Research Symposium-2016
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Browsing Research Symposium-2016 by Subject "Agriculture"
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Item Antagonistic Effect of Five Native Trichoderma Isolates on Economically Important Foliar Pathogens of Rubber(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Sandamali, P.K.N.N.; Chandrasena, G.; Fernando, T.H.P.S.; Silva, P.D.P.M.D.Rubber foliar diseases play an important role in latex yield losses of rubber plantations in Sri Lanka. The frequent use of chemical fungicides to control causative pathogens leads to environmental pollution, hazardous to human and may lead to the development of new chemical resist pathogenic strains. Trichoderma species are the most widely studied bio control agent against many economically important plant pathogens. Hence, an attempt was made to investigate the antagonistic effect of five native Trichoderma strains on the plant pathogenic fungi; Colletotrichum spp., Corynespora cassiicola, Phytophthora spp. and Drechslera heveae. Foliar pathogens were isolated, identified and confirmed based on the symptoms, cultural and reproductive characteristics. Five Trichoderma strains isolated from different rubber growing soils in Sri Lanka were tested in vitro for their antagonistic effects against four foliar pathogens. The results obtained from dual culture tests showed that all five Trichoderma isolates effectively checked the growth of the four foliar pathogens. The test antagonists grew faster than the pathogen limiting their growth. Trichoderma isolate A was the best antagonist against Drechslera heveae, Corynespora cassiicola and Colletotrichum spp. showing percentage inhibition of 75.63 %, 51.34 % and 74.46 % respectively. Isolate B showed the best inhibition rate (70.99 %) against Phytophthora spp. All antagonists showed their lowest inhibition rates against Drechslera heveae. All the tested Trichoderma isolates showed antagonistic effects against four foliar pathogens under investigation. Therefore, the fungal strains can be used for further greenhouse and field studies to confirm the feasibility of using for the management of rubber foliar pathogens. Key Words: Trichoderma spp., Drechslera heveae, Corynespora cassiicola, Colletotrichuin spp., Phytophthora spp.Item Antimicrobial Effect of Seed Extraction of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) on Mouth Odor Forming Bacteria(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Ekanayake, E.M.D.D.; Panagoda, G.; Premathilake, S.N.Halitosis is an unpleasant odor that emanates from the oral cavity and Chlorhexidine included mouthwashes are a generally well accepted and popular way of dealing with halitosis. However most of these mouth washes merely provide a competing and temporary smell that is capable of masking the unfavorable malodor and may contain harmful chemicals such as alcohol and phenols. Elettaria cardamomum is used as a spice and ayurvedic medicine since ancient times and could be used in mouthwashes due to their pleasant aroma. In the present study, the antimicrobial effect of E. cardamomum seed extraction on mouth odor forming bacteria was investigated. Hot water extracts of E. cardamomum were obtained and concentration series (10000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 2500 ppm, 1250 ppm, 0 ppm) were prepared. Bacteria samples were obtained from pockets of oral cavity and posterior region of tongue and cultured on blood agar under anaerobic conditions. Antimicrobial activity test and odor test were carried out for the prepared concentration series. Ten replicates were used for one concentration in antimicrobial test and two replicates for odor test. This experiment was carried out using well diffusion technique and mean inhibition concentration (MIC) was determined based on the inhibition zones on the blood agar plates. Odor test was carried out using test panel of 8 members and a 0 ppm solution (blood agar broth) was used as a control for comparison after growing anaerobic bacteria. Cardamom seed extraction was added to other solutions according to the concentration and anaerobic conditions were given. A significant inhibition was observed on oral anaerobes and the effect was significantly increased with the increment of the concentration (Pearson correlation, 0.934, p = 0.000). A significant odor change was observed when compared with the control (p = 0.000) and 10000 ppm and 5000 ppm did not show any significant odor (One way ANOVA, Tukey Multiple Comparison Test). According to the results it can be concluded that E. cardamomum has antimicrobial effect on odor forming anaerobic bacteria and 5000 ppm could be identified as the MIC of cardamom extraction for the inhibition of anaerobes which form halitosis. Keywords: Elettaria cardamomum, Odor forming bacteria, Antimicrobial activityItem Assessing Adoption of Organic Pepper Cultivation in Kandy, Matale and Kegalle Districts(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Yallarawa, Y.S.M.M.P.