Search

Sesbania is a genus in the family Leguminosae that has been widely used by people in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia. Information about Sesbania uses and their characteristics such as chemical compounds were obtained from 233 papers, reports and books. We found evidence for 22 Sesbania species being used. They were used for human food (10 species), animal food (9), poisons (1), medicines (10), environments (8), materials (7), fuel (2) and social purposes (1). Sesbania grandiflora and S. sesban were used more than the other species. Sesbania grandiflora was the only species with uses in all categories. Sesbania sesban was used in six categories. Sesbania grandiflora had the highest number of use records in almost all categories, except for fuel in which S. sesban had more records. The aerial parts, especially the soft, young parts were consumed by both humans and animals. Some Sesbania species contained high amounts of proteins (41% of protein in S. javanica), vitamin C (145 mg/100 g in S. grandiflora) and high amounts of calcium (666 mg/100 g in S. grandiflora). Sesbania species have been used to treat 20 subcategories of human disorders, and also as veterinary medicines. Sesbania possessed 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-N-pentadecanamide, 2-hydroxy-N-decanamide, betulinic acid, isovestitol, medicarpin, oleanolic acid 3-β-D-glucuronide, pinitol, saponin, sativan, sesbanimide, stigmasterol and triterpene acid 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside for which pharmacological properties had been tested. Sesbania also has cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiurolithiatic, hypolipidemic, anticancer, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Sixteen microorganisms were found to be inhibited by Sesbania. Sesbania species are well-known for their use as green manures and seven species were recorded for this purpose. Sesbania also have properties that make them useful for pollution control. Regarding material uses, five Sesbania species were used for their fibers and Sesbania bispinosa was used in the production of fabrics. Besides the uses, Sesbania species also have other economic importance as weeds, pest host, and host for an economic plant. Eight species of Sesbania appear to have negative effects as weeds and pest-host and one species (Sesbania grandiflora) was the host for sandalwood. There was evidence that Sesbania could inhibit growth of animals and plants. Moreover, Sesbania seeds in too large doses are lethal to some animals. According to the vast advantages, the knowledge of Sesbania uses, including the safe dosages, should be passed on for the welfare of humans.

Agroforestry is a dynamic ecological-based natural resources management practice that integrates food crops, trees, and livestock in an agricultural landscape where the components may have ecological, economical, and social impacts. This study aimed at examining the views and attitudes of local farmers towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees in agroforestry system’ in Basona Worena District, Ethiopia. As there was already a traditional agroforestry adopted by the farmers, the study kebele was purposely selected. A structured questionnaire was developed by accounting different socioeconomic variables. A total of 94 respondents were randomly contacted to collect the questionnaire data. Multiple linear regression technique was employed to analyze and interpret the data. Contrary to expectation, the findings showed that a greater proportion (about 60%) of the respondents did not practice agroforestry. However, those farmers who used to practice traditional agroforestry mainly exercised it to meet their household wood demands. Based on their economic values, the most commonly preferred tree species planted and grown by the farmers in descending order, included eucalyptus species, Acacia abyssinica, Croton macrostachyus, Sesbania sesban, Cupressus lusitanica, and Olea africana. The results also suggested that the farmers had conscious perceptions to determine the negative and positive effects of tree species on food crops, soils, and water. Generally, a greater proportion of the farmers strongly agreed (73.33%) that they had developed positive attitudes towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees in agroforestry system’. Moreover, the multiple linear regression models showed that different socioeconomic variables significantly influenced the attitudes of farmers towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees in agroforestry system’. Generally, the regression model explained about 36% of the variance in attitudes of the respondents towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees’. Hence, providing improved agroforestry extension services, including incentives (e.g., seeds, tree seedlings, technical supports, and credits) may help increase the active participation of the farmers to adopt plant, grow, and manage trees in agroforestry system. Moreover, provision of adequate technical trainings on agroforestry technologies and establishing demonstration site is indispensable to increase the awareness level of the local farmers and thereby promote the adoption of agroforestry technologies in Basona Worena District and elsewhere.

This experiment was conducted to investigate effect of dried Sesbania sesban leaves supplementation on milk yield, feed intake and digestibility of Holstein Frisian X Zebu (Arado) crossbred dairy cows. Twelve cows at midlactation (155.83 ± 4.49 days of lactation), second parity, and 442.21 ± 3.40 kg average live body weight were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments according to a randomized complete block design. Cows were blocked according to their daily milk yield into three blocks of four animals each. Cows were fed a basal diet (control) or a basal diet supplemented with 1.25 kg/day dried Sesbania sesban leaves, 2 kg/day dried Sesbania sesban leaves and 2.75 kg/day dried Sesbania sesban leaves on a dry matter basis for 8 weeks. Total dry matter intake, nutrient intake, milk yield, dry matter digestibility, and nutrient digestibility showed significant variation among treatments. Cows supplemented with the highest level of Sesbania sesban (2.75 kg/day) had higher total dry matter and nutrient intake. Similarly, cows supplemented with 2 and 2.75 kg/day had higher milk yield than the nonsupplemented cows (up to 11.3 and 16.2%, respectively). Digestibility was lower for the nonsupplemented cows compared to cows supplemented with 2 and 2.75 kg/day dried Sesbania sesban leaves but statistically similar to the cows supplemented with 1.25 kg/day dried Sesbania sesban leaves. Supplementation with 2.75 kg/day Sesbania sesban resulted in higher organic matter digestibility (OMD) compared to the control. Crude protein digestibility (CPD), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), and acid detergent fiber digestibility (ADFD) were significantly affected by Sesbania sesban supplementation. The nonsupplemented cows had lower CPD, NDFD, and ADFD. These results indicate that dried Sesbania sesban leaves supplementation to dairy increases total DM intake, digestibility, and milk yield.

Improved fallows of Sesbania sesban (Sesbania) have been known to improve soil physical and chemical properties and increase crop yield compared to traditional fallows. However, the effects of soil tillage practices after improved fallows on soil properties, weeds, labour and subsequent maize crop has not been assessed in Southern Africa. This study aimed to evaluate how tillage practices affect yield of maize and affect soil properties after two years of fallow and subsequent cropping phase. In this study, done at sites in eastern Zambia, maize yield from a two-year planted Sesbania, natural fallow, continuously fertilized and unfertilized maize were compared under conventional, flat till and zero tillage practices. A split plot experiment, with improved fallow systems in the main plot and the tillage practice in the subplot, was established at the sites. The results showed that the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage practice were 17.8 and 28.2% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively, at Msekera. At Chadiza, the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage were 66.3 and 327.4% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively. Greater maize yields were achieved under Sesbania planted fallows compared to the natural fallow and maize monoculture without fertilizer. Overall, zero tillage practice resulted in lower maize grain yield, higher bulk density, reduced water intake, higher weed infestation and high labour demand during weeding compared to conventional tillage. Key words: Conventional tillage, flat till, grain yield, water intake, weeds, zero tillage.

Gully erosion reduces agricultural productivity by destroying valuable land resources, increases sediment concentrations, reduces water quality, and fills up reservoirs. Gully rehabilitation has proven to be challenging especially in the high-rainfall areas of the Ethiopian Highlands and has therefore had limited success. This paper describes a successful low-cost gully rehabilitation effort with community participation in the Birr watershed in the Blue Nile basin that begun in early 2013. Initially, farmers were reluctant to participate for religious reasons, but with the aid of local priests and respected elders, community discussions, and a visit to a rehabilitated gully, a consensus was reached to rehabilitate a 0·71-ha upland gully. The rehabilitation measures consisted of regrading the gully head at a 45° slope, constructing low-cost check dams from locally available materials, and planting Pennisetum purpureum grass and Sesbania sesban. At the end of the first post-implementation rainy season, 2,200 tons of soil was conserved by the constructed check dams and newly planted vegetation, compared with soil losses of 680 and 560 tons in two untreated, nearby gullies. In 2014, an additional 3,100 tons of soil was conserved. In 2013, the marginal rate of return (MRR) on the gully rehabilitation investment was 2·6 based on the value of increased forage production alone. When we include trapped soil nutrient values, the rehabilitation MRR was increased to 10. Although these numbers are impressive, the best proof of the success was that farmers on their own initiative rehabilitated an additional five gullies in 2014. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective: To elucidate the efficacy of mefloquine and methanol extract of the plants Chenopodium ambrosioides (C. ambrosioides) and Sesbania sesban (S. sesban) as a combined therapy for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice, and study the parasitological, biochemical and histological parameters of treated mice. Methods: Two groups of male Swiss Albino mice were infected with S. mansoni cercariae. The first group untreated served as control. The second group was orally treated with a single dose (200 mg/kg) of mefloquine 3 weeks post infection, then subsequently divided into 2 subgroups; the first orally retreated with the plant extracts 1 000 mg/kg of S. sesban followed by 1 250 mg/kg of C. ambrosioides with an 1 h interval, for 2 successive days. The second sub-group was re-treated with the same (dose and method) plant extracts after 7 weeks post infection. Results: The results showed that S. mansoni infected mice treated with mefloquine and the plants’ extracts 3 weeks post infection significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the worm burden/ mouse by 95.5% and the few worms recovered from sacrificed mice in this treatment failed to lay ova. Moreover, no worms were recovered from infected mice treated with mefloquine (3 weeks post infection) and re-treated by the plant’s extracts at 7 weeks post infection. Also, treatment of infected mice with mefloquine followed by the plants’ extracts either at 3 or 7 weeks post infection ameliorated the activities of the serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkline phosphatase and acid phosphatase as well as the hepatic granulomatous lesions compared to infected untreated group. Conclusions: It is concluded that successive treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with mefloquine and methanol extract of the plants C. ambrosioides and S. sesban could be a promising device in the strategy of schistosomiasis control.

In this field experiments, sandy loam soil was treated with different concentration of herbicide (Quizalofop-ethyl) 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 per cent. Sesbaniasesban L. seeds were sown in all treated soil. The germination percentage, morphological and enzymes activities were measured after 20, 40 and 120 days. The results indicate that the germination per cent, morphological parameters were increased in control then it was gradually decreased with increasing the herbicide concentration. The enzymes like catalase and peroxidase activity were increased in control then it was decreased with increasing the concentration. Whereas the polyphenoloxidase acticity was lower in control and it was increased with increasing the herbicides concentration. Hence, after 120 days plants were harvested and the plant powder was analyzed for absorption of herbicide by plant with the help of Gas chromatography mass spectrum (GCMS). The obtained data showed that herbicide absorption was concerned in quiazalofop-ethyl treated plant when compared to control. This study expose that herbicide reduced by Sesbaniasesban L.

In the present study, we reported the feasibility of the Sesbania sesban L. as a biosorbent to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The ability of S. sesban L. to adsorb Pb(II) was investigated by using batch adsorption procedure. Such effects as pH, contact time, adsorbate concentration, and biosorbent dosage on the adsorption capacity were studied. The experimental data were analyzed using various adsorption kinetic models, namely, pseudo-first-order model, the pseudo-second-order model, Batacharia-Venkobachar, the Elovich equation, the intraparticle diffusion model, and Bangham equation. Results show that the pseudo-second-order equation provides the best correlation for the biosorption process. To determine the best fit isotherm, the experimental equilibrium data were analyzed using two-parameter (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Tempkin) and three-parameter isotherms (Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Khan, and Toth). The examination of error analysis methods showed that the Langmuir isotherm model and Redlich-Peterson models provide the best fit for experimental data than other isotherms. Sebania sesban L. is found to be inexpensive and effective adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions.

Mural paintings in ancient Egyptian tombs in West Thebes have been suffering from several deterioration factors and symptoms such as variations of temperatures and relative humidity, salts efflorescence and crypto-florescence, crackling and bio-deterioration effects, which assimilate in insects, algae, actinomycetes, etc. Other causing factors are bacteria and fungi, which accelerate mechanical weathering, chemical changes and aesthetic deterioration, like the penetration of mycelium below plaster layers, decomposition, disintegration, alterations and discoloration. These micro-organisms can excrete organic and inorganic acids, alkaline compounds, chelating, enzymes substances and pigments. Three fungi strains (Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus) and two bacteria strains (Staphylococcus warnei and Micrococcus luteus) were isolated from the royal Theban tombs paintings (west Thebes, Luxor, Egypt). This work aimed to access the presence of microorganisms and their effect on mural paintings deterioration; it also studies their treatment methods, such as nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and Sesbania sesban and Ricinus communis plant extract (PE). The applied doses of NPs and PE did not cause any observable alterations or color changes to pigments and binding media (arabic gum) used in the paintings. TiO2 NPs 160 ppm and 100 mg of plant extracts were the efficient concentration level in eliminating microbial growth. The causes of the different efficacy of the treatments are observed, as well as the potential risks of recolonization by viable cells left behind after treatment. Key words: Bio-deterioration, Plant extracts, Wall painting, West Thebes tombs-Nanoparticles.

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the damaging effects of salinity on Sesbania sesban plants in the presence and absence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The selected morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of S. sesban were measured. Salinity reduced growth and chlorophyll content drastically while as AMF inoculated plants improved growth. A decrease in the number of nodules, nodule weight and nitrogenase activity was also evident due to salinity stress causing reduction in nitrogen fixation and assimilation potential. AMF inoculation increased these parameters and also ameliorated the salinity stress to some extent. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as non enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid and glutathione) also exhibited great variation with salinity treatment. Salinity caused great alterations in the endogenous levels of growth hormones with abscisic acid showing increment. AMF inoculated plants maintained higher levels of growth hormones and also allayed the negative impact of salinity.

Although different types of soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) were introduced, the sustainable use of these practices is far below expectations, and soil erosion continues to be a severe problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted at Debre Yakobe Micro-Watershed (DYMW), Northwest Ethiopia with the general objective of finding out the effects of SWCPs on selected soil physico-chemical properties. Practices including non-conserved plot in the gentle slope (NCGS), non-conserved plot in the moderate slope (NCMS), bund with Sesbania sesban in the gentle slope (BSGS), bund with Sesbania sesban in the moderate slope (BSMS), bund with pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in the gentle slope (BPGS) and bund with pigeon pea in the moderate slope (BPMS) were examined. Soil samples were collected from different land management plots and soil texture while bulk density (BD), pH, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), Available Phosphors (Av.P), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were analyzed in the laboratory. Data were analyzed with the use of one-way analysis of variance and simple regression methods. The results of the study revealed that there is significant difference (p< 0.05) between conserved and non-conserved plots. The conserved plots had the highest soil pH (BPMS) 6.7, OM (BPMS) 3.01%, TN (BSGS) 0.13%, Av.P (BPMS) 4.20 (ppm) and CEC (BSGS) 32.01 cmol( + ) kg -1 but a lower BD (BPMS) 1.34 g cm -3 ; suggesting that bund accompanied by Sesbania sesban and pigeon pea were found to be effective in improving soil physico-chemical properties in the study area. Keywords: Biological practices, erosion, physical structure, soil properties

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a major crop in the Vidarbha region of central India. The vertisol soils on which much of the cotton is grown have been severely degraded by the tropical climate, excessive tillage and depletion of organic matter. Living mulches have the ability to mitigate these problems but they can cause crop losses through direct competition with the cotton crop and unreliable weed control. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at four locations in Vidarbha to study the potential for growing living mulches in mono-cropped cotton. Living mulch species evaluated included gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.], sesbania [Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.], sorghum sudan grass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. Drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet & Harlan] and sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.). Living mulch height was controlled through mowing and herbicides were not used. Living mulches generated 1 to 13 tons ha−1 of dry matter across sites and years. Weed cover was negatively correlated with both living mulch biomass and cover. Where living mulches were vigorous and established quickly, weed cover was as low as 7%, without the use of herbicides, or inter-row tillage. In a dry year, living mulch growth had a negative impact on cotton yield; however, in a year when soil moisture was not limiting, there was a positive relationship between cotton yield and living mulch biomass. Use of living mulches in cotton production in the Vidarbha region of India is feasible and can lead to both effective weed suppression and acceptable cotton yields.

Objective: Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) in Democratic Republic of the Congo is packed with fantastic oilseed plants that need to be analysed in order to promote a sustainable exploitation for both commercial and food supply purposes. The study aimed to determine the content of Fatty acids (FAs) and Tocopherols in the oilseeds from Eckebergia capensis Sparrman (Meliaceae), Entada abyssinica Steud. ex A. Rich (Leguminosae), Macaranga kilimandscharica Pax Original Research Article Minzangi et al.; EJMP, 8(3): 157-166, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.101 158 (Euphorbiaceae), Prunus africana (Rosaceae), Sesbania sesban L. (Fabaceae) and Telfairia pedata (Cucurbitaceae) using gas liquid chromatography and HPLC. Results: The respective oil yields for the six studied plants ranged from a minimum of 7.2% for S. sesban seeds to a maximum of 42.2% for P. africana seeds. Eighteen FAs were detected, of which, five saturated (SFAs), six monounsaturated (MUFAs) and seven polyunsaturated (PUFAs). The SFAs fraction was dominated by stearic acid varying from 5.95 % in M. kilimandscharica oil to 76.19% in P. africana oil. The content in PUFAs fraction represented by linoleic acid an omega-6 fatty acid varied from 3.19% in P. africana oil to 58.82% in S. sesban oil while alpha-linolenic acid an omega-3 accounted for 0.32% in P. africana oil to 5.88% in S. sesban oil. The MUFAs fraction represented by oleic acid an omega-9 fatty acid varied from 3.4% in P. africana oil to 41.77% in T. pedata oil. The highest content of tocopherols was 10.9 mg/100 g in S. sesban oil, followed by E. abyssinica (7.9 mg/100 g) and M. kilimandscharica oil (4.9 mg/100 g). Conclusion: The findings will help select the appropriate plant for specific desired FAs and

Two related studies were conducted to determine the nutritive value and anthelmintic properties of eight tree legumes used as goat feeds. The degradation characteristics, total extractable phenol (TPEH) and condensed tannin (CT) of Acacia (Samanea saman), Desmanthus (Desmanthus virgatus), Rensonii (Desmodium cineria), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium), Grandiflora (Sesbania grandiflora), and Sesban (Sesbania sesban) were determined. Except for Flemingia, the different legumes contained highly soluble and degradable components that can provide immediate supply of nitrogen and fermentable matter to meet nutritional needs. Flemingia and Leucaena had more than 65% extractable tannins and contain high condensed tannin (CT) that could potentially reduce gastro-intestinal parasites in goats. Other species had minimal or no CT content. Feeding the tree-legumes provided cheap source of digestible organic matter, while feeding Flemingia and Leucaena was expected to reduce internal parasites in goats because they contained anthelmintics.

The cost, side effects and imitation associated with conventional drugs have driven a substantial number of global citizens to resort to complementary medicine. Although largely informal and unregulated, the practice of herbal medicine is more engrained in low and middle income than in industrialized countries. Sesbania sesban, a plant which grows generously across most parts of the world, has been a major target by most traditional health practitioners. The effects so far reported include antimicrobial, anti-fertility, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory among others. No study has reviewed the scholarly works published and jointly reported results. Authros systematically reviewed papers available in different databases to give a hybrid report on the pharmacological effects of Sesbania sesban. A total of three data bases were searched using key terms like: Sesbania sesban, ethno-botany, phytochemical analysis, pharmacological effects etc. A total of 860 papers were initially recovered and further subjected to abstract and title examination which filtered them down to 40 papers. The 40 papers were assessed more against a set of criteria like: in-vivo and in-vitro studies biased to pharmacological effects of the plant, studies that were less than 15 years old and studies that used experimental design. This further scrutiny reduced the number of papers to 25. Most studies reported Sesbania sesban as having great anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic qualities. No study reported any adverse effect of the plant. Authors recommend a dose-effect assessment and mechanism of action of the plant extracts especially with regard to the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fertility qualities.

Forage availability limits livestock production in the world's semiarid regions. Dry matter (DM) yields of cereal forages, such as maize ( Zea mays ), can be increased by planting adapted legumes. Randomized complete block studies with three replications in 2005 and 2006 at Faisalabad, Pakistan compared forage DM yield of sole maize and maize mixed with cluster bean ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba ), cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], and sesbania ( Sesbania sesban ) at 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 seed ratios of the recommended seeding rate for maize and each legume, respectively. Maize DM yield was reduced ( P −1 for sole maize and 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 maize–sesbania seed ratios, respectively; 5% LSD for the legume × seed ratio interaction = 0.44). Legume proportion of mixture DM yield was highly correlated to the seed ratio for all legumes ( R > 0.97, P R > −0.60, P R = −0.05, P > 0.83). Land equivalent ratio was similar among mixtures averaging 1.23. Producers in semiarid regions can increase forage DM yield over sole maize by planting sesbania with maize.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of green manure crops on soil fertilityand to provide informations for optimum cropping systems in Saemangeum reclaimed tidal land. Fieldtrial was established with summer [sesbania (Sesbania sesban), wild millet (Echinochloa crus-galli), andsorghum-sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor)] and winter [oat (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale L.),and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)] green manure crops at Saemangeum reclaimed tidal land in Koreafrom 2007 to 2011. Biomass of the green manure crops were 9.7-15.0 ton/ha (dry weight), and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid produced consistently greater biomass than other crops across growing years. Culti-vation and application of green manure crops increased soil organic matter contents from 1.3 to 6.0 g/kgby 1.2 g/kg per year. Green manure crops also improved bulk density from 1.44 to 1.24 Mg/m3 by addi-tion of biomass residues. Sequential cultivation of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid followed by rye was mosteffective on decreasing bulk density of soil, and sesbania cultivation was most efficient on increasing soilnitrogen content. Overall, green manure crops can be probably useful for improvement soil fertility inSaemangeum reclaimed tidal land.

The growth rate of female calves on dairy farms is one of the crucial factors which influence age at first calving, affecting lifetime lactation productivity of a dairy cow. Diets with adequate crude protein are necessary to support calf growth. The study objective was to determine the effects of nutritional advice and diet supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban on average daily weight gain in dairy calves on semi-commercial smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. This trial involved 155 calves from 73 smallholder dairy farms, in Kenya, randomly selected and allocated to either intervention or control groups. The intervention group received nutritional advice and seedlings of Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban, while the control group did not receive these interventions. Every 1-2 months for 16 months, data on farm nutritional practices and management were collected in a questionnaire, and physical examinations were done to monitor weight and health status. Descriptive and univariable statistical analyses were conducted, and multivariable mixed linear regression models were used for identification of factors associated (P 0.05) with the natural log transformation of weight gain of calves on a given farm, controlling for clustering of visits within calves. Feeding at least 0.2 kg/day (wet weight) of Calliandra or Sesbania to calves6 months old resulted in 33.2% increase in daily weight gain, while controlling for confounding by breed and sex of the calf. For calves ≥6 months, there was a significant interaction between amount of hay fed and if calves were also fed on Calliandra or Sesbania. When no Calliandra or Sesbania supplementation was provided, the mean weight gain was low and relatively constant even with increasing amounts of hay. When Calliandra or Sesbania supplement was added to the diet, the mean weight gain increased from 0.17 kg to 0.48 kg when hay was fed at 1 and 5 kg, respectively, while controlling for confounding by amount of maize silage fed and the prevailing season. In conclusion, supplementation of calf diets with at least 0.2 kg/calf/day of Calliandra or Sesbania is beneficial for faster weight gains.

This work was aimed to isolate and characterize Rhizobia from Sesbania Sesban root nodules growing in different parts of Mumbai metropolitan area. Root nodules from these plant samples were harvested and 120 test isolates were obtained. A total of 75 obtained isolates were found to show poor absorption of Congo red when grown on yeast extract mannitol agar with 2% NaCl. These isolates were further studied for their morphological and biochemical characteristics along with Rhizobium leguminosarum as a reference culture. The isolates were found to be gram negative rods and exhibited a rapid growth as evident from bromothymol blue test. Biochemical and phenotypic characterization of all 75 isolates revealed them to be Rhizobium species. Furthermore, 8 representative isolates from 8 different Mumbai Metropolitan locations were used for genotypic analysis by 16S rRNA sequencing. All 8 isolates were shown to have inhibitory effect on growth when tested on different salt concentration. As the NaCl concentration was increased from 0.1 to 20%, the growth started declining. Further, at 30% concentration, an absolute growth inhibition was observed. The isolates exhibited noteworthy growth at pH 6.0 to 11.0. The pH of 7.0–8.0 and a temperature of 28 °C was found to be optimum for growth. A high salinity (up to 20%) and pH tolerance of these species make them suitable to be used as biofertilizers in unfavorable environmental conditions for legumes cropping and could also help to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

Chromium is one of the most common toxic metals present in the environment that induces various toxic effects in plants. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of chromium on germination percentage, seedling growth, chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and proline content of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. The seedlings were treated with different concentrations of control, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g kg-1 of chromium. The parameters such as germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling fresh weight dry weight, chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and proline content of leaves were measured. Our results indicated that a significant inhibitory effect was observed at all levels of chromium compared to control. Increasing the concentration of chromium to 1.00 g kg-1 showed a significant decrease in seed germination, shoot and root length, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’ content of plant. While proline, catalase and peroxidase contents were increased by increasing Cr concentration. It was also noted that accumulation of chromium in the roots was much higher than the shoots of the seedlings under treatment.

The use of advanced, effective and less toxic antimicrobial agents are required for the treatment of plant pathogens. In this study, hexane and ethanol extracts of two plants (Sesbania sesban and Cymbopogon citratus) and two algae species (Spirulina platensis and Scendusmus sp.) were screened for their antifungal and antibacterial activity on eight fungi (Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria solani, Pythium debarianum, Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium digitatum) and two species of bacteria (Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Erwinia carotovora var. carotovora). Extracts of these plants and algae showed varied levels of antifungal and antibacterial activity. It was found that, the ethanol extracts of S. sesban plant and S. platensis alga had a high activity on tested fungi. On the other hand, the ethanol extracts of Scendesmus sp. alga and S. sesban plant showed the highest antibacterial activity against tested bacteria. The ethanol extract of S. sesban was the most potent fungitoxic extract against both A. niger and A. solani fungi with effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.135 and 0.011mg/L, respectively. On contrary, Scendesmus sp. ethanol extract revealed the highest inhibitory effect against E. carotovora var. carotovora bacteria. Conference Proceeding Full Paper Abbassy et al.; IJPSS, Article no. IJPSS.2014.10.014 1367

Nine rhizobial strains isolated from the root nodules of Cicer arietinum, Vigna radiata, V. mungo, Samania saman, Sesbania sesban, Leucinia sp., Prosopis cineraria and Medicago sativa were used to study their effects on root-infecting fungi viz., Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani. In dual culture plate assay, strains of Bradyrhizobium sp., and R. meliloti were found to inhibit radial growth of M. phaseolina, F. solani and R. solani producing zones of inhibition. Bradyrhizobium sp., and R. meliloti either used as seed dressing or as soil drench significantly suppressed root-rot infection caused by M. phaseolina, F. solani and R. solani in okra, a non-1eguminous crop under greenhouse conditions. Biomass of plants was also higher in the presence of rhizobia.

Sesbania sesban (L.) Merrill is the most productive multipurpose tree widely distributed in tropics and subtropics; and usually planted by smallholder farmers mostly for its fodder and soil improvement values. The objective of the present study was to review the various aspects (with emphasis on its importance) of S. sesban and generate comprehensive technical information for scholars who wish to study the plant in detail. Different parts ofS. sesban is reputed for various purposes such as weed control, phytoremediation, anti-inflammation and antioxidant effect, abortion and antifertility agent, antimicrobial activity, firewood source, livestock feed and pasture improvement, green manure, mosquito repellant, live support and Schistosoma control. Having these and other multiple uses, S. sesban can contribute to sustainable livelihoods by improving household food, nutrition and health security. Key words: Sesbania sesban, phytoremediation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant,livelihood.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of substitution of concentrate mix with Sesbania sesban on feed intake, digestibility, average daily gain (ADG), and carcass parameters of Arsi-Bale sheep. The experiment employed 25 male sheep with mean (±standard error) initial body live weight (BLW) of 19.1 ± 0.09 kg. The experiment consisted of 7 days of digestibility and 90 days of feeding trials followed by carcass evaluation. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with five treatments and five blocks. Treatments comprised of grass hay alone fed ad libitum (GHA; control), GHA + 100 % concentrate mix (CM) consisting of wheat bran and noug seed cake at a ratio of 2:1 (0 S. sesban), GHA + 67 % CM + 33 % S. sesban (33 S. sesban), GHA + 33 % CM + 67 % S. sesban (67 S. sesban), and GHA + 100 % S. sesban (100 S. sesban). Total dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (p

THIS STUDY aims to investigate the nutritive values of some wildplants in the coastal Deltaic Mediterranean wetlands of Egypt forsustainable uses and management; these are: Arthrocnemummacrostachyum (Moric) Koch, Atriplex portulacoides L., Bassia indica(Weight) A. J. Scott, Chenopodium album L., Halocnemum strobilaceum(Pall.) M. Bieb (Chenopodiaceae) , Amaranthus hybridus L(Amaranthaceae), Portulaca oleracea L.(Portulacaceae), Bolboschoenusglaucus L.(Cyperaceae) , Sesbania sesban L. (Fabaceae ) and PlucheaDioscorides (L.) DC. (Asteraceae) as their over growth and dominationcause many serious environmental problems, So it is urgent to suggestthe possible economic uses of these plants as a tool in sustainablemanagement. The mean values of the physicochemical characteristics ofsoil samples collected underneath the studied species were carried out tobe considered during cultivation of these plants. The determination oflipid, crude protein, total phosphorus, total carbohydrates, crude fiber, ashcontent and dry weight, as well as Na+, K+ and Ca+ cations in the drymater showed noteable variation among the studied species. The highestmean carbohydrates content was recorded in P. oleracea and A. hybriduswith values of 211.3 and 291 mg/g dry wt. , respectively. The relativelyhigh contents of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in some selected plantspecies qualify them as suitable candidates to be used as animal feedstalk and natural organic fertilizers with safe manner. The high contentsof Na+, K+ and Ca+ ions in the studied plants make them also as a goodsource of mineral salts in food formulas, and as a tool for desalinization inthe salt affected lands in the coastal Egyptian wetland habitats.

Antioxidants are found in many plants and can neutralize free radicals. Sesbania sesban (L.)Merr is a plant that has been used empirically by Indonesian people and its proven have many pharmacologycal activity. The objectives of this research were to study antioxidant activity Sesbania sesban leaves extract using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and correlation with its total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content. Extraction was performed by reflux using different polarity solvent. The extracts were vaporated using rotary evaporator. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH assay. Determination of total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content were performed by UV-visible spectrophotometry and its correlation with inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) DPPH scavenging activity were analyzed by Pearson’s method. Nhexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of Sesbania sesban leaves had IC50 DPPH  50 g/ml and it can be classified as very strong antioxidant. Ethanol extract of Sesbania sesban had the highest of total phenolic content (5.18 g GAE/100 g) and highest total flavonoid content (4.56 g QE/100 g), while the highest total carotenoid content (4.56 g BE/100 g) was given by n-hexane extract. Total phenolic content in Sesbania sesban leaves extracts had significant and negative correlation with their IC50 DPPH scavenging activities. Phenolic compounds in Sesbania sesban leaves extracts were contributor major in its antioxidant activities by DPPH method.

A pot experiment was carried out to assess Cd uptake and accumulation efficiency of Sesbania sesban. Plants were grown in soil spiked with 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg Cd. After 120 days, plants were harvested and analyzed for Cd content. A steady increase in Cd accumulation with increasing metal concentration in soil was observed for all treatments. Accumulation of Cd was greatest in roots (86.7 ± 6.3 mg/kg), followed by stem (18.59 ± 1.9 mg/kg), and leaf (3.16 ± 1.1 mg/kg). Chlorophyll content declined with increasing Cd concentration, while proline and protein content increased as compared to control. At higher Cd levels, root, shoot length, and biomass were all significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.001). An increase in total protein along with greater A250/A280 value suggested an increase in metal-protein complexes. Considering the rapid growth, high biomass, accumulation efficiency, and adaptive properties, this plant could be used as a valuable tool for the phytoremediation of Cd contaminated soils.

The present meiotic study was carried out in 15 species of medicinal importance belonging to 14 genera and nine families. The chromosome numbers n=7 of Aloe vera L., n=10 of Brassica campestris Hook.f. & Thoms, n=12 of Capsicum annuum L., n=12 of Cissampelos pareira L., n=10 of Croton bonplandianum Baill., n=32 of Heliotropium eichwaldi Steud., n=7 of Hordeum vulgare L., n=7 of Lathyrus aphaca L., n=20 of Mazus rugosus Lour., n=7 of Pisum sativum L., n=6 of Sesbania sesban Merrill., n=12 of Solanum verbascifolium L., n=11 of Tephrosia purpurea Pers., n=6 of Vicia faba L. and n=6 of Vicia sativa L. has been observed. The course of meiosis has been found to be normal in all species except in somewhere chromosomal irregularities have also been observed. The medicinal plants are playing a very important role in our daily life. Besides their active role in every human requirement, they have proven to be the best source of various health care systems including traditional plant based medicines. Their huge importance reminds us about correct identification of various plant species, so that they can be use more accurately and effectively. Meiotic study is the tool that can support the plant identification. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of the world's population relying on plant based traditional medicines (Sivaperumal et al. 2010). This shows that all population communities are not able to afford the modern medical facilities. These people depend upon medicinal plants which are growing in their vicinity. This indicates that medicinal plants are not only providing raw material to the pharmaceutical industries but also cater the health care needs of the people, who could not afford other medical facilities. Chromosomal study is useful to understand the morphological diversity and genomic variation within a species (Stace 2000). Generally the researchers identify the plant species based on their morphological characteristics. The cytological analysis especially the study of chromosome number can further authenticate the identity of the plant species. Therefore present study has been conducted to determine the chromosome numbers and behavior in some medicinal plants to confirm the morphological characterization.

Responses of leaf area (LA), stomatal conductance (gs), root length (RL) and root hydraulic conductance per unit of root length (Lpunit) to top soil dryness were investigated. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and sesbania (Sesbania sesban) were grown in a vertical split-root system. From sixty-six days after sowing, the top soil was dried while the bottom soil was kept wet. Pigeon pea increased LA while maintaining leaf water potential (ΨL) by reducing gs. Increased transpirational demand through canopy development was compensated for by increasing water extraction in the bottom soil. This was achieved by increasing not only RL but also Lpunit. Sesbania kept constant levels of gs, causing a transient reduction of ΨL. ΨL of sesbania was, then, recovered by increasing only RL, but not Lpunit, in the bottom soil while suspending LA extension, suggesting that sesbania regulated only the root area to LA ratio. This study demonstrated a species-specific significance of Lpunit and coordination among Lpunit, RL, gs and LA in exploitation of wet-deeper soils in response to top soil dryness.

The reproductive performance of male livestock is of economic importance, and improving semen quantity and quality, especially for artificial insemination, additionally helps to avoid the loss of valuable genotypes. The review focuses on the impact of oxidative stress on sperm production and quality in livestock, and the potential role of plant based anti-oxidants to control this impact. From scientific reports dealing with livestock, the paper compiles evidence on effective dietary measures affecting sperm production and quality. Where little or no data are available on livestock, it refers to sources regarding other mammals, including man. The review concentrates on the use of distinct plants as feed supplements rather than on ways to treat deficiencies and imbalances in energy or macro- and micronutrients. Feeding of maca (Lepidium meyenii) and khat (Catha edulis) has been shown to positively affect sperm production and quality in animals. Some evidence points to favourable effects of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala and Leucaena pallida), sesbania (Sesbania sesban), pomegranate (Punica granatum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) as well, but studies are either superficial or results are partially contradictory. Finally, the review considers the potential usefulness of medicinal herbs. The list of such plants includes Chinese herbs such as Lycium barbarum, Astralagus membranaceus, Acanthopanacis senticosi, Magnolia officinalis, Cornus officinalis and Psoralea corylifolia and the Indonesian plant Eurycoma longifolia. European candidate plants are Tribulus terrestris and Pendulum murex. Future research should include the screening of other plants, concentrating on the large number of plants rich in metabolites because of their presumed effectiveness. The modes of action often require clarification for the plants with demonstrated effects.

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether the proanthocyanidin (condensed tannin)-containing forage legumes Desmodium intortum cv Greenleaf and Sesbania sesban (accession 15019) could be integrated into a feeding management strategy as a means of Haemonchus contortus control in goats. The anthelmintic effects of condensed tannin extracts from the two legumes on H. contortus L(3) larvae were studied in an in vitro larval migration inhibition system. The extracts inhibited larval migration in a dose-dependent manner, and at concentrations from 1,000 μg/ml condensed tannin, the extract from D. intortum caused a significantly higher inhibition of larval migration than did the corresponding concentrations of the S. sesban extract (P < 0.01). Prolonged feeding of tanniniferous forage legumes showed that animals receiving D. intortum had the lowest total worm burden, the lowest female to male parasite ratio, the lowest number of eggs in the uterus of each female worm and the lowest per capita fecundity (P < 0.01). However, there was no change in the performance (weight gain) of parasite-infected goats probably due to incomplete removal of the parasite or prolonged confinement of goats in small pens, which calls for further investigation. However, since there is no single efficient method in control of parasites, based on the obtained data from this experiment, integrated feeding of D. intortum with other suitable method of parasite control is thus suggested.

Tilemsi rock phosphate (TRP) of Mali is one of the most promising rock phosphate in West Africa for soil fertilization, but it is little used because of its insoluble form. The main objective of this study is to investigate TRP effects on rhizobia associated with the multipurpose leguminous tree Sesbania sesban grown on a sandy soil, poor in phosphorus and not sterilised. The experiment included treatments with and without TRP and was conducted during 105 days. At the end, 114 nodules have been collected and analysed by PCR/RFLP of 16S-23S intergenic spacer. Sixteen different RFLP profiles corresponding to different genomic groups of rhizobia have been detected. Five were dominant and present in both treatments. Five groups appear only in treatments without TRP whereas the six others are only in nodules of plants with TRP, suggesting a different capacity of natural phosphates solubilization by these strains.

Objective The present study was carried out to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of the petroleum ether extract of Sesbania sesban (SS)(Merr.) roots, which are widely used in inflammation, fever, ulcers, leucoderma and diabetes in various parts of India. Methods SS was administered orally at different doses (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg) to normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced type-2 diabetic mice. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), biochemical parameters in serum, change in body weight, internal organs weight, food intake, water intake and glycogen level in livers were performed for the evaluation of hypoglycemic effects. Results All the doses of SS caused a marked decrease of FBG in STZ induced type −2 diabetic mice. SS decreased the cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), urea, creatinine level and increased the insulin, HDL cholesterol, and total protein level. Decrease in body weight and glycogen level induced by STZ was restored. Increase in water and food intake induced by STZ was decreased. Conclusions The results suggest that SS may have hypoglycemic potential for the type 2-diabetes and support the traditional use of the roots of plant as a hypoglycemic agent.

Fallowing can improve crop yields as a result of improved soil fertility and nutrient status. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of fallows and pruning regimes in coppicing fallows on soil moisture and maize yields under conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT). Fallows that were evaluated were coppicing Acacia angustissima, non coppicing Sesbania sesban, natural fallow (NF) and continuous maize. In 2000/2001 season, maize yields were significantly different (P continuous maize > NF > A. angustissima, for both CT and NT. The 2-week pruning regime had significantly higher maize yields when compared to the 1 and 3 week pruning regime during the 2002/2003 cropping season. For the three seasons, CT had significantly higher yields than NT. A. angustissima had significantly higher mean available water at suctions 33 kPa for all treatments. It was concluded that improved fallowing increased yields when compared to NF. However, in coppicing fallows competition for water can result in reduced yields when there is rainfall deficiency, thus the need for pruning to manage the competition.

Introduction: Antioxidants are micronutrients that have gained importance in recent years due to their ability to neutralize free radicals or their actions. Sesbania sesban (L) Merr is an ancient plant which is traditionally used as an antioxidant folklore plant. The present research deals with the phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of the leaves of Sesbania sesban (L) Merr. Methods: The ethanolic extract of the plant Sesbania sesban (L) Merr was subjected for the phytochemical screening. The preliminary screening reports the presence of Saponin, Tanin, Phenolic compound, Flavonoid in ethanolic extracts. DPPH scavenging activity or the Hydrogen donating capacity was quantified in presence of stable DPPH radical on the basis of Blois method. NO scavenging activity was performed in the presence of nitric oxide was generated from sodium nitroprusside and measured by the Greiss reaction according to the method of Marcocci. Ascorbic acid was used as standard for the both. Results: The scavenging was found to dose dependent. Thus extract has been established the as an antioxidant. The reducing capacity serves as significant indicator of antioxidant activity. The reducing power increased with the increasing concentration of sample. Conclusion: The folklore use of Sesbania sesban (L)Merr has been proved in present research work. Further studies along with isolation and molecular mechanism on extract of Sesbania sesban (L) Merr may lead to significant out come.

