Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

Background: Vegetables are diverse in their cultivated, semi-cultivated, and wild states. Generally, all over the world, vegetables are used either as a whole meal or as a complement to the main meal. In Ghana, vegetables constitute an important component of the diet of the people.

Purpose: A study was conducted on the effect of single-based fertilizers and compound fertilizers on the nutritive quality potential of lettuce (var. Eden), sweet pepper (var. Yellow wonder), and carrot (var. Bahia).

Research Methods: This was accomplished following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Lettuce, sweet pepper, and carrot were fertilized using 71 kg, 100 kg, and 128 kg of ammonium sulphate (20.5 % N, 23.4 % S)/ha, 350 kg of NPK (15-15-15)/ha, and Control/No fertilizer application; 81 kg, 100 kg, and 138 kg of 6-24-12 NPK/ha, 225 kg of NPK (15-15-15)/ha, and Control; and on 43 kg, 71 kg, and 100 kg of 10-10-30 NPK/ha, 225 kg of NPK (15-15-15)/ha, and Control; respectively. Laboratory studies were conducted to ascertain the nutritive value of lettuce, sweet pepper, and carrot cultivated for the fresh market; as influenced either by a single-based fertilizer or a compound fertilizer. All data were analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique with the GENSTAT statistical program.

Findings: Compound fertilizer resulted in high Fe content in lettuce while Single 2 treatment was in favour of that in carrot and sweet pepper. Single 3 treatment resulted in high Ca content in lettuce and sweet pepper while Single 2 treatment was in favour of that in carrot. Compound fertilizer resulted in high Mg content in lettuce while Single 3 treatment was in favour of that in carrot and sweet pepper. The crude protein content of lettuce, carrot, and sweet pepper was significantly high in the single-based fertilizer treatments. Compound fertilizer treatments recorded high carbohydrate content for lettuce and sweet pepper. All treatments recorded high moisture and high-fat content.

Conclusion: The study concluded that changes in the mineral content of the different categories of vegetables studied in relation to their response to either single-based fertilizers or compound fertilizers did not show a similar pattern.

Limitations: No limitations.

Originality/Value: Proximate composition patterns were strikingly dissimilar in all test crops.

Background: The Ghanaian mango industry relies heavily on Florida cultivars (Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt) for fresh and processed mangoes traded locally and for export. Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango cultivars all perform well under the climatic conditions in Ghana.  

Purpose: Physiologically matured fruits of Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango varieties were used for the experiment. The fruits were held at ambient (29-31^oC) and simulated transit temperature (10-13^oC) conditions for ripening and shelf life studies. Quality, which includes fruit firmness, ripening, weight, and spoilage, was assessed and used to determine the ripening quality and shelf life of stored fruits.

Research Method: A Completely Randomized Design with four replications was used. For each of the four varieties, five mango trees were sampled at random in each of the four replications of a mango plantation when fruits were physiologically matured. Fruits were randomly picked from these sample trees to accomplish the objectives of the study. A computerized texture analyzer (TA-XT2) was used to determine fruit firmness and the ‘bio-yield point’ of the mangoes by penetration. 

Findings: For both ambient and simulated-transit temperature conditions, Kent (4.09 days and 3.85 days, respectively) and Keitt (4.08 days and 3.92 days, respectively) fruits stored longer. Haden fruits ripened significantly earlier (9.50 days and 3.5 days, respectively) than Keitt fruits (11.01 days and 5 days, respectively). Ripening time was statistically not different (p>0.05) among Haden, Kent, and Palmer fruits. Softness, color, and decay were limiting quality factors for all mango fruits stored at both temperature conditions. Higher shriveling rates were observed in Haden and Palmer fruits with a slight preponderance of the former, for both conditions. Average weight loss was highest (6.50 % and 3.31%, respectively) for Haden and lowest (4.09% and 2.34%, respectively) for Keitt, but generally lower in fruits stored under transit conditions.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Kent and Keitt fruits store better than Haden and Palmer fruits under both ambient and transit conditions and are therefore recommendable for sea freight or for longer distances where relatively much time is spent before delivery, while Haden and Palmer fruits are recommendable for air freight. The attributes obtained from the quality evaluations for the different temperature regimes showed that a single quality attribute cannot be used to express the loss of quality of mango fruit over the normal physiological range of mango fruit growth and development.

Research Limitations: No limitations to the report.

Originality/Value: A single quality attribute cannot be used to express loss of quality of mango fruit over the normal physiological range of mango fruit growth and development.

Labour availability is one of the factors deciding the timely completion of sowing or transplanting at peak seasons of delta areas in rice cultivation. Mechanisation supports the timely completion of operations and supports maintaining productivity with less cost of cultivation. Machinery performance especially depends on the soil type and crop ecosystem. With this background, the experiment was conducted with the objectives to assess the performance of current rice transplanter models and power weeder models, in different soil conditions and reduce cultivation costs while improving rice production and profitability. A strip plot design was used, with major three soil types as the main plot treatments, existing rice transplanter five models as the sub-plot treatments, and current power weeder three models as the sub-sub-plot treatments. Among the growth and yield parameters, the 6-row walking type transplanter combined with a cono weeder showed superior performance, recording higher tillers and productive tillers (16.28 and 20.65 per hill), filled grains (113 and 145 per panicle), and seed yields (5922 and 5733 kg ha^-1) in sandy clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. This combination also achieved higher net returns (Rs. 70,195 ha^-1 and Rs. 55,343 ha^-1) and benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) of 2.62 and 2.28. Additionally, it resulted in an extra grain yield of 1769 kg ha^-1 and 1873 kg ha^-1, with an additional net profit of Rs. 37,027 ha^-1 and Rs. 34,813 ha^-1 for sandy clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. In clay loam soil, the riding type 8-row transplanter combined with a single-row power weeder produced higher productive tillers (15.25 per hill), filled grains (122 per panicle), and seed yields (5506 kg ha^-1), along with a higher net return of Rs. 58,175 ha^-1 and a BCR of 2.32. This combination also resulted in an additional grain yield of 1121 kg.ha^-1, leading to an extra net profit of Rs. 24,618 ha^-1 and a corresponding net income increase compared to traditional farming practices. In conclusion, using the 6-row riding type transplanter and cono weeder, along with appropriate agronomic practices, is the key to achieving higher yields, net returns, and BCR in sandy clay loam and sandy loam soils. Similarly, the 8-row riding transplanter combined with a single-row power weeder is essential for higher yield performance and profitability in clay loam soil.

Effect of Coffee senna (Cassia occidentalis), Shea butter (Vittallaria paradoxa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale (L)), Pipper guineense Schum, compared with Actellic dust (Pirimiphos methyl) on the control of cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) under prevailing laboratory conditions were reviewed. The review showed that, at three days post-treatment, A. indica, and P. guineense caused 93.3% and 90%; adult mortality of C. maculatus at a rate of 0.8 g /20 g of cowpea seeds which was comparable with pirimiphos methyl that recorded 100% adult mortality at the same exposure period. However, at seven days post application, A. indica, P. guineense and pirimiphos methyl powders caused 100% mortality of adult bruchid at all tested concentrations. Similarly, the mixture of C. Occidentalis and V. paradoxa leaf powders in the ratios of 50%:50% applied at the rate of 2.5.5.0, 7.5 and 10.0w/w into 20g of cowpea seeds caused bruchid mortality at different time intervals with the highest mortality (100%) observed on the treated seed with the leaf powders combination applied at 7.5 and 10.0%w/w concentrations 24hours after treatment and was similar to what was recorded on seed treated with Pirimiphos methyl. Cashew kernel oil extract completely prevented infestation and damage of cowpea seeds for a period of three months with the steam distillate being the most toxic of all the extracts tested. The review clearly revealed the potentials of A. indica and P. guineense seeds powders and the mixed powders of leaves of C. occidentalis and V. paradoxa and cashew kernel oil as plant-derived grain protectants against C. maculatus and could serve as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for the protection of stored cowpeas against the bruchid.

Zinc plays numerous minor roles in plant growth, and a consistent and continuous supply is essential for optimal growth and output. Radish is a Cruciferae family root crop that is grown in both tropical and temperate regions of the world. It is native to Europe and Asia. Radish seed output per unit area is low, however, it could be increased with better management practices such as foliar micronutrient supplementation. A laboratory experiment was conducted to analyze the influence of foliar spray and stages of zinc application on seed quality parameters of harvested radish seeds cv. Japanese White in the laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). There were 4 zinc levels 1g/l, 2g/l,3g/l,4g/l, and at 3 different stages i.e. stage 1: bolting, stage 2: bolting +4 days after the first application, stage 3: bolting +1 day after first application +8 days after first application resulted in 12 treatment combinations as 0g/l zinc at the bolting stage, 0g/l bolting +14 days after first application, 0g/l at bolting +14 days +28 days after first application 1g/l zinc (ZnSO₄) at the bolting stage, 1g/l bolting +14 days after the first application, 1g/l at bolting +14days +28 days after the first application, 2g/l at bolting, 2g/l at bolting +14 days after the first application,2g/l at bolting +14days after first application+ 28 days after the first application,3g/l zinc at the bolting stage, 3g/l bolting +14 days after the first application, 3g/l at bolting +14days +28 days after the first application. The results were statistically analyzed by using a completely randomized block design following window-based computer application OPSTAT and post hoc test Dunken Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The experiment was laid out in CRD (completely randomized design) as well as RCBD( Randomized complete block design)design Among treatment combinations Zn2S1(2gl^-1atthetime of bolting) was found superior in every aspect of quality attributes i.e. 1000 seed weight (14.36g), germination of harvested seeds (85.75%), seedling length (24.20cm), seedling dry weight (11.31mg), seedling vigour index-I (2,075.08), seedling vigour index- II (966.77), electrical conductivity (0.017 dSm-1), accelerated ageing test (78.25%) and cold test (81.00%). It is concluded that zinc levels, stages of foliar spray, and their combinations had a significant influence on the seed weight.

The strategic partnership is an agreed-upon collaboration between businesses with common missions. The purpose of the study is to clarify the roles of strategic partners and the extension and partnerships section at Madzivhandila College of Agriculture. The researcher conducted the study at the College of Agriculture, individual interviews were conducted with the college manager who coordinates the partnership program. In this study, the researchers have adopted a textual analysis to establish the roles of strategic partnerships. It is out of these roles that a broader recommendation, which could be followed by further research to determine their authenticity could be conducted. The findings in this study revealed that there are more than five strategic partners Madzivhandila Agricultural College entered into with; Westfalia, South African Avocado Growers Association (SAAGA), UNIVEG KATOPE, Citrus Growers Association (CGA), Citrus Research International (CRI), Pioneer Hi-Bred RSA (Pty) Ltd, Department of Correctional Services, Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). PANNAR seed, Makhado Specialised Oil Extract enterprise, Ross Breeders Association, Hygro-tech, and SAGA. The challenges that were not addressed in strategic partnerships with colleges need to be addressed urgently for extension work to be effective. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development should pave the way for the college principals to enter into partnerships with strategic partners and sign MoUs without involving them. The study concludes by suggesting a workable solution as a recommendation between the strategic partners and the college. In conclusion, the researchers discussed how stakeholder analysis was conducted, stakeholder selection, relevant partners, terms of references, and challenges faced by strategic partnerships.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), one of the most popular annual legume crops of India, belongs to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) and sub-family Papilionoideae. It is a protein-rich, self-pollinated, cool-season vegetable crop grown throughout the world. Research work was conducted at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the rabi season of 2021-2022 to investigate the influence of bio-formulation on seed quality and yield in garden peas. The Laboratory experiment was conducted following Completely Randomized Design for germination and seed vigour characteristics whereas a field experiment was laid out in factorial Randomized Block Design replicated three times for assessing plant growth and yield attributing characters. The experimental material comprised two varieties of garden pea viz., Arkel and DS-10 and seven treatments such asT₁- Control, T₂- Hydropriming, T₃- seed priming with Trichoderma viride @ 5g/kg, T₄- PSB @ 10g/kg, T₅- Rhizobium @ 20 g/kg, T₆- PSB @ 10g/kg + Rhizobium @ 20 g/kg and T₇- Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg. Before sowing, seeds of both varieties were soaked in water for 4 hours and bio-primed with the above-mentioned bio-formulations. Results revealed significant differences amongst the treatments for most of the plant growth-promoting and yield-attributing characters. Among all the treatments, T₆ i.e. seed priming with combined application of Rhizobium @ 20 g/kg + PSB @ 10g/kg exhibited the highest performance for most of the characters evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. Regarding the variety, DS-10 performed better as compared to Arkel. The experiment revealed that priming treatments had significantly enhanced the germination, seed vigour and yield attributing characters. From the present study, it could be concluded that seed priming with combined application of PSB + Rhizobium for 4 hours exhibited better performance in seed quality, yield and its attributing characters as compared to other treatments under field and laboratory conditions. From this investigation, combined application of PSB @10g/kg + Rhizobium @ 20g/kg may be promoted for future recommendation as a seed priming treatment in peas. Therefore, it may be suggested to treat the seeds with bio-formulation for better seed production and seed yield in garden peas.

(Gingiber officinale L.), a member of the Gingiberaceae family is a universal spice crop with immense economic significance. The crop is commercially cultivated by tribal farmers as a spice, condiment, culinary supplement, and medicine for their livelihoods. The aim of the study was to find out the performance of single-node ginger seedlings raised through pro-tray technology over farmer practice, to study the extension parameters, and to find out the economic analysis factors. To overcome the problems of high seed usage due to the high cost of seed material and rhizome rot disease in ginger in tribal agency areas of ASR district. Hence, the ICAR-ANGRAU, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kondempudi conducted Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) in five selected villages, namely Paderu, Peddabayalu, Hukumpeta, Dumbriguda, and Araku mandals of Alluri Sitaramraju district (ASR) of Andhra Pradesh, for three years (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021-22). The purpose of the FLD was to showcase the superior performance of single node raised seedlings of the ginger variety Nadia raised through portray technology compared to the normal farmer practice variety Nadia. The single-node ginger (Var. Nadia) seedlings were cultivated using technological demonstration of yield and economic analysis in contrast to farmers' practices 50 farmers participated actively in the FLD, which covered 20.5 acres. In terms of production, pooled fresh rhizome yields of 139.57 and 120.02 q/ha, respectively, showed that single-node grown seedlings of ginger var. Nadia raised by modern technology was superior to farmer practice. Single-node ginger (var. Nadia) seedlings grown by this technique exhibited an upsurge in fresh rhizome output from 10.28 to 20.39 per cent over the course of the demonstration years. Average cost-benefit ratios for the three years for demonstration plots and farmer practice were 1:3.18, 1:3.26, and 1:3.61, and 1:2.09, 1:2.08, and 1:2.01, respectively. The extension gap of three years (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22) was 27.71, 16.1, and 14.84 q/ha in demonstration plots, respectively. Results on the Technology Index ranged between 12.07 to 6.62% and 20.78 to 5.17% for single-node ginger (var. Nadia) seedlings raised through pro tray technology and farmers’ practices, respectively. All three years of the study revealed that for single-node ginger (var. Nadia) seedlings raised through portray technology, there is much significance and scope for upscaling the demonstrated technology in tribal agency areas of Alluri Sitaramraj district, Andhra Pradesh. The study concluded that a highly sought-after spice crop in trade and the global market is ginger. However, the region's ginger growers are unaware of the scientific benefits of cultivating ginger and are even wary of adopting new technologies. More FLDs of this kind would allow farmers to witness firsthand how technology might increase production in their own fields.

Background: Most mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties grown in Ghana for export include Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt; all of Florida origin and have different post-harvest characteristics. The issue of few exportable mango fruits in Ghana can be attributed to inappropriate post-harvest handling and the inability of farmers to determine the appropriate time of fruit maturity; all of which are significant contributors to poor-quality fruit.

Purpose: Field and laboratory studies were conducted at Prudent Export and Import Company Ltd Mango Plantation and at the Bio-chemistry Laboratory of Food Research Institute, Legon, Accra, Ghana, respectively. For field studies, fruit ages (early, mid, and late harvest stages) of Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango varieties were determined through ‘age-control’ and established for physiological (early harvest) and eat-ripeness stages (mid and late harvests). This was followed by laboratory studies to determine the physicochemical properties at these physiological and eat-ripeness stages that could be used as simple harvest indicators for export and local markets.

Research Methods: Randomized Complete Block Design and Completely Randomized Design with four replications in each case were used for field and laboratory studies respectively. For each of the four varieties, five mango trees were sampled at random in each of the four replications of Prudent Export and Import Company Ltd Mango Plantation in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, to accomplish the purpose of the study.

Findings: Established harvest stages (ages) at physiological maturity/early harvest, mid-harvest, and late harvest for Haden were 112, 119, and 126 days from fruit-set, respectively; for Kent 126, 133, and 140 days from fruit-set, respectively; for Palmer 133, 140, and 147 days from fruit-set, respectively; and for Keitt 140, 147, and 154 days from fruit-set, respectively. Established TA (% citric acid), Ascorbic acid (mg.100g^-1),  TSS (^oBrix), pH, Moisture (%), DM (%), Fibre (%), and TSS/Acidity ratio readings at physiological maturity for Haden were 1.071, 24.90, 8.94, 3.250, 83.55, 16.45, 0.017, and 8.3473 respectively; for Kent 0.807, 8.50, 6.88, 3.499, 82.28, 17.72, 0.016, and  8.5254 respectively; for Palmer 0.940, 35.50, 7.25, 3.328, 83.89, 16.11, 0.017, and 7.7128 respectively; and for Keitt 1.004, 23.80, 6.56, 3.349, 84.26, 15.74, 0.026, and 6.2835 respectively. Established TA (% citric acid), Ascorbic acid (mg.100g^-1), TSS (^oBrix), pH, Moisture (%), DM (%), Fibre (%), and TSS/Acidity ratio readings at eat-ripe maturity for Haden were 0.14, 8.05, 18.50, 5.11, 80.85, 19.15, 0.065, and 132.140 respectively; for Kent 0.12, 3.32, 17.50, 4.08, 80.94, 19.06, 0.062, and 145.830 respectively; for Palmer 0.31, 5.52, 19.10, 5.00, 80.25, 19.75, 0.066, and 61.610 respectively; and for Keitt 0.10, 3.66, 17.00, 5.80, 81.95, 18.05, 0.094, and  170.00 respectively. Pulp colour (turning yellow) was nearly the same for the different varieties at physiological maturity but varied when ripe, with uniform consistent texture at both stages. TA, Ascorbic Acid, TSS, pH, Moisture, DM, Fibre, Pulp/flesh Colour, Pulp Consistency, and TSS/Acidity ratio have all been established as physicochemical indices that could be used as harvest indicators at both physiological and eat-ripe stages for Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango varieties cultivated in Ghana for export and local markets.

Limitations: No limitations to report.

Originality/Value: Fruit should be harvested after full maturity in order to develop the most adequate organoleptic quality and the longest post-harvest life, and before full ripeness but should never be over-ripe or immature for any purpose unless otherwise.

Rice is the major crop of Uttar Pradesh, which covers about 36.5 per cent area of the total gross-cropped area in Uttar Pradesh. Weather is one of the most important factors influencing crop growth. The effect of weather parameters at different stages of the growth of crops may help in understanding their response in terms of final yield and also provide a forecast of crop yields in advance before the harvest. The present study mainly deals with the effect of weather variables. The study was made for rice crops in the district of Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India in 2015. Weekly weather data on the weather variables of the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh during the different growth phases of rice crops have been obtained from the Department of Agro Meteorology, N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.), India. The data on three weather variables viz. rainfall, wind velocity and sunshine hours have been used in the study. The present study is formulated to determine the individual and joint effects of weather variables on rice yield. The prediction models have been also developed for rice crops through individual and joint weather variables. On the basis of R², it was found that individually sun shine (hr) is more important at 67.57% followed by wind velocity and rainfall at 48.63% and 46.74%, respectively. The joint effect of weather variables also plays an important role in the case of rice crops. According to R², the most important combination is rainfall & wind velocity with 82% followed by rainfall & sunshine hr and wind velocity & sun shine hr at 63% and 53.8, respectively. As far as is concerned with the individual effect of weather variables, it has been found that all the weather variables have made a significant impact on rice yield.