Agro-Science

Germination of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) seeds as influenced by pre-treatment and sowing media

J.O. Afolabi — 2024-12-30

Noni is a useful tropical fruit shrub, difficult to propagate due to seeds dormancy. Hence, a two-stage experiment was conducted to develop easily applicable rapid germination method for the crop. Firstly, seeds were subjected to different pretreatments [nicking, soaking in 50% H₂SO₄ for 5 min., 800 ppm GA₃ for 24 h, hot-water at 40°C for 24 h and control (untreated)]. Secondly, the most suitable pre-treatment method was applied to another set of seeds and sown in six sowing media [topsoil, river-sand (reference), sawdust, topsoil+river-sand (1:1), topsoil+sawdust (1:1) and river-sand+sawdust (1:1)]. A total of 2000 and 2400 seeds were sown in first and second stages, respectively. Each set of treatments was laid in completely randomised design with four replicates. Data collected were used to determine germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI) and mean germination rate (MGR). The results showed that there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the effects of the treatments for all the parameters considered at each of the stages. Nicking elicited highest GP (64.8%), MGR (0.026 sprouts/day), GI (1.79) and shortest MGT (38 days) at 12 weeks after sowing. Subsequently, the results of Morinda citrifolia seeds sown in different media indicated that topsoil/river-sand mixture significantly increased GP (81.5%) and GI (3.08) while topsoil gave highest MGR (0.038 sprouts/day) and shortest MGT (26.4 days). Hence, for commercial large scale seedling production, Noni seeds should be nicked and sowed directly in topsoil or a mixture of topsoil and river-sand.

A review of food insecurity in Northern Nigeria: Addressing the challenge through improving technical efficiency of irrigated rice production

E.Y. Zaman — 2024-12-30

This study reviewed food insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the prospects of addressing it through improving the technical efficiency of irrigated rice production in the region. The aim was to identify the existing challenges and prospects of improving the technical efficiency of irrigated rice production in the region as a panacea to food insecurity. Six empirical studies (two from each of the three geo-political zones) of Northern Nigeria were examined. Eleven publications were also reviewed through content analysis to determine the prospects of improving technical efficiency of rice production. The findings showed that technical efficiency under irrigated rice production in the region was 89%. Among other inputs, farm size was positive and significant in Sokoto (p < 0.01), Kwara (p < 0.05), Borno (p < 0.01) and Taraba States (p < 0.01) for increasing the output of irrigated rice. Thus, a unit increase in farm size would increase output by their respective coefficients. The challenges identified included low utilization of irrigable land, sub-optimal use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, inadequate extension services, and low access to farm credit. The northern region has prospects of improving irrigated rice productivity given its vast natural irrigation endowments and the huge investments in irrigation infrastructure and rice farming technologies. The study recommended, among others, strengthening the collaboration between agricultural extension with subject-matter specialists in the rice subsector for the training and retraining of irrigated rice farmers on the adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies as pathways for improving irrigated rice productivity and food security in Northern Nigeria.

Optimizing plant population for drought-tolerant maize cultivar in a rainforest environment

U.D. Aigbe — 2024-12-30

Drought tolerant (DT) maize cultivars are increasingly adopted to cope with unpredictable drought conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. Occurrence of incessant dry spells during cropping season, with the concomitant reduction in yield, is becoming a frequent phenomenon in particularly the rainforest of Nigeria. The objective of this research was to identify the ideal plant population of DT maize as climate smart cultivars under drought episodes in a rainforest region of Nigeria. Field trials were carried out in the early growing seasons of 2017 and 2018, in Benin City, with nine DT maize cultivars (DMRLSR-W, DT STR-W SYN2, DT STR-Y SYN2, DT SYN11-W, DT SYN11-Y, IWD C3 SYN F2, TZL COMP3 C3 DT, TZL COMP4 C3 DT and WHITE DT STR SYN) and three plant populations (53,333, 66,666 and 88,888 plants ha⁻¹ ). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement having three replications. Results showed that 66,666 and 88,888 plants ha⁻¹ plant populations led to taller plants, accumulated greater dry matter content and produced higher grain yield than the standard plant population of 53,333 plants ha⁻¹ . Cultivars had an average yield of 3.0 t ha⁻¹ . Higher grain yield correlated on higher plant height, higher number of ears, higher dry matter, higher 1000-seed weight and higher harvest index. Grain yield indicates that the cultivars can be grown in the agro-ecology. Absence of plant population × maize cultivar interaction for all traits suggests that plant population may not have reached the maximum necessary for growing these cultivars in the zone.

