Journal of Agricultural Studies

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 1 Anca-Luiza Stanila, ICPA, RomaniaCleber Duarte, University of Guararapes, BrazilHabu Saleh Hamisu, National Horticultural Research Institute, NigeriaSudu Hakuruge Pushpa Malkanthi, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri LankaWossenie Shibabaw Mebratie, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Email 1: jas@macrothink.orgEmail 2: jas@macrothink.comURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 4 Alexandru Ioan Apahidean, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, RomaniaAndré Luiz Rodrigues Magalhães, Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco-UFAPE, BrazilAngel Ramon Sanchez Delgado, Universidade federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BrazilDarwin Pangaribuan, University of Lampung, IndonesiaHabu Saleh Hamisu, National Horticultural Research Institute, NigeriaMaría Francisca Perera, ITANOA, EEAOC-CONICET, ArgentinaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, Egypt Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Email 1: jas@macrothink.orgEmail 2: jas@macrothink.comURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 2 Alessandra M. Lima Naoe, Federal University of Tocantins, BrazilAlexandru Ioan Apahidean, Univ. of Agricultural Sciences&Veterinary Medicine, RomaniaAnca-Luiza Stanila, ICPA, RomaniaAngel Ramon Sanchez Delgado, Universidade federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BrazilAzwimbavhi Reckson Mulidzi, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaDarwin Pangaribuan, University of Lampung, IndonesiaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianFábio Cassola, UNICAMP, BrazilJuliana Nneka Ikpe, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, NigeriaMahyar Gerami, Sana Institute of Higher Education, IranRaul Pașcalău, Banat's University, RomaniaSybelle Mesquita Silva, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Brazil Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Email 1: jas@macrothink.orgEmail 2: jas@macrothink.comURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

The study was conducted in order to assess the leaf properties of different sweet cherry varieties grafted onto MaxMa 14 rootstock. The experiment was arranged in a randomized plot desing with three replicates of five plants per replication. The soil analyses showed that the soil properties of experiment site were found as moderate alkaline, low amount of organic material, N, P, Zn and Mn. The soil characteristics may be sub-optimum for cherry growing. According to our results, Kordia had the highest SPAD value (37.86) among the cultivars. Samba, Regina, Kordia and 0900 Ziraat cultivars had the highest anthocyanin contents. The highest stomatal conductance was in 0900 Ziraat cv followed by Sweetheart. Samba had greater leaf area (53.25 cm2) compared to other cultivars. The highest LRWC was obtained with Lorry Bloom. Epicuticular was content of Regina leaves was higher among the cultivars. The results of the present study provide useful informations about how the cherry scions grafted onto MaxMa 14 response to environmental challenges in nature. The identified leaf properties are valuable targets for physiological studies related with environmental stresses.

Salt stress is a common environmental challenge that adversely affects plant growth. However, little is known about the responses of plants to short term salinity. In the current experiment, we investigated morphological and physiological responses of a cherry cultivar (0900 Ziraat) grafted onto three rootstocks (CAB-6P, MaxMa 14 and Mazzard) to 35 mM NaCl stress. After one month, salt stress decreased plant growth of cherry plants. Rootstock, scion and shoot diameters and shoot length significantly decreased with salinity. The higher decrease in membrane permeability under salt stress was found in 0900/MaxMa 14 by 41%. 0900/Mazzard had the highest decline in LRWC by 15%. The results obtained demonstrate that a higher tolerance to short term salt stress was found in 0900 Ziraat grafted onto Mazzard is associated with: lower depression in plant growth, less decrease in chlorophyll content and more stability in cell membranes determined in membrane permeability measurement. Furthermore, the results showed that in the short term, cherry can be considered salt tolerant.

A 56-day feeding trial was performed to examine the effects of using Nymphaea lotus leaf meal (NLM) on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and survival rate of African catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis). Five treatment groups in triplicates with an average of the initial weight of 0.26±0.07g were fed diets incorporated with graded levels of NLM (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%). The obtained results showed that higher final body weight (FBW), daily weight gain (DWG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed with fish fed the control diet (CD) and NLM at the level of 20% compared to those of fish fed other diets. Protein efficiency ratios (PER) were not altered with dietary treatment. In addition, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish groups fed up to 30% of NLM were not varied (p>0.05), meanwhile, daily feed intake of fish fed NLM diets exhibited lower values compared to those of fish fed CD. Final whole body proximate compositions of catfish showed no significant differences (P>0.05) except for the body total fat and ash contents. Fat contents of fish fed diets incorporated with NLM were significantly lower than those of fish fed the control diet (CD) (P<0.05). Meanwhile, ash contents of fish fed diets incorporated with high levels of NLM (30, 40%) were significantly lower than those of fish fed the control diet (CD) (P<0.05). Survival rates ranged between 72 - 80% and there were no differences among all groups (P > 0.05). Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that up to 20% of NLM protein can be incorporated in the diet of African catfish with no adverse effects on growth performance, feed utilization, and survival rate.

To investigate the effects of replacement of fish oil by a mixture of Balanites aegyptiaca and Adansonia digitata seed oils three isonitrogenous (35.36%) and isoenergetic diets (3.48 MJ / kg) were formulated for one kilogram (1kg). The study was carried out on fries Clarias anguillaris for six weeks.At the beginning of the experiment, 90 Clarias anguillaris of the initial average weight of 0.82 ± 0.055g were randomly divided into three different groups with two replicates containing 15 fish/each. Fish were kept in six plastic tanks (50 x 40 x 30 cm) container (50 L). The results showed that the substitution of fish oil by a mixture of Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil and Adansonia digitata seed oil gives growth for all diets. However, the best growths are obtained from all points of view (MWGr, MWGa and SGR) with diet A (mixture of Adansonia seed oil and Balanites seed oil at a ratio of 20 : 20) followed by the diet D (mixture of Adansonia seed oil and Balanites seed oil at 10 : 30) compare to the control diet M containing fish oil. The best FCR was observed with the diet A followed by the diet D compare to the FCR observed with the diet M. The PER was higher in diet A (0.57) followed by diet D with (0.45) that has no significant difference with the control diet M (0.43). The highest value 63% was obtained with the diet D followed by 60% with the diet M and finally the lowest value 53% was obtained with the diet A. In regards to the growth performance, fish fed a 100% vegetable oil diet showed the best growth performance. Therefore, the replacement of fish oil with a mixture of Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil and Adansonia digitata seed oil has no negative impact on the growth of Clarias anguillaris fry. It would be interesting first to study the inclusion rate of Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil for a partial replacement of fish oil.

The presence of herbicides in the aquatic environment can cause different effects at all levels of biological organization. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatic alterations of the herbicide Roundup WG® on juvenile Pseudoplatystoma corruscans exposed to three different concentrations of this chemical compound: 0.25g/1000L, 0.50g/1000L, and 0.75g/1000L, plus control treatment (0.00g/1000L). The experiment lasted sixty days and, in the end, liver fragments were collected for further histological processing, using the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) technique. Only the control group showed a statistically significant increase in body mass and total length during the experiment. Blood glucose also showed no difference among the sample groups. The lesions found in the liver considered severe were hemorrhage, vacuolization, and hypertrophy of hepatocytes and the presence of free melanomacrophages, recorded in the groups exposed to 0.50 and 0.75g/1000L. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the herbicide Roundup WG® can promote liver alterations in Pseudoplatystoma corruscans.

This article explores the inception and development of pig factory farming in Ontario, Canada, since the 1950s to date, focusing on animal welfare dimensions. The study showed that although the term “animal welfare” was not well-known until the 1980s, discussions on cruelty and abnormal animal behaviour begun in the early days of factory farms. The article also delves into tensions between the humane movement and the agribusiness sector in Ontario. The article further sheds light on the social context that eventually led to an alliance in support of a conservative, incomplete notion of animal welfare between these former opponents. The article posits that as opposed to supporting the abolition of factory farming, the concept of animal welfare became central to implementing limited reforms in factory farming to convince the public and to marginalize discordant voices while concurrently expanding pig and other animal production worldwide.

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is widely used in several countries. Research on the neurotoxicity of 2,4-D has been focused on the central nervous system, and little is known about its effects on the myenteric plexus. Therefore, to elucidate the neurotoxicity of 2,4-D and the viability of its use, we investigated the effects of daily intake of 5 mg 2,4-D/kg for 60 days on the myenteric plexus neurons of the rat ileum using quantitative and morphometric analyses. Twenty male Wistar rats aged 60 days were divided into two groups (n=10 rats/group). The group E animals received daily 5 mg doses of 2,4-D/kg diluted in 1 mL of water, whereas the group C animals were not treated with the herbicide. The animals were euthanized with anesthetic after 60 days; subsequently, the ileum was dissected out, and procedures were performed to visualize the total population of neurons (Giemsa staining), the nitrergic neurons (NADPHd+), and the estimated population of cholinergic neurons (NADPHd-). The results were statistically analyzed and compared between groups. In group E, the densities of Giemsa-stained neurons and NADPHd- neurons decreased (p<0.05) by 7% and 10%, respectively, whereas the density of NADPHd+ neurons remained constant. The cell body area was 5.8% greater (p<0.05) for the NADPHd+ neurons but remained unchanged for the neurons stained with Giemsa. These results suggest that 2,4-D causes a reduction in neuronal density, particularly for cholinergic neurons, and promotes an increase in the cell body area of nitrergic neurons, leading to hypertrophy.

The use of herbicides such as 2,4-D + picloram in livestock areas can contaminate and hinder the use of the production system for subsequent crops of other crops. The objective of the research was to evaluate the ability of landrace maize varieties to reduce contamination of soil treated with 2,4-D + picloram, simulating existing conditions in the Amazon Biome. The experiment consisted of 6 phytoremediation treatments (4 landrace maize varieties, 1 hybrid maize cultivar and 1 control without cultivation), 2 herbicide conditions (with and without) and 3 evaluation periods (28, 56 and 84 days). The soil was contaminated and the maize was subsequently cultivated under the herbicide conditions mentioned above. After each evaluation period, soil samples were collected, which were used to mount bioassays by growing cucumber (plants sensitive to the herbicide). Emergence, aerial dry mass and root dry mass were evaluated. All variables were affected by the herbicide residue. However, the reduction in herbicide persistence in each evaluation period was notable, resulting in the normal reestablishment of bioindicator seedlings, especially in the last evaluation at 84 days. The samples obtained in the soil cultivated with the varieties CR purple and CR white showed the best conditions for the development of cucumber, demonstrating the potential to be studied in phytoremediation programs.

The study, conducted in central Zambia was aimed at determining the major drivers of crop production choices among smallholder farmers. It utilized recent national crop production and utilization data; 200 semi-structured interview schedules, and key informant interviews Journal of Agricultural Studies 2 conducted with smallholder farmers and experts from the agricultural sector in Zambia respectively. Results showed that despite being confronted by late onset of rains and post germination crop attacks by army worms which made maize (Zea mays) production extremely precarious, 61.5% of the affected smallholder farmers replanted their cultivated land with maize. The farmers had a choice of whether to replant maize which had a ready market from the state agency, the Food Reserve Agency, or to plant a drought tolerant crop such as sorghum or millet which would have guaranteed them with household food security from own production. They mainly chose the former option. They increased production of other crops such as soya beans (Glycine max), sun flower (Helianthus annuus) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) when contract farming with private business entities became available. Markets determined smallholder farmers' crop production choices more than household food security from own production or availability of climate information forecasting poor rainfall distribution. The study concludes that (i) prior knowledge of climate information does not necessarily result in a change of smallholder farmers' crop production choices in response to a predicted climate anomaly, (ii) markets are a major determinant of crops cultivated by smallholder farmers, and hence adaptation measures involving crop diversification should be designed with market availability in mind.

p align="center">Reviewer Acknowledgements for Vol. 4, No. 4, December 2016 Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 4 Abhishek A. Cukkemane Aftab Alam Ariel Reinaldo Soto Chenlin Hu Ewa Moliszewska Gerardo Ojeda Jeong Hwan Sahar Bahmani Zakaria Fouad Abdallah Zhao Chen Richard Williams Editor Journal of Agricultural Studies ------------------------------------------- Macrothink Institute 5348 Vegas Dr.#825 Las Vegas, Nevada 89108 United States Phone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521 Fax: 1-702-420-2900 Email: jas@macrothink.org URL: http://jas.macrothink.org</p

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 5, Number 4Abhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaAftab Alam, Edenworks Inc. New York, USAChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USA,Ernest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandGerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaMoses Olotu, Mkwawa University College of Educati, TanzaniaSahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USAZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, USAZoi M. Parissi, School of Forestry and Natural Environment Aristotle University, Greece Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 5, Number 3 Aftab Alam, Edenworks Inc., USAAshit Kumar Paul, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, BangladeshChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USA,Ernest Baafi, CSIRCrops Research Institute, GhanaEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandGerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaJeong Hwan, Sejong University, South Korea Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, NepalPramod Kumar Mishra, School of Management Studies, IndiaSoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, ChileZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, USA Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 5, Number 2 Abhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaAshit Kumar Paul, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, BangladeshChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USA,Eliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianErnest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaGerardo Ojeda , Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaGulzar Ahmad Nayik, SLIET Punjab, IndiaJiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, NepalMing-Chi Wei, Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, TaiwanReham Ibrahim Abo-Shnaf, Agricultural Research Center, EgyptSahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, TurkeySelmi Houc, University of Jandouba, TunisiaSoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, ChileZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, US Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 5, Number 1Eliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandPramod Kumar Mishra, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India Sahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, TurkeyGerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaHui Guo, University of Georgia, USAZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, Egypt Zhao Chen, Clemson University, USChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USALuisa Pozzo, IBBA of Pisa, ItalyAftab Alam, Edenworks Inc. New York, USAErnest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaJeong Hwan, Sejong University, South KoreaAbhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaSoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, Chile Richard WilliamsEditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 2 Abhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaAshit Kumar Paul, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, BangladeshBabak Mohammadi, University of Tehran, IranChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USAGerardo Ojeda , Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaMohamed Mattar, King Saud University, Saudi ArabiaPramod Kumar Mishra, University of Hyderabad, IndiaSahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, TurkeySoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, ChileZhao Chen, Clemson University, USA Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 6, Number 1 Gerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaLuisa Pozzo, "Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA) of Pisa, National Research Council", ItalySahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASelmi Houc, University of Jandouba, TunisiaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, US Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 3 Abhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaAnil Kumar Matta, Vaddeswaram, Guntur dst, IndiaBabak Mohammadi, University of Tehran, IranChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USAEben von Well, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianErnest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandGerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaPramod Kumar Mishra, University of Hyderabad, IndiaSahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, TurkeyZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, USAZoi M. Parissi, School of Forestry and Natural Environment Aristotle University, Greece Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 4Abhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaAftab Alam, Edenworks Inc. New York, USAAnil Kumar Matta, Vaddeswaram, Guntur dst, IndiaBabak Mohammadi, University of Tehran, IranChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USAEben von Well, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianErnest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaIl Rae Rho, Gyeongsang National University, South KoreaJiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, NepalSait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, TurkeySelmi Houc, University of Jandouba, TunisiaServet Aras, Bozok University, TurkeySomaia Alkhair, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Saudi ArabiaSoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, ChileZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, Egypt Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Selected eight inbreed line were used in crossing as half diallel fashion to find out different genetic parameter as well as targeting superior combination for hybrid vigour. Sunflower first introduce in Bangladesh 1980 by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute and Mennonite Central Committee. BARI Sunflower-1(Kironi) and BARI Sunflower-2 is only two released variety. But major obstacles for sunflower cultivation are both varieties are more than 1.50m height and require > 100 days for maturity. As this country is facing climate change unfavorable weather, sunflower cannot withstand in stormy weather. Specially at the time of prematurity stormy weather causes lodging due to over height, it is essential to develop dwarf stature plant. Due to strong crop competition in winter it cannot fit in major cropping pattern T-Aman-Mustard-Boro due to it long duration. Bangladesh has accessible land of 0.85 million hectares in saline areas (Banik et al., 2011). These lands can be used for sunflower cultivation as it is moderately saline tolerant (Rahman et. al. 2018). On the other hand in different part of Bangladesh (e.g. Cumilla, Manikgonj, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrokina, Tangail, Dinajpur, etc.), a huge amount of lands are kept fellow after T. Aman harvest. These current fellow lands can be easily used by sunflower cultivation if short duration varieties are available. Both plant height and days to maturity were considered as favorable for negative heterosis to obtain dwarf plant stature and short duration plant to fit in existing cropping pattern in Bangladesh. Positive heterosis is considered desirable for other yield contributing traits. The hybrid HE15, HE17 and HE16 showed significant negative heterosis both for mid parent and better parent. Negative heterosis for plant height is desirable to adopt hybrid in unfavorable weather condition. The Hybrid HE15 showed both for significant negative mid parent and better parent heterosis. High heritability along with significant mid parent and better parent heterosis indicate scope of utilization of hybrid as commercial and further use in breeding programmes. Several outstanding cross combinations, HE17, HE16, HE14, HE15, and HE18 showed significant and desirable heterosis for seed yield per plant over mid parent and better parent. The hybrid combinations HE17, HE16 and HE14 could be utilized to exploit the heterosis as well as commercial multiplication of seed to get direct benefit by the farmers.

