IOSR-JAVS   Volume-5 ~ Issue-4 ~ SEP-OCT-2013

ABSTRACT: Sedges (Carex, Cyperaceae), among others, due to the similarity of the form of growth as well as morphological similarity to grasses fulfil many requirements expected from energetic raw materials. The main purpose of the performed experiments was: to analyse the chemical composition of over ground parts representing 9 sedge species, determine their heat of combustion and calorific value and, last but not least, to determine if and which of the examined sedge species can be treated as a potential source of energy. The investigation showed that only C. riparia was characterised by a low (17790 J/g) heat of combustion. The remaining species exhibited combustion heats ranging from 18 750 J/g to 19 740 J/g. The calorific value of all species – with the exception of C. riparia – was fairly similar and ranged from 17 310 kJ/kg to 18 010 kJ/kg. The highest calorific value (18 010 kJ/kg) was determined in C. acutiformis, while the lowest – in C. riparia (16 040 kJ/kg). The obtained research results confirmed that sedge swards can be treated as energetic raw material.

Keywords: Carex, energy value, chemical composition, combustion

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ABSTRACT:The aim of this work was to investigate the population density and infestation percentage of Tuta absoluta on tomato crop Lycopersicum esculentum Mill under plastic houses conditions in two locations at Duhok province ( 36° 54' N, 43° 8' E )/ Kurdistan region/ northern of Iraq in 2012. The average number of mines/ leaflet and larvae/ leaf during the study season were 1.36 and 0.42 respectively. The results showed a significant differences in number of mines/leaflet and number of males/trap among the two locations. In spite of that the pest management strategies were weekly applied by farmers and based largely on chemical applications (Insecticide) which targeted to controlling T. absoluta and other lepidopteran pests (Noctuidae: Heliothinae), a high percentage of infestation was recorded in September as 100% and 72% for Summel and Zawita respectively. A maximum number of males/ trap/ week was 56.66 recorded on 10/9/2012 in Summel .

Keywords: Tuta absoluta, population dynamics, Tomato, Kurdistan region-Iraq.

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ABSTRACT: Fodder shrubs and trees (browse) play a significant role both in farming systems, where they are protected as fallow species, and in livestock production. The importance of browse increases with increasing aridity and is generally most essential in the dry seasons, when most other feed resources depreciate in quality and quantity. Generally, trees occupy a significant niche in the farming systems and overall way of life in animal production. Fodder trees and shrubs in Nigerian rangelands are classified into two groups: leguminous and non-leguminous. The leguminous trees and shrubs are often higher in crude protein and other nutrients and play a vital role as dietary supplements of low quality grasses in dry seasons. Livestock depend largely on browse for their dietary protein. Browse intake increases total dry matter intake, increases crude protein intake, and improves the digestibility of low-quality forages. The effect of browse feeding on livestock is shown in increased survivability (i.e., lower mortalities, especially over the dry season) and increased productivity. The processing and conservation of fodder trees and shrubs is increasingly being recognized and explored, while the cultivation is minimal and insignificant. The role and importance of fodder trees and shrubs for livestock production, their nutritional quality and factors which limit their use in livestock production are reviewed. The need for increased cultivation and integration of fodder trees (especially leguminous fodder trees and shrubs) into local farming systems through agroforestry is imperative in order to promote livestock production and also the support of rural livelihoods. It is also important to increased research support for the efficient cultivation, management, processing and use of fodder shrubs and trees for improved livestock production in Nigeria. Keywords: Agroforestry, Livestock, Fodder trees, Leguminous, Farming system

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