International Research Conference of UWU-2020

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Browsing International Research Conference of UWU-2020 by Subject "Agriculture"

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    Adaptation to Climate Change by Up Country Vegetable Farmers
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Samarakoon, P. S. M. K. J.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
    In Sri Lanka, climate change impact is the second most gravely affecting reason for food insecurity and agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate change. Specifically, vegetables, legumes, coarse grains, and potatoes are likely to be adversely affected. Thus, the need for adaptation is pressing for these seasonal cropping systems given the importance of climate change impacts on livelihoods. For successful adaptation policies and recommendations should be formulated based on a robust analysis of factors influencing farmers’ decision to adopt. Based on a cross-sectional survey conducted for upcountry vegetable farmers, the study elucidates farmers' perceptions of climate change, ongoing adaptation measures, factors influencing farmers' decisions to adapt, and constraints. Data were collected from 150 farmers in Nuwaraeliya, Welimada, Badulla, and Bandarawela divisional secretariat areas. Multinomial logit model analyses factors affecting to the adaptation by farmers. Results indicate gender, education level, farming experience, income, willingness to take credit, the extension on the crop, climate change information, farmer to farmer extension, total annual rainfall, and average annual temperature as the significant factors. Further, early or late planting, crop or variety switching and intensive use of inputs are the commonly used current adaptation options. Results explain that farmers lack climate information. Moreover, higher costs to adapt and lack of vigorous seeds impede adaptation. The study suggests educating farmers about potential adaptation options is pivotal. Moreover, policies related to education, adaptation cost, and vegetable seed importation should be amended to promote adaptation. Providing comprehensive climate change information and improved crop extension service are the practices that need governmental support. Furthermore, intensive studies on climate change and networking farmers to initiate an information portal will nurture climate change adaptation. Keywords: Climate change adaptation, Upcountry vegetable farmers, Multinomial logit model
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    Amelioration of Cadmium (Cd) Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by using Selected Soil Amendments and Aquatic Plants
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Weerakkodi, W.A.G.I.S.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.; Jayawardana, N.U.
    Heavy metal contamination in paddy soil, particularly Cadmium (Cd) has become a serious issue with the potential risk of transferring Cd to the human food chain. Rice plants exposed to high Cd, encounter deleterious effects on growth and yield. This necessitates the need to identify effective and feasible remediation measures to ameliorate Cd stress in rice. Therefore, the efficacy of using selected soil amendments and floating aquatic plants to ameliorate Cd stress in rice was evaluated in this study under controlled environmental conditions using rice variety Bg 250. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design with six treatments replicated thrice. Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), duckweed (Lemna minor), partially burnt rice husk (RH), and rice straw (RS) were evaluated as the amelioration treatments under two soil Cd contamination levels (5 and 8 ppm). The control was maintained with the only Cd without any amelioration. RH and RS were separately incorporated to Cd treated soil and mixed well at two levels (soil: RH or soil: RS, 1:1 and 2:1 v/v). Upon transplanting of rice, the aquatic plants were introduced to Cd treated pots. Growth and yield parameters were measured at 45 and 75 days after transplanting. Rice grown in the soil medium amended with RH (1:1 v/v) showed significantly higher values for plant height (43±0.2 cm), the number of tillers (3.67±0.03), root length (24.33±1.2 cm), root volume (13.33±0.7 cm3 ), root dry weight (3.17±0.2 g plant-1 ), shoot dry weight (7.44±0.07 g plant-1 ) and seed dry weight (3.12±0.15 g plant-1 ) compared to the control under 5 ppm Cd level. A similar pattern was observed in the other Cd level as well. Interestingly, the aquatic plants reduced the growth and yield of rice possibly due to competition for resources. In conclusion, RH has the potential to be used as an effective soil amendment to ameliorate Cd stress in rice. Field investigations are suggested for making a general recommendation. Keywords: Aquatic plants, Cd stress, Growth and yield, Rice, Soil amendments
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    Analysis of OsBBX13 Gene Responses to Salinity Stress Tolerance in Oryza sativa (Rice
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Bandara, K.G.W.W.; Wijesundera, W.S.S.; Hettiarachchi, G.H.C.M.
