Research paper
Tatek Tamiru Geletu
Abstract
With rising wealth and population, there will be a greater need for food in cities. This study was made to assess the impact of urban agriculture on improving food security in four town administrations of Gurage zone. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. ...
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With rising wealth and population, there will be a greater need for food in cities. This study was made to assess the impact of urban agriculture on improving food security in four town administrations of Gurage zone. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected from 340 sampled adopters using interview, focus group discussion and observation. Chi-square and t-test were used to compare the percentage and mean difference between adopters and non-adopters of urban agriculture. The propensity score matching (PSM) model was used to assess the impact of urban agriculture on food security. The statistical analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant mean difference between adopters and non-adopters in terms of job status, perception toward urban agriculture and family size. The logit model result revealed that family size, ownership of living home, job status of HH head, perception toward urban agriculture, market demand and training and support significantly affect the adoption of urban agriculture. The result of PSM indicated that the adoption of urban agriculture had an impact on food security provided that if the farmers adopt urban agriculture, the likelihood of being food secure would increase by a factor of 0.60, citrus paribus. The study suggested the town’s education offices, office of urban agriculture and cooperative offices to teach urban dwellers via an integrated functional adult education program and support them more in a cooperative organization since, the adoption of urban agriculture helps to win battle against food insecurity.
Research paper
Matteo Caser; Eric Mozzanini; Andrea Mainetti; Íris Marisa Maxaieie Victorino; Erica Lumini; Sonia Demasi; Valeria Bianciotto; Laura Poggio; Valentina Scariot
Abstract
Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. is an alpine herbaceous species which grows in the wild and used in the production of the génépi’ liqueur, and with interest as ingredient in other food products. The propagation and cultivation have become the only way to ensure a supply chain for this ...
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Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. is an alpine herbaceous species which grows in the wild and used in the production of the génépi’ liqueur, and with interest as ingredient in other food products. The propagation and cultivation have become the only way to ensure a supply chain for this plant, preserving the natural habitats. However, seed propagation is limited by low germination. Selected seeds and fine-tuned agrotechniques are requested by the nursery production system. We investigated seed germination ability (final germination percentage - FGP, first germination time - FGT, halftime of germination - T50, germination period - GPD, and mean germination time - MGT) and early seedling development of three wild A. umbelliformis populations (Valnontey, Soana and Urtier), by testing three germination substrates with different peat and perlite ratio (v:v) (S1, 100:0 ; S2, 80:20; S3, 60:40), in combination or not with two generalist arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species (Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae). Results highlighted variability in germination capacity according to the genotypes, indicating the Valnontey population as superior to Soana and Urtier in FGP (34.0 %, 7.2 % and 8.6 %, respectively), FGT (8.7, 13.2 and 14.1 days, respectively), MGT (12.5, 16.5 and 17.1 days, respectively) and T50 (13.8, 17.4 and 16.8 days, respectively). Among the substrates, S3 led to a higher FGP (22.9 %) than the others (11.4 % and 15.6 % in S1 and S2, respectively), thus resulting preferable. No AMF symbiosis was highlighted; therefore, the advantage of applying bioinoculants to improve génépi production should be further investigated.
Research paper
Marzieh Babashpour-Asl
Abstract
Using organic and inorganic substances is a healthy and affordable way to enhance fruit quality during storage. Apple is a popular fruit with high nutritional value and mainly experiences prolonged storage periods. The present study was conducted to optimize shelf-life of apple fruits (Malus domestica ...
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Using organic and inorganic substances is a healthy and affordable way to enhance fruit quality during storage. Apple is a popular fruit with high nutritional value and mainly experiences prolonged storage periods. The present study was conducted to optimize shelf-life of apple fruits (Malus domestica Borkh. ‘Golden Delicious’) by aloe vera gel and calcium chloride (CaCl2) and to evaluate apple characteristics after 90 days of cold storage. Using response surface methodology (RSM), measurements were aimed at fruit weight loss, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugar (TS), fruit firmness, and juice content. As evidenced from RSM analysis, optimal conditions for apple shelf-life were achieved by 5.9% CaCl2 and 33.6% aloe vera gel, which reduced weight loss and maintained fruit firmness, pH, total soluble solids, total sugars, and juice content. Aloe vera gel and CaCl2 showed similar modes of action in each case of the measured traits, except for TSS where the aloe vera gel increased apple TSS but CaCl2 decreased it. Therefore, an optimized combination of aloe vera gel and CaCl2 offered a promising approach to the maintenance of apple quality in storage.
Research paper
Mohammad Saadatian; Kanara Saleem; Haval Abdullah
Abstract
Cucumber is widely cultivated worldwide, occupying significant agricultural acreage. The present research aims to evaluate the seed priming potential of Vegetal Protein Hydrolysate (VPH) to improve early seedling growth and seed germination of cucumber. We assessed two concentrations of VPH (2 and 4 ...
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Cucumber is widely cultivated worldwide, occupying significant agricultural acreage. The present research aims to evaluate the seed priming potential of Vegetal Protein Hydrolysate (VPH) to improve early seedling growth and seed germination of cucumber. We assessed two concentrations of VPH (2 and 4 ml/L) under normal and salt stress conditions, with water serving as the control treatment. The experiment was performed conducted in a completely randomized factorial design. The cucumber seeds were primed for 4, 8, and 12 hoursh, followed by observing seed germination traits, including germination rate index, mean germination time, germination percentage, vigorous index-2, and early seedling growth traits. Based on the results, VPH treatments with low concertation significantly affect morphological cucumber seed germination. We found the apparent priming potential of VPH to improve early seedling growth and seed germination in cucumbers in with different morphological features. Seed priming with VPH significantly improved germination traits and chlorophyll in salt stress conditions compared to the control treatment. The results showed that the seed germination was affected by priming durations of 4 and 8 h. However, the extended exposure to the same concentration (12 h) inhibited the seed germination process, thereby inducing higher stress on the seedlings. Hence, VPH seed priming is proposed as a bio-stimulant for enhancing early seedling growth and seed germination in cucumbers. Overall, tThese results can be used to prepare vegetal protein-based compounds and and improve vegetable production under greenhouse production units and plastic tunnels.
Research paper
Razieh Emadifar; Gholam-Reza Sharifi; Abdol-Majid Mirzaalian-Dastjerdi
Abstract
Some of the limitations of storage, marketing, and export of bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) are the rapid ripening after harvest and microbial spoilage, which reduce the qualitative properties of the fruit and exacerbate the spoilage of the fruit. These problems can be prevented by postharvest methods. ...
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Some of the limitations of storage, marketing, and export of bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) are the rapid ripening after harvest and microbial spoilage, which reduce the qualitative properties of the fruit and exacerbate the spoilage of the fruit. These problems can be prevented by postharvest methods. Edible coating treatments can be used after harvesting various fruits. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of chitosan as edible coating at the four levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 2%) and the days of the storage (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28) on the postharvest quality of bell pepper (CV. ‘California Wonder’) with four replications using two factorial-balanced analysis of variance on the basis of randomized complete design (CRD). In measuring enzyme activity after 28 days of storage, the results showed that the chitosan treatment (2%) significantly reduced the activity of peroxidase (76.25%) and polyphenol oxidase enzymes (37.05%), compared to the control. On the other hand, it significantly increased antioxidant capacity, total phenol, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase activities by 41.7, 21.5, 21.7, 32.25, 59.05, and 58.10%, respectively. Moreover, the results showed that different concentrations of chitosan, especially at a concentration of 2%, maintained the postharvest quality of bell pepper and delayed the aging of bell pepper, compared to the control. According to the results of this study, the use of this edible coating can be recommended to increase the shelf life of bell peppers fruit.
Research paper
SAHAR - DAHBI; Hafida - Hanine; Ossama - Kodad; Mohammed - Raouane; Souad - Amghar
Abstract
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is well-known for its high antioxidant capacity and exceptional richness of vitamins, fiber, and polyphenols. Due to its bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, blueberry possesses various health benefits such as anti-diabetic, anti-cardiovascular, ...
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Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is well-known for its high antioxidant capacity and exceptional richness of vitamins, fiber, and polyphenols. Due to its bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, blueberry possesses various health benefits such as anti-diabetic, anti-cardiovascular, and anti-carcinogenic properties. However, its limited production period, and short shelf-life, generate a huge quantity of post-harvest losses. In this context, a set of post-harvest treatments are necessary, to extend the shelf life of blueberries and promote their consumption throughout the year. In this regard, this work aims to evaluate the evolution of the physical and biochemical quality of blueberries stored at -20°C for three months. The results showed that one month of frozen storage increased the anthocyanins content in blueberries and preserved all other characteristics. Throughout the second month, the biochemical fruit quality improved, while the titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, and weight remained preserved. However, at the end of the storage duration, there was a continual rise in anthocyanins, and flavonoids, while polyphenols and antioxidant activity remained stable, surpassing the levels found in fresh blueberries. On the other hand, a notable decline in physical characteristics was observed. In this context, it is recommended to store blueberries at -20°C for a maximum of one month for consumption in a fresh state. On the other hand, blueberries stored for more than two months must be intended for processed blueberry-based products to fully utilize their richness in phenolic compounds and avoid issues related to their sour taste and reduced weight.
Research paper
Vences Cuyno Valleser; Jean Valleser
Abstract
Shorter trees are ideal in tree orchards for ease in harvesting which will increase fruit recovery and yield. In the Philippines, marang has been considered a potential crop to help food security. However, the crop can grow very tall which would make fruit harvesting tedious. This study was conducted ...
