<div><strong>Background:</strong> The use of alternative feedstuff like cassava peel and leaf in pig production is of great concern due to reduced nutrient availability caused by high fibre and antinutritional constituent. The current study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of differently processed cassava peel-leaf blend (CPLB) on growth and blood parameters of growing pigs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> CPLB (Cassava peel: Cassava leaf; 5:1) was included in pigs diet in a feeding trial for 16 wks. The CPLB replaced maize at 100%. 24 pigs of mean weight range (20-22 kg) were assigned on a weight equalization basis to four dietary treatments having six replicates with one pig per replicate. A standard corn soya-based diet (control), Unfermented CPLB (UCPLB), water fermented CPLB (WCPLB) and microbial fermented CPLB (MCPLB) using Aspergillus tamarii as inoculum was formulated. Growth response was measured and serum analysis was carried out at the end of the 8th and 16th week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect on growth performance at the end of the 8<sup>th</sup> and 16<sup>th</sup> weeks. Dietary inclusion of MCPLB resulted in higher (p&lt;0.05) cholesterol (144.30 mmol/L) in pigs than those fed control diet (97.20 mm/L) at the end of 8<sup>th</sup> week. Pigs fed diet containing UCPLB had reduced (p&lt;0.05) serum creatinine (0.58 mg/dl) at the end of 16th week. In conclusion, CPLB based diet irrespective of processing method did not significantly affect growth performance and without negative effect on blood serum parameters.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</div>


<p>Influence of Processed Cassava Peel-leaf Blend as Replacement for Maize on Growth Performance and Serum Parameters of Growing Pigs</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> The demand and cost of domestic energy in Nigeria are on the increase, primarily due to the increasing human population and demand. This is compounded by desertification, increasing the cost of electricity, industrialization, lack of alternative such as solar, wind and nuclear energy.This study was conducted to compare the potential of biogas produced from anaerobic co-digestion of coconut fibre, cocoa pods, maize husk, orange peels, pineapple peels and yeast and to determine the effect of pH and retention time on biogas yield.&nbsp;<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>During the experiment, five batch reactors/digesters were used. The digesters were labeled A,B,C,D, E and each replicated three times. Digester A consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of coconut fibre, digester B consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of cocoa pods, digester C consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of maize husk, digester D consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of orange peels and digester E consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of pineapple peels. The pH was determined before corking the reactors.&nbsp;<br /><strong>Result:</strong> The results showed significant differences among the different substrate for biogas yield and methane component. Biodegradability of the different substrate, quality and retention time significantly affected the biogas yield in the five digesters. Digester loaded with maize husk produced significantly higher volume of biogas and methane component compared with other substrate. Increase in biogas yield for maize husk of 4g was 23.33ml with methane component of 61.78% for the 10 days hydraulic retention time. The retention time of 4, 5, 6 and 8 days significantly produced the highest volume of biogas in the other digesters. Based on the findings, maize husk and yeast blend could be a rich source of renewable energy option and would help arrest ecological disaster in addition to control of deforestation.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Comparative Study of Biogas Production from Cocoa Pod, Maize Husk, Orange Peels, Pineapple Peels and Coconut Fiber Co-Digested with Yeast</div>

<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background:</strong> In different regions of the country, they use the only knife for cutting, peeling and chopping the vegetables. The knife caused some design related problems when it is used for peeling. The present study was undertaken to identify those problems and suggest appropriate tool for same purposes.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> The performance of each tool (knife and peeler) was studied after a year of use by rural women for peeling purposes. Performance of peeling was analyzed on the basis of peeling efficient, peel thickness, peel weight proportion and capacity of each tool. A psychophysical study was done to compare the both tools based on women preferences.&nbsp;<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The capacity and peeling efficiency of the peeler (x=980.39&plusmn;80.5 grams/min and respectively) were found to be higher than knife (x=440.26&plusmn;38.9 grams/min. and). The wastage of fruits/vegetables in peel was also found less (9.0% with thickness of peel was (x=1.1&plusmn;1.9mm) by using peeler. Peeler was found to be reducing the peeling time (35.29%) as well as making the peeling task easy (&sum;=3.54) for women. As well as use of peeler was significantly (p=0.05) reducing the problems of pain, stiffness, cuts in hands and was found highly accepted (&sum;=4.37) by women for peeling purposes.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Testing and Evaluation of Peeling Tools</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) belongs to sub family Aurantoideae which is categorised under family Rutaceae. Peel is the main by-product obtained from sweet orange fruit juice processing industry. Peel is rich in many bioactive component, so to utilize this peel for industrial purpose it need to cover to stable form. &nbsp;So in present study sweet orange peel is dried in three drying technique: solar tunnel drying, hot air drying and dehumidified air drying and ground with three different grinding methods: hammer mill grinding at ambient temperature, hammer mill grinding with water cooling and hammer mill grinding with liquid nitrogen cooling. Ground sweet orange peel powder was examined for functional properties. Among nine combinations, dehumidified air dried and liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooled ground sample showed significantly good functional properties such as ascorbic acid (40.00 mg.100g-1), phenols (2.23 mg.g-1), total carotenoids (0.28 mg.g-1), total flavonoids (33.76 mg.g-1), radical scavenging activity (75.59 %), pH (6.26) and water activity (0.35).</div>

Effect of different drying and grinding methods on biochemical properties of sweet orange peel powder

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Biodegradable plastics are made from starch extracted from renewable biomass. Approximately 50% of the biodegradable plastics used commercially are prepared from starch. The research was undertaken to develop biodegradable film from blend of LDPE and Cassava starch at different proportions and to study the Physical and Mechanical properties.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Biodegradable film was prepared by Blown film extrusion method using LDPE, cassava starch adding glycerol, talc powder and urea (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) at different proportions. The effects of plasticizer (glycerol) and different proportions of cassava starch on the film properties were determined by the standard methods.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The developed biodegradable film had a tensile strength ranging from 6.68-8.42 MPa. The film thickness from 0.17 to 0.80 mm, transparency from 0.55 to 2.07%, water absorption from 0.007 to 0.067% and moisture permeability from 0.59 to 14.08%.</p>


<p>​Effect of Cassava Starch on LDPE as Biodegradable Film and its Physical and Mechanical Properties</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University in 2015-2016 to investigate the response of cassava to supplementary irrigation during the dry season month. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The main plots comprised two cassava varieties (Huaybong 80 and Rayong 11). The sub l included four levels of drip irrigation [I-20, EV-40 mm (crop received 20 mm of water when daily cumulative pan evapolation value reached 40 mm during the dry season months)]; [I-20, EV-60 mm] ; [I-10, EV-40 mm] ; [I-10, EV-60 mm] and [I-10] (cassava under rainfed condition without additional irrigation)]. Results indicated that irrigation at (I-20, EV-40 mm) produced maximum the fresh (52 t ha-1) and dry (22 t ha-1) storage root yield. Huaybong 80 variety a gave significantly higher the storage root yield than that of Rayong 11 variety. The highest starch content also was obtained in the (I-20, EV-40 mm) treatment. There was no significant difference in the starch content between the two cassava varieties. Water were applied in treatment [I-20, EV-40 mm], [I-20, EV-60 mm], [I-10, EV-40 mm] and [I-10, EV-60 mm] was an average 299 mm, 194 mm, 150 mm and 97 mm, respectively during the growing season. Water use efficiency was the highest (35.3 kg ha-1 mm-1) in the [I-20, EV-60 mm] treatment.</div>

Growth, yield and water use of drip irrigated cassava planted in the late rainy season of North Eastern Thailand

<div><strong>Background:</strong> Low soil organic carbon is a constraint to cassava tuber formation. Some legume cover crops could be an alternative to provide organic matter on the cassava field as a source of soil organic carbon. The study was aimed to evaluate the growth of some legume cover crops under cassava and their effects on soil properties.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> During September 2017-July 2018 legume cover crops (<em>Calopogonium mucunoides, Centrosema pubescens, Pueraria javanica</em>&nbsp;and the mixed) were planted under cassava variety of Mangu and UJ-5. The land coverage by the legume cover crops was measured monthly from 2 to 10 months after planting. Cassava growth was observed weekly from 8 to 32 weeks after planting. Soil properties were analyzed before planting and at harvesting of cassava. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong><em>Pueraria javanica </em>was tolerant toward cassava shading. The land coverage was linearly increased along with the growth of cassava. At the end of cassava growth, the land area coverage by this legume cover crop was 98.08%. It produced more organic matter and could maintain soil moisture content than other legume cover crops.<em> P. javanica</em> could consider being a suitable legume cover crop under cassava to improve soil quality.</div>


<p>Growth of Legume Cover Crops under Cassava and Its Effect on Soil Properties</p>


