Olericulture
Antoine Sambou; Ndeye Warkha Samb; Nicolas Ayessou
Abstract
Purpose: Cucumbers play an immediate and crucial role in fighting against micronutrient deficiency and are often consumed crudely. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and phytochemical values of these three whole fruits of cucumber and the share of their different parts such as the epicarp, the ...
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Purpose: Cucumbers play an immediate and crucial role in fighting against micronutrient deficiency and are often consumed crudely. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and phytochemical values of these three whole fruits of cucumber and the share of their different parts such as the epicarp, the mesocarp, and the endocarp. Research method: Fresh cucumber fruits were collected and their different parts were separated and crushed. Samples were analyzed to determine the proximate, the phytochemicals, the vitamins, and the minerals. Findings: The results show significant variation in nutritional and phytochemical content. White Cucumis sativus contained more sugars (704.57±124.79 mg/100g), total polyphenols (133.05±21.26 mg/100g), flavonoids (1.07±0.46 mg/100g), tannins (43.26±5.18 mg/100g), Sodium (28.52±1.37 mg/100g) and Potassium (286.58±25.40 mg/100g). Green C. sativus concentrated more protein (35.65±5.12 mg/100g) and Iron (4.22±5.44 mg/100g) while, non-bitter wild C. metuliferus was richer in acidity (6.5±1.45 meq/100g), vitamin C (275.07±44.23), Magnesium (47.87±10.53 mg/100g) and Calcium (21.25±25.40 mg/100g). According to the different parts, the endocarp concentrates more acidity (7.25±2.21 meq/100g), proteins (39.76±5.07 mg/100g), nitrogen (6.36±0.81 mg/100g), total polyphenol (104.12±28.67 mg/100g) and flavonoids (1.10±0.45 mg/100g). The Mesocarp has more sugars (663.50±12.10 mg/100g) while Epicarp concentrates more Tannin (40.19±1.99 mg/100g), Magnesium (56.51±2.94 mg/100g), Calcium (28.21±20.72 mg/100g), Sodium (25.05±5.28 mg/100g), Potassium (312.66±13.84 mg/100g) and Iron (4.79±4.98 mg/100g). Cucumbers are recognized as fruits and vegetables with multiple nutritional values. Research limitations: Further genotypic characterizations were required for a better understanding of the difference between cucumbers. Originality/Value: The knowledge of the nutritional value of each part of the fruit was necessary for better valorization and maximizing the nutrient supplies.
Olericulture
Rawaa Akrimi; Hichem Hajlaoui; Mahmoud Mhamdi
Abstract
Purpose: This work was designed to assess the physiological response of three potatoes cultivars to saline water irrigation, and the role of the electromagnetic treatment on alleviating salinity impacts on potatoes crops. Research Method: The experiment was conducted under factorial RCBD with potato ...
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Purpose: This work was designed to assess the physiological response of three potatoes cultivars to saline water irrigation, and the role of the electromagnetic treatment on alleviating salinity impacts on potatoes crops. Research Method: The experiment was conducted under factorial RCBD with potato varieties Spunta, Bellini and Alaska under three irrigation treatments; ground water (C), saline water (SW) and electromagnetic saline water (EMSW). We analyzed soil proprieties, minerals and water usage efficiency, plant water status, chlorophyll pigments, absiscic acid (ABA) content, and expression of StNCED gene. Findings: Data showed that EMSW promote salt leaching from soil, decrease soil salinity and improve the efficiency of water and minerals use. Leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem thickness, tuber weight, water potential, water content and water use efficiency were more disturbed under SW. The ABA content in Alaska leaves was associated with StNCED expression level. The cultivar Alaska displayed highest leaf size, SPAD and minerals use efficiency. Spunta had upmost correlation between LA and WCap and highest water use efficiency. Contrarily, Bellini manifested less water potential and ABA content. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/value: Thus, Spunta and Alaska revealed better physiological and metabolic capacity to tackle salinity. The results advance knowledge on potatoes response to salinity and could improve management of saline water.
Olericulture
Saliou Diouf; Antoine Sambou; Alpha Cisse
Abstract
Purpose: Cucumbers are an important fruit vegetable consumed as a salad or cooked in the world. Among the most used and consumed cucumbers, there are domestic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and wild cucumbers (Cucumis metuliferus E.). Despite their importance, the agro-morphological characteristics of ...
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Purpose: Cucumbers are an important fruit vegetable consumed as a salad or cooked in the world. Among the most used and consumed cucumbers, there are domestic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and wild cucumbers (Cucumis metuliferus E.). Despite their importance, the agro-morphological characteristics of cucumbers were not well known. The objective of this research was to assess the agro-morphological characteristics of four varieties of cucumber (green and white C. sativus, bitter and non-bitter C. metuliferus). Research method: A cultivation trial of these cucumber varieties was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications at the application farm of the Agroforestry Department Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor, Senegal. Different parameters of growth leave chlorophyll content, 50% flowering days, and yield were studied. Findings: The analysis of variance of growth parameters, chlorophyll content, 50% flowering days, and yield parameters between varieties showed significant variation. The variety green C. sativus was distinguished from the other varieties by better vegetative growth and leaves chlorophyll content (46.91±10.04 SPAD value) and early flowering (29.75±0.5 days). In terms of germination rate, weight, and circumference of fruits, the variety white C. metuliferus recorded higher values with 96±2%, 468.25±99.28 g, and 23.85±2.98cm respectively. Thus, the two wild cucumber varieties (bitter and non-bitter) showed relatively low values on most of the parameters except in terms of the number of ramifications and leaves. Leaves chlorophyll content varied significantly according to the period of the day and the status of leaf development. The higher chlorophyll content was recorded in the noon (44.76±9.45 SPAD value) and old leaves (44.49±7.09 SPAD value). Research limitations: Further genotypic and nutritional characterizations were required for a better understanding of the difference between cucumbers. Originality/Value: The results showed great variability between the varieties studied for all the morphological, phenological, physiological, and yield characteristics.
Olericulture
Lorena Martínez-Zamora; Noelia Castillejo; Perla A. Gómez; Francisco Artés; Francisco Artés-Hernández
Abstract
Purpose: Cruciferous sprouts in their early stages of development are very suitable foods against degenerative diseases due to their high content of health promoting compounds. The application of UV-B can act as an elicitor of these compounds. The objective was to study the effect of a UV-B treatment ...
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Purpose: Cruciferous sprouts in their early stages of development are very suitable foods against degenerative diseases due to their high content of health promoting compounds. The application of UV-B can act as an elicitor of these compounds. The objective was to study the effect of a UV-B treatment to different seed varieties and its remnant effects after germination as sprouts. Research method: Brassicaceae seeds selected (radish, rocket, white mustard, and tatsoi) were treated under 20 kJ m-2 UV-B 24 h before sowing, while no UV radiation was used as control (CTRL). After 7 days, sprouts were harvested, frozen, and freeze-dried until their bioactive content was analysed. Findings: Results showed that UV-B enhanced by ~20% the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in sprouts, and hence, their total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, this UV effect was also appreciated after 7 germination days, and it was increased by ~38% regarding CTRL, especially on rocket and mustard sprouts. In conclusion, an abiotic UV-B stress treatment to seeds can be an interesting tool to improve the bioactive compounds content of young plants, although the intrinsic mechanisms involved should be further investigated. Research limitations: The use of these new technologies, such as UV-B, is costly and must be applied following appropriate safety measures to avoid possible irradiation damage. Originality/Value: The analysis of the remnant effect of the UV-B before seeds sprouting has not been yet studied and its use could result in a beneficial effect on the germination and biosynthesis of phytochemicals in young plants.
Olericulture
Ahmad jawid Zamany; Hamid Salari; Sayed Samiullah Hakimi
Abstract
Purpose: This investigation aimed to study the effect of mother bulb surface cutting, weight and date of planting on plant growth, seed yield and seed quality of onions. Research method: The experiment was conducted during 2020 at the Agriculture Research Farm of Kabul University. The study was ...
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Purpose: This investigation aimed to study the effect of mother bulb surface cutting, weight and date of planting on plant growth, seed yield and seed quality of onions. Research method: The experiment was conducted during 2020 at the Agriculture Research Farm of Kabul University. The study was designed in split-split plot Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and data for plant biometry, seed yield and seed quality was recorded. The recorded data were statistically analyzed with R software. Findings: The study revealed that, surface cutting of mother bulbs alone does not influence plant growth and seed yield. However, the interaction of large bulb and bulb surface cutting was significant on seed yield. The large sized whole bulbs produced higher seed yield (938.33 Kg ha-1) as compared to other treatments. Early planting produced vigorous plants as compare late planting. Large bulbs (126-175 g) produced vigorous plants and highest seed yield (820.83 Kg ha-1). However, the seed yield (805.83 Kg ha-1) produced by plants obtained from medium bulbs (76-125 g) was on par with those produced from large bulbs. Research limitations: No limitations to report. Originality/Value: Based on the findings of the study, the farmers are recommended to avoid the surface cutting of mother bulbs and follow early planting (20th March) of medium sized bulbs (76-125 g) for vigorous plants and higher seed yield of onion.
