Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering
Year:2024 | Volume:6 | Issue:2|Papers Count:6

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, Urticaceae) is a herbaceous plant that thrives abundantly in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It holds a rich history of traditional uses in both culinary and medicinal realms. Despite its widespread presence and versatility, the wild potential of this plant is often underestimated. To guide future research priorities and assess gaps in the current study landscape, a systematic literature review was conducted, covering 42 English-language journal articles published over a 23-year period (1999-2022). With its towering height of 1-2 meters and elongated leaves measuring 3-15 centimeters, stinging nettle typically features erect and unbranched stems. The tender young leaves are utilized in various culinary preparations, such as curries, herb soups, and sour soups. Furthermore, the plant's root is harnessed for addressing urinary difficulties associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, while its leaves are applied in treating conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and allergic rhinitis. This comprehensive review aims to explore various aspects, including traditional applications in food and medicine, ethnopharmacological attributes, antioxidant and nutrient properties, anti-inflammatory characteristics, reported functional food activities, and potential cardiovascular, and anticancer effects. Serving as a valuable resource, this review is intended to benefit scientists, farmers, and academicians involved in the collection, cultivation, research, and development of stinging nettle, providing updated insights for future endeavors.

Field experiments were conducted in Mano, Dasse Chiefdom, southern region of Sierra Leone during 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons, to evaluate differential suppression of pre and post-emergence herbicides on weeds and groundnut productivity. The experiments were laid out in a split-plot design replicated three times, treatments consisted of weed control methods: Quizalopane 5 L ha-1 at 2 weeks after sowing (WAS), Quizalopane 5 L ha-1 applied after sowing, Prometraine 5 L ha-1 at 2 WAS, Prometraine 5 L ha-1 applied after sowing, Gariane 5 L ha-1 at 2 WAS, Gariane 5 L ha-1 applied after sowing, Hand-weeding at 4 and 8 WAS, weed-free and un-weeded, and groundnut varieties Mares (Local) and ICGV-IS-09815 (Improved). The weed flora composition showed 35.29% were annuals, 41.18% perennials and 23.53% annuals/perennials, belonging to 17 weed species apportioned among 11 families. Gariane 5 L ha-1 at 2 WAS significantly reduced weed biomass but not economically practicable. The application of Quizalopane 5 L ha-1 at 2 WAS on ICGV-IS-09815 variety recorded maximum herbicide efficiency index (5.80% and 4.79%, respectively) across cropping seasons, pooled mean yield (4,090 kg ha-1), total value of pod yield (SLL 81,800.00 ha-1) and gross margin (SLL 79,350.00 ha-1). Hence, Quizalopane 5 L ha-1 at 2 WAS is an effective weed control method and beneficial for increasing the productivity of groundnut for resource poor farmers.

Jute, referred to as "golden fiber," beautifully intertwines tradition and eco-friendliness, weaving a fabric that stands resilient and vital towards a greener and more sustainable future. Jute (Corchorus spp.) is notable as a remarkable and versatile plant with a multitude of applications, making it a key player in sustainable agriculture. Jute, with its exceptional carbon sequestration capabilities, plays a vital role in climate change adaptation, surpassing other crops in its significant environmental benefits. This article explores the eco-friendly attributes, unique climatic adaptation, various traditional approaches, and sustainable nature of jute, emphasizing its significant role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Jute's positive influence extends beyond its well-known use as a fiber source, encompassing various aspects of soil fertility enhancement and biomass production, including vegetables. The multipurpose nature of jute makes it a standout contributor to sustainable practices. Its cultivation proves beneficial for climate adaptation and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. The cultivation of jute emerges as an integral approach to address climate change challenges. Through comprehensive utilization, every part of the jute plant finds purpose, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This work highlights the significance of acknowledging jute as a vital player in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, creating a balanced coexistence between agriculture and the evolving climate change.

Green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a promising biological control agent against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), known as fall armyworm (FAW). Nevertheless, pesticides used in control of FAW could compromise the effectiveness of C. carnea in control this pest. Thus, the present research aims to evaluate the lethal effects of seven compounds (Spinetoram, Emamectin benzoate, Chlorantraniliprole, Deltamethrin, Chlorpyrifos, Neemix, and Dipel 2x) commonly used in FAW control on C. carnea as well as on the yield in maize, under field conditions. Among the tested compounds, Spinetoram (0.76 larvae per plant) was observed to be the most effective in reducing the larval population, followed by Emamectin benzoate (1.10 larvae per plant). The predators’ abundance was higher in the plots where Dipel 2x (4.63 individuals/plant) and Neemix (4.35 individuals/plant) were applied, while the lowest population was observed in the Chlorpyrifos treatment (0.36 individuals/plant). In comparison to the control, 73.89% yield was increased by Spinetoram application, while the yield was increased by only 4.53% by Dipel 2x application.

Farmers mostly broadcast pre-emergence (PRE) herbicide either by mixing with fertilizer or sand or apply with irrigation water in Bangladesh. We hypothesized that broadcasting PRE herbicide by mixing with urea fertilizer or sand or applying it with irrigation water may decrease the efficacy of herbicide as compared to spraying using clean water and therefore may result in an increase in weed control costs. Farmers’ participatory on-farm trials were conducted in Bangladesh to evaluate the performance of PRE herbicide application methods on weed control efficiency and grain yield in transplanted boro (dry-season rice) and aman (wet-season rice). Six farmers’ fields were selected, and at each field, four pre-emergence herbicide application methods were evaluated, viz, broadcast by mixing with urea, broadcast by mixing with sand, spray by mixing with clean water, and application with irrigation water. At 25-30 DAT (before hand-weeding), the lowest weed density (37-81 weeds m-2, respectively, boro and aman) was found in plots with PRE herbicide application using the spraying method. As compared to the spraying method, weed density was 46, 130 and 316% higher in boro and 16, 17, and 41% higher in aman, respectively, in the plots where PRE herbicide was applied using broadcast by mixing with urea, broadcast by mixing with sand and application with irrigation water. The plots having herbicide application with irrigation water required the highest labors (31and 17 persons-day ha-1 in boro and aman, respectively) in manual weed control and man-day ha-1 in manual weeding reduced by 29, 24 and 63% in boro and 13, 6, 42% in aman, respectively, in the plots having herbicide broadcast by mixing with urea, broadcast by mixing with sand and spay by mixing with clean water, in comparison to plots received PRE application with irrigation water. Rice grain yield was not affected by herbicide application methods in aman, however, in boro, grain yields were similar (6.3 – 6.5 t ha-1) in the plots having herbicide broadcast by mixing with urea, broadcast by mixing with sand and spray by mixing with clean water but significantly lower (5.8 t ha-1) in the plot having an application with irrigation water.

The field of agricultural engineering is essential for meeting the varied agricultural needs of the country, but professionals in this field face numerous challenges. These challenges include inadequate training and resources, limited access to updated technology, and a lack of government support. However, there are also opportunities for growth and development within the field. This article intends to answer three questions on agricultural engineering field, which are: (1) who is an agricultural engineer, (2) what are the interactions between agricultural engineers and civil engineers? and (3) what are the interactions of agricultural engineers with mechanical engineers? Literature review and physical consultations approaches were used to obtain answers to the questions. It was evident that agricultural engineers need to actively promote themselves to the community in order to gain acceptance and recognition for their contributions in Tanzania. By investing in education and training, promoting innovation and collaboration, and advocating for policy changes, agricultural engineers can overcome various obstacles and contribute to the sustainable development of Tanzania's agricultural sector. Despite the competition with other professionals, such as civil and mechanical engineers, experienced agricultural engineers have proven themselves to be well-versed in delivering their assignments. These assignments sometimes fall under the disciplines of civil and mechanical engineering. Therefore, in absence of civil and mechanical engineers, it is with no surprise that the experienced agricultural engineers can perform such assignments. With the right knowledge, skills, and commitment, professionals in agricultural engineering can make a meaningful impact and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous community in Tanzania.