Agricultural University Campus Research Articles

Rainfall Prediction Model Improvement by Fuzzy Set Theory

This paper presents the improvement of the fuzzy inference model primarily developed for predicting rainfall with data from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) Station at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) Campus for the year 2004. The primary model was developed with Fuzzy variables selected based on the degree of association of different factors with various combinations causing rainfall. An increase in wind speed (WS) and a decrease in temperature (TP) when compared between the ith and (i-1)th day were found to have a positive relation with rainfall. Results of the model showed better performance after introducing the threshold values of 1) relative humidity (RH) of the ith day; 2) humidity increase (HI) when compared between the ith and (i-1)th day; and 3) product (P) of increase in wind speed (WS) and decrease in temperature (TP) when compared between the ith and (i-1)th day. In case of the improved model, errors between actual and calculated amount of rainfall (RF) were 1.20%, 2.19%, and 9.60% when using USDA-SCAN data from AAMU campus for years 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. The improved model was tested at William A. Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) and Bragg farm in Alabama to check the applicability of the model. The errors between the actual and calculated amount of rainfall (RF) were 3.20%, 5.90%, and 1.66% using USDA-SCAN data from WATARS for years 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively. Similarly, errors were 10.37%, 11.69%, and 25.52% when using SCAN data from Bragg farm for years 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. The primary model yielded the value of error equals 12.35% using USDA- SCAN data from AAMU campus for 2004. The present model performance was proven to be better than the primary model.

Research on Land Cover Classification for SPOT5

The type of land cover is principally determined by spectral reflectance of land. Different surface features have distinct absorption and reflection properties on different bands. The characteristic is used to identify land cover type from multi-spectral images. Reflectance coefficients and spectral differences are extracted as feature vector to represent each pixel. Self-Organizing Feature Map neural network is adopted for feature classification. A semi-supervised correction strategy is proposed to amend the classification errors. The images of Qingdao Agricultural University campus acquired by SPOT5 were selected as experimental data. The results show that the overall classification accuracy of samples is up to 83%, moreover, the proposed method is helpful in solving the phenomena of same object with different spectrums or different objects with same spectrum.

Field Release and Establishment of Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson in Kerala

A stem gall fly, Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) was released in 2007 and 2008 at Kerala Agricultural University Campus for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson and the releases made during 2008 resulted in its establishment. There ws a significant reduction in plant height on the galled plants at 30 and 60 days after gall formation. The gall fly could spread up to 500m, 100m, 50m and 100m from release points towards north, south, east and west, respectively. The gall fly could successfully overcome the dry season from January to May at Thrissur.

Fiber Saturation Point of Several Indonesian Lesser Known Species

Fiber saturation point (FSP) of several Indonesian commercial wood species was studied comprehensively. Five wood species namely sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), gmelina (Gmelina arborea) , nangka (Arthocarpus heterophyllus), manii (Maesopsis eminii), and mangium (Acacia mangium) from plantation areas closed to Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) campus were used as the sample. From each species, one normal tree was selected then cut, and one hundred and twenty small healthy blocks of (1 x 1 x 0.5) cm 3 were extracted randomly and utilized for specific gravity (SG) and wood shrinkage -green to air dry and to oven dry conditions- measurement. FSP was then measured as a ratio of total volumetric shrinkage and the SG. It was showed that FSP was affected by species namely extractive content. In all species studied, average value of FSP was below 30%. FSP of sengon, gmelina, nangka, manii, and mangium in average was 26.41%, 16.92%, 14.49%, 22.31%, and 23.94%, respectively.

Identification of Peanut bud necrosis virus and Tomato spotted wilt virus in Indonesia for the first time

In surveys conducted in May 2008 in Warung Kondang, Cianjur, West Java, tomato plants ( Solanum lycopersicum ) growing in farmers’ fields showed stunting and leaf symptoms of either bronzing or general chlorosis with vein-banding. In addition, chilli peppers ( Capsicum spp.) were observed with chlorosis and vein-banding symptoms in Salabintana, Sukabumi, West Java. Finally, peanut plants ( Arachis hypogaea ) showing chlorotic rings and necrosis on leaves were observed in a field near to the Bogor Agricultural University Campus, Darmaga Bogor. All these symptoms suggested the possible involvement of tospoviruses. To identify the viruses involved, leaves with symptoms were pressed onto FTA classic cards [FTA ® Classic Card, Whatman International Ltd.] and shipped to Washington State University, with the appropriate permit from USDA-APHIS-PPQ. Nucleic acids were recovered from the cards using a sample extraction protocol (Alabi et al ., 2008) and tested by one-tube, single-step reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using degenerate ‘universal’ tospovirus primers [Upstream primer: 5 ′ -CCTTTAACAGT(A/T/G)GAAACAT-3 ′ and Downstream primer: 5 ′ -CAT(A/T/G)GC(A/G)CAAGA(A/G)TG(A/G)TA(A/ G)ACAGA-3 ′ ] conserved in the L RNA segment of tospoviruses (Chu et al ., 2001). A DNA fragment of approximately 800 base pairs was amplified from the tomato, pepper and peanut samples. Each was cloned separately into pCR 2.1-TOPO vector (Invitrogen). Three independent clones from each sample were sequenced in both directions. A comparison of the nucleotide sequences obtained from the tomato (GenBank Accession No. FJ 177301) and chilli pepper samples (FJ 177302) was made with corresponding sequences of tospovirus L-RNA deposited in GenBank. This analysis showed 96 and 97% nucleotide sequence identity with Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) isolates from Hawaii, USA (AY070218) and Japan (AB198742), respectively. The sequences obtained from tomato and chilli shared only 93% identity between them, indicating that the Indonesian TSWV isolates from tomato and pepper may be distinct strains. An analysis of the nucleotide sequence obtained from the peanut sample (FJ177300) showed 94% sequence identity with corresponding L RNA sequence of a Peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) isolate from India (AF025538). These results confirm for the first time that two distinct tospoviruses, TSWV and PBNV, occur in Indonesia.

Model for predicting rainfall by fuzzy set theory using USDA scan data

This paper presents a fuzzy inference model for predicting rainfall using scan data from the USDA Soil Climate Analysis Network Station at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) campus for the year 2004. The model further reflects how an expert would perceive weather conditions and apply this knowledge before inferring a rainfall. Fuzzy variables were selected based on judging patterns in individual monthly graphs for 2003 and 2004 and the influence of different variables that cause rainfall. A decrease in temperature (TP) and an increase in wind speed (WS) when compared between the ith and ( i − 1)th day were found to have a positive relation with a rainfall (RF) occurrence in most cases. Therefore, TP and WS were used in the antecedent part of the production rules to predict rainfall (RF). Results of the model showed better performance when threshold values for: (1) relative humidity (RH) of ith day, (2) humidity increase (HI) between the ith and ( i − 1)th day, and (3) product ( P) of decrease in temperature (TP) and an increase in wind speed (WS) were introduced. The percentage of error was 12.35 when compared the calculated amount of rainfall with actual amount of rainfall.

Abundance of benthic fauna of a post harvest rice field in Bangladesh Agricultural University Campus, Mymensingh

Key words: Benthos; post harvest rice field Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol.22, 2003. pp. 105-110

A Study on Mode of Garbage Disposal by Urban Families

A study in Haryana Agricultural University Campus of Hisar City was conducted by taking 100 respondents to study the mode of garbage disposal by urban families. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were not satisfied by t heir existing mode of garbage disposal outside the home and were interested in effective management of garbage at household level. Bedroom 60(60.0) 60(100) 0(0.0) 20(33.3) 40(66.6) Kitchen 100(100) 100(100) 0(0.0) 25(25.0) 75(75.0) Court- 40(40.0) 30(75.00) 10(25.0) 0(0.0) 40(100) yard

Analysis of nesting material in bird nest boxes

Seven wooden nest boxes for birds each of 20x22x25cm dimensions with an opening of 5.6cm diameter were installed on 30 October 2001 on different trees in Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana (30056'N & 70052'E). The study aimed to understand the acceptance and adoption of wooden nest boxes by birds. Only one of the nest box installed on the Indian Coral tree Erythrina indica was occupied by Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and Spotted Owlet Athene brama at different durations over a period of two years. The nest box was emptied out first on 25 May 2002 and again on 31 March 2003 to examine and weigh the nesting materials gathered by Common Myna and Spotted Owlet after their respective periods of nest box occupation.

Brood parasitism by Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius Vahl.)

The Indian Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius Vahl.) was found to be a brood parasite on Pale-capped Babbler, Turdoides affinis (Jerdon) in Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Campus, Thrissur. The chances of babbler nests parasitised by cuckoos is maximum when they build nests on open-crowned and exposed trees at heights more than 5m. However, the nest building materials and the flock size of the babbler family did not influence the cuckoo in selecting the host. The study also indicates that the cuckoo may be destroying the eggs or the chicks of the host.

