Issue 02

In Vitro Shoot Proliferation of Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia: Fabaceae):A Potent High Quality Timber Species

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

In Vitro Shoot Proliferation of Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia: Fabaceae):A Potent High Quality Timber Species Subasinghe, S.; Warakagoda, P.S.; Abeywickrama, W.H.T. Possibilities of mass producing Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (Fabaceae) trees towards clonal propagation through in vitro techniques have been evaluated. Shoot tips excised from elite trees maintained under plant house conditions were established on Mc Cowns Woody Plant medium fortified with BAP (1.0 mg/L) and IAA (0.5 mg/L). The highest proliferation rate (4.95 shoots/shoot tip) was achieved using 3.0 mg/L BAP, 0.5 mg/L Kin and 0.5 mg/L IAA. The best establishment medium for leaves is Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with 0.5 or 1.0 mg/L BAP with 1.0 mg/L 2, 4-D and 4.0 mg/L NAA to initiate compact, nodular and proliferative calli. Highest rate of shoot bud differentiation (17.7 shoot buds/ 1g of callus) was achieved using 5.0 mg/L BAP with 0.2, 0.5 or 0.6 mg/L NAA.

CONSERVATION OF CROP WILD RELATIVES: A SRI LANKAN EXPERIENCE IN COMMU NITY PARTICIPATION

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

CONSERVATION OF CROP WILD RELATIVES: A SRI LANKAN EXPERIENCE IN COMMU NITY PARTICIPATION Wijeratne, M.; Piyasiri, K.H.K.L. Sri Lanka is considered as a hotspot of biodiversity as most its forests are rich in different Crop Wild Relatives (CWR). CWR include wild relatives of crop ancestors and other species. In fact, they are a critical source of genes for resistance to diseases, pests and stresses such as droughts, floods and temperatures. However, most of the CWR are increasingly at a risk. This investigation focused on one important wild plant species- Kapuru Kurundu (Cinnomomum capparu-coronde Blume). And the main objective is to establish conservation policies while inte grating community’s participation. The investigation has been carried out in the surrounding villages of Kan neliya forest reserve located in the Southern Province Sri Lanka. A series of case studies were conducted with the farmers of surrounding villages. The PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) tools were employed and informal dis cussions were also conducted. Observation visits were made to demarcate the existing plants. Results reveal that community is used to extract the plant, especially as an indigenous medicine directly for toothache, ointments, bronchitis, rheumatism, snake bites, breakages and fractures. In fact, bark oil contained eugenol and root oil was rich in camphor. Further, results disclose that certain illegal groups extract the plant and trade for commercial purposes. This warranted an urgent programme for conservation. Hence, in-situ and ex-situ conservations were started in Kanneliya forest reserve. Moreover, community conservation groups were strengthened in the sur rounding villages to mitigate illegal removal, and conserve Kapuru Kurundu plant.

HOUSEHOLD WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED SOLID WASTE MANAGE MENT IN BATTICALOA, SRI LANKA

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSEHOLD WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED SOLID WASTE MANAGE MENT IN BATTICALOA, SRI LANKA Thirumarpan, Krishnal; Dilsath, M.S.A. Disposal of solid waste is a priority environmental problem in Sri Lanka and at present it has become a national concern. In a way of treating waste, this study was focused on analyzing the willingness to pay of the households for an improved solid waste management service in Eravur Urban Council, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Proportion ate sampling was done and from five Grama Niladhari divisions a total of 100 households were studied. Binomial logistic regression was employed to find out the determinants of household willingness to pay. Results revealed that the average household income and expenditure were Rs 34,440 and Rs 32,850 per month respectively. Mean quantity of solid waste generated by households was 2.61 kg/day. Fifty nine percent of the households were will ing to pay for an improved service. Most of the households (86.45%) preferred a monthly payment through collec tion tickets. Mean willingness to pay of households was Rs 59.92/month. The logistic regression results revealed that household size and household expenditure significantly and positively influences the household willingness to pay. Quantity of waste generated, number of times disposing the waste and gender had a negative coefficient and were significant (p<0.05). It is recommended that households should be educated on effective solid waste dis posal through regular sensitization programmes by a collaborative effort of key stakeholders in the solid waste management.

SORGHUM STORAGE AND PEST CONTROL AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

SORGHUM STORAGE AND PEST CONTROL AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA Muhammad-Lawal, A.; Salau, S.A.; Olawusi, C.O. This study was carried out to analyse the sorghum storage and pest control in Kwara State. A multi–stage sam pling technique was used to select sample for the study. Descriptive statistics and logit regression analysis were the analytical tools employed to achieve the research objectives. The results showed that the respondents have an av erage age of 46 years with an average family size of 9 persons. They have an average storage experience of 14 years with the majority (42.5%) were uneducated. The agro-chemicals mostly used by the respondents are Actellic liquid, Actellic dust and Phostoxin Tablet to prevent pest infestation and spoilage. The analysis showed that edu cational level, household size and access to credit having the t-values of 2.197, -3.075 and 2.539 respectively were the significant factors explaining the usage of improved storage facilities in the study area. For effective pests and disease control through adequate access to pesticide and appropriate storage facilities, policies like loan schemes that would substantially improve households’ access to use and acquisition of credits will facilitate the usage of improved storage techniques and consequently will enhance households’ income.