http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19207 2026-04-26T18:26:09Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19569 Proximate analysis and phytochemical and mineral constituents in four cultivars of yams and tuber crops in Sri Lanka Senanayake, S.A.; Ranaweera, K.K.D.S.; Bamunuarachchi, A.; Gunaratne, A. A study was carried out to determine the levels of starch, protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and a few phytochemical constituents (saponins, flavanoids and alkaloids) and mineral elements (Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium and Zinc) in four cultivars of yams and tubers cultivated under similar agro-climatic conditions in Sri Lanka. Tubers of Dioscorea alata (Rajala and Hingurala), Dioscorea esculenta (Kukulala) and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Kiriala) were subjected to the above analyses. The total starch percentage in crude flours ranged between 74.66 ± 0.66 to 80.46 ± 0.62% on dry weight basis and no significant difference found in total starch (P <0.05) between the studied varieties. The protein level ranged from 2.66 ± 0.21 to 10.16 ± 0.64% whereas D. alata was found to contain a higher protein level. The crude fat levels in tubers varied ranging from 1.5 ± 0.2 to 2.3 ± 0.1% and the highest level was observed in Xanthosoma sp. The crude fibre content in tubers was found to range from 1.8 ± 0.1 to 2.33 ± 0.15% and the highest level was observed in D. esculenta and the ash level ranged from 1.66 ± 0.21 to 2.33 ± 0.21%. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) between the total starch in the extracted starch from the tubers and ranged from 86.3 ± 1.2 to 89.85 ± 1.11%. Crude saponin levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in yams while D. alata and X. sagittifolium contained a level which was comparable (P> 0.05; 12.98 ± 0.61 and13.11 ± 0.52 mg/100g. High amount of flavonoids were observed in D. esculenta and X. sagittifolium (12.4 ± 0.46 and 11.26 ± 0.46 mg/100g). A considerable level of alkaloids was present in D. alata and D. esculenta (1.64 0.04 ± mg/100g and 1.89 ± 0.02 mg/100g). All three cultivars of yams were rich in Calcium and Iron while a high level of Magnesium was observed in Xanthosoma sp (45.27± 0.31 mg/100g). High levels of Potassium were observed in all the samples. 2011-03-22T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19564 Assessment of macrogeographical genetic variations in jatropha curcas l in india using allozyme and rapd markers Warrier, R.R.; Devika Nagalakshmi, B.; Savitha, C.; Anandalakshmi, R.; Nicodemus, A.; Singh, G.B. Jatropha curcas L., an exotic introduced in to India by Portuguese about 500 years ago, was assessed for its genetic base in the country as a step to initiate breeding programmes. Genetic diversity of 56 accessions of Jatropha estimated from allozymes and from Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) revealed eighteen allozyme loci and 120 RAPD markers. According to allozyme data, species genetic diversity (p = 26.67%, A = 1.533 and He =0.205), was low. Inbreeding coefficients suggest that populations are structured in genetic neighborhoods. The RAPDs also showed similar levels of genetic diversity (p = 35.73% and He = 0.181) at the species level. Nei’s genetic distances estimated both from allozymes and RAPDs indicated low differentiation among populations. No significant associations among genetic and geographical variables were observed, suggesting that such low genetic variation in this allogamous species could be due to the few introductions that have spread across the country primarily, through vegetative propagation. The species has not been improved for productivity and thus naturally occurring unadapted populations are a result of the few initial introductions. 2011-09-20T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19563 Influence of extension agents’ and farmers’ communications factors on the effectiveness poultry technology messages Ofuoku, A.U. This study was conducted in Delta State to determine the influence of extension agents’ and farmers’ communication factors on effectiveness of production technology messages. One hundred and eighty (180) poultry farmers and forty six (46) extension agents were selected for this study. The poultry production technology messages communicated to farmers included climate change adaptation methods, waste management, health management, predator control and improved breeds. The extension agents and poultry farmers were rated as being generally good in human relations, communication skills and role performances. The test of hypothesis showed positive significant influence of the communication skills of extension agents and poultry farmers on level of adoption of the poultry technologies hence poultry production technology messages. It was recommended among others that extension agents should provide follow up appointment for farmers, more extension agents should be trained and employed, farmers should be encouraged to allow their spouses share information with other farmers and the communication skills of the extension agents and fairness should be sustained. 2011-12-15T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19561 Influence of humidity and tribolium beetle food souce on the life history characteristics of predator, xylocoris flavipes (hemiptera: anthocoridae) Saha, S.R.; Islam, W.; Parween, S. Life history characteristics of the predator, Xylocoris flavipes reared under four regimes of RH (30, 50, 70 and 90%) on two hosts, Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum fed on three artificial diets, were studied. There were significant effects (P<0.001) of relative humidity on the oviposition period, fecundity, hatchability, developmental time, percentage mortality of immature stages and progeny/ female of the predator on both the hosts. Most of the cases the optimum level of relative humidity was recorded at 70%. 2011-09-26T00:00:00Z