Harvesting Practices Research Articles

Fishery and reproductive biology of the spotted sardinella Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1972) exploited along the southern coast of India

The study focused on the fishery and biological aspects of the spotted sardinellaAmblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1972) exploited along the southern coast of India from 2015to 2020. The summary of the fishery reveals noticeable annual fluctuations in landing, withpeak landings reported from November to March along the coast. The study included fishwith total length (TL) ranging from 149 to 208 mm in males and 152 to 217 mm in females.The peak in gonadosomatic Index (GSI) in January indicates its spawning season, and Lm50was estimated at 172 mm TL in females. The sex ratio (F: M) was determined at 1:1.2, withmales dominating most months. Fecundity ranged from 11632 to 43200 eggs per spawning.Five stages of maturity in A. sirm were identified through external analysis of gonads. Sevenhistological ovarian stages of A.sirm were recorded, providing a primary reference forfuture studies. These findings aim to assist fishery managers and policymakers in adoptingeffective management practices for the sustainable harvesting of this resource. Keywords:Amblygaster sirm, Gonadosomatic index, Sex ratio,Fecundity, Lm50, Histology

Changes in the prevalence of fungal species causing post‐harvest diseases of carrot in Finland

AbstractPost‐harvest diseases cause significant economic losses in the carrot production chain. In this study, storage losses and fungal pathogens causing them were analysed in the carrot yield from 52 different field plots in four areas in Finland in 3 years (2016–2018). Over 30,000 carrots were sampled and analysed at three time points during cold storage at 0–1°C. In March, after 5–6 months' storage, the average loss due to diseases was 20%–21% every year. Decay of the root tip was the most common disease symptom, followed by pits on the side and black rot in the crown, detected in 69.2%, 15.0% and 9.0% of the symptomatic samples, respectively. Both intensive carrot cultivation practice and early timing of harvest increased storage losses. Pathogens in 3057 symptomatic carrot tissue samples were isolated by culturing, and fungal species were identified. The most common fungal species detected were Mycocentrospora acerina, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium spp., especially F. avenaceum. However, the frequency of different pathogens varied between the different years and time points during storage. Species‐specific PCR tests revealed that M. acerina and F. avenaceum were present in many early time‐point samples where they could not yet be detected by the culturing method. In Finland, this study on carrot post‐harvest diseases is the first large‐scale survey in which the fungal pathogens were isolated and identified by laboratory tests. In comparison with the previous studies, Fusarium spp. were detected more frequently in this study, while grey mould and Sclerotinia rot were less frequent.

Enhancement of solar panel power generation performance with a passive sun tracking system

In this paper, a solar tracking device that can continuously track the sun by adjusting the direction and angle of the solar panel in real time is designed and fabricated to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell panel. The mechanical parts as well as the automatic control part of the passive sun-tracking system are described, and the efficiency enhancement with the sun-tracking solar panel is characterized in comparison with the fixed panel system. The test results show that in the spring season in Qingdao city of eastern China, the sun-tracking system can improve the solar cell power generation efficiency by 28.5%–42.9% when comparing to the direction and elevation angle fixed system in sunny days. Even in partly cloudy days, the PV power output can increased by 37% with using the passive sun-tracking system. Economic analysis results show the cost-benefit period is about 10 years, which indicates that the passive sun tracking device can substantially contribute to the solar energy harvest practices.

Sustainability of Artemisia umbelliformis gathering in the wild: An integration of ecological conditions and harvesting exposure

Harvesting of wild plants is a traditional practice that is sustainable if the plant populations reproduce and persist. The génépi, Artemisia umbelliformis, occurs on crests and summits in the Alps, and is harvested mainly by amateurs. However, little is known about the ecology of this species and the practice of harvesting has received little scientific attention. Here we assess the sustainability of génépi harvesting through an integrative approach combining: (1) the quantification of spatial ecological variation across the distribution of A. umbelliformis in the southern Alps and (2) the examination of the social-ecological parameters that modulate the intensity of harvesting practices. We showed that topographic roughness is important for the presence of the species at a 25‑m resolution, while its cover at a 1‑m resolution is mainly influenced by space availability (with a fine‑grained stony substrate and limited vegetal cover). Our results show how the amateur activity of harvesting depends on resource availability, sitehiking attractiveness, and to a lesser extent the accessibility of the harvesting site. More precisely, harvesting intensity is more closely correlated with resource availability at the landscape scale than at the harvesting site scale, with a stronger importance of plant density in a large zone (500 m and 1 km buffers) than local density in a given site. Finally, we map both the potential ecological sensitivity of A. umbelliformis and its exposure to harvesting to produce an integrated ecological risk assessment for the conservation of this species. This study illustrates how the concept of the niche can be more precisely recognised by integrating both human and ecological dimensions, particularly when dealing with the sustainability of wild plant harvesting.

Analyzing Production, Productivity, and Export Performance of Key Spices in India

To bolster economic growth in agriculture, there must be a concerted effort to increase production and achieve a balance in trade through exports and imports. India, in its global competition, excels in exporting significant spices and select horticultural products, thereby driving economic growth, aided by various governmental initiatives aimed at supporting farmers. This study aims to analyze the Growth Rate and Instability in Area, Production, and Productivity of major spices, as well as examine the export trends of these spices from India over a decade, from 2010 to 2020.Utilizing statistical tools such as Compound Annual Growth Rate Analysis (CAGR) and Instability Rate (IR), the study evaluates secondary data sourced from the Spice Board of India’s annual reports spanning the years 2010-2011 to 2019-2020. The analysis provides insights into the compound annual growth rate and instability concerning the selected spices in terms of area, production, productivity, and export performance. Key findings shed light on India’s position in the global spice market and reveal the trajectory of spice growth compared to the preceding decade (2001-2010). A critical concern for sustaining export market viability lies in enhancing productivity while maintaining product quality. Recommendations include cultivating high-quality products, stringent quality control measures, staying abreast of global market trends, implementing adequate storage protocols, ensuring proper harvesting practices, and maintaining environmental and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the study suggests introducing agricultural schemes to support spice cultivation, thereby boosting production, productivity, and ultimately impacting the Indian economy positively. These efforts aim to foster sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global spice market while ensuring the prosperity of Indian farmers and the agricultural sector.

Future Challenges and Opportunities of Marine Algae in Cosmeceuticals

Abstract: Marine algae have garnered significant attention in the cosmeceutical industry due to their diverse array of bioactive compounds and unique properties. As the demand for sustainable and effective skincare solutions rises, marine algae offer a promising avenue for innovation. This study explores the future challenges and opportunities of utilizing marine algae in cosmeceuticals. One of the foremost challenges lies in the sustainable sourcing and cultivation of marine algae to meet the growing demand while preserving marine ecosystems. Overcoming this challenge requires advancements in biotechnology, including the development of efficient cultivation techniques and sustainable harvesting practice. Cosmetics are widely used by people around the world to protect the skin from external stimuli. Consumer preference towards natural cosmetic products has increased as the synthetic cosmetic products caused adverse side effects and resulted in low absorption rate due to the chemicals’ larger molecular size. The cosmetic industry uses the term “cosmeceutical”, referring to a cosmetic product that is claimed to have medicinal or drug-like benefits. Marine algae are rich in bioactive substances that have shown to exhibit strong benefits to the skin, particularly in overcoming rashes, pigmentation, aging, and cancer. The current review provides a detailed survey of the literature on cosmeceutical potentials and applications of algae as skin whitening, anti-aging, anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammation, and antimicrobial agents. The biological functions of algae and the underlying mechanisms of all these activities are included in this review. In addition, the challenges of using algae in cosmeceutical applications, such as the effectiveness of different extraction methods and processing, quality assurance, and regulations concerning extracts of algae in this sector were also discussed.

Enhanced local governance as response to threats on vulnerable non-timber forest product species: Case of Garcinia kola Heckel in East Cameroon

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) on which there is high reliance by the local population are often highly threatened. Hence, the current study was carried out to assess the local governance of vulnerable NTFPs and to find prospective strategies for enhancing local governance using Garcinia kola Heckel, a Vulnerable NTFP highly solicited by local communities for their livelihoods in Eastern Cameroon. Focus group discussions were used to collect data in 14 villages adjacent to Belabo-Diang Communal Forest on the major constraints of local governance, and prospects for enhancing local governance to guarantee the conservation and sustainable management of G. kola through a key stakeholders engagement workshop. Synthesis and analysis of the data identified twelve major constraints of the local governance of G. kola. The study also revealed the low power of local authorities over the regulation of the resource rights and its sustainable use, and the laxity and poor participation of different stakeholders in the management of G. kola. The most feasible local governance strategies identified that can enhance the conservation and sustainable use of G. kola were: sensitization on its threats and need to conserve; build capacity of council forest managers and local people on sustainable harvesting practices and planting techniques; the use of incentives to promote regeneration and private plantation and ownership; value chain organisation and the enforcement of the customary regulations. The study concludes that for enhanced local governance to play a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of vulnerable NTFPs, all key stakeholders need to play their respective roles in a collaborative and responsible manner within the confines of good policies and pragmatic institutional arrangements.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Gas Fermentation for the Production of Single Cell Protein.

Despite the large carbon footprint of livestock production, animal protein consumption has grown over the past several decades, necessitating new approaches to sustainable animal protein production. In this techno-economic analysis, single cell protein (SCP) produced via gas fermentation of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen is studied as an animal feed source to replace fishmeal or soybean meal. Using wind-powered water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen with carbon dioxide captured from corn ethanol, the minimum selling price (MSP) of SCP is determined to be $2070 per metric ton. An emissions comparison between SCP, fishmeal, and soybean meal shows that SCP has a carbon intensity as low as 0.73 kg CO2-equiv/kg protein, while fishmeal and soybean meal have an average carbon intensity of 2.72 kg CO2-equiv/kg protein and 0.85 kg CO2-equiv/kg protein, respectively. Moreover, SCP production would occupy 0.4% of the land per ton of protein produced compared to soybean meal and would disturb less than 0.1% of the marine ecosystem currently disturbed by fishmeal harvesting practices. These results show promise for the future economic viability of SCP as a protein source in animal feed and indicate significant environmental benefits compared to other animal feed protein sources.

Wildlife harvesting from the Afaka Forest Reserve, Kaduna, Nigeria: The prosperity–posterity crossroad

This study examined the harvesting of wildlife from the Afaka Forest Reserve from the standpoint of economic benefits and sustainability. The data for this study were collected using questionnaire and interview in 2017 from eight communities around the Afaka Forest Reserve, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling approach was adopted to collect data from 134 respondents who harvest wildlife from the Reserve. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and Gini Index analysis. The findings revealed that wildlife incomes from animals like rabbits, porcupines, bats, and monitor lizards contributed 18.41% of total incomes of communities living around the Afaka Forest Reserve in Kaduna State in 2015. Sixty-one percent of the respondents harvested wildlife at least once in a week. Gross margin was highest in porcupine harvesting (N26, 872.73) while the highest return per Naira invested (N8.02) accrued to harvesting of insects. The average gross margin was N10, 610.86 while average return on investment was N2.35. Wildlife income had a reducing effect on income inequality as the marginal effect of wildlife income on Gini index of total income was -0.0883 meaning a 10% increase in wildlife incomes reduces inequality by about 0.9%. The study recommends that wildlife harvesting regulations which curb indiscriminate harvesting should be enforced alongside continuous sensitization of communities on the importance of sustainable harvesting practices towards a balanced prosperity-posterity equation.

THE UTILIZATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR HEALTHCARE PURPOSES BY THE RESIDENTS OF TURMIK VALLEY, GILGIT-BALTISTAN PAKISTAN

People in Turmik valley, which is located in one of the more isolated areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, continue to rely on natural treatments to fulfill their main healthcare requirements. However, the folk wisdom that has been passed down through generations is gradually disappearing as a result of the development of contemporary allopathic medicines. For this reason, it is essential to document the indigenous wisdom for the benefit of children and grandchildren. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of medicinal plants in the investigation area for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. The research findings revealed the presence of 27 plant species belonging to 17 distinct families in the studied area. Among these, the Asteraceae family was found to be the most prevalent, comprising seven different species. Leaves and flowers emerged as the most frequently utilized plant parts, constituting 40% of the overall usage, and were typically prepared as decoctions (accounting for 24% of preparations). In terms of species dominance, Thymus emerged as the most prominent, followed by Cicer microphyllum Royle, while Sassurea graminifolia was identified as the least dominant species. However, it is important to note that the medicinal plants in the region face a range of threats, including overgrazing, uprooting, unsustainable harvesting practices, and the adverse effects of climate change. These challenges underscore the pressing need for conservation efforts, which should involve both government agencies and local communities, in order to safeguard these crucial medicinal species. The study recommends implementing awareness sessions and training programs, ideally through academic institutions, to raise awareness about the importance of conserving these medicinal plants and to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices. Notably, Thymus, Benth, Hippophae rhamnoides ssp., and Convolvulus arvensis L. were identified as the most commonly used medicinal plants in the region, emphasizing their significance in traditional healing practices.

Assessing the Potential of Prambanan Biodiversity Park for Sustainable Food Resources and Agriculture in Kemudo, Klaten, Central Java

Prambanan Biodiversity Park (TKP), situated in Kemudo, Klaten, Central Java, is an important natural reserve dedicated for preservation of local biodiversity and environmental protection by PT.Sarihusada Generasi Mahardhika. This research investigates the park's potential in providing food resources and supporting agricultural practices for nearby communities. Assessment of plant species is conducted to evaluate the park's biodiversity, including surveys, species identification, mapping. The collected data provides an overview of the park's biodiversity and serves as a baseline for further analysis. The analysis focuses on identifying plant species within the park that hold potential value for food resources and agriculture. This includes studying ecological relationships between species and plants that contribute to pest control in agricultural systems. To understand the local community's perspectives and practices related to food and agriculture, interviews, focus group discussions are conducted, exploring their traditional knowledge and utilization of biodiversity for sustenance and farming. The research finds several potential benefits of utilizing TKP for food resources and agriculture. The diverse flora of the park offers a variety of edible plants, such as Moringa oleifera and fruit-based species, which can enhance local diets and provide nutritional diversity. Furthermore, traditional plants like mojo hold potential as natural pesticides, contributing to pest control in agricultural fields. Integration of biodiversity into local food systems may require capacity building and awareness programs to promote sustainable harvesting and cultivation practices. The research recommends the development of conservation strategies and policies focused on sustainable practices, community participation, and educational initiatives to maximize the potential benefits for local food security and agriculture. This research drive conservation strategies that protect biodiversity and enhance the well-being of the local community. TKP emerges as an invaluable resource capable of supplying essential food provisions and supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices for neighboring communities, thereby emphasizing the criticality of interweaving biodiversity preservation within the framework of local food systems.

WITHDRAWN: Standardizing agronomic practices for mechanical harvesting of the single-harvest garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) in India

The field investigations were conducted to study the effect of time of sowing, spacing and sowing method on yield and its attributing traits on single-harvest garden pea to standardize the agronomic practices for mechanized cultivation in India. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with 30 treatments comprising five dates of sowing in main plots and 2 different planting methods (flat and bed) sown at three different spacing in subplots and replicated three times. The bed size was standardized according to front-loading width of the pea combine. Significant interactions were observed between the date of sowing and spacing for a number of pods per plant, green seeds per pod, green pod yield per plant, green pod yield per plot; date of sowing and sowing method for pod length; spacing and sowing method for plant height. However, for all the traits, there was non-significant 3-way interaction. The late sown (20th December) crop resulted in the lowest number of pods per plant, green seeds per pod, green pod yield per plant and green pod yield per plot which was due to high temperature and low relative humidity at pod development and filling stage. It is concluded that the sowing of garden pea cultivar Punjab-89 on 5th November at an intermediate spacing of 20 × 7.5 cm using bed sowing method resulted in significantly highest green pod yield of 12.75 kg/9m2 in the single harvest.

Net carbon sequestration implications of intensified timber harvest in Northeastern U.S. forests

AbstractU.S. forests, particularly in the eastern states, provide an important offset to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some have proposed that forest‐based natural climate solutions can be strengthened via a number of strategies, including increases in the production of forest biomass energy. We used output from a forest dynamics model (SORTIE‐ND) in combination with a GHG accounting tool (ForGATE) to estimate the carbon consequences of current and intensified timber harvest regimes in the Northeastern United States. We considered a range of carbon pools including forest ecosystem pools, forest product pools, and waste pools, along with different scenarios of feedstock production for biomass energy. The business‐as‐usual (BAU) scenario, which represents current harvest practices derived from the analysis of U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data, sequestered more net CO2 equivalents than any of the intensified harvest and feedstock utilization scenarios over the next decade, the most important time period for combatting climate change. Increasing the intensity of timber harvest increased total emissions and reduced landscape average forest carbon stocks, resulting in reduced net carbon sequestration relative to current harvest regimes. Net carbon sequestration “parity points,” where the regional cumulative net carbon sequestration from alternate intensified harvest scenarios converge with and then exceed the BAU baseline, ranged from 12 to 40 years. A “no harvest” scenario provides an estimate of an upper bound on forest carbon sequestration in the region given the expected successional dynamics of the region's forests but ignores leakage. Regional net carbon sequestration is primarily influenced by (1) the harvest regime and amount of forest biomass removal, (2) the degree to which bioenergy displaces fossil fuel use, and (3) the proportion of biomass diverted to energy feedstocks versus wood products.

Nurturing Tradition and Nature through Odisha's Shraddha Rituals

Purpose of the Study: This research investigates the use of plant species in Odisha's Shraddha rituals, aiming to highlight the interplay between cultural traditions and biodiversity conservation. It seeks to understand how these rituals contribute to the preservation of the region's botanical heritage and the broader environmental sustainability. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, discussions with key informants, and direct observations, across both rural and urban areas of Odisha's coastal districts. A total of 167 informants from diverse backgrounds participated, providing comprehensive insights into the rituals and their associated flora. The research also involved collecting plant specimens and photographic documentation to enrich the understanding of these practices. Main Findings: Thirty-nine plant species across 24 families, crucial to the Shraddha rituals, were identified. Notable species like Areca catechu and Cocos nucifera emerged as symbols of the spiritual-nature bond in Odia culture. The study uncovers challenges such as overharvesting and habitat destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable harvesting practices and biodiversity conservation. Applications of this Study: The findings are instrumental for cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. They provide a framework for local communities and religious leaders to engage in sustainable practices and for conservation bodies to develop strategies that balance cultural traditions with ecological preservation. Novelty/Originality: This research is unique in its ethnobotanical approach to exploring the role of religious rituals in environmental conservation. Integrating cultural anthropology with botanical science offers new insights into how traditional practices can support biodiversity preservation. Its comprehensive analysis across both rural and urban settings in Odisha adds depth and relevance to the understanding of these rituals in contemporary society, making it a novel contribution to the field.

Bacillus licheniformis M2-7 Decreases Ochratoxin A Concentrations in Coffee Beans During Storage.