Une des solutions de lutter contre l’agriculture itinerante en preservant la reserve biospherique de Yangambi est la culture en couloir aroforestier. Quatre traitements de legumineuses ligneuses ont ete compares pour leur pouvoir fertilisant sur le rendement du mais pendant trois saisons culturales successives en bloc complet randomise de cinq blocs et cinq traitements sur un ferralsol de la serie Y 2 a Yangambi en vue de stabiliser durablement la culture Les productions de mais ont significativement donne un rendement de 11,66% et 264% sous les haies de Leucaena leucocephala et de 29,60% et 226% sous celles de Cassia spectabilis par rapport au temoin avec 2658 kg/ha et 1164kg/ha a la deuxieme et troisieme campagnes culturales, respectivement. Cependant, les arbustes bisannuels n’avaient de l’influence qu’a la premiere saison avec des rendements relatifs de 108,4% sous Tephrosia vogelii et 113,2% sous Sesbania sesban par rapport au temoin qui a produit 2.514kg/ha, contre 88,5% sous L.leucocephala et 79,1% sous C..spectabilis . Les arbustes a usage multiple le local C.spectabilis et la legumineuse exotique L.leucocephala valorisent les courtes jacheres herbeuses et evitent l’itinerance agricole en fertilisant le meme sol pendant plusieurs annees en matiere organique, azote et elements mineraux, et peuvent etre etendue en milieu paysan. Par contre, T.vogelii et S.sesban deperissant apres le premier recepage exigent la replantation chaque annee et une main d’oeuvre supplementaire. Mots cles: Culture en couloire, legumineuses ligneuses, biomasses, rendement du mais et Yangambi English Title: Ligneous legumes biomass effect on the growth and yield of maize in Yangambi English Abstract One of alleviations to control shifting cultivation in conserving Yangambi biosphere reserve is the agroforetry alley cropping. Four woody legumes were evaluated for their biomass potential fertility on maize production during three consecutive cultural seasons in randomised complet block designe of five blocks and five treatments on a ferralsol Y 2 -soil series in Yangambi to stabilise sustainably the cropping. Maize has significantly yielded 11.66% and 246% under Leucaena leucocephala and 29.60% and 226% under Cassia spectabilis hedgerows as compared to the control with 2658 and 1164 kg/ha in the second and third seasons, respectively. However, the influence of biannual species on relative maize production was observed only in the first season with 108.4% under Tephrosia vogelii and 113.2% under Sesbania sesban facing the control with 2514 kg/ha, against 88.5% under L.leucocephala and 79.1% under C.spectabilis . The polyvalent shrubs the indigenous C.spectabilis and the exotic legume L.leucocephala valorise shorterned herbaceous fallow and avoid agricutural shifting in fertilizing the same soil with organic matter, nitrogen and mineral elements during several years ; and could be extended in farming system. On the other hand, T.vogelii and S.sesban perishing after the first slashing, need every year replantation and supplemantary manpower. Keywords: Alley cropping, woody legumes, biomass, maize yield and Yangambi

Smallholder farmers in developing countries face numerous limitations that hinder them from embracing improved agricultural practices and innovations with great potential for meaningful transformations of livelihoods. Consequently, farmers continue living in vicious cycles of poverty despite decades of government and donor expenditures on poverty alleviation. In the last two decades, research and development organizations collaborated in testing and validating selected fodder shrub species as reliable sources of less expensive and easily available protein feeds. With minimal interventions, the research findings have great potential to improve productivity for many smallholder farmers. Tested species include Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena spp., Chamaecytisus palmensis, Sesbania sesban, Morus alba and Gliricidia sepium. Dissemination and adoption surveys estimated that 205,000 smallholder farmers (40–50 per cent being women) had planted fodder shrubs by 2005. Currently, fodder shrubs contribute US$3.8 mil...

Chelate-induced phytoextraction is an innovative technique for cleaning metal- contaminated soil. The present study evaluates the degree of metal mobilization in soil and enhancement of phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. from artificially contaminated soil by application of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). After 30 days of plant growth, the pots were divided into three sets (0.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mmol EDTA per kg soil). Experimental results indicated that levels of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable metals and metals in the leachate decreased as the EDTA dose increased. Plant growth parameters and total chlorophyll contents in the plants with EDTA applied were less than those of control. However, EDTA application significantly reduced metal accumulation in root and increased metal accumulation in the shoot of plants; similar results were obtained for the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor. The application of 5 mmol ED...

The effects of sublethal concentrations of methanol extract of sesbania sesban plant on survival rate, egg laying of Bulinus truncatus snails, hatchability of their eggs, infection rate with Schistosoma haemato- bium miracidia, cercarial production and certain physiological parameters of treated snails were stu- died. The sublethal concentrations of the tested plant extract (LC0, LC10 and LC25) caused considerable reduction in survival rates; egg production of B. runcates snails; hatchability of eggs as well as in the infectivity of Schistosoma haematobium miracidia to the snail. Also, the tested concentrations reduced the cercarial production per snail and the period of cer-carial shedding. The glucose level in haemolymph of exposed snails was elevated while the glycogen, pro-tein content and the activities of hexokinase (HK), pyruvatekinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed a decrease in soft tissues when compared with the control group. It was concluded that the app lication of sublethal concentration of methanol ex- tracts of Sesania sesban may be helpful in snail con- trol as it interferes with the snails’ biology and phy- siology.

Leguminous agroforestry (AF) species have been investigated and promoted in Malawi as a means to improve soil quality and maize (Zea mays) yields. Our objective was to determine whether AF systems' recommendations that solely consider impacts on average maize yields differ from those that include an analysis of production risk, profitability among different wealth groups and socioeconomic vulnerability. Employing participatory quantitative and qualitative on-farm research techniques, we investigated three AF-based maize/legume relay-cropping practices in southern Malawi. The perennial legumes included Sesbania sesban, Tephrosia vogelii and Cajanus cajan (pigeonpea). We found that AF species recommendations did diverge from those based solely on maximizing maize yields when incorporating risk, profitability and socioeconomic vulnerability as additional variables. For instance, the highest yielding system (the S. sesban/maize relay crop) was never recommended for the most vulnerable farmers based on the vul...

Growth characteristics, dry-matter (DM) yield, chemical components and in vitro dry-matter digestibility (IVDMD) of Napier grass were studied in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. The treatments were three defoliation frequencies (60, 90 and 120 d after Napier grass establishment) and five cutting heights (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm above ground level). Except for leaf-to-stem ratio, all growth characteristics increased with decreasing frequency of defoliation. Similarly, DM yield of Napier grass increased as the frequency of defoliation decreased. Total ash, crude protein (CP), hemicellulose and IVDMD contents of Napier grass increased with increasing frequency of defoliation, whereas DM, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose contents increased with a decrease in defoliation frequency. In contrast, cutting heights had no significant effect on most chemical components and IVDMD contents, although total ash and CP decreased as the height of cutting increased. The CP yield per cut and per day was highest at an intermediate defoliation frequency. The results of this study indicated that Napier grass could be categorized under medium- to high-quality herbage if defoliated at 90 d after establishment in the mid and highlands of Ethiopia