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Shorter trees are ideal in tree orchards for ease in harvesting which will increase fruit recovery and yield. In the Philippines, marang has been considered a potential crop to help food security. However, the crop can grow very tall which would make fruit harvesting tedious. This study was conducted to determine if paclobutrazol (PBZ) at concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm applied as a media drench could regulate the growth of marang at the seedlings stage. Results showed that paclobutrazol treatment reduced the leaf size of 110-day-old seedlings almost four-fold compared to the non-PBZ-treated (control). The stomatal density of the leaf in 250, 500, and 1000 PBZ-treated seedlings was 8.51, 8.49, and 8.11 mm-2 compared to only 5.62 mm-2 in the control respectively. Closed stomata in 250, 500, and 1000 ppm PBZ-treated seedlings were 2.78, 2.49, and 3.24 mm-2 compared to 1.33 mm-2 in the control respectively. The 250 ppm PBZ treatment increased the chlorophyll index (489.08) of the Marang leaf compared to the control with 256.58. The shoot and root lengths of seedlings were reduced five-fold and 42.35-52.23% by paclobutrazol treatment respectively. The control seedlings' fresh weight (18.33 grams) was nearly five-fold heavier than the PBZ-treated seedlings. The shoot-root ratio of the control seedlings was three-fold higher than the PBZ-treated seedlings. On the other hand, PBZ treatments resulted in a three-fold increase in root-to-shoot ratio. These results are useful in the production of shorter marang trees with longer roots to ease managing the crop in the field.
Research paper
Yusuf Opeyemi Oyebamiji; Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin; Asmuni Mohd Ikmal; Mohd Rafii Yusop; Fadila Ahmad Malike
Abstract
In the coming decades, the global average temperature of 1.5 ºC is expected, consequently affecting lettuce production and global food security. Thus, the current experiment was carried out to investigate the response of lettuce genotypes grown under varying high daytime temperatures and optimal ...
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In the coming decades, the global average temperature of 1.5 ºC is expected, consequently affecting lettuce production and global food security. Thus, the current experiment was carried out to investigate the response of lettuce genotypes grown under varying high daytime temperatures and optimal conditions. Three-week-old seedlings of eight lettuce genotypes were transferred into the two hydroponic systems using a random complete block design. One of the hydroponic systems was retained in the growth chamber (22 ºC) as control while the second system was transferred to the greenhouse, where the heat screening occurred the genotypes placed in the greenhouse were subjected to varying air temperatures (mean 34.3/29.2 ºC afternoon/evening) throughout the experiment. Fluctuation in the daytime temperature was determined using the thermo-hygrometer. Growth and yield components were evaluated. Under elevated temperatures, the yield and plant weight of all genotypes screened decreased compared to optimal conditions except SAL098, which increased by 0.1% and 4%, respectively. Furthermore, SAL098 grown under high temperatures recorded an increase in the number of leaves, root length, biomass, and plant height by 15.2%, 0.9%, 28.1% and 27%. Under heat stress conditions, all traits were positively correlated with the yield except leaf width, indicating that productive characteristics are essential to enhance productivity at high temperatures. Though a high temperature is a major limiting factor undermining lettuce production in the urban region, SAL098 has demonstrated effective adaptive mechanisms and ca n be considered a potential heat-tolerant cultivar for further breeding programs to develop high-yielding heat-tolerant varieties.
Research paper
Mohammad Ali Khalaj; Somayeh Esmaeili; Pegah Sayyad-Amin
Abstract
Understanding interactions and a balance between iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) as fertilizers is crucial for optimizing tuberose growth. Here, a field experiment considered the effects of various Fe and Mn concentrations on quantitative features, qualitative traits, microelement absorption, and microelement ...
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Understanding interactions and a balance between iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) as fertilizers is crucial for optimizing tuberose growth. Here, a field experiment considered the effects of various Fe and Mn concentrations on quantitative features, qualitative traits, microelement absorption, and microelement distribution in tuberose plants. The treatments included Fe concentrations of 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1 along with Mn concentrations of 0, 10, and 20 kg ha-1 from FeSO4 and MnSO4 sources, respectively. According to the results, high Fe concentrations (30 and 45 kg ha-1) negatively affected the uptake of Mn, Zn, and Cu in aerial parts and bulbs. However, an apt combination of Mn and Fe significantly improved several traits. In the first year, Fe (30 kg ha-1) and Mn (20 kg ha-1) significantly increased spike length (27.19%), floret length (46.22%), bulb count (43.60%), vase life (96.08%), and the percentage of opened florets (26.65%). In the second year, Fe (30 kg ha-1) and Mn (20 kg ha-1) resulted in even more improvements, including flower stalk count (78.48%), floret length (47.44%), vase life (32.02%), percentage of opened florets (41.31%), fresh (41.73%) and dry (54.40%) weights of the aerial parts, and bulb fresh (48.98%) and dry (61.54%) weights. The findings highlighted that the combined application of FeSO4 (30 kg ha-1) and MnSO4 (20 kg ha-1) had significantly positive effects on tuberose growth and relevant parameters. Tuberose development improved significantly in response to this combination treatment over the two years, which provides a valuable guideline for farmers and researchers when aiming to enhance tuberose yield.