<p>Antioxidants are substances that are able to prevent or inhibit oxidation processes in human body as well as in food products. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized it selves. The protection of foods from oxygen is the basic principle upon which antioxidant protective technologies are based. Both synthetic as well as natural antioxidants are using in food industry but the application of synthetics has been reassessed due to its potential carcinogenic effects. &nbsp;Research is being focused on vegetable materials which are a rich source of antioxidant compounds. Various antioxidant compounds have been isolated, many of them being polyphenols. Direct relationship exists between the total phenolic contents and the antioxidant activity in fruits and vegetables. The entire tissue of fruits and vegetables are rich in bio-active compounds and in most cases the waste by-products can present similar or even higher contents of antioxidant compounds. The waste materials such as peels, seeds and stones produced from the fruit and vegetable processing unit can be successfully used as a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants. Different antioxidant sources, their mode of action, application in food industry and antioxidant activities of banana peel, watermelon peel, potato peel and cucumber peel are reviewed in this paper.</p>


<p>Vegetable peels as natural antioxidants for processed foods &ndash; A review</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Cassava (<em>Manihot esculenta</em> Crantz) is a source of carbohydrate among the population after maize and rice and highly contributes to food security and livelihood to majority of small scale farmers in Sri Lanka as well as in African continent. The production of these starchy plants is declining due to the problem of low yield, high labor cost, pest and diseases damage and shortage of land. However among the yield limiting factors of cassava, the planting method of stem cuttings which depend on plant cultivar and environmental conditions. Therefore, the present study was carried out to reveal information on the effect of planting methods on the growth and yield attributes of cassava.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> The field experiment was conducted at the Farmer&rsquo;s field in the Batticaloa and laboratory experiment was led in South Eastern University of Sri Lanka which is located in Sri Lanka. The field trail was carried out over a period of four months during from May to September in 2018. The treatments used were three planting positions (Angled, vertical and horizontal) and two cultivars (&ldquo;cv. <em>Local</em>&rdquo; and &ldquo;cv <em>Kirikawadi</em>&rdquo;) were combined in factorial arrangement and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications.<br /><strong>Result:</strong> The result revealed that root yield was significantly (P d&rdquo; 0.05) affected by the interaction effects of the planting position and varieties. Significant differences were observed among planting methods in all tested variables. Based on the study, storage roots yield of cassava could be enhanced by planting method of angled position.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The Effect of Different Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Selected of Cassava (<em>Manihot esculenta</em>) Cultivars</div>

<div><strong>Background: </strong>This study assessed the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in the study area and constraints in the production of cassava by farmers in the study area.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Stage one was a purposive selection of municipalities in Southern Nigeria due to its endowment with cassava production. Stage two involved a random selection of five (5) municipalities in Southern Nigeria namely; Uyo, Calabar, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. Stage three equally involved a random selected of twenty (20) respondents from each of the municipals, giving a total of hundred (100) respondents used for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources using structured interview schedule. Objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics such as; percentage, frequency, mean, rank and standard deviation.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The result on the house hold size showed that 39% had between 6-10 persons, while 27% had 11-15 persons, 21% had 1-5 persons. Also 13% had 16 and above number of persons. The result also revealed that the respondents observed help in reducing soil compartment, training of farmers on pest/disease control, production practices, processing and marketing with mean scores of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43, <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.27,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.92,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.86 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> =1.69 respectively; as perceived influence of extension on cassava production. This implied that extension workers had no significant influence on cassava production in the study area, this may be attributed to inadequate funding of extension services in Nigeria. Majority (60%) believed that language barrier and unfavourable attitude of farmers with mean of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.42 respectively were the constraints of agricultural extension workers in enhancing cassava production in the study area. This implied that influence of extension agents in the area may not be significant. This may be due to ineffectiveness of extension services in Nigeria. the study concluded that, rural farmers need to be involved in the mainstream of extension services in order to identify and prioritize their production activities. The study therefore, recommended that agricultural extension workers should be involved in all areas of agricultural production and not on cassava production alone, so as to improve on the gross domestic production of the nation.</div>


Influence of Processed Cassava Peel-leaf Blend as Replacement for Maize on Growth Performance and Serum Parameters of Growing Pigs

Comparative Study of Biogas Production from Cocoa Pod, Maize Husk, Orange Peels, Pineapple Peels and Coconut Fiber Co-Digested with Yeast

Testing and Evaluation of Peeling Tools

Effect of different drying and grinding methods on biochemical properties of sweet orange peel powder

Effect of Cassava Starch on LDPE as Biodegradable Film and its Physical and Mechanical Properties

Growth, yield and water use of drip irrigated cassava planted in the late rainy season of North Eastern Thailand

Growth of Legume Cover Crops under Cassava and Its Effect on Soil Properties

Vegetable peels as natural antioxidants for processed foods – A review

The Effect of Different Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Selected of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Cultivars

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria