International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

This study evaluated the effects of lipid source supplementation on rumen microbial population dynamics and in vivo digestibility of Napier grass in goats. 12 male goats aged six months were assigned to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: T0 (control, no fat), T1 (corn oil), T2 (coconut oil), and T3 (lard fat), with three replicates per treatment. Lipid sources were administered via stomach tubing at 3% of the goats’ dry matter intake (DMI) for 14 consecutive days. Changes in bacterial and protozoal populations were assessed on day 0 and 14, and in vivo digestibility was measured at the end of the trial. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared with Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test using SPSS software (IBM version 20). The results indicated that corn oil supplementation led to the highest reduction in bacterial and protozoal populations, followed by coconut oil. Oils rich in polyunsaturated and medium-chain saturated fatty acids showed a stronger inhibitory effect on rumen microorganisms compared to lard fat, which contains more long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids, especially in reducing protozoal counts. However, there were no significant differences among treatments in rumen pH, intake, digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), and crude protein (CP), although corn oil showed a slight advantage. Overall, supplementing with corn oil and coconut oil at 3% DMI/day may effectively promote defaunation without adversely affecting rumen pH, nutrient intake and digestibility.

Keywords: Microbial diversity, Lipid supplementation, Digestibility, Defaunation, Goats.

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is the primary threat to cassava cultivation throughout Africa. This leads to important losses to farmers. However, environmental conditions and the types of cultivars greatly influence disease manifestation. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate epidemiological parameters in two agricultural systems to determine the key environmental factors influencing CMD. Surveys were conducted conjointly in both Benin and Côte d’Ivoire in 2015 using WAVE harmonized protocol. 134 fields were surveyed throughout Benin, while 160 were surveyed in Côte d’Ivoire. The overall incidence of CMD was higher in Côte d’Ivoire (46.25+2.20%) than in Benin (22.81+1.90%). The prevalence of CMD was significantly higher in Côte d’Ivoire. In fact, 96.25% of the plots in Côte d’Ivoire had infected plants, compared to 79.11% in Benin. The percentage of observed healthy plants was higher in Benin (77.18%) than in Côte d’Ivoire (53.74%). The viruses causing CMD in West Africa, the African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and the East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV), were present in both countries. The viruses were mostly found in double infection cases, but EACMV was found as a single infection in Benin. When comparing similar agro-climatic zones in both surveyed countries, we found a higher incidence of CMD in Côte d’Ivoire than in Benin. In all locations, cutting-borne infections were higher. The results of this study will help understand and manage the epidemiology of CMD in West Africa.

Keywords: CMD, Epidemiology, ACMV, EACMV, Agro-climatic zone, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire.

A key objective of this research is to determine the overall effectiveness of Bacillus sonklengsis, chicken manure application (CMA) and nitrogen fertilizer application (NFA) in increasing soil fertility and peanut yield. The nine experimental plots included: NT1-control (without NFA, CMA and B. sonklengsis); NT2 (B. sonklengsis inoculation+no NFA+5.0tCMA/ha); NT3 (B. sonklengsis inoculation+no NFA+10.0tCMA/ha); NT4 (no Bacillus sonklengsis inoculation+ 20kgNFA/ha+ 0.0tCMA/ha); NT5 (B. sonklengsis inoculation+20kgNFA/ha+5.0tCMA/ha); NT6 (B. sonklengsis inoculation+20kgNFA/ha+10.0tCMA/ha); NT7 [B. sonklengsis inoculation+ 40kgNFA/ha (100% of NFA)+0.0tCMA/ha; NT8 (B. sonklengsis inoculation+40kgNFA/ha+ 5.0tCMA/ha); and NT9 (B. sonklengsis inoculation+40kgNFA/ha+10.0tCMA/ha). The study demonstrated that a significant combination of 10tCMA/ha+20kgN/ha, with B. sonklengsis inoculation remarkably enhanced agronomic characteristics, yield components, pod yield and seed quality of peanut. Furthermore, this approach reduced the need for NFA by 50% while achieving the greatest fruit yield. In contrast, the lowest yield was achieved in the treatments using only phosphorous and potassium fertilization. The yield of the NT6 treatment increased by 41.5 and 18.2% compared to the NT1 treatment and the NT9 treatment, respectively. This then led to the conclusion that the CMA fertilization combined with B. sonklengsis amendment increased the yield and quality of peanut and reduced the 50% nitrogen fertilizer utilizer by 50%.

Keywords: Cattle manure, Bacillus sonklengsis , Inoculation, Nitrogen fertilizer reduction.

Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) represents a significant threat to coffee production, making the study of host-pathogen interactions essential. This study investigated the aggressiveness of H. vastatrix and its impact on Coffea arabica cultivar Bourbon plants. Nine isolates of H. vastatrix (1RN-9RN), collected from San Ignacio, Cajamarca, were used to inoculate Bourbon coffee plants in San Ramón, Chanchamayo. The aggressiveness of the pathogen was assessed based on several parameters: incubation period (IP), latency period (LP), medium latency period (MLP), and frequency of infection (FI). Additionally, the plant response was evaluated by measuring chlorophyll content and using the OJIP test to assess fluorescence. The ranges for IP, LP,mLP, and FI were 17–17.9, 20.7–26.8, 22–32, and 5.8–8.7 days after inoculation (dai), respectively. No significant differences were observed in IP or FI. Chlorophyll content varied between 27.78 and 42.32 units at 37dai. Regarding the OJIP analysis, the majority of the H. vastatrix isolates caused a variation in the Fv/Fm values, which ranged from 0.43 to 0.73 at 37dai. The performance index (Pi) ranged from 0.49 to 3.41 at 37dai, showing a decrease in most isolates, except for isolate 7RN. A percentage variation was observed in the following variables: ABS/RC (4.38–120.93%), TRo/RC (6.33–45.03%), and ETo/RC (0.32–30.44%). Furthermore, a physiological response indicative of the photosynthetic defense mechanism was observed in the majority of isolates. This was reflected in the increased values of ABS/RC, ETo/RC, and TRo/RC, alongside the decrease in Fv/Fm and PI.

Keywords: Coffee rust, Aggressiveness, Bourbon coffee, Chlorophyll, Growth.

The development of seaweed culture in Semau Island depends upon the ecological features, especially during the rainy season, where wind and current are pretty critical. Selecting the appropriate location is crucial for the success of seaweed production. Land suitability analysis is an essential stage in the development of seaweed cultivation. The measured parameters were temperature, salinity, wave height, current velocity, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorophyll. This research aims to identify potentially suitable areas, measure effective areas, and estimate production for seaweed cultivation in Semau Island, Kupang Regency. This research aims to identify potential areas suitable for seaweed culture in Semau Island, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Timur. The survey method was used to determine the water conditions, and the Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to assess the potential seaweed area using a geospatial model approach. The research results showed that the suitability and potential of the waters around Semau Island for seaweed culture were classified as Less Suitable (LS), covering 11.08ha, Suitable (S), covering 2,295.74ha, and Highly Suitable (HS), covering 1,221.03ha. The potential area used for seaweed cultivation is around 20% of the total suitable area, which is 703.3ha with a potential total production of 70.33tons per cycle. It means that that area minimum could produce 281.32tons/year.

Keywords: Semau Island, Seaweed production, Area potential, Site selection.

This study uses panel data analysis to investigate macroeconomic variables’ impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2010 to 2021. The fixed effects model, found to be the most suitable, reveals significant country-specific effects on FDI. Notably, Saudi Arabia attracts significantly more FDI than Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, highlighting the importance of factors beyond macroeconomic variables. The analysis reveals a negative relationship between GDP growth and FDI within individual countries, suggesting that higher GDP may reduce reliance on foreign investment. However, this relationship varies across countries, indicating a complex interplay between GDP and FDI. Exports consistently emerge as a strong positive predictor of FDI, suggesting that robust export performance attracts foreign investors. Additionally, unemployment positively correlates with FDI, potentially due to lower labor costs or government incentives. Other factors like inflation, industrial employment, number of firms, and imports show less significant effects.

Keywords: Foreign direct investments, Panel data, Gulf Cooperation Council, Macroeconomics variables.

Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze) is a perennial herb, distributed from West Africa through South Asia to Northern Australia. Tacca leaves, which is 35-40% of the plant’s weight are considered a waste product. In this study, the anti-microbial properties of Tacca leaf extract were investigated for their potential use in antimicrobials and fungicides. Tacca leaf extract can be obtained using different solvents including water, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and N-butanol. The anti-bacterial ability of the extract was evaluated by the inhibition zone diameter and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Pantoea stewartii subsp. Steartii (P. steartii; bacteria) and Aspergillus niger (mold) on the mango skin. The results showed that the n-butanol extract of Tacca leaves had the best antibacterial activity against P. steartii at a concentration of 80%, with an inhibition zone diameter of 0.67cm. The MIC value of the Tacca leaf extract with N-butanol as a solvent against A. niger was 60%.

Keywords: Anti-bacterial properties, Mango diseases, Preservation, Spot damage, Tacca leaf.

Dangke cheese is one of the typical fermented milk products from the Enrekang region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Dangke has acidic characteristics similar to other fermented milk products, which are thought to be produced by natural microorganisms called indigenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in milk. This study aims to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditional Dangke milk products using a molecular method based on 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from Dangke by identifying macroscopically, microscopically, and biochemically. Then, molecular identification was performed using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) 16s rRNA gene sequencing method. The results showed that 15 LAB isolates were successfully isolated from Dangke, and molecular analysis revealed that six isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium. This discovery provides important insights into the diversity of microorganisms in Dangke, especially the role of Enterococcus faecium as a potential lactic acid bacteria and underlines the value of Dangke as a source of local microorganisms with functional benefits that can support innovation in the food industry.

Keywords: Characterization, Dangke cheese, Isolation, Lactic acid bacteria, 16s rRNA gene sequence.

Poor management of poultry waste can lead to major public health problems, particularly if this waste is contaminated by antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The purpose of our study was to assess the potential risks associated with the presence of Salmonella in poultry waste. Thus, twenty-eight (28) samples of poultry manure from farm and 30 samples of poultry slaughterhouse waste were analyzed in accordance with ISO 6579 for the isolation of Salmonella. Among the 200 strains obtained after biochemical characterization, 150 were positive for the inva virulence gene. The antibiotics susceptibility evaluated by the disk diffusion method indicate that all the 150 Salmonella strains were resistant to at least one of the drugs tested in this study. The resistance rate ranged from 8.67 to 66.67% for betalactam, from 10 to 56.67% for fluoroquinolones and from 23.33 to 31.33% for Aminoglycosides. However, high resistance rates were detected for Ampicillin (66.67%), Ticarcillin (56.67%), Piperacillin (36.67%) and for Perfloxacin (56.67%). Moreover, multidrug resistance (MDR) including these three antibiotics families was also detected in 43.33% of the Salmonella tested isolates. These results show the need to set up a biological system for treating the poultry waste in order to promote the reduction of its negative effect on human and animal health.

Keywords: Salmonella, Virulence gene, MDR, Poultry waste.

This study developed a linear regression model to predict stem diameter (D), height (H), and chlorophyll content (SPAD) in coconut plants based on environmental and treatment factors. Conducted over two cultivation seasons (January–June and July–December 2023) at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, the experiment employed a specific growing media (M3) comprising 50% soil, 30% cocopeat, and 20% perlite. Predictor variables included time (W), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), moisture content (MC), wind speed (WS), and electrical conductivity (EC). The regression analysis indicated that time (W) positively influenced stem diameter (0.3875) and height (0.3329), with nitrogen (N) also contributing positively to diameter (0.08827). In contrast, potassium (K) negatively impacted stem diameter (-0.03461) and height (-0.0505), as did moisture content (-0.01561) and wind speed (-0.3872). For chlorophyll content, time (W) (2.399) and electrical conductivity (EC) (0.0193) were positive predictors, while potassium (-0.3063) and wind speed (-3.416) had negative effects. ANOVA confirmed the significance of time, potassium, moisture content, and wind speed on growth parameters. Time was identified as a critical factor for coconut development, underscoring the importance of managing these variables to optimize growth and chlorophyll content. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing coconut cultivation strategies.

Keywords: Coconut growth; Linear regression; Stem diameter; Height, Chlorophyll content; Environmental factors.

This study investigates the genetic diversity of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines derived from convergent breeding using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Convergent breeding combines desirable traits from diverse genetic sources into a single genotype, enhancing maize productivity, adaptability, and resilience. The experiment was conducted at the BSIP experimental field in Maros, South Sulawesi, and involved 30 inbred lines of maize. DNA isolation was performed using the CTAB buffer-modified extraction method, and 50 SSR markers were used to analyze genetic diversity. The results revealed significant genetic variation among the maize inbred lines. The study identified 421 alleles, with an average of 8.42 alleles per marker, indicating robust polymorphism levels. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the inbred lines into five clusters, with similarity coefficients ranging from 0.57 to 0.85, reflecting varying degrees of genetic diversity. The findings underscore the importance of using SSR markers to detect genetic diversity in maize populations, particularly those derived from convergent breeding, to enhance breeding programs and develop superior maize varieties. These findings provide valuable insights into breeding programs aiming to improve agronomic traits and to develop exceptional and adaptive maize varieties from convergent-derived inbred lines.

