This article describes a pilot study aiming at generating social interactions between a humanoid robot and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through the practice of a gesture imitation game. The partici...This article describes a pilot study aiming at generating social interactions between a humanoid robot and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through the practice of a gesture imitation game. The participants were a 17-year-old young lady with ASD and intellectual deficit, and a control participant: a preadolescent with ASD but no intellectual deficit (Asperger syndrome). The game is comprised of four phases: greetings, pairing, imitation, and closing. Field educators were involved, playing specific roles: visual or physical inciter. The use of a robot allows for catching the participants’ attention, playing the imitation game for a longer period of time than with a human partner, and preventing the game partner’s negative facial expressions resulting from tiredness, impatience, or boredom. The participants’ behavior was observed in terms of initial approach towards the robot, positioning relative to the robot in terms of distance and orientation, reactions to the robot’s voice or moves, signs of happiness, and imitation attempts. Results suggest a more and more natural approach towards the robot during the sessions, as well as a higher level of social interaction, based on the variations of the parameters listed above. We use these preliminary results to draw the next steps of our research work as well as identify further perspectives, with this aim in mind: improving social interactions with adolescents with ASD and intellectual deficit, allowing for better integration of these people into our societies.展开更多
Over the last few decades, dengue fever epidemics have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide, making it a major global concern for public health. Its prevention, which is essentially vector-based control, is ...Over the last few decades, dengue fever epidemics have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide, making it a major global concern for public health. Its prevention, which is essentially vector-based control, is already being compromised by reports of resistance of the main vector Aedes aegypti to insecticides. To tackle the rapid increase in insecticide resistance and outbreaks, the biological vector control is a promising approach. One of the strategies of this approach is the use of entomopathogenic fungi because of their great efficacy and their eco-friendly aspects. However, some aspects of their use, such as the low efficiency, the high cost of production and the sensitivity to various adverse conditions, need to be addressed for their successful large-scale application. Therefore, innovative technologies based on strains of transgenic fungi with improved biocontrol potentials by genetic engineering are actively pursued. Although these modified mycoinsecticides are acclaimed for their better effectiveness against target insects, the main concern remains their potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. The present review is dedicated to giving an update on recent developments in transgenic entomopathogenic fungi (TEF) for Aedes mosquito control. Future perspectives are also proposed to address the safety concerns related to the release of transgenic entomopathogenic fungi into the environment.展开更多
Coffee is highly appreciated as stimulant. Brazil is the first producer and second consumer in the world. Flower evocation triggered by environmental signals is essential for adaptability and productivity, and despite...Coffee is highly appreciated as stimulant. Brazil is the first producer and second consumer in the world. Flower evocation triggered by environmental signals is essential for adaptability and productivity, and despite that it is neglected and barely considered as a part of the reproductive cycle. Aiming to review molecular mechanisms producing phenological responses observed in the fields, orthologs to A. thaliana CO, FLC/FLM, FLT, SOC and VRN genes were identified in silico for C. arabica and its ancestors C. canephora and C. eugenioides. Protein structures and conserved domains, regulatory elements in promoters, and the related literature in both genera were accessed and compared. Hypotheses regarding Coffea spp. orthologs responsiveness to light and temperature signals at the tropics are proposed. Preliminary analysis of phenological data taken from early, intermediary and late C. arabica plants are included to illustrate the diversity regarding flower bud emission, which quite certainly is defined during flower evocation.展开更多
The aviation industry is a sector that is developing, changing and growing every day in terms of technological and legal framework. There are generally three factors that enable airlines to hold on to the market. Thes...The aviation industry is a sector that is developing, changing and growing every day in terms of technological and legal framework. There are generally three factors that enable airlines to hold on to the market. These factors are safety, service quality and price. Airline companies can analyze the customers in the market with a focus on price and quality and develop a business model according to their expectations. For example, business class and economy class passenger expectations are different from each other, so the service and price to be offered to them will be different. However, all customers have one common expectation and that is safety. No matter how high quality the service is or how cheap the price is, no one wants to fly with an airline or plane that is not safe. From an airline company’s point of view, an accident or breakdown of one of the company’s aircraft can cause irreparable image loss and financial damage. If we look at past examples, we see that there are many airline companies or maintenance organizations that could not recover after an accident and went bankrupt. Safety is an indispensable factor. Therefore, there is a unit in the sector called the safety management system (SMS), which collects data by taking a proactive and reactive approach. The way and purpose of the safety management system is to take a proactive approach to recognize and prevent unsafe situations before they cause accidents or breakdowns, or to take a reactive approach to find the causes of accidents and breakdowns that have occurred as a result of certain factors and to take the necessary measures to prevent the same situations from happening again in the sector. The field of data mining, which is necessary to predict the future behavior of customers in the field of marketing, is an area that marketing also values. In this study, data mining studies to ensure safety in the aviation industry and the security of customer information in marketing will be emphasized, firstly, the concept and importance of data mining will be mentioned.展开更多
About 80% of cowpea seeds are lost along with 30% of their weight after six months of unprotected storage due to attacks by Callosobruchus maculatus. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of applying bioinsecticid...About 80% of cowpea seeds are lost along with 30% of their weight after six months of unprotected storage due to attacks by Callosobruchus maculatus. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of applying bioinsecticides on the biological parameters of C. maculatus to reduce its damage to cowpea stocks. Four treatments including an untreated control and three doses of powdery extracts of C. nigricans, Z. zanthoxyloides and H. suaveolens, were compared in a Fischer block with four completely randomized repetitions. One hundred undamaged cowpea seeds were mixed with doses of each extract in Petri dishes and then fed as food substrates to ten pairs of C. maculatus for eight days. The extracts of H. suaveolens, C. nigricans and Z. zanthoxyloides all contain active ingredients including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and alkaloids, etc. The extract of Z. zanthoxyloides was found to be more active on adults (100.00% mortality) followed by C. nigricans (98.75% mortality) and H. suaveolens (97.50% mortality) at 80 mg/g. Fecundity per female decreased significantly in the treated batches of 13.82 eggs for H. suaveolens at 10.12 eggs for C. nigricans at a dose of 80 mg/g. Germination rate of seeds was statistically raised to 100% at 60 and 80 mg/g by C. nigricans powder and lowered to 83.00% at 20 mg/g by Z. zanthoxyloides extracts. The application of Z. zanthoxyloides extract would be a less expensive alternative for the sustainable management of C. maculatus in cowpea stocks.展开更多
Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect pest feeds on the roots and the leaves ...Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect pest feeds on the roots and the leaves of the plant. When the attacks are heavy, the plant may lose all its leaves and die off. Unfortunately, little information is available on the biology of this insect pest. A study was conducted on the biology of this insect pest in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso and resulted in the knowledge of some of the biological features of the insect pest. Aphthona whitfieldi was reared from 13th July to 22th October 2015. Larvae and pupae were collected in J. curcas plantations near Léo, the capital city of the Sissili province, and brought to the laboratory for rearing. The insects were observed daily and the dimensions and the duration of each stage were recorded. We recorded two larval stages (1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>): a pre-pupa and a pupal stage. The pupa was free and white milk-like. Both the pre-pupa and the pupal stages lasted for five days. The 1<sup>st</sup> instar larva was smaller than the third one.展开更多
Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured ...Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured to evaluate the stand density and size variability of woody species related to aboveground biomass in a Sudanian savannah. Total height, stem diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were measured in 30 plots of 50 m </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">×<span> 20 m laid in respect to vegetation type as bowal, shrubland and woodland. Species diversity, stem density, height and basal area were calculated and compared across sites and variation in stem dbh classes evaluated. Total aboveground biomass was estimated and thereafter linear relationships were established between stand density and aboveground biomass</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> and basal area. Results revealed three different sites with an overall 58 species identified through vegetation type including liana species (4 stems in bowal) with 18 genera and 42 families. Fabaceae Combretaceae, Anacardiaceae and Rubiaceae were dominant families. Small sized trees represented 72% of total stem density considered in structure with significant higher basal area, while large sized trees as 28% were scarcely distributed. More than 70% variation in biomass w</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">as </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">due to stem density and basal area with a dominance of small trees. In conclusion increase size in tree community indicated increase in accumulated aboveground biomass as positive regeneration features. But, change in vegetation structure strongly influence negatively species ability to grow from lower to upper size class and later on, disrupt ecosystem functioning. Plant stem density and stratification could be considered as indicators of aboveground biomass fluctuating in regeneration monitoring.展开更多
We used an ongoing long-term field trial established since 1960 in Burkina Faso, to study the microbial properties of a Ferric Lixisol under various crop management and fertilization regimes. Microbial respiration rat...We used an ongoing long-term field trial established since 1960 in Burkina Faso, to study the microbial properties of a Ferric Lixisol under various crop management and fertilization regimes. Microbial respiration rate, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil bacteria’s number were assessed in soil samples taken at 0<span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "="">20 cm depth. The crop management were continuous cropping of sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor L</i>.) (S/S) and rotation between sorghum and cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata L</i>.) (S/C), while the fertilization regimes were: 1) Control (te);2) Low rate of mineral fertilizer (fm);3) Low rate of mineral fertilizer + sorghum straw restitution (fmr);4) Low rate of mineral fertilizer + low rate of manure (fmo);5) High rate of mineral fertilizer (FM);and vii) High rate of mineral fertilizer + high rate of manure (FMO). The manure is applied every second year. The results indicate that sorghum/cowpea rotation significantly increase MBC and bacteria number as compared to continuous sorghum cropping. MBC ranged from 335.5 to 54.85 μg C g</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span><span>1</span></sup><span> soil with S/S and from 457.5 to 86.6 μg C g</span><sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span><span>1</span></sup><span> soil with S/C. Application of high level of manure and mineral fertilizer increase microbial respiration rate and MBC. The highest MBC was observed with FMO and the lowest with the control. In general, the metabolic quotient (qCO<sub>2</sub>) was negatively impacted by the fertilization and cowpea rotation. For S/S rotation, qCO<sub>2</sub> of the control was 1.5 to 2 times that of the treatments with low mineral fertilizer (fmr, fmo and fm) and 3 times that of the high rate of fertilization (FM and FMO). With S/C rotation, qCO<sub>2</sub> of the control was 2 times of that fmr, FM and FMO and 0.8 times that of fmo and fm. Soil bacteria in the fmr were 63.6 and 12.4 times the control in the S/S and S/C rotations, respectively. In sum, combined application of manure and mineral fertilizer with crop rotation is the best management practices to improve in sustainable way microbial activities in tropical soil.</span></span>展开更多
In Burkina Faso, breeding occupies an important place in the country’s economy, but is based essentially on the exploitation <span style="font-family:Verdana;">of the </span><span style="...In Burkina Faso, breeding occupies an important place in the country’s economy, but is based essentially on the exploitation <span style="font-family:Verdana;">of the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">natural resources (pasture) which remains limited in extent due to the extension of land cultivated by agricultural practices extensive. Food is one of the most important limiting factors in animal production, hence the need to develop mechanisms to improve the production of food resources. This study is a contribution to fodder production improvement. In this study, cowpea was grown in a greenhouse for 60 days and inoculated with two inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The growth parameters were measured at 30 and 60 days after sowing. Shoot, root and total biomass were evaluated 60 days after sowing. The results show Yac 2 mix inoculum improves height</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">growth (95.5%), height relative growth rate (525%), collar diameter (138%), collar diameter relative growth rate (328.57%), shoot biomass (396.3%), root biomass by (205.66%), total biomass by (320%), total nitrogen of aerial parts (92.39%) and total phosphorus of aerial parts (143.48%) compared to control.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Yac 2 mix appears the most effective of all inoculum used in this study.</span>展开更多
A study on community soil fertility management concepts and practices was conducted through rapid and participatory method of research in 15 villages of the Gourma region in Eastern part of Burkina Faso. These investi...A study on community soil fertility management concepts and practices was conducted through rapid and participatory method of research in 15 villages of the Gourma region in Eastern part of Burkina Faso. These investigations aimed at determining farmers＇ knowledge on soil resources： local soil taxonomy and indicators of soil degradation, soil fertility management practices, and capacity for adoption of new technologies in soil fertility management. The results of the study showed that the main parameter for soil classification for all the investigated villages was soil texture composition; soil degradation was evaluated according to crops yield decrease and the development Striga sp. in 100% of the investigated villages; the use of organic manure and long term fellow were the main practices for soil fertility management; concerning the villages where modem technologies of soil fertility management were introduced, the lack of tools and capacity building were the main limiting factors of the adoption of these improved practices at small scale farmers＇ level. Even if discordance between scientific and local soil taxonomy were revealed by our investigations; significant similarities between indigenous and scientific indices of soil degradation were noticed. With regard to the actual magnitude of soil degradation; the local techniques of soil fertility management need to be improved and accessible to a big number of farmers.展开更多
Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. in Burkina Faso. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the insect pest populations’ density on the growth of ...Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. in Burkina Faso. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the insect pest populations’ density on the growth of the plant. To achieve this purpose, 90-day aged single plants were caged in a randomized complete block design experiment with 5 treatments and 5 replicates. The treatments consisted of increasing numbers of adults of A. whitfieldi used to infest the caged plants: T0 (0 adult = check), T1 (100 adults), T2 (200 adults), T3 (300 adults), T4 (400 adults). All caged plants were infested 21 days after transplantation and the evaluation started 14 days later one on every 2-week basis from September 18, 2014 to February 19, 2015. The growth parameters of the plant were assessed. The results showed that the intensity of damage caused by A. whitfieldi on the growth of young plants of J. curcas varied according to the treatment (i.e., according to the number of adult individuals infesting the plant at the beginning). The higher the number, the heavier the level of damage caused by the pest. So, the growth of the J. curcas plant was inversely proportional to the number of A. whitfieldi infesting individuals. There was also a positive linear correlation between the defoliation rate and the height of the seedlings. The status of this insect pest was confirmed by the results of this study.展开更多
<i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect p...<i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect pest feeds on the roots and the leaves of the plant. When the attacks are heavy, the plant may lose all its leaves and die off. Unfortunately, little information is available on the biology of this insect pest. A study was conducted on the biology of this insect pest in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso and resulted in the knowledge of some of the biological features of the insect pest. <i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> was reared from 13th July to 22th October 2015. Larvae and pupae were collected in <i>J. curcas</i> plantations near Léo, the capital city of the Sissili province, and brought to the laboratory for rearing. The insects were observed daily and the dimensions and the duration of each stage were recorded. We recorded two larval stages (1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>): a pre-pupa and a pupal stage. The pupa was free and white milk-like. Both the pre-pupa and the pupal stages lasted for five days. The 1<sup>st</sup> instar larva was smaller than the third one.展开更多
Jatropha curcas L. is a non-edible oleaginous plant of Euphorbiacea family. Its seeds provide oil for industrial use, and when grown as a biofuel, J. curcas can be used to restore degraded soil by improving their fert...Jatropha curcas L. is a non-edible oleaginous plant of Euphorbiacea family. Its seeds provide oil for industrial use, and when grown as a biofuel, J. curcas can be used to restore degraded soil by improving their fertility and by controlling water and wind erosion. The plant also reduces CO<sub>2</sub> emission by carbon sequestration. However, J. curcas is attacked by many insect pests including C. panaethiopica, a polyphagous heteroptera of the Scutelleridae family. Larvae and adults of the insect pest feed on J. curcas flowers, fruit, and seeds, thereby causing quantitative and qualitative losses. Despite the economic importance of this insect pest, there is little known about its potential natural enemies. A survey of the natural enemies of C. panaethiopica was carried out from 3rd June 2013 to 29th May 2014 on three J. curcas production sites in the South-Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. Three Hymenopteran egg parasitoids all belonging to the Scelionidae family were found. These included Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston), Psixstriaticeps (Dodd), and Gryon sp. Several predator species belonging to the Araneae, Tarachodidae and Mantidae families were also found. The egg parasitism increased progressively between June and September 2013, reaching a peak (43%) in September 2013. The number of spiders and mantises was higher between July and August 2013. The highest numbers of natural enemies associated with the insect pest were recorded in J. curcas monoculture plantations.展开更多
The efficiency of an aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica’s seeds and deltamethrin 12.5 EC was tested for the control of Calidea panaethiopica and Aphtona whitfieldi populations, two major insect pests of Jatropha c...The efficiency of an aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica’s seeds and deltamethrin 12.5 EC was tested for the control of Calidea panaethiopica and Aphtona whitfieldi populations, two major insect pests of Jatropha curcas L. in Burkina Faso. This study was conducted in 2013 during the dry season and in 2014 during the raining season. In the laboratory, tests of toxicity by contact on paper blotter and by ingestion on organs of the plant and their repulsive effect on paper blotter were performed in vitro on the insect pests adults caught on J. curcasplantations as compared with controls. The aqueous excerpts of neem seeds were prepared at different lengths of steeping (12 h, 24 h and 48 h) and the deltamethrin 12.5 EC was diluted at different doses (4 ml, 8 ml and 16 ml/L). The results of this experiment showed the evidence of the efficiency of the doses 8 ml/L and 16 ml/L of deltamethrin 12.5 EC, and those of 24 h and 48 h for the excerpts of neem seeds. These efficient doses were evaluated in the field in 2013 and 2014. The highest decreases of C. panaethiopica (0.327) and of A. whitfieldi (0.501) populations were recorded with the 16 ml/L dose of deltamethrin in 2014 raining season. During the 2013 dry season, more insect pests were recorded (0.389 for C. panaethiopica and 0.679 for A. whitfieldi) with that dose. But these results were not significantly different from those of 8 ml/L. Regarding the A. indica extracts, the best decrease of populations in the 1st year (0.36 for C. panaethiopica and 1.278 for A. withfieldi) was recorded with the 48 h maceration. But in 2014 because of the effect of rainfalls that dose was less effective than that of 24 h maceration with 0.399 for C. panaethiopica and 1.208 for A. whitfieldi. The efficiency interval of the tested insecticides was two to three weeks in low or no rainfall conditions and one to two weeks in rainy season conditions.展开更多
To assess the level of producers’ exposure and the health risk in relation to phytosanitary practices in cashew crops in C<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;&quo...To assess the level of producers’ exposure and the health risk in relation to phytosanitary practices in cashew crops in C<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">?</span></span>te d’Ivoire, a descriptive longitudinal toxicological study was conducted in 2018-2019 with 76 cashew producers in the areas of Mankono, Dabakala and Bondoukou. The data collected permitted the assessment of phytosanitary risks on the health of producers according to the Quebec-IRPeQ pesticide risk indicators. Field observations translated into scenarios were used to determine the exposure levels of producers via the UK-POEM predictive model. The main active substances used were glyphosate, 2,4-D, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, lambdacyhalothrin, profenofos, imidacloprid, deltamethrin, mancozeb and metalaxyl. The risk indicators showed that 2,4-D (TRI = 1332.25;SRI = 432.98), profenofos (TRI = 2550.25;SRI = 637.56) and mancozeb (TRI = 841;SRI = 147.18) among herbicides, insecticides and fungicides respectively could have more adverse health effects after exposure. These findings translated into scenarios specifically showed high exposure of producers to herbicides, with exposure levels ranging from 1.31 mg/kg bw/day to 1.67 mg/kg bw/day, well above the acceptable operator’s exposure levels (AOEL). These health risks could be significantly reduced if the required personal protective equipment is worn. But, recommended doses of pesticides should be reconsidered, because in some cases, applicators exposure remained high despite the protective equipment.展开更多
Jatropha curcas is subject to the attacks of many insect pests, including Calidea panaethiopica Kirkaldy 1909 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) whose larvae and adults feed on flowers, fruit and seeds of the shrub resulting ...Jatropha curcas is subject to the attacks of many insect pests, including Calidea panaethiopica Kirkaldy 1909 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) whose larvae and adults feed on flowers, fruit and seeds of the shrub resulting in quantitative and qualitative losses;the shrub is also attacked by Aphthona whitfieldi Bryan (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which feeds on the leaves causing complete defoliation in severe attack. Despite their economic importance, very little is known about the alternative host plants of these insect pests. The study of the ecology of these species is a pre-requisite for the development of appropriate control methods. The identification of alternative host plants of C. panaethiopica and A. whitfieldi was conducted from June 3rd 2013 to November 30th 2014 in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso. During that period, four J. curcas’ plantations of six locations in the province were prospected for alternative host plants of the two insect pests. In each plantation, observations were done across a diagonal up to 500 m away from the plantation. Fallows in the vicinity of the J. curcas plantations were particularly examined. Potential host plants of the two insect pests were collected and bred in the laboratory in Léo where they were used to feed the insect pests. Only Jatropha gossypiifolia, a cousin of J. curcas, was found to be a common alternative host plant of both insect pests.展开更多
<i>Jatropha curcas</i> is subject to the attacks of many insect pests, including <i>Calidea panaethiopica</i> Kirkaldy 1909 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) whose larvae and adults feed on flowers, f...<i>Jatropha curcas</i> is subject to the attacks of many insect pests, including <i>Calidea panaethiopica</i> Kirkaldy 1909 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) whose larvae and adults feed on flowers, fruit and seeds of the shrub resulting in quantitative and qualitative losses;the shrub is also attacked by <i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> Bryan (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which feeds on the leaves causing complete defoliation in severe attack. Despite their economic importance, very little is known about the alternative host plants of these insect pests. The study of the ecology of these species is a pre-requisite for the development of appropriate control methods. The identification of alternative host plants of <i>C. panaethiopica</i> and <i>A. whitfieldi</i> was conducted from June 3rd 2013 to November 30th 2014 in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso. During that period, four <i>J. curcas</i>’ plantations of six locations in the province were prospected for alternative host plants of the two insect pests. In each plantation, observations were done across a diagonal up to 500 m away from the plantation. Fallows in the vicinity of the <i>J. curcas</i> plantations were particularly examined. Potential host plants of the two insect pests were collected and bred in the laboratory in Léo where they were used to feed the insect pests. Only <i>Jatropha gossypiifolia</i>, a cousin of <i>J. curcas</i>, was found to be a common alternative host plant of both insect pests.展开更多
Conservation agriculture (CA) is one option for dealing with such a challenge, but its main difficulty in West Africa is in maintaining permanent soil cover, particularly with crop residues, due to their preferential ...Conservation agriculture (CA) is one option for dealing with such a challenge, but its main difficulty in West Africa is in maintaining permanent soil cover, particularly with crop residues, due to their preferential use for livestock fodder. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of crop residue mulching on the efficiency of cropping systems based on the principles of conservation agriculture. The experimental design was based on on-station experiments, intended to assess the specific effect of different levels of crop residue mulching on the biological and chemical soil fertility parameters, while in on-farm experiments we mainly assessed the ability of farmers to actually collect crop residues for soil cover and the associated effects on weeds and yields. The on-station experimental design was in fully randomized factorial blocks comprising five treatments and three replicates. The treatments compared the conventional system, tillage and cropping without mulching, and CA systems with 1 ton, 2 tons, and 4 tons of straw per hectare in plots of 10 m<sup>2</sup>. The effects of CA on the macrofauna, respiratory activity, and soil chemical parameters were evaluated in the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. For the on-farm experiments, the conventional and CA practices of 15 farmers were compared to conventional practices in 2013 and 2014 in plots of 626 m<sup>2</sup>. The on-station results showed that the presence of crop residue mulching induced an increase in the density of termites. A significant release of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) in the CA treatments compared to the conventional treatment was also observed. For the chemical parameters (pH, N, P and K) were significantly and positively affected by mulch in the top 5 centimeters of soil. The on-farm experiments confirmed the difficulty of farmers in collecting enough biomass, with negative effects on grass cover leading to generally lower yields than conventional treatments. Other practices also affected the results, such as the maize sowing date, the gap between sowing and weeding, the gap between sowing and urea supply, the number of years of CA practices in the plot and, the gap between maize sowing and cowpea sowing. For the farmers having the human resources to collect enough crop residues for soil cover and follow the steps of the crop management sequences, it was possible to maintain yields compared to the conventional practice.展开更多
The diversity, abundance and height structure of naturally regenerated woody species were analyzed and compared for undergrowth reservoir associated with vegetation patches as bowal, shrubland and woodland for underst...The diversity, abundance and height structure of naturally regenerated woody species were analyzed and compared for undergrowth reservoir associated with vegetation patches as bowal, shrubland and woodland for understanding the effect of vegetation conditions on spatial distribution of woody plants in Sudanian ecosystem. All undergrowth individuals (height < 1.5 m) were recorded by species and the total height and collar diameter were measured in 50 subplots of 5 m × 5 m (or 25 m<sup>2</sup>) laid out in each vegetation patch during rainy season. In total 52 undergrowth species and 2224 stems arranged in 38 genera and 21 families out of which 25, 36 and 38 species were found in bowal, shrubland and woodland respectively and 15 shared species. Combretaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Mimosaceae families were the most abundant and species density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in shrubland and woodland than bowal, and increase diversity in only shrubland (P = 0.002) comparing with bowal. Undergrowth was abundantly concentrated in small height class as canopy benefit and indicate a specific-site distribution. Results also showed that bowal had a particular vegetation which vary in function of tree community characters in place (P < 0.05) while woodland and shrubland are similar vegetation patches. As conclusion, the study vegetation patches form suitable regeneration niches for the undergrowth reservoir of limited number of species which in return can be predictor of species richness and abundance and thus the structure of tree community. Woody undergrowth community could be considered in biodiversity management and degraded land restoration. Supplementary works could be undertaken to understand the characteristics of seed bank for bowal, shrubland and woodland regarding the undergrowth and tree communities.展开更多
In today’s environment where agriculture needs to produce sustainably, local fertilizer resources must be encouraged to achieve multiple crop performance and environmental goals. The purpose of this study was to inve...In today’s environment where agriculture needs to produce sustainably, local fertilizer resources must be encouraged to achieve multiple crop performance and environmental goals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined inputs of biowaste and inorganic fertilisers on the mineralization of carbon and nitrogen of a Lixisol under continuous upland rice growing conditions. To this end, agronomic trials were set up in 2018 and 2019, using a Fisher randomized complete block design with 6 treatments and four replications at Farako-ba research station. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (NPK + Urea), T3 (7500 kgha of Chicken droppings);T4 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 100 kg/ha of urea);T5 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 500 kg/ha of Burkina Phosphate);T6 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 500 kg/ha of Burkina Phosphate + 100 kg/ha of urea). Highest respirometry was observed in treatments T3, T4 and T6 and treatment T4 significantly increased the mineralization coefficient by 15% after 21 days of incubation. T4 and T6 resulted in increases in ammonium ion of 74.15% and 100%, respectively, compared to the control. Likewise, treatments T4 and T6 resulted in a significant increase in nitrate ion of 104.83 and 103.25%, respectively. Biowaste combined with inorganic fertilizers may have a capacity to improve the availability of leachate nutrients under upland rice conditions.展开更多
文摘This article describes a pilot study aiming at generating social interactions between a humanoid robot and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through the practice of a gesture imitation game. The participants were a 17-year-old young lady with ASD and intellectual deficit, and a control participant: a preadolescent with ASD but no intellectual deficit (Asperger syndrome). The game is comprised of four phases: greetings, pairing, imitation, and closing. Field educators were involved, playing specific roles: visual or physical inciter. The use of a robot allows for catching the participants’ attention, playing the imitation game for a longer period of time than with a human partner, and preventing the game partner’s negative facial expressions resulting from tiredness, impatience, or boredom. The participants’ behavior was observed in terms of initial approach towards the robot, positioning relative to the robot in terms of distance and orientation, reactions to the robot’s voice or moves, signs of happiness, and imitation attempts. Results suggest a more and more natural approach towards the robot during the sessions, as well as a higher level of social interaction, based on the variations of the parameters listed above. We use these preliminary results to draw the next steps of our research work as well as identify further perspectives, with this aim in mind: improving social interactions with adolescents with ASD and intellectual deficit, allowing for better integration of these people into our societies.
文摘Over the last few decades, dengue fever epidemics have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide, making it a major global concern for public health. Its prevention, which is essentially vector-based control, is already being compromised by reports of resistance of the main vector Aedes aegypti to insecticides. To tackle the rapid increase in insecticide resistance and outbreaks, the biological vector control is a promising approach. One of the strategies of this approach is the use of entomopathogenic fungi because of their great efficacy and their eco-friendly aspects. However, some aspects of their use, such as the low efficiency, the high cost of production and the sensitivity to various adverse conditions, need to be addressed for their successful large-scale application. Therefore, innovative technologies based on strains of transgenic fungi with improved biocontrol potentials by genetic engineering are actively pursued. Although these modified mycoinsecticides are acclaimed for their better effectiveness against target insects, the main concern remains their potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. The present review is dedicated to giving an update on recent developments in transgenic entomopathogenic fungi (TEF) for Aedes mosquito control. Future perspectives are also proposed to address the safety concerns related to the release of transgenic entomopathogenic fungi into the environment.
文摘Coffee is highly appreciated as stimulant. Brazil is the first producer and second consumer in the world. Flower evocation triggered by environmental signals is essential for adaptability and productivity, and despite that it is neglected and barely considered as a part of the reproductive cycle. Aiming to review molecular mechanisms producing phenological responses observed in the fields, orthologs to A. thaliana CO, FLC/FLM, FLT, SOC and VRN genes were identified in silico for C. arabica and its ancestors C. canephora and C. eugenioides. Protein structures and conserved domains, regulatory elements in promoters, and the related literature in both genera were accessed and compared. Hypotheses regarding Coffea spp. orthologs responsiveness to light and temperature signals at the tropics are proposed. Preliminary analysis of phenological data taken from early, intermediary and late C. arabica plants are included to illustrate the diversity regarding flower bud emission, which quite certainly is defined during flower evocation.
文摘The aviation industry is a sector that is developing, changing and growing every day in terms of technological and legal framework. There are generally three factors that enable airlines to hold on to the market. These factors are safety, service quality and price. Airline companies can analyze the customers in the market with a focus on price and quality and develop a business model according to their expectations. For example, business class and economy class passenger expectations are different from each other, so the service and price to be offered to them will be different. However, all customers have one common expectation and that is safety. No matter how high quality the service is or how cheap the price is, no one wants to fly with an airline or plane that is not safe. From an airline company’s point of view, an accident or breakdown of one of the company’s aircraft can cause irreparable image loss and financial damage. If we look at past examples, we see that there are many airline companies or maintenance organizations that could not recover after an accident and went bankrupt. Safety is an indispensable factor. Therefore, there is a unit in the sector called the safety management system (SMS), which collects data by taking a proactive and reactive approach. The way and purpose of the safety management system is to take a proactive approach to recognize and prevent unsafe situations before they cause accidents or breakdowns, or to take a reactive approach to find the causes of accidents and breakdowns that have occurred as a result of certain factors and to take the necessary measures to prevent the same situations from happening again in the sector. The field of data mining, which is necessary to predict the future behavior of customers in the field of marketing, is an area that marketing also values. In this study, data mining studies to ensure safety in the aviation industry and the security of customer information in marketing will be emphasized, firstly, the concept and importance of data mining will be mentioned.
文摘About 80% of cowpea seeds are lost along with 30% of their weight after six months of unprotected storage due to attacks by Callosobruchus maculatus. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of applying bioinsecticides on the biological parameters of C. maculatus to reduce its damage to cowpea stocks. Four treatments including an untreated control and three doses of powdery extracts of C. nigricans, Z. zanthoxyloides and H. suaveolens, were compared in a Fischer block with four completely randomized repetitions. One hundred undamaged cowpea seeds were mixed with doses of each extract in Petri dishes and then fed as food substrates to ten pairs of C. maculatus for eight days. The extracts of H. suaveolens, C. nigricans and Z. zanthoxyloides all contain active ingredients including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and alkaloids, etc. The extract of Z. zanthoxyloides was found to be more active on adults (100.00% mortality) followed by C. nigricans (98.75% mortality) and H. suaveolens (97.50% mortality) at 80 mg/g. Fecundity per female decreased significantly in the treated batches of 13.82 eggs for H. suaveolens at 10.12 eggs for C. nigricans at a dose of 80 mg/g. Germination rate of seeds was statistically raised to 100% at 60 and 80 mg/g by C. nigricans powder and lowered to 83.00% at 20 mg/g by Z. zanthoxyloides extracts. The application of Z. zanthoxyloides extract would be a less expensive alternative for the sustainable management of C. maculatus in cowpea stocks.
文摘Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect pest feeds on the roots and the leaves of the plant. When the attacks are heavy, the plant may lose all its leaves and die off. Unfortunately, little information is available on the biology of this insect pest. A study was conducted on the biology of this insect pest in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso and resulted in the knowledge of some of the biological features of the insect pest. Aphthona whitfieldi was reared from 13th July to 22th October 2015. Larvae and pupae were collected in J. curcas plantations near Léo, the capital city of the Sissili province, and brought to the laboratory for rearing. The insects were observed daily and the dimensions and the duration of each stage were recorded. We recorded two larval stages (1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>): a pre-pupa and a pupal stage. The pupa was free and white milk-like. Both the pre-pupa and the pupal stages lasted for five days. The 1<sup>st</sup> instar larva was smaller than the third one.
文摘Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured to evaluate the stand density and size variability of woody species related to aboveground biomass in a Sudanian savannah. Total height, stem diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were measured in 30 plots of 50 m </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">×<span> 20 m laid in respect to vegetation type as bowal, shrubland and woodland. Species diversity, stem density, height and basal area were calculated and compared across sites and variation in stem dbh classes evaluated. Total aboveground biomass was estimated and thereafter linear relationships were established between stand density and aboveground biomass</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> and basal area. Results revealed three different sites with an overall 58 species identified through vegetation type including liana species (4 stems in bowal) with 18 genera and 42 families. Fabaceae Combretaceae, Anacardiaceae and Rubiaceae were dominant families. Small sized trees represented 72% of total stem density considered in structure with significant higher basal area, while large sized trees as 28% were scarcely distributed. More than 70% variation in biomass w</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">as </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">due to stem density and basal area with a dominance of small trees. In conclusion increase size in tree community indicated increase in accumulated aboveground biomass as positive regeneration features. But, change in vegetation structure strongly influence negatively species ability to grow from lower to upper size class and later on, disrupt ecosystem functioning. Plant stem density and stratification could be considered as indicators of aboveground biomass fluctuating in regeneration monitoring.
文摘We used an ongoing long-term field trial established since 1960 in Burkina Faso, to study the microbial properties of a Ferric Lixisol under various crop management and fertilization regimes. Microbial respiration rate, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil bacteria’s number were assessed in soil samples taken at 0<span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "="">20 cm depth. The crop management were continuous cropping of sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor L</i>.) (S/S) and rotation between sorghum and cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata L</i>.) (S/C), while the fertilization regimes were: 1) Control (te);2) Low rate of mineral fertilizer (fm);3) Low rate of mineral fertilizer + sorghum straw restitution (fmr);4) Low rate of mineral fertilizer + low rate of manure (fmo);5) High rate of mineral fertilizer (FM);and vii) High rate of mineral fertilizer + high rate of manure (FMO). The manure is applied every second year. The results indicate that sorghum/cowpea rotation significantly increase MBC and bacteria number as compared to continuous sorghum cropping. MBC ranged from 335.5 to 54.85 μg C g</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span><span>1</span></sup><span> soil with S/S and from 457.5 to 86.6 μg C g</span><sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span><span>1</span></sup><span> soil with S/C. Application of high level of manure and mineral fertilizer increase microbial respiration rate and MBC. The highest MBC was observed with FMO and the lowest with the control. In general, the metabolic quotient (qCO<sub>2</sub>) was negatively impacted by the fertilization and cowpea rotation. For S/S rotation, qCO<sub>2</sub> of the control was 1.5 to 2 times that of the treatments with low mineral fertilizer (fmr, fmo and fm) and 3 times that of the high rate of fertilization (FM and FMO). With S/C rotation, qCO<sub>2</sub> of the control was 2 times of that fmr, FM and FMO and 0.8 times that of fmo and fm. Soil bacteria in the fmr were 63.6 and 12.4 times the control in the S/S and S/C rotations, respectively. In sum, combined application of manure and mineral fertilizer with crop rotation is the best management practices to improve in sustainable way microbial activities in tropical soil.</span></span>
文摘In Burkina Faso, breeding occupies an important place in the country’s economy, but is based essentially on the exploitation <span style="font-family:Verdana;">of the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">natural resources (pasture) which remains limited in extent due to the extension of land cultivated by agricultural practices extensive. Food is one of the most important limiting factors in animal production, hence the need to develop mechanisms to improve the production of food resources. This study is a contribution to fodder production improvement. In this study, cowpea was grown in a greenhouse for 60 days and inoculated with two inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The growth parameters were measured at 30 and 60 days after sowing. Shoot, root and total biomass were evaluated 60 days after sowing. The results show Yac 2 mix inoculum improves height</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">growth (95.5%), height relative growth rate (525%), collar diameter (138%), collar diameter relative growth rate (328.57%), shoot biomass (396.3%), root biomass by (205.66%), total biomass by (320%), total nitrogen of aerial parts (92.39%) and total phosphorus of aerial parts (143.48%) compared to control.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Yac 2 mix appears the most effective of all inoculum used in this study.</span>
文摘A study on community soil fertility management concepts and practices was conducted through rapid and participatory method of research in 15 villages of the Gourma region in Eastern part of Burkina Faso. These investigations aimed at determining farmers＇ knowledge on soil resources： local soil taxonomy and indicators of soil degradation, soil fertility management practices, and capacity for adoption of new technologies in soil fertility management. The results of the study showed that the main parameter for soil classification for all the investigated villages was soil texture composition; soil degradation was evaluated according to crops yield decrease and the development Striga sp. in 100% of the investigated villages; the use of organic manure and long term fellow were the main practices for soil fertility management; concerning the villages where modem technologies of soil fertility management were introduced, the lack of tools and capacity building were the main limiting factors of the adoption of these improved practices at small scale farmers＇ level. Even if discordance between scientific and local soil taxonomy were revealed by our investigations; significant similarities between indigenous and scientific indices of soil degradation were noticed. With regard to the actual magnitude of soil degradation; the local techniques of soil fertility management need to be improved and accessible to a big number of farmers.
