Meeting: International Workshop on Alley Farming in the Humid and Subhumid Tropics, 10-14 Mar. 1986, Ibadan, NG
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Research Interests: Chemistry, Food Science, Medicine, Functional Food, Nutrient, and 3 moreMoringa, Dietary fiber, and Proximate
In the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) more than 400 plants are recorded as having been used for medicinal purposes. Traditional use of medicinal plants (locally known as “bush”) is based on Amerindian, African and European influences. Despite... more
In the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) more than 400 plants are recorded as having been used for medicinal purposes. Traditional use of medicinal plants (locally known as “bush”) is based on Amerindian, African and European influences. Despite the predominance of “western medicine”, many Virgin Islanders still use medicinal plants for self-treatments, beverages and culinary purposes. Traditionally, medicinal plants were either collected growing wild or cultivated and often sold in marketplaces for local consumption. This method of marketing still exists, but new marketing outlets are developing. Selections of popular medicinal plants (imported and local) appear both fresh and packaged dry in supermarkets and specialty shops. Blended brews (i.e. “bush teas”) are available in restaurants, bakeries and delicatessens. Creatively packaged products are featured in stores and hotels catering to the tourist trade. Current expanding marketing trends target the great number of tourists visiting th...
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Specialty cut flowers may be suited to sustainable production system in the tropics and an agroforestry approach was developed to add a commercial value to unused forest areas. Ginger lily (Alpinia purpurata), a specialty tropical cut... more
Specialty cut flowers may be suited to sustainable production system in the tropics and an agroforestry approach was developed to add a commercial value to unused forest areas. Ginger lily (Alpinia purpurata), a specialty tropical cut flower, was planted under a sustainable alley cropping system with moringa (Moringa oleifera), to evaluate the biophysical interactions between system components. Moringa trees were planted in rows 5 m apart and were 5 years old at the time ginger lilies were planted on 1 June 2005. Two rows of ginger lilies spaced 0.6 m in row and 1.7 m between rows were planted on a 1-foot-high bed between moringa rows when trees were about 6 m tall. Alley plot length was 10 m. After a month, plant establishment was 96%. In July, the moringa trees were pruned down to 1.5 m and the biomass (foliage) was used as green manure. Ginger lilies were also mulched with straw. Plots were gradually shaded as moringa shoots developed reducing the photosynthetic photon flux to 40...
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AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit international agricultural research institute whose mission is to reduce malnutrition and poverty among the poor through vegetable research and development. Over... more
AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit international agricultural research institute whose mission is to reduce malnutrition and poverty among the poor through vegetable research and development. Over the past 30 years, AVRDC has developed a vast array of international public goods. The Center plays an essential role in bringing international and interdisciplinary teams together to develop technologies, empower farmers, and address major vegetable-related issues in the developing world. In its unique role, AVRDC functions as a catalyst to 1) build international and interdisciplinary coalitions that engage in vegetable and nutrition issues; 2) generate and disseminate improved germplasm and technologies that address economic and nutritional needs of the poor; 3) collect, characterize, and conserve vegetable germplasm resources for worldwide use; and 4) provide globally accessible, user-friendly, science-based, appropriate technology. In enhancing...
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ABSTRACT The effects of three seedbed preparation methods: mounds, minimum (handhoe) tillage and zero tillage; and two residue management methods: application of 4 Mg ha−1 of rice straw mulch and no mulch on soil physical properties and... more
ABSTRACT The effects of three seedbed preparation methods: mounds, minimum (handhoe) tillage and zero tillage; and two residue management methods: application of 4 Mg ha−1 of rice straw mulch and no mulch on soil physical properties and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) were studied in a rice fallow of an inland valley swamp in central Nigeria during the dry seasons of 1988 and 1989. Soil physical properties measured were particle size distribution, bulk density, soil water retention, penetrometer resistance, pore size distribution, soil temperature and wetness. In general, soil compaction was such that zero tillage ⪢ minimum tillage ⋍ mounds. The proportion of macropores in the 0–0.05 m depth was 18%, 35.2% and 42.0%, with zero tillage, minimum tillage and mounds, respectively. Diurnal soil temperatures and soil wetness were highest and lowest, respectively, on mounds, and lowest and highest, respectively, with zero tillage. Mulching had no effect on compaction but decreased diurnal soil temperature and increased wetness. The combination of zero tillage and mulch resulted in a wet, cool and compacted seedbed, whereas the warmest, driest and most porous seedbed was the bare mound. Grain yield of cowpea was not significantly affected by seedbed preparation method. Seedbed preparation methods which increase porosity and are not labour-intensive (e.g. minimum tillage) are, therefore, more appropriate for cowpea production in inland valley swamps. Mulching was effective in increasing yield, only when rainfall occurred prior to the onset of reproductive growth in cowpea such that yield was increased by 36% in 1988, but not in 1989. However, rainfall analyses indicate that moderate amounts of rainfall are likely to occur during the latter part of the dry season when reproductive growth of cowpea takes place. The least risky and hence, most appropriate soil management system for dry-season cowpea production in rice fallows of inland valley swamps is, therefore, a combination of minimum tillage and mulch.
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A field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum plant population for maximum plant yield and productivity of bush okra (Corchorus olitoriusy. Treatments consisted oftwo row spacings (0.30 m and 0.50 m) and three in-row or plant... more
A field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum plant population for maximum plant yield and productivity of bush okra (Corchorus olitoriusy. Treatments consisted oftwo row spacings (0.30 m and 0.50 m) and three in-row or plant spacings (0.20, 0.31 and 0.4 Jl m). These combinations resulted in plant population ranging from 49,261 to 166,667 plants per hectare. Treatments were arran~ed in randomized block design with three replications. Data on plant height, number of stem-branches, leaf anoft stem fresh weight, total plant fresh and dry matter weight, leafarea and leaf area index (LA[) were collected at harvest. On a per plant basis, results indicated a highly significant linear response (P
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Influence of Effluents from Intensive Aquaculture and Sludge on Growth and Yield of Bell Peppers. MC Palada, WM Cole, SMA Crossman Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 14:44, 85-103, 1999. A study was conducted to evaluate ...
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Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and synthetic mulches on yield of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under drip irrigation. Basil was grown in plots with organic (compost or straw) and synthetic (black... more
Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and synthetic mulches on yield of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under drip irrigation. Basil was grown in plots with organic (compost or straw) and synthetic (black plastic or black fabric) mulches. A bare plot (control) was also established for comparison. In 1991, total plant and leaf fresh weights in
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Tropical leaf vegetables are grown in the tropics and are rich sources of nutrients, particularly minerals, and vitamins (Oomen and Grubben 1978). A number of species and cultivars have been introduced and grown in the continental US on a... more
Tropical leaf vegetables are grown in the tropics and are rich sources of nutrients, particularly minerals, and vitamins (Oomen and Grubben 1978). A number of species and cultivars have been introduced and grown in the continental US on a limited-scale, particularly in the southern region (Lamberts 1993). The US is a major market for tropical and specialty greens and most
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The Caribbean region is one major source of most herbs and spices consumed in the U.S. Although the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is part of the Caribbean, local production of herbs and spices does not contribute significantly to exports... more
The Caribbean region is one major source of most herbs and spices consumed in the U.S. Although the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is part of the Caribbean, local production of herbs and spices does not contribute significantly to exports into the U.S. market. Nevertheless, culinary herbs area” important horticultural crop in the USVI and their sale provides income for many small-scale growers. Little research has been done to improve field production in the USVI. Inefficient cultural practices used by growers result in low yields. Lack of information on fertilizer rates, irrigation and pest control methods is a major constraint to high yields. In 1988, the Agricultural Experiment Station initiated a project to improve field production of herbs and spices in the USVI. Use of drip irrigation, mulching and fertilizers has improved yields of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). This paper will discuss crop management studies to improve culinary herb production in the USVI....
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Preface By producing vegetables year-round, small-scale growers can increase their incomes and enhance the diets of their families and communities. Vegetable crops respond well to irrigation, which helps to improve yield and quality, and... more
Preface By producing vegetables year-round, small-scale growers can increase their incomes and enhance the diets of their families and communities. Vegetable crops respond well to irrigation, which helps to improve yield and quality, and increases the efficiency of other inputs. Simple, low-cost drip irrigation systems can ensure small-scale producers benefit from water resources. This 10-chapter manual provides basic, step-by-step procedures for installing simple drip irrigation systems for different crops, climates, and soils. It addresses common problems, provides troubleshooting and maintenance tips, and offers irrigation scheduling guidelines to avoid under- or over-irrigation. Methods to determine soil types, water quality, water-holding capacity, crop coefficient, and crop water demand are illustrated. The information presented in this guide has been compiled from relevant literature, research and development projects, and is based on practical field experience. This manual i...
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Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was grown with polyethylene mulched on Inceptisol soil with low pH (5.5), low organic-C (1.54%), very low total N (0.12%), low K content (0.29 me (100 g)-1), but very high soil P2O5 concentration (19.2... more
Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was grown with polyethylene mulched on Inceptisol soil with low pH (5.5), low organic-C (1.54%), very low total N (0.12%), low K content (0.29 me (100 g)-1), but very high soil P2O5 concentration (19.2 ppm) to evaluate the best crop management practices with starter solution. Seven starter solution combinations (1 = No Starter Solution + No CM + No SI, 2 = CM + SSVC, 3 = CM + SSG, 4 = SI + SSVC, 5 = SI + SSG, 6 = SI + CM+ SSVC, and 7 = SI + CM + SSG) were arranged in a randomized completely block design with four replications. Whereas CM = cow manure, SSVC = organic starter solution, SSG = inorganic starter solution, and SI=standard inorganic fertilizer. The results showed that inorganic, as well as organic, starter solution increased chili pepper growth and yield in less fertile soil. The highest marketable yield was obtained with application of standard inorganic (SI) + cow manure (CM) + inorganic starter solution (SSG). Inorganic starter solution...
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Yar d long bean (Vigna unguilata L.) 777 was grown in Ultisols, which typically have low pH and high P-fi xation, to determine the best correlation of soil extraction methods for soil P with yields, and to develop soil P response... more
Yar d long bean (Vigna unguilata L.) 777 was grown in Ultisols, which typically have low pH and high P-fi xation, to determine the best correlation of soil extraction methods for soil P with yields, and to develop soil P response categories. The research was conducted at SANREM base camp in Hambaro Village, Nanggung, Bogor, Indonesia from April to August 2008. Treatments were arranged in a Split Plot Design with three replications. The main plots were treatments with soil P status of 0X, ¼X, ½X, ¾X and X, where is X = 1,590.5 kg SP-36 ha -1 (36% P 2 O 5 ) applied once a month before planting. The subplots were P application rate of 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 . Yard long beans were planted in double rows per bed, 60 cm between rows and 25 cm within rows, 2 seeds per hole, with plot size of 1.5 m x 5 m. Coeffi cient correlation (r) of extraction reagents Olsen, Bray-1, HCl 25%, and Mechlich-1 were 0.772, 0.765, 0.755, and 0.732, respectively. Based on Olsen soil testing ...
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Amaranth (Amaranthus sp), Kangkung (Ipomoea aquatica L), Egplant (Solanum melongena L), Chili (Capsicum annuum L), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), Green Bean (Pahaseolus vulgaris L), and Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguilata L) were... more
Amaranth (Amaranthus sp), Kangkung (Ipomoea aquatica L), Egplant (Solanum melongena L), Chili (Capsicum annuum L), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), Green Bean (Pahaseolus vulgaris L), and Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguilata L) were grown on Ultisol Nanggung soil with low pH (5.2), low C-Organic (1.70%), very low N-total (0.21 %), low K content (0.33 me/100 g), but high soil P2O5 concentration (10.8 ppm) to optimize P rate application. Treatments were P rate : 0, 45, 90, 135 dan 180 kg P2O5ha -1 or equal to 0, 125, 250, 375 dan 500 kg SP36 (36% P2O5) ha -1 . Treatments were arranged in Randomized Completely Block design with three replications. In the level of soil P concentration of 10.8 ppm (Bray-1) of Ultisol, application of P fertilizer up 180 kg P2O5 ha -1 increased linearly plant height of kangkung, eggplant, chili, tomato, yard long bean and green bean and increased linearly yield of amaranth, kangkung, egplant, chili, tomato and green bean. To achieve optimum P fertilizer r...
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Extensive researches on soil -rhizosphere processes have shown th at a very small proportion of rhizosphere soil is of critical importance for plant growth and health. The soil-rhizosphere zones occupied less than 5-7% volume of the upper... more
Extensive researches on soil -rhizosphere processes have shown th at a very small proportion of rhizosphere soil is of critical importance for plant growth and health. The soil-rhizosphere zones occupied less than 5-7% volume of the upper 15 cm surface soil in a vegetable field. Designing sustainable management practices that focus on rhizosphere soil is more efficient and cost-effective for improving crop productivity with fewer agrochemical inputs. The innovative Starter Solution Technology (SST) for applying nutrients directly to the soil-rhizosphere system is proposed in this paper. The SST reduces fertilizer application, increases vegetable yields, decreases fertilizer residues in the soil and is simple to apply. Other practices for managing the fertility of rhizosphere soil, such as supplying nutrients through drip irrigation, applying organic fertilizers and biocharcoals to increase soil-buffering capacity and localized amendment as strategies for problem soils are also discu...
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The mission of AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center is to reduce malnutrition and poverty in the developing countries through vegetable research and development. To accomplish this, AVRDC is building partnerships and mobilizing resources from... more
The mission of AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center is to reduce malnutrition and poverty in the developing countries through vegetable research and development. To accomplish this, AVRDC is building partnerships and mobilizing resources from private and public sectors to promote vegetable production and consumption in the developing world. Worldwide concern about food safety, health, environmental quality and sustainability in food production has mandated AVRDC to develop technologies that will contribute to the production of safe and nutritious vegetables in the tropics. These technologies are consistent with the objectives and goals of good agricultural practices (GAPs). AVRDC's strategy for addressing this problem is to develop varieties resistant to major diseases and cultivate them with GAPs that will reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. Current strategic research on GAPs for vegetable production at AVRDC are discussed in this paper.
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Chili pepper (Capsicumannuum cv. Delicacy) was grown in single- and double-bed rainshelters and irrigated using furrow and drip irrigation to determine effect on yield and efficiency of water and nutrient application in the lowland... more
Chili pepper (Capsicumannuum cv. Delicacy) was grown in single- and double-bed rainshelters and irrigated using furrow and drip irrigation to determine effect on yield and efficiency of water and nutrient application in the lowland tropics of southern Taiwan during the hot wet season. The experiment was laid out using a split-plot design with four replications. The main plots were rainshelters (single, double, open field) and the two irrigation methods (furrow and drip) were the subplots. Grafted chili seedlings were transplanted in double rows on raised beds at row spacing of 80 cm and plant spacing of 50 cm. The furrow-irrigated crop was applied with basal N-P2O5-K2O at the rate of 180–180–180 kg·ha-1 and 240–150–180 kg·ha-1 of N-P2O5-K2O as sidedressing. The drip-irrigated crop received half of the total rate applied for the furrow-irrigated crop. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in marketable yield were observed between rainshelter treatments. Highest yield (42.2 t·ha-1) wa...
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Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is one of the most popular culinary herbs in the Virgin Islands, and local demand is always high throughout the year. However, local production is not sufficient to meet increasing demands. Chive production is... more
Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is one of the most popular culinary herbs in the Virgin Islands, and local demand is always high throughout the year. However, local production is not sufficient to meet increasing demands. Chive production is constrained by insect pests, weeds, and high cost of irrigation water. A study was conducted to compare the influence of organic and synthetic mulches on yield and economic returns from chive production. The study also evaluated the effect of mulch on weeds and water use. Chives were planted in plots consisting of three rows 3.6 m long. Plants were spaced 20 cm within rows 41 cm apart. The plots were mulched with grass straw, wood chips, shredded paper, and white plastic. A control plot (no mulch) was also planted for comparison. Plots were arranged in randomized complete-block design with four replications. All plots were drip-irrigated and soil moisture tension maintaned at 30 kPa. Chives grown with grass straw mulch produced taller plants and hi...
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Production of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) during the hot-wet season in the lowland humid tropics can be increased using grafted plants and rainshelter. This technology can reduce soil-borne diseases, improve the ability of tomato... more
Production of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) during the hot-wet season in the lowland humid tropics can be increased using grafted plants and rainshelter. This technology can reduce soil-borne diseases, improve the ability of tomato plants to tolerate high temperatures and flooding due to high rainfall, and protect the crop from the impact of heavy rains. AVRDC has developed tomato lines that are resistant to virus diseases and high temperatures. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of these lines in the hot-wet season, with and without rainshelter protection. Tomato lines (CHT501, TLCV15, and FMTT847) were grafted onto eggplant (Solanum melongena cv. EG203) rootstock and grown under rainshelter and open field. Nongrafted plants of three lines were also grown under two rainshelter treatments. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replications. Plants were managed using AVRDC standard practices for summer tomato production. TLCV15 and FMTT847 were ...