Appraisal of graduate research on arable crops in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka 2001-2010

Abstract

The study appraised graduate research on arable crops in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 2001to 2010. Data were collected through content analysis from 32 graduate researsch works , while percentages were used for presenting the data. The results show that 59.58% of those who enrolled for post graduate programme from 2001to 2010 were master of science (M.Sc), while 40.62% were doctors of phillsophy (Ph.Ds). A greater percentage of the graduates who offered agronomy (63.63%), plant breeding and genetics (66.66%), and plant pathology (60%), were M.Scs. Fifty percent each of those that offered weed science and forage were M.Scs and Ph.Ds. However, the only graduate student that offered nematology was a Ph.D graduate. On area of specialization, 34.37% offered agronomy, 28.12% plant breeding and 15.62%, plant pathology. The least enrollment came from nematology (3.12%), weed science, entomology and forage crops (6.25%) each.There is the need to encourage graduates to pursure their careers in areas of nematology, entomology and forage crop production.

Keywords: Graduate research, arable crop, areas of specializion