Browsing by Author "Gunadasa, H.K.S.G."
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Item An Analytical Approach to Establish Specific Electrical Energy Consumption for Tea Factories in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Udayangani, W.A.S.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Pathmasiri, M.M.R.Tea industry is undoubtedly one of the most important industries with a substantial contribution to the national economy in Sri Lanka. Tea industry utilizes energy in the forms of thermal energy and electrical energy for its tea manufacturing process requirements. Analyze values that can be used as standard values for the comparing performance of industries, process, systems or equipments is essential to set the corresponding achievements. Average value, best value and baseline for electrical energy consumption for tea industry is a vital because the specific electricity consumption in terms of kWh per one kilogram of made tea is a good measure of understanding the effectiveness of electricity utilization in the tea industry. This research contributes to calculate the specific electrical energy consumption for tea factories in Sri Lanka because the calculated value of the specific energy consumption between the tea factories has large variation. There are 642 tea factories are operated in Sri Lanka. These tea factories are situated up country, mid country and low country respectively. From those tea factories 50 tea factories are taken as the sample size. From the above sample size about 25 tea factories, data are collected from up country/ mid country tea factories and other 25 tea factories, data collected from low country tea factories. Questionnaire survey was carried out for collecting relevant data from the tea factories and gathered information on monthly and annual made tea production (kg) and monthly and annual electricity consumption (kWh). Specific electrical energy consumption (kWh per kilogram of made tea) was the calculated data. Minitab software system was used to find out the best performance among a group of tea factories. The calculated average value was 0.7856 kWh per one kilogram of made tea for specific electrical energy consumption and it is named as the baseline of specific electrical energy consumption. The best case of the specific electrical energy consumption is 0.4 kWh per one kilogram of made tea. This calculated baseline for the specific electrical energy consumption allows the tea factories to know precisely where their operation ranks in relation to a direct competitor, further allowing it to identify major performance gap that need to be addressed through improved energy efficiency.Item Development of an Energy Management Plan for Tea Factories in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Harischandra, K.K.H.A.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Pathmasiri, M.M.R.Tea production of Sri Lanka has high importance to the Sri Lankan economy and the world market. Tea industry requires energy in different stages of manufacturing process. Energy is the scare resource and efficient energy management is important nationally for the industry as well as the globally from the sustainable resource management. Continuous efforts on improvement in utilization of energy are essential for the survival of an industry and introduction of energy efficiency measures would undoubtedly lead to a significant reduction in energy consumption. The objectives of this study were to preparation of energy management plan for tea factories in Sri Lanka through identification of energy efficiency measures which were introduced to tea factories, find out the areas that require further improvements and already improved areas and to identify factors which affected to adopt energy efficiency measures for tea factories. Questionnaires, Observation were used as primary data collection methods. Existing energy efficiency measures were covered through the questionnaire. Publications, energy audit reports etc. were used as secondary data collection methods. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and chi square test for independents were used to analyze the data. This study revealed that the elevation, type of tea produce, monthly average production and monthly average electricity units were not significantly affected to adopt energy efficiency measures. High investment, technical knowledge, energy audits, energy management policies and green leaf standard are the major factors to adopt energy efficiency measures in tea factories in Sri Lanka.Item Development of Nutrient Rich Value Added Instant Soup using Coconut Flour and Red Rice Flake(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Gunasinghe, R.D.M.S.