Microbial contamination of coffee beans arises from various factors such as harvesting, handling, and storage practices, during which ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing fungi develop and proliferate. The presence of elevated concentrations of OTA poses a serious health risk to coffee consumers. Therefore, the implementation of a post-harvest treatment involving the use of bacteria known to antagonize OTA-producing fungi constitutes a safe alternative for reducing or eliminating the toxin's concentration in coffee beans. In this study, coffee beans (Coffea arabica L.) were inoculated with Bacillus licheniformis M2-7, after which we monitored fungal growth, in vitro antagonism, and OTA concentration. Our findings demonstrated that coffee beans inoculated with this bacterial strain exhibited a significant decrease in fungal populations belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, which are known to produce OTA. Moreover, strain M2-7 decreased the growth rates of these fungi from 67.8% to 95.5% (P < 0.05). Similarly, inoculation with B. licheniformis strain M2-7 effectively reduced the OTA concentration from 24.35 ± 1.61 to 5.52 ± 1.69µg/kg (P < 0.05) in stored coffee beans. These findings suggest that B. licheniformis M2-7 holds promise as a potential post-harvest treatment for coffee beans in storage, as it effectively inhibits the proliferation of OTA-producing fungi and lowers the toxin's concentration.

Exploring Influence of Production Area and Harvest Time on Specialized Metabolite Content of Glycyrrhiza glabra Leaves and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties.

Calabrian Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the most appreciated licorice varieties worldwide, and its leaves are emerging as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, this biomass is usually discarded, and its valorization could contribute to boost the economic value of the licorice production chain. In this study, the effects of production area and harvest time on the specialized metabolite content of G. glabra leaves (GGL) and also the antioxidant and anti-aging properties are evaluated to explore the potential of this untapped resource and to select the most optimal harvesting practices. GGL exhibited high levels of specialized metabolites (4-30 g/100 g of dry leaf) and the most abundant ones are pinocembrin, prenylated flavanones (licoflavanone and glabranin), and prenylated dihydrostilbenes. Their levels and antioxidant capacity in extracts are influenced by both production area and harvest time, showing a decisive role on specialized metabolites accumulation. Interestingly, GGL extracts strongly attenuate the toxicity of α-synuclein, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and cellular senescence on Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing human α-synuclein model, showing great potential to prevent aging and age-related disorders. These results provide insights into the phytochemical dynamics of GGL, identifying the best harvesting site and period to obtain bioactive-rich sources with potential uses in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Sensitivity of littleseed canary grass populations from Punjab, India, to clodinafop‐propargyl and isoproturon

AbstractLittleseed canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.) is one of the most prevalent and troublesome annual grass weed species in wheat across the Indo‐Gangetic plains (IGP) of India, including Punjab. Littleseed canary grass has evolved resistance to different herbicide sites of action in the IGP region. A targeted field survey was conducted in 2018 and 2019 for seed collection of littleseed canary grass populations (total 94) across different districts of Punjab state prior to wheat harvest. The main objective of this research was to characterize the sensitivity response of collected littleseed canary grass populations to clodinafop‐propargyl (CP) and isoproturon (IPU) herbicides in whole‐plant dose‐response assays. Among all tested populations, 68 were found to be highly sensitive to CP, whereas all 94 populations were sensitive to IPU. Based on a 50% reduction in shoot dry biomass (GR50 values) and estimated sensitivity index (SI), 26 populations exhibited reduced sensitivity (SI of 2.2–4.4) to CP herbicide. The results also revealed that the littleseed canary grass populations with reduced sensitivity (SI ≥ 2.2) to CP had high sensitivity to IPU herbicide. Overall, these results suggested a high prevalence of littleseed canary grass populations with reduced sensitivity to CP herbicide in Punjab state. Diversified weed management strategies, including the use of alternative herbicides (both preemergence and postemergence), cultural (no‐till drill for wheat sowing and narrow row spacing), and mechanical (cutting of littleseed canary grass panicles prior to wheat harvest) practices should be adopted to control littleseed canary grass populations with reduced sensitivity to CP.

