Nuwara Eliya Research Articles

Multi-temporal Satellite Images and Combination of Multi-Classification Approaches for Evaluation of Changes in Forest Cover: A case study

The primary objective of this study is to develop a method to monitor the changes in forest cover using three different techniques, namely Spatial Data Mining (SDM), supervised and unsupervised classification, and Geographical Information System (GIS) overlay processing methods. The secondary objective was to monitor the land use changes using multi-temporal satellite images (Landsat 8 images of 2016 and 2020). The study area is located in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. The first and second approaches consisted of supervised and unsupervised classification approaches. The use of a combination of two classification mapping approaches provides better results compared with the use of a single classification, which is a novelty of the present study. The GIS overly processing technique combined the two maps obtained from supervised and unsupervised classifications to develop an improved map for land use changes. The improved map was reclassified and converted into ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) format, which was then pre-processed to convert the data set into the suitable format for the SDM modeling. The converted format was used to implement SDM modeling with the support of the Clustering-outline detection algorithm. The overall accuracy of the Landsat 8 images was 94.6. Results revealed that the forest cover extent was diminished by 5.28% in the study area between 2016 and 2020. The ground measurement was done with the help of the forest department to verify the results. The study revealed that the forest area decreased, and farming lands increased due to intensive agriculture. Future studies would be necessary to determine the validity and suitability of the developed model for other climatic zones in the country.

Bio-pesticides for the Control of Two–spotted Spider Mite, <em>Tetranychus urticae</em> Koch, in Strawberry Cultivations

Strawberry is cultivated in polytunnels and open field cultivations in Nuwara Eliya district. Recently, a severe infestation of the Two Spotted Spider Mite (TSSM) in strawberry was reported and the farmers observed Department of Agriculture (DOA) recommended insecticide Abamectin was ineffective. Therefore, two Bio-pesticides; M-Impact and Hort-Impact were tested in three locations of Jagro Farms Ltd, Nuwara Eliya to control TSSM. Two rates of Bio-pesticides were tested in nursery, vegetative and fruiting stages in a randomized complete block design. Results showed that the average percentage mortality of TSSM at day after each application of Hort-Impact was 95.4 for both concentrations. M-Impact resulted an average mortality of 98.7% and 97.9% for 1.0 mLL-1 and 0.5 mLL-1, concentrations respectively during the vegetative stage at Meepilimana. However, at Radella, during the nursery stage, average mortalities were 98.4% and 98.3% for 1.0 mLL-1 concentration and 95.8% and 97.7% for 0.5 mLL-1 concentration for Hort-impact and M-impact, respectively. The DOA recommended insecticide Abamectin at 1.0 mLL-1 concentration resulted a mean TSSM count >200 at the end of the experiment and was significantly higher than Hort-Impact and M-Impact treatments. The TSSM counts were 52 and 45 and 80 and 36 for concentrations 1.0 mLL-1 and 0.5 mLL-1 respectively at Meepilimana and a similar trend was observed at Radella. It is therefore concluded that both Bio-pesticides at both concentrations were effective in controlling TSSM in strawberry. However, M-Impact cannot be used at fruiting stage as it imparts a bitter taste for the fruits at Welimada site.

Constraints faced by rural female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka: a study based on Nuwara Eliya district

Female entrepreneurship is the driving force and substance for a country's economy, particularly developing countries. Female business startup activities are increasing year by year. However, regardless of the growth of female entrepreneurship each year, the achievement of female entrepreneurs' businesses is still not up to expectations. Additionally, female entrepreneurs also face challenges to continuing in long-term business. Researchers construct knowledge on female entrepreneurship through various aspects. However, most contributions to the literature on women entrepreneurs came from developed countries, and the results can not be generalized. Thus, the study explores female entrepreneurs' traditional constraints in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka. The study adopts a qualitative approach, specifically narrative design. The data were obtained from eight respondents purposively. The struggle to balance the family and the business, gender discrimination, culture, human capital, and acquiring business knowledge were the main findings. In addition, the Easter attack and the Covid 19 pandemic worsened female entrepreneurs' constraints The constraints that emerged from the analysis resulted in the development of a new and comprehensive model. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for the female entrepreneurship area.

Breeding biology of Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis (Aves: Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) in tropical montane cloud forests, Sri Lanka

Breeding biology of the endemic Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis was studied from January 2017 to January 2018 in the montane cloud forests of Horton Plains National Park, in Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. A total of 46 active nests were studied. Breeding occurred March–May. The peak egg-laying was in March and April. Mean nest construction period 11±2.87 days (n= 17), nest height was 3.16±1.22 m from the ground. Majority of nests were built on Sarcococca brevifolia, Berberis ceylanica, and Cinnamomum ovalifolium trees of 4–12 m tall. Most number of pen cup nests were constructed by the fine grass stalks and mosses woven with cobwebs and internal cup lined with grass roots. Eggs were pale blue. Mean clutch size 2.15±0.37 eggs (n= 11). The incubation period was 10.92±0.9 days (n= 11). Nestling period was 28.33±1.55 days (n= 11). Both sexes participate in nest construction, incubation and brood rearing. About 25.53% of nests were depredated (N= 12). The overall nest success was 74.46%. The study reveals that undisturbed cloud forests are critical to conservation of Sri Lanka White-eye.

CHECKING THE ASSUMPTIONS FOR USING PARAMETRIC TESTS IN RELATION TO LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC DISTRICTS EARLY ADOLESCENTS MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT LEVELS IN LEARNING

Low participation in learning of secondary students is a matter affirms examination, mostly in low socio-economic districts in Sri Lanka. One of the main factors contributing to this situation may be students’ motivation and engagement in learning. Therefore, this study tried to find out the levels of motivation and engagement among early adolescents. Motivation and Engagement ScaleJunior School was employed to collect data from Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya districts in Sri Lanka. Hundred male and 100 female students were chosen using stratified random sampling method. Confirmatory factor analysis did not provide a robust factor solution and it was decided to conduct exploratory factor analysis. Accordingly, four factors were identified: Positive Motivation (PM), Positive Engagement (PE), Failure Avoidance and Anxiety (FAA), and Uncertain Control (UC). It was decided to identify their motivation and engagement levels in relation to these factors using parametric tests. Therefore, the assumptions of using parametric tests were checked; normality, homogeneity of variance, data type, and independently distributed errors. In relation to the assumption of normality, the results of the normality tests using skewness and kurtosis were checked; all the scales showed substantial normality. This is further evident from the histograms and box-plots for all the scales. The PM, PE, and FAA scales show results from tests of homogeneity of variance based on gender. Only PM and FAA scales variances demonstrated homogeneity of variance for ethnicity. The test based upon grouping by school indicated that only the PM scale possessed homogeneity of variance. Of the four basic assumptions, normality, data type, and independently distributed errors were fulfilled; the assumption of homogeneity of variances was not. Therefore, it was decided to conduct both parametric tests and non-parametric tests.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A CASE OF BADULLA & NUWARA ELIYA POTATO FARMING COMMUNITY, SRI LANKAFACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A CASE OF BADULLA & NUWARA ELIYA POTATO FARMING COMMUNITY, SRI LANKA

ICT upgrades farmer knowledge thus, enhancing overall production and marketing aspects in agricultural systems. However, transferring traditional farmers into new technologies in developing countries is a significant challenge. At present, there have been many ICT tools introduced to farmers in Sri Lanka. Thus, the central question is whether the agro-community is constructively utilizing these different ICT tools. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the factors which affect the overall usage of ICT tools of potato farmers in Sri Lanka and their perception of future use of ICT. Primary data was collected from 241 farmers randomly in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya Districts using a pre-tested questionnaire. Correlation analysis was deployed to elicit the relationship between selected socio-economic factors of the farmer and the number of ICTs those farmers have utilized. Results revealed education level (p<0.05, r = 0.659), average monthly farm income (p<0.1, r = 0.352) and number of crops cultivated (p<0.05, r = 0.851) by farmer were positive and significant with the number of ICT appliances used by the potato farmer. Age (p<0.05, r = -0.7432) and years of experience engaged in agricultural activities (p<0.05, r = -0.254) were negative and significant with the number of ICT appliances used by the potato farmer. Further, 60% of farmers have used the internet once a week to gather agriculture-related information. Another, 13% have used GPS and only 1% have used e-mail. Even though there have been numerous ICT tools, still ICT literacy of local farmers was still not up to a satisfactory level. This implied Sri Lankan agriculture sector is not fully utilizing ICT in agriculture. Perhaps changing the way or mode of delivering ICT tools may cause a positive influence in agriculture. Rather than focusing on advanced ICT appliances and tools, it is recommended to exploit the full potential of current ICT appliances and tools to disseminate vital information. Consideration of farmer accessibility of different ICT appliances and tools is much important to decide the next step of agriculture modernization in Sri Lanka.

Spatial Integration of Vegetable Markets of Sri Lanka during COVID-19 Pandemic

The majority of the vegetables moving through traditional supply chains pass via Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre (DDEC), which is the main wholesale market in Sri Lanka, to the regional markets. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lankan government implemented several measures to keep vegetable markets of the country integrated. The objective of this study was to examine the degree of market integration of nine regional wholesale vegetable markets with DDEC in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pairwise comparisons between vegetable prices at DDEC and regional markets were done using Engle- Granger Co-integration test to achieve this objective. The analysis was carried out in the first differenced form, which conformed to the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) tests of stationarity. Short-run price disequilibrium was tested using Vector Auto-Regression Model (VAR) and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Weekly wholesale prices of beans, carrot, tomato, and brinjal markets during 2018-2021 were used for the analysis. The results revealed that only bean markets in Dehiaththakandiya, Thambuttegama, Nuwara Eliya, Meegoda, and Colombo wholesale vegetable markets depicted cointegrated behaviour with DDEC during the COVID-19 period. None of the other vegetable markets were integrated spatially with DDEC during the COVID-19 period. Before the pandemic, except in Ampara, Colombo and Dehiaththakandiya regional markets, all the other regional markets for beans, carrot, tomato, and brinjal were spatially integrated with DDEC either long run or short run. In conclusion, despite various government interventions to keep the vegetable market channels smoothly and consistently, the COVID-19 has negatively affected on price transmission of the vegetable marketing system of the country.

Mapping Post-Harvest Waste in Perishable Supply Chains through System Dynamics: A Sri Lankan Case Study

Purpose : This research focuses on gaining insights on post-harvest waste. It is based on the upstream traditional vegetable and fruit supply chains in Sri Lanka and hopes to provide a basic understanding for future research. The research focuses on Thambuththegama and Nuwara Eliya dedicated economic centers which were established to collect vegetables directly from farmers. Research Method : Novel methods such as value stream mapping and system dynamics were used to map the supply chain and post-harvest waste for the first time in Sri Lanka. Value stream mapping was used to identify value-adding and nonvalue-adding activities. From the knowledge gained through literature and industry inputs a causal loop diagram was drafted. Findings : The causal loop diagrams show that lack of communication platforms, poor practices in handling vegetables, weather conditions and the number of intermediaries affect more towards postharvest waste. To reduce post-harvest waste, the government should invest more in awareness programs for the actors in the supply chain and relevant infrastructure. The research finds that inability to control the transpiration and respiration process of the harvested vegetables, unawareness of the issues among the value chain actors and operational inefficiencies are the main causes for post-harvest waste. Value : Future researchers can base the drafted causal loop diagram and develop a simulation model to increase operational efficiency and reduce post-harvest waste in the system.

Revealing the endophytic mycoflora in tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves in Sri Lanka: the first comprehensive study

Endophytic fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that live asymptomatically in healthy tissues of host and they have been reported from all kinds of plant tissues such as leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits. In this study, fungal endophytes associated with tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) were collected from Kandy, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya districts in Sri Lanka and were isolated, characterized, and identified. A total of twenty endophytic fungal isolates belonging to five genera were recovered and ITS-rDNA sequence data were used to identify them. All isolated endophytic fungal strains belong to the phylum Ascomycota and the majority of these isolates were identified as Colletotrichum species. Phyllosticta capitalensis was the most commonly found fungal endophyte in tea leaves and was recorded in all three districts where the samples were collected. This is the very first investigation on fungal endophytes associated with C. sinensis in Sri Lanka based on molecular sequence data. In addition, a comprehensive account of known endophytic fungi reported worldwide on Camellia sinensis is provided.

Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Development Training Programmes on Business Growth of SMEs

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme (EDTP) on the business growth of Small and Mediumscale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Nuwara Eliya district in Sri Lanka. The data were collected over purposively administering structured questionnaires from 100 respondents who completed EDTP in Nuwara Eliya district, Sri Lanka. The Partial Least Square Path Modelling (PLS) was performed to explore the impact of three EDTP dimensions, business knowledge and practice, business performance, and psychological indicators, on business growth through two mediating variables, increase in investment and formalization. The regression analysis results indicated that all hypotheses have a positive impact on business growth except two hypotheses. Findings indicate a positive but not significant impact of business knowledge and practices on formalization. There is a negative and not significant impact of psychological indicators on increases in investment. The findings provided new ways to develop EDTP strategies for SMEs by considering increases in investment and formalization.