文摘Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. in Burkina Faso. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the insect pest populations’ density on the growth of the plant. To achieve this purpose, 90-day aged single plants were caged in a randomized complete block design experiment with 5 treatments and 5 replicates. The treatments consisted of increasing numbers of adults of A. whitfieldi used to infest the caged plants: T0 (0 adult = check), T1 (100 adults), T2 (200 adults), T3 (300 adults), T4 (400 adults). All caged plants were infested 21 days after transplantation and the evaluation started 14 days later one on every 2-week basis from September 18, 2014 to February 19, 2015. The growth parameters of the plant were assessed. The results showed that the intensity of damage caused by A. whitfieldi on the growth of young plants of J. curcas varied according to the treatment (i.e., according to the number of adult individuals infesting the plant at the beginning). The higher the number, the heavier the level of damage caused by the pest. So, the growth of the J. curcas plant was inversely proportional to the number of A. whitfieldi infesting individuals. There was also a positive linear correlation between the defoliation rate and the height of the seedlings. The status of this insect pest was confirmed by the results of this study.
文摘<i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect pest feeds on the roots and the leaves of the plant. When the attacks are heavy, the plant may lose all its leaves and die off. Unfortunately, little information is available on the biology of this insect pest. A study was conducted on the biology of this insect pest in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso and resulted in the knowledge of some of the biological features of the insect pest. <i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> was reared from 13th July to 22th October 2015. Larvae and pupae were collected in <i>J. curcas</i> plantations near Léo, the capital city of the Sissili province, and brought to the laboratory for rearing. The insects were observed daily and the dimensions and the duration of each stage were recorded. We recorded two larval stages (1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>): a pre-pupa and a pupal stage. The pupa was free and white milk-like. Both the pre-pupa and the pupal stages lasted for five days. The 1<sup>st</sup> instar larva was smaller than the third one.
文摘Jatropha curcas L. is a non-edible oleaginous plant of Euphorbiacea family. Its seeds provide oil for industrial use, and when grown as a biofuel, J. curcas can be used to restore degraded soil by improving their fertility and by controlling water and wind erosion. The plant also reduces CO<sub>2</sub> emission by carbon sequestration. However, J. curcas is attacked by many insect pests including C. panaethiopica, a polyphagous heteroptera of the Scutelleridae family. Larvae and adults of the insect pest feed on J. curcas flowers, fruit, and seeds, thereby causing quantitative and qualitative losses. Despite the economic importance of this insect pest, there is little known about its potential natural enemies. A survey of the natural enemies of C. panaethiopica was carried out from 3rd June 2013 to 29th May 2014 on three J. curcas production sites in the South-Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. Three Hymenopteran egg parasitoids all belonging to the Scelionidae family were found. These included Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston), Psixstriaticeps (Dodd), and Gryon sp. Several predator species belonging to the Araneae, Tarachodidae and Mantidae families were also found. The egg parasitism increased progressively between June and September 2013, reaching a peak (43%) in September 2013. The number of spiders and mantises was higher between July and August 2013. The highest numbers of natural enemies associated with the insect pest were recorded in J. curcas monoculture plantations.
文摘The efficiency of an aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica’s seeds and deltamethrin 12.5 EC was tested for the control of Calidea panaethiopica and Aphtona whitfieldi populations, two major insect pests of Jatropha curcas L. in Burkina Faso. This study was conducted in 2013 during the dry season and in 2014 during the raining season. In the laboratory, tests of toxicity by contact on paper blotter and by ingestion on organs of the plant and their repulsive effect on paper blotter were performed in vitro on the insect pests adults caught on J. curcasplantations as compared with controls. The aqueous excerpts of neem seeds were prepared at different lengths of steeping (12 h, 24 h and 48 h) and the deltamethrin 12.5 EC was diluted at different doses (4 ml, 8 ml and 16 ml/L). The results of this experiment showed the evidence of the efficiency of the doses 8 ml/L and 16 ml/L of deltamethrin 12.5 EC, and those of 24 h and 48 h for the excerpts of neem seeds. These efficient doses were evaluated in the field in 2013 and 2014. The highest decreases of C. panaethiopica (0.327) and of A. whitfieldi (0.501) populations were recorded with the 16 ml/L dose of deltamethrin in 2014 raining season. During the 2013 dry season, more insect pests were recorded (0.389 for C. panaethiopica and 0.679 for A. whitfieldi) with that dose. But these results were not significantly different from those of 8 ml/L. Regarding the A. indica extracts, the best decrease of populations in the 1st year (0.36 for C. panaethiopica and 1.278 for A. withfieldi) was recorded with the 48 h maceration. But in 2014 because of the effect of rainfalls that dose was less effective than that of 24 h maceration with 0.399 for C. panaethiopica and 1.208 for A. whitfieldi. The efficiency interval of the tested insecticides was two to three weeks in low or no rainfall conditions and one to two weeks in rainy season conditions.
文摘To assess the level of producers’ exposure and the health risk in relation to phytosanitary practices in cashew crops in C<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">?</span></span>te d’Ivoire, a descriptive longitudinal toxicological study was conducted in 2018-2019 with 76 cashew producers in the areas of Mankono, Dabakala and Bondoukou. The data collected permitted the assessment of phytosanitary risks on the health of producers according to the Quebec-IRPeQ pesticide risk indicators. Field observations translated into scenarios were used to determine the exposure levels of producers via the UK-POEM predictive model. The main active substances used were glyphosate, 2,4-D, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, lambdacyhalothrin, profenofos, imidacloprid, deltamethrin, mancozeb and metalaxyl. The risk indicators showed that 2,4-D (TRI = 1332.25;SRI = 432.98), profenofos (TRI = 2550.25;SRI = 637.56) and mancozeb (TRI = 841;SRI = 147.18) among herbicides, insecticides and fungicides respectively could have more adverse health effects after exposure. These findings translated into scenarios specifically showed high exposure of producers to herbicides, with exposure levels ranging from 1.31 mg/kg bw/day to 1.67 mg/kg bw/day, well above the acceptable operator’s exposure levels (AOEL). These health risks could be significantly reduced if the required personal protective equipment is worn. But, recommended doses of pesticides should be reconsidered, because in some cases, applicators exposure remained high despite the protective equipment.
文摘Jatropha curcas is subject to the attacks of many insect pests, including Calidea panaethiopica Kirkaldy 1909 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) whose larvae and adults feed on flowers, fruit and seeds of the shrub resulting in quantitative and qualitative losses;the shrub is also attacked by Aphthona whitfieldi Bryan (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which feeds on the leaves causing complete defoliation in severe attack. Despite their economic importance, very little is known about the alternative host plants of these insect pests. The study of the ecology of these species is a pre-requisite for the development of appropriate control methods. The identification of alternative host plants of C. panaethiopica and A. whitfieldi was conducted from June 3rd 2013 to November 30th 2014 in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso. During that period, four J. curcas’ plantations of six locations in the province were prospected for alternative host plants of the two insect pests. In each plantation, observations were done across a diagonal up to 500 m away from the plantation. Fallows in the vicinity of the J. curcas plantations were particularly examined. Potential host plants of the two insect pests were collected and bred in the laboratory in Léo where they were used to feed the insect pests. Only Jatropha gossypiifolia, a cousin of J. curcas, was found to be a common alternative host plant of both insect pests.
文摘<i>Jatropha curcas</i> is subject to the attacks of many insect pests, including <i>Calidea panaethiopica</i> Kirkaldy 1909 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) whose larvae and adults feed on flowers, fruit and seeds of the shrub resulting in quantitative and qualitative losses;the shrub is also attacked by <i>Aphthona whitfieldi</i> Bryan (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which feeds on the leaves causing complete defoliation in severe attack. Despite their economic importance, very little is known about the alternative host plants of these insect pests. The study of the ecology of these species is a pre-requisite for the development of appropriate control methods. The identification of alternative host plants of <i>C. panaethiopica</i> and <i>A. whitfieldi</i> was conducted from June 3rd 2013 to November 30th 2014 in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso. During that period, four <i>J. curcas</i>’ plantations of six locations in the province were prospected for alternative host plants of the two insect pests. In each plantation, observations were done across a diagonal up to 500 m away from the plantation. Fallows in the vicinity of the <i>J. curcas</i> plantations were particularly examined. Potential host plants of the two insect pests were collected and bred in the laboratory in Léo where they were used to feed the insect pests. Only <i>Jatropha gossypiifolia</i>, a cousin of <i>J. curcas</i>, was found to be a common alternative host plant of both insect pests.
文摘Conservation agriculture (CA) is one option for dealing with such a challenge, but its main difficulty in West Africa is in maintaining permanent soil cover, particularly with crop residues, due to their preferential use for livestock fodder. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of crop residue mulching on the efficiency of cropping systems based on the principles of conservation agriculture. The experimental design was based on on-station experiments, intended to assess the specific effect of different levels of crop residue mulching on the biological and chemical soil fertility parameters, while in on-farm experiments we mainly assessed the ability of farmers to actually collect crop residues for soil cover and the associated effects on weeds and yields. The on-station experimental design was in fully randomized factorial blocks comprising five treatments and three replicates. The treatments compared the conventional system, tillage and cropping without mulching, and CA systems with 1 ton, 2 tons, and 4 tons of straw per hectare in plots of 10 m<sup>2</sup>. The effects of CA on the macrofauna, respiratory activity, and soil chemical parameters were evaluated in the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. For the on-farm experiments, the conventional and CA practices of 15 farmers were compared to conventional practices in 2013 and 2014 in plots of 626 m<sup>2</sup>. The on-station results showed that the presence of crop residue mulching induced an increase in the density of termites. A significant release of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) in the CA treatments compared to the conventional treatment was also observed. For the chemical parameters (pH, N, P and K) were significantly and positively affected by mulch in the top 5 centimeters of soil. The on-farm experiments confirmed the difficulty of farmers in collecting enough biomass, with negative effects on grass cover leading to generally lower yields than conventional treatments. Other practices also affected the results, such as the maize sowing date, the gap between sowing and weeding, the gap between sowing and urea supply, the number of years of CA practices in the plot and, the gap between maize sowing and cowpea sowing. For the farmers having the human resources to collect enough crop residues for soil cover and follow the steps of the crop management sequences, it was possible to maintain yields compared to the conventional practice.
文摘The diversity, abundance and height structure of naturally regenerated woody species were analyzed and compared for undergrowth reservoir associated with vegetation patches as bowal, shrubland and woodland for understanding the effect of vegetation conditions on spatial distribution of woody plants in Sudanian ecosystem. All undergrowth individuals (height < 1.5 m) were recorded by species and the total height and collar diameter were measured in 50 subplots of 5 m × 5 m (or 25 m<sup>2</sup>) laid out in each vegetation patch during rainy season. In total 52 undergrowth species and 2224 stems arranged in 38 genera and 21 families out of which 25, 36 and 38 species were found in bowal, shrubland and woodland respectively and 15 shared species. Combretaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Mimosaceae families were the most abundant and species density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in shrubland and woodland than bowal, and increase diversity in only shrubland (P = 0.002) comparing with bowal. Undergrowth was abundantly concentrated in small height class as canopy benefit and indicate a specific-site distribution. Results also showed that bowal had a particular vegetation which vary in function of tree community characters in place (P < 0.05) while woodland and shrubland are similar vegetation patches. As conclusion, the study vegetation patches form suitable regeneration niches for the undergrowth reservoir of limited number of species which in return can be predictor of species richness and abundance and thus the structure of tree community. Woody undergrowth community could be considered in biodiversity management and degraded land restoration. Supplementary works could be undertaken to understand the characteristics of seed bank for bowal, shrubland and woodland regarding the undergrowth and tree communities.
文摘In today’s environment where agriculture needs to produce sustainably, local fertilizer resources must be encouraged to achieve multiple crop performance and environmental goals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined inputs of biowaste and inorganic fertilisers on the mineralization of carbon and nitrogen of a Lixisol under continuous upland rice growing conditions. To this end, agronomic trials were set up in 2018 and 2019, using a Fisher randomized complete block design with 6 treatments and four replications at Farako-ba research station. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (NPK + Urea), T3 (7500 kgha of Chicken droppings);T4 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 100 kg/ha of urea);T5 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 500 kg/ha of Burkina Phosphate);T6 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 500 kg/ha of Burkina Phosphate + 100 kg/ha of urea). Highest respirometry was observed in treatments T3, T4 and T6 and treatment T4 significantly increased the mineralization coefficient by 15% after 21 days of incubation. T4 and T6 resulted in increases in ammonium ion of 74.15% and 100%, respectively, compared to the control. Likewise, treatments T4 and T6 resulted in a significant increase in nitrate ion of 104.83 and 103.25%, respectively. Biowaste combined with inorganic fertilizers may have a capacity to improve the availability of leachate nutrients under upland rice conditions.
