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Challenges and Progress in the Control of White Root Rot Disease of Hevea brasiliensis in Africa

Omo-Ikerodah, E.E*., Omorusi, V.I.1, Mokwunye, M.U.B.

Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 1049, Benin City, Nigeria^.

*e-mail: eomoikerodah@yahoo.com

Abstract: White root rot caused by Rigidoporus lignosus (Klotzsch) Imazeki is known to be widely distributed in Africa where its pernicious effects in natural rubber plantations have been recorded. Soil-inhabiting fungi, including pathogenic ones such as R. lignosus interact with a complex microbial community which may enhance their infective mechanism of the host. Previous and current achievements in researches have made significant impact in the control of white root rot disease in Hevea. Evidence obtained from the laboratory, green house, microplot experiments have been very vital and important in the control of the disease. On the other hand, in agro-ecosystems (in the field) very little evidence has been achieved, where plant pathogens cause reduction of yield and quality. Deliberate interventions, using control measures such as genetically resistant varieties, cultural practices, chemical applications to some extent, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and phytoalexins are promising Integrated Pest (disease) Management (IPM) components for effective control of Hevea root rot disease.

[Omo-Ikeroda, E.E. Omorusi, V.I., Mokwunye, M.U.B. Challenges and Progress in the Control of White Root Rot Disease of Hevea Brasiliensis in Africa. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):1-2]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural.

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.01

Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), White root rot, Hevea brasiliensis, Diseases

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Making Rural Services Work for the Poor: Micro-level Evidence from Rural Uganda

Nana Afranaa Kwapong; John Ilukor; Markus Hanisch; Ephraim Nkonya

Humboldt University Berlin, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture

Division of Cooperative Sciences 

nafranaa@yahoo.com ; john.ilukor@gmail.com ; hanischm@rz.hu-berlin.de ; e.nkonya@cgiar.org  

Abstract: Access to rural services is a promising strategy for increasing people’s productive capacity resulting in the promotion of human development and poverty reduction.  However, the Paradox is that in some communities’ service provision has worked to get the poor out of poverty where as in other communities services have not. In this paper, we present empirical evidence to explain this paradox based on qualitative case study research of four rural communities in Uganda. Evidence shows that communities with reduced poverty levels had high level of collective action. Communities with high poverty levels preferred mostly access to extension services, microcredit services and increase security to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty. Leadership played a critical role in improving the performance of rural services. In the absence of security all other services are not likely to work for the benefit of the poor. Lastly, the lack of well defined property rights of land tenure system and reduced access to land acted as a disincentive limiting investment opportunities increasing poverty levels even if service performance was high.

[Nana Afranaa Kwapong; John Ilukor; Markus Hanisch; Ephraim Nkonya. Making Rural Services Work for the Poor: Micro-level Evidence from Rural Uganda. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):3-12]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online).  http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 2

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.02

Key words: Rural Services, Poverty, Uganda

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Role Of Agricultural Credit In Natural Rubber Production In Edo And Delta States, Nigeria

MESIKE, C.S.

Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 1049 Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

e-mail: sammesike@yahoo.ca

Abstract: The study examined the role of agricultural credit in natural rubber production in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria. The data used for the study was obtained from a sample survey of 100 smallholders using a simple random sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and production function. The result indicates that agricultural credit has a significant relationship with farm size, education and contacts with extension agent. The production function analysis revealed that the coefficient of the amount of credit had the highest significant value when compared to that of family size, level of education and farming experience indicating that supply of credit enhanced the income of rubber farmers and it clearly defines its role in improving farmers’ productivity.

[MESIKE, C.S. Role Of Agricultural Credit In Natural Rubber Production In Edo And Delta States, Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):13-15]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 3

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.03

Keywords: Agricultural credit, income, rubber, production function

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Participation in Rural Developmental Programs based on the Rural People's Cognitive Organization: Using Social Cognitive Theory

Liela Nikpoor Ghanavaty

Payame Noor University, Iran. coactionjournal@gmail.com

Abstract: Rural development includes complicated and multidimensional process in which getting to it is conditioned to consider to group of factors and diverse levels of development analysis. Based on the focused rural development purpose, institutionalizing developmental characteristics in rural people, making organizations and developing decentralized governmental strategies in order to establish participation in a great number of rural people in decision making and implementing development programs is a great commitment to reach integrated rural development. What is important pertains to cognitive organizations in rural people dealt with key element to explain rural people's participation in rural developmental programs. So, considering to this importance can help to planning and implementing developmental programs. Using archival research and literature review, this study aimed at explaining participation issue in developmental programs based on the social cognitive theory. The results of this study can be suitable for planners and strategists tending to research about collective-developmental activities based on the social cognitive theory.

[Liela Nikpoor Ghanavaty. Farmers’ Participation in Rural Developmental Programs based on the Rural People's Cognitive Organization: Using Social Cognitive Theory. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):16-22]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 4

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.04

Key worlds: Participation, Rural Development, Social Cognitive Theory.

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Aspects of Biodiversity Studies in a Small Rural Tropical Reservoir (Lamingo Reservoir) in Jos, Nigeria

Cyril C. Ajuzie

Applied Fisheries and Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Nigeria

E-mail: efulecy@yahoo.com

Abstract: Monitoring of a water body (i.e. sampling and analyzing water, sediments and biotas) helps to generate information on the system’s biodiversity, as well as on the health status of the water body. There is a dearth of information on the ecology of the many freshwater bodies that dot Jos, a town in Nigeria. This study involved a description of phytoplankton and macroinvertebrate communities in Lamingo reservoir. The study was undertaken during the month of July 2011 with the aim of establishing a preliminary inventory of biotas within these groups in the reservoir. Phytoplanktons were identified to the species level, while macroinvertebrates were identified to the family level of classification. A total of 62 taxa (comprising 53 species of phytoplankton and 9 families of macroinvertebrates) were recorded during this study. The relevance of this taxon diversity is discoursed based on the principles of ecosystem structure and functioning. Reasons on why the ecosystem and its biotas should be conserved are proffered. Steps that should be taken to preserve the reservoir are also suggested. It is hoped that Lamingo reservoir and the other reservoirs in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria will continue to receive the attention of researchers to enable us fully understand their ecology and health status, with the view of conserving them for posterity.

[Cyril C. Ajuzie. Aspects of Biodiversity Studies in a Small Rural Tropical Reservoir (Lamingo Reservoir) in Jos, Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):23-33]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 5

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.05

Key Words: biodiversity, conservation, phytoplankton, macroinvertebrates, rural tropical reservoir, Nigeria

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Forest Carbon Sinks and Its Economy Evaluation of State-owned Forest Region in Heilongjiang Province

LI Changsheng

School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China. Email: lichangsheng100@yahoo.com.cn

Abstract: Forest carbon sinks has been paying much more attention to by worsening of greenhouse effect and climate warming. After studying the characteristics of forest carbon sinks, direct fixing carbon of forest was analyzed. The operational method of measurement of forest carbon sinks was suggested. Finely, forest carbon sinks of state-owned forest region in Heilongjiang Province was calculated. The forest carbon sinks of state-owned forest region in Heilongjiang Province is 0.895 billion ton. The value is 106.349 billion Chinese dollars.

[LI Changsheng. Forest Carbon Sinks and Its Economy Evaluation of State-owned Forest Region in Heilongjiang Province. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):34-38]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 6

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.06

Key words: forest carbon sinks; economy evaluation; tree biomass carbon reserves

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The Influences of Planting Density to Aboveground Biomass Distribution of Hybrid Larch

Sun Nan^1,2, Li Yazhou^2*, Li Meng²

¹Northeast Forestry University, Haerbin 150040,P.R.China; ².Heilongjiang Province Forest Science Research Institute, Haerbin 150081, P.R.China

* Corresponding author. E-mail: sunnan083@yahoo.com.cn

Abstract: Forest biomass, carbon storage and distribution pattern were the important research content for the forest carbon cycle and terrestrial ecosystems model.Biomass, carbon storage and components distribution were mensurated used by diameter class standards in 4 planting density (2500 N hm^-2、3300 N hm^-2、4400 N hm^-2、6600 N hm^-2) of hybrid larch at 11age.The results show that , the order of the biomass and carbon storage of each components was trunk> branch> bark> leaf, stem biomass ratio of total biomass growing by the planting density growing. There was no significant differences among the single components biomass under 4 planting densities. The components biomass were obtained by diameter class measure, the trend was decreased along with the planting density growing, and there was significant differences between components biomass. The components allometric equation of hybrid larch were established with components biomass of 32 different diameters standard wood, and the accuracy were more than 90%. The average carbon storage of hybrid larch each component were 14.00 tC hm^-2，2.43tC hm^-2，5.80tC hm^-2，2.02tC hm^-2, and the total aboveground carbon storage was 24.25tC hm^-2, the carbon storage of hybrid larch each component were all increased along with planting density decreasing, and there was significant differences between them. This is the first study about the biomass and carbon storage , and bring forward the components allometric equation of hybrid larch in different density, which provides a theoretical basis for the research on the Biomass and carbon storage of hybrid larch in the future.

[Sun Nan, Li Yazhou, Li Meng. The Influences of Planting Density to Aboveground Biomass Distribution of Hybrid Larch. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):39-44]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 7

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.07

Key words: Hybrid Larch; Carbon Allocation; Carbon Storage; Biomass

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On Music Education in China's Rural Primary and Middle Schools

Liang Ma

Minzu University of China

Beijing 100000, China

Abstract: Currently, the present situation of early school music education in rural area is not in good states, and many flaws exist. The Department of education excessively address on student enrollment rate has made art discipline course in an overlook position. Music education is vital in all-around education policy. It serves as both method and channel in our aesthetic education program. We have to change our traditional thinking of Examinations-oriented education, in order to do that music education seems to be a logical breaking point. In our rural area, in order to improve their music education status we must keep reform and enhance their teaching methods.

[Liang Ma. On Music Education in China's Rural Primary and Middle Schools. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):45-48]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 8

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.08

Keyword: Primary and secondary school, music education, status, analysis

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Rainfall and priority investment commodities in southern Nigeria

Rufai, A.M and Omonona, B.T.

Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:  This paper uses regression analysis to examine the relationship between the rising output of the priority investment commodities in southern Nigeria and the rainfall pattern of the same region. The Augmented dickey Fuller test showed that the variables were stationary at different levels. The trace cointegration test showed cointegration in the output of sweet potatoes and the weather parameters and so the error correction model was used to analyze the relationship between them. Output of Plantain and sweet potatoes were found to have a positive relationship with rainfall which signifies that production was still largely dependent on rainfall. However, output of the commodities have a negative relationship with rainfall of previous years (lagged rainfall) which signified that output of the crops continued to rise irrespective of changes in the amount of rainfall. The output of cocoyam was found to have a negative relationship with rainfall which signifies that an increase or decrease in rainfall had no effect on the increasing output. Temperature had no effect on the output of sweet potatoes. It is therefore recommended that to maximize the output of these commodities farmers should be educated on the nutritional and export potentials of these crops and the use of irrigation facilities should be encouraged and provided.

[Rufai, A.M and Omonona, B.T. Rainfall and priority investment commodities in southern Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):49-55]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural.

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.09

Keywords: Rainfall, priority commodities, error correction model, cointegration

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Bioremediation of Tannery Effluents by Diazotrophic Cyanobacterium Tolypothrix tenuis (Kuetz.) Schmidt

^*1V. Kannan, ¹M. Vijayasanthi, ²R. Ramesh and ¹A.P.Arumugam

¹PG & Research Department of Botany, National College, Tiruchirapalli – 620 001, Tamilnadu, India

²PG & Research Department of Geology, National College, Tiruchirapalli – 620 001, Tamilnadu, India

kannamala@sify.com

Abstract: Tannery effluents are of large scale environmental concern because they colour and diminish the quality of water bodies into which they are released. Their disposal into the environment creates adverse effects by altering the normal physiochemical properties of soil and water. Though many conventional physicochemical methods are currently being practiced, biotechnological methods are becoming attractive alternatives, as they are economical and eco-friendly. In this study Cyanobacterium, particularly Tolypothrix tenuis was employed for bioremediation of tannery effluents. The treated effluents from tannery industry were collected and added to the cyanobacterial growth medium in various proportions. The photosynthetic pigments and nitrogen status of T. tenuis were analyzed before and after the treatment with effluent. The present investigations showed that Tolypothrix tenuis can serve as the potential bioremedial organism for industrial pollution.

[V. Kannan, M. Vijayasanthi, R. Ramesh and A.P.Arumugam. Bioremediation of Tannery Effluents by Diazotrophic Cyanobacterium Tolypothrix tenuis (Kuetz.) Schmidt em. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):56-60]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 10

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.10

Key words: Tannery effluent, Photosynthetic pigments, cyanobacteria

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The Frequency of Kell Red Cell Antigens (K,k) Among The Major Sudanese Tribes

Ahmed Siddig Akasha

ABSTRACT: Objective: to determine the frequency of Kell-1 and Kell-2 and their gene frequencies in the Sudanese population. Design: This study was carried out on 500 samples in five major Sudanese tribes. Each sample was tested for Kell-1 and Kell-2 by indirect coombs’ test using anti Kell-1 and Kell-2 antisera. Setting: AL-Neelain University – College of Medical Laboratory Sciences – Sudan – Khartoum. Results: The frequency of Kell-1among the tribes was found to be 5.6% while that of Kell-2 was found to be 99.6%.  Gene frequencies of Kell-1 and Kell-2 were found to be 0.03 and 0.97 respectively. Conclusions: The frequency of Kell-1 is 5.6% and its gene frequency is 0.03 while the positivity of Kell-2 is 99.6% and its gene frequency is 0.97.

[Ahmed Siddig Akasha. The Frequency of Kell Red Cell Antigens (K,k) Among The Major Sudanese Tribes. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):61-64]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 11

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.11

Keywords: Kell-1; Kell-2; gene frequency; positivity

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Agronomic Performances Of Corchorus Olitorus  (“Ewedu”) As Influenced By Poultry Manure And Npk 15-15-15 Fertilizer In Ikorodu Agro-Ecological Zone Of Nigeria

K. O. Sanni ¹ and J. M.Adesina^2*

¹Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Lagos State Polytechnic, P. O. Box 249, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

²Department of Crop, Soil & Pest Management, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, P. M. B. 1019, Owo, Ondo State Nigeria

^*Corresponding author (Email: moboladesina@yahoo.com; Tel: 008037110905)

ABSTRACT: The maintenance of organic matter content of soil through the use of fertilizer is of primary importance to any soil management programme under continuous cropping. In light of this, a Radomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment with 3 treatments (25t/ha^-1 (12.5kg/bed) poultry manure (PM), 400kg/ha^-1 (0.2kg/bed) NPK fertilizer and control with no fertilizer application) and 3 replicates was conducted the Teaching and Commercial Farms of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Nigeria to evaluate the agronomic and yield performances of Corhorus olitorus to organic and inorganic fertilizers. The result showed significant (P<0.05) effects of PM and NPK fertilizer on all the parameters measured. PM and fertilizer had significant (P<0.05) on plant height with the tallest plant recorded in plots applied to PM at 3 (18.80cm) and 5 (49.26cm) weeks after planting (WAP). Similarly, PM had significant (P<0.05) effect on leaf number and stem girth development. Lowest yield (4.46kg) was obtained from control plot and highest yield was obtained from plots treated with PM (6.35kg) followed by NPK (6.10kg) which was not significantly different compared to PM. Therefore, it was concluded that Ikorodu farmers could apply 25 t ha^-1 PM to obtain maximum C. olitorus growth and yield. This will save the farmers the shortcomings encountered with the use of inorganic fertilizer and offer a veritable means of disposing PM waste in urban cities.

[K. O. Sanni and J. M.Adesina. Agronomic Performances Of Corchorus Olitorus  (“Ewedu”) As Influenced By Poultry Manure And Npk 15-15-15 Fertilizer In Ikorodu Agro-Ecological Zone Of Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):65-67]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 12

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.12

Keywords: agronomic, Corhorus olitorus, highest, organic, inorganic, parameter

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Implementation of Operational Blackboard at zone Pulwama in Kashmir Division

Dr. M.Y. Ganie ¹, Aqueel Ahmad Pandith ², Muddasir Hamid Malik ²

1 Associate professor, Department of Education, University of Kashmir

2 Ph.D. Scholars, Department of Education, University of Kashmir

Email:malikjavaid321@gmail.com

Abstract: This study was based on survey. The main objective of this research problem was to study the success of Operational Blackboard envisaged by National Policy on Education (1986) and to study the implementation of the scheme in the present condition at District Pulwama. It was found that among 51 schools 17 schools do not have their own buildings. The teaching learning material (TLM) which had been supplied to the schools from time to time is out of standard, which sometimes provide wrong information. The percentage of playing materials was 30%. It was further found that the total implementation of Operational Blackboard scheme in this Zone was 34%.

[M.Y. Ganie, Aqueel Ahmad Pandith, Muddasir Hamid Malik. Implementation of Operational Blackboard at zone Pulwama in Kashmir Division. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):68-73]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 13

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.13

Keywords: Operationalblackboard,Pulwama

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Utilizing Chemical, Anatomical and fingerprinting based on proteins polymorphism in classification of some Populus species

M.S. Shehata¹, M.M. Mansor² and I.M.M. Barakat²

¹ Horticulture Research Institute Agriculture Research Center.

² Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University.

baracat.potany@yahoo.com

Abstract: The current investigation was performed on the genus Populus in Egypt. This studied on four species of Populus to identification the differences among of these species based on pigment, anatomy and protein based on gel electrophoreses. The result recorded that the pigments which content chlorophyll A, B and carotenoids in P. alba was highest value, and the chlorophyll A and B in P. euroamericana was lowest value. This resulted cleared the significant differences among for four Populus species and can be used this characters as differenced among of Populus species. The significance of anatomical characters is of a diagnostic value to facility the identification and might serve in the solution of some puzzling relationships among different species of the genus Populus. The protein used as the genetic studied to determined differences among the four Populus species, the genetic similarity ranged between 66% and 96% which P. deltoides and P. euroamericana represent 96%. Similarity matrix shows that there’s a great variation between P. alba sample with P. nigra, P. euroamericana and P. deltoides samples since the similarity was 66, 73 and 70%, respectively.

[M.S. Shehata, M.M. Mansor and I.M.M. Barakat. Utilizing Chemical, Anatomical and fingerprinting based on proteins polymorphism in classification of some Populus species. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):74-85]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 14

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.14

Key words: Populus; protein; pigments; chlorophyll A & B and carotenoids; anatomy; gel electrophoreses; fingerprinting

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Application of GIS best path algorithm in Harbin Roads

Sui Min, *Wang Wei-fang

College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China

*Corresponding author. E-mail: weifangwang@126.com

Abstract: Using Harbin traffic road picture as the base map, we established a complete spatial databases of roads and surface features in Harbin, completed the spatial database and attribute database connection. From the actual situation of GIS network shortest path algorithm and the achievement of Dijkstra algorithm search technology, we used VB language based on MapX for secondary development and to complete the realization and application of the best path Dijkstra optimization algorithm in Harbin roads.

[Sui Min, Wang Wei-fang. Application of GIS best path algorithm in Harbin Roads. World Rural Observations 2012;4(1):86-90]. ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 15

doi:10.7537/marswro040112.15

Key words: The shortest path; Dijkstra algorithm; MapX

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