The purpose of this study was a comparison of soil parameters among superficial and sub-superficial horizons of three representative type of soils in Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil, aiming Viticulture in general, but Precision Viticulture (PV) management as specific focus. Basic aspects of Viticulture or PV are still discussed, by instance, sampling procedures, influence of pedology on quality of wine or methods for defining the management zones. Samples were collected according to each horizon, superficial (0-20 cm in depth) or sub-superficial (>40 cm in depth), that is, A (all soils), A2 (Neossolo), Bi (Cambissolo), or Bt (Argissolo). Micro-vinification was performed for grapes derived from five classes of soil. The pedological parameters analyzed were granulometric fractions, chemical parameters and degree of flocculation. Data were organized according to a Geographic Information System (GIS) by ten classes of soil. Basic statistical analysis, line graphs, XY plots and factor analysis were used to interpret the physicochemical variables related to horizons, soil and wine. Relative Accumulation Indexes were evaluated for horizons of soil, classes of soil and wine. Data organized by horizon and type of soil showed great dispersion, so outliers were discarded and data organized by class of soil. Correlation of data related to soil horizons, A against A2/B, was evident for macronutrients. Micro-vinification altered content of K and P in wine. Relative Accumulation Indexes of soil horizons correlated to declivity, when declivity lesser than 20% occurred. Fe and Zn showed correlation among sub-superficial horizon and wine for some classes of soil.

The lack of sufficient knowledge on nutritional requirements, as well as efficiency parameters, in the use, absorption, and translocation of nutrients by seedlings in developmental stages may lead to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which end up contaminating the environment. Therefore, this research adopted the hydroponic system to elucidate the nutritional requirements of Hymenaea courbaril L. seedlings, a fruit tree of neotropical importance, throughout its development (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after transplantation). Consequently, biometric data on growth and mineral nutrition were obtained and utilized to determine efficiency parameters in the use, absorption, and translocation of nutrients. Although H. courbaril leaves functioned as efficient drains throughout the development, S and Fe accumulated in the roots, owing to their not very mobile nature. The macro and micronutrients that were accumulated the most in the tissues were N and Mn, which even suggested a tendency for H. courbaril to tolerate Mn concentrations that are naturally toxic. The most efficient adoption was observed for the S and Cu nutrients, whereas the most efficiently absorbed nutrients were N (the macro and micronutrient with the greatest accumulation) and Fe (the second micronutrient with the greatest accumulation). However, the seedlings efficiently translocated Ca-N and Mn, i.e., the most accumulated nutrients. Positive effects on growth were correlated with increases in P, Ca, and Mg levels, thus signaling the importance of an optimal supply of these nutrients in obtaining healthy seedlings of this species. This work suggests that to obtain seedlings of H. courbaril in practice, the availability of N, Mn, P, Ca and Mg should be reviewed.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is an agricultural crop with a large increase in production in the last three decades and is an essential component in the manufacture of animal and human food. Understanding the interactions between crop and other plant species used as green manure that can improve yield and so reduce environmental damage. Forages can release secondary metabolites in the environment that influence in a beneficial or harmful way to other plants, characterizing the allelopathy process. The Níger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) is used in agricultural systems because it releases allelochemicals, especially flavonoids. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the Niger straw on the germination and initial growth of soybean seedlings. The treatments consisted of aqueous extracts of niger stems, leaves and roots in different concentrations (0; 25; 50; 75 and 100%). For each treatment, five replications were performed, each composed by a 25 seeds distributed in gearbox kept in incubator chamber for 7 days at 25ºC and 12 hours photo period. The experimental design was completely randomized and the data were evaluated by analysis of variance and the means of treatments compared by Tukey’s test at 5% significance. The results show a reduction in germination and initial growth of soybean seedlings submitted to aqueous extract of niger stem and roots. In contrast, the aqueous extract of the Niger leaves increased the length of soybean seedlings. The allelopathic effects of the Niger probably occur due to the presence of flavonoids in the tissues of this plant species.