Olericulture
A. K. M. Aminul Islam; A. K. M. Mominul Islam; Farzana Mustafa Era; Islam Hamim
Abstract
Purpose: To increase yield and quality of fruit vegetables under high pressure of soil-borne pathogens, nematode, and unfavorable environments introducing vegetable grafting in agriculture are crucial. It also helps to reduce disease susceptibility and to increase tolerance against abiotic stresses. ...
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Purpose: To increase yield and quality of fruit vegetables under high pressure of soil-borne pathogens, nematode, and unfavorable environments introducing vegetable grafting in agriculture are crucial. It also helps to reduce disease susceptibility and to increase tolerance against abiotic stresses. Findings: Grafting in vegetables is a centuries-old practice to improve yield through organic culture. It was introduced in USA and becoming more common in organic farming of vegetables. Vegetable grafting is popular practice in many European and North American countries, Japan, Korea, and China. Vegetable crops are exposed to many abiotic and biotic stress factors, including salinity, heat, heavy metals, excess trace elements, diseases, and pests, which have a significant effect on crop growth and productivity. Grafting is effective practices in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables to control soil-borne diseases including; Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and bacterial wilt, and nematodes without using pesticides. Limitations: Despite of its numerous benefits, there are several difficulties associated with grafting which include added cost, graft mismatch, physiological complaints, and reductions in flower formation, quality, and yield of fruit. Directions for future research: Appropriate selection of scion and rootstock, scion–rootstock communication, and the reciprocal effect of the shoot and root system should be considered to get maximum benefits from this novel technique. New research should be conducted to evaluate and test diverse germplasm as a source of the viable rootstock, development of grafting tools ideal for the stable, year-round, and cost-effective yield.
Olericulture
Ezekiel Ambo Mamai; Tanko Bako; Danasabe Dinvala P.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on the emergence of okra. Research method: The study was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State in July 2018. Tillage treatments in the study were no-tillage, disc plowing, ...
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Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on the emergence of okra. Research method: The study was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State in July 2018. Tillage treatments in the study were no-tillage, disc plowing, and disc plowing followed by disc harrowing, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times. Each plot was (4.0 m × 3.0 m) with a 1.5 m gaps between the plots/replicates and blocks. Findings: The results indicated that the tillage methods had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the emergence of okra seeds. The maximum values of the number of emerged seeds (52 seeds), percentage emergence (92.86%), emergence rate (16.30%.day-1) and seed vigor index (40.08 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the plowing and harrowing method. In comparison, the minimum values of the number of emerged seeds (45 seeds), percentage emergence (80.36%), emergence rate (16.13%.day-1) and seed vigor index (32.77 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the no-tillage method. The plowing and harrowing approach had the lowest values of mean seed emergence time (6.13days) and seedling mortality rate (5.77%) while the no-tillage process had the highest amounts of mean seed emergence time (6.20days) and seedling mortality rate (13.33%). Limitations: There were no limitations to the report.Originality/Value: The results suggest the plowing and harrowing method may be utilized as a more appropriate and profitable tillage method in improving soil physical properties and seed emergence of okra.
Plant Stress
Rabeb El khaldi; Dhaouadi Latifa; Besser Houda
Abstract
Purpose: In Oasis areas, salinity becomes a real threat for sustainable agricultural production, and with the introduction of non-native varieties, salinity pressure is more expressed and has harmful outcomes to the local ecosystem and biodiversity. In this context the present study was conducted ...
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Purpose: In Oasis areas, salinity becomes a real threat for sustainable agricultural production, and with the introduction of non-native varieties, salinity pressure is more expressed and has harmful outcomes to the local ecosystem and biodiversity. In this context the present study was conducted to compare salt stress behavior of local oasian and introduced cultivars. Research method: Seeds of two local oasian cultivars namely Djerid (Dj) and Nefta (Ne) and one exotic cultivar namely Cayenne (Ca) were treated with four salt concentrations (0; 2.5; 5 and 7g/l NaCl). Salt stress responses were evaluated using germination parameters and early seedling growth. Findings: Results revealed that the increase of salinity level had negatively effect on germination and early seedling for the three cultivars. However oasian cultivars were found to be the most tolerant to salinity. Ne cultivar showed the highest germination percentage and germination index and the lowest mean germination time at 7g/l NaCl concentration. Also, “Ne” performs better on seedling traits as indicated by the less effect of the high salinity on radicle and plumule length as well as plumule fresh weight, compared to the other cultivars. The introduced cultivar “Ca” was identified to be the most sensitive to salt stress. Limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: This study valorized the autochthone chili pepper cultivars by highlighting their salt stress tolerance. Thus, oasian genotypes could be very useful as genetic resources for the development of chili pepper cultivars with improved germination and seedling growth under salt-stress conditions.
