Azarian Journal of Agriculture
Volume:3 Issue: 6, Dec 2016

The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was used to analysis the grain yield stability of 20 soybean genotypes in four locations (Karaj, Gorgan, Moghan and ShahreKord) of Iran. Experiments were carried out based on randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications in 2014-2015. Result revealed that the grain yield was significantly influenced by environments (E), genotypes (G) and G × E interactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) declared three components which explained up to 90% of G x E sum square (IPCA1, IPCA2 and IPCA3 with 70.72%, 18.99% and 10.60%, respectively). AMMI multivariate method identified two genotypes (No.13 and No.8) with grain yield of 2789 and 2702 kg.ha-1 respectively, which were stable genotypes in different environments. The study concluded that the AMMI model is a practical and effective alternative for crop breeders to screen stability of soybean genotypes for different environments.

To evaluate the effect of protexin, black pepper powder on performance of broiler chicks 160 one day male broiler chicks were divided into 4 groups of 10 birds each and assigned to 4 treatment diets. Chicks were fed by basal diet as control with or without 0.2 % protexin probiotic or black pepper fine powder respectively. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was measured in each period of aviculture. At the end of trial 2 birds from each group were slaughtered and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Blood serum triglyceride, high and low density lipoproteins also were determined. At 42 days old antibody titer against Newcastle Vaccine was estimated. Intestinal microbial populations for Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus were performed. The results showed that body weights and feed conversion ratios were improved significantly (p<0.05). As data reveled in this study, using of protexin and black pepper increased carcass yield compared to the control. Data showed those serum blood biochemical were changed significantly by using protexin and black pepper (p<0.05). Also E–Coli colonies were decreased and lactobacilli microbial population had significantly (p<0.05) increased in chicks were fed by protexin and black pepper powder. It seems that inclusion of protexin and black pepper powder had good effects on performance, some blood biochemical values, and immunity parameters and microbial population in experimental Cobb 500 broiler chicks.

Although Ginger is the main cash crop for small farmers across the country, there are many problems associated with the cost of product. The study was conducted in four ginger growing areas (60 farmers from each area) of Palpa, Nepal in 2012. Study was focused on cost factors for various inputs and problem of production. The study revealed that benefit cost ratio for ginger production was profitable on cash cost basis (7.22). Seed has major cost share for ginger production (65.1%). The estimated coefficients of Cobb-Douglas production function showed that seed, labor and number of years for crop rotation were the significant factors for ginger production. Major problems faced by farmers were availability of source seed and pest management. Study concluded that ginger production can be made viable enterprise with increased focus on managing source seed and plant protection.