Export Agriculture Degree Programme (EAG)
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Item Allelopathic Effect of Weeds Extracts on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicam L.)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Ranaweera, R.A.T.L.The weeds are used as mulch, green manure and in compost production that could favourably or adversely affect on crops due to presence of allelochemicals. Such chemicals can be present in any part of the plant and release to microenvironment by leaching, root exudation, residue decomposition and other processes. This study was undertaken to evaluate the allelopathic effect of four common weed species available in agricultural lands on growth and yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicam L. var. Padma) under plant house conditions. The dried vegetative parts of Kura thampala (Amaranthus viridis), Bubovitiya (Clidemia hirta), Panithora (Cassia occidentalis) and Hulanthala (Ageratum conysoides) were used to extract aqueous solutions at different concentrations i.e. 4%, 8%, and 12%. Aqueous solutions were applied two weeks after transplanting and continued at one-day intervals until harvesting. Three replicates were used for each treatment in Complete Randomized Design with a control (water applied). Vegetative and reproductive characteristics of tomato such as plant height, No of leaves, No of branches, stem girth, total chlorophyll content, No of flowers, No of fruits, and fruit weight were recorded. Total polyphenol content of weed species and variation of soil pH and EC were analyzed in monthly intervals. The application of 4% of Hulanthala was shown the positive performances in vegetative growth, while 12% of Panithora reported the lowest values for both vegetative and reproductive growth of tomato compared to other treatments (p<0.05). Further, the highest total polyphenol content was in Bubovitiya and highest fruit weight was reported in the plants treated with 4% Bubovitiya compared to other weed species (p<0.05) with the highest brix value. It can be concluded that the weeds such as Hulanthala and Bubovitiya could be used in preparation of compost or in other organic applications at lower concentrations to obtain better growth and yield performances of tomato. Keywords: Allelochemicals, Reproductive growth, Tomato, Vegetative growth, WeedsItem ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND OIL YIELD OF Cymbopogon nardus AND Cymbopogon winterianus IN THANAMALWILA AREA(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) GAMAGE, T.G.K.M.Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) plant is a perennial crop which is used to extract citronella oil as a commercial product. Citronella is cultivated in Southern coastal area of Sri Lanka, mostly in Matara and Hambantota districts. Citronella cultivation is recently started in Thanamalwila area. Variety, climatic and soil condition can affect the yield and chemical composition of citronella oil. Objective of this study was to analyze and compare the oil yield and chemical composition of two species cultivated in Thanamalwila area to select the best species for oil extraction. Steam distillation technique was used to extract the citronella oil and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was followed to analyze the chemical composition. It was found significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentages of Citronellol (7.14%), Citronellal (9.02%) and Geraniol (16.01%) in Cymbopogon nardus than in Cymbopogon winterianus in which the respective values were 4.68%, 4.81% and 6.3%. There were no other significant differences between two species with respect to their Camphene, Limonene and Borneol contents. The oil yield of Cymbopogon nardus was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of Cymbopogon winterianus. Therefore, it could be concluded that Cymbopogon nardus shows the best characteristics for oil extraction out of the two species tested in the Thanamalwila area. Keywords: Citronella, Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon winterianus, ThanamalwilaItem ANALYSIS OF COMBINING ABILITY AND HETEROSIS IN TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum) USING FULL DIALLEL CROSS(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) JAYARATHNA, R.G.Y.H.Combining ability and heterosis were studied in a full diallel mating design among four tomato cultivars (PH 12561, PH 12585, PH 12696 and PH 12835). The four parents and twelve hybrids as well as reference hybrid (Bhathiya) were evaluated on traits; (vegetative traits, reproductive traits, yield traits and fruit quality traits). Genetic parameters estimated by the Griffing's analysis method. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among all the F1 hybrid means and their respective four parental values for most of traits. The mean squares due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were also highly significant for most of traits. Cultivar PH 12835 was found to be the best general combiner for vegetative, reproductive and yield traits. Cultivar PH 12696 was found to be the best combiner for fruit quality traits. PH 12561 X PH 12835 F1 hybrid was performed most of positive specific combining ability with increase vigor of F1 over the mid parent, better parent and standard variety for the vegetative and yield traits. PH 12585 X PH 12835 F1 hybrid was performed positive specific combining ability with increase vigor of F1 over the mid parent, better parent and standard variety for the reproductive traits. PH 12561 X PH 12696 F1 hybrid was performed positive specific combining ability with increase vigor of F1 over the better parent, mid parent and standard variety for the fruit quality traits. Low to moderate narrow sense heritability was observed in vegetative, yield and fruit quality traits. Low narrow sense heritability was observed in reproductive traits. Keywords: F1 hybrids, General combining ability, Specific combining ability, Hybrid vigor, HeritabilityItem ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE LONG TERM SURVIVAL OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE LIVESTOCK BUSINESSES - EMPIRICAL EVIDENCES FROM VAVUNIYA DISTRICT(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) NIROJAN, V.In Vavuniya district, despite the fact that some small and medium scale livestock businesses have been declining or stagnant, some others have been successful and growing. What factors affect business survival among small and medium scale livestock businesses? The recent study aims to answer this main question. Based on survey to 100 small scale livestock businesses, the study discloses that business plan, marketing, capital access and entrepreneurial readiness affect the business survival in a positive way significantly, while government support and information access were burden of business survival. Altogether, independent variables explain 65.6% of the total variances. These findings suggest that to be successful small and medium livestock businesses, the owners of the small and medium livestock businesses should pay more attention to improve marketing strategy, to advance to get capital access to prepare good business plan and to make suitable entrepreneurial readiness. Other interested parties with development of small and medium scale livestock businesses such as government agencies, universities, and agrarian department should also be prepared for giving assistances in those fields. Key words: Small and medium scale livestock businesses, long term busiss survival, success factors, Vavuniya districtItem ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE TEA EXPORTERS' VALUE ADDED DECISION(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) ABEYRATHNA, S.M.J.C.Sri Lanka is looking forward to maximize the contribution from exports to strengthen the economy. Tea is considered as a one major exporting crops and the Ceylon tea having the best recognition in the world market. But, it is gradually losing the market share due to high cost of production and continuous focus on bulk tea. Therefore country should focus on value added products. Earnings from value added forms are at least 2.5 times higher than that of bulk form and Sri Lanka exports only 42% of value added tea. The research was carried out with two objectives. Main objective is to analyze the factors affecting on exporters' perception on value added decision. In this research study, out of major 50 tea exporters, randomly selected 30 exporters were interviewed. Descriptive statistic techniques were used to summarize and describe the data in an abbreviated form and a multiple regression was used to determine the extent to which the identified variables affect to the dependent variable. All the variables like attitudes, market, support services, framework conditions like government policies and branding are significant at 5% significance level and only market and support services are significant at 1% significance level. This implies that above mentioned variables are heavily affecting the dependent variable, the production of value added tea. According to the calculations, R2 is 0.8114 and it indicates that 81% of the depende,nt variable is explained by the above variable combinations. Adjusted R2 was 0.7266 in the model. Accordingly the effect of attitudes towards the production of value added tea is significant and for value added decision, it is a must to have a positive attitude. Market also a main factor which pushes the exporters towards the value added decision and the support services are another important factor which encourages the exporters towards value addition. Framework conditions are also influential factors on value addition and the branding is the essence of the value addition. Quality of products and the inputs are not significantly affecting on value added decision and technology and the financial factors are also not significant to the value added decision. Research findings show exporters having positive attitudes and updated knowledge on the value addition and the value added products. But the higher cost of production on value addition restricts them to certain extent and the verities of value added products. Newly establishing exporters find difficulties in accessing the market as they shouldItem Analysis of Household Demand for Food Away-From- Home (FAFH) In Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Darshana, I. N.Food consumption in Asia has undergone significant changes over the past two decades. This change in consumption patterns can be attributed to the rapid economic and income growth, urbanization, modernization of marketing infrastructures, the emergence of processed food companies, the spreading of multinational fast food service providers, increased female labour force participation. One of the biggest changes in food consumption patterns in Sri Lanka is the increased consumption of food away from home (FAFH). Nutritionists, economists, public health officials, and policymakers are concerned that consumption of more FAFH, relative to food at home (FAH) likely to contribute to food-related chronic diseases in humans. This study aims to investigate the demand characteristics of FAFH consumption in Sri Lanka. Data were extracted from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) in Sri Lanka. The theoretical model of this study is derived from discrete random utility theory within the framework of Becker's household production model. Factors influencing households' decisions to consume food away from home and how much to spend on these food items were analyzed using Cragg's double hurdle model. According to the results, Households living in urban area, households living in rural area and, household head's education level positively and significantly affect FAFH consumption decision while household head's age negatively affect. Household income, household living in the urban areas, household living the rural areas, household size, all adult household members are working, household head's education level and the household head being single positively and significantly affect on •FAFH expenditure decision while household head's age, presence of children and, household head is female negatively affect. Households living in urban areas, rural households, younger headed homes, better-educated households, and all working households tend to more convenient food than other households, as shown by their food expenditure patterns. It will also increase the FAFH spending levels by getting richer. Consumers can benefit greatly from educating them about healthy FAFH choices, especially if self-control is affected when eating away from home.Item ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS SUPPLY CHAIN IN BADULLA DISTRICT(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) PERERA, S.A.P.M.Organic Agriculture in Sri Lanka has gradually emerged through different sectors. There are number of non- government organizations, farmer organizations, private-owned organic farms and export companies who are involving in the promotion of organic production and marketing in Badulla district. But there is no any documented information source about the organic products supply chain in district. This study examined the existing chain components in terms of nature of interactions and transactions along the organic fruit and vegetable supply chain to find out the different problematic areas in the different interfaces. Farmers, marketers, enablers, facilitators and local customers were surveyed using semi- structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Analysis of the quality of interaction among the actors in major interfaces was conducted based on five major attributes, i.e. information flow, product and financial flow, knowledge and technology flow, capital and other resources flow and quality of relationship. Capital and other resources flow between farmers and their buyers/ collectors is not at the expected level. Although other attributes are in overall preferred state, there are few problematic aspects. Overall quality of interaction within retailer- customer interface is respectable. The study showed that the quality of interaction of fellow farmers is at satisfactory 1pvel, since the majority of them are involved in cultivation, jointly with farmer ,organizations. The supply chain map was developed to show major functions, actors/ stakeholders, end markets and enablers/ facilitators. The customer analysis revealed that the majority of them were willing to pay higher price for organic products than for conventional products. They were willing to pay only 5%-10% additional price. Majority of the customers considered organic certification as a highly important attribute of organic products. The customers highly concern on quality, price, variety, continuous supply and on- time delivery of organic products. Key Words: Organic Agriculture, Supply Chain Map, Badulla, Quality of Interaction, InterfaceItem ANALYSIS OF PESTICIDES RESIDUES IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EXPORTED TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AND DETERMINING THE EFFECT OF CHLORINE TREATMENT ON DIAZINON RESIDUES(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) MALLIKAARACHCHI, M.A.S.K.Presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities can cause acute and chronic toxicities on humans. The purpose of this study was to develop a monitoring programme to regulate the pesticide usage of farmers and to determine the effect of chlorine treatment on diazinon residues of tomato and bean samples. Two surveys were conducted to identify the malpractices of the farmers and exporters who cultivate and process the commodities which are exported to the EU. A total of 98 samples of fresh fruits and vegetables were analysed for the presence of active ingredients of pesticides. The quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe multi-residue extraction method was followed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. There were no malpractices identified at farmer level while three malpractices were identified at exporter level. Analytical results revealed that only 26% of the samples were positive for pesticide residues. Pesticide residues above the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) were detected in 65% of samples among the contaminated. Multiple residues (2-3) were present in 11% of contaminated samples. 11 pesticides were detected, of which 7 were insecticides, 4 were fungicides and no weedicides. Mostly detected active ingredients were profenophos and etofenphox, both of which were insecticides and carbendezim, a fungicide. The chlorine treatment had a significant effect on reduction of Diazinon residues in tomato (p = 0.024) and bean (p = 0.005) samples. The results confirmed the presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables exported to the EU. Chlorine treatment at 150 ppm dosage could effectively reduce the residues of pesticides in tomato and beans. Key words - Pesticides, Residues, Chlorine, Maximum Residue Limit, Pesticide ContaminationItem Analysis of Polyphenol and Total N Contents in Three Different Cultivars of Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Grown in Matara District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Disanayaka, P.S.H.Low-grown teas possess unique taste, color, and aroma compared to other types of tea grown in Sri Lanka. Those properties are governed by the biochemical composition of the tea leaves. However, there is no reported study related to the variation of the chemical profile of most common tea cultivars grown in the Matara District of the low country region. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the variation of polyphenol contents and Total nitrogen contents of commonly grown tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivars in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Further, Applicability of Near-infrared spectroscopy technique as the rapid method in total polyphenol and nitrogen content determination was one of the objectives of this study. Having followed stratified random sampling 18 estates were selected from Matara District keeping three tea inspector divisions; Morawaka, Akurassa, Uuruboka as strata. Tea cultivars; TRI 2025, TRI2026, and TRI 4042 were selected for this study. Selected fields were in the 3'd and 4th year from pruning and the 4th and 5th pruning cycle. Fresh tea leaves (two leaves one bud) from each variety grown in each selected estate were collected. The fresh tea leaves were placed in an icebox immediately after harvesting and transported to the laboratory. Then they were dried at 70 °C for 2 hours and packed in aluminum foil bags. Each sample was crushed and homogenized using a Burr Mill's grinder. Polyphenol and Total nitrogen contents of powdered tea leaf samples were analyzed by using a Near-infrared spectroscopy-based polyphenol analyzer machine (model GTN-B) at 780-2500 nm wavelength. Polyphenol contents of powdered tea leaf samples were also analyzed by Foilciocalteu spectrophotometric method for comparison. It was found that polyphenol contents of cultivars TRI 2025 (20.6 ± 1.12%), TRI 2026 (19.9 ± 1.12%), and TRI 4042 (18.9 ± 0.99%) were significantly different (P<0.05). Further, Total Nitrogen contents of the cultivars TRI 2025 (4.8 ± 0.48%) TRI 2026 (4.4 ± 0.25%), and TRI 4042 (3.9 ± 0.48%) were found to be significantly different. There were significant differences in polyphenol content of each division (p<0.05) Morawaka (19.1 ± 0.75) %, Uurubokka (19.1+0.62) %, Akurassa (21.3+0.81). The correlation coefficient for Near-infrared spectroscopy technique and Folin methods was 0.82. Therefore, with further validation, there is a potential of using the Near-infrared technique as a rapid method to determine theItem Analysis of Present Status and Production Forecasting of Potato Farming in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Weerasinghe, L.R.Potato is one of the most important cash crops in the upcountry Sri Lanka where majority of farmers depend on it as their main livelihood. Despite its importance to the economy, Sri Lanka mainly depends on the importation of potato from low cost producing countries which is a huge burden to the government. Under this background this study aims to analyze the present scenario of the potato industry in Sri Lanka with a view to forecast the potato production in the future. The Box Jekins Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series model has been employed for forecasting the potato production and production data obtained from Department of Census and Statistics for the period of 1997-2017 were used. The descriptive analysis shows that self sufficiency ratio in potato has not improved over the past few decades and there is a 95% import dependency. Moreover, potato importation bill has increased over the years from 1.30 billion LKR in 1997 to 5.44 billion LKR in 2017. In the meantime, 6.78% (DOA) increase in cost of production over the last two decades has been resulted in farmers reluctant to continue potato farming as their livelihood. Among the inputs, seed cost contributed to the highest share of the total cost of production. In this study used Cobb-Douglas production function for identified resource usage in each district. The study also revealed that the best models are ARIMA (0, 0, 1) and ARIMA (2, 0, 0) for future forecasting. Results obtained from the model showed the national potato production will be declined in the future. Therefore, this forecast would be useful for the policy makers to foresee the future requirement and the government to take measures to enhance the production capacity to cut the:burden on country's food import bill.Item ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF PEPPER GROWERS IN KANDY DISTRICT(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) JAYALATH, J.K.S.This research was carried out to analyze the performance of pepper farms in Kandy District by estimating the level of technical efficiency and to identify the determinants of technical efficiency of pepper farms. The research was also attempt to detennine some socio-economic characteristics and management practices which influence technical efficiency in pepper production. Technical efficiency is defined as the ratio of the observed output to the corresponding frontier and is estimated from the composed error term. A sample of 100 pepper farmers was selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure for this study through field survey that was conducted in six Extension Office ranges. Data were analyzed using the Stochastic frontier approach. The stochastic frontier production model was used in the analysis to determine the relationship between output and the level of input used in the study area. Using a cross sectional data obtained through a multistage sampling technique and this study estimated the technical efficiency of pepper crop production in Kandy and further examined the factors that determined the differential in efficiency index. The result revealed average technical efficiency of the farmers is 0.73. Age has the significant effect of technical inefficiency. Key wards: Pepper, Technical efficiency, Kandy district, Stochastic frontier functionItem ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING FOR THE DECISION OF INTERCROPPING PEPPER BY TEA SMALL HOLDERS IN YATINUWARA DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) MANUPRIYA, V.D.T.In Sri Lanka tea small holders in the mid country had been traditionally cultivating pepper, coffee and clove for a long time. Among these pepper is the most compatible crop with any category of tea in the mid and low elevations. Tea is a perennial tree crop which has a long immaturity period. It is therefore difficult to regulate supply on a short-term basis according to changing market conditions. This is one of the major reasons for prices to remain rather volatile and create uncertainty among both growers and consumers particularly the small businesses. Therefore intercropping minimizes these risks involved in growing a mono crop. This study analyses the factors determining the adoption of tea based pepper intercropping and determine whether the total family income is affected by intercropping pepper in tea lands in mid country wet zone at small holder level. Sample of 80 tea small holders were selected from Yatinuwara D.S. Division for the study.Out of the total list 80 farmers were proportionately selected from each Tea Inspector range in the area. According to the results of binary logistic model annual income from tea, land extent cultivated, field experience of the farmer, education level and type of labour usage were significant factors for the decision of intercropping pepper with tea. Lower income generated by tea mono cropping was encouraged the decision of intercropping pepper with tea, good experience on farming of both crops ,was highly favourable for intercropping and most of less educated people were tend to intercrop pepper with tea. According to the results obtained from multiple regression model intercropping pepper with tea was negatively affected for the total family income of the farmers. It implies that limitation of technical knowledge was the main problem subsequently faced by tea small holders who had adopted tea — pepper intercropping in the area. Results indicate that there is need for both income support through farm subsidies or incentives and more user friendly agricultural extension services, if tea - pepper intercropping is to be adopted more widely