Global Research in Environment and Sustainability

Performance Evaluation of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Varieties in North Shewa Zone Oromia, Ethiopia

Zewdu Tegenu — 2025-03-18

The experiment was conducted on twelve improved Fenugreek varieties against local check at Wachale, Debra Libanos, Yaya Gulale, and Girar Jarso research sub site and on station at Fitche Agricultural Research Center for one (2023) year to identify and recommend high yielding, insect pest tolerant, and stable varieties. The seeds were planted in Randomized Completed Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in the net plot size of 3.6m² using four harvestable rows at the spacing of 30cm. Agronomic traits Viz. Days to maturity, Plant height, Number of Primary branch, Number of pod per plant, Number of seed per plant, Number of seed per pod, Seed yield per hectare, and disease reaction were collected and analyzed. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among varieties for most observed traits. The combine ANOVA and the AMMI analysis for seed yield across environments revealed significantly affected by environments, that hold 19.00 % of the total variation.The genotype and genotype by environmental interation were significant and accounted for 11.70 % and 24.70 % respectively. Pricipal component 1 and 2 accounted for 84.24 % and 10 54 % of the GEI respectively with a total of 94.78 % variation. In general, Turu and Chala varieties were identified as the best varieties for yielding ability, stability, tolerant to diseases and recommended in the area and with similar agro-ecologies.

Determination of Ideal Snag Length for Rubber Brown-Budded Stumps in Southern Nigeria

E. A. Oghide — 2025-03-18

Rubber plantations are mainly established with the use of rubber budded stumps, which are derived from successfully budded rubber seedling rootstock (stock plant) which have been de-topped; with the ultimate aim of prompting shooting of scion buds which are projected to replace the upper part of the plant hitherto removed during de-topping. The survival, activation and good development of the scion-bud has been reported to be a function of several factors amongst which is the length of the snag; the snag being the protuberant or remnant part of the stock above the stock-scion union; after de-topping Incidentally, the point of cut during de-topping operations is typically left at the discretion of the topper, thereby making the operation subjective and prone to the errors of cutting too near or too far from the bud-scion union and consequently causing undesirable associated outcomes. This study was therefore conducted to determine an ideal snag length; particularly for brown budded rubber seedlings of over 9 months old. As treatments, 22-month-old rubber seedlings were successfully budded and subsequently de-topped at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 cm above the stock-scion union and respectively labelled SL-0cm, SL-2cm, SL-4cm, SL-6cm, SL-8cm and SL-10cm to form the six categories of snag lengths put under investigation. The treated planting materials were then lifted/transplanted into the designated experimental plots arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD); with 3 replications. Data on the scion-bud shooting rates, growth parameters (length, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area) of the scion-bud shoots and number of stock-bud shoots were taken at 2 weeks interval until 16 weeks after de-topping (WAD). The shooting rates of scion-buds were significantly higher in the 3 shortest snag lengths i.e. SL-0cm (50.00%), SL-2cm (50.00%), SL-4cm (58.00%) compared to the longer snag-lengths i.e. SL-6cm (25.00%), SL-8cm (25.00%) and SL-10cm (33.25%) at 2 WAD and maintained relative superiority. Nevertheless, only SL-0cm (100.00%) and SL-2cm (83.25%) remained statistically comparable as from 14 WAD. The short snags started off with higher shoot lengths at 4 WAD, but were eventually tallied by shoot lengths in the longer snags. Scion shoot diameter was almost consistently higher in SL-0cm and SL-2cm throughout the sampling duration with SL-0cm, SL-2cm, SL-4cm, SL-6cm, SL-8cm and SL-10cm having 0.96 cm, 0.93 cm, 0.86cm, 0.90 cm, 0.83 cm and 0.83 cm respectively at 16 WAD. The number of leaves did not have a defined pattern while there was no significant difference in leaf area across the different snag lengths. However, the number of stock-bud shoots increased with increasing snag lengths; with SL-0cm and SL-2cm having 0.33/stump and 1.00/stump respectively at both 10 WAD and 12 WAD. Snag lengths 2 cm and 0 cm are recommended (in order of preference) for rubber brown-budded rootstock.

Comparative Analysis of Radon Equilibrium Equivalent Concentration in Educational Buildings of the Central and Southern Part of Tajikistan

Ilhom Mirsaidzoda — 2025-03-18

Comparative analysis of radon equilibrium equivalent concentration (EEC) in educational buildings of some Tajikistan regions were studied in this work. The study of radon activity concentration in the atmospheric air of preschool and school buildings in the Central and Southern parts of Tajikistan was conducted. Radon EEC was measured using track detectors. In total 36 preschools and 58 secondary schools in Dushanbe and Khatlon region of Tajikistan were examined. Track detectors were installed depending on the population density of cities and regions. Measurements of the radon EEC were carried out for 3 months during the heating season (winter) and 3 months during the warm season (summer). It was determined that the contribution of radon and its daughter products to the average annual effective equivalent dose of radiation for children while in schools and kindergartens in Dushanbe and Khatlon region is 0.53–1.7 mSv/year and in the same range.

Distribution of Pollutants in Surficial Marine Sediments of Kuwait Bay: Challenges and Opportunities

Jenan Bahzad — 2025-04-07

Kuwait’s dry, hot, arid climate has created significant seasonal temperature variations and an increased risk of pollution from airborne particulates. North-westerly winds blowing from arid desert regions are contributing to significant levels of suspended dust particles being transported considerable distances across the region. Of particular risk are the heavily polluted coastal areas where heavy industrial development and continued patterns of urbanization are increasing the risks of a range of pollutants entering the marine and near-shore environments. Coastal areas, such as Kuwait Bay, have experienced significant urban and industrial development over the past five decades, resulting in increased pollution in their coastal and marine environments. This study conducted a comprehensive geochemical analysis of surficial marine sediments in Kuwait Bay, focusing on the distribution of Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), and heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Sediment samples were collected from ten different locations across the bay to assess the extent of pollution and identify its primary sources. The increased development in Kuwait Bay has led to significant increases in marine pollution across the region, as evidenced by elevated levels of TOC, TPH, and heavy metals. This has been attributed to crude oil discharges, fuel oil, and sewage water. With plans to further develop this site, it is recommended that more robust measurements of current pollution levels be established. Understanding these pollution events in more detail will help reveal more about the potential risks associated with current and future developments and introduce effective mitigation methods that reduce the social, economic, and environmental impacts of these activities.