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Abundance and Diversity of Ichthyoplankton in the West Coast of Sri Lanka, from Kelani River Estuary to Maha Oya Estuary
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Silva, A.P.R.; Rathnasuriya, M.I.G.; Guruge, K.P.G.K.P.; Jayasinghe, R.P.P.K.
Fundamental understanding of fish resources has become an urgent need in Sri Lanka for the sustainable management of fish stocks. As studies on ichthyoplankton (fish eggs and larvae) in Sri Lankan coastal waters are scarce, a preliminary study was carried out with the aim to find the abundance, distribution and composition of ichthyoplankton in the west coast. Samples were collected in five stations bordering Kelani river estuary, Negombo lagoon and Maha Oya estuary in the west coast where human interactions are relatively high. Horizontal surface sample and a vertical sample were collected from each station using Working Party 2 (WP2) plankton net (180 µm mesh size) for three months in 2018: March, September and October representing 1st inter-monsoon, Southwest monsoon and 2nd inter-monsoon respectively. Fish eggs and larvae were separated from plankton and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level under the stereo microscope using the standard keys. A total of 4095 fish eggs and 465 fish larvae belonging to 23 families were collected from the study area. An average abundance of 8772 eggs and 996 larvae per 1000 m3 were recorded. Most abundant taxonomic level in each month were, Family Siganidae in March, Family Blennidae in September and Order Clupeiformes in October. The highest abundance of fish eggs was found in Station 3 (22158 per 1000 m3 in vertical sample and 13934 per 1000 m3 in horizontal surface sample) and larvae was found in Station 4 (1196 per 1000 m3 in vertical sample and 2537 per 1000 m3 in horizontal surface sample) which is located adjacent to Maha Oya estuary, showing estuaries’ ecological services as nursery grounds for early stages of fish. This study infers that there is a high pelagic and demersal fish diversity and abundance in the west coast of Sri Lanka. Since this is a preliminary study, comprehensive studies on the spatial and temporal variation of abundance and diversity of ichthyoplankton in Sri Lankan waters are recommended.
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
Adoption of Eco-Friendly Technologies in Paddy Farming in Sri Lanka as an Alternative to Chemical Fertilizer: Exploring the Farmer Perceptions
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Lakmali, C.D.A.; De Silva, L.H.N.; Mudalige, U.K.J.; Dharmakeerthi, R.S.; Dandeniya, W.S.; Balasooriya, W.K.
There is a greater interest among scientists to develop Eco-Friendly Technologies (EFTs) for paddy farming, from one hand, to reduce chemical fertilizer usage, and to safeguard food supply and ecosystem health, on the other. This paper explores the attitudes and perceptions of farmers that trigger them to use certain EFTs produced such as (‘slow release fertilizer’, ‘organic carbon’, and ‘microbes’) produced through a multi-phased project funded by National Research Council of Sri Lanka. These EFTs were incorporated into the root ball of the rice plant at the nursery stage and then healthy seedlings were planted in the field by using the ‘Parachute Technique’ method (i.e. alternative technology to other modes of seed establishment including ‘broadcasting’ and ‘transplanting’). Farmers from Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts (n=80) were selected to collect data in terms of farmer attitudes and perceptions linked with six key criteria related to these EFTs including: (1) ‘Regulation’; (2) ‘Cost’; (3) ‘Environment’; (4) ‘Performance’; (5) ‘Services’, and (6) ‘Acceptance’. The possible effects of each criterion were written in the form of attitudinal statements and supported by a 10-point likert-scale. The scores provided by farmers on each statement were subjected to the tests on Scale Reliability and Unidimensionality and then used to derive Aggregate Mean Scores. Results suggested that, ‘Parachute Technique’ was better than broadcasting with respect to Regulation (1.44), Environment (-2.49) and Performance (-1.57). The farmer perception on parachute technique was ‘poor’ only for Service (0.19) when compared to transplanting. The outcome of the analysis highlights the importance of generating private and market-based incentives for farmers as potential end-users to encourage adoption of EFTs in paddy cultivation. Further, availability of related services and facilitative institutional framework will have a direct impact on the adoption of such EFTs.
Agricultural Market Information System with Integrated Forecasting and Short Message Service (SMS) Accessibility
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Kadigamugedara, C.S.K.; Subhashini, L.D.C.S.
Agriculture remains the major livelihood in most of the developing countries in Asian and Pacific region even at present. One of the major problems among the farmers of developing countries is the lack of knowledge of the market of their products. Farmer's participation in market is poor and they are being forced to sell their products to local middlemen at dumped prices. The Agricultural Market Information System with Integrated Forecasting and Short Message Service (SMS) Accessibility project presents an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution to the problem by giving the timely and unbiased Agricultural Marketing Information. It helps farmers to gain profitable decisions in the short term on when and which market to produce, what price to produce and what price to expect. A GSM modem and an SMS Gateway application are used to send and receive the SMS messages. The Time series algorithm model was constructed to forecast the agricultural products' market prices. Through the empirical data testing, the average relative error was 2.91% for Samba Rice, which shows that this model can achieve good predicted results. This time series forecasting model can be used in forecasting the prices of various types of agricultural products, with a premise that having enough data of agricultural products in the model training to determine the model structure and parameters. Key words: Time series forecasting model, GSM modem, SMS
Algorithmic Aspects of Trees in Graph Theory: Identification and Application
(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Gamachchige, N.T.S.G.; Udagedara, D.T.
Note: See the PDF Version With the rapid advances of the computer technology, Mathematics and Computer Science have developed into two entirely separate disciplines. Since graphical approach lend themselves naturally as model for a variety of situations, including the hardware of computer and certain aspects of computer software, Graph Theory plays an increasingly important role within Computer Science. In the study of graphs, it soon becomes evident that efficient algorithms are necessary for solving problems of any significant magnitude. It has become fashionable to mention that there are applications of Graph Theory to some areas of Physics, Chemistry, Computer technology, Electrical and civil engineering, Sociology and Economics. Computers have made our daily activities easier with fast and highly accurate outcome. Since we find the applications of Graph Theory in almost all areas, using the computer to solve practical problems makes our task easy. Transforming of our problems into a form that can be understood by the computer is the task of a computer language. Algorithms are used for that purpose. This research consists of Algorithmic aspect of Trees in Graph Theory and is designed to emphasize the close tie between the theoretical and algorithmic aspect of Trees in Graph Theory. Rather than employing a specific computer language for presenting algorithms, the steps were used that are common to many languages. This research has introduced few algorithms, based on properties of Trees in Graph Theory, for practical problems which we often come across. A complexity analysis is also given for each algorithm. The main objective is to recognize the algorithms to solve real world problems using the properties of Trees in Graph Theory and the other objective is to apply these algorithms to solve some problems in day to day life.
Allelopathic Effect of Weeds Extracts on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicam L.)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Ranaweera, R.A.T.L.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.
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.
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
Analysis of Allelic Diversity of Drought Responsive ERF Genes in Sri Lankan Rice Germplasm
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Wehalle, W.G.A.D.N.; Gimhani, D.R.; Abhayawickrama, B.P.
Ethylene response factor (ERF), is a prominent transcription factor gene family that governs numerous abiotic stress-related physiological activities in plants. Drought is the foremost yield- limiting factor of the second-largest staple crop of the globe. Bioinformatics tools provide a robust platform to investigate the genetic characteristics towards rice plant drought responses. The present study aimed to analyze the allelic variations of OsEBP89, OsERF101, OsERF71, OsERF48, OsERF12 and OsLG3; drought-responsive ERF genes in silico within the Sri Lankan rice pool. Genes were selected from the Rice Annotation Project (RAP) database concerning Oryza sativa sp. japonica cv. „Nipponbare‟ as the reference genome. Selected gene sequences of 47 Sri Lankan rice varieties were retrieved from the Rice SNP-Seek database and allelic variation was assessed concerning the corresponding gene sequences of Nipponbare using MEGA 7- Clustal W method. Present Results revealed several InDels and SNPs: 6 SNPs in OsEBP89 (A/G at 15nt, G/T at 380nt, C/T at 381nt, T/A at 555nt, C/T at 709nt and G/T at 951nt), 1 InDel and 3 SNPs in OsERF101 (C/A at 87nt, A/G at 687nt and C/T at 725nt), 8 SNPs in OsERF71 (C/A at 118nt, G/A at 360nt, C/T at 623nt, G/A at 742nt, G/T at 849nt, C/T at 867nt, T/C at 939nt and G/A at 981nt), 1 InDel and 5 SNPs in OsERF48 (C/G at 655nt, G/Tat 768nt, C/G at 812nt, C/T at 1112nt and G/C at 1162nt), 1 InDel and 5 SNPs in OsERF12 (G/T at 41nt, C/T at 150nt, G/A at 336nt, C/G at 365nt and C/T at 957nt) and 3 SNPs in OsLG3 (C/T at 293nt, C/T at 487nt and A/G at 810nt).The MEGA 7 assisted phylogenetic analysis unveil apparent allelic variation within the Sri Lankan rice germplasm. The encoded proteins of OsERF101, OsERF48 and OsERF12 genes were subjected to secondary structure prediction and physicochemical analysis. The Physicochemical properties varied among structures of corresponding proteins. However, major differences in folding patterns were not observed. Functional characterization and phenotypic validations are essential to investigate the potential of these genes in drought-tolerant rice improvement programs. Keywords: Allelic variation; Drought stress; Ethylene Response Factor; Rice
Analysis of Chemical Composition and Oil Yield of Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus in Thanamalwila Area
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Gamage, T.G.K.M.; Ariyasinghe, H.A.E.N.; Alakolanga, A.G.A.W.
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardusand 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%), Citronella! (9.02%) and Geraniol (16.01%) in Cymbopogon nardusthan in Cymbopogon winterianus in which the respective values were 4.68%, 4.81% and 6.3%. There were no 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, as far as the oil yield and chemical composition of oil are concerned, Cymbopogon nardus is the best variety to cultivate in Thanamalwila area.
Analysis of combining ability and heterosis in tomato (solanum lycopersicum) using full diallel cross
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Jayarathna, R.G.Y.H.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Fonseka, H.H.; Welegama, H.M.V.T.
Tomato (Solanumlycopersicum) is the second most important vegetable crop next to potato. Tomato being one of the popular vegetable crops in Sri Lanka is preferred by farmers due to high economic returns, export potentials and nutritive value. Tomato is a rich source of vitamin A, C and minerals like Ca, P and Fe (Dhaliwalet al., 2003). Tomatoes are major contributors of antioxidants such as carotenoids (especially, lycopene and β-carotene), phenolics, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and small amounts of vitamin E in daily diets (Raiet al., 2012). In Sri Lanka, tomato is cultivated in more than 7137 ha, producing nearly 73917 t/year. (Department of Agriculture, 2010) The record lower yields are attributed to multiple of factors inclusive of elevated and frequent incidences of pest and diseases and inadequate accessibility to quality seeds (Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, 2011). Most improvement programmes of many crops use diallel analyses as they provide breeders information on the genetic value of varieties as parents and to assess the gene action which can be directed at improving yield and other related quantitative characters (Vianaet al., 2001). Therefore, an understanding of the genetic control of characters and role of non-allelic interaction is essential to the breeder when deciding of the selection method and breeding procedure to follow (Esmail, 2007). From diallel analysis, plant breeders are able to gather information on heterosis and effect due to maternal, General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) of parents in crosses (Glover et al., 2005). Materials and method Parents were obtained from the germplasm of the Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.Seeds of the all possible crosses, reciprocals and Bhathiya were obtained from the Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HoRDI), Gannoruwa from the maha season 2013/2014.
Analysis of Consumption Patterns of Probiotic Incorporated Fermented Dairy Products in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Hanouf, M.H.M.; Rathnayaka, S.D.; Abesinghe, A.M.N.L.
Probiotic dairy foods are considered as one of the major functional food substances in the world. Consumers have been more health conscious in recent years, and as a result, they are seeking more information on how to live a healthy life consuming good food. Probiotic and probiotic products are having the possibility to attract those health-conscious consumers because of their health promoting effects and lower cost. To our knowledge there are no studies that analyze the consumer demand for probiotic fermented dairy products in Sri Lanka. This study focused on analyzing the consumer knowledge, attitudes, socio-demographic and economic factors that affect the consumption pattern of probiotic fermented dairy products in Sri Lanka. A total of 405 households from all nine provinces in Sri Lanka were surveyed with an online questionnaire. According to the results, 46% of the respondents have awareness of probiotics. Probiotic consumption was categorized into 4 levels as not at all, low, medium, and high based on the probiotic consumption per week. The study showed that 53% of the respondents belongs to low-level consumption category, 27% have medium level consumption, 9% are in high-level consumption category and 11% of the responders never consumed probiotic incorporated dairy products. An ordered logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationships between probiotic consumption level and the number of demographics, socio- economic characteristics of consumers such as gender, age, marital status, household size, presence of children, household income, locality, education level, attitudes on health and nutrition aspects, attitude on sensory aspects, advertisement aspects and poor availability of probiotic dairy products. The results reveal that probiotic consumption level is significantly and positively influenced by gender, marital status, household income, advertisements, and consumer‟s attitude on health and negatively influenced by household size and poor availability. Findings of this study give useful information to producers for their production and marketing strategies which are most suitable to fit with the demand characteristics and consumer expectations. Keywords: Probiotic; Dairy Products; Consumption Patterns; Ordered Logistic Regression; Sri Lanka
Analysis of Factors Affecting for Decision of Intercropping Pepper by Tea Small Holders in Yatinuwara DS Division
(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Manupriya, V.D.T.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.; Kahandawa, U.
