Linker (The Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

Histopathological Profiling of Banana Varieties Infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4

2024-12-26T14:18:38+00:00

Fusarium wilt disease has been a major threat to the banana industry in the Philippines and efforts are of utmost importance to combat it. The present study evaluated the histopathological characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 infecting two susceptible varieties, the Lakatan and Cavendish cv. Gran Naine banana seedlings. This is to understand the pathogen’s aggressiveness and the host plant response mechanism. The study was conducted using histopathological profiling techniques, including pathogen isolation, pathogenicity testing, and tissue analysis. The pathogenicity test for the FocTR4 isolates has demonstrated an external symptom of yellowing on the older leaves and pseudostem splitting, with an internal manifestation of corm and vascular discoloration. Histological examination of the FocTR4-infected tissue exhibited massive colonization of fungal mycelia to the xylem vessels and was able to produce a chlamydospores and microconidia structure. Moreover, both varieties exhibited a defense response to the pathogen attack by the production of its phenolic compounds which is more evident in the Lakatan variety. These findings emphasize the virulence nature of the FocTR4 and highlight the importance of developing resistant cultivars and integrated management strategies. Further research should focus on the molecular level in understanding the histopathological characterization of FocTR4-infected banana varieties at the nursery and field conditions.

Microbiological, Nutrient Analysis and Sensory Acceptability of Bottled Rice Eel (Monopterus Albus) In Spanish Oil Style with Different Fruit Flavorings

2024-12-20T01:43:19+00:00

This study was conducted to determine the acceptability of bottled Rice eel flavored with different fruit extracts such as Guava, Calamansi, Camias, and Tamarind in Spanish oil style. The five treatments in this study were the fruit flavorings such as Guava, Calamansi, Camias, and Tamarind, was served as experimental treatment. The sensory qualities of the samples were measured using the hedonic scale wherein 1 is the lowest rate and 9 was the highest rate of the product, the overall acceptability was ranked using ACI. The population of TPC recorded varies from 10³ to 10⁶ samples. All treatments showed that there is no development of bacteria on Day 1. However, all treatments from Day 8 to Day 32 had an increasing number of TPC. Day 8 recorded the lowest TPC, while Day 32 got the highest TPC. The crude protein content ranged from 18.72 to 21.05%, the crude fiber content ranged from 0.82 to 2.01%, the crude fat content ranged from 7.95 to 12.72%, the moisture content ranged from 53.28 to 64.40%, the ash content ranged from 3.85 to 5.49%. Return on investment (ROI) is generally defined as the ratio of net profit over the total cost of the investments. ROI can be used to identify the investment’s gain and financial returns. Table 14 shows that T1 has a 42% estimated ROI, T2 and 4 have a 49% estimated ROI, and T3 and 5 have a 45% estimated ROI.

Yield Enhancement Through Nitrogen Fertilization of Pakchong Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum x P. glaucum)

2024-12-20T01:40:26+00:00

The study was conducted to evaluate the yield performance of Pakchong and native Napier varieties. Specifically, it aimed to determine the effects of varying levels of nitrogen and constant rate of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the interaction effect of Napier varieties over varying levels of nitrogen, and economic benefits. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice. The number of tillers, height of the plant, fresh and dry matter yield, crude protein, and herbage yield were gathered and analyzed using the analysis of variance. Nitrogen fertilization of 80 kg N ha-1 increases yield performance on the number of tillers/clumps, plant height, fresh and dry matter yield, and herbage yield in the 30-day cutting intervals (DCI). Native (NT) Napier is comparable to the Pakchong (PK) Napier and has significant effects on varying levels of nitrogen at 45 DCI on other parameters. Pakchong was found better to native at 30 DCI as the grass matured at 45 DCI. Nitrogen fertilization to aging Napier grass can increase crude protein content. Interaction between varieties and levels of nitrogen on the parameters was not observed. Income benefits are favorable for 80-60-0 kg NPK ha -1 of fertilization 30 DCI and 45 DCI. The same study is recommended for the wet season and acceptability trials of ensiled Napier grass to animals.

Eggplant Variety Classification Using Image Processing

2025-01-05T15:49:58+00:00

Image processing is a powerful technique used in various fields, including agriculture, to enhance images and extract valuable information. This study focuses on utilizing image processing to determine crop parameters such as area, perimeter, and volume, thereby facilitating the assessment of crop quality. The integration of fuzzy logic concepts and the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier further enhances image processing outcomes. The objective of the study was to identify eggplant varieties based on seed analysis using image processing, fuzzy logic, and KNN algorithms. The methodology involved enhancing image quality and extracting essential features from eggplant seeds, including area, perimeter, equivalent diameter, and roundness, which are used for subsequent fuzzy logic and KNN classification. The results demonstrate a successful application of image enhancement and feature extraction on eggplant seed images. The proposed approach accurately identified eggplant varieties using fuzzy logic and KNN algorithms. In conclusion, the extracted features are crucial for the classification process. Future research should expand the dataset to include a wider range of eggplant varieties, explore alternative machine-learning techniques, and consider variations in lighting conditions and seed sizes. These recommendations aim to improve the accuracy and robustness of the classification model. This research holds promise for broader applications in agriculture, crop classification, plant disease detection, and quality control in food production. The integration of image processing, fuzzy logic, and KNN presents valuable opportunities for advancements in various industries.

