under study. A total 24, 194 tons were supplied from Ogun state, of which Shagamu delivered (23,200 tons). In Ondo state, a total of 67,927 was supplied during the survey, out of which Ore supplied the highest (45,523), Ondo supplied (14,315) and Ikare (8,080). Lagos state supplied 21,400 tons, with Agege centre delivering the highest quantity of 18,300 tons. Volume of kolanut supplied from the southwest was at its peak. The government should fine-tune the kolanut marketing and distribution chain to ensure its sustainability and enhance revenue.

Assessment of the Effect of Iron and Zinc Distribution on the Growth and Yield Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Parent Materials in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Gloria — 2025-10-22

This study examines the effect of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) distribution on the growth and yield performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in soils derived from different parent materials in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 25 surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from soils formed over alluvial deposits, beach ridge sands, coastal plain sands, sandstones, and mangrove swamps. Two separate screen-house and field experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) to assess maize response to Fe and Zn fertilization at five application rates (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 kg/ha). The results showed that Fe and Zn availability significantly influenced maize growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, stem girth, and dry matter yield. The optimal Fe and Zn application rates for maize growth and yield were found to be 7.5 kg/ha, leading to significant improvements in biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake, and grain yield. Among the soil extractants tested, 0.1M HCl and Coca-Cola demonstrated the highest correlation with Fe and Zn availability, making them the most effective in predicting micronutrient bioavailability. The findings highlight the importance of Fe and Zn supplementation in nutrient-deficient soils and suggest that soil parent material plays a crucial role in micronutrient distribution and maize productivity. These findings have important implications for soil fertility management and maize production strategies in Akwa Ibom State and similar agroecological zones. The study underscores the need for site-specific micronutrient management, particularly in Fe- and Zn-deficient soils, to enhance maize productivity. The identified effective extractants can serve as practical tools for rapid soil testing and targeted fertilization, ensuring efficient nutrient use and improved crop yield. Integrating these insights into extension programs and precision agriculture practices can contribute to sustainable maize production and food security in the region.

Determinants and Impacts of Recommended Farming Technology Adoption in the Char Lands of Northern Bangladesh

Nur-E-Shahrin Nurani — 2025-10-23

Despite the importance of adopting modern agricultural technologies to improve rural livelihoods, there lacks of studies specially focus on char farmers. The study aims to investigate the use of recommended technology by the farmers of Char land and the factors that significantly influence farmers’ use of recommended farming technology. Data were collected from randomly selected 150 farmers live in the char land of northern Bangladesh. A face to face interview schedule followed by a structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test and multiple regression analysis was done to interpret the data. Most of the respondents (78.6%) had tended to low to medium level users of recommended farming technology. The use of technology had positive and significant impact on farmers’ income. Among 13 independent variables only five variables namely, age, annual family income, attitude towards technology, organizational participation and problem faced are together explained 72.4% of the total variance of significant usages of recommended technology. The result indicates higher these variables the higher the use of recommend technology. The study proposed suggestions for policy formation to improve char farmers livelihood through the wider use of recommended farming technology.

Sphagneticola trilobata Compost as a Sustainable Substitute for Synthetic Nitrogen in Sweet Corn Cultivation

Mario — 2025-10-24

Sustainable fertilization strategies are essential for improving crop productivity while maintaining soil health. This study evaluated the effects of partial substitution of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer with Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski compost on soil nitrogen and sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) growth and yields. A greenhouse experiment was conducted from June to August 2024 using a completely randomized design with six treatments: P0 (control), P1 (0% compost + 100% N), P2 (25% compost + 75% N), P3 (50% compost + 50% N), P4 (75% compost + 25% N), and P5 (100% compost + 0% N), each replicated four times. Vegetative parameters—including plant height, leaf area, leaf greenness, stem diameter, and leaf number—were measured, alongside yield components such as cob weight (husked & unhusked) and kernel sweetness. Post-harvest soil samples were analyzed for total nitrogen using Kejdahl Method. Fertilization significantly enhanced vegetative growth and yield compared to the unfertilized control. Sole synthetic N application (P1) promoted rapid growth but may threaten long-term soil fertility, whereas sole compost (P5) improved soil properties but resulted in lower yield and sweetness. Optimal performance was observed under P3 (50% compost + 50% N), which achieved the highest plant height, leaf area, cob weight, and kernel sweetness, demonstrating a synergistic effect between organic and inorganic inputs. Soil nitrogen after harvest was the highest in treatments with greater compost proportions, reflecting improved nutrient content in soil. These results indicate that partial substitution of synthetic N with S. trilobata compost effectively balances immediate nutrient supply with long-term soil fertility. This integrated fertilization approach provides a practical strategy to enhance sweet corn productivity while sustaining soil health.