Crude latex of Carica papaya L. has been known to offer a lot of benefits and potentials especially in the agricultural industry and human health. This study focuses on the latex coming from its fruits of Papaya CX variety. Seven to eight longitudinal incisions were made in order to allow latex to appear and drain in the collecting devices. 439.5 g dried latex was stored in plastic containers and freezed. Results showed that dried latex contained higher amount of crude protein (57.24 ± 0.69%), followed by moisture (17.76 ± 0.09%), ash (7.00 ± 0.01%), crude fat (5.21 ± 0.13%) and crude fiber (0.67 ± 0.09%) based on the complete proximate analysis. In the enzyme analysis, papain had protease activity of 2655 units·g −1 at pH 5.5 and 285 units·g −1 at pH 9.0. These results provided evidence that papain as a protease enzyme is found in the crude latex of papaya which is a major constituent in various proteolytic activities. Crude latex from C. papaya L. can be utilized to address the issues in agricultural farms to accelerate production and reduce environmental hazards.
There are several ophiolite complexes in the Philippines that serve as the birthplace of serpentinite derived soils which are generally described as infertile soils. In the northern part of Mindanao Island of the country a rainforest which sustains wild life and protects a vast watershed sits on this serpentinite environment. Thus, a study was made to assess the soil chemical properties in order to help in understanding the present condition of this forest. Soil samples were collected from four sites with different elevations but of similar topography. Soil samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for pH, organic matter content, total nitrogen, extractable phosphorous, exchangeable potassium and cation exchange capacity. Based on the values of the different soil chemical properties measured, soil fertility index was calculated. Result showed that there is significant variation of different soil chemical properties among sites. Soil fertility index among sites also varies and had showed low fertility index.
A total 140 agroforestry farmers were randomly identified. The data were collected using survey questionnaires, formal interviews and reconnaissance surveys. Generally, the farmers were mature (51 yr and over), male, married, and had not finished a college degree. In spite of this, adoption of Falcata-based agroforestry practices was high as exemplified by the number of adopters, presence of various tree, agricultural crops, and animals. The study also revealed that tenurial status and farm size were the main factors hindering agroforestry adoption. Land owners with a large area are most likely to adopt different agroforestry practices. Tenants preferred to plant cash crops due to the issues on the right to choose what to plant, privacy of land and security of products and uncertainty on the length of time to cultivate the land. Most respondents practiced multistorey, intercropping, alley/hedgerow intercropping to maximize land utilization, and thereby produced a diversity of crops.
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