Mucuna Pruriens Var Research Articles

Antineoplastic Effects of Mucuna pruriens Against Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma.

Mucuna pruriens (MP) which is commonly known as "Velvet Bean" is an underutilized legume traditionally used to treat Parkinson's disease and male fertility issues. Extracts of MP have also been identified for their antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antineoplastic effects. Commonly, the antioxidant and anticancer properties of a drug are linked together as antioxidants scavenge free radicals and prevent the cellular DNA damage which could result in cancer development. In this investigation, comparative assessment of the anticancer and antioxidant potentials of methanolic seed extracts from two common varieties of MP, Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens (MPP) and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (MPU) against human colorectal cancer adenocarcinoma cells COLO-205, was carried out. The highest antioxidant potential was recorded with MPP with an IC50 of 45.71μg/ml. The in vitro antiproliferative effects of MPP and MPU on COLO-205 showed an IC50 of 131.1μg/ml and 246.9μg/ml respectively. Our results revealed intervention of the MPP and MPU extracts in growth kinetics of the COLO-205 cells in concomitance with apoptosis induction up to 8.73- and 5.58-folds respectively. The AO/EtBr dual staining and the flow cytometry results also confirmed the better apoptotic efficacy of MPP over MPU. MPP at a concentration of 160μg/ml exhibited highest apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, effect of the seed extracts on p53 expression was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR and a maximum upregulation of 1.12-fold was recorded with MPP.

Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice

Context Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. Objective This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Materials and methods Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. Results T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. Conclusion T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.

Legume additions to the flora of China

Six legume taxa are added to the flora of China. Among them, two native taxa, Pueraria bella and Teyleria barbata, and one naturalized species, Desmodium uncinatum, are reported as newly recorded species, while Flemingia vestita is rediscovered and Flemingia yunnanensis is reinstated based on morphological evidence. Mucuna pruriens var. hirsuta is also newly recorded to China, and M. incurvata is considered as a new synonym of it. Comprehensive descriptions, photographs, conservation status assessments, and some taxonomic notes on these taxa, as well as updated keys to the taxa of Desmodium, Flemingia, Pueraria, and Mucuna subg. Stizolobium distributed in China are also given.

Continuous cropping legumes in semi-arid Southern Africa: Legume productivity and soil health implications

Abstract Legume agronomic research in Southern Africa has often focused on integrating legumes into smallholder cereal cropping systems, but there is limited information available on the feasibility and soil health implications of continuous cropping legumes in the region. Continuous legumes may be suitable in areas with large livestock populations where a premium is placed on high-quality forage, or where efforts are underway to reclaim degraded cropland. Our objectives in this study were to (i) evaluate the performance of diverse legumes under continuous cropping and conservation tillage management with no fertility inputs and (ii) assess the response of soil health parameters to continuous legumes in a semi-arid environment. A 4-year study was conducted in Limpopo, South Africa beginning in the 2011–2012 growing season in which 10 legume and fallow treatments were imposed in the same plots for 4 growing seasons. All legumes responded negatively in varying degrees to continuous cropping in terms of biomass and nutrient accumulation. Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) was the top-performing legume in the study and accumulated 4.5–13 Mg ha−1 of biomass and 153–345, 11–34, and 75–286 kg ha−1 of N, P, and K, respectively. Lablab often outperformed natural fallow, while other legumes generally performed as well as or inferior to natural fallow, depending on species and growing season. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp) was especially incompatible with continuous cropping and averaged less than 252 kg ha−1 and 2.1 Mg ha−1 of grain and biomass, respectively, from 2012–2013 to 2014–2015. Continuous cropping did not lead to sustained improvements in soil health. By 2014–2015, soil organic matter for all treatments had either declined or resembled baseline values. Rates of potentially mineralizable N in cowpea, lablab, vining mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. Utilis), natural fallow, and bare ground plots fell by 70–96% during the study. There was also evidence for lower recovery of leached K by legumes compared to natural fallow species. In conclusion, legumes, such as lablab, should be considered as continuous forages on marginal land in areas where high-quality forage is in demand, but continuous cropping legumes without fertility inputs are not an effective strategy for improving soil health on degraded cropland in this semi-arid region of Southern Africa. Future research efforts may focus on the grazing strategies and baling frequencies required to optimize annual biomass accumulation of continuous lablab to meet livestock demand and support smallholder livelihoods.

Rapid Micropropagation Protocol of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis using Cotyledonary Node Explant: A Cultivated Medicinal Edible Legume

Background: The presence of L-dopa coupled with rich protein and amino acid marked Mucuna pruriens var. utilis as an important under-utilised legume. Therefore, it is useful to develop a method for large-scale multiplication for commercial production. Method: Tissue culture technology is successfully utilized in propagation of plants with poor and uncertain response to conventional propagation. Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium without any Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) was used for seed germination and with PGRs for shoot and root multiplication.Result: Highest 95% seed germination was found in fresh seeds at 7-8 days of culture. Shoot multiplication percentage was found to be 100% with highest c.a. 21.1 shoots with an average 4.8 cm shoot length on MS + BAP 1.5 mg L-1 per 10 days old cotyledonary node explant. A total c.a. 144 shoots were harvested after 3rd harvest of the mother cotyledonary node with two whole cotyledons at day 70. Rooting was best induced in in vitro derived shoots on MS medium without any PGRs and plantlets were acclimatized in sand and soil (1:1) and established in pot with garden soil.

Genetic diversity, extent of variability and indigenous traditional knowledge of Mucuna Adans. (Fabaceae) in Odisha, Eastern India

Mucuna Adans., commonly known as the velvet bean, has a great potential not only being a genus of medicinal importance in the Indian system of medicine as a source of L-dopa but also as food, livestock feed, cover crop and being tolerant to abiotic stresses. Exploration and germplasm collections were undertaken in different phyto-geographical zones and tribal dominated areas of Odisha in Eastern India to study the species diversity, extent of genetic variability and associated indigenous traditional wisdom. Forty-one germplasm accessions representing five taxa viz. Mucuna monosperma (2), Mucuna nigricans (2), Mucuna gigantea (1), Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens (34) and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (2) were collected from the state which exhibits a wide range of inter- and intra-specific variability in pod and seed morphology and L-dopa content in seeds, and further conserved in the National Gene Bank, New Delhi. An identification key, significant botanical characters and the systematic treatment for each taxon was provided for easy identification. The promising genotypes having high L-dopa content and the significant agro-morphological traits pertaining to pod and seed were identified for large scale cultivation and they serve as potential source for crop improvement and breeding programmes. The information on indigenous traditional knowledge collected from major tribal communities of Odisha revealed the immense importance of Mucuna for food and healthcare needs, thus some significant ethno-medicinal uses including their mode of administration were presented.

Activity of nitrifying bacteria and productivity of crops under the use of green manure

During the recycling of soil nitrogen, it is necessary to register the activity of nitrifying bacteria in nitrification. This process, in tropical conditions, is negatively affected by extreme variations in temperature, humidity, pH and organic matter during agronomic practices. Population changes of nitrifying bacteria in corn and soybean crops were evaluated under the use and management of green manure (GM). It was established as GM Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (CIAT No. 9349) - corn var. ICA 305. Ninety days later it was harvested and the residues were incorporated as LF or disposed on the soil surface as organic mulch (OM), the native weed Rottboellia cochinchinensis L. was managed as fallow (F). Then, corn-soybean crops were sown in an intercalated and monoculture system, each system was subject to organic fertilization (OF), chemical fertilization (CF) or no fertilization (NF). 11 treatments were structured under the design of Random Complete Blocks with 32 + 2 factorial arrangements with three repetitions. In the stage of blossoming and grain filling of the crops, the variables analyzed were; oxidizing bacteria of ammonium nitrate, volumetric humidity, temperature and yield. The populations of AOB and the production of NO3- did not vary significantly between treatments, but it did occur with soil temperature and humidity. The use of GM / OM promoted yields similar to those obtained with CF in corn, while in soybeans, when OM was added, yields exceeded CF.

Dinámica de nitrógeno del suelo en agroecosistemas bajo el efecto de abonos verdes

Los abonos verdes (AV) son frecuentemente utilizados en agroecosistemas para mejorar y/o restaurar la fertilidad del suelo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la dinámica de nitrógeno (N) y carbono (C) del suelo en sistemas de maíz y soya bajo el efecto de AV residuales. En un Vertisol Typic Haplustert ubicado en el Valle del Cauca-Colombia se estableció la asociación Mucuna pruriens var. utilis – maíz (Zea mays), la cual 90 días después de la siembra fue incorporada al suelo como AV o se dispuso sobre la superficie del suelo como acolchado orgánico (AO). Posteriormente fueron sembrados los cultivos maíz-soya en forma intercalada para formar 11 tratamientos bajo el diseño de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 32 +2 y tres repeticiones. Las parcelas principales fueron AV, AO y barbecho (B). Las subparcelas correspondieron a la fertilización con compost, fertilizante de síntesis química industrial y cero fertilizaciones (testigo). En forma paralela fueron sembrados como referentes los monocultivos de maíz y soya manejados de forma tradicional. En las etapas de floración y llenado de grano de los cultivos se midieron como variables en suelo: N total, amonio, nitrato, N-inorgánico total, carbono orgánico; y en tejido vegetal de maíz y soya: carbono y N. Los resultados mostraron que, la aplicación de materiales orgánicos de alta calidad, AV/AO, estimularon la mineralización del C y la dinámica de las diferentes fracciones de N en el suelo, sin cambios significativos en el contenido de estos elementos en el tejido vegetal del cultivo de maíz y soya.

Exploring the proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-Parkinson's and anti-inflammatory potential of two neglected and underutilized Mucuna species from India

Mucuna, a treasured leguminous genus is renowned for its high L-DOPA (L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) content which acts as an effective anti-Parkinson's drug. Unfortunately, the immense medicinal properties of most Mucuna (M.) species are still remained unnoticed. Thus, in present study we have explored and compared various properties of neglected M. bracteata and M. imbricata from India with frequently consumed Mucuna pruriens var. utilis and commercialized Mucuca powder. The aqueous extracts of all these Mucuna samples were assessed for its nutritional, anti-nutritional, secondary metabolites and pharmacologically active principle (L-dopa) elements employing specific techniques. HPLC analysis in present investigation reveals that M. bracteata contains highest L-DOPA (7.61 ± 0.11%) than other studied spp. which verifies its efficacy to be used against Parkinson's disease. The total antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract of M. bracteata was higher which can be interconnected with its higher total phenolic content (8.76 ± 0.20%). It also has maximum nutritional values such as total ash, dietary fiber and starch. Moreover, M. imbricata another overlooked Mucuna spp. also showed maximum gross energy, total moisture and total carbohydrates with effective anti-inflammatory property (59.25 ± 0.03%). Thus, present results proves the potential of M. imbricata and M. bracteata as a natural active alternative source of L-DOPA with promising medicinal properties supportive in developing anti-Parkinson's drug in future.

Microsatellite analysis reveals low interpopulation differentiation in velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) of India

Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) offers significant economic benefits to tropical agriculture as food, fodder and medicinal crop; but suffers from poor breeding efforts. The genetic diversity and taxonomic confusion prevailing in this plant are not well investigated so far. In this study, we used a set of 43 transcriptome derived genic-microsatellite markers on a panel of 18 pan-India velvet bean accessions to determine the genomic composition and population structure. The results revealed low to moderate genetic diversity (average Ht = 0.25), low population differentiation (Fst: 0.05) and a high estimate of gene flow (Nm: 4.71). Extensive admixture and absence of clear-cut population structure characterize this set of collection. The results underscore the need for comprehensive pre-breeding efforts to broaden the genetic diversity of this important medicinal legume crop.

Effect of Mucuna species (Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens) flour and protein concentrate on quality of beef sausages

This study aimed at substituting animal proteins by Mucuna flour and protein concentrate in beef sausage. Mucuna pruriens var pruriens grains were first transformed into flour (500 µm) from which the protein concentrate was obtained. The extraction process was done in an aqueous medium at pH 4.5. Following the characterization of the flour and protein concentrate, 5 sausages samples (3 units per sample) with varying rates of incorporation of flour and protein concentrates (25, 50, 75 and 100%) as well as a reference made with 100% beef were produced. Quality of emulsion sausages was evaluated in terms of physicochemical and functional characteristics. The results obtained showed that protein content of Mucuna flour and protein concentrate was significantly different (p < 0.05), with values of 29.92 ± 0.51 and 59.74 ± 0.32%, respectively. For the functional properties, water retention capacity (333.32 g/100 g/100 g), emulsifying capacity (60.44%), jellification capacity (12 g/100 g) and foaming capacity (52.38%) were higher in the flour sample; whereas the oil retention capacity (290.33 g/100 g DMC) was higher in the protein concentrate. Incorporation rate had a significant influence (p<0.05) on the physicochemical and functional properties of the sausage samples produced, since the technological yield was observed to vary from 73.10±0.71 (S25) to 99.49±0.05% (S100), hardness from 3.43 ± 0.35 (S100) to 3.94 ± 0.05 N (S25) and the water retention capacity varied from 33.34±0.79 (S25) to 51.93±0.045% (S100). These parameters were observed to increase with an increase in the rate of substitution. Key words: Mucuna flour, Mucuna protein concentrate, beef sausage, functional characterizations.

Allelopathic activities of selected Mucuna pruriens on the germination and initial growth of lettuce

The study was conducted to test allelopathic effects of some Mucuna pruriens on the germination and growth of lettuce. The effects of root exudates and leaf leachates of eight mucuna genotypes; Mucuna pruriens var. utilis cv. cinza, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis cv. preta, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis cv. hassjo, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis cv. fvb, Mucuna pruriens 82/507, Mucuna pruriens 82/508, Mucuna pruriens 82/116, and Mucuna pruriens GA/94/002 were tested on the germination, radicle, and hypocotyl elongations of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Great Lakes 366). The effects of leaf leachates and root exudates of mucuna were tested using sandwich and plant-box methods respectively with lettuce as the receptor plant. Roots exudates inhibition varied significantly among genotypes (94.3%-98.5%). Root exudates of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis cv. fvb had the maximum inhibition (98.5%). Lettuce radicle inhibition gradually decreased with distance from the mucuna plant in a plant-box and with high correlation (r=0.910-0.952; p&lt;0.05) between lettuce radicle inhibition and distance from mucuna roots. The effect of 50 mg oven-dried mucuna leaves had significant inhibition on lettuce radicle elongation (12.0%-15.8% of untreated control). Leaf leachates had less effect on the hypocotyl elongation of lettuce (50.5%-72.0% of untreated control) at the same application of oven-dried leaves (50 mg/10 ml agar).

Management of Short Fallows Using Two Different Cover Crops

In Nigeria significant efforts are being made to improve and conserve the soil. In the time past the soil resource base was sustained through long fallows of 10-15 years. Due to population pressure and other conflicting interests on land, fallow period is now between 6 and 12 months. This natural fallow has proved ineffective for the sustenance of soil productivity. The present study compared the soil productivity improvement attribute of three fallow management systems - two leguminous cover crops (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis and Pueraria phaseoloides) seeded on June 2012 and natural fallow dominated by guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Mucuna treatments significantly provided soil cover until six months, while Pueraria provided soil cover for 12 months and reduced weeds compared with Mucuna and the control. However, there were no significant differences in soil physicochemical properties before and after round the year fallow. Therefore, both cover crops could be sown to replace the natural fallow. Mucuna fallow appears to be an effective system for 6 months fallow while Pueraria could provide cover and effectively suppress weeds for 12 months.

Evaluation of Multiple-Use Cover Crops under Rainfed during Two Seasons in Yucatan, Mexico

The aim of the study was assessing seven legumes as cover crops during cropping seasons of the years 2000 and 2001 in the central region of the Yucatan. An experimental design of randomized blocks with arrangement of split plots was used; where treatment was the legume, and sub-treatment, was the management of defoliation, 90 days after sowing (DAS) or after harvesting the grain (AHG). Treatments were: short-cycle seed white lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), long-cycle seed white lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), dwarf velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis), ash velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis), sword bean (Canavalia ensiformis) and red rice bean (Vigna umbellata). It was collected data on coverage and biomass production, grain, leaf litter and stubble yields, biomass and relative frequency of weeds, pH, total nitrogen, organic matter (OM), potential anaerobic mineralization of nitrogen (MPAN) and soil CO2 evolution. Coverage varied from 70% to 90%; and biomass from 1900 to 2500 kg·DM·ha-1 at 90 DAS in ash velvet bean (AVB) and sword bean (SB). Stubble yielded from 800 to 2200 kg·DM·ha-1. The SB reached ~3200 kg·DM·ha-1 of grain yield in the first cropping season and it was reduced in the second cropping season. AVB and SB reduced the biomass of weeds from 890 to 780 kg·DM·ha-1. The OM of soil reached 14.9% in AVB. NH4, pH, and soil CO2 evolution remained without significant changes by effect of legumes.