Nutrient Requirement of Corn (Zea maize) for Silage Production

2024-12-26T12:56:56+00:00

With the unprecedented increase in the price of fertilizer and the lack of adequate information on the quantity and timing of its application, farmers’ income and productivity were affected. With this, the recommended fertilizer rate for corn silage production to increase productivity while reducing costs should be established. This study aimed to verify and establish the recommended fertilizer rate in corn silage production, which can guide farmers' strategies for reducing the cost of production when producing corn silage. The study was laid out in two factorial experiments arranged in a split plot in Randomized Complete Block Design with four levels of fertilizer recommended rate (T1 80%, T2 70%, T3 60%, and T4 50%) as the main plot treatments. The treatments used were based on the soil analysis results of the area, and two varieties (NSIC 2018 GmCn48 and IES GLUT #7) were established as subplots in 5,000 m2 area. Plant height, number of leaves, and length of leaves were collected during the growth stage; herbage yield was collected during harvesting at 75 DAPS; and biomass yield was collected after 21 days of fermentation. A kilogram of samples from each treatment was collected and subjected to proximate analysis. As a result of the study's importance, all of the parameters were analyzed using the Randomized Complete Block Design, and all the growth parameters were found to be non-significant. Meanwhile, 60% is the recommended fertilizer rate for corn silage to produce the optimal yield of open-pollinated variety (OPV) and hybrid corn for silage production.

Development and Assessment of Social Acceptability, Market Potential, and Profitability of Various Banana Pseudo-Stem Beverages

2024-12-20T01:07:13+00:00

The study aimed to utilize banana pseudo-stem (BPS) to develop juice, shakes, and tea, and assess their acceptability and market potential. Natural ingredients were used. The developed products contain extract from the inner sheath and tender core of BPS. Untrained panelists showed different preferences when grouped according to age and marital status. Younger, single people preferred shakes and juice; older, married people preferred tea. There was a general dearth of knowledge about the physiological and nutritional advantages of BPS, which emphasizes the necessity of consumer education. Different levels of palatability were found in the beverages based on sensory ratings. The juice was evaluated as moderately acceptable with no discernible bitterness, whereas shakes were rated extremely good because of their balanced sweetness and absence of sourness or bitterness. The tea faced challenges due to its slight bitterness and less favorable aftertaste. The shakes have the most favorable potential, highlighting how flavor influences consumer preferences. The low frequency of consumption was found, with beverages being perceived as supplemental rather than everyday needs. On average, the projected weekly consumption is 188 ml of juice, 258 ml of shakes, and 74 ml of tea. Profitability evaluations highlighted the economic feasibility of all beverages, with T1 formulations showing cost-effectiveness across all products. While not for tea, sociodemographic characteristics like age, household size, and income source may substantially impact juice and shake consumption trends. The results highlight the urgency of innovative marketing, better flavor compositions, and consumer education promotional programs to increase the appeal and consumption of BPS beverages.

Hyping the “Blackgold”: Assessing the Market-Potential of Mungbean-Based Developed Products in Cagayan Valley

2024-12-26T12:58:46+00:00

DA-RFO-02-CVRC initiated the development of mungbean-based food products in 2018 as a value-adding intervention to support farmers in Cagayan Valley. The primary aim of this study was to conduct market research that would serve as a foundation for improving the product's processing technology, assessing its financial viability, and transferring the developed Package of Technology (POT). Additionally, the study included capability-building and enterprise development activities for potential technology takers. The products include instant ginisang munggo, instant mungbean noodles, and vacuum-fried sprouts. To assess the market potential of these products, focus group discussions (FGDs) with three age cohorts. Pre-consumption data revealed positive responses, particularly in areas such as packaging. Post-consumption data showed that, across all three developed products, the aroma, texture, and flavor were liked a lot by the respondents. The payback period for the various established enterprises is as follows: (1) Ginisang Munggo + Mungbean Noodles and Vacuum-Fried Sprouts (1.87 years); (2) Ginisang Munggo + Mungbean Noodles (2.05 years); and (3) Vacuum-Fried Sprouts and Fresh Mungbean Sprouts (2.97 years). Currently, the FLOW of Pariir Agriculture Cooperative is the technology taker for these products. The cooperative is now responsible for the commercialization and production of 68,593 pieces of mungbean food products, generating a total gross income of PHP 1,412,496 in just one year of operation.

Growth Performance of Broilers Fed Diet with Pelleted Phytobiotic Feeds

2024-12-20T01:42:45+00:00

To evaluate the effect of pelleted phytobiotic feeds on the growth performance of broilers, 150 – day old broilers were divided into five groups and assigned to one of the five treatments with 0%, 2% commercial antibiotics, and each 5% of lagundi, oregano, and guava leaf meal following the Completely Randomized Design. Based on the result of the study, the use of pelleted phytobiotics as feedstuff for broiler chicken has no significant effect on their growth performance in terms of body weight, weight gain, percentage rate of growth, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and efficiency. In addition, the broilers fed with pelleted phytobiotic feeds with 5% guava leaf meal produced the highest return of investment; hence, it is recommended and can be safely used as feed ingredients to the broilers without any deleterious effect on the growth performance. Further study should also be done on the histopathological effects of phytobiotics on the gut of the broiler.