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Abesinghe, A.M.C.S.Dry instant soup mixes are one of the food items, which cater to the busy life style of the people and it is an easy way of providing nutrients across the world. The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is the most extensively grown and used nut in the world. Coconut is the one of major exporting crops in Sri Lanka. There are number of product made out of using various parts of coconut tree. Among these products, kernel based products plays major role as food items. Coconut flour is a latest popular by product and highly nutritional material since it rich with higher amount of dietary fiber, protein and some minerals. Red rice also contains numerous heath benefits than white rice. The main objective of this research was to develop nutrient rich value added instant soup using coconut flour and red rice flake. Research was conducted as three experiments. In experiment 1, best spices and other ingredient mixture and suitable amounts were selected. Five treatments were taken with different level of ingredients and different types. In experiment 2, best combination of coconut flour and red rice flake amounts were selected. Five treatments were taken by changing the coconut flour and red rice flake amount. Sensory data were analyzed according to Friedman test at 5% level of significance. In experiment 3, shelf life evaluation was practiced. Chemical composition analysis was conducted to evaluate nutrient value of the product. On the basis of the result the sample which is used 25% Coconut Flour and 12.5% Red Rice Flake has been selected as the best ratio for final soup mixture. The instant soup has higher nutrient value with reference to the local market dry soup mix and it can be concluded that the product has one month of shelf life on the basis of shelf life analysis result.Item Development of Polyphenol Incorporated Herbal Hair Shampoo by Using Tea Fluff(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Peduruarachchi, D.M.N.H.; Silva, P.D.P.M.D.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Samaranayake, H.G.H.Usage of cost effective herbal cosmetic products have become a new trend among the people. Tea polyphenol is one of the food derived active ingredients which has potential of hair growth. Since tea fluff is a cost effective polyphenol rich wastage, can be used to produce several natural cosmetic products with lower side effects and higher safeness. Therefore the major objective of this study was, development of polyphenol incorporated herbal hair shampoo by using tea fluff as a value added product which is effective towards hair growth and safeness. This study was used to determine the best polyphenol incorporation level to the shampoo based on its sensory properties, show the potential of used tea fluff as a cost effective polyphenol rich source for new product development, show the potential of value addition to the wastages and effectively utilize the wastages for the purpose of cost effective waste management method. Polyphenol extract of tea fluff was appended into shampoo base with varied concentrations i.e. 2.1%, 2.3%, 2.5%, 2.7% and 2.9%. Further sieved tea fluff was appended into shampoo base with varied proportions i.e. 0.021%, 0.023%, 0.025%, 0.027% and 0.029%. A sensory evaluation test was carried out with 30 panelists to reveal the best treatment. A shelf life analysis was performed at the storage of room temperature for the selected best treatments for period of two months at two weeks of interval. Results revealed that hair shampoo was stable in room temperature. According to the results of the sensory evaluation and statistical analysis, it can be concluded that 2.1% of polyphenol extract with 97.9% shampoo base (most preferable formula) and 0.025% of tea fluff with 99.975% shampoo (contains the highest polyphenol level) base are the two best formula among the two series. Keywords: Tea fluff, Polyphenol, Shampoo, Hair growth, Sensory evaluationItem Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Persl) Leaf Flush Color and Maturity Levels on Leaf Oil Content and Quality(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Geeganagamage, M.W.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Wijesinghe, K.G.G.Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl) is a spice obtained from the inner bark of the several trees from the genus Cinnamomum and family Lauraceae. Cinnamomum verum Presl is the commercial Cinnamon variety also known as “true cinnamon” or “Ceylon cinnamon” is native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon and Sri Lanka synonyms in the world spice trade. The four types of essential oil obtained from the different parts of the cinnamon tree are, Cinnamon bark oil from the inner stem bark, Cinnamon leaf oil from the leaves, Cinnamon root oil from the root bark and Cinnamon seed oil from the seed pericarp. The unique feature where the oil distilled from these different parts of Cinnamon differ in their chemical composition, gives rise to much interest in connection with the biosynthesis of the various chemical constituents in the oil. The distillation of Cinnamon bark oil and leaf oil carried out in Sri Lanka. Cinnamon leaf oil is yellowish in colour and has a warm, spicy aroma. The viscosity is medium to watery. The main chemical components are Euginol, Safrol, Cinnamyl acetate and Cinnamldehyde. Over 50%- 80% Euginol can be obtained from leaf oil. There are several factors which affect the Cinnamon leaf oil content and quality such as season, age of the tree, location, time of harvest etc. Purpose of this current study was to determine the effect of Cinnamon leaf flush color and maturity levels on leaf oil content and quality and to determine the different flush colors in Cinnamon population, different component of leaf oil related to leaf flush color and different component of leaf oil related to different maturity levels. Methodology For the experiment1, Effect of Cinnamon leaf flush color on leaf oil content and quality of 300 Cinnamon plants were observed and 5 different flush colors were identified. Five plants were selected as replicates in each flush color. Mature leaves of second and third branches from