    The B-box (BBX) proteins are a subgroup of zinc finger transcription factors that contain one or two B-box domains. The B-box domain is a conserved motif. Genes that encode for BBX proteins are highly conserved across all multicellular species. BBX proteins were first identified in Arabidopsis thaliana that play a significant role in light and abiotic stress signalling. In Oryza sativa (rice) only a few BBX genes have been identified which are involved in flowering. Our previous study on ortholog search identified OsBBX13 as a functional ortholog of the Arabidopsis AtBBX21 gene that is involved in light and abiotic stress regulation. This study aimed to conduct an in silico analysis of the OsBBX13 gene promoter to identify the presence of abiotic stress-responsive elements and to study the expression of the OsBBX13 gene under salinity stress. Promoter sequence (1.0 kb upstream of translation start site) of the OsBBX13 gene was retrieved from the Rice Annotation Project Database (RAP-DB). The tools of PlantCARE and New PLACE were used for scanning of abiotic stress-responsive cis-elements present on the promoter region of OsBBX13. The salinity stress-responsive elements, MYBCORE and GT1GMSCAM4, and Abscisic acid-responsive element (ABRE) which regulates the dehydration and salinity responses were identified in OsBBX13 promoter region. Quantitative Real Time PCR analysis of 7 days old rice seedlings exposed to 200 mM NaCl stress showed significant up-regulation of the OsBBX13 gene compared to the control. All these findings together suggested that the OsBBX13 gene is involved in salinity stress responses in rice. Keywords: BBX proteins, OsBBX13, Salinity stress, Abiotic stress
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    Antifeedant Activity and Contact Toxicity of the Two Peptaibols, Trichocellin A-I and B-II Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma reesei
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Madhushika, D.P.H.; Jayasundara, J.M.N.M.; Ratnaweera, P.B.; de Silva, E.D.
    Plutella xylostella is a destructive cabbage pest responsible for massive economic losses worldwide. The use of synthetic pesticides in huge amounts for its control has resulted in pesticide-resistant strains, detrimental human health impacts, and environmental problems. Consequently, the development of alternatives with minimal such undesirable side-effects becomes crucial. Biopesticides derived from microbes are one such alternative. In a preliminary study, the crude extract of the endophytic fungus Trichoderma reesei isolated from Cyperus iria exhibited prominent antifeedant activities against P. xylostella larvae. The main aim of the current study was to isolate the bioactive compounds of T. reesei and investigate their antifeedant activities and contact toxicities against P. xylostella 2nd instar larvae. Two bioactive peptaibols, trichocellin AI and trichocellin B-II, were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of T. reesei using a bioassay guided purification method and their structures were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral data. To investigate the antifeedant activities choice leaf disc assay was conducted at an initial concentration of 50µg/cm2 using commercial neem (100%) and methanol as positive and negative controls respectively. For contact toxicity assay larval mortality was calculated after 24 h of applying 17.5µg of compounds/larvae. Trichocellin-A-I resulted in a 100% feeding deterrence while the DC50 value was 2.38µg/cm2 . Trichocellin B-II also gave a feeding deterrence index of 100% for choice leaf disc assay. For the contact toxicity assay, Trichocellin A-I and B-II showed 40% and 50% mean motility percentages respectively while the respective values for positive and negative controls were 100% and zero. This study revealed that the endophytic T. reesei produces two biopesticides, trichocellin A-I and trichocellin B-II, that exhibit potent antifeedant activity and moderate contact toxicity against P. xylostella larvae. Keywords: Plutella xylostella, Trichoderma reesei, Choice leaf disc assay, Contact toxicity
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    Antioxidant Properties and α-Amylase Inhibition Activities of Four Different Curcuma Species in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Samarasinghe, K.G.B.A.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Marasinghe, P.
    The genus Curcuma belongs to the family Zingiberaceae comprises rhizomatous annual or perennial herbs. Curcuma has a long history of traditional uses ranging from folk medicine to its culinary uses. This study was undertaken to study the biological activities of rhizomes and leaves of four Curcuma species available in Sri Lanka namely, Curcuma albiflora, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma zedoaria. Fresh rhizomes and leaves of four Curcuma species were collected from their natural habitats in Wet and Dry Zones of Sri Lanka. Rhizomes and leaves were cleaned and cut into small pieces and oven-dried at 45 °C and 40 °C respectively for 12 hrs. Dried samples were ground into a fine powder. Methanol extracts from rhizomes and leaves were screened for total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and α-amylase inhibition activities. The TPC of dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa was the highest of all tested as 5.530 ± 0.012 g of GA equivalents per 1 g of the dried rhizome. The Methanol extracts of the rhizome and leaf samples of four species showed moderate antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay with IC50 values ranging from 150.253 ± 0.273 ppm to 389.051 ± 0.426 ppm. Interestingly the rhizome extracts of Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma zedoaria exhibited higher α-amylase inhibitory activities (13.915 ± 0.023, 6.455 ± 0.117 and 9.492 ± 0.024 respectively) than the Acarbose drug which is an antidiabetic drug (28.273±0.615 ppm). The results revealed that the Sri Lankan Curcuma species have a potency to be used as a source of antioxidant and antidiabetic agents and it is important to increase the value of the unexplored medicinal herbs available in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Antioxidant, Anti-diabetic, Biological Activities, Curcuma
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    Bark, Leaf and Stem Yield of Cinnamon as Affected by Spacing and Type of Planting Material: At the Stage of First Harvest
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Aluthgamage, H.N.; Fonseka, D.L.C.K.; Benaragama, C.K.; Kumarasinghe, H.K.M.S.
    Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (cinnamon), is an evergreen aromatic plant with several uses and considered as a prominent spice throughout the world. Though, quills produced from bark are the most familiar product of cinnamon, leaves and stems also yield some economically valuable products. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying the effect of spacing and type of planting material on the yield of leaves, bark, and stems of cinnamon at the stage of the first harvest. Seedlings and vegetatively propagated plants of cinnamon variety Sri Gemunu were planted under three different spacing as 1.2×0.6 m with three plants per hill, 1.2×0.4 m with two plants per hill and 1.2×0.2 m with one plant per hill as two-factor factorial RCBD at the Agriculture Faculty premises of University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Seedlings in 1.2×0.6 m spacing with three plants per hill were used as the control. The first harvest was collected after two years from the establishment and the measurements were taken. According to the results highest mean dry weight of bark (59.68 g), leaves (267.9 g), and stems (600.1 g) were recorded in control. But it was not significantly different (p<0.05) from seedlings in 1.2×0.2 m spacing with one plant per hill. The highest yield of quills per plant (55.58 g) and the highest mean weight of bark per centimeter of the harvested shoot (215.41 mg cm-1) were also recorded in the control. But it was significantly different (p<0.05) only from vegetatively propagated plants in 1.2×0.2 m spacing with one plant per hill. The type of planting material and spacing does not have any significant influence (p<0.05) on the bark stem ratio of cinnamon plants at the stage of the first harvest. When considering the results of the study, seedlings tend to produce more bark, leaf, and stem yield when compared with vegetatively propagated plants at the stage of the first harvest. Though vegetatively propagated plants have higher yield potential, it appears to require more time to develop a better structure which can give a higher yield. Keywords: Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Spacing, Planting material, Yield
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    Comparative Study on the Phytochemical Composition of Medicinally Important Three Ocimum Species Available in Sri Lanka.
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) De Silva, S.D.A.I.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Lochana, E.A.L.; Marasinghe, P.
    Ocimum species have been used as an important medicinal herb, since ancient times but no recorded scientific evidence on morphological variations and phytochemical composition in Sri Lanka. Hence this study was conducted to determine the variation of morphological characteristics, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and essential oil composition of three different Ocimum species namely; Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum americanum. Healthy and fresh leaves of Ocimum plants were collected from Badulla and Welimada area. Morphological differences in leaves, flowers, roots, stem, and seeds of three Ocimum species were compared visually and recorded. Methanol extraction was performed using dried and powdered leaf samples and analysed total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity for three species using the Folin Ciocalteu reagent method and standard 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity respectively. Hydro distillation was done to extract essential oils from Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum gratissimum and analysed by using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry method. There were differences and similarities between morphological characteristics among three species. The maximum polyphenol content was recorded in Ocimum americanum and the minimum was recorded in Ocimum sanctum. In determination of antioxidant activity, the highest half maximal inhibitory concentration was recorded in Ocimum americanum and the lowest was recorded in Ocimum gratissimum. There were differences in essential oil composition between Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum gratissimum. It can be concluded that there is a significant variation in morphological characteristics and phytochemical composition of three different Ocimum species available in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Antioxidant, Chromatography, Polyphenol, Scavenging, Spectrometry.
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    Comparison of Morphological Characters of High Performing Seedlings and Extensively Used Vegetatively Propagated (VP) Tea Cultivars in Selected Tea Estates in Passara Region
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Hettiarachchi, H.A.I.L.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Total tea production in Sri Lanka has been declining due to yield reduction. Vegetatively propagated tea cultivars that have a narrower genetic diversity compared to seedling tea are extensively cultivated in the Passara region where prolonged drought conditions were experienced over the past few decades. Further, there is a scarcity of suitable planting materials and well-adapted teas in this area. However, there is high performing seedling tea in the Passara region which is a good source to increase genetic diversity and gives a comparatively high yield. This study was conducted to compare twenty-one of selected high performing seedlings and extensively used vegetatively propagated cultivars in selected tea estates, Passara for ten morphological traits. According to the analysis of variance results, there was a significant difference between selected tea bushes from each estate in consideration of the given quantitative morphological traits. Cluster analysis was performed for all the considered characters to identify whether they are genetically overlapped. A seedling labelled as GS4 from Gonakale estate has been clustered with TRI 2025 while GS2 and GS3 seedlings have been clustered together with TRI 2043. Seedling VS1 from Varellapathna estate has been clustered together with TRI 2023 while seedling VS3 has been clustered with CY9. None of the selected seedlings from Hopton estate were clustered together with selected vegetatively propagated cultivars in the same estate. Therefore, GS2, GS3, and GS4 seedlings from Gonakale estate and VS1, VS3 seedlings from Varellapathna estate can be recommended to maintain as mother bushes to obtain cuttings for nurseries and they can be used to increase the genetic diversity of tea in Passara region. Keywords: Genetic diversity, Morphological characters, Seedlings, Vegetatively propagated tea cultivars
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    Constraints Faced by Potato Farmers in Major Potato Growing Areas in Sri Lanka: An ICT based Intervention
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Mohamed, M.S. A.; Wathugala, D.L.; Indika, W.A.; Madushika, M.K.S.; Piyaratne, M.K.D.K.; Samaraweera, G.C.
    Potato is one of the most attractive crops and plays an important role in human nutrition. However, the average yield of the potato is less than its yield potential and local production is insufficient to meet the demand in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a field survey was conducted in major potato growing districts such as Badulla, Nuwara-Eliya, and Jaffna to examine key challenges faced by potato farmers. One hundred potato farmers were selected through a purposive sampling technique and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS. The majority of farmers from study areas cultivate potato for consumption other than seed purpose and enriched with smallholdings. Results revealed that low farmgate prices (37%), pest and disease attacks (32%), and high cost of farm inputs (20%) are the major challenges faced by the majority of farmers. Low farmgate price for potatoes is mainly due to the involvement of a higher number of middlemen, the majority of farmers cultivate potato at the same time and low quality. Potato early blight, late blight, and bacterial wilt were common diseases; mite and whitefly attacks were the common pest attacks faced by the majority of farmers. Furthermore, high input price constituted the cost of seed potato (63%), fertilizer and chemical cost (18%), machinery and labor cost (12%), and cost for irrigation (7%). Thus, the importation of seed potatoes was the key influential factor for the increase of input price. The study recommends improving better coordination among stakeholders in the industry and it is crucial to direct farmers to follow proper cultivation and harvesting techniques. Further, the study suggested that it is important to come up with a mobilebased solution mainly among farmers to access context-specific information promptly and easily; that could be resolved major challenges faced by potato farmers in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Key challenges, Potato farmers, Yield
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    Construction Delays in Water Supply Schemes of Plantation Sector in Nuwara-Eliya District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ahamed, A.C.A.; Karunanayake, S.G.S.
    Delay is the most considerable factor in all kinds of projects in all industries. In construction projects, a delay is a key considerable factor. The time length between the completion of the project and the given time period for the project is called a project delay. The length of the time period will be the most considerable factor in the success of the project. Construction delays can be seen in all kinds of construction projects worldwide. It is a common factor that most of the Water Supply Scheme projects in upcountry Sri Lanka are failed to complete the project within the estimated time period. Nowadays, the Construction of Plantation Water Supply Schemes in Nuwara-Eliya district, Sri Lanka is also facing the project delays. With the information gathered through the discussion between project participants (Client, Consultant, and Contactor), in Nuwara-Eliya Water Supply Scheme projects, and through the literature review, factors affecting Water Supply Scheme project delays were identified and a questioner was prepared considering those factors. An investigation was carried out to identify the effectiveness of those factors to the Water Supply Scheme projects. Leads in financing the projects by contractors, Lack of teamwork among all involved parties in the construction, Delays in gathering approvals from Client, Poor project management of Contractor, Skilled labour shortage and especially Political involvement in Tea Estates (Beneficent parties) and Environmental leads such as heavy rain, landscape, and other natural leads has been identified as the most effective factors for the delays in Water Supply Scheme projects in Nuwara-Eliya District. Conclusion and recommendations are made to overcome the identified most effective factors influencing project delays in future Plantation Water Supply Scheme Construction projects. Keywords: Projects, Delays, Construction projects, Water supply schemes projects
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    Consumer Willingness to Pay for Underutilized Vegetables in the Badulla District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Karunarathna, L.B.D.S.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.
    Sri Lanka is one of the countries that consist of a wide range of plant species and they can be categorized as wild and domesticated plant species. Underutilized crops can be described as the domesticated plant species which have been eventually declined their importance for the society. The vegetable crops which are neither grown commercially in large scale nor traded widely termed as “underutilized” vegetable crops. Nowadays, consumers exhibit increased concern on the underutilized crops due to their medicinal properties, other health benefits, and nutritional values. However, prices of these underutilized vegetables at farmers’ markets and village fairs are low and unstable so that the sellers cannot maintain competitive prices and profit margin for underutilized vegetables. Therefore, this research was carried out to identify the consumer and marketing mix factors that may be influential on consumers’ willingness to pay for underutilized vegetables. To accomplish the objectives, a self-administered questionnaire was prepared and a survey was conducted with 200 customers who visited the village fair for purchasing vegetables in Badulla, Bandarawela, and Hali Ela divisional secretariat area in Badulla district. For data analysis, the ordered logit model was applied. The results of regression analysis revealed that consumer age, income, suffering from noncommunicable diseases by family members, number of children present in the family, attitude towards health benefits of foods, knowledge on health foods, and marketing mix factors were significantly associated with the consumer willingness to pay for underutilized vegetables. Furthermore, the marginal effects were calculated to reveal the probable impact of each significant independent variable on consumers’ levels of willingness to pay for underutilized vegetables. Keywords: Underutilized vegetables, Willingness to pay, Consumer factors, Marketing mix factors, Ordered logit model
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    Design and Development of Automated Sprayer for Greenhouses
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Piyarathne, P.A.D.R.; Kumari, K.W.S.N.; Amarasinge, A.R.P.C.C.J.
    The chemical uses of nutrients and pesticides are one of the most important agricultural processes and one of the most dangerous agricultural operations in the world. Automated sprayers are being developed for the use of greenhouses to improve the safety and effectiveness of the chemical application process, which results in reducing: chemicals, labor costs, occupational hazards, and harmful environmental damages. Most frequently, sprayers have been controlled by Programmable Logic Controls, Robot Q, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino platforms. This study was intended to develop an affordable Autonomous sprayer equipped with existing technology and adding values in rich path following, multi spraying, best target controlling, and crop identification ability in Sri Lankan Greenhouses content. A four-wheeler differential steering base robot was designed and built to act as a greenhouse sprayer. The overall robot is run by using a drive unit that consists of two brushless direct current motors. The Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller was developed to follow the paths of lines which are located on the floor correctly. Moreover, the crops were identified using image processing. The spraying system also inbuilt to the robot, i.e., pump, reservoir, nozzle, etc. The fully completed autonomous robot was tested on rough terrains and it can be able to navigate on predefined paths in greenhouses very high accuracy. Future developments will be focus to add high processing power for digital image processing and artificial intelligence. Keywords: Programmable logic controls, Brushless direct current motors, ProportionalIntegral-Derivative, Artificial intelligence
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    Determinants of Export Performances of Sri Lankan Spices
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Darshani, M.M.G.; De Silva, N.; Ekanayake, H.K.J.
    Sri Lanka remains one of the major five exporters of spices in the world market. However, the Sri Lankan spices sector is still left behind its exact potential as spices account only for 1 percent of total exports of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study examines the main determinants of the export flow of spices in Sri Lanka. Secondary data from the first quarter of 2010 to the fourth quarter of 2018 were used. The single equation error correction technique, which is mostly used to analyse nonstationary data, was employed for the analysis. Results revealed that the export volume of spices mainly depends on world GDP (44.9849) and the real wage rate index (-4.0416) in the short run. But, in the long run, this is mainly dependent on four factors such as Sri Lankan real GDP (-0.6435), world GDP (11.3477), real wage rate index (2.9925), and the sector productivity (- 2.1437). However, the export value is determined only by the real wage rate index (- 3.3309) in the short run and it mainly depends on the real wage rate index (-2.6150) and the sector productivity (-2.3803) in long run. The global financial crisis has significantly affected the export value of the Sri Lankan spices too. The study concludes that the real wage rate index and sector productivity are the significant factors that determine both the export volume and value of spices in Sri Lanka. Hence, this study recommends that policy measures should be taken to improve labour efficiency in the spices sector thereby reducing the cost of production of the sector. Keywords: Agricultural exports, Determinants, Exports of Sri Lanka, Spices exports
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    Determination of Nutrient Composition in Locally Available Feed Ingredients in Anuradhapura
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Karunanayaka, R.H.W.M.; Nayananjalie, W.A.D.; Somasiri, S.C.; Adikari, A.M.J.B.; Weerasinghe, W.V.V.R.; Kumari, M.A.A.P.
    The objective of this experiment was to assess the nutrient quality of locally available feed ingredients for feeding ruminants in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Agroindustrial by-products such as rice (Oryza sativa) bran, maize (Zea mays L.) meal, coconut (Cocos nucifera) poonac and soya bean (Glycine max) meal and different fodder species such as maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), CO3 (Pennisetum purpureum), guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) were used. The chemical composition of the above ingredients was determined according to the association of official analytical chemists. The ingredients were analysed for dry matter content, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, ether extract, and gross energy content. From the tested ingredients, soya bean meal (50.56±0.25%), coconut poonac (19.39±0.25%), and Gliricidia (23.78±0.79%) had comparatively higher crude protein contents. Rice bran (4219±209.30 kcal/g), Gliricidia (4066.50±0.71 kcal/g), sorghum (3882±39.60 kcal/g), coconut poonac (3877±66.47 kcal/g), and soya bean meal (3714±33.94 kcal/g) had higher gross energy contents compared to the other feed sources. The highest ash (10.70±2.02%) and crude fiber (38.72±1.48%) contents were reported in sorghum. Relatively higher ether extract content was observed in rice bran (11.48±1.48%), coconut poonac (7.16±0.40%), Gliricidia (4.64±0.04%), and maize meal (3.12±0.99%). The present results show that industrial by-products and different fodder species vary in chemical composition. According to the available nutrient composition, these feed ingredients can be used for feeding ruminants. Therefore, there is a possibility of preparing a total mixed ration using these ingredients. Keywords: Agro-industrial by-products, Chemical composition, Feeding ruminants, Fodder species
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    Determination of Optimum Water Application Interval for Young Tea Plants
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Senevirathne, K.V.D.K.; Bandara, N.P.S.N.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.
    Tea productivity is highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation. With limited availability of water for irrigation, identification of optimum irrigation interval is necessary to increase water use efficiency. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted at the Tea Research Institute, Rathnapura to determine the optimum water application interval for young tea plants using one year old uniform tea plants of cultivar, TRI 2027 under controlled environmental conditions (Max and Min temperatures, 32.1 °C and 23.1 °C, respectively; Average sunshine hours, 3.15 h day-1 ). The experiment was laid out according to Complete Randomized Design with four replicates. Four irrigation treatments were applied as daily watering (175 ml plant-1 ), watering at a 4-day interval (750 ml plant-1 ), watering at a 7-day interval (1150 ml plant-1 ), and none watering (control). Plant growth performance was evaluated during the experimental period. The highest evapotranspiration rate (3.02 mm day-1 ) was recorded at daily watering followed by watering at a 4-day interval (2.33 mm day-1 ). Plants watered daily showed significantly higher (p<0.05) plant height (51.4 cm), girth (6.1 mm), leaf dry weight (5.7 g), leaf area (550.5 cm2 ), stem dry weight (3.1 g) and leaf nitrogen percentage (3.15%) compared to control (35.3 cm, 4.1 mm, 1.33 g, 119 cm2, 1.3 g, 2.14%, respectively). Interestingly, growth performances of plants that watered daily were not significantly deviated (p>0.05) from plants that watered at the 4-day interval. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in root volume and dry weight among different treatments. The results of this experiment suggest that frequent irrigation at least once in four days is important for better establishment of young tea plants. However, before drawing any firm conclusion it is suggested to continue such trials for at least three dry spells. Keywords: Evapotranspiration, Growth performance, Irrigation interval, Young tea plants, Water availability
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    Determining the Willingness to Adopt Sustainable Rice Supply Chain Approach in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kankanamge, P.K.D.K.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.
    Rice is the major staple diet of people in Sri Lanka and is the single most important crop occupying in Sri Lanka. Although it represented a major supply chain in the country there are many issues regarding the durability of the rice supply chain. Achieving sustainability supply chain practices is the best way to address those issues. For that, it is important to consider the willingness of each member in the supply chain. The main purpose of this study is to determine the willingness to adopt the sustainable rice supply chain approach in Sri Lanka. To accomplish the objective, a structured questionnaire was constructed and direct interviews were conducted with 100 farmers and 37 rice mills in Pollonaruwa and Hambanthota districts. For data analysis ordered logistic regression model was used and the marginal effects were calculated. The regression results revealed that the potential, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and technology acceptance have a significant relationship with the sustainability approach for the farmers’ practices. The regression-based on rice mills revealed that attitudes and perceived behavioural control are the most influencing factors that affect the willingness to adopt a sustainability approach. Keywords: Sustainability, Willingness, Rice Supply Chain
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    Developing an Effective Specific Gravity Measuring System for Solid Tyre Manufacturing Process
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Palliyage, R.P.; Withanage, N.S.; Wijesundara, K.
    Solid tyres are non-pneumatic tyres which are not filled with air. It consists of major three layers such as heel, cushion, and tread. The main steps of the solid tyre manufacturing process are compound warming, compound feeding, tyre rolling, curing, and final inspection. During compound warming, the specific gravity of the warmed compound is tested. According to that value, the required mass of compound for tyre is measured. Then It is transferred to the feeding mill and after that, it is transferred to tyre rolling. In the solid tyre manufacturing process, the specific gravity of the warmed compound should be measured before the tyre rolling. The current production process takes a total of 7 min for measuring specific gravity, which is higher than tyre rolling time. So, the current specific gravity measuring system is un-effective for the process. If the weight will be less than the required amount, tyre can be scrapped. It leads to economic losses to the company. Therefore, minimizing the total time for specific gravity measuring is important to increase productivity. In this research, eight types of experiments were designed to find the optimum time for a specific gravity measuring process. In each experiment major four parameters were considered, such as curing temperature, curing time, cooling water temperature, and cooling time. In this experiments three different curing temperatures (180 ⁰C, 190 ⁰C, 200 ⁰C), two different curing times (2, 3 min), two different cooling water temperatures (30 ⁰C, <10 ⁰C) and five different cooling times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 min) were used to test the specific gravity of the compound samples under 8 different experiments. The results revealed that the optimum curing temperature is 190 ⁰C, curing time is 2 min., cooling time is 2 min., and the cooling water temperature is <10 ⁰C. The total time takes by specific gravity measuring could be minimized to 4 min. It would be profitable for the company in many ways compared to the current 7 min operation. Keywords: Cooling time, Curing time, Curing temperature, Specific gravity, Tyre manufacturing
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    Developing Scientific Method to Calculate the Surface Moisture of Fresh Green Tea Leaves on Wet Days
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dissanayaka, D.M.S.M.; Perera, G.A.A.R.; Gamage, A.; Jeewanthi, P.W.
    Plucking is the most labor-intensive field operation in tea plantations. Laborers are paid according to the kilograms of shoots plucked by the workers. Interview with workers as well as management has been used to deduct the weight of green tea leaf of 1 kg per plucking round only when there is rain during the plucking time. This is happened due to the water content in the green leaf or leaf carrying bags. Although this practice is approved by the estate level workers union, any estate does not have any systematic methodology or governing law/ regulation to demonstrate that this deduction is appropriately justifiable. Moreover, the pluckers have some doubts related to the deduction of the weight of leaf plucked by them. Therefore, this study was focused on generating and evaluating of the scientifically accepted method to determine weight reduction of tea shoots plucked from the moisture of shoots during rainy days. NuwaraEliya Estate, Labukelle, and Tyllyrie Estate, Dikoya were selected for the study. Secondary data of rainfall within early 5 years periods were collected from the offices of the estates and primary rainfall data were obtained using a moisture analyzer after artificial rainfall was applied to leaf taken from selected fields. The quantitative analysis methods were used for data analysis including an analysis of independent and dependent variables, hypotheses testing, correlation, and regression analysis. A regression model was developed to calculate the surface moisture content of leaf during a rainy day. This model can be used to calculate the amount of weight to be deducted from the weight of tea leaf during rainy days and is only applicable to Nuwara-Eliya and Dimbula region. Keywords: Plucking, Green leaf, Deduction of the weight of leaf, Surface moisture content, Wet days
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    Development of a Protocol for Effective Acclimatization of In-Vitro Propagated Dendrobium Orchids
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Bandara, S. M. J. U.; Herath, H. M. I.; Kaliyadasa, P. E.
    Dendrobium orchids are popular flowering potted and cut flowers around the world. The success of in vitro propagation of Dendrobium is high, but when transplanted into the natural environmental condition (acclimatization), their survival is minimal. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop a protocol to evaluate the effect of acclimatization of Dendrobium after ten weeks of transplanting under the protected environment conditions. As the first experiment, the success of the acclimatization was evaluated with different root numbers. In the second experiment, two acclimatization media were tested with different media compositions, common acclimatization media (M1) - sand: coir dust: charcoal: tile pieces, alternative media (M2) - granite chips: coir dust: charcoal: tile pieces (1:1:1:1). The direct transplanting method and non-direct transplanting method were followed in the third experiment. Under experiment four, the number of plantlets was changed including in a community pot and single propagators were done just after transplanting. Four and 3.5-inch diameter clay/plastic community pots were applied to the same plant numbers (25 plantlets per pot) in experiment five. Survival percentage and visual appearances at weekly and height of the plantlets at two weeks intervals were recorded in each replicate. The highest survival and height were recorded in well-rooted plantlets (10 roots).M1, M2 both showed the same performances. The direct planting method showed the best performances. Four-inch diameter/clay community pots with higher amounts of plant numbers (30, 35) showed the highest survival and growth. The propagator application was positively contributed to the height of the plantlets. Community pots in 3.5-inch diameter were recorded the best survival and height. Plastic community pots were the possible alternative for clay pots. In conclusion, applying the complete protocol can be considered as a clear solution to increase the survival of tissue cultured Dendrobium orchids at acclimatization. Keywords: Acclimatization, Dendrobium orchids, In-vitro propagation, Survival percentage
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    Development of a Simple Non-toxic Scale-up Method for Extracting Crude Collagen from Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Skin
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Jayasundara, J.M.S.S.; Wimalarathne, W.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.; Ekanayake, R.M.T.C.B.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.
    During processing, a greater quantity of fish is dumped as waste which causes a major environmental impact. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate possible ways to minimize the waste and use of these wastes at the industrial level. Thus, the current study was aimed to develop a simple, non-toxic, and scale-up method to extract crude collagen from yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) skin. Collagen extraction was carried out through a pre-treatment process where the skin was agitated with 0.1 N NaOH for 48 hours. Two different acid types, lactic acid (0.4 M, 0.5 M, 0.6 M) and acetic acid (0.5 M, as in the previous study) were compared. Sodium chloride (10% w/v) was used to precipitate crude collagen. Extracted collagens were lyophilized and yield was calculated. For the agitation purpose, specially prepared agitator (30 L capacity and 50 rpm) was used. Then, 10% SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) analysis and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis were carried out for the identification of the extracted crude collagen. The highest yield of collagen was obtained from 0.6 M lactic acid-treated fish skin compared to the rest and it was 14.46 ± 0.56 % based on the wet weight of the skin (p < 0.05). All the crude collagen extracts of different concentrations exhibited Amide A, Amide B, Amide i, Amide ii, and Amide iii which are the characteristic spectra of collagen in the FTIR spectrum. Based on the SDS-PAGE analysis it was revealed that the crude collagen extracts have two α-bands and one β-band which is a characteristic of type I collagen. Thus, this study revealed the tuna skin is a good source to extract type I collagen for the commercial and industrial uses. Keywords: Fish collagen, Thunnus albacares, Lactic acid, Acetic acid, Extraction