Heavy metals and physico-chemical characteristics of top and subsoils of refuse dumps at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

C.B. Okebalama — 2024-12-30

Disposal of waste on the soil surface affects both the physico-chemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. Following a field reconnaissance at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Southeastern Nigeria, two representative dumpsites and adjacent control sites at Odim-gate and Faculty of Engineering (FOE) were selected to assess some soil physico-chemical properties, including heavy metals concentrations, at 0-20 and 20-40 cm depths. The soil data obtained from the sites were arranged in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial and analyzed. Results showed that the soils were generally sandy loam, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a high available P content, while the concentrations of organic carbon (OC), total N, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ , including effective cation exchange capacity, were low. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and OC content were significantly higher at the Odim-gate, while soil pH, available P, Al³⁺ and H⁺ concentrations were significantly lower than at the FOE location. Soil bulk density, and concentrations of Al³⁺ and H⁺ were significantly lower, while total porosity, pH, OC, Ca2⁺ and Na⁺ concentrations increased in the dumpsite compared to the control. The OC, Ca²⁺ , Na⁺ and K⁺ were significantly higher in the topsoil (0-20 cm), while Al³⁺ was significantly lower. Heavy metals Fe and Pb concentrations in the soils were low, although the Fe concentration at the Odim-gate location and the control site was significantly higher than their corresponding counterparts. The high Zn concentration at both locations, particularly at 0-20 cm depth at the FOE dumpsite, poses a potential risk to the environment and human health as Zn accumulates to toxic levels.

Growth and seed yield responses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to organic and/or inorganic fertilizers in the derived Savannah

R.C. Ndukwu — 2024-12-30

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Crop Science Teaching & Research Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka to determine the effects of poultry manure and NPK 20:10:10 on the growth and seed yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria. The factors were poultry manure at the rates of 0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha⁻¹ and NPK 20:10:10 at 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha⁻¹ . The experiment was laid out in a 4 × 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Parameters measured were plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, days to 50% and 100% flowering, head diameter, head weight and seed weight per plant. Stem girth, number of leaves, head diameter and head weight increased at the application of poultry manure. Plant height and seed weight were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by poultry manure application. Application of 15 t ha⁻¹ poultry manure gave similar seed yield per plant as 10 t ha⁻¹ but higher than the other rates. Days to 50% and 100% flowering decreased at the application of poultry manure. All parameters were significantly affected by NPK 20:10:10, increasing with increase in the rate of NPK 20:10:10. The application of 300 kg ha⁻¹ NPK 20:10:10 produced the highest seed yield compared to other rates. The 0 kg ha⁻¹ NPK 20:10:10 (control) gave the lowest value for all parameters measured and the highest days to 50% and 100% flowering. Poultry manure and NPK 20:10:10 interaction consistently showed non-significant effects; however, applying them at 15 t ha⁻¹ and 300 kg ha⁻¹ , respectively gave the highest values for all parameters. Therefore, they should be combined at these rates, otherwise sole application of either poultry manure at 15 t ha⁻¹ or NPK 20:10:10 at 300 kg ha⁻¹ is recommended for optimum growth and production of sunflower in the derived savannah ecological zone.

Effect of incorporation of peanut skin powder on some quality characteristics of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) butter

I.S. Asogwa — 2024-12-30

Peanut skin is a food waste with great potentials as a source of natural antioxidants in food systems. The study examined the effect of adding peanut skin (PS) powder on selected quality characteristics of produced peanut butter. The PS powder at varying levels (1%, 2%, and 3%) was incorporated and into processed peanut butter samples. Peanut butter with no PS and commercial peanut butter served as controls. Nutrient composition, antioxidant and sensory properties of the peanut butter samples were determined. There were differences (p < 0.05) in all proximate composition parameters. While protein and fat content decreased, content increased with PS powder level. The protein and fat contents ranged from 24.31% to 26.28% and from 58.58% to 52.85%, respectively. The fibre content varied from 0.82 for the control sample to 1.78% for peanut butter with 3% PS. The zinc, Vitamins E and B3 levels increased with levels of PS powder. The total phenolic content ranged from 64.2 to 86.79 mg garlic acid extract (GAE) 100-g^–1 and increased with PS powder levels. The DPPH activity (1,1-Dihenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity) increased significantly with PS powder content. The sample with 3% PS had the highest overall acceptability score. It is concluded that acceptable peanut butter with enhanced antioxidant activity could be produced by incorporating PS at up to 3% level.

Control of fungi causing post-harvest rot in white yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) using selected plant extracts

T.S. Ewekeye — 2024-12-30

Post-harvest yam tuber rot is a fungal disease affecting the storage of white yam [Dioscorea cayenensis subsp. rotundata (Poir.) J. Miège], and this poses a significant threat to global food security. There is a need to develop suitable measures to mitigate the threat and ensure the availability of rot-free tubers to consumers. This study aimed to isolate and identify the fungi responsible for post-harvest rot in white yam sourced from selected markets in Lagos, Nigeria, and the efficacy of various plant extracts in treating these fungi. Isolated fungal strains were subjected to pathogenicity tests to assess for virulence. The virulent strains were identified using molecular techniques. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts of Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Parkia biglobosa, and Mezoneuron benthamianum were screened against the isolates using the agar well diffusion method. Six fungi were isolated from the diseased yam tubers, of which two were virulent and capable of inducing rot in healthy yam tubers after 14 days of inoculation. These were identified as Penicillium oxalicum strain LBCCN_YS_A3 (OQ550968) and Aspegillus niger strain LBCCN_YS_A8 (OQ550969). Of all plant extracts tested, P. biglobosa had the highest antifungal effects on the growth of the fungal strains. Therefore, this plant extract is a sustainable alternative to the inorganic fungicides for mitigating post-harvest spoilage of white yam tuber.

Distribution of soil organic carbon and important soil nutrient ratios along toposequence in humid tropics of Nigeria

J.F. Akpan — 2024-12-30

Landscape attributes including soil-environmental factors are the dominant factors impacting soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient ratio distribution in areas with rolling terrain, homogeneous parent material, and uniform climate patterns. This study investigated the depth distribution of SOC, and nutrient ratios (C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios) in soil developed on coastal plain sand in Calabar. Soil samples were collected from nine identified profile pits, air-dried, crushed, sieved, and subjected to laboratory analysis. The results showed that the values of SOC and nutrient ratios (C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios) gradually decreased with soil depth along toposequence in each aspect position. In the north- and East-facing aspects, the depth distribution of SOC followed the order; upper slope > lower slope>middle slope. While, in the South-facing slope, the distribution was in the order of lower slope> middle slope >upper slope. The North-facing aspect contained maximum SOC ( 16.6 gkg^-1) than the East-facing ( 16.0 gkg^-1) and South-facing ( 13.2 gkg^-1) aspect. The mean C:N ratios were < 10 in all toposequence and aspect positions. C:N and N:P ratios significantly and positively influence topsoil SOC in the study area. C:N ratio was significantly and positively influenced by pH, clay ratio, SOC, clay, and Hillshade. C:P and N:P ratios were influenced by SOC and TN. SOC and nutrient ratios (C:N, C:P, and N:P) can be used as an indicator of soil fertility and productivity to advance an understanding of the aboveground plant community and below-ground soil nutrients at various depths along the toposequence.

Rhizobium inoculant integration with organic and mineral fertilizer: Impact on weed infestation, soybean growth and yield in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

E. Daniya — 2024-12-30

To evaluate the effect of integrating Rhizobium inoculant, organic and inorganic fertilizer on weed infestation, growth and yield of soybean, an on-farm experiment was conducted in the 2015 and 2016 rainy seasons in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The treatments were control (no input), inoculant (I) only, I + phosphorus (P), I + P + potassium (K), I + P + K + micronutrients (M), and I + P + K + M + cow dung (CD) replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Data collected were weed species composition, weed density and dry weight, nodule dry weight, pods per plant, grain weight and grain yield of soybean. Results indicated that weeds with highest relative density values across all the nutrient combinations were Ageratum conyzoides and Kyllinga sp., and other notable species included Mitracarpus villosus, Oldenlandia corymbosa, Sida rhombifolia, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria horizontalis Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus difformis. Years had a significant effect on weed density, weed dry weight, nodule dry weight, number of pods per plant and grain weight, number of pods per plant and grain weight of soybean. Weed density and dry weight, and weight of nodules, number of pods and grain weight of soybean were lower in 2015 compared to 2016. Among the treatments, I + P + K + M reduced weed dry weight better than I + P + K + M + CD. Average over the years, soybean grain yield was enhanced with the integration of I + P, I + P + K, I + P + K + M, I + P + K + M. However, the highest grain yield was obtained with the integration of I + P +K + M + CD which is recommended for soybean production in this agroecology of Nigeria.

Awareness and mitigation measures of aflatoxin among poultry farmers and feed millers in Ijebu-Ode and Igbesa area of Ogun State, Nigeria

A.S. Oyegunwa — 2024-12-30

Poultry feed ingredients which comprise of maize, peanut meal, soya bean meal and mixtures of maize, groundnut cake and other crops have been associated with mycotoxin contamination during crop production and storage, with limited attention given to this by local poultry farmers and regulatory bodies. A quarter of the world's growing crops are affected by mycotoxins each year. In this study, level of awareness and mitigation measures of aflatoxin among poultry farmers and feed millers in Ijebu-Ode and Igbesa area of Ogun State, Nigeria was assessed. 120 respondents were purposively selected comprising poultry farmers and feed processors. A survey research design (well-structured questionnaire) was used to elicit information from the respondents. The questionnaire measured among other things the demographic information of the sampled population, their level of awareness of aflatoxin and mitigation practices. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The results revealed that majority (88.34%) of respondents were aged 18-50 years. The industry appeared male-dominated, with 70.9%. Out of the sampled population, 59.17% were married and 58.82% had tertiary education. Regarding mycotoxin awareness, 52.72% of respondents were unaware, and farmers and processors exhibited similar knowledge about influencing factors and dangers. The findings showed that both poultry farmers and feed millers in the study area were not adequately informed about the problem of aflatoxins. Therefore, there is dare need for interventions and educational programs to enhance awareness and practices among poultry stakeholders in the study area.

Impact of tractorization on crop outcomes and farmers' welfare in southern Borno, Nigeria

B.B. Shani — 2024-12-30

This study assessed the impact of agricultural mechanization, specifically tractorization, on the crop outcomes and farmers' welfare in southern Borno, Nigeria, using a quasi-experimental design and a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study used household survey data from the Nigeria General Household Survey-Panel (NGHS-P), which is a nationally representative survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the World Bank. The results indicated that a 20% increase in tractorization led to a 15% rise in crop yield, a 12% increase in output value, a 10% boost in net income, and an 8% improvement in food expenditure and dietary diversity scores. Conversely, it resulted in a 5% decrease in food aid dependency and a 7% reduction in food consumption scores. This study also provided policy implications and recommendations for promoting inclusive and sustainable tractorization and food security in Nigeria and other similar contexts.

Surface mulching effects on soil temperature of jumbo-size potted coarse-textured Ultisols and evaluation on sorghum and soybean growth

U.C. Osakwe — 2024-12-30

In poticulture, surface mulching to conserve moisture is rarely practised even when it could help elongate watering intervals, while moderating soil temperature and crop growth, benefits of which are potentially huge when large volumes of drought-prone soils are involved. This study compared, under glasshouse conditions, mulched and no-mulch jumbo-size potted droughty Ultisols for differences in soil temperature, soil structure, and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and soybean (Glycine max) growth responses. After layer-wise filling of the 63-cm high 123.75-L jumbo-size pots to the 60-cm mark using excavated 40-60, 20-40 and 0-20 cm soil layers, mixed dry grass was surface-applied at 10 t ha^–1 equivalent. Sorghum and soybean were grown separately in mulched and no-mulch potted soils for two nine-week cycles. Soil thermal and agronomic data were collected weekly at certain growth stages, while soil structure was assessed after the second cycle. Soil temperature was always lower in mulched than no-mulch potted soils, being significant at four and eight sampling times for sorghum and soybean, respectively. Plant height of sorghum was consistently unaffected by the mulch treatment; however, mulched potted soils produced higher above-soil dry matter than the no-mulch ones (87 vs 49 g pot^–1 ) in the second cycle. By contrast, soybean plants were always shorter and dry matter lower (11 vs 34 g pot^–1 ) due to mulching in the first cycle; plant height response was reversed in the second, being evident during the last three weeks. Notably, both crops grew better in the second than the first cycle. Mulching only tended to improve soil structure under both crops. The mulch-induced increases in sorghum above-soil dry matter were, however, due to cooler soil temperature-driven enhanced aggregation; the reverse effect in soybean was due to cooler soil temperatures. Our data suggest that grass mulch-induced lowering of temperature of large-volume potted drought-prone soils would have pronounced positive and negative influence, respectively, on productivity of cereal and leguminous crops. Considering the initial tillage-like disturbance of such potted media, this influence, for soil structure-sensitive cereals, is largely due to temperature-mediated temporal enhancement of aggregation.