in the area. Keywords: Tea Pepper Intercropping, Binary logistic model, IncomeItem ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE REPLANTING DECISION BY TEA SMALL HOLDERS IN YATINUWARA DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) WEERASINGHE, W.M.H.P.Tea is the third largest foreign exchange earner in Sri Lanka and 74% of the total tea production in the country comes from tea small holdings sector. Despite superiority of tea small holders in numerous ways to the plantation sector, this sector is not free from problems. In conformity to national policy, 2% of the existing tea extent has to be annually replanted in order to maintain the tea extent to obtain maximum yield. However, present annual replanting rate in the tea small holdings sector is 0.8%. The low levels of decision making on replanting in tea small holdings is a factor responsible for not reaching desirable replanting rate. Considering this, a research was carried out in Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat division in Kandy district, to identify the factors affecting for replanting decision. 60 tea small holders were selected from Gannoruwa, Manikdiwele and Dhanthure by using the stratified random sample method and the data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and regression analysis. Present study identified that income sources other than tea, replanting subsidy, cost of replanting, price of green tea leaves, labour availability, credit facilities, and tea land size significantly affect on replanting decision of tea small holders. More specifically, one unit change in income sources other than tea, replanting subsidy, labour availability, and credit facilities lead to average change in replanting decision by 22.08, 0.00018, 16.00 and 10.80 units respectively, while age of tea small holder, cost of replanting, price of green tea leaves and tea land size negatively related to replanting decision. The study strongly recommends that increase in replanting subsidy and provision of credit facilities at a low interest rate should be considered to maintain an acceptable replanting rate. Key words: Replanting rate, Stratified random sample method, Regression analysis, Replanting subsidyItem Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Replanting Decision by Tea Small Holders in Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat Division(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Weerasinghe, W.M.H.P.Tea is the third largest foreign exchange earner in Sri Lanka and 74% of the total tea production in the country comes from tea small holdings sector. Despite superiority of tea small holders in numerous ways to the plantation sector, this sector is not free from problems. In conformity to national policy, 2% of the existing tea extent has to be annually replanted in order to maintain the tea extent to obtain maximum yield. However, present annual replanting rate in the tea small holdings sector is 0.8%. The low levels of decision making on replanting in tea small holdings is a factor responsible for not reaching desirable replanting rate. Considering this, a research was carried out in Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat division in Kandy district, to identify the factors affecting for replanting decision. 60 tea small holders were selected from Gannoruwa, Manikdiwele and Dhanthure by using the stratified random sample method and the data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and regression analysis. Present study identified that income sources other than tea, replanting subsidy, cost of replanting, price of green tea leaves, labour availability, credit facilities, and tea land size significantly affect on replanting decision of tea small holders. More specifically, one unit change in income sources other than tea, replanting subsidy, labour availability, and credit facilities lead to average change in replanting decision by 22.08, 0.00018, 16.00 and 10.80 units respectively, while age of tea small holder, cost of replanting, price of green tea leaves and tea land size negatively related to replanting decision. The study strongly recommends that increase in replanting subsidy and provision of credit facilities at a low interest rate should be considered to maintain an acceptable replanting rate. Key words: Replanting rate, Stratified random sample method, Regression analysis, Replanting subsidyItem Analysis of Yield and Some Physicochemical Properties of Tallow Rendered from Leather Industry Waste.