the main stems were picked and air dried about 5 days. After that they were cut into small pieces. The volatile oils were isolated by Clevenger arm method. Air dried leaf sample of 50g was placed in the distillation flask with 250 ml of distilled water and the distillation was continued for 4 hours. Extracted oil was separated from the water and was collected in small glass bottles and kept in the fridge until quality extraction. For quality determination of leaf oil 2 replicates from each flush color was taken. Extracted oil from each flush color and authentic samples (Euginol, Safrol, Cinnamaldehyde and Cinnamyl acetate) for cinnamon leaf oil was subjected to Gas Liquid Chromatographic analysis (GLC) to identified four important components named Euginol, Cinnamaldehyde, Safrol and Cinnamyl acetate. The second experiment, effect of cinnamon leaf maturity levels on leaf oil content and quality was carried out according to the same procedure described above. But the planting material was “SRI GAMUNU” variety established in the research station. Results and Discussion The data was collected by conducting 4 months research at Cinnamon Research Station. Established Cinnamon varieties with different flush colors were taken to this research. Five (5) different flush colors were identified and leaf oil content was calculated. Dark red, Red, Brownish red, Brownish yellow red and light green were the 5 different flush colors. The colors were identified using Muncell color chart. Effect of Cinnamon flush color on leaf oil content and quality According to the data analysis (Figure 1), dark red flush color contain highest amount of leaf oil that is around 3g of leaf oil per 50g of leaf. Brownish yellow red and light green flush color contains equal amount of leaf oil that is 2.8g of leaf oil content per 50g of leaves. Lowest amount of leaf oil was extracted from Brownish red color flush. According to the statistical analysis, results shows that there was a significant difference of the leaf flush color on leaf oil content. The results showed that the intensity of the red color increased with the increase of the leaf oil content and it emphasized that there was an indirect relationship between red color pigments and the leaf oil content also.Item Effect of Different Densities of Isachne globosa (Thunb.) O.Ktze on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Witharana, D.D.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Abeysekara, A.S.K.Weeds are the major biotic stress in rice production while act as a universal pest in agriculture. Weed management is the key factor towards achieving high productivity in rice cultivation. It has been reported in Sri Lanka that 30-40% of rice yields are generally lost due to weed competition in Sri Lanka (Abeysekera, 2001). Degree of loss due to weeds could be varied, depending on type of weed species, weed density, duration of crop weed interference, rice cultivar and cultural practices. Weeds grow quickly in direct seeded wetland rice cultivation compared with the weeds growth in wetland transplanted rice cultivation and other crops. Isachne globosa is one of the major noxious weed associated with the yield reduction of rice, across all agro ecological zones of the country. Even more present of I. globosa on rice field may not be economic to control and contemplate on herbicide spraying also depends on the density of weeds. No scientific study has conducted to find out the competitiveness of I. globosa and its effect on growth and yield of rice. Hence, the objective of this study was to find the effect of different densities of I. globosa on growth and yield of rice. Methodology A field experiment was conducted in an open ground at the Weed Science Division of Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda which is in the Low country Intermediate Zone of Sri Lanka, during Dry season (Yala) from May to September 2013. The pots were filled with puddle soil which was directly taken from the field, with a pH of 5.95, cation exchange capacity 115μS/cm, soil organic matter 1.80%, available N 18meq/100g, lsen’s P 1 ppm, and available K 0.11meq/100g. In this experiment, 30cm*30cm pots were used in Complete Randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The treatments were consisted with seven and control. Three months old rice variety Bg 300 was used in the study and sprouted seeds were sown in the 7.5cm*7.5cm and I. globosa stem cuttings were planted surrounding the rice seedlings maintaining equal distance. The un-introduced weeds were uprooted time to time to maintain the desired weed density. All the other plant protection and agronomic practices were adopted according to the recommendations of the Department of Agriculture. Plant growth parameters were collected in two weeks interval and 56 days old weeds were uprooted to measure the dry weight. The number of panicles per square meter, number of grains per panicle, filled grain percentage, thousand grain weight and grain yield per square meter were recorded after harvest. The data were statistically analyzed using the statistical package Minitab15.Item Effect of Dilution and Leaching Temperature on Extractable Protein Content in Natural Rubber Latex Gloves(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Kumari, T.B.K.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Kumara, P. H. S.Natural rubber latex is an invaluable raw material in the present world. There are number of products made out of natural rubber latex as it has valuable properties like high tensile strength and elasticity. Natural rubber products are two different types as dry rubber products and latex based products. The synthetic rubber products have come in to the market of rubber product designing and it competes with natural rubber products. The major problem associated with natural rubber latex products is the 'type I allergy' caused by the proteins leached from the sweat or other body fluids (Parra, 2005). The reason is proteins present in natural rubber latex. The main aim of this study was to introduce two alternative methods to tackle the protein allergy in natural rubber products. Acid treatments, potassium hydroxide treatments and addition of water soluble polymers as strategies have been already introduced to reduce extractable proteins in natural rubber products. In this study, the effect of dilution and leaching temperature increment was investigated as another two methods to reduce the extractable proteins in the natural rubber products.Item Effect of Mulching on Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var green coronet) Cultivation in Welimada Area(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasundara, J.M.C.K.K.; Hearath, H.M.S.K.; Dabarera, R.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of mulching on cabbage (Brassica oleracea. var green coronet) cultivation. Cabbage seedlings (25 — 27 days old) were used as planting materials and mulching applications such as (i) no mulch (control,T1), (ii) white polythene (T2), (iii) silver polythene (T3), and (iv) weed slash (organic) (T4) were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Leaf area (length and width), head girth, fresh and dry mass, length of roots, no of roots, no of leaves and weed infestation were recorded. The results showed that there was a significant (p>0.05) difference in plant leaf area at two weeks after transplanting between the treatments, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the treatments with respect to the number of leaves The mean head girth of all amended treatments increased over the control. However, the increase was significant (p<0.05) only at T2. There was a similar effect on both fresh and dry masses of cabbage by the four treatments. Accordingly, both the lowest fresh and dry masses were recorded in the control whereas the highest was given by the white polythene treatment. The treatments also significantly (p<0.05) affected the number and length of roots in cabbage. Six weeks after transplanting, the mean weed score for T 1, T2, T3 and T4 mulching applications were 4.0, 2.0, 2.0, and 3.0, respectively. White and silver mulches were the most effective mulch material for cabbage production. When growing green coronet cabbage in up country, it is recommended to mulch with white or silver polythene in order to realize near perfect growth and yield. Keywords: Mulches, Brassica oleracea, Green coronet, Weed suppression, Growth and yieldItem Effect of palmyrah coir dust on physicochemical properties of potting media and on growth and yield of chilli(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Puthisigamani, S.; Jayasinghe, H.A.S.L.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Nilushiny, A.M.; Vijeindran, S.S.Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) coir dust is a major by-product of the fibre industry. Coir waste or coir pith is generally a mixture of dust, bits and fibres of shortlength that is rejected during the process of coir extraction. Coir dust is a spongy material which can absorb ample quantity of water compared to its weight and it is a valuable carbon source which could be used in agriculture to maintain and improve the organic matter content of depleted soils(Vidhana Arachchi and Somasin, 1997). Organic matter can improve the soil properties in long run (Kularathne et al., 2005).Although Palmyrah coir dust is a very useful carbon source for agriculture, it is wasted by burning at the factory. No studies have been undertaken to investigate the beneficial effects of palmyrah coir dust which can be used in agriculture. This research was conducted to study the effect of palmyrah coir dust on physicochemical properties of potting media and on growth & yield of capsicum. Methodology A pot experiment was carried out at Palmyrah Research Institute, Jaffna under greenhouse conditions(temperature 30.1 C and relative humidity 80.9 % during day time). Six treatments were used: T1:-control (soil alone), T2:- palmyrah coir dust: soil (1:1), T3:- palmyrah coir dust: soil (1:3), T4:-palmyrah coir dust: soil: sand (2:1:1), T5:- palmyrah coir dust: soil: sand (1:2:1), T6:- palmyrah coir dust: soil: sand (1:1:2). The experiment was laid in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Hungarian Yellow Wax variety was selected as the test crop considering its short harvesting period.Potting media were prepared by mixing palmyrah coir dust, soil and sand in a different ratio on weight basis according to the treatments. All agronomic practices were undertaken according to the guidelines provided by the Department of Agriculture (DAO, 2006). Plant height (cm), crop yield (g), bulk density (g/cm ), porosity (%), water retention (% wt), pH, electrical conductivity (µs/cm), cation exchange capacity (meq/100g), available nitrogen (%), available phosphorus (%), organic carbon (%), exchangeable calcium (%) and exchangeable magnesium (%) were measured. Data was analyzed using SAS software package and the