Using Cultural Domain Analysis to Understand Community Perceptions of Infant and Young Child Foods in Sri Lanka

Objectives1) To understand how Sri Lankan caregivers conceptualize young child foods; 2) To explore local food classification systems; 3) To explain why some foods are culturally prescribed (remedies) or proscribed (taboos) for young children MethodsDesign: This ethnographic sub-study was conducted within a four-phase, mixed methods formative research design across rural, estate, and urban sectors of Sri Lanka. Data collection methods and sampling. Data were collected between Oct. 2020 – Feb. 2021 using free lists, pile sorts, and semi-structured interviews in urban (Batticaloa and Colombo), rural (Kilinochchi, Ratnapura, and Matara), and estate (Nuwara Eliya) sectors of Sri Lanka. Free lists (n = 150) and pile sorts (n = 84) were conducted among caregivers of young children. Both community leaders (n = 24) and caregivers (n = 21) were purposively sampled for interviews. Data analysis. Cultural domain analysis was conducted using Anthropac. Textual analysis of interview data followed an inductive approach whereby themes were identified, coded, and extracted for interpretation using Dedoose. Findings across methods were triangulated to enhance credibility. Results1. Among all sectors of Sri Lanka, caregivers identified rice as the most important food for young children diets, highlighting the importance of this staple regardless of sector or ethnicity. Only 2 animal source foods (eggs and fish) were included within the top 15 most salient foods. 2. Local food classification systems highlight a ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ paradigm, reflecting the underlying Ayurvedic medical belief system, influencing dietary choices. 3. Overall, 48 food proscriptions were identified, including ‘egg’ and ‘fish, specifically during child illness. Some locally-available fruits and vegetables were also proscribed, depending on their ‘cold’ nature, level of digestibility, and relation to illness causation. Prescribed foods (n = 47) were also found, most of which were herbal remedies (22 food or spice mixtures) to address child illness. ConclusionsUnderstanding local food definitions, food classification systems, and food rules may aid in shaping policies aiming to include culturally-appropriate strategies to improve feeding practices in Sri Lanka. Funding SourcesUNICEF.

The Potentials of ‘Travel Bubble’ to Re-Establish the Industry of Travel and Tourism: A Study on the Contribution of the Hotels and Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

The Potentials of ‘Travel Bubble’ to Re-Establish the Industry of Travel and Tourism: A Study on the Contribution of the Hotels and Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Factors Affecting the Utilization of Information & Communication Technology (ICT): A Case of Badulla & Nuwara Eliya Potato Farming Community, Sri Lanka

ICT upgrades farmer knowledge thus, enhances overall production and marketing aspects in agricultural systems. However, transferring traditional farmer into new technologies in developing countries is a significant challenge. At present, there have been many ICT tools which introduced to farmers in Sri Lanka. Thus, the central question is whether agro-community is utilizing these different ICT tools in a productive way. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the factors which affect the overall usage of ICT tools of potato farmers in Sri Lanka and their perception on future use of ICT. Primary data was collected from 241 farmers randomly in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya Districts using a pre-tested questionnaire. Correlation analysis was deployed to elicit the relationship between selected socio-economic factors of the farmer and the number of ICTs those farmers have utilized. Results revealed education level (p<0.05, r=0.659), average monthly farm income (p<0.1, r=0.352) and number of crops cultivated (p<0.05, r=0.851) by farmer were positive and significant with the number of ICT appliances used by the potato farmer. Age (p<0.05, r=-0.7432) and years of experience engaged in agricultural activities (p<0.05, r=-0.254) were negative and significant with the number of ICT appliances used by the potato farmer. Further, 60% farmers have used internet once a week to gather agriculture related information. Another, 13% have used GPS and only 1% have used e-mail. Even though there have been numerous ICT tools, still ICT literacy of local farmers were not up to the satisfactory level. This implied Sri Lankan agriculture sector is not fully utilizing ICT in agriculture. Perhaps changing the way or mode of delivering of ICT tools may cause positive influence in agriculture. Rather than focusing advanced ICT appliances and tools, it is recommended to exploit the full potential of current ICT appliances and tools to disseminate vital information. Consideration of farmer accessibility of different ICT appliances and tools are much important to decide the next step of agriculture modernization in Sri Lanka.

