Harvesting Practices Research Articles

POST-HARVEST PRACTICES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SPECIALTY COFFEES IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO

When it comes to specialty or high-quality coffees, sensory qualities are crucial because coffee marketers use samples to assess bean and cup quality, which is then used to create a score based on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) protocol. This score is then used to determine the purchase and price. This study provides a descriptive analysis of the processes developed during training for high-quality coffee production with three shade-grown organic coffee-producing organizations in the state of Chiapas. The goal was to improve harvest and post-harvest practices in order to increase the sensory quality of the coffee. Each training session used the washed, natural, and honey methods to process the coffee. Statistically significant differences were found in the different types of post-harvest processing for each organization. In the sensory analyses, washed coffees were classified as excellent (between 85 and 86 points). In general, the coffees obtained scored between 80 and 86 points, which, according to the SCA protocol, are classified as very good to excellent. The washed processes obtained the highest score; however, the natural and honey processes are a good alternative for producers who lack water during harvesting. Selective harvesting and monitoring of the fermentation processes help to increase the sensory quality of the coffee, improving its opportunity to access specialty markets in order to obtain better prices and greater stability in the medium term.

Perception and acceptability of the public towards the use of harvested rainwater in water scarce regions

AbstractThis study discusses the critical importance of sustainable access to clean water, particularly in regions facing severe water shortages. The study investigates the public perception of harvested rainwater as a solution to water scarcity in South Africa's semi arid regions. Conducted with 110 respondents, it explores demographics, rainwater harvesting practices, storage methods, and factors affecting satisfaction. Most households (39.6%) had four to six members, with a balanced gender distribution. Despite widespread unemployment (53.2%), 33.6% were graduates. Rainwater was harvested primarily during rainfall (64.9%), with 94.5% of the respondents collected from their own roofs. Storage methods included JoJo tanks (41.8%) and small buckets (54.5%). Concerningly, 95.5% did not test water quality, yet 64.5% found it acceptable. Regression analysis showed water quality significantly influenced satisfaction (b = 0.623, p < 0.005). The high prevalence of rainwater harvesting underscores its potential to address water shortages sustainably.

Isolation and Phenotypic Identification of Mycotoxigenic Fungi from Stored Maize Kernels within Dutsin–Ma Metropolis, Katsina State

One of the most important effects of post-harvest decay or seed deterioration by fungi is the production of mycotoxins. Mycotoxicosis is a disease of animals and humans following consumption of feeds and foods contaminated by fungi that produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. The study investigated the cultural morphology, microscopic identification, pathogenicity, and mycotoxin production of fungal isolates from 25 stored maize samples collected. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the analysis of all the samples, Cultural morphology on Potatoes Dextrose Agar revealed diverse colony characteristics, ranging from olive and dark green hues with smooth or spongy surfaces to brownish-pink and dull yellow-green colonies. Microscopic analysis identified six different fungal species, with Aspergillus spp being the most prevalent (72%) and Mucor spp as the least prevalent (6%). Pathogenicity tests on fresh maize demonstrated that all the isolates were pathogenic, causing observable growth on the maize samples. Furthermore, mycotoxin production by the fungal was revealed by evidence of fluorescence under UV radiation, indicating the potential production of aflatoxins. Stored maize kernels from the study area were at risk of fungal attack due to poor storage facilities, poor handling practices and inadequate drying of the grains, which enabled the fungi to grow and produce mycotoxins. Therefore, farmers should be sensitized on the possible risk of fungal attack on grains and be educated on timely harvest, hygienic drying and storage practices of grains.

Indigenous Fire Data Sovereignty: Applying Indigenous Data Sovereignty Principles to Fire Research