Keywords: Maize, Inbred lines, Convergent breeding, SSR markers.

This study investigates the anatomical structure of the vegetative organs—leaves, petioles, and stems—of promising artichoke varieties, specifically Imperial Star and Violettto. A particular focus was placed on the anatomy of the petiole, alongside a comparative analysis of biometric indicators, to explore the relationship between organ strength and plant life forms. The findings revealed distinct structural diagnostic patterns in the morphological characteristics of these artichoke varieties. The insights gained not only facilitate accurate identification of plant specimens but also hold potential applications in botanical systematics. Additionally, the observed anatomical features serve as valuable tools for assessing the presence of biologically active compounds in various organs and tissues, extending their significance beyond taxonomy. Ultimately, this research enhances our understanding of the ecological adaptations of artichokes by illuminating the intricate anatomical structures of their vegetative organs.

Keywords: Anаtоmiсаl, Stоmаtа, Раrеnсhymа сеlls, Imреriаl Stаr, Viоlеttо, Cynara L.

The fishery sector plays a dynamic role in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development. The socio-economic status of fishers reflects the sector’s overall impact on the community’s overall scenario. This research was designed to study the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen’s community near the Bangali River region in Sariakandi and Dhunat Upazila of Bogura District, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 110 fishermen through interviews, surveys, individual and group discussions (primary source) and government and non-government entities (secondary sources) from June 2024 to November 2024. Data revealed that most fishermen were full-time (78.18%), whereas only 21.82% were part-time. A significant number of the fishermen were young and middle-aged. Among the fishermen, 27.27, 50.91, and 21.82% had more than 20 years, 11-20 years, and 1-10 years of fishing experience, respectively. About 22.73% of the fishing community was illiterate, 22.73% knew only signs, and 33.64% belonged to the primary level. Most were extended families (70.91%), and about 54.55% typically had 3-5 family members. Only about 10% of fishermen built their houses with bricks, while the majority (51.82%) used bamboo and tin, indicating their poverty. About 90.91% had access to electricity facilities, 60% had good sanitary facilities, and only 27% sought advice from MBBS doctors at the government health complex. The fishermen’s income levels were dire, with 32.73% earning below 10,000 BDT monthly. Consequently, many shifted occupations, and 44.55% engaged in subsistence work. If this trend continues, most fishermen will abandon their primary occupation and adopt other occupations. Governments and other organizations must take immediate steps to improve their socio-economic conditions and ensure a sustainable standard of living.

Keywords: Fishermen, Socio-economic condition, Bangali River, Bogura district, Bangladesh.

Households in rural areas of Thailand use charcoal as their cooking fuel. This study aimed at assessing the risk of PM10, determining the exposure among rural cooks, and at measuring the PM10 levels in households that use charcoal as a cooking fuel in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The study included 400 people, who were living in homes with both open and closed kitchens. The data was collected by measuring the PM10 levels in the designated locations and administering the questionnaire to the participants. The standard NIOSH (0600) was used to collect the PM10 levels. The Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria were used to examine PM10’s non-carcinogenic qualities. The gathered data was subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis. The findings showed that the PM10 levels had been higher than the standard at every examined location, including homes with open and closed kitchens. In closed kitchens, the values peaked at 1,020µg/m³. Hazard quotient (HQ) studies have shown that residents in both types of kitchens had non-cancer health risks that are within acceptable ranges, despite the high PM10 levels. In conclusion, the elevated PM10 levels in closed kitchens highlighted the pressing need for improved ventilation, even though cooking with charcoal in rural houses does not pose a significant risk to non-cancer health. Interventions that are able to encourage different cooking methods and improve ventilation could significantly reduce exposure hazards and improve the air quality in such settings.

Keywords: Health risk assessment, PM10, Charcoal fuel, Cooking, Kitchen, Rural homes.

Experiments were conducted during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Rabi seasons at three locations, Line x Tester mating design was used to assess the stability of 67 wheat genotypes for yield and related traits. In Phase I (first stage of the experiment) was carried out to generate forty-five F1 hybrids by crossing fifteen lines with three testers. In Phase II (second stage of the experiment) was conducted by multilocational trial which involved three locations (one in India and two in Nigeria) using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Standard agronomic practices were followed and data obtained were analyzed using the Eberhart and Russell statistical procedures. The results observed that, there was no stable genotype for all traits. However, some genotypes like DH-3086X PBW-343 and DBW-222X PBW ZN1 revealed high yield with moderate stability for grain yield/plant and other yield-related traits. DBW-173 and PBW ZN1 showed the highest stability with moderate yield. For chlorophyll content, the stable genotypes were HD-3721 X PBW-343, PBW-550X PBW-343, and CSW-18. Regarding protein content, DBW-187 and BORLAUG-100 were the most stable and high-performing. Therefore, selection of stable and high-yielding genotypes is reliable and beneficial for genotypes like DBW-173; PBW ZN1 (for grain yield); HD-3721 X PBW-343; PBW-550X PBW-343; CSW-18 (for chlorophyll content); DBW-187 and BORLAUG-100 (for protein content) for wheat improvement across the locations.

