Authors:Pattama Hannok*, Phongsit Kaewunta, Walailak Khunyota, Anittaya Kaewnut, Phongsathorn Pachimkanthong, Chutiwat Tangthavonkarn Pages: 9 pages - 9 pages Abstract: Cluster analysis is a type of exploratory analysis that is used for classifying unknown individuals into groups of members that share certain similarity. Grouping breeding materials into different clusters based on their performances under a given condition allows plant breeders to select breeding lines more efficiently. This study aimed to group breeding materials based on their performance under water stress conditions using cluster analysis. The experiment was conducted in RCB design with 3 blocks. Fifty maize inbred lines were grown and exposed to water stress conditions. Twenty-four phenotypic traits were collected and some of them were subjected to cluster analysis. The Partitioning Around Medoid algorithm was used to cluster 50 inbred lines from chosen phenotypes. Cluster validation was then carried out in a subsequent experiment by testing the statistically significant differences between chosen inbred lines and tolerant and susceptible clusters. According to the analysis, 4 clusters with different numbers of inbred lines were obtained. Lines in cluster no. 3 showed the most tolerance compared with the other clusters. In contrast, individuals in cluster no. 1 were the most susceptible. The results of cluster validation in another year also supported this cluster result. Therefore, we concluded that the clustering method was an efficient way to differentiate tolerant and susceptible inbred lines. Furthermore, the results suggested that plant height, tassel size, spikelet density, days to silking, and anthesis-silking interval were secondary traits that could be used in selection for drought tolerance in maize. Keywords: cluster analysis; partitioning around medoid; ordination analysis; inbred line collection; drought tolerance *Corresponding author: Tel.: (+66) 53873630 Fax: (+66) 53498168 E-mail: pattama_h@mju.ac.th PubDate: 2022-04-28
Authors:Kiki Nurtjahja*, Yurnaliza, Aditiya Bungsu; , Juwita Esterina Silalahi, Jesica Simanullang, Betriana Novi Lenta Gultom Pages: 13 pages - 13 pages Abstract: Poultry feeds mainly consist of cereal grains and crops that are vulnerable to fungal infection. Improper handling of the feeds increases spoilage and contamination by aflatoxigenic fungi. The aim of this study was to determine fungal contamination including characterization of toxigenic and non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains in poultry feed and its ingredients. We collected 200 composite samples of compound poultry feeds and their ingredients sold by retailers at traditional markets. The fungal population was enumerated using a dilution followed by the pour plate in dichloran 18% glycerol agar medium. All isolated A. flavus were identified by culture technique and molecular approach. Aflatoxin production was determined in 10% coconut agar medium with thin layer chromatography. Regulatory (aflR) and structural (nor-1, ver-1, omt-1) genes of A. flavus strains were isolated using four sets of primers (aflR, nor-1, ver-1, omt-1). We found that all feeds were infected by fungi. Aspergillus chevalieri was the most found in all feeds, particularl on chick starter. Of the 200 samples of compound and poultry feed ingredients, 57 isolates of A. flavus were examined and 16 of them (28%) were toxigenic, each strain producing aflatoxin B1 from <3.01 to 35.50 ppb. Among feeds, layer finisher, pellet starter and grain corn were the most infected by toxigenic A. flavus, respectively. The contamination occurred on feeds that contained corn as the main compound. Routine analysis of compound poultry feeds and their ingredients for aflatoxigenic fungi particularly A. flavus is compulsory. Keywords: Aspergillus flavus; aflatoxin; fungal population; poultry feeds; non-toxigenic *Corresponding author: Tel.: (+062) 1533178071 Fax 0618214290 E-mail: kiki2@usu.ac.id PubDate: 2022-05-18
Authors:Pradeep Mishra*, Khder Mohammed Alakkari, Achal Lama, Soumik Ray, Monika Singh, Claris Shoko, Mostafa Abotaleb, Abdullah Mohammad Ghazi Al khatib, Kadir Karakaya Pages: 15 pages - 15 pages Abstract: Sugarcane industry is of crucial importance to the South Asian countries. These countries depend heavily on agriculture and the sugarcane industry has immense potential to contribute towards its economic development. Hence, the precise and timely forecast of sugarcane production is of concern for farmers, policy makers and other stakeholders. In this manuscript, we strived to forecast the production and growth rate of this important commodity using standard statistical approaches. The ARIMA (Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average) and ETS (Exponential Smoothing) models were applied and compared on the basis of their forecasting efficiency for South Asia countries. This study also investigated the trends in sugarcane production in the region and studies the causes of the decline in production of sugarcane in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Furthermore, the expected production for following 7 years was computed using both models. In addition, we also calculated the projected growth rates of sugarcane production of South Asian countries over the years 2020-2027. Keywords: ARIMA; ETS; forecasting; policy; sugarcane production *Corresponding author: Tel.: (+91) 9560073489 E-mail: pradeepjnkvv@gmail.com PubDate: 2022-04-28
Authors:Lukumon Adeoti, Geraldine Anukwu*, Saheed Ademoye, Joseph Adegbite, Emmanuel Adigun, Oluwakemi Adeogun Pages: 18 pages - 18 pages Abstract: Hydrocarbon contamination of the groundwater system is a problem facing residents of Ejigbo, Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria. The area hosts the busiest satellite petroleum depots in Nigeria, and residents have attributed pollution of the groundwater system to hydrocarbon spills from possible pipeline leakages. This study aimed to identify and characterize the source and extent of the groundwater system contamination in the study area. The electrical resistivity method was adopted, comprising 2D Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and Vertical Electric Sounding (VES) techniques. Data acquired were processed and analyzed to obtain geoelectric sections, longitudinal conductance map and 2D ERI sections for the study area. Three distinct geoelectric zones were delineated, with the intermediate zone identified as the contaminated shallow aquiferous unit. This unit's resistivity values ranged from about 400 - 5000 ohm-m at a depth of 5 - 35 m. On the 2D ERI sections, possible locations of pipeline leakages were identified. On some ERI sections, a linear feature with resistivity value less than 300 ohm-m was observed from the surface down the depth of the entire section, truncating the horizontal flow of the contaminated unit. Generally, the results indicate that the contamination of the shallow aquifer in the area is widespread and mitigation measures should be urgently undertaken. Keywords: leakages; contamination; geoelectric sections; longitudinal conductance; aquifer; pipeline; groundwater system *Corresponding author: Tel.: (+234) 905 638 6645 E-mail: ganukwu@unilag.edu.ng PubDate: 2022-05-17
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