mean separation was done by Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p=0.05 probability level. Results and Discussion Significantly, the highest bulk density (1.41± 0.05 g/cm ) was recorded in the control treatment (T1). As given in Table 1, the lowest porosity (88.63 ± 0.05 %) and the lowest water retention (33.64 ± 0.05 %) were recorded in control treatment (T1). The highest porosity (95.75 ± 0.05 %) and the highest water retention (153.26 ± 0.05 %) were recorded in T4 treatment (palmyrah coir dust: soil: sand 2:1:1) followed by T5 treatment and T3 treatment at 5 % probability level. Palmyrah coir dust is a light weight material with low bulk density (0.128 g/cm ).Incorporation of palmyrah coir dust increased the porosity and water retention of potting media and reduced the bulk density.Item Evaluate the Different Gum Extracting Tapping System of Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale L.)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Arachchi, W.A.W.D.W.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Herath, H.M.S.P.; Nugawela, R.C.W.M.R.A.Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is native of North East Brazil. Its area of origin seems to have been the state of Ceare, where the tree is found to be this day in large natural forest (Jayasekara and Jayasekara, 2003). Collectively, cashew is usually considered the third or fourth the greatest nut of commerce (by mass) worldwide. Cashew is a perennial crop, which gives its harvest once in the year and harvesting period is about three to four months and in rest of the period in the year it is not making much attention to crop by most of farmers since they are not having economical benefits. Hence, this situation will affect to next year nut yield as well. Economic life span of cashew tree is about 30 years. Thus, utilization of unproductive and old plants is important to obtain continuous economic benefits to farmers. Cashew-gum extraction represents one more source of revenue for the producer, in addition to the cashew nut yield and the peduncle, as well as an alternative for the utilization of non productive cashew trees in a phase of decline or senescence (Lima, 2002). The resin is synthesized in the epithelial cells lining pockets or canals and then secreted into internal cavities (Lima, 2002). There are many application potentials can be identified in food industry, pharmaceutical industry and stationary industry (Gyedu et al., 2008 and Kumar et al., 2009). Therefore, there will be huge undiscovered potential to cashew gum in future if we could produce them in substantial amounts. Findings of this study will be important to the cashew cultivators, researchers, gum produces and gum base industries. Objectives of this study were to investigate potential of harvesting cashew gum and to identify the proper gum exudates method to tap the cashew trees. Methodology This study was conducted at Cashew Research Center, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, Kamandaluwa Plantation, Puttalam district. The experiment plot was laid down in two factor factorial design with main two factors with four replicates. The main two factors were shape of cut (Horizontal cut, Vertical cut, “V” Shaped cut and 450 angle cut) and tapping depth (100% bark depth, 75% bark depth, 50% bark depth and 25% bark depth). Sampling plot consisted wit h 64 randomly selected fourteen years old budded cashew plants, which were propagated using single mother tree. Bark depth of cashew trees were measured using a bark gauge and tapping was practiced using conventional rubber tapping knife. One fourth of tree girth was taken as tapping length for all experimental trees. Maximum height for each cut was 60 cm from the ground level. A plastic cup was hanged to stem to collect cashew gum. Tapping direction was decided according to the cutting method. For “V” shape cut, tapping panel was marked by using a stencil and half of tapping length (one eighth of girth) was taken to one side of tapping line. For the 45 angle shape cut also, tapping panel was drawn by using a stencil. Growth parameters (girth, height and canopy size) were recorded from all experimental trees. Yield parameters namely availability of gum within unit time periods (three, six, and twenty four hours interval), gum yield within 24 hours interval and state of gum (liquid or solid) with three to six hours were recorded. Data was subjected to Pearson correlation analysis and Tukye Mean Separation using Minitab Analytical software package (version 15.00) and SAS analytical software package (Version 9).Item Evaluation of the Mordent Property of Coconut Husk Retted Water at Different Ages(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Sandakelum, R.H.P.; Alakolanga, A.G.A.W.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.Today, the Brown Coir has become the leading agent in coconut husk fiber industry. It is used fiber for mattresses. The main step of Coconut brown coir fiber production industry is coconut husk retting process for the extraction of coir fiber in coir industry (Bhat & Nambudiri, 1971). For that the husk is steeped in water for 4-5 months in Sri Lanka (Menon & Pandalai, 1958). As a result of retting, large quantities of organic substances including pectin, pentosan, fat, tannins, and also toxic phenols are liberated into water. This coconut retted water is a waste product and a huge environmental problem. This research was focused in utilizing coconut retted water as a mordent in fabric dyeing industry. A mordent is a substance used to set dyes on fabrics or tissue sections by forming a coordination complex with the dye which then attaches to the fabric or tissue. The function of the mordant is to fix the dye on to the material or fiber. The dyeing industry these days pose severe environmental problems due to accumulation of the synthetic dyes and mordents. Majority of these synthetic dyes and mordents are not bio-degradable and consequently most of them are being banned. At this juncture, the use of natural coloring material as mordents and dyes play a very important role and now-a-days the industry is trying out on natural forms to avoid, environmental hazards. Methodology Uniform pieces of cotton fabric weighing 0.25 g were boiled in hot water bath at 100 ˚C to remove unnecessary particles in cotton fabric. Each piece was then boiled with coconut retted water at different ages (1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months) separately in a water bath for another 20 minutes. A 0.25 mg/ml concentrated FeSO 4 was used as the control. Then, all cotton fabric pieces were allowed to dry. The dye preparations were made as 30 ppm solutions. The cotton fabric pieces which were treated with coconut retted water at different ages were impregnated with dye preparations in a boiling tube and heated in a water bath at 60°C for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, they were boiled over a Bunsen flame for 5 minutes for complete adhesion of the dye on to the fabric. These pieces were then allowed to dry to complete the process. Nine trials were carried out with each sample of coconut retted water with sky blue color. The process was repeated with FeSO4 impregnated cotton fabric pieces and with cotton fabric pieces without any mordent as positive controls and negative controls respectively. Nine trials were conducted for both positive and negative controls. After completing the dyeing process, all cotton fabric pieces were subjected to visual comparison with a standard color chart by 30 individuals. To evaluate the effect of coconut retted water as a mordent, colored cotton fabrics were washed a mild acid solution, a mild base solution and a detergent solution. Amount of washed out dye was measured by measuring the absorbance of solutions at 340 nm.Item Factors Affecting on Adoption of Paddy Transplanter in Mahawali Areas(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Athapaththu, A.M.S.B.; Rathnayake, R.M.P.S.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Sudeera, N.L.After the industrial revolution, many agriculture activities were mechanized. However, seed establishment of paddy is still not mechanized in Sri Lanka. This research was designed to find the reasons for low usage and poor awareness among the farmers about the transplanting machineries. Mahaweli system B was selected for the study considering the usage of machineries in paddy cultivation. Judgment sampling and random sampling methods were used to select the 100 respondents from Aselapura, Damminna and Sewanapitiya areas. A pre tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Fourteen variables were subjected to the logistic regression. According to the results, five variables were significantly affected and positively related to adoption for the paddy trans¬planter namely; age of the farmer, experience of the farmer, land area, average yield per acre under 5% significant level and paddy variety under 10% significant level. According to the study, there was a higher yield when using paddy trans-planter rather than using sowing method. But the cost of production and time consumption were high comparative to the sowing method which caused to low usage and poor awareness among the farmers and less attraction of younger generation towards the usage of transplanting machineries. Keywords: Cost of production, Paddy transplanter, Sowing method, YieldItem Factors Affecting on Income Generation from Kandyan Home Gardens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Premasinghe, Y.H.G.D.B.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Seneviratne, M.A.P.K.; Rathnayaka, R.M.P.S.Great population growing rates, growing land division and constant mono-cropping have caused in low farm efficiency and food uncertainty in Sri Lanka. Most of the households in Kandy district continue Kandyan home garden structure in addition to their plantations. These home gardens are recognized to considerably contribute to food production and the cash revenue generation of the farm households, there is inadequate of quantitative information on the profits of Kandyan home gardens in the country. The main purpose of this study was therefore to identify the factors affecting on income generation from Kandyan home gardens. The study was conducted in Udunuwara and Yatinuwara divisional secretariat divisions in Kandy district. A household questionnaire survey was used to collect data about household income and other related characteristics. One hundred and fifty (150) households were selected for the survey based on stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviews at household level. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the Income From Kandyan Home Gardens (IFKHG) significantly determined by the factors of gender of the householder, main income of the householder, time spent in the home garden, number of crop types in the home garden and expenses derived from the home garden, family size and interest to work in the home garden at 5% significant level. Age of the householder, gender of the respondent, land area, family size, time spent and number of crop types represent the positive relationship with the income from Kandyan home gardens. Education level of the householder, main income of the householder, interest to work in the home garden and expenses derived from the home garden represent the negative relationship with income from Kandyan home gardens. This study will have a potential to increase livelihoods significantly specifically if farmers take the steps to make production more sustainable. Keywords: Kandyan home garden, Income, HouseholdItem Nitrogen and potassium fertilizer response on growth and yield of hybrid Luffa –Naga f1 variety(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Dissanayake, D.R.T.N.K.; Herath, H.M.S.K.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Weerasinghe, P.Luffa is a tropical and subtropical vegetable, belongs to family Cucurbiteceae. It is predominantly monoecious in sex expression and provides an ample scope for utilization of hybrid vigor. Hybrid varieties develop through open pollination, produce higher yields due to its hybrid vigor. Naga F1 hybrid variety consists number of desirable traits other than higher yield such as strong and vigorous plants, fruits with long deep ridges, attractive green color fruits Luffa cultivars.Unavailability of fertilizer recommendations for hybrid cucurbit vegetables leads to an excess fertilizer application causing a vital environmental issue that creates undesirable impacts on nature and the human health. Main Objective of this research is to determine effect of different nitrogen and potassium fertilizer rates on growth and yield of Naga F1 Variety. Other objectives are, to evaluate specific growth parameters and yield, to identify the optimum nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels based on growth and yield of hybrid Luffa variety. As well as to formulate the general fertilizer recommendation for hybrid Luffa -Naga F1 variety. Methodology Hybrid Luffa - Naga F1 variety seeds were used as planting material. The experiment consisted of nine treatments involving three nitrogen fertilizer levels and three potassium fertilizer levels based on recommendation of the Department of Agriculture for local Luffa varieties. Recommended dosage of phosphorous fertilizer level was applied for each treatment.Fertilizers were applied at the basal dressing and two top dressings in three week intervals accordingly. Fertilizer sources for N, K and P are Urea, Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) respectively. The study was carried out in randomized complete block design. Field experiment was conducted in order to obtain growth and yield parameters of Naga F 1 variety. Plant growth parameters were leaf number per vine and vine length at 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks after planting intervals. Yield attributes were fruit girth, fruit length, yield per vine, yield per hectare up to ten consequent harvest. Laboratory analysis were performed in order to determine initial soil composition andnitrogen and potassium contents in leaves and fruitsat peak harvesting stage. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17 statistical software. Treatment means differences were evaluated by Tukey mean comparison tests at 0.05 significant level.Item Selection of an effective biofilmed biofertilizer formulation and best potting medium for anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Rathnayake, R.M.D.C.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Jayasinghe, H.A.S.L.; Seneviratne, K.A.C.N.Anthurium is identified as one of the crops prioritized for the development and export promotion in Sri Lanka (Kelegama, 2001). Optimum growth and flowering of Anthurium mainly depend on potting medium, fertilizer and light levels (Higaki et al, 1994). Potting medium rich in nutrients and effective fertilizers can be used for the optimum growth of this plant. Beneficial biofilm based biofertilizers called biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs) have been introduced recently (Seneviratne et al., 2010). Present study was focused to select an effective biofilmed biofertilizer formulation and evaluate the comparative effect of different potting media on vegetative growth of Anthurium andreanum plant. Methodology The present study was carried out at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. Two experiments with different treatments were conducted during this study. First experiment was conducted under shade house conditions with different fertilizer treatments; 50 % chemical fertilizer (CF), 50 % CF + BFBF and100 % CF recommended for Anthurium was selected as the control. In the second experiment, four different potting media (inert particle mixture, coir chips, leaf litter with sand, control) were used and the existing potting medium, which was used at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya was taken as the control. Different BFBF with 50 % CF application was under taken at one week interval for the plants of the first experiment and 50 % CF application was under taken at one week interval for the plants of second experiment. Initial data were collected before the plants establishment and final vegetative growth parameters were measured after three months of plant establishment in both experiments. Plant height (cm), plant weight (g), total root length (cm), leaf number, leaf area, root number and the chlorophyll content were considered as the vegetative growth parameters. Treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Mean separation was conducted using the Tukey method (P< 0.05). MINITAB 16 statistical package (Minitab Inc.) was used for data analysis in both experiments.Item Standardization of Suitable Pre-treatments to Break Dormancy of Queen Palm (Livistona rotundifolia) Seeds(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Tennakoon, A.H.M.N.L .; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; De Mel, C.J.Queen palm (Livistona rotundifolia) is a popular hermaphroditic palm which has the highest demand as a pot plant. It requires a shady sheltered place in the sub-tropics and humid, tropical areas.It is a palm which only propagates from seeds and also disreputable in the nursery trade for slow and uneven seed germination mainly because of hard and impermeable seed coat.The hard seed coat prevents imbibition and gaseous exchange that leads to physical dormancy. It has been estimated that over 25% of all palm species having less than 20% total germination (Tomlinson, 1990). Due to the often slow and uneven germination of seeds, there is a great deal of interest to develop a technique to soften the hard seed coat that might result in more even rates of germination. Therefore, an experiment was carried out to standardize the best treatment to overcome the dormancy and to attain higher germination potential. Methodology This experiment was carried out in a shade house at the Omega Green (Pvt.) ltd, Negambo which is in the Low country Wet Zone of Sri Lanka from May to September 2013.The seed samples obtained from numerous arbitrarily selected trees in Godigamuwa area and samples of different maturity levels were tested for viability. Seeds were assessed for germination behavior and seedling characters with four pretreatments. Treatments were T 1- Presoaking treatment in cold water for 12 hours (Control), T 2- Hot water soaking treatment in 55 to 60 C hot water for 2 minutes and subsequently soaked in water for 12 hours, T 3- Mechanical Treatment with hammer, and T4-Chemical Treatment (seeds were treated with 10% Na2HOCl solution for 10 to 30 minutes and soaked in water for 12 hours).Seeds were soaked for 7 days in water prior to the dormancy breaking treatments. Treated seeds were sown in seed beds containing coir dust, sand 1:1 ratio as medium. These treatments were arranged in Single Factor Complete Randomized design (CRD) with four treatments in four replicates. Seed germination behavior and seedling characters were measured after first month of sawing. Four month aftersowing, counts were made and germination expressed as percentage of seeds which produce normal seedlings. After germination count twenty random seedlings from each treatment were measured for their shoot and root length. Vigor index was calculated as prescribed by ISTA (1985).Item Study on Effectiveness of Ascorbic Acid, DRC+3 and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) on Recovery of Tapping Panel Dryness (TPD) of Rubber Trees(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Watawala, W.K.S.W.; Senevirathna, A.M.W.K.; Arachchi, M.P.M.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Nayanakantha, N.M.C.; Samarasekara, R.K.Tapping panel dryness (TPD) of rubber is known as a physiological disorder (oxidative stress), which occurs in all rubber clones growing everywhere in the world resulting in severe loss of yield. At present, TPD affected trees are rested for about six months period to reduce stress to the trees in order to minimize TPD. There is no any effective treatment has been found to prevent or cure TPD. Therefore, rubber growers face serious problems due to high economic losses caused by TPD. This experiment was conducted to find the effectiveness of some chemical treatments for trees affected with TPD. Ninety TPD affected trees and 30 healthy trees of clone RRIC 121 that were planted in 1996 were selected. All the trees were being tapped at half spiral, every other day (S/2 d2), downward (J.) tapping system in the first renewed panel (C=BI- 1 panel). A commercial chemical named, DRC+3, Ascorbic acid (AA) and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) as a NO (nitric oxide) donor were used for the experiment, which are said to having antioxidant properties. DRC+3 (1g per tree with 6 days intervals), Ascorbic acid (1mM & 0.5mM with 6 days intervals) and Sodium Nitroprusside (100pM & 50 p..M with 2 weeks intervals) were applied on affected TPD trees with an untreated control. In another experiment, DRC+3(ig per tree with 10 days intervals) was applied for healthy trees with untreated control. Although data were not statically significant, there is a trend in increasing the yield per tree per tapping (g/t/t/) in TPD affected trees treated with DRC+3 and, Ascorbic acid, more prominently with 1 mM AA. Higher concentrations of Sodium Nitroprusside might be preferred as there was a positive effect on increasing yield of TPD affected trees with 100 11M SNP compared to 501.IM concentration, though the yield increase was not statistically significant. When compared to the pretreatment data and yield increase during the short period of the experiment, further continuation of this experiment is needed to arrive at firm conclusions. Key words: Ascorbic acid, DRC+3, Physiological disorder, Sodium Nitroprusside, Tapping panel dryness