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Research Article
Ecophysiology and Seedlings Nutrient Contents of Forest Species Ricinodendron heudelotii (Mull. Arg.) and Cola acuminata (P. Beauv.) Influenced by Biofertilizer and Salinity
Tchiaze Ifoue Alice Virginie*
,
Lieujip Piengang Aurelien Cyril,
Ekwel Sondi Serge,
Fanteunti Ibrahim,
Taffouo Victor Desire
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
129-141
Received:
12 March 2024
Accepted:
1 April 2024
Published:
10 May 2024
Abstract: Ricinodendron heudelotii and Cola acuminata, are important plants species whose exploitation became abusive over the years due to the high utilization of their fruits as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). They face to multiple challenges: a recalcitrance of seeds and salinity that limits regeneration. Therefore, regeneration seems an appropriate corridor for domestication with the optimization of plant mycorrhizal symbiosis otherwise called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). But alongside this domestication can be added constraints due to salinity of the soils in coastal region. This justify the aim of this work which was to study dynamics and evaluate the effect of salinity and mycorrhizal biofertilizers on the Ricinodendron heudelotii and Cola acuminata seedlings. To undergo this purpose, data were collected in two villages (Kendje and Njombeng) in Mungo division, and assay were conducted in greenhouse at the Faculty of Science, University of Douala-Cameroon. In the field, the identification of species was assessed over an area of 1600 m² as well as the circumference of the trees, the individual number of Ricinodendron heudelotii and Cola acuminata among other species in order to assess their maturity and rarity in the forest. The second part was carried out in the greenhouse for the purpose of germination, obtaining seedlings and evaluating the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Gisgaspora margarita) as biofertilizers on the seedlings in saline conditions (0, 50, 100 and 200 mM of NaCl). Some parameters were determined on seedlings (plant growth, dry weight, distribution of ions in plant organs, chlorophyll and carotenoid content) over a period of twenty-six weeks. Globally Cola acuminata is more present in the forest (5.88%) than Ricinodendron heudelotii (1.47%) with average circumference of 105cm for both species. AMF-biofertilizer alleviates the deleterious effect of salt stress on plants growth parameters depending of concentration. Moreover, for those species, the distribution of Na+ is more accumulated in the root’s plants unlike K+ and P which are more concentrated in the leaves.
Abstract: Ricinodendron heudelotii and Cola acuminata, are important plants species whose exploitation became abusive over the years due to the high utilization of their fruits as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). They face to multiple challenges: a recalcitrance of seeds and salinity that limits regeneration. Therefore, regeneration seems an appropriate co...
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Research Article
Demand of Imported Rice in Mozambique (2011 - 2020)
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
142-159
Received:
8 April 2024
Accepted:
22 April 2024
Published:
10 May 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20241203.12
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Abstract: Rice plays an important role in the food and nutrition security of the Mozambican population and has been importing rice to meet growing consumption needs. There are several studies regarding demand of imported rice worldwide. However, it is noted that despite the importance of imported rice in national consumption, the empirical and quantitative studies on the demand for imported rice in Mozambique are scarce. This study results from the need to contribute to filling the information gap by providing the quantification of the impact of income and price on the consumption of imported rice. Based on monthly rice import data from 2011 to 2020, obtained from INE, the Source Differentiated Almost Ideal Demand System (SDAIDS) model and the Seemingly Unrelated Rules (SUR) approach are applied to estimate demand systems for imported rice. The period was chosen due to availability of data. The results of this study show that the national production of rice still does not cover internal needs, so the country resorts to imports to fill the deficit. The elasticities of demand for rice imported into Mozambique show that all income elasticities of demand are statistically significant, except for “other countries” or Rest of the World. The results also show that when income increases by 1%, the demand for rice increases by 1.2% when coming from “Pakistan”, and by 1.1% when coming from “Singapore”, by 1.03% for “Vietnam”; and in for those from “Myanmar” (1.1%), which suggests that rice from these countries can be classified in the luxury goods category. The results also illustrate that when the price increases by 1%, the quantities demanded decrease, on average, by 1.06% for rice coming from “Pakistan”; by 1.06% for those from “Singapore”; 1.22% for those from “Myanmar”; 0.96% for those from “Vietnam”; by 0.89% for “India”; by 0.79% for “China”; in 0.974% for “Thailand” and in 0.56% for those coming from “other countries”. The low levels of production and productivity show that it is still a challenge to guarantee rice self-sufficiency in Mozambique, and efforts to improve supply must continue, since the country's dependence on imported rice can potentially create conditions of vulnerability and insecurity and adverse market effects have competitive advantages.
Abstract: Rice plays an important role in the food and nutrition security of the Mozambican population and has been importing rice to meet growing consumption needs. There are several studies regarding demand of imported rice worldwide. However, it is noted that despite the importance of imported rice in national consumption, the empirical and quantitative s...
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Research Article
Hunting for Bushmeat Threatens the Rich Wildlife of Korup National Park in Cameroon
Manfothang Dongmo Ervis*,
Niki-Buroro Agbor Ekpe Jerome,
Temgoua Lucie Félicité
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
160-173
Received:
12 January 2024
Accepted:
4 March 2024
Published:
17 May 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20241203.13
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Abstract: Studied bushmeat hunting in the southwest (cluster E) of the Korup National Park (KNP) to identify the various poaching methods, quantify bushmeat, and identify the various hunting routes and to elucidate the key factors of poaching within this protected area. To achieve this task, purposeful and random sampling methods were used for the selection of target communities and respondents for questionnaires administration. Socio-economic surveys that included interviews, focus group discussions, guided questionnaires, and biological survey methods were used to estimate the quantity of bush meat harvested, species preferences, different bush meat routes and poaching methods. A total of 2,252 animals has been recorded with the most hunted species in the group of mammals being (pangolin) Phataginus sp. (150), (putty-nosed monkey) Cercopithecus nictitans (111), (great blue turaco) Corythaeola cristata (134), and (dwarf crocodile) Osteolaemus tetraspis (70). The main poaching tools in order of importance were shotguns (36.2%) followed by wire snares (31.7%). The main bush meat route identified was between the southwestern area of KNP and Nigeria through Ekong Anaku village. The main poaching factors were the inadequate source of income generating activities and high demand for bush meat in neighboring Nigeria. In parallel to the socio-economic benefits of this sector and its impact on rural population, the sustainable management of these threats in this area needs to be managed so as to guarantee the food security of local populations. For this, the successful monitoring and management of bushmeat extraction and trade in this park is to necessitate a collaboration approach with Cross River National Park to ensure a full control. It also requires the development of the alternatives sources of income to communities around the park.
Abstract: Studied bushmeat hunting in the southwest (cluster E) of the Korup National Park (KNP) to identify the various poaching methods, quantify bushmeat, and identify the various hunting routes and to elucidate the key factors of poaching within this protected area. To achieve this task, purposeful and random sampling methods were used for the selection ...
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Research Article
New Names and New Combinations of the Genera of Bambusa, Dinochloa and Guadua (Bambusaceae)
Da-Li Fu*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
174-184
Received:
8 April 2024
Accepted:
27 April 2024
Published:
17 May 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20241203.14
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Abstract: The subfamily Bambusoideae Luerss., belonging to the family Bambusaceae Burnett, is intricately intertwined with human production and daily life, exerting a profound influence on culture as well. The distinctive characteristics of the subfamily, such as culm, rhizome, branch, and culm sheath, have traditionally been employed in taxonomic classification, which requires further research to validate from a scientific perspective. Using the minimum criterion PHS (phylogenetic similarity) ≤ 0.928 (inter genera) for genus classification by CPCG (chloroplast complete genomes) of Fructophyta D.L.Fu & H.Fu, total 22 synonyms of three genera of Bambusa Schreb., Dinochloa Büse and Guadua Kunth within the subfamily, have been identified, 15 current synonyms of the genus Bambusa Schreb. including Bonia Balansa, Dendrocalamus Nees, Gigantochloa Kurz ex Munro, Holttumochloa K.M.Wong, Kinabaluchloa K.M.Wong, Maclurochloa K.M.Wong, Melocalamus Benth., Neomicrocalamus Keng f., Oreobambos K.Schum., Oxytenanthera Munro, Phuphanochloa Sungkaew & Teerawat., Soejatmia K.M.Wong, Temochloa S.Dransf., Thyrsostachys Gamble and Vietnamosasa T.Q.Nguyen, 3 current synonyms of the genus Dinochloa Büse being Cyrtochloa S.Dransf., Neololeba Widjaja and Sphaerobambos S.Dransf., and 4 current synonyms of the genus Guadua Kunth being Apoclada McClure, Eremocaulon Soderstr. & Londoño, Olmeca Soderstr. and Otatea (McClure & E.W.Sm.) C.E.Calderón & Soderstr.. Additionally, 27 new specific names such as Bambusa bifloscula D.L.Fu and Dinochloa hirta D.L.Fu, along with 184 new specific combinations like Bambusa achmadii (Widjaja) D.L.Fu, Dinochloa acutiflora (Munro) D.L.Fu and Guadua acuminata (Munro) D.L.Fu have been scientifically and validly published. These publications will scientifically address the taxonomic nomenclature confusion and establish a robust foundation for the research of evolutionary system within the family Bambusaceae Burnett.
Abstract: The subfamily Bambusoideae Luerss., belonging to the family Bambusaceae Burnett, is intricately intertwined with human production and daily life, exerting a profound influence on culture as well. The distinctive characteristics of the subfamily, such as culm, rhizome, branch, and culm sheath, have traditionally been employed in taxonomic classifica...
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Review Article
Mechanised Removal of Cocoa Beans from the Pod and Strategies to Optimize the Technique: A Review
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
185-194
Received:
21 April 2024
Accepted:
20 May 2024
Published:
3 June 2024
Abstract: Confronted with problems associated with removing cocoa beans, methods, technologies and equipment have been developed and applied over the years. This paper comprehensively reviews the most effective method and technology to split cocoa pods and remove the beans. The working principle of the technique was explained with the cocoa pod opening mechanism, structures applicability and cost of the working method. The forces involved in opening cocoa pods are shearing, compressive, and impact depending on the machine type and the process used. The techniques applied in opening cocoa pods are grouped into traditional (manual) and improved (mechanised). The manual method of opening the cocoa pod is time-consuming and prone to accidents leading to injury to beans and farmers. The strength of the labour force available during harvest also affects the manual method. When cocoa beans are damaged, they deteriorate and are not appropriate for fermentation. The mechanised splitting has a high initial investment but very fast and reduced losses. Information gathered on cocoa pod mechanization shows that despite the countless efforts in developing various opening mechanisms. a high bean damage ratio and separation problems are still yet to be controlled. The current trends and techniques in cocoa pod opening mechanisms are also presented.
Abstract: Confronted with problems associated with removing cocoa beans, methods, technologies and equipment have been developed and applied over the years. This paper comprehensively reviews the most effective method and technology to split cocoa pods and remove the beans. The working principle of the technique was explained with the cocoa pod opening mecha...
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Research Article
Women and Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas in West Africa: Case of Benin
Eyitayo Raïnath Kegnide*,
Fifanou Vodouhe,
Aklesso Egbendewe,
Jacob Afouda Yabi
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
195-208
Received:
22 April 2024
Accepted:
17 May 2024
Published:
3 June 2024
Abstract: This research identified factors that can influence the forms of women's entrepreneurship in rural areas in Benin. The Harmonized Survey on Living Conditions of Households database carried out in 2018 was used for the study. Data in several countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo) and financed by the World Bank. The annual survey to monitor the living conditions of households is part of the perspective of a better knowledge of poverty in WAEMU member countries, in order to understand its manifestations. This Data were submitted to a multinomial logistic regression model and, rural women in agricultural entrepreneurship were categorized into three groups based on sources of funding: entrepreneurship with access to credit (1.70%), entrepreneurship in association (17.88%), and entrepreneurship with equity (80.42%). The regression model identified factors such as socio-cultural affiliation, religion, geographical location, age, marital status, and the mother's branch of activity as social factors that determine the choice of forms of entrepreneurship. In addition to these factors, the study identified some constraints on women's agricultural entrepreneurship such as lack of employment, lack of access to land, level of education, access to water and grazing sites, floods/droughts, poor management, and poor sales of agricultural products as exogenous factors. Improvement of these factors could promote women's agricultural entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Abstract: This research identified factors that can influence the forms of women's entrepreneurship in rural areas in Benin. The Harmonized Survey on Living Conditions of Households database carried out in 2018 was used for the study. Data in several countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo) and financed by the...
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Research Article
The Effects of Mother Tree Size and Flowering Period on Salt Tolerance of Tamarix Austromongolica Seeds in the Yellow River Delta
Qingzhi Lin,
Yaling Yang,
Muzheng Hao,
Xin Han,
Yuling Zhang*,
Jing Yang,
Mengmeng Zheng,
Qingshan Yang,
Xiaojun Lu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
209-216
Received:
13 May 2024
Accepted:
28 May 2024
Published:
13 June 2024
Abstract: Tamarix austromongolica is a two-season flowering plant with a spring and summer flowering period and both flowering periods produce viable seeds, with flowering extending from mid-May to October and seed maturation from mid-June to October. In order to reveal the germination pattern of T. austromongolica seeds in the Yellow River Delta region, this study investigated the salt tolerance of seeds of different age mother trees during the spring and summer flowering periods in the region. Spring and summer flowering seeds of different ground diameter mother trees in the T. austromongolica forest in the region were collected and subjected to seed germination experiments under different concentrations of NaCl solution. The results showed that the diameter grade of the mother tree had a significant impact on seed germination, but had no significant effect on early seedling growth (except for the root length of offspring seedlings during the summer flowering period). As the diameter level of the mother tree increases, the germination rate, germination index, and vitality index of seeds during the spring flowering period first increase and then decrease, with the highest values observed at a ground diameter of 10.0-19.9cm. However, the above indicators of summer flowering seeds gradually decreased with the diameter increasing. There were significant differences in salt tolerance of seeds during different flowering periods. The germination rate and germination index of spring flowering seeds significantly decreased between 11‰ and 15‰, but the effect of salt concentration on summer flowering seed germination was not significant. For the early growth of seedlings, as the salt concentration increased, the root length and seedling height of seed offspring seedlings during spring and summer flowering periods decreased after being higher than 5‰. Compared with spring flowering seeds, summer flowering seeds had higher germination ability and seedling weight under salt stress. Therefore, the salt tolerance of the seeds of T. austromongolica was determined by the size of the mother tree and the flowering period, which is an important strategy for its adaptation to the Yellow River Delta region.
Abstract: Tamarix austromongolica is a two-season flowering plant with a spring and summer flowering period and both flowering periods produce viable seeds, with flowering extending from mid-May to October and seed maturation from mid-June to October. In order to reveal the germination pattern of T. austromongolica seeds in the Yellow River Delta region, thi...
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