Assessment of the Profitability and the Effects of Three Maize-Based Cropping Systems on Soil Health in Western Africa

Enhanced livelihoods for populations, especially smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa may be achieved through improved cropping systems. We assessed the economic returns from maize grain yield and the effects of three cropping systems on soil properties in an eight-year study segmented in cycles of two years each: continuous maize (Zea mays L.), maize-mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis), and maize-pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). The rainfall pattern in the study region allows for two growing seasons per year, leading to four growing seasons per cycle. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates were imposed on maize in each system and maize grain yields and associated cash values as well as soil properties were measured. Seeding mucuna and pigeon pea crops into maize crop in the first year did not result in maize grain yield increases from N and P fertilizers in the subsequent year. Continuous maize system increased mean maize grain yields by 6.2 to 60.3% in the fallow year of the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 cycles and by 5.1 to 8.2% on a cycle basis in the 2002-2003 cycles. For the remaining periods of the study, mucuna and pigeon pea based maize cropping increased grain yields by 28.6 to 47.6%, 22 to 260% and 28.3 to 136.1% in fallow year, non-fallow years and on a cycle basis, respectively, compared to yields under continuous maize. On a cycle basis, economic returns for maize-mucuna and maize-pigeon pea based systems were 105.1 and 66.5%, respectively, higher than that for continuous maize. The mucuna and pigeon pea based systems increased the initial soil total carbon (C) content by 55 and 69%, respectively, resulted in increases of 110 to117%, 33 to 63%, 29%, and 16-17% for exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and total cation exchange capacity (CEC), respectively, and enhanced water stable macroaggregates stability, compared to continuous maize. Maize mucuna and pigeon pea-based maize cropping systems with mucuna and pigeon crops in alternate years should be advised towards sustaining enhanced profitability and improved soil physical and chemical properties.

Exploring Maize-Legume Intercropping Systems in Southwest Mexico

Maize yields in continuous maize production systems of smallholders in the Costa Chica, a region in Southwest Mexico, are low despite consistent inputs of fertilizers and herbicides. This study was aimed at investigating the prospects of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and maize-roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) mixtures with the legumes canavalia (Canavalia brasiliensis Mart. ex Benth) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) for improving nutrient uptake and weed suppression. Farmer-managed experiments were established in two communities in the region during 2006 and 2007 using randomized split-plot designs. Maize monocrops and maize-roselle intercrops grown with different sources of nutrients were intercropped with both legume species, sown 4–6 weeks after maize. Neither the legumes decreased yields of maize nor roselle, whereas they caused a reduction of the weed biomass by 24–55%. Total aboveground biomass returned to the soil increased up to 36% and total N, P, and K uptake was increased on average by 52%, 24%, and 30%, respectively. Legumes acted not only as a N-fixing crop, but also as a “catch” crop, preventing N and K leaching. With its prostrate growth habit and adaptation to poor soil conditions, canavalia demonstrated agronomic advantages in comparison to mucuna.

Análisis del balance energético de diferentes sistemas de manejo agroecológico del suelo, en el cultivo del maíz (Zea mays L.)

En un suelo Typic Haplustalfs (USDA) del municipio de Palmira, Valle del Cauca (Colombia), se estableció el sistema de rotación fríjol terciopelo Mucuna pruriens Var. Utilis-maíz Zea mays L., en diseño de bloques completos al azar, con siete tratamientos y tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos en la rotación fueron: T1 (sin M. pruriens y sin fertilizar); T2 (abono verde de M. pruriens sin fertilizar); T3 (acolchado orgánico de M. pruriens sin fertilizar); T4 (abono verde de M. pruriens más abono orgánico compostado); T5 (abono verde de M. pruriens más fertilizante de síntesis química); T6 (abono verde de M. pruriens más abono&lt;br /&gt;orgánico compostado, complementado con fertilizante de síntesis química); T7 (acolchado orgánico de M. pruriens más abono orgánico compostado, complementado con fertilizante de síntesis química). Se caracterizaron el balance energético y el aporte nutricional usando software Energía 3.01, a partir de las entradas energéticas en cada tratamiento. Se obtuvo la mayor eficiencia energética en el T2 con 114,1, la cual fue significativamente mayor (p&amp;lt;0,05) que los demás tratamientos. El T5 donde se usó fertilización de síntesis química obtuvo un valor de 19,1, lo cual refleja altas entradas energéticas y baja productividad. Los mayores aportes nutricionales se obtuvieron en T3, T4, T6 y T7. Sin embargo, se destacan los tratamientos T3 y T4, en los que se usaron acolchado orgánico y abono&lt;br /&gt;verde de M. pruriens más compost, respectivamente, pues&lt;br /&gt;son tratamientos donde se hace un uso más eficiente de&lt;br /&gt;los recursos energéticos, por la utilización de insumos de&lt;br /&gt;fácil acceso para el productor; ello, a su vez, puede generar&lt;br /&gt;beneficios como alimentación para casi 50 personas.ha-1.&lt;br /&gt;año-1. Tales resultados sugieren esta asociación como alternativa valiosa para uso en la agricultura familiar&lt;br /&gt;campesina.

