Effect of Cutting Frequency on Forage Growth and Yield in Elephant Grass in the Southern Rainforest of Nigeria
Abstract— Pot experiment was conducted at Ndele, Rivers state, southern rainforest of Nigeria to determine the effect of cutting frequency on forage growth and yield in elephant grass, Pennisetum purpureum. The study was a single factor experiment of cutting intervals (5 days; 10 days; 15 days and 20 days) replicated 3 times, arranged in a randomized complete block design using replicates as blocks. Data collected were plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, forage fresh weight and dry weight. Results showed that cutting frequency significantly influenced plant height or growth rate, leaf area and number of leaves. Leaf area and number of leaves reduced with higher frequency or shorter interval of cutting. Grasses cut at 20 days interval recorded the greatest number of leaves and highest leaf area. Cutting frequency markedly affected forage fresh weight and dry matter production (dry weight) and there was noticeable forage yield reduction in grasses cut at 5 days interval (higher frequency) with progressive cuttings as against those cut at 20 days interval (low frequency). Grasses cut at 20 days interval recorded the highest growth and leaf production, the most forage fresh weight and dry matter yield. 20 days interval is hereby recommended for cutting Pennistum purpureum cutting or gracing in southern rainforest of Nigeria.
Keywords— Cutting interval, forage production, Pennisetum purpureum, southern rainforest, Nigeria.
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Effects of Paclobutrazol on fruit yield and physico-chemical characteristics of mango Cvs. Dashehari, Langra, Chausa and Fazri
Abstract— Paclobutrazol is triazoles derivatives [(2 RS, 3RS)-1-(4-Chloropheny)-4, 4-dimethyl-2- (1, 2, 4 triazole-1-yl)] Pentane – 3 – ethanol. It is taken up of xylem and translocated acropetally to sub apical meristem. Paclobutrazol is metabolized in plant in 10-15 days but persists in soil generally for more than one year Pactbutrazol was applied on a basic trunk drench (1.0 g/m, 0.5 g/m tree canopy diameter) in 21-22 year old mango tree Paclobutrazol treatment induced early ripening, reduced fruit sized when applied continuously for more than one year. However that quality was better in terms of higher TSS, total sugar, and β-carotene and Ascorbic aid.
Keywords— Paclobutrazol (PBZ), Auxins (IAA), Gibbcrellins, Cytokinins and Plant growth regulator.
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Carbon stock of woody species along Altitude gradient in Alemsaga Forest, South Gondar, North Western Ethiopia
Abstract—
Purpose: Forest ecosystems play a significant role in the climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Therefore carbon determination provide clear indications of the possibilities of promoting forest development and management for mitigating of climate change through soil and vegetation carbon sequestration. The study was carried out to quantify carbon stock potential in Alemsaga Forest, South Gondar zone.
Research method: Vegetation data Collection was made using a systematic sampling method; laying six transect lines with 500 m apart and 54 quadrants of 20 m X 20 m established 200 m distant to each other along the transect lines. In these plots, abundance, DBH and heights of all woody species were recorded, and soil sample was collected 1m X1m from the four corners and center of each quadrant. General allometric model was used for estimating above and belowground biomass. The organic carbon content of the soil samples was determined in the laboratory.
Finding: A total of 66 woody plant species belong to 42 families were identified, Fabaceae was the most dominant families. The total mean above and belowground carbon stock was 216.86 ton/ha and 114.71 ton/ha respectively and soil organic carbon (SOC) 103.15 ton/ha. Above and belowground carbon increased as altitude decreased, but SOC increases with increase of altitude.
Originality/value: Carbon stock estimation in the forest helps to manage the forests sustainably from the ecological, economic and environmental points of view and opportunities for economic benefit through carbon trading to farmers.
Key word: Altitude, Carbon stock, Forest, Woody species.