Birds of Kerala Agricultural University campus, Thrissur

Observations on the birds of Kerala Agricultural University Campus, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala revealed the presence of 135 species of birds, which belong to 17 orders and 40 families. Fifteen species are migrants.

Birds of Kerala Agricultural University campus, Thrissur

Birds of Kerala Agricultural University campus, Thrissur

Study on the spatial variability of rainfall in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus

The monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall of two locations in Coimbatore viz., New Area (NA) and Eastern Block (EB) have been statistically analysed based on the data of seven years (1992-1998). It is seen that higher annual rainfall was recorded at the NA than EB in all the seven years. The highest amount of rainfall was received in the year 1998 with less number of rain days in both the locations. The variations of rainfall amount was less in NEM season between the locations.

Mycotic Involvement in Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome of Freshwater Fishes of Bangladesh: A Histopathological Study

Five species of freshwater fishes (Cirrhinus mrigala, Catla catla, Puntius sophore, Glossogobius giuris and Labeo rohita) were affected by the epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in the Bangladesh Agricultural University campus. A monthly sampling was carried out from October 1997 to March 1998. Clinically and histologically C. mrigala was severely affected by EUS, followed by C. catla, P. sophore and G. giuris. L. rohita was the least affected species. Large, deep and whitish ulcers were recorded in the lateral region (near the dorsal fin) and caudal region where parts of fins, scales and muscle were lost in most of the EUS affected fish. Massive necrosis of the epithelium and muscle tissue was observed in the affected tissue surrounding the granuloma. The granuloma due to fungal infection consisted of mononuclear epithelloid cells and fibrillar structures. Fungal granulomas were also found in the liver of C. mrigala and C. calla and in the kidney of C. mrigala only. However, the liver and kidney of other species had necrotic hepatocytes, renal tubules and glomeruli associated with many inflammatory cells. Water temperature, alkalinity and hardness were reduced in the months of December, January and February in comparison with other months. Clinically and histologically, in the colder months (December, January and February), all fish specimens were more affected by EUS in comparison with other months. The clinical signs, infection mode and histopathology of the disease observed in the present study resemble mycotic granulomatosis. Thus, the consistent involvement of fungus and its similarity in pathology to EUS in other countries, indicate that fungus is one of the pathological agents of EUS.

Intake of nutrients, phytin P, polyphenolic compounds, oxalates and dietary fibre by university campus residents

Dietary survey of ninety families, thirty each from low, middle and high income groups of Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana was carried out during the winter of 1990. Per caput nutrie...

Sorghum Leaf Area as a Function of Sixth Leaf Area

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine the relationship between sixth leaf area and total leaf area of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) to obtain the total leaf area estimate without having to make the time consuming area measurement directly. Ten sorghum varieties were raised at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus Coimbatore from which the leaf samples were taken. The allometric relationship derived by logarithmic transformation between total leaf area (TLA) and sixth leaf area measured by leaf area meter (SLALW) and TLA and sixth leaf area measured by maximum length and width (SLALW) were not different significantly. The allometric relationship for all the ten varieties of pooled data wereTLA = 27.416 (SLAM)0.794and TLA = 14.355 (SLALW)0.857)Where TLA, SLAM and SLALW are measured in cm2. The standard error of estimate equalled to 0.00299 and 0.0035 for the regression of TLA‐SLAM and TLA‐SLALW respectively. The correlation co‐efficients for TLA‐SLAM and TLA‐SLALW were 0.94 and 0.93 respectively. Among the relationships tried for third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh leaf area by meter and length X width verses total leaf area, the SLA verses TLA found to be more suitable.

Rice Germplasm Conservation and Evaluation Activities At J.N. Agricultural University Campus, Raipur, MP, India

Rice Germplasm Conservation and Evaluation Activities At J.N. Agricultural University Campus, Raipur, MP, India

Compliance efficacy of modified curing methods to control black bengal goat skin deterioration

The study was conducted to determine microbial spoilage of skins of Black Bengal goats at various stages and to assess the efficacy of modified curing processes of that skins, during the period of July to November 2006. A total number of six intact skins from Black Bengal goat of two years of age were obtained from markets located at Bangladesh Agricultural University Campus and Mymensingh town. After the usual traditional method of flaying these skins were properly washed prior to curing process. Raw or green skin samples without subjected to treatment process were used as control. Two categories of samples were prepared, one immediately after the completion of flaying, i.e. considered as zero hour of sampling and the other after twenty-four hours of storage at the ambient temperature. The rest of the samples were treated with different preparations of Neem oil, Tolcide (30L), and Busan (40L) and common salt and kept for various periods. From each of the differently treated skins, bacteriological samples were taken aseptically from the regions of shoulder, belly and butt each sampling weighing about 10 grams. The bacteriological analysis of the samples was performed by determining total viable count in order to find out the extent of contamination and varying bacterial load of the three different regions. Moreover, the isolation and identification of various bacteria contaminating the skin samples was done and the efficacy of curing agents to minimize bacterial load and the survivability of microbes were studied. The results showed that Staphylococci, E. coli, Bacillus, Pseudomonas etc bacteria were isolated from raw and cured skin samples and Tolcide (30L) 0.04% and Busan (40L) 0.04% and Neem oil 10% and common salt 20% were the best curing agents from microbial quality point of view. Key words: Goats skin, curing agent, bacterial load, TVC, TCC, TSC Â doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v6i2.2335 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (2): 191-196

Isolation and characterization of sheep salmonellae in and around Bangladesh Agricultural University campus

The study was carried out for isolation of Salmonella spp. and their characterization from sheep during the period from November 2006 to May 2007. For this study a total number of 63 rectal swab samples of sheep were collected. Out of 63 samples, 9 samples were identified as positive for Salmonella and each positive sample was treated as one isolate. All the Salmonella isolates revealed the same morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. In the stab culture on TSI agar slant, all of the isolated Salmonella isolates produced acid (yellow) and gas in the butt, the production of hydrogen sulfide gas in both butt and slant, and the alkaline (red) reaction in the slant. For the slide agglutination test, Salmonella agglutinating antiserum (poly ‘O' and poly ‘H') was used which agglutinated all the isolates and thereby identified the organism as Salmonella. The pathogenicity of the isolates was studied in mice and it revealed that the isolates were pathogenic. After isolation of Salmonella, eight commonly used antibiotics were used for the antibiogram study of isolated Salmonella. Among the isolates, 77.78% were highly sensitive and 22.22% were moderately sensitive to ciprofloxacin and spiramycin, 66.67% were highly sensitive and 33.33% were moderately sensitive to gentamicin. 55.56% were moderately sensitive and 44.44% were less sensitive to oxytetracycline and streptomycin, 33.33% were moderately sensitive and 66.67% were less sensitive to amoxycillin, 11.11% were moderately sensitive, 33.33% were less sensitive and 66.67% were resistant to sulphamethoxazole, 11.11% were less sensitive and 88.89% were resistant to penicillin-G.  From the results it may be concluded that the prevalence of Salmonella organisms in sheep of this country is remarkable and isolated Salmonella spp. are pathogenic for laboratory animals and highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin, spiramycin and gentamicin. From the results it also may be concluded that slide agglutination test can be used for the rapid detection of Salmonella organism. Key words: isolation, characterization, pathogenicity, antibiogram study DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v6i1.1346 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (1): 75-78

Helminth parasites of the digestive system of sheep in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Helminth parasites of the digestive system of sheep in Mymensingh, Bangladesh were studied during the period January to December, 2004. For this, the digestive system were collected from sheep slaughtered at slaughter houses of Mymensingh town and the Bangladesh Agricultural University Campus and were subjected to routine examination for the collection of helminth parasites. A total of 150 sheep were examined of which 142 (94.67%) were positive for one/more species of helminth parasites, among them six species belonged to trematodes, namely, Fasciola gigantica, Schistosoma indicum, Paramphistomum cervi, Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Grastrothylax crumenifer and Homalogaster paloniae, two species belonged to cestodes, namely, Moniezia expansa and Moniezia benedeni and three species belonged to nematodes, namely Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum columbianum and Trichuris ovis. Relatively higher occurrence was recorded in winter season (100%) followed by rainy (96%) and summer (88.57%). In relation to age, the occurrence of helminth parasites in younger ( < 1 year) and in old (≥2 years) sheep was 100% but in young (≥1-2 years) was 76.09%. In relation to sex, the occurrence of helminth parasites was 100% in female and 78.57% in male sheep. Key words: Helminth, digestive system, sheep DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1294 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 117-122