Geospatial assessment on land-use changes of Home Gardens in Upper Mahaweli Catchment in Sri Lanka

Land use changes are altering the hydrologic regimes in a catchment and have potentially large impacts on its water resources. Tree rich Home Gardens (HGs)in the Upper Mahaweli Catchment (UMC) play a vital role in catchment protection while providing other ecological services especially in areas where lack of forest cover. The main objective of this research study was to assess land-use changes of HGs in UMC and to analyze determinants for changes. An integrated approach was adopted for the methodology by integrating geo-spatial technologies with socio-economic modeling. Multi-temporal satellite imagery taken in 1990, 2005 and 2017 used for spatial assessment. Socioeconomic assessment was carried out to assess determinants for changes by developing a Binary logistic regression model using spatial, biophysical, and socio-economic determinants as predictor variables. According to spatial assessment a significant change has been revealed in Nuwara Eliya District of the UMC from 1990 to 2017. The most prominent changes have been occurred during 1990-2005 compared with to 2005 - 2017. During these periods HG land use has been increased by 14.85 % and 5.25%. In contrast, the distinct land use change was the increment of annual crop-based land use by 44.95% during 1990-2005 period. Spatial determinants were positively influenced for the conversion of HGs into other land uses. All other socio-economic determinants except age of the household head were significant for land use changes. Since conversion of HGs into annual cropbased land use would induce reduce tree cover of the UMC which lead to hinder ecological services of catchment protection function derived from HGs, policy strategies should focus on providing sufficient incentives to enhance tree cover of the HGs to control the conversion and to restore ecological services.

Students’ Perceptions of School-Related Conditions Impacting Their Motivation and Engagement in Learning

The data and information show that student participation in junior secondary schools in Sri Lanka, particularly in low socio-economic districts is considerably low. There are many reasons behind this. It seems that students’ low motivation and engagement might be one of the reasons. One of the problems for that might be school-related conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the perceptions of students regarding school-related conditions impacting their motivation and engagement in learning. Self-determination theory to understand students’ intrinsic motivation was used as the theoretical base of this study. This study employed explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Data were gathered from seven Tamil medium and five Sinhala medium type, two government schools located in the Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya districts. At the first phase (quantitative) of the study, the Motivation and Engagement Scale-Junior School was administered among two hundred grade, eight students and at the second phase (qualitative) of the study according to the scale scores, 12 male and 12 female students, identified as least motivated, were selected to be interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from the selected 24 students. The second phase (qualitative) data was used for this study. Thematic analysis was applied for analysing data. Analysis of interviews revealed two main themes in relation to the school-related conditions that impacted students’ motivation and engagement in learning: 1) quality of classroom relationships; and 2) quality of curriculum and resources. In theme one, quality of classroom relationships; negative teacher-student relationship and influence of peers were emerged as sub-themes. Under the sub-theme, negative teacher-student relationship, four categories were identified: harsh punishments, inadequate encouragement, un-engaging teaching, and unfriendly teaching-learning environment. In theme two, quality of curriculum and resources; inadequate quality learning activities, difficult subject matters, difficult and excessive homework, regular tests, inadequate classroom resources, and inadequate quality teaching-learning resources were emerged as sub-themes. It is imperative that the negative school-related conditions impacting students’ motivation and engagement should be taken into consideration to increase students’ participation in learning.

Strengthening Quality Seed Potato Production in Sri Lanka through Viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Among various inputs, seeds are inevitably critical for successful crop production, farm productivity, and profitability. Potato requires inputs intensively for its cultivation in comparison with other field crops. Only the seed accounts for more than 50% of the total cultivation cost due to the scarcity of locally produced quality seed potatoes at a reasonable price. One of the sustainable solutions to resolve this issue is to form viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in order to strengthen the production of quality seed potato in Sri Lanka. In light of this, the central objective of this study is to determine the prospects in initiating PPPs to improve the production of quality seed potato in Sri Lanka. Study adopts a normative approach. Two hundred and seventy six potato farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling covering four DS Division in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts. Pre-tested structured questionnaire and focus groups were deployed to gather data. Further, key informant interviews with 35 entities of both public and private entities were conducted. ANOVA was carried out to assess the cost efficiency of different seed types. Study identified that, provision of quality inputs and dissemination of technical know-how are the two main aspects expected from the PPPs. Mini tuber and Generation Zero (G0) production should be limited only to public entity while, PPP should form for production of G1 and further continuation. Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) approach is an option for the government to outsource public projects to the private sector. This enhances the efficient resource allocation between both parties. Further, farmers could reduce total cost of production by 10% using locally produced pre-basic seeds. However, strategies should be aligned with the best possible manner in order to meet the requirement of many stakeholders.

Ant Fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) Recorded by Multiple Methods in Rilagala Forest Reserve in the Knuckles Range, Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka

Kalyani is published by Research and Publications of the University of Kelaniya. It publishes articles, reviews and other communications in Humanities and Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Science and Technology, Medicine, Religions and Ayurveda studies. It is a multidisciplinary journal, hence, the academic and professionals in Sri Lanka and abroad are the target authors.

The Impact of Destination Attractiveness on Tourists’ Motivation to Consume Local Foods

Although the food is an important aspect in tourism industry, there are limited studies on motivation to consume local foods in tourist destinations. Thus, this study concerns the destination food brand image towards the local foods and motivation to consume local foods based on different destination attractions. Basically, this has main three objectives; to identify the relationship between destination attractiveness, destination food brand image and motivation to consume local foods; impact of destination attractiveness to motivate the tourists’ local food consumption; and how destination food brand images mediate the destination attractiveness and motivation to local food consumption. Five underlying factors were analyzed under destination attractiveness of local food consumption were labeled: cultural experience; authentic experience; food health; sensory appeal; and physical excitement. Primary data has collected from three hundred tourists from Ella and Nuwara Eliya tourist zones and convenience sampling technique has used to select tourists to collect data. Structured questionnaire has fielded among respondents to collect data and SPSS software has used to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistics, Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, multiple linear regression analysis and Baron and Kenny model of mediator analysis used to analyze the data. Empirical results revealed that destination attractiveness as well as destination food brand image can significantly enhance tourists’ motivation to consume local foods. It implies that destination food brand image partially mediates the relationship between destination attractiveness and motivation to consume local foods. Based on the outcomes, study makes a theoretical contribution and applications of the model are discussed both in terms of practical and managerial implications.

Long‐term changes in extreme air temperature in Nuwara Eliya: a case study from Sri Lanka

Long‐term changes in extreme air temperature at Nuwara Eliya (a high‐elevation observatory located in the western slopes of the central mountainous region of Sri Lanka) are examined. The present work is limited to a linear trend analysis of daily maximum and minimum air temperature series of the period 1926–2015. The statistical significance of the trend is estimated using the Mann‐Kendall test. There is a significant reduction in the diurnal temperature range (DTR) in Nuwara Eliya. The magnitude of the reduction is −0.23 degC per decade and is due to the increase in the daily minimum air temperature. No significant increase or decrease in the daily maximum air temperature was evident from the data. There is a strong inverse correlation between the standard deviation (which is related to the temperature variability) and the mean daily minimum air temperature. The increase in minimum temperature is not uniform throughout the year as the minimum temperature of the cold season has increased, while it has remained the same for the warm season, thereby reducing the overall DTR.

Genetic Diversity and Recombination in the Plant Pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Detected in Sri Lanka.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an important fungal pathogen on many economically important crops including cabbage worldwide. Even though population structure and genetic diversity of S. sclerotiorum is well studied in temperate climatic conditions, only a few studies have been conducted in tropical countries. It is also not clear whether the populations are clonal or recombining in the tropics. In filling this information gap, 47 isolates of S. sclerotiorum were collected from commercial cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) fields in Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka, where the disease has been previously reported. All the isolates were subjected to genetic diversity study using mycelial compatibility grouping and microsatellite markers. Fourteen mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) and 23 multilocus haplotypes (MLHs) were recorded. Mean expected heterozygosity of the population was 0.56. MLHs were weakly correlated with MCGs. Population genetic structure analysis and principal coordinates identified three genetic clusters. Genetic recombination was inferred within each genetic cluster when isolates were subjected to clone correction. There was evidence of multiple infections on single plant as detected by the presence of more than one MCG on each cabbage plant. However, multiple infections did not increase the disease severity in detached leaf assay. We found high genetic diversity and recombination of S. sclerotiorum population in a tropical country, Sri Lanka. Importance of detecting genetic structure when inferring recombination was also highlighted.