Weed Biomass and Weed Species Diversity of Juvenile Citrus Trees Intercrop with some Arable Crops

A preliminary study was carried out to evaluate the performances of eight crops in the intercrop of citrus with arable crops at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, Nigeria. Eight arable crops: maize, cucumber, sweet potato, Corchorus olitorius, large green, grain amaranth, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, and groundnut were intercropped with young citrus trees in the early planting season of 2010 with sole citrus as control. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with three replicates. Data were collected on weed flora, weed density and weed dry weight. Results showed that the relative frequencies of weeds in all the plots were less than 4% at both 6 and 9WAP. Gomphrena celosoides, Oldenlandia corymbosa and Tridax procumbens were most preponderant in appearing in all the plots. Tridax procumbens had a consistent relative frequency (2.34%) in all the plots except in citrus/maize plot (0.78%) at 9 WAP. Significantly lower broadleaf weed densities were obtained in citrus/sweet potato, citrus/large green, control plot and citrus/cucumber (28.67, 45.00, 50.00 and 76.33 m-2 respectively) than in citrus/groundnut plot (143.00 m-2). Similarly, significantly lower grass weed densities were produced in citrus/Mucuna and citrus/sweet potato (0.33 m-2 each) plots than the control plot (11.33 m-2). Whereas citrus/corchorus plot produced significantly lower broadleaf weed dry weight (37.59 g m-2) than citrus/Mucuna plot (126.47 g m-2) at 3WAP, citrus/large green plot (16.15 g m-2) and citrus/groundnut plot (123.25 g m-2) followed the same trend at 6 WAP. Sedges dry weights were less than 7 g m-2 in all the plots compared with control plot.

A BAIT AND TRAP METHOD FOR SAMPLING SYMPHYLID POPULATIONS IN PINEAPPLE

We developed a standardized method to monitor the symphylids (Hanseniella sp.) populations in pineapple using bait and traps. Two methods for symphylid extraction and enumeration were tested. Two statistical methods, the variance/mean ratio and a spatial analysis (Moran and Geary indices) were used to describe the type of spatial distribution of the populations. This bait and trap method allows a good evaluation of the symphylid populations. The ratio between adults and larvae may be used as an indicator of the population growth statute. Data collected on a rotation crop for pineapple, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, showed that symphylids populations are highly aggregated following a negative binomial distribution. Finally, the method has been validated in plots of 'MD-2' pineapple to monitor the symphylids populations at different stages of development of the crop. (Resume d'auteur)

Desempenho agronômico de mucuna‑verde em diferentes arranjos espaciais

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes arranjos espaciais no desempenho agronômico de mucuna-verde (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis). O experimento consistiu de oito tratamentos, dispostos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 2x4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram semeadura da mucuna-verde, em dois espaçamentos entre sulcos de plantio (0,5 e 1,0 m) e quatro densidades de plantas (2, 4, 8 e 16 plantas m-1). Determinaram-se as taxas de cobertura do solo e de fixação biológica de nitrogênio (FBN) e a produção de matéria seca e a quantidade de N acumulado na parte aérea. A cobertura total do solo ocorreu aos 50 dias após a semeadura, na densidade de 16 plantas m-1 e espaçamento de 0,5 m entre sulcos de plantio. A combinação da densidade de 16 plantas m-1 com o espaçamento de 1,0 m entre sulcos proporcionou a maior produção de matéria seca e quantidade de N acumulado na parte aérea das plantas. Independentemente do arranjo espacial das plantas, a estimativa da FBN nesta espécie mostra que cerca de 70% do N presente na parte aérea é derivado da atmosfera.