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Vinothshanker, S.Flesh samples collected from fleshing waste of leather factory were oven dried, heated and tallow was collected as melted fat. The tallow yields were compared on the basis of gender, region, and species. There are significant differences (P < 0.05) in tallow yields obtained from cattle with respect to gender and region (Up country and low country). Considering buffalo, there is no any significant difference (P < 0.05) among tallow extracted from males and females. There is no any significant difference between the tallow from cattle (Low country) and buffalo (LC). Tallow was evaluated for iodine, saponification, acid value, free fatty acid, ash and moisture. The iodine, saponification, acid value, free fatty acid, content of crude fat were169.2, 301 (mg KOH/g), 51.78 (mg KOH/g), 0.5 as oleic acid %by wt, 37.665% respectively. Ash value and moisture content was 0.16 (mg/g) and 1.38% respectively. Extracted tallow cannot be suggested as a edible for human consumption (Codex).Higher saponification values lower the stability of tallow for soap production. Key words: Tallow; Rendering, yield, qualityItem ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND SOME PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OFTALLOW RENDERED FROM LEATHER INDUSTRY WASTE(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) VINOTHSHANKER, S.Flesh samples collected from fleshing waste of leather factory were oven dried, heated and tallow was collected as melted fat. The tallow yields were compared on the basis of gender, region, and species. There are significant differences (P < 0.05) in tallow yields obtained from cattle with respect to gender and region (Up country and low country). Considering buffalo, there is no any significant difference (P < 0.05) among tallow extracted from males and females. There is no any significant difference between the tallow from cattle (Low country) and buffalo (LC). Tallow was evaluated for iodine, saponification, acid value, free fatty acid, ash and moisture. The iodine, saponification, acid value, free fatty acid, content of crude fat were169.2, 301 (mg KOH/g), 51.78 (mg KOH/g), 0.5 as oleic acid %by wt, 37.665% respectively. Ash value and moisture content was 0.16 (mg/g) and 1.38% respectively. Extracted tallow cannot be suggested as a edible for human consumption (Codex).Higher saponification values lower the stability of tallow for soap production. Key words: Tallow; Rendering, yield, qualityItem AN ANALYSIS ON ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE GREEN INITIATIVES IMPLEMENTED IN TEA INDUSTRY OF SRI LANKA(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) DE SILVA, R.G.P.Green Initiatives (GIs) have been implemented in Sri Lankan tea industry through Haritha Lanka programme (HLP) to ensure its sustainable growth. According to HLP, organic tea cultivation (GI1), off- grid renewable energy utilization in the manufacturing process (GI2) and ozone friendly pure Ceylon tea certification system (GI3) are the major green initiatives. Though positive environment impact of these GIs has proven, yet no study has been carried out to find the economic impact after implementation. Therefore this study attempts to review the current situation and estimate the economic impact of the green initiatives (GI) implemented in Tea industry of Sri Lanka. Descriptive statistic techniques were used to review the current situation. By considering the annual income and cost of production (COP) as dependent variables two multiple regression models were used to estimate the economic impact of GIs on tea estate sector category. However as there is not a significance difference in COP between GI adopted and non — adopted category of Tea Small Holders (TSH), a separate multiple linear regression model was used to measure the impact by taking annual income as the dependent variable. Descriptive statistical analysis proves that dissemination of GI1 is very low in tea industry of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, only 55% of technical potential of GI2 is being utilized. ‘, Regression models for estate category suggest that COP has decreased due to the adoption of GI2 although there is no impact on annual revenues. However adoption to GI1 has lead to increase both COP and annual revenues. Hence, based on the regression results, it can be concluded that adoption to GIs at TSH level has increased the annual revenue generations. Key words: Haritha Lanka Programme, Green Initiatives, Tea Industry, Economic ImpactItem ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST SOME FUNGAL SPECIES ON POST HARVEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) SAMARASINGHE, S.P.R.R.Fungal diseases are a major problem occurred in fruit and vegetable cultivations and on post-harvest fruits. Application of systemic fungicides is the most common practice for commercial control of most of the post-harvest pathogens. Although synthetic fungicides have provided effective control of major postharvest diseases, their application may be harmful to human health and the environment and they become ineffective after prolonged use. There are some natural plants with antifungal activity against various fungal groups. Those natural products can be extracted by using different solvents and different extraction methods. This research study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) and Calendula officinalis Linn. (Marigold) plants extracts against fungal species such as Colletrotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Trichoderma spp. The extracts of fruit peel of M fragrans, and leaves of A. indica and C. officinalis, were obtained from four different solvents as hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. The antifungal assay was conducted in poisoned food technique under 5000 ppm concentration with three replicates. According to the results of the antifungal assay the best solvents for the extraction of antifungal compounds from M fragrans, A. indica and C. officinalis were founded as methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane respectively. Also the best antifungal plant against R. solani, C. gloeosporioides and Trichoderma spp was founded as M: fragrans and the best antifungal plant against F. oxysporum as A. indica. The results obtained from this study the fungal species on post-harvest fruits and vegetables would be able to control by using natural plant extracts without using chemicals. This may ensure more healthy post-harvest practices to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by preventing and reducing the fungal activity. Key words: Antifungal activity, Fruits, Vegetables, Extracts, Fungi, GrowthItem APPLICATION OF GAMMA IRRADIATION AS A QUARANTINE TREATMENT TO CONTROL FRUIT FLY (Bactrocera dorsalis) PREVAILING ON EXPORT POTENTIAL MANGO FRUITS IN SRI LANKA(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) MADHUSHANI, U.G.L.Fruit flies cause considerably serious damages and losses to mango fruits by reducing quality and nutritional suffering. Among all the quarantine treatments, irradiation is unique as it is the only treatment used which does not cause acute mortality; instead, insects are prevented from maturing or are sterilized. Currently there are no any approved irradiation quarantine treatment doses for eggs of Bactrocera dorsalis. Therefore this study was conducted to control eggs of B. dorsalis in fresh quality mango fruits with the use of gamma radiation. A laboratory trial was carried out to test the efficacy of Gamma Radiation, at 100 Gy, 200 Gy and 250 Gy on export quality Tom EJC mango fruits using with artificially inoculated B. dorsalis eggs. Irradiation treatments were initiated to determine whether these doses could be used to reduce the growth or mortality of B. dorsalis eggs and to test if any adverse effects are occurred on the export quality of the fruit. The experiment was carried out in Complete Randomized Design with four treatments including a control and three replicates and each replicate included three fruits where approximately 50 eggs were introduced to each fruit. After exposing to gamma irradiation, there was no any adult emergence but some of eggs were developed into larvae and pupae. No significant difference was observed in titratable acidity, brix, color, moisture content, pH, and texture and water activity of irradiated fruits compared to untreated fruits. Therefore, selected three gamma radiation dosages can be declared suitable for reducing the development of B. dorsalis eggs and it does not cause any quality defects to the fruit. Key words —Bactrocera dorsalis, Irradiation, Mango, QuarantineItem Ascorbic Acid and Antioxidant Level of Ceylon Olive (Elaeocarpus Serratus) as Affected by Variety, Stage of Maturity at Harvest and Different Methods of Preservation(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Rasnayaka, R.M.D.D.M.There has been growing interest in the beneficial health effects of edible fruits as well as certain beverages. Their protective mechanisms against chronic-degenerative diseases are thought to be attributed to the presence of natural antioxidants,, minerals and vitamins. This study attempts to investigate the dynamics of changes in ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, pH, titratable acidity and Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in two varieties of Ceylon Olive (Elaeocarpus serratus); Pol weralu and Heen weralu and to evaluate the quality of Ready to Serve (RTS) drinks prepared from both varieties. The research was conducted at Food Research Unit, Gannoruwa from February to June, 2010 using Complete Randomized Design (CRD). RTS drinks were evaluated for sensory attributes using Friedman test. The level of ascorbic acid was measured using 2, 6-Dichlorophenol-Indopenol (DCPIP) method. Methanolic extracts of fruits and RTS drinks were analyzed by DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant assay. The highest content of ascorbic acid was detected in mature fruits of Heen weralu (66.15 mg per 100 g), while it was lowest (27.30 mg per 100 g) in "Pol weralu" at ripe stage. Ascorbic acid content of RTS drink (Pol weralu) and RTS drink (Heen weralu) were 13.3 mg per 100 ml and 27.65 mg per 100 ml respectively as compared to 27.30 mg per 100 g and 43.40 mg per 100 g in ripe fruits. The highest value of TSS (17.05) and pH (4) was observed in full ripe Heen weralu. The IC50 (inhibition concentration 50) which represent the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Pol weralu and Heen weralu were 6.68 and 5.54 mg m1-1 respectively. Result confirmed that among two varieties, Heen weralu was best in terms of antioxidant activity for both fruit and RTS drink. RTS drink (Heen weralu) was the best sample which showed the highest rank sum value for sensory attributes.