In Sri Lanka tea small holders in the mid country had been traditionally intercropping pepper, coffee and clove with tea for a long time. Among these, pepper is the most compatible crop with any category of tea in the mid and low elevations. The intercropping of two or more crops on the same land has a number of advantages such as better land utilization and reduced risk of dependence on a single crop. This study analyses the factors determining the adoption of tea based pepper intercropping and determine whether the income is affected by intercropping pepper in tea lands in mid country wet zone at small
Analysis of factors affecting for Tea buyers’ level of trust on Tea brokers
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Rathnayaka, L. P.; Rathnayaka, R. M. S. D.; Wedande, D.
The tea industry in Sri Lanka has paramount importance to country’s economy. In Sri Lanka, out of total quantity of bulk packaged tea, more than 95% is sold through public auction annually. The main participants of auction system are buyers and brokers. The most important concept, to carry out the business relationship between buyers and brokers is TRUST. All the transactions between buyers and brokers will confirm with the trust before complete the transaction by using monetary terms. In economic terms, trust can be defined as "the belief or perception by one party (e.g. a principal) that the other party (e.g. an agent) to a particular transaction will not cheat" (Paul J. Zak and Knack, 2001). In the case of buyer-broker relationship in the tea industry (relevant to buyers), trust can be defined as a belief of the buyer that the broker will efficiently provide good quality teas without any deceptions, while maintaining the goodwill. Therefore this research was carried out to identify major factors affecting for tea buyers’ trust on tea brokers. Methodology The selected population for the study was all the tea buyers who are weekly buying tea at the Colombo Tea Auction. The data were collected from a sample of 70 tea buyers selected using Simple Random Sampling technique and ranked according to their export quantity (Sri Lanka Custom Data, 2012). Data were collected through a questionnaire by individually giving it to the selected sample. The trust was measured by using ten point likertscales. Data were analyzed using Descriptive Statisticsmanner andbased on Ordinal Logistic Regression analysis techniques.Ordinal Logistic Regression is used to independent variables(ChristensenR.H.B.,2011). The SPSS statistical software, Minitab 16 software and Microsoft Excel were used for both descriptive and ordinal logistic regression analysis.
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
Analysis of Pesticide 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, 2018) Mallikaarachchi, M.A.S. K.; Magamage, M.C.; Premathilake, K.G.; Weerawansha, A.N.R.
Presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities can cause acute and chronic toxicities on humans.The objective 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 66 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 were 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. Eleven 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 diazinon in tomato and beans.
Analysis of Present Status and Production Forecasting of Potato Farming in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Weerasinghe, L.R.; Niranjan, F.; Wijetunga, C. S.; Maduwanthi, B.C.H.
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 of 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 5.28% 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% 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 spite of that profitability of the potato farming has been increased by 7.81% (Department of Agriculture) over the years. The study also revealed that the best models are ARIMA (0, 0, 1) and ARIMA (2, 0, 0) for future forecasting. 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.
Analysis of technical efficiency of pepper growers in Kandy district
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Jayalath, J.K.S.; Rathnayake, R.M.S.D.; Seneviratne, M.A.P.K.