Keywords: Stability analysis, Genotype, Yield contributing trait, Yield.

Livestock methane emissions contribute significantly to global warming, necessitating the exploration of sustainable feed additives to enhance rumen efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This study investigates the potential of South Sulawesi seaweeds as feed additives to improve rumen fermentation efficiency and reduce methane emissions in ruminants. Seven seaweed species—Eucheuma cottoni, Eucheuma denticulatum, Caulerpa sp. (cultivated and non-cultivated), Gracilaria sp., Halimynea sp., and Sargassum sp.—were evaluated at inclusion levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15% in complete feed formulations using a factorial in vitro design. Key parameters such as dry matter degradation (DMD), organic matter degradation (OMD), ammonia concentration (NH₃), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), gas production, and methane (CH₄) output were measured. The highest DMD and OMD were observed with Sargassum sp. and Gracilaria sp. at the 15% inclusion level, suggesting enhanced nutrient utilization. Gracilaria sp. and Halimynea sp. produced the highest VFAs, indicating efficient fermentation. Methane production was significantly lower with Sargassum sp. and Eucheuma cottoni, likely due to bioactive compounds such as tannins and saponins. Non-cultivated species exhibited higher bioactive compound levels than cultivated ones, potentially influenced by environmental factors. These findings demonstrate that seaweed inclusion at 15% optimizes rumen efficiency and reduces methane emissions, presenting a sustainable strategy for improving livestock productivity while mitigating climate change impacts.

Keywords: In vitro fermentation, Seaweed feed additives, Methane reduction, Rumen fermentation efficiency, Bioactive compounds.

Palm oil belongs to important commodities to support food and energy security, especially for some tropical countries. To increase productivity, quality and sustainability of palm seed production, quality is an important key factor. Various tests of seed purity levels can support this effort. One of them is DNA testing which has recently been widely developed. However, in its implementation, it still faces challenges regarding when the test should be used and at what stage in the supply chain. The application of effective DNA testing is intended to provide a solution to ensure the purity of oil palm seeds and seedlings. The characteristics that determine high-quality and cheap oil palm seeds are found using descriptive analysis of field survey data and questionnaires. In oil palm nurseries, DNA testing application models can be used and have high accuracy. This paper conducts a study related to accuracy, effectiveness and weaknesses that must be improved.

Keywords: Oil palm seed, Genetic testing, Purity-quality, National standards, Nurseries.

The current study aims to identify lines of spring bread wheat, promising in terms of yield and quality indicators, from hybrid combinations obtained using the Western Pamir landraces and wheat varieties developed through Kazakhstan’s breeding programs. The studies were carried out in 2023 and 2024 at the field trial of the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing (KSRIAP) located in the foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau (between 43°13’N and 76°41’E) in the conditions of natural moisture supply. Lines and parental forms were assessed by nine quantitative morphological and yield traits of plants, as well as for bakery-quality (Glu-1 score) based on the electrophoresis of seed storage proteins. The Bobilo landrace exhibited lower performance than the Kazakhstan-bred varieties in terms of grain weight per central spike, total grain weight/plant, and thousand-grain weight. Additionally, it had a low Glu-1 index score. Correlation analysis of 67 hybrid lines from reciprocal crosses between the Bobilo landrace and two Kazakhstan-bred varieties (Lutescens 32 and Kazakhstan 3) revealed a significant positive contribution of the number of productive tillers to yield (r=0.9), while no correlation was observed between yield and thousand-grain weight. Based on the Principal Components Analysis of yield elements, 6 lines were identified that showed grain weight per plant above the parental lines. Glu-1 score of the lines ranged from 8 to 10 points. Lines combining traits of Western Pamir landraces and Kazakhstan varieties represent valuable material for breeding new spring wheat varieties adapted to the regional conditions of both countries.

Keywords: Wheat, Landrace, Hybrid lines, Yield traits, Glu-1 score, Principal Components Analysis.