The role of farming systems in the adoption of pest management practices: the case of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis in mango orchards in Senegal

Description of the suject. In Africa, pest pressure has led researchers, policymakers, and international development stakeholders to develop and disseminate innovative pest management strategies. However, farmers reject some pest management strategies due to economic constraints, agronomic problems, or incompatibilities with their strategies, knowledge bases, and visions of desirable change. Objectives. In this paper, we study the pest management practices employed by mango producers from different farming systems against the fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, as well as the factors determining the level of engagement of these producers in managing this pest. Method. We surveyed 304 Senegalese mango growers affected by the invasive fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis to understand which farming systems’ features could explain the adoption level of fruit fly management tools through multivariate data analysis. Results. Three types of farming systems characterized by a coherent set of varietal choices, orchard management, harvest practices, commercial outlets, and fruit fly management practices are identified: (1) Intensive farming systems supplying the export market with the variety Kent and using a large set of orchard management tools and harvest practices to eliminate fruit flies, (2) Extensive farming systems supplying various varieties of mangoes with a dominance of Kent to both export and domestic markets, with access to fruit fly management tools from public services, (3) Gathering farming systems characterized by zero-input, high varietal diversity, difficult market access, non-selective harvest practices, and fruit fly management rarely practiced. Conclusions. The farming systems form a gradient of increasing use of fruit fly management tools and inputs, access to extension services, and export market orientation. Their coexistence in the same territories significantly contributes to the inefficiency of the control measures against Bactrocera dorsalis. Our results support the premise that in Africa, the adoption of pest management tools is more deeply integrated into the practices of certain producers compared to others, due to internal and external factors influencing the operation.

Traditional Knowledge and Practices for Water Harvesting and Conservation in the Northwestern Himalaya, India

In the present study, we assess the importance of traditional knowledge for water harvesting and conservation. Traditional technologies and practices of water harvesting have met the needs of local people since ages. The Traditional technologies and practices of water harvesting at remote areas of northwestern Himalaya is very helpful to provide drinking and irrigation water even in today’s. Water is the basis of life that’s why it is said that if there is water, there is tomorrow. The Himalaya, also refer as a ‘Third Pole’, is a huge storage tower of fresh water resources; however, at present the communities residing over there faces problems of water scarcity due to many anthropogenic activities and climate change. The water sources are under huge pressure in terms of their quality and quantity. People of ancient times considered nature as mother and used the resources available from nature in a restrained manner. Traditional Khuls, Baories, Jayroo, Nauns and Maggaru were used for water harvesting. As per the age-old water conservation perspective the natural springs were linked with some deity so that people would not pollute that source and protect them. Water springs of Yangrang village of Lahul Spiti district are called the water spring of Nag Devta, the Kaudimurti water spring of Udaipur have been associated with the famous Lama with the belief that this water has been revealed by Lama. Similarly, in Kullu, the famous Raje Ra Jairu water spring has been protected by boundary wall from all sides and developed a small Shivling of lord Shiva near it.

Examination of Farmers’ Perception on Adaptation Measures Toward Modifying Climatic Challenges for Agricultural Sustainability in Northern Nigeria

This study examines farmers’ perceptions on adaptation measures toward modifying climatic challenges for agricultural sustainability in northern Nigeria. The data were mainly derived from several sources, including maps of Nigeria and the selected States, population figures from records of the National Population Commission and from internet and library sources, as well as from questionnaire survey of farmers’ opinions. Stepwise sampling technique was employed in the selection of respondents for the questionnaire survey. Frequency tabulations and ANOVA were used to collate and analyze the variations within and between states in the farmers’ measures of modifying environmental challenges in northern Nigeria. It was concluded that 86% of the farmers were positive about climatic adaptation measures in Northern Nigeria, to the extent that there is no variation within and between states (F-value = 0.016), across the region. It was recommended that efforts at improving local or indigenous practices of water harvesting and soil water conservation should be promoted.