Indigenous Peoples have been stewarding lands with fire for ecosystem improvement since time immemorial. These stewardship practices are part and parcel of the ways in which Indigenous Peoples have long recorded and protected knowledge through our cultural transmission practices, such as oral histories. In short, our Peoples have always been data gatherers, and as this article presents, we are also fire data gatherers and stewards. Given the growing interest in fire research with Indigenous communities, there is an opportunity for guidance on data collection conducted equitably and responsibly with Indigenous Peoples. This Special Issue of Fire presents fire research approaches and data harvesting practices with Indigenous communities as we “Reimagine the Future of Living and Working with Fire”. Specifically, the article provides future-thinking practices that can achieve equitable, sustainable, and just outcomes with and for stakeholders and rightholders (the preferred term Indigenous Peoples use in partnerships with academics, agencies, and NGOs). This research takes from the following key documents to propose an “Indigenous fire data sovereignty” (IFDS) framework: (1) Articles declared in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as identified by the author and specified in Indigenous-led and allied Indigenous fire research in Australia, Canada, and the U.S.; (2) recommendations specific to cultural fire policy and calls for research in the 2023 Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission report; (3) research and data barriers and opportunities produced in the 2024 Good Fire II report; and threads from (4) the Indigenous Fire Management conceptual model. This paper brings together recommendations on Indigenous data sovereignty, which are principles developed by Indigenous researchers for the protection, dissemination, and stewardship of data collected from Tribal/Nation/Aboriginal/First Nations Indigenous communities. The proposed IFDS framework also identifies potential challenges to Indigenous fire data sovereignty. By doing so, the framework serves as an apparatus to deploy fire research and data harvesting practices that are culturally informed, responsible, and ethically demonstrated. The article concludes with specific calls to action for academics and researchers, allies, fire managers, policymakers, and Indigenous Peoples to consider in exercising Indigenous fire data sovereignty and applying Indigenous data sovereignty principles to fire research.

Multi-objective optimization of forest ecosystem services under uncertainty

Forest ecosystems deliver multiple services crucial for human wellbeing and welfare, with complex relationships among forest ecosystem services (FESs). Implementing sustainable forest management (SFM) policy requires insights into trade-offs, conflicts and synergies among key FESs, necessitating decision-support tools for multiple objectives. However, uncertainty in key parameters adds complexity. We formulated a tri-objective optimization problem concentrating on three vital ecosystem services in Nordic boreal forests: timber supply, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, future timber price uncertainty was integrated into the optimization model. Utilizing the TreeSim individual-tree growth and yield simulator, we simulated forest growth and yields, carbon stocks, and biodiversity values. Pareto-optimal solutions were found for four distinct management strategies using the epsilon-constrain method to solve the optimization problem. These management strategies differed in spatial restrictions on harvest location and timing, including considerations like harvest adjacency, green-up and maximum harvest opening area (MOA). The analysis revealed trade-offs among all three objectives, with variations influenced by management intensity. Furthermore, within the Pareto solutions for each strategy, a compromise solution was identified based on the knee-point method. The study demonstrated nuanced impacts of green-up constraints related to harvest practices, showing minor effects on harvesting, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation when MOA was restricted to 35 hectares or less. However, more substantial impacts were observed with a MOA limited to 60 hectares or in a strategy without spatial restrictions. Our results underscore the importance of considering multiple objectives in forest management and policy under uncertain wood prices, preventing undesired effects from a singular or deterministic approach. This work provides insights into trade-offs and synergies, contributing to strategic planning and policy design.

Rate of permafrost thaw and associated plant community dynamics in peatlands of northwestern Canada

Abstract The most rapid climate warming is occurring in northern, permafrost environments. Peatlands of these regions are particularly sensitive to climate warming, with the high ground ice content of peat plateaux resulting in the formation of collapse scars as ground temperatures warm. To quantify the rates of permafrost thaw and associated vegetation changes, we sampled the plant and lichen communities in transects spanning actively thawing collapse scar margins at sites from mid‐Boreal to Low Subarctic conditions, within Canada's Northwest Territories. Seventeen transects were sampled in 2007/08 and 14 of these were resampled 10 years later. The rate of lateral permafrost thaw of collapse scar margins ranged from −6 to 63 cm year−1 (mean: 22.0 cm ± 4.7 cm year−1 (SE)); variability was high and no trends with respect to latitude or temperature gradients were detected. Plant communities displayed a clear gradient from lichen‐ and ericaceous shrub‐dominated peat plateaux, to collapse scars primarily characterized by Sphagnum mosses and graminoids. Both space‐for‐time (distance from collapsing margin) and direct measurement of 10‐year changes showed a successional sequence following permafrost thaw; floating mat communities characterized by Sphagnum riparium or S. balticum proceeded to lawn communities of S. angustifolium and, finally, to hummock communities with Mylia anomala or S. fuscum. This successional sequence was associated with increased water table depth and lower soil water content in plant communities farther from the actively collapsing front, illustrating that peat growth above the water table was driving plant community successional changes. The most rapid plant community succession occurred in recently thawed environments as peat growth propelled the ground surface above the water table while the slowest succession occurred in the collapse scar hummock communities located farthest from the actively collapsing peat plateau margin. Synthesis. In just 10 years, significant vegetation change was detected, in association with both permafrost thaw and subsequent plant community succession. These changes occurred across a broad climatic and latitudinal gradient, from mid‐Boreal to Low Subarctic and have implications for wildlife, global C cycle and indigenous communities who depend on this landscape for harvesting, spiritual and cultural practices.

The Safety of Leafy Vegetables in Oman

Leafy vegetables are potential carriers of foodborne diseases that threaten the community’s well-being. Therefore, monitoring leafy vegetable’s microbial and heavy metal contamination is crucial. This study evaluates the safety of leafy vegetables consumed in Oman by examining pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococci, Salmonella, and Listeria, as well as the heavy metals concentration. Results indicate high levels of microbial contamination in all samples, exceeding the Gulf Standard Organization permissible levels for E. coli and Staphylococci. The highest levels of E. coli were 5.96, 6.08, 6.09, 6.25, and 6.01 log CFU/g in Arugula, Radish, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Spring onion, respectively. While for Staphylococcus the highest values were 5.59, 5.71, 4.33, 5.07, and 4.46 log CFU/g in Arugula, Radish, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Spring onion, respectively. No Salmonella or Listeria colonies were found in any samples even after several days of incubations. The Arsenic and Lead concentrations in all samples were significantly higher than the permissible levels set by FAO/WHO, while Chromium was high in some samples. The concentrations of Copper and Iron in most samples fell below their respective permissible levels, while Zinc was undetectable in all samples. These findings underscore inadequate hygiene, harvesting, storage, and agricultural practices, raising concerns about the health implications of consuming contaminated leafy vegetables.

Sugarcane Burning: Why?

The sugarcane harvesting practices of farmers pose a recurring problem of burning the sugarcane fields every year, leading to the release of PM 2.5, which is hazardous to health and a matter of concern for all parties involved. The objective of this research is to investigate the causes of sugarcane burning by farmers. Data is collected through participatory observation methods and group discussions with a sample group of farmers in the provinces with the highest incidents of sugarcane field fires, namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Kalasin, and Khon Kaen in the northeastern region of Thailand during the 2021/2022 production season. Content analysis techniques are employed to identify the reasons behind the behavior of burning sugarcane. The findings reveal that sugarcane burning has been a long-standing practice among farmers, and the prevalence of burning has increased due to a shortage of labor for sugarcane cutting. The available machinery for sugarcane cutting is insufficient and unsuitable for the farmers' fields. Farmers who burn sugarcane fields are aware of the health impacts and have benefited from the government's measures to address the issue of sugarcane field fires. However, it is observed that the quantity of burnt sugarcane still exceeds the government's target, because burning sugarcane is a cost-effective, convenient, and rapid method. It is found that penalizing farmers at a rate of 30 Baht per ton of burnt sugarcane and providing assistance at a rate of 120 Baht per ton of fresh-cut sugarcane does not sufficiently motivate farmers to change their sugarcane burning behavior.

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng flowers across planting patterns and developmental stages using integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses

The simulative habitat cultivation of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) under pine forests using organic management (OM) enhances the quality of Sanqi roots. However, the impact of the OM on the quality of Sanqi flowers remains unknown. The Sanqi flowers cultivated under OM compared with those cultivated under CM (conventional management) exhibited higher levels of flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, as well as dry/fresh weight. Principal component analysis demonstrated that metabolites were predominantly influenced by the cultivation patterns followed by the flowering stage. Several of the differentially abundant metabolites and expressed genes were upregulated in Sanqi flowers cultivated under OM. The flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was highly affected by the cultivation systems and flowering stages, mediated by the essential genes C4H, HCT, C3′H, DFR, and FLS. Flavonoid levels peaked at full bloom, indicating that this is the optimum stage for harvesting Sanqi flowers. Our findings are of great value for developing optimal cultivation and harvest practices.

Traditional harvesting practices employed for freshwater turtles by the indigenous communities along Shilabati River, West Bengal, India

A survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews, involving 38 local fishermen of three villages in the Gangani region along Shilabati River in West Bengal, India. The survey revealed that three threatened species of turtles—Nilssonia gangetica, Nilssonia hurum, and Lissemys punctata—were clandestinely harvested by the riverine communities. These species are also being documented for the first time from this area, popularly called Jangal Mahal. N. gangetica was the most commonly harvested species, followed by L. punctata and N. hurum, mostly for consumption, local sale, and as traditional medicine. The most frequently used method for capturing turtles was the ‘multiple hook bait’; exclusively practiced by adult males of the fisher community, usually belonging to the age group 21–40 years, between February and June. The study indicated that the respondents knew that harvesting of turtles was clandestine, yet they continued to do so as their traditional right, as they believed minor catches will not harm local turtle populations. It is assumed that N. hurum, which is an endangered species, is already rare and on the brink of local extinction, whereas other two species are coping with the harvest in the specialized riparian habitat and adjacent ponds. In this study the harvesting of threatened turtle species was ardently associated with the socio-cultural customs rather than an economic compulsion but to check rising threat to these species, the uncontrolled harvest needs to be addressed urgently as a high priority conservation issue. This requires further explorations on the ecology of turtles, initiatives by enforcement agencies, and utilizing the inherent knowledge of indigenous people.

Water use of Guinea grass as affected by rainfed local conditions and practices in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ongoing efforts are currently being made to rehabilitate drought-affected pastures in Sub-Saharan Africa. One approach being explored is the introduction of non-native grass species, such as Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass). This study aims to investigate the water use of Guinea grass in semi-arid environments under rainfed conditions. Additionally, it aims to a better understanding of the variability of water use in Guinea grass through the utilization of the Bagging machine learning algorithm. Split-plot field experiments were carried out over two consecutive rainy seasons (2020-2021). The treatments included two in-situ rainwater harvesting practices, RWH (ridging plus terracing and terracing alone), three seeding rates, SR (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 kg ha-1), and two soil nitrogen fertilization rates, SF (95 kg N ha-1 and 0 kg N ha-1). These treatments were compared to a control plot that involved zero-tillage, no fertilization, and no rainwater harvesting. The collected datasets were analyzed using R, SPSS 15, and spreadsheets. The results showed significant differences in plant indices and soil moisture content among the treatments. However, the treatments had insignificant effects on seasonal actual crop evapotranspiration (ETa), which ranged from 1.93 to 3.29 mm day-1. The interactions between SR and RWH were found to have significant impacts on water use. The Bagging algorithm revealed that the variability in ETa could be attributed to SR (42%), RWH (31%), and SF (26%), respectively. The implementation of rainwater harvesting practices resulted in a significant reduction in water usage, saving 86% of the green water used with a water footprint of 0.25 m3 kg-1, compared to 1.7 m3 kg-1 for no adoption of RWH conditions. The water use of rainfed Guinea grass was also found highly sensitive to dry spells. Further detailed studies using multiple-layer models are recommended to gain a better understanding of the non-linear interactions in semi-arid environments.

Exploiting the roles of nitrogen sources for HEA increment in Cordyceps cicadae.

Cordyceps cicadae, as a new food ingredient, is a valuable edible and medicinal fungi. However, its resources are severely depleted due to environmental limitations and excessive harvesting practices. N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA), as an important product of Cordyceps cicadae, has the potential to be used in medical industry due to its diverse disease curing potential. However, the disclosure of HEA synthesis still severely limited its application until now. In this study, the kinetic curves for adenosine and HEA under shaker fermentation were explored. The kinetics of HEA and adenosine production exhibited a competitive pattern, implicating a possibility of sharing a same step during their synthesis. Due to HEA as a derivative of nitrogen metabolism, the effect of different nitrogen sources (peptone, yeast extract, ammonium sulfate, diammonium oxalate monohydrate, ammonium citrate dibasic, and ammonium citrate tribasic) on HEA production in Cordyceps cicadae strain AH 10-4 had been explored under different incubation conditions (shaker fermentation, stationary fermentation, and submerged fermentation). Our results indicated that the complex organic nitrogen sources were found to improve the accumulation of HEA content under shaker fermentation. In contrast, the optimal nitrogen source for the accumulation of HEA under stationary fermentation and submerged fermentation was ammonium citrate tribasic. But submerged fermentation obviously shortened the incubation time and had a comparable capacity of HEA accumulation by 2.578 mg/g compared with stationary fermentation of 2.535 mg/g, implicating a possibility of scaled-up production of HEA in industry by submerged fermentation. Based on the dramatic HEA production by ammonium sulfate as nitrogen resources between stationary and shaker fermentations, alanine, aspartate and glutamate as well as arginine metabolic pathway were related to the production of HEA by comparative transcriptome. Further investigation indicated that glutamic acid, which is an analog of Asp, showed an optimum production of HEA in comparison with other amino acids.

Crop Yield Prediction using Machine Learning

Weather profoundly impacts agricultural outcomes, making accurate crop prediction vital for farmers' decision-making. This abstract presents a comprehensive overview of weather-based crop prediction, emphasizing its significance, key components, and methodologies. The process begins with the collection and analysis of historical weatherdata encompassing variables such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and sunlight. Utilizing Python programming and data visualization libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib facilitates the exploration and visualization of this data, revealing trends and patterns. Machine learning algorithms, including regression and ensemble methods, are employedto develop predictive models. These models leverage historical weather data to forecast future crop yields accurately. Python's extensive libraries, such as Scikit-learn and TensorFlow, offer robust tools for model development and evaluation. Incorporating advanced technologies like remote sensing and satellite imagery further refines the prediction process. These tools provide real-time insights into crop health and growth, enhancing the precision of forecasts. Ultimately, weather-based crop prediction serves as a valuable decision support tool for farmers, enabling informed choices regarding planting, irrigation, and harvesting practices. By harnessing historical weather data, machine learning algorithms, and innovative technologies, stakeholders can optimize agricultural productivity, mitigate risks, and contribute to global food security

Promoting Ecosystem Conservation and Food Security through Sustainable Harvesting of Edible Caterpillars in Kanchibiya District, Zambia

Insects play a vital role in enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. This study focused on the identification of caterpillar harvesting practices in Zambia, particularly in Chief Kopa’s village, Kanchibiya District, Muchinga Province, where the caterpillars of Gynisa maja and Gonimbrasia belina play a crucial role in food security. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires to capture both qualitative and quantitative insights. Quantitative data, including caterpillar harvesting amounts and correlations with tree destruction, underwent statistical analyses, including ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's HSD tests. The Chi-square test explored gender distribution across research sites. Qualitative data from open-ended questions during interviews underwent thematic analysis. The study sampled 100 respondents from six areas, and the results revealed significant differences in caterpillar harvesting amounts among villages. Post-hoc tests identified specific pairwise differences. The findings indicated that traditional harvesting methods persisted, with limited adherence to rules. A significant positive correlation was observed between caterpillar harvesting practices and evolving trends such as increased harvesting intensity, changes in harvesting methods, and environmental impact and tree destruction (p=0.001, r=0.917). The study contributed valuable insights into past caterpillar harvesting practices, proposing conservation strategies for enhanced food security and sustainability. The study proposes a multifaceted approach to balance ecosystem conservation with food security in Kanhaiya District, emphasizing the importance of sustainable caterpillar harvesting. Recommendations include developing community-based sustainable harvesting guidelines, such as rotational zones and harvest limits, alongside education programs to raise ecological awareness. It advocates for diversifying livelihoods and food sources to lessen dependence on caterpillars, ensuring gender-inclusive participation in these initiatives. Monitoring and further research are essential to adapt strategies effectively. These measures aim to preserve the ecosystem, ensuring the caterpillar's role in food security and offering socioeconomic benefits by fostering community resilience and reducing food insecurity vulnerabilities

Nutritional composition of three edible caterpillars in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract The role of edible caterpillars in human nutrition is increasingly undeniable, given their contribution to food security, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. However, some local species are almost unknown and the lack of data on their nutritional composition limits the integration of consumption in consumer diets. This article therefore focuses on the nutritional profiles of three edible caterpillar species from DR-Congo: Aegocera rectilinea, Epidonta sp and Imbrasia truncata. Data on protein content and amino acid profiles were discussed, with particular emphasis on threonine, lysine, methionine, cysteine and histidine; fat content and fatty acid profiles were examined, with particular attention to omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and the PUFA/SFA ratio; Finally a discussion of essential minerals in insects, with particular emphasis on Fe and Zn, as well as anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid, oxalates and tannins, which may have a negative effect on the bioavailability of these trace elements were discussed. The results of this study should induce a change in behavior in terms of the valorization of these edible insects as food in DR-Congo, via their popularization through workshops carried out in their production and consumption areas, while encouraging rational harvesting practices with a view to their sustainable use.

Bacterial Metabarcoding of Raw Palm Sap Samples from Bangladesh with Nanopore Sequencing.

The traditional practice of harvesting and processing raw date palm sap is not only culturally significant but also provides an essential nutritional source in South Asia. However, the potential for bacterial or viral contamination from animals and environmental sources during its collection remains a serious and insufficiently studied risk. Implementing improved food safety measures and collection techniques could mitigate the risk of these infections. Additionally, the adoption of advanced food analytical methods offers the potential to identify pathogens and uncover the natural bacterial diversity of these products. The advancement of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, particularly nanopore sequencing, offers a rapid and highly mobile solution. In this study, we employed nanopore sequencing for the bacterial metabarcoding of a set of raw date palm sap samples collected without protective coverage against animals in Bangladesh in 2021. We identified several bacterial species with importance in the natural fermentation of the product and demonstrated the feasibility of this NGS method in the surveillance of raw palm sap products. We revealed two fermentation directions dominated by either Leuconostoc species or Lactococcus species in these products at the first 6 h from harvest, along with opportunistic human pathogens in the background, represented with lower abundance. Plant pathogens, bacteria with the potential for opportunistic human infection and the sequences of the Exiguobacterium genus are also described, and their potential role is discussed. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of mobile laboratory solutions for food safety purposes in low-resource areas.

EFFECTS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING PRACTICES ON BIOMASS YIELD AND MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) IN SEMI-ARID KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Sorghum is an important source of fodder in the semi-arid areas of Kenya. However, its biomass yield has remained low due to the low soil moisture content which is associated with low rainfall. <strong> Objective:</strong> To evaluate the synergistic effects of combining rainwater harvesting practices on biomass yield and the morphometric traits of sorghum in semi-arid Kitui County. <strong>Methodology</strong>: The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design under rainfed conditions between March and August 2021 at the Research Farm of South Eastern Kenya University. It had twelve treatments, including three farming systems (conventional flat planting, ridge and furrow, and zai pits) with three soil mulching types (transparent plastic film mulch, black plastic film mulch, and grass mulch). The farming systems without mulching were used as control treatments. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Fisher’s protected Least Significant Difference test at 0.05 %. <strong>Results:</strong> The zai pits with black plastic film mulch and flat planting with grass mulch had the highest and lowest moisture content of 68.65% and 52.5% respectively compared to flat planting. The highest biomass yield was observed in ridge-furrow with black plastic film mulch (3283.33kg ha-<sup>1</sup>) and ridge–furrow with transparent plastic film mulch (3266.03) and was not significantly different. The lowest biomass yield was recorded in conventional flat planting and zai pits and was not significantly different. In all treatments, there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in morphometric traits. <strong>Implications: </strong>The farming system and the type of soil mulching determined the increase of soil moisture content, biomass yield, and morphometric traits. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Combining ridge-furrow and black plastic mulch is recommended to improve the biomass yield of sorghum in semi-arid Kitui County, and other areas with similar agroecological conditions.</p>

Characterization of Post-harvest Losses along the Supply Chain of Vegetables in Punjab

Background: The loss of vegetables is immense which is accrued to its perishability and sub optimal level of post-harvest management. There is a technological gap in adoption of harvesting and post-harvesting practices by farmers. There is sparse qualitative and quantitative assessment of post-harvest losses of vegetables in Punjab. The objective of the study is to identify the operation and channel where the losses are crossing the threshold, to estimate the extent of losses and characterize them at various post-harvest operations and levels for selected vegetables in Punjab and to analyse the factors responsible for post-harvest losses. Methods: The sample in survey location consisted of all the stakeholders of supply chain network for vegetables in the state of Punjab, India. The stakeholders consisted of farmers, wholesalers and retailers. The study adopted cluster sampling technique. The clusters selected for the study were Nakodar, Malerkotla and Baba Bakala Sahib and the vegetables selected for the study were potato, pea, tomato, okra and cauliflower. Further snowball sampling technique was used to select 80 farmers from each cluster, making up a total sample of 240 farmers and one reference each for wholesaler and retailer was identified in every cluster. Then using snowball technique, 2 wholesalers and 10 retailers were selected from each cluster. Thus, making total sample of 10 wholesalers and 30 retailers were selected for the study. The instrument used for the data collection was a structured interview schedule. The one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference test were employed to understand the significant difference in post-harvest losses between the selected vegetables and along the supply chain. Result: The results revealed that the maximum losses were observed in tomato crop at farm level (17.71%) and retailer level (30.10%) whereas at wholesaler level maximum losses were recorded in pea (8.19%). The extent of losses at farm level has been higher as compared to wholesaler level and it was highest at the retailer level. At farmer’s level it was observed that there have been significantly higher losses in tomato crop (17.7±13.35). At retailer level, significantly higher losses were observed in tomato (30.10±15.80) whereas at wholesaler level, significantly higher losses occurred in pea (12.29±3.15). There was no significant difference in losses between farmer and retailer level. Major cause of loss reported by tomato growers (88.6%) was infestation of fruits with disease and insect. Main reason of post-harvest losses in okra and cauliflower as stated by farmers were bruises/blackening and over maturity. Since the findings reveal that the major losses in the supply chain of vegetables was due to lack adoption of harvest and post-harvest practices at farmer’s level. It is suggested that field level training should be imparted to farmers regarding post-harvest management techniques.

Issues and options of sustainable management of Himalayan medicinal herbs

Nepal hosts a wide range of NTFPs and bio-diversity including over 700 species of medicinal herbs. NTFPs are an important part of the Nepalese economy, both locally as well as nationally. Recent studies indicate that several commercially valuable species are being over used and degraded (Edward 1996; Malla et al. 1995; Hertog 1995; Karki 1996; Sharma, 1996) due to higher demand as raw materials for herbal industries in India and other countries. As a result of pre-mature harvesting, over-exploitation and haphazard collection of NTFPs, the productive potential of the whole forest ecosystem is undermined. The damage is particularly serious in termsof pressure on the few species identified for trade, as well as pre-mature harvesting, physical damage, and haphazard collection.
 This indicates a need to assess the reasons behind unsustainable practices, and identify options for sustainable management. Based on the recently collected field data from the western Himalayan region (Humla and Dolpa districts), the paper analyzes dynamics of unsustainable harvesting and management practices of NTFPs, with particular reference to Jatamansi (Nardostachysgrandiflora), Kutki (Picmrhiza scrophulariiflora) and Sugandhawal (Valeriana jatainansi). Key variables within institutional, economic, natural/physical, and policy aspects are considered for analysis. Finally, potential actions that can be taken to improve harvesting practices are also suggested.

Assessment of handling practices for maize by farmers and marketers in food-insecure regions of Western Honduras

The objective of this study was to understand the maize production chain in the Republic of Honduras, and to identify potential obstacles hindering grain end-quality. Seventy-one municipalities across six departments of Western Honduras were surveyed: Copán, Intibucá, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, and Santa Bárbara. A total of 871 surveys were collected, out of which 725 were from rural areas and 146 from urban areas. The sampling design reflected population density and population-based indicators from USAID's Feed the Future initiative, such as poverty level and prevalence of underweight non-pregnant females between the ages of 15 and 49. Further, indicators associated with underdevelopment in children were also considered. Survey instruments designed for either maize farmers or maize marketers were used to collect data including seed source, type planted, intercropping, time of harvest, drying and storage practices, quality control, and consumption patterns. Farmers preferred to plant criolla (native) maize (81–96%), although non-native varieties were also grown and consumed (3–13%). Following harvest, sun drying is the most used method (14–40%) for moisture control. Farmers reported maize spoilage resulting primarily from inadequate drying and pest damage (56–82%). Although aware of this, up to 28% of the producers reported not performing preventive grain inspections in the course of storage. Maize marketers typically sourced their grain within the department (33–71%), with a smaller fraction (0–8%) also obtaining maize from other departments or neighboring countries. Mirroring farmers, visual quality checks by marketers occurred primarily at initial storage (36–69%) and decreased in frequency as storage time lengthened. Given that both studied groups of farmers and marketers continue to rely on traditional practices, and corrective rather than preventive measures, the likelihood of low-quality product and risk for mycotoxin contamination is exacerbated. Based on these findings, achieving food security for the region of study will require a transformation in pre- and post-harvest handling practices.