Agriculture Journal: Volume-10, Issue-3, March, 2024

Abstract- Introduction: Stunting /pygmy or growth impairment parallel with obesity, is in high prevalence in the Aflatoxins exposure population, based on p16 upregulation. Mutation of p16 or epigenetic silencing, gives proliferation of BAT (UCP 132), SMCs (CKD-1), and later cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
Method: Review articles using my Library, and academic search engines like PubMed, Science Direct, and EBSCOhost. Keywords searching use Stunting-AFB1 exposure (23 Systematic Reviews), and Meta-Analysis (MA) ^ stunting (7), urine AFM1 (82) sub ppb, MA p16 upregulated (35). Acute exposure is excluded. Bayesian Analytical is used to find the reference that supports the p53-p21-p16 axis in AFB1exposure, which causes stunting in low- and middle- neighborhood Socioeconomic Status/nSES populations.
Result: One figure and 3 tables of Senescence barrier, AFB1-stunting, MA p53 axis-stunting, MA p16 upregulation-stunting, and p16 downregulation-cancer.
Discussion: p16 upregulated in stunting then in the older years p16 mutation or epigenetic silencing in proliferation cells due to the senescence barrier.
Conclusion: Detect in the population by epidemiology, laboratory in sub ppb, anthropometric measurement, and anamnesis survey where the refrigerator is full of leftover food, on winning to fight stunting.

Abstract- The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of poultry production systems and waste management in some local government areas of Anambra State of Nigeria. The basics of poultry farming were discussed including various types of chicken kept by farmers, production systems and scales. A proposal for improved poultry waste management through anaerobic digestion for biogas production was also discussed. The work highlighted anaerobic digestion process of poultry waste in biogas production. The research methodology adopted in the work is primary data obtained by use of questionnaires distributed to respondents, also secondary data obtained from journals and newspapers. The study revealed that medium scale poultry farms are predominant in the study area where majority of the farms still operate deep litter system. Only few of the farms operate battery cage system. It was found out that mechanized poultry farming is still at its lowest ebb in the state. It was found out that the poultry wastes generated by farmers are widely used for fertilizer. It is recommended that some level of mechanization is introduced in the industry to minimize the drudgery associated with poultry farming; technical training programs should be organized on regular basis to familiarize farmers with modern technology in poultry farming. Extension services are also recommended to educate farmers on recent best practices in the industry.

Abstract- Mosquitoes are the most deadly vectors of parasites that causes diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and philleriasis, in view of the recent interest of developing plant based mosquito repellant on a replacement to the synthetic repellence. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the mosquito repellent activity of O.gratissimum with the objective of accessing its incense, spray and cream formulation. The plant material used in this study was sourced from Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana and processed into crude extracts for incense and spray and also extraction of oil for cream formulation. The mosquitoes used in this study was cultured from stagnant water kept in the lab. The evaluation of incense burning and spray of the crude extract was done using 5 different household for 3 consecutive days. The landing time and percentage repellency was done using mosquito cages containing 30 female blood starved mosquito. ODOMOS was used as standard, petroleum jelly and essential oil as the test and petroleum jelly alone as the control. Each evaluation was done for 10mins and all in triplicate. The results obtained showed 4hours and 2hours for incense burning and spray respectively. The landing time for DEET is 6 minutes, 1 minutes and 3minutes for standard, control and test and total bite of mosquito is 1, 26 and 12 for standard, control and test and repellency of 96.6% 13.3% and 60% respectively. The result showed that Ocimum gratissimum has significant mosquito repellency. Therefore, more research attention is being invoked towards harnessing the potential of using this plants extracts as a replacement for synthetic repellant.

Abstract- This study meticulously examined the protein and carbohydrate contents in aqueous and chloroform extracts of Bombyx mori L. (silkworm) droppings from six distinct silkworm breeds (CSR2, CSR4, M43, M46, SK4 and Sanish 8) using standardized protocols. The findings consistently indicated heightened protein and carbohydrate levels in aqueous extracts across both 4th and 5thinstar droppings. Particularly noteworthy was the CSR4 breed, displaying the highest protein content at 10.76% and 8.09% in 4th and5th instar, respectively, while the M46 breed showcased the lowest protein content. Conversely, carbohydrate content peaked in the droppings of the M46 breed. This investigation underscores the indispensable role played by these constituents in soil health and agricultural practices, emphasizing their potential as organic fertilizers. It advocates for further comprehensive exploration of these elements to unlock their manifold applications beyond silk production. Recognizing their significance in sustainable agriculture and environmental management, this study prompts further research endeavors to harness their potential across various sectors.

Abstract- The scientific breeding method that creates mutations, mutation breeding, revolutionizes agriculture by cultivating a higher yield of the crop and making them more resilient. Challenges such as mutation unpredictability and ethical aspects exist. Nevertheless, mutation breeding should be considered as a sustainable practice of agriculture that ensures climate adaptation and food security. Coordinating technological developments, suiting it with other methods of breeding and dealing with socio-economic challenges are essential in this regard for the future of gene editing in the different agro-climatic regions of India.