Olericulture
Flavien Shimira; Fabrice Afloukou; Festus Maniriho
Abstract
Purpose: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important food and cash crop globally, particularly in Rwanda whereby it is ranked fourth most grown food crops after banana, sweet potato and cassava. The purpose of this review study is to analyze and understand potato yield production systems in Rwanda and ...
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Purpose: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important food and cash crop globally, particularly in Rwanda whereby it is ranked fourth most grown food crops after banana, sweet potato and cassava. The purpose of this review study is to analyze and understand potato yield production systems in Rwanda and to find out related constraints. Main findings: After key informants and various research work, it was found that the low potato yield (with on average 11.6 t/ha compared to yield potential of 50.6 t/ha), pests and diseases are the main constraints for potato production in Rwanda. However, it was revealed that the later are highly related to an inadequate supply of good seed tubers. Indeed, it is was reported that the actual mini-tubers seed production systems can cover up to 30% of the national demand; and hence farmers recycle their own seeds or get them from informal sources. This situation is leading to persistent pests and diseases particularly potato bacterial wilt (PBW) and late blight disease hampering potato productivity. Limitations: Soil erosion exacerbated by land fragmentation and use of steep land, and poor fertilization practices both in quantity and quality are reportedly highlighted in this review as secondary bottlenecks for potato production in Rwanda. Directions for future research: Active involvement of the private sector in seed production in conjunction with aeroponic systems and integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) is the promising future research path and most effective approach to be adopted for sustainable potato production and food security in the country.
Olericulture
Gebremedhin Hailay; Awgchew Haymanot
Abstract
Purpose: Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) is highly appreciated for its nutritional properties, year round availability, low cost and wide use. In central highlands of Ethiopia, Swiss chard has been producing in urban and peri-urban areas but limited information is available about its nutrition and planting ...
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Purpose: Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) is highly appreciated for its nutritional properties, year round availability, low cost and wide use. In central highlands of Ethiopia, Swiss chard has been producing in urban and peri-urban areas but limited information is available about its nutrition and planting distance. Research method: An experiment was designed to study the effects of 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 and control (0 kg ha-1), and different spacing with row including 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm distance on growth, yield and nutritional composition of Swiss chard in Debre Berhan. Treatments were set in randomized complete block design with three replications making 45 treatment combinations. Findings: Results indicated that total plant fresh weight, total plant dry weight, above ground fresh weight, above ground dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, plant height, leaf number per plant were significantly affect by the interaction effect of plant spacing and N levels. Leaf area index was significantly affected by intra-row spacing but not by N rate and their interaction. Remarkable difference was recorded on total nitrogen, nitrate contents and vitamin C of leaves due to varied N levels. Generally, growth attributes, yield performance and nutritional composition of Swiss chard obtained best at the combination of 100 kg N ha-1 N and 40 cm plant spacing. Research limitation: Intra-Row needs further study above the 40 cm planting distance. Originality/Value: combination of 100 kg N ha-1 and 40 cm in-row spacing can be used for Swiss chard production in Debre Berhan central highlands of Ethiopia.
Olericulture
Mohmmad Hossein Aminifard; Hassan Bayat; Mehdi Khayyat
Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to establish equations to estimate leaf area (LA) using length (L), width (W), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), length × width (L×W), width/length (W/L) of cress leaves as a leafy vegetable and radish leaves as a root vegetable. Research ...
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Purpose: The objective of this study was to establish equations to estimate leaf area (LA) using length (L), width (W), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), length × width (L×W), width/length (W/L) of cress leaves as a leafy vegetable and radish leaves as a root vegetable. Research method: An experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions to study the relationship between leaf dimension and weight with LA of these two vegetable plants. Observed LA was obtained by an automatic measuring device and leaf dimensions were measured by a ruler. Regression analyses of LA versus L, W, FW, DW, L×W and W/L led several models that could be used for estimating the area of individual cress and radish leaves. Findings: A linear model employing FW as an independent variable [LA=0.295 (Fresh W.)+ 1.430] resulted the most accurate estimate (R2 = 0.912, RMSE = 1.52) of cress LA. For radish, a linear model using W as an independent variable [LA=22.50 (W) + 7.46] showed the most accuracy (R2 = 0.874, RMSE = 11.26) for estimating LA. Validation of the regression models showed that the correlation between measured and simulated values using these equations was quite acceptable for radish and cress (R2 = 0.922, 0.876), respectively. Research limitations: Evaluation of more leafy vegetables possibly had better results. Originality/Value: The results showed that cress and radish LA could be monitored quickly, accurately, and non-destructively by using the leaf FW and leaf W models, respectively.
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