NOPR Collection:

An ethnobotanical research in Şanlıurfa central district and attached Villages (Turkey)

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: An ethnobotanical research in Şanlıurfa central district and attached Villages (Turkey) Authors: Kaya, Ömer Faruk; Dağlı, Mehmet; Çelik, Hatice Tosyagülü Abstract: The objective of present study is to identify the plants traditionally utilized by local communities, who reside at the rural areas attached to Central District of Şanlıurfa located in Southeast Anatolia Region, for various purposes, and to reveal the significant of such use in terms of ethnobotany. The study conducted in this respect identified 137 taxa of 87 genera from 47 families (86 species, 34 sub-species, and 17 varieties), 21 of them are cultigens. 1 taxon is from Terfeziaceae of Ascomycota division of Fungi kingdom, while the others are from Gymnospermae and Angiospermae sub-division of Spermatophyte division from the Plantae kingdom. In general, local community utilizes taxa identified in field of study as follows: 56 taxa as food, 37 as medicinal purposes, 5 for belief, 5 for pests, 4 as household goods, 3 as seasoning, 3 as ornaments, 3 as cosmetics, 2 as beverages, 2 as knick-knack, 2 as fuel, 2 as building materials, 1 as dulling, 1 as canopy, 1 as aphrodisiac, 1 as clarifying, 1 as repellent, 1 as doddle, 1 as preventive and 1 as aroma. Moreover, 11 taxa are not utilized, but 7 of them are known by their local names and 4 with their harmful effects. Page(s): 7-23

‘DUS’ characterization of an endangered salt tolerant radish landrace (Newar)

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: ‘DUS’ characterization of an endangered salt tolerant radish landrace (Newar) Authors: Singh, Anshuman; Singh, Ranjay K; Singh, Jogendra; Goswami, Ankit; Upadhyaya, Arvind; Sharma, PC Abstract: In this study, responses to salinity stress of three varieties of radish, viz., ‘Newar’ (landrace), ‘Pusa Mridula’ and ‘White Excel’, were recorded. Additionally, landrace Newar was also characterized for ‘Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability’ (DUS) using 34 descriptors. Results indicated higher salt tolerance in ‘Newar’ as evidenced by relatively early germination and high early seedling vigour than other varieties regardless of the salinity of the irrigation water. Although salinity stress, especially up to 8.0 dS m^-1, had no adverse effect on shoot growth in all the varieties, effects on root growth were quite different. While ‘Newar’ exhibited non-significant differences in root fresh weight (RFW) at different salinity levels, ‘White Excel’ displayed nominal variations up to 8.0 dS m^-1 salinity and ‘Pusa Mridula’ registered consistent declines in RFW with increasing salinity. ‘Newar’ plants were found to be efficient in Na⁺ exclusion and in maintaining a favourable Na⁺ to K⁺ ratio in their shoots and roots. Further, proline accumulation was much higher in salt treated Newar than in ‘White Excel’ and ‘Pusa Mridula’ plants. Based on DUS descriptors, number of leaves, leaf length, and root length and weight were found to be the major distinguishable characters in Newar. Page(s): 24-32

Impact of farmer producer organization on organic chilli production in Telangana, India

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Impact of farmer producer organization on organic chilli production in Telangana, India Authors: Manaswi, BH; Kumar, Pramod; Prakash, P; Anbukkani, P; Kar, Amit; Jha, GK; Rao, DUM; Lenin, V Abstract: Input intensive modern agriculture is adversely affecting human health and environment. Farmers of Telangana state have taken up organic chilli production with the assistance of FPOs. Primary data was collected from 120 farmers comprising 60 members and 60 non-members of FPO from two districts of Telangana through semi-structured interviews. The study found that the shift to organic chilli cultivation led to decrease in input use by 9.06% and yield by 23.4%. However, the gross return from organic chilli farming was 13.85% higher over that realised by non-members due to the efforts of FPOs. DEA analysis revealed that a higher proportion of member farmers (48%) had technical efficiency of more than 60% as compared to non-members (18%). FPOs were instrumental in reduction of transaction cost and number of intermediaries leading to the realization of a higher proportion of producer’s share in consumer’s rupee (65%). Discriminant function analysis revealed that the FPO promoting institutions (44%), ease of doing business (16%) and infrastructure facilities like storage, irrigation, electricity and credit have high influence on performance of the states with respect to FPOs. Page(s): 33-43

The role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to drought by agropastoral smallholder farmers in Uganda

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to drought by agropastoral smallholder farmers in Uganda Authors: David, Mfitumukiza; Bernard, Barasa; Anthony, Egeru; Michael, Mbogga S; James, Wokadala; Andrew, Ahabwe; Stephen, Kasajja; Zakia, Namususwa; Claire, Nabatta Abstract: Majority of agro pastoral smallholder farmers in developing countries are characterised by low pay status, high illiteracy levels and are tied to cultural beliefs and spirits. These drawbacks have led them into using more indigenous knowledge as a way of adapting to droughts. This study explored the contribution of IK in enhancing farmer’s resilience to drought in crop and livestock production systems in semi-arid areas. The objectives were: (i) to examine the agro pastoral farmer’s perceptions of drought indicators and associated impacts and (ii) determinants for the adoption of indigenous knowledge drought adaptation responses. Socio-economic data was collected using oral interviews. The farmers (240) were selected using random sampling procedures and subjected to structured questionnaires and key informant guides. This study highlights that the droughts experienced were perceived to be more severe, recurrent and pervasive but also erratic. The IK drought signs were: flowering of wild plants, blowing of strong winds and appearance of flying and crawling insects. In crop-based systems, droughts reduced yields, caused plant stunted growth, increased incidences of diseases and invasive weed species. In livestock, droughts reduced surface water levels, lowered milk and beef yields, and increased diseases. The farmers reacted to droughts by practicing indigenous agro forestry, mulching, changing planting time, crop rotation and hoeing of trenches to control fires and pests/diseases. They also took their animals to wetlands for foraging and drew water for animals to drink. The uptake of IK drought adaptation practices was related to: household size, personal farming life experience, gender and age of the agro pastoral farmers. Therefore, employing IK drought adaptation responses is an important step towards increasing the resilience of agro pastoral smallholder farmers but also the conservation of IK for forthcoming generations. Page(s): 44-52