Abstract- Microbial activity on food leads to its spoilage. This is usually by enzymatic processes that bring about lost of nutrients experienced on decaying food. Food decay, affect virtually all classes of nutrients in food especially, the organic aspect with proteins and lipids being the most. This study aimed at determinig the nutritional assessment and microbial safety of croaker fish from different frozen food centers. The nutritional assessment was determined through proximate analysis by standard method of AOAC and microbial safety by aerobic count, proteolytic and lipolytic count method using approprioate media. The results for proximate analysis showed moisture (62.38, 62.58 & 64.03), protein (23. 09, 23.40 & 22.98), lipid (10.21, 10.31 & 10.25), ash (1.11, 1.12 & 1.13) and carbohydrate (2.51, 2.65 & 1.61) for center A, B & C respectively. The mean values for aerobic plate count, proteolytic, and lipolytic counts were 7.30+0.18, 4.00+0.03, and 2.00+0.06, respectively, for center A, 6.31±0.29, 3.85±0.07, 2.61±0.01 for center B, and 7.70±0.82, 4.20±0.29, 2.82±0.13 for center C all in ×10³ CFU/ml. The presence of salmonella sp and straphylococcus were confirmed. These finding however, suggest contamination with aerobes with both proteolytic and lipolytic activities and particularly with pathogenic salmonella and straphylocaccus which could endanger the health of people upon their consumption.

Abstract- This research was aimed at evaluating the prevalence and molecular detection of Plasmodium falciparum from malaria diagnosed patients attending Mater Hospital. Venous blood samples (5ml) of 75 patients attending Mater Hospital were collected for preparation of thick blood firms for parasite screening and Nested PCR (nPCR) for Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) gene detection. While thick film was prepared on microscopic slid, air dried, stained in field stain A and B., and viewed under the light microscope with x100 objective lens, 10µl each of whole blood sample used for PCR Plasmodium falciparum gene detection using the nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR) as a diagnostic tool. The PCR products were analyzed in ethidium bromide stained 2% agarose gel. Microscopic examination of the stained blood film showed the presence of rig form trophozoites, schizonts and gametocytes of P. falciparum confirming high prevalence of malaria in Afikpo within the sampled population as 50 persons out of the 75 collected blood samples showed positive for malaria parasite. Age distribution of the samples shows that the most affected were those within the age brackets of 10 – 15 years with a prevalence rate of 26 (52%) followed by those within the age bracket of 16 – 21 years 11(22%). However, the nPCR analysis showed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum gene that resolved at 250bp and 270bp in all the 50 samples. Thereby indicating that Plasmodium falciparum was the prevalent specie that responsible for malaria in Afikpo. Following this result, it is recommended that PCR be included as part of the diagnostic tools for screening of the causative specie of malaria as this will go a long way in ensuring effective treatment to prevent drug resistance.

Abstract- Considering the promising demand for water in agricultural practices and other applications, efficient use of water has emerged as a critical necessity. This study focuses on the estimation of weekly irrigation water requirements for major crops in the Chintakani major distributary of Nagarjuna Sagar project (NSP) over the period of 2015 to 2018. The methodology employed in this study involved the calculation of reference evapotranspiration using FAO Penmen-Monteith, which is a standard method for estimating evapotranspiration. The results revealed that the average irrigation requirements for Maize and Chillies during the rabi season were 483.12 mm and 898.95 mm respectively. To understand the water dynamics in this region, data pertaining to the weekly canal water during the years 2015-16 to 2017-18 was collected. This data was then used with the estimated demands of crops in the distributary command to assess the adequacy of water supply in meeting the irrigation needs. The analysis of this research revealed that the annual demands of crops during the years 2015-16 to 2017-18 were 1086880, 7956889, 8048374 mᶾ respectively. In contrast, the canal water supplies during the same period were 949440, 7891552.46, 6986024.89 mᶾ respectively. A key finding of this study was the identification of a severe water deficit during the years 2015-16 and 2017-18. This deficit was attributed to a lower amount of rainfall during these years, based on the agricultural practices and climatic variations of the region. This study underscores the urgent need for strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of water use in agriculture, particularly in regions prone to rainfall deficits.

Abstract- This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the distribution and potential uses of peatland in Asmat Regency, Papua, Indonesia, a region that holds significant peatland areas of global ecological and economic importance. Through a combination of field surveys, remote sensing data analysis, and laboratory soil testing, the study maps the extent, depth, and characteristics of peat soils across the Asmat Regency. The findings reveal diverse peatland ecosystems, ranging from coastal mangroves to inland freshwater swamps, with peat depths exceeding 3 meters in several areas, indicating substantial carbon storage capacity. The study evaluates the soil's physicochemical properties, such as acidity (pH), organic matter content, and nutrient availability, which are crucial for determining its suitability for agriculture, forestry, and conservation efforts. Additionally, the research addresses the challenges of sustainable management and the risks associated with peatland degradation, such as carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. It proposes strategies for utilizing peat soils that align with environmental conservation and sustainable development goals. This includes recommendations for agroforestry practices, peatland restoration, and the implementation of community-based management approaches that benefit the local population while preserving these vital ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific research to foster the sustainable use of peat soils in Asmat Regency and similar contexts globally.