Pepper is the second most important perennial spice crop, next to Cinnamon, in Sri Lankan economy, and the most important perennial spice for domestic consumption. The pepper growers have faced severe problems during the last decades. Some of these problems are prolonged fall in the production and productivity of pepper. Agricultural productivity refers to the output produced by a given level of input(s) in the agricultural sector of a given economy (Fulginiti and Perrin 1998). Technical efficiency reflects the ability of producers to maximize output for a given set of resource inputs (Chirwa 2003).The Department of Export Agriculture in Sri Lanka with the mandate of perennial spices launched several programmes to develop this sector, including subsidy schemes for new planting, replanting and infilling, fertilizer subsidy schemes and extension services. Despite such efforts, the performances of spice based agro-forestry systems are not satisfactory. The average yield of pepper is 350-500 kg per hectare, but target yield is 1000 kg per hectare (Department of Export Agriculture in Sri Lanka 2002). Farmers have less information on efficiency. In order to realize increased production and efficiency, farmers in Sri Lanka need to efficiently utilize the limited resources accessed for farm income generation. This research determined efficiency levels of pepper farmers and identified socio economic factors affecting efficiency levels. Methodology The study was conducted in Kandy District in 2014. Kandy district comprises with 6,982.8 ha of cultivated land of pepper. The total sample size was hundred (100) respondents from six selected extension office ranges. Multi Stage sampling technique was used. Primary sample data was collected from farmers using a survey method involving a structured questionnaire which was administered to the selected pepper producing farmers in Kandy District. The analysis of Cobb-Douglas frontier production function was tested by ordinary least square (OLS) and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). STATA version 11 was used for the summary statistics and estimate coefficient of stochastic frontier and measure technical efficiencies.
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.; Obeysekera, K.G.B.; Dharmadasa, A.P.I.S.
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 that affect on decision making on replanting. Sixty tea small holders were selected from Gannoruwa, Manikdiwele and Dhanthure by using the stratified random sampling technique 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 subsidy
Analysis of Yield and Some Physicochemical Properties of Tallow Rendered from Leather Industry Waste
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Vinothsanker, S.; Wickramasinghe, W.; Samaraweera, A.M.; Cyril, H.W
Flesh samples collected from fleshing waste of leather factory were 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), There is no significant difference (P< 0.05) among tallow extracted from males and females of buffalo as well as between the tallow from cattle (Low country) and buffalo (Low Country). The iodine, saponification, acid values and free fatty acid and % of crude fat contents were169.2, 301.0 mg KOH/g, 51.78 mg KOH/g, 0.5 as % of oleic acid and 37.66% respectively. Ash value and moisture contents were 0.16 mg/g and 1.38% respectively. Extracted tallow complies with the CODEX standards except for acid and saponification value for edible fats but cannot be recommended for human consumption unless further investigations for mineral contamination are conducted. Higher saponification values lower the suitability of tallow for soap and candle production. Key words: Tallow, Rendering, Yield, Quality
An Analytical Approach to Establish Specific Electrical Energy Consumption for Tea Factories in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Udayangani, W.A.S.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Pathmasiri, M.M.R.
Tea industry is undoubtedly one of the most important industries with a substantial contribution to the national economy in Sri Lanka. Tea industry utilizes energy in the forms of thermal energy and electrical energy for its tea manufacturing process requirements. Analyze values that can be used as standard values for the comparing performance of industries, process, systems or equipments is essential to set the corresponding achievements. Average value, best value and baseline for electrical energy consumption for tea industry is a vital because the specific electricity consumption in terms of kWh per one kilogram of made tea is a good measure of understanding the effectiveness of electricity utilization in the tea industry. This research contributes to calculate the specific electrical energy consumption for tea factories in Sri Lanka because the calculated value of the specific energy consumption between the tea factories has large variation. There are 642 tea factories are operated in Sri Lanka. These tea factories are situated up country, mid country and low country respectively. From those tea factories 50 tea factories are taken as the sample size. From the above sample size about 25 tea factories, data are collected from up country/ mid country tea factories and other 25 tea factories, data collected from low country tea factories. Questionnaire survey was carried out for collecting relevant data from the tea factories and gathered information on monthly and annual made tea production (kg) and monthly and annual electricity consumption (kWh). Specific electrical energy consumption (kWh per kilogram of made tea) was the calculated data. Minitab software system was used to find out the best performance among a group of tea factories. The calculated average value was 0.7856 kWh per one kilogram of made tea for specific electrical energy consumption and it is named as the baseline of specific electrical energy consumption. The best case of the specific electrical energy consumption is 0.4 kWh per one kilogram of made tea. This calculated baseline for the specific electrical energy consumption allows the tea factories to know precisely where their operation ranks in relation to a direct competitor, further allowing it to identify major performance gap that need to be addressed through improved energy efficiency.

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