Volume 01 Issue 1

Characterization of morphometric, physiological and biomass production in local maize (Zea mays L.) landraces of Sri Lanka

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Characterization of morphometric, physiological and biomass production in local maize (Zea mays L.) landraces of Sri Lanka Mufeeth, M.; Mubarak, A. N. M; Ranaweera, GKMMA; Nusrathali, N.; Roshana, MR.; Rifna Banu, ARF; Kumara, ADNT A field trial was conducted with the aim of identifying maize germplasms which confer increased productivity along with resistance against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) infestation. Seventeen local maize landraces were collected from Ampara, Moneragala and Badulla districts and denoted as South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEU) collections. These were subsequently planted at Agrotech Park, Malwatta (DL2b) in yala 2020, and the responses were compared with Pacific-999. The results revealed that several landraces naturally possessed improved morphological, physiological, and yield traits. Early flowering was found in SEU1 compared to variety Pacific-999. Similarly, SEU14 showed improved cob dry weight (112.34 ± 22.13g) and the highest number of kernels per row (33.60 ± 2.63) while, SEU9 recorded significantly higher LAI (1.79 ± 0.30) at the tasseling stage. The natural resistivity against fall armyworm was found to be higher in SEU14, SEU15, and SEU16. Cluster analysis revealed that three distinct groups of landraces were found while Pacific-999 stands on its own. The novel traits found in this germplasm could be further confirmed through detailed photosynthetic and biomass trials with molecular marker-assisted selection. Once the traits are reaffirmed, they could be introgressed through maize plant breeding programs.

The meat consumption pattern and gender differences; a Sri Lankan urban public approach

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The meat consumption pattern and gender differences; a Sri Lankan urban public approach Jemziya, M. B. Fathima; Sivarajah, P. The present study was designed to evaluate the genderbased differences in meat consumption patterns, preferences and concerns. In order to do approach this study, 385 respondents were randomly selected, interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and statistically interpreted. According to the findings of this study it was reported that women consume conventional meat more while the men are addicted to consume processed meat products more than women did. The men prefer red meat; beef and mutton, on the other hand, women prefer chicken based products. The frequency of meat consumption on daily basis was higher among men compared to women. The male population targeted the processed meat products due to the convenience, delicacy, and no any other choices in the food outlets. In contrasts, hectic scheduled life and storability were considered to make the women depend on the processed meat products. The men concerned about the meat products regards on high fat and difficult to digest and the women were due to excessive salt, sugar and harmful substances. However, both were aware of harmful chemical additives and high calories. Eventually, the meat consumption patterns were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by gender differences due to their lifestyles, social behaviors, economic status and educational level.

Nitrogen fertiliser on plant nitrogen uptake and partitioning in different wheat species

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Nitrogen fertiliser on plant nitrogen uptake and partitioning in different wheat species Kurukulasuriya, M. C. Fernando; Debbile, L. Sparkes Nitrogen (N) partitioning in different wheat species under three N levels was studied by conducting two field experiments in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons at University of Nottingham farm, Sutton Bonington, UK. Ten geno types belonging to four wheat species including three ancient hull wheat species of cultivated Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.), cultivated Emmer (T. dicoccum) and Spelt (T. spelta L.), and modern bread wheat (T. aestivum) were compared under three N levels (0, 100 and 200 kgN ha-1 in 2013 and 0, 100 and 150 kgN ha-1 in 2014). The interaction effect of genotype by fertiliser level was significant for straw, chaff and grain N% in both experiments (P < 0.001). N% of all plant organs were increased significantly when increased N supply (P < 0.001). The total plant N uptake (excluding root N) was greater in emmer under high N fertiliser level while spelt had the highest total plant N uptake at low and zero N fertiliser applications in both experiments. The total plant N uptake was significantly different between N levels (P < 0.001 in 2013 and P < 0.001 in 2014) and genotype (P < 0.001 in 2013 and P < 0.05 in 2014). The highest amount of N in straw and chaff was recorded in spelt genotypes.The amount of N in grains was high in emmer in 2013 though bread wheat recorded the highest chaff and grain N content in 2014 under the high level of N fertiliser. According to the results, it can be concluded that ancient wheat species of emmer and spelt could uptake more N than modern bread wheat and accelerated by N supply. Furthermore, the greater total plant N uptake of ancient wheat species may be associated with the height of the plant, since all ancient wheat species are significantly taller than modern bread wheat. Therefore, more N was partitioned to structural materials development of the stem hence stored more N in the straw at maturity.

Assessment of climate extremes based on SPI in WL1 agroecological zone - a case study from Kuruwita, Sri Lanka

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of climate extremes based on SPI in WL1 agroecological zone - a case study from Kuruwita, Sri Lanka Rasmiya Begum, S. L.; Najim, M. M. M. —Drought and flood are the simple most significant climatological hazards in Sri Lanka, which primarily affects agricultural productivity. Proper understanding and investigation of climatic extremes like drought and floods play a key role in planning and management of the household, municipal, agricultural and industrial activities even with varied water availability. Therefore, the present the study aimed to assess onset, severity, and occurrence of drought and wet episodes (months) in Kuruwita region, which belongs to the Low Country Wet Zone Agro-ecological region using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at various time scales. SPI analyzed at 12 months’ time interval revealed that out of 45 years of the study period (1961-2005), there were only four (1976, 1980-1981 and 1996) and six (1985-1986, 1988-1989, 2003-2004) drought and wet hydrological years, respectively. Further, the hydrological years 1981 and 2004 were identified as more affected years by drought and wet events, respectively, with a relatively higher occurrence of climate extremes depicted by SPI, than normal conditions. The South-West monsoon (SWM) was found to be more prone to extreme climatic conditions, leading the Yala cropping season to become more abnormal with the occurrence of more drought and wet months in Kuruwita. Therefore, the study suggests that the implementation of proper mitigative measures like installation of rainwater harvesting systems, reuse or recycling of rainwater, cultivation of stress-tolerant crop varieties, adaption of different cropping systems would be beneficial to minimize such adverse effects and for sustainable development in Kuruwita area.