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Wickramasinghe, K.Increased domestic and international demand for organic products, along with environmental and safety issues have stimulated policymakers and governments in some parts of the world to provide incentives for converting from conventional to organic farming. Sri Lankan agriculture industry is developing its potential to address it. The country is trying to be a quality organic supplier to the world market. This study was conducted to investigate the level of the adoption of organic pepper farming and to identify the factors affecting on intension to conversion of conventional cultivation of pepper to organic cultivation of pepper in Kandy, Matale and Kegalle districts. The data used in the study were collected from a sample of both organic and conventional farmers. A total of 126 respondents were selected from the three different cultivated areas to obtain main objective and 72 respondents were selected from the three different cultivated areas to obtain second objective. Probit model was used in this study to categorize the organic farming into adoption and non-adoption. Age of the household head, experience, land area and number of awareness sources have significant effect on the adoption of organic pepper farming. Gender, age of the household head, primary education, attitude on cost of non-organic farming and price per one kilogram of pepper have significant effect on intension to conversion. Forty three percent of farmers in the study area have adopted organic cultivation of pepper. Assessing the intension to conversion, conventional farmers show some potential for converting to organic practices. Seventy eight percent of the farmers in the study areais having an intension to convert their farms into organic. The institutions related to organic farming are very useful in providing information about organic farming. Government agencies, extension and research institution should play a vital role to strengthen the awareness and advantages of organic farming. Keywords: Organic farming, Intension to conversion, Adoption, Probit modelItem Assimilation of Phosphate Fertilizer derived from Eppawala Rock Phosphate on the Vegetative Growth of Corn (Zea mays L.)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Rathnayake, R.M.S.R.; Wijesekara, K.B.Phosphorus is one of the most important macronutrient in plant nutrition and wellbeing. Repeated cultivation has caused drastic depletion of nutrients in agricultural lands necessitating routine addition of costly commercial fertilizers to crops. Rock phosphate deposit at Eppawala Sri Lankan, provides a rich source of phosphorus from which phosphate grade fertilizer could be produced by the acidulation with con. HC1. However, pH of the fertilizer is needed to be adjusted to plant tolerable levels to reduce acid toxicity. This research used CaO to adjust pH of rock phosphate derived fertilizer enabling rapid assimilation by plants. Approximately 100 g of the acidified product was added with a predetermined quantity of 3. 7 g of lime to adjust the final pH value to 6.02. XRF analysis was performed to identify the elements of the final fertilizer mixture before and after CaO addition. A pot experiment was performed to determine the assimilation of newly developed fertilizer by corn plants. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized block design with five treatments and 180 experimental units. Treatments were: Ti- Pants without any amendments, T2-Plants with commercial fertilizers excluding phosphates, T3-Plants with commercial fertilizers including phosphate, T4-Plants with commercial fertilizers+developed fertilizer without pH adjustment, T5-Plants with commercial fertilizers+developed fertilizer with pH adjustment. Plant height, root surface area, biomass at flowering and leaf chlorophyll content were measured to determine the plant performance after fertilization. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed that developed fertilizer contained 11.4% P2O5, 16.5% MgO, 14.9% K20 and 24.3% CaO as major constituents while providing plant with some important micronutrients such as, Mn, Fe, and Zn. Addition of lime was not only resulted in increasing the of pH to plant tolerable levels but also eliminated Cl and some heavy metal contaminants like As and Rh. Growth performance of T5 plants indicated that phosphate from developed fertilizer had readily assimilated by Corn plants. However, the commercial triple superphosphate used to supplement T3 plants showed significantly higher (p=0.00) performance over T5 plants. T4 plants supplemented with fertilizer without pH adjustment died prematurely while T5 plants showed normal growth suggesting pH adjustment with CaO was effective. Key words: Rock phosphate, Phosphat fertilizer, pH adjustment, Plant assimilationItem Awareness of and Adoption to the Recommended Management Practices of Big Onion Growers (Case Study in Dambulla D.S. Division)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Nanayakkkara, D.N.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Padmini, S.M.P.C.; Chandrasiri, J.K.M.D.Big onion is considered as an important cash crop in Sri Lanka. Within few decades big onion production has increased significantly along with the increasing demand for consumption. Though the production has increased, productivity is not satisfactory as average of 17 MT/ha where the potential productivity lies at 30-37 MT/ha. Therefore, it is imperative to study the knowledge level of the farmers and their adoption behavior regarding the recommended cultivation practices. Sixty five big onion growers who have not less than 5 years of big onion farming experience were interviewed in Dambulla D.S. division. Sample was selected randomly and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Total of 17 DOA recommended practices were considered initially but only 7 management practices were shown correlation with the level of awareness and adoption status. Therefore those practices viz use of recommended varieties, nursery sterilization procedure, seed treatment, spacing, seedling treatment, pre emergence herbicide application, correct harvesting stage and providence of optimum storage conditions were considered for further analysis. Results reveal that awareness on pre emergence herbicides and optimum harvesting stage has reported comparatively higher and they are 98.5% and 89% respectively. When considering the adoption, 76.9% of the respondents reported that they did not keep spacing while transplanting. Though the respondents have high awareness on optimum harvesting stage, only 27.7% well adopted to practice it. Factors affecting adoption are analyzed by using a multiple linear regression model and 5 factors were found significant. Respondent's age and off farm employment negatively affect the adoption level whilst education level, big onion farming experience and community leadership have no impact on adoption. According to the results it can be suggested that, though the farmers have sufficient knowledge on pre emergence herbicide application, correct harvesting stage and optimum storage conditions, majority has not at all adopted to those practices. Ultimately, it causes serious market based issues. Keywords: Adoption level, Awareness, Big onion, Management practicesItem Characterization of Conserved Germplasm of Pungent Chilli Landraces (Capsicum chinense Jacq)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayathissal, K.A.M.Y.O.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Kannangara, K.N.Morphological and agronomical traits are widely used to study the diversity in Capsicum species, to determine the relationship between various species and to develop an identification key. Capsicum chinense Jacq ("Nai Miris") species are still not properly characterized as the attention has been directed to Capsicum annum species. Hence present study was undertaken to explore the morphological and agronomical diversity of Capsicum chinense Jacq at Regional Agricultural Research and Development Centre, Makandura, low country intermediate zone (IL,a). Thirty three morphological traits and fourteen agronomical traits considered for 48 accessions germinated from 112 Capsicum accessions. Accessions were collected from Plant Genetic Resource Centre and chilli breeder, Mr. K.N. Kannangara. Characterization was based on descriptor for Capsicum produced by PGRC. Based on the results of48 Capsicum accessions, there were no duplicated accessions within the studied accessions. The traits that largely contributed to the variability within and between the accessions included corolla colour, anther colour, fruit colour at intermediate stage, fruit colour at mature stage, fruit shape, mature leaf length, mature leaf width, number of days for flowering, number of days for fruiting, fruit length, fruit wall thickness, fruit weight and 1000 seeds weight. Cluster analysis showed that there are three major clusters in germplasm collection of Capsicum. One major cluster consisted with 23 accessions of pungent chilli having useful and most common characteristics such as: annular constriction of calyx and clusters of flowers or fruits at node, which are exclusively found in the Capsicum chinense Jacq accessions. The twenty three accessions divided in to seven sub clusters and showed wide genetic diversity that exists in Capsicum chinense germplasm. Keywords: Morphological traits, Agronomical traits, Capsicum chinense Jacq, Cluster analysis, Genetic diversityItem A Comparative Study of Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Compositions of Different Selections of Dried Goraka (Garcinia quaesita) Fruit Rinds in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasundara, K.K.I.; Wijesinghe, W.A.J.P.; Liyanage, T.Goraka (Garcinia quaesita) is a multi- purpose and endemic tree species bearing economical important edible fruits. Objective of this study was to investigate the comparative phytochemical, mineral and proximate contents between four Garcinia quaesita selections namely Ovilikanda I, Ovilikanda II, Gasnawa and Aranayaka I that were cultivated under similar agro climatic conditions in the nursery farm of Department of Export Agriculture, Gasnawa. Standard Analytical procedures were followed to analyze phytochemical, mineral and proximate compositions. The phytochemical analysis suggested a quantitatively higher percentage of hydroxycitric acid content in Aranayaka I selection than other selections. Flavonoid content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Ovilikanda I than other selections. The results of proximate analysis revealed that Ovilikanda I was richer in acid insoluble ash and dry matter while Gasnawa selection exhibited greater amounts of crude fat and crude protein. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of crude protein and nitrogen contents were found in Aranayaka I selection while Ovilikanda II selection exhibited the highest total ash content. In mineral analysis, significantly higher amount of magnesium was observed in Ovilikanda I, while Ovilikanda II contained highest amount of phosphorous. Gasnawa selection contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher amount of potassium and Aranayaka I contained higher amount of sodium than the other selections. Keywords: Goraka, Garcinia quaesita, Phytochemical analysis, Fruit rind, MineralItem Comparative Study of Proximate Composition of Palmyrah Pinattu and Flour (odiyal, Boiled odiyal)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Srikantharasa, S.; Mahilrajan, S.; Wijesinghe, W.A.J.P.; Bandara, S.M.I.P.G.Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) palms can be considered as a gift of nature as they contribute wide range of vital products for human diet and existence. Among palmyrah products fruit and flour are highly utilized by local population. Fruits are mostly used as fresh, because of its perishable nature it is traditionally preserved as dried fruit pulp leather called as pinattu. Palm produces two types of flour such as odiyal (Dried tuber) and plukodiyal (boiled and dried tuber) flour. In this study the proximate composition of palmyrah pinattu and flour were evaluated. Samples were collected from the three different branches of Palmyrah Development Board and used for the analysis.There were no significant different between moisture content of the boiled odiyalflour [11.66± (0.001)] and odiyal flour [10.66± (0.001)] while pinattu showed [16.6± (0.008)] %. Protein content of boiled odiyal flour [6.51±0.062] and odiyal flour [6.7813± (0.06)] were significantly higher when compared with pinattu [2.23± (0.062)] %. As well fat content of odiyal flour was 0.43±0.013 g/100g and that was significantly higher than boiled odiyal flour and pinattu. Significantly higher amount of ash was observed in pinattu [0.04±(0.001)]when compared with flour. Boiled odiyal flour [7.13±(0.18)] contained significantly higher crude fiber content than odiyal flour [4.49±(0.15)] and pinattu [5.06±(0.01)] g/100g. Carbohydrate content was significantly higher for odiyal flour [77.59±(0.5)] when compared with pinattu [75.91±(0.61)] and boiled odiyal flour [74.37±(0.65)] g/100g. This study was suggested that proximate composition of pinattu and flour were varies and which were good source of fiber and protein. Keywords: Boiled odiyal flour, Palmyrah, PinattuItem A Comparison of Selected Biochemical Parameters in Between Susceptible and Tolerant Tea Cultivars for Glyptotermes dilatatus (Low Country Live Wood Termite)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Abeyrathna, H.M.D.C.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Weerawansha, A.N.R.; Mevan, K.M.; Fernando, M.S.C.; Senanayake, P.D.Pest damages are a severe problem to the Sri Lankan tea industry. Low Country Live Wood Termite (LCLWT), Glyptotermes dilatatus is one of the most economically important pests in Sri Lanka as they attack to the low grown teas which have the highest contribution to the Sri Lankan tea production. Introducing highly tolerant cultivar with high yielding is the most promising method among various methods of controlling pest. Feasibility of using biochemical parameters for the screening of new cultivars for the pest attack of LCLWT is a new approach in today's world. This research was conducted to compare selected biochemical parameters; Caffeine, total Catechin and total Polyphenol contents in between tolerant and susceptible cultivars for LCLWT. Healthy and rotted stems of nine cultivars (TRI 4042, TRI 4049, TRI 4053, TM 4054, TRI 4061, TRI 3014, TRI 3025, TM 3055, TRI 3069) which were susceptible and tolerant to LCLWT were collected separately. Caffeine content had increased in all cultivars upon infestation. Tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible cultivars had high, moderate and low total catechin content in the healthy stems, respectively. Total catechin and total polyphenol content decreased in all the cultivars upon infestation. There are main three clusters at 0.75 distances according to the biochemical parameters considered in healthy stems and tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible cultivars to the LCLWT are divided into clusters separately. Keywords: Low country live wood termite, Semio-chemicals, Cultivar screeningItem Conjoint Analysis to Evaluate the Consumer Preference on Flavoured Tea(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunarathna, W. A. H. A.; Premathilaka, K. G.; De Silva, P. D. P. M.; Wanniarachchi2, M.There is less number of flavoured tea brands in the tea market in Sri Lanka. Mostly value added products are exported to foreign market while exporters do not consider much about the local market. The main reason behind this trend is that exporters do not have information on consumption patterns and their concerns about flavoured tea in local market. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating consumer preference on different product attributes and identifying other factors that affect consumer preference. The target population was the flavoured tea consumers living in Western Province of Sri Lanka. Sample size is one hundred and fifty consumers. Purposive sampling method was used to select the sample from the population. The factors considered in the study are Product attributes, Age level, Gender, and Income level. Market analysis was conducted by descriptive analysis and by conjoint analysis. The result of the study shows that most of the males prefer to drink flavoured tea than females. Descriptive analysis on age level shows that consumers in 15- 30 age category most prefer to consume flavoured tea. Market analysis also proved that most of the flavoured tea consumers have high income implying that consumers were highly concerned with the value for money. Keywords: Conjoint analysis, Consumer preference, Flavoured teaItem Detection and Classification of Diseased Tomato Leaf Using Image Processing Techniques(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Mehendran, Y.; Kartheeswaran, T.; Ediriweera, E.P.S.K.Tomato plants are highly vulnerable to fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt, and late blight. The symptom is yellowing of the lower leaves, which gradually wilt and die. The naked eye observation of experts is the main approach adopted for detection and the identification of plant diseases. We developed a method to detect and classify damages in leaves using image processing techniques. For this experiment, images downloaded from the interne were used. The disease regions were segmented using K-Means clustering and the classification of the disease was done with Support Vector Machine (SVM) by training with the selected features from the training set of images. The initial version has three classes such as Bacterial Wilt, Early blight and Healthy tomato leaves. The accuracy level for the identification and the classification of diseases was calculated for each category separately. The accuracy of the system for the selected nine features was calculated as 76.5%. Association among the features as Contrast, Correlation, Energy, Homogeneity, Entropy, Mean, Standard deviation, Skew, and Kurtosis gave the optimum accuracy. This system with high accuracy motivates the other researchers to extend the system with added functionality, which will be a farmer friendly software solution. Keywords: HSI, K-means, Gray-level co-occurrence matrix, Support Vector Machine (SVM),Item Detection and Confirmation of Phytoplasma Disease in Different Crop Species by Using Molecular Technology(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarasinghe, A.A.I.M.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Silva, P.D.P.M.D.; Basnayake, B.M.V.S.; Tennakoon, T.M.N.D.; Nandasena, K.D.Phytoplasma disease is caused by plant pathogenic Phytoplasmas, which are cell wall less bacteria that causes devastating losses in yield and quality of crop production in Sri Lanka. Effective control is required to minimize the spread ofthe disease through identification of the organism. Detection and confirmation of phytoplasma diseases in infected crop species by using molecular technology required to gain rapid accurate results in identification to compete with increment of virulence ofthe pathogens. However, there are least number of research conducted on phytoplasma diseases in Sri Lankan context. Hence, this study was conducted as a molecular approach for phytoplasma detection, identification and confirmation. The Polymerase Chain Reaction based method was used with universal primers for 16S rRNA gene to detect phytoplasma in fifty different suspected crop species and the amplified DNA fragments in 557 by were visualized on 2 % agarose gel. Thirty-six crop species gave positive results with producing DNA fragment in 557 by size. For accurate detection of phytoplasma caused symptoms in Sapota (Manilkara zapota) and Petunia (Petunia sp.) two oligonucleotide primers were designed, using sequenced phytoplasma DNA extracted from infected Sapota and Petunia plants. Those designed primers were characterized, optimized and primer specificity was analysed. Primers Mx for Sapota is forward -5'- GCCAGGCAGTCCACTTATCA-3' and reverse 5'- GTGCACGCCCTAAACGAATC-3'. The length of the primer was 20 bases and detectable band in gel profile was 88 bp. with three unstable hairpin loops. Primer Mx best annealing temperature was 50 and showed 90 % specificity. Primers Px for petunia is forward sequence '5-CGGCTTGGCTACCCTTTGTA-3' and reverse sequence 5' - TACCTGGCCTTGACATGCT-3. The length of the primer was 20 bases and detectable band in gel profile was 288 bp. with eight unstable hairpin loops. Primer Mx best annealing temperature was 45 and showed 30 % specificity. Mx and Px primers can be used for specific, sensitive detection of phytoplasma infect to Sapota (Manilkara zapota) and Petunia (Petunia sp.) plant species. Key words: Phytoplasma, Polymerase chain reaction, Primers, Gene sequencing, Template DNAItem Detection of Dhool Number in Black Tea Manufacturing with Image Processing Techniques(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Saranka, S.; Kartheeswaran, T.; Wanniarachchi, D.D.C.; Wanniarachchi, W.K.I.L.The possibility to use digital images of tea particles as a tool to monitor fermentation of black tea processing is studied in this project. Copper green colour is the predicted colour used to measure the degree of fermentation; therefore, determining the fermentation level by observing the copper green using naked eye is error prone and affects the complete product outcome. Black tea processing takes several batches per day, and from each batch, there are three types of particles obtain after Roll breaker processes. According to the size of the particles these are named as dhool 1, dhool 2, and dhool 3. The duration of fermentation is varied by dhool number for a given batch due to varied sizes of tea particles. Therefore, it is important to identify the dhool number for a given digital image. The method used in this project is divided in to three main phases, image pre-processing, identification of the dhool number, and prediction of the fermentation level. image processing techniques are used to extract features of tea leaves and Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used as the classifier to train the system and obtain accuracy in each stage. The results indicate higher accuracy in predicting the dhool 1 which is over 77% accurate while dhools 2 and 3 indicated accuracy levels of 69% and 73% respectively. Therefore, image processing techniques can be successfully used to predict the dhool number of a given batch of tea processing. Keywords: Fermentation, Image processing, SVMItem Determinants for Contribution of Pineapple Growers for Export Volume in Gampaha District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Rupasinghe, R.A.D.S.; Jayasinghe, H.A.S.L.; Rathnayake, R.M.P.S.; Silva, T.A.P.Pineapple is the third largest agricultural product after tea and coconut which has a demand in export market. Although the nature has blessed with an ideal climate for growing wide range of delicious fruits including pineapple, Sri Lanka is not in a position to meet the growing demand. Therefore, that is very important to study about the export performance of fresh pineapple in Sri Lankan context. The general objective of this study was to identify the determinants of contribution of pineapple growers for export volume in Gampaha district. A structured questionnaire based survey was carried out to collect the data from random sample of 130 pineapple growers in Dompe and Diulapitiya DS divisions in Gampaha district. Tobit model was used to find out the relationship between dependent variable and other explanatory variables, and descriptive analysis was used to explain the characteristics of the sample. The result of Tobit model revealed that the contribution of pineapple growers for exports of pineapple was significantly determined by the age of grower, experience of the grower, pineapple cultivated land extent, amount supply for local market, domestic price and export price. The specific objectives of this study were to study the past export performance of fresh pineapple since 1990 to 2012 in Sri Lanka and to develop the forecasting model and the generalized model for fresh pineapple exports in Sri Lanka. There was an upward trend from 1990 to 2004 and trend was declined from 2004 to 2012 with some fluctuations. The reason was that the export of preserved pineapple has shown a significant improvement within last few years. The other specific objective was to develop the forecast model for future forecast and generalized model for current situation analysis for fresh pineapple exports in Sri Lanka. VectorAutoregressive Model was used to develop the forecast model and the generalized model was developed without considering the time factor. The result revealed that the export of fresh pineapple was significantly determined by the average exchange rate and the domestic price. Keywords: Export performance, Fresh pineapple, Gampaha district, Tobit model, Vector Autoregressive ModelItem Determinants of Ceylon Black Tea Market Penetration in Chinese Tea Market(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kirusiya, R.; Prematilake, K. G.; Amarakoon, A. M. C.; Chitty, A.A growing economy and a booming middle class makes China a potentially lucrative market for exporters and further, changing younger generation's preference towards black teas creates a new export wave for the black teas to China. In view of this, a study was conducted to explore the factors effect on Ceylon black orthodox tea market penetration in Chinese tea market. The data employed to analyse the factors influencing market penetration of Ceylon black orthodox tea in Chinese tea market were obtained through a questionnaire. 52 Ceylon black tea exporting companies to China were selected as the sample using simple random sampling technique. Both descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis techniques were used for the analysis. The major findings of the study indicated that, the model used for the study is significant at 95% significance level. Moreover, value addition, quality of tea, recognition of brand, consumer focus, competition, promotional activities and trade barriers were identified as significant factors that affect market penetration of Ceylon black tea into Chinese tea market. In addition, value addition, quality of tea, consumer focus, competition, promotional activities and standard barriers are having positive relationships with market penetration while failure rate, recognition of brand, unit price and trade barriers are having negative relationships with the market penetration. The results will assist Ceylon tea exporters in understanding the key necessities of the Chinese tea market and thereby improving the market penetration of Ceylon black tea into Chinese tea market. Keywords: Ceylon black orthodox tea, Chinese tea market, Market penetrationItem Determinants of Replanting Decision by Tea Small holders in Badulla District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Dayaratna, G .D.T.G.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.One significant issue over many years regarding tea small holders is the low replanting rate. Replanting rate of tea small holders is 0.8%, which is relatively a poor value. In accordance with national policy, 2% of the existing tea extent has to be annually replanted in order to maintain the tea extent to obtain maximum yield. With this context,this study was designed to identify the factors influencing on the replanting decision to find out reasons behind the low level of replanting in tea small holding sector in Badulla district. Simple random sampling technique was used in choosing the sample. Primary data were collected from 300 respondents in Badulla, Passara, Haliela and Etampitiya Tea Inspector (TI) ranges. The probit regression was used to identify the determinants of replanting decision by tea smallholders. The results indicate that age, replanting subsidy, cost of replanting, education level of household head, household size, and tea land size significantly affect replanting decision of tea small holders. More specifically, cost of replanting, replanting subsidy, tea land size positively affect replanting decision while age and education level of small holderand house hold size negatively affect replanting decision oftea small holders in Badulla district. The study results suggests that, increase in replanting subsidy and provision of credit facilities at a low interest rate should be considered vital importance in maintaining required replanting rate. Keywords: Replanting decision,Replanting subsidy, Tea small holdersItem Determinants of Tea Exporters' Intention to Import Other Origin Orthodox Tea(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Dilina, M.A.D.T.; Kahandage, K.P.M.; Herath, H.M.S.K.; Yasarathne, S.Currently, Sri Lanka allows importing all Cut, Tear, Curl (CTC) tea, green tea, organic tea and specialty tea but restricts Orthodox tea. Under such condition, exporters have a positive intention on importing Orthodox teas too. Therefore, this study attempted to find the determinants of intention to import other origin Orthodox tea to Sri Lanka and to assess awareness of tea exporters' on repercussions if importation of tea is liberalized. A sample with 90 tea export companies was randomly selected and data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Regression analyses were undertaken to find determinants. According to descriptive analysis, large scale companies have the highest intention to import tea than small and medium companies. Moreover, it revealed that the companies having an intention to import Orthodox tea to the country are experiencing higher cost of production than no intention companies. As per the results, cost of production, market share, international competition and time period of company started significantly affected on the intention to import other origin Orthodox tea to the country. Keywords: Importation, Orthodox tea, IntentionItem Determinants of the Level of Value Added Product Exportation in Tea Industry of Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) De Silva, D.A.O.C.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Balamurali, B.Tea industry plays a vital role in Sri Lankan economy. Sri Lanka is still holding its' reputation in the global tea market though it is associated with number of problems like declining productivity, increasing cost of production, declining world share of production and continuous increase of price in Colombo auction etc. Those problems of the industry should be addressed in order to increase the country's revenue from tea exportation as bulk tea and Value Added Tea (VAT). In this context, VAT will become an important determinant of the future of Ceylon Tea industry as the global market trends changes towards value addition. Therefore objective of the study was to identify the determinants that affect the level of value added product exportation at different levels. The research was carried out in Colombo district with 32 tea exporters. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Secondary data for the study was gathered from statistical bulletins, annual reports, research papers, survey reports and other related documents. Tobit regression analysis was conducted to find the determinants. The result of the study revealed that there are six factors which significantly affect the level of value added product exportation in tea industry. Those were scale of exportation (small scale), bilateral agreement, brand ownership, number of new market approaches, and investment on research and development activities and attitude on value addition. Moreover, results reveal that small volume exporters tend more towards the value addition and with beneficial bilateral agreement, exporters are more involved in exporting value added tea products. Further, investment on research and development and having own brand has positive impacts on the exporter to push them towards value addition. Attitude on value addition and number of new market approaches have an effect on the level of value added tea exportation. It shows a positive relationship which encourages the value addition level of the company. Keywords: Export volume, Investment, Value Added Tea (VAT)Item Determinants of Value Added Production in Cinnamon Industry(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayathilaka, W.S.P.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Batuwantudawa, T.D.; Palakatiya, G.Value addition is currently an important topic in agriculture sector, especially to increase the economic value of agricultural products and to reduce wastage. Value addition has the ability to create employment, absorb excess labour from agriculture, enable rural residents to capture more margins from agriculture, hence raising rural income levels. Spice is one of the key agricultural sub sector of Sri Lanka. True cinnamon (Cinnamomuni zeylanicum) is unique and most economically valuable indigenous crop known as Ceylon cinnamon among all other spices in Sri Lanka. Regardless of the unique benefits associated with true cinnamon, there is limited value added cinnamon products range hence cinnamon processors receive less return from cinnamon industry. Using survey data from 83 cinnamon processors from Galle and Colombo Districts, this study analyzed factors affecting on value added production in cinnamon industry, an economic activity with a potential to improve household livelihoods but whose development has remained rudimentary. Binary logistic regression technique and SWOT analysis were used to identify the potentials and problems in the industry. The results revealed that cinnamon processors involvement in value added production is positively influenced by a number of significant factors including technology, attitude, cost of production, credit access and labour availability. Lack of support services and access to credit, inadequate technology, labour scarcity and high cost of production are the major problems of the value addition in the cinnamon industry. The major potentials of the industry are the established name and reputation of the Ceylon cinnamon around the world, health benefits of true cinnamon and the higher quality of true cinnamon than its major competitor Cassia cinnamon. Study recommended that cinnamon manufacturers should be informed about the benefits and importance of adding value to their agricultural commodities as a tool for poverty reduction, employment creation and economic development. Keywords: Binary logistic regression, Cinnamon industry, True cinnamon, Value additionItem Determination of Optimal Grid Size for Mapping Soil Property Distribution for Paddy Cultivation(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Dilrukshi, V.P.A.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Rathnayake, W.M.U.K.; Herath, H.M.S.K.The importance of understanding spatial variability of soil properties is connected to crop management and planning. This understanding makes it possible to treat soil not as a uniform, but a variable entity to increase the production in paddy cultivation. This study was conducted to propose an optimum grid size for selected soil properties in Bakamuna area in Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. The study area consisted with 6.25 km2 and 96 soil samples were collected within the plough depth of 0-15 cm. The number of samples distribute as 96 samples in 200 m grid size, 37 samples in 400 m grid size, 16 samples in 800 m grid size, 8 samples in 1 km and 2 samples in 2.5 km grid size. The variability of soil pH, electrical conductivity, available P, exchangeable K, available Zn and soil texture were subjected to descriptive analysis and Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation (IDW) technique. Soil pH showed Coefficient of Variation (CV) range from 1 - 7% in different grid sizes, which could be categorized as properties with low variation where CV was less than 10%. Electrical conductivity showed CV range from 30 — 60% in different grid sizes. Exchangeable K range from 10 — 80% and available Zn range from 20 — 60% of CV values indicating medium variability, (CV 10 —100%). Soil available P showed higher CV (>100%) values for 200 m, 400 m and 1 km grid sizes and rest of grid sizes showed medium CV values. Soil texture showed low variability distribution in paddy soil. This study shows the intensity of sampling is related to variability of soil properties. Sandy clay and sandy clay loam soil texture were observed in study area. Sandy clay loam soil texture was found only for two soil samples out of 96 in 200 m grid size. These results indicate 2.5 x 2.5 km grid size is optimum for determine the soil texture. Electrical conductivity and available Zn represent higher spatial variability in 800 x 800 m grid size indicating optimum grid size for mapping of those soil properties. 1 km grid size is optimum grid size for exchangeable K, available P and soil pH. Keywords: Rice, Grid sampling, Soil properties, Coefficient of variation
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