Agro-Science

Variability of morphological characteristics of Sclerocarya birrea
A.L. Sene , A. Diallo , O. Sarr , M.B. Sagna , D. Ngom, A. Guisse — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The importance of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht populations has prompted studies on domesticating the species in order to make better use of its potential. According to some studies, this multi-purpose species in Africa has a high morphological variability that may be of interest in a varietal improvement program. The aim of our work is to characterize the morphological variability of S. birrea in the Ferlo zone. The study was carried out on woody stands of the species composing a sample of 75 individuals spread over three sites. For each individual, 14 quantitative characteristics of the fruit and four dendrometric measurements of the trees were assessed. There were significant variability in the traits studied within the population. Relationships were observed between fruit and nut characteristics. Signicant correlations were obtained between fruit mass and each of pulp mass and kernel mass. Principal Component Analysis showed that morphological diversity is structured, with trees divided into three distinct groups based on the following discriminating characteristics; fruit diameter, nut mass and height of the tree's first branch. The observed morphological variability of the species shows that there is potential for selections with a view to improving and domesticating this species.

Soil suitability evaluation of selected Zaria soils for cassava production

A.B. Shobayo, G.M. Hussaini — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The utilization of pedometrics to address a variety of soil challenges is increasingly capturing attention in recent times. This research was carried out to assess the capabilities of the newly developed Agricultural Land Use Evaluation System (ALUES) algorithm in predicting soil appropriateness for cultivating cassava in the Zaria region. Samples were taken from soils under different agricultural land management systems. Evaluations of land suitability considered terrain, soil composition, water availability, and temperature conditions. The outcomes yielded by the ALUES algorithm generated suitability scores and classes for the land parcels, employing a fuzzy logic approach. Consequently, the aggregate suitability scores led to the establishment of overall suitability classes of the soils as moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), and unsuitable (N). This investigation reaffirms the efficacy of ALUES in gauging the appropriateness of agricultural land for cassava cultivation within tropical settings. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the presence of climate-related variables such as water and temperature, which are not easily adjustable, could impose limitations stemming from the climatic circumstances, potentially restricting the cultivation of cassava in the study areas.

Effects of microdose fertilization and plant density on maize (Zea mays L.) production in the Centre-West Region of Senegal

H.M.L. Rabi , N. Saliou , G. Aliou , D. Djibril , S. Papa Saliou — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Microdosing fertilization is aimed at reducing the investment in mineral fertilizers while increasing crop yield without harming the environment. However, only a few studies investigated the interactive effect of microdose and plant density on crop production, particularly in the maize-grown Centre-West region of Senegal. This work aimed to study the effects of the microdose and plant density interactions on maize's growth and yield components. The experiment was carried out at the experimental station of the National Higher School of Agriculture (ENSA) of Thies, Senegal. Two factors were studied in a factorial design with three replications: microdose with two levels (M1: 0.5 g hill⁻¹ of NPK + 0.5 g hill⁻¹ of urea; and M2: 1 g hill−1 of NPK + 0.5 g hill⁻¹ of urea) and sowing density with three levels (D1: 125,000; D2: 83,333; and D3: 62500 plants ha⁻¹). The microdose × plant density interaction was insignificant for plant height, number of leaves, and weight of ears. For each density, the two microdoses showed non-significant differences for these parameters. The interaction was also insignificant for grain and straw yields. However, the plant density highly significantly affected the grain and straw yields, with the higher density D1 leading to the best grain (1607 kg ha−1) and straw yields (2396 kg ha−1). The study shows that under microdosing fertilization, sowing maize in higher densities is recommended for better production and efficient use of fertilizer.

Strain effects on association and relationship between productivity and hatchability traits in poultry layers at full sexual maturity

O.M.A. Jesuyon — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The effect of strain on the association and relationship among productive and hatching traits at full-sexual maturity in Bovan Nera (BN) and Isa Brown (IB) parent-stock layers was investigated. Data on productive and hatchability traits were obtained on 22 batches of BN and IB each, between 2009 and 2019, from a reputable parent stock breeding company in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation and regression procedures using the Statistical Analytical Systems, version 9.0. Paired correlation parametric indices and regression equations differentiated between the two strains investigated. A significant association of weight gain at full maturity with feed intake at full maturity in IB (r = –0.54, p < 0.01) as against a weak/insignificant association in BN was observed. Feed intake from first egg at full maturity was identified as most important trait for improved hen-day egg productivity at full maturity and beyond in IB. Viable day-old pullet chicks hatched in the BN could be predicted with high level of accuracy (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 2.75). Regression analyses showed that both strains belong to distinct genotypic classes with different and specific genetic attributes.

Growth, yield and root-shoot assimilate distribution in Amaranthus cruentus L. As influenced by different urine-water dilutions

I.O. Udemba, O.O. AdeOluwa, O.E. AyanfeOluwa — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The agronomic performance of Amaranthus cruentus L. improves with the application of fertilizers. Wastes, including human urine, which often contribute to environmental pollution, can be recycled into cost-effective fertilizers for amaranth cultivation. Therefore, this study evaluated the response of A. cruentus to NPK (15:15:15), urine-water dilutions (UWD) at ratios of 1:2, 1:4 and 1:6 and a control with no nutrient additive. The treatments except control were applied at 100 kg N ha⁻¹; and all were laid using randomized complete block design with four replicates. Data on plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were collected at 3 and 4 weeks after sowing (WAS); and yield components at 4 WAS. Amaranth in NPK-treated soil had highest plant height (62.66 cm) and stem girth (2.71 cm) at 4 WAS, and compared statistically with 1:2 UWD treatment. The maximum number of leaves at 4 WAS (16.63) was obtained from 1:6 UWD treatment, differing significantly from other treatments except NPK and 1:4 UWD. Meanwhile, 1:4 UWD gave the highest dry weight of edible part (0.70 g plant⁻¹), though statistically at par with 1:2 and 1:6 UWDs. Notably, the highest percentage of root in whole plant (13.14%) was recorded from control followed by NPK fertilizer (7.76%). The urine water dilutions influenced growth of A. cruentus positively and resulted into more assimilate partitioning to the edible parts. However, 1:4 UWD is recommended for its highest edible part and could be adopted as fertilizer for A. cruentus cultivation.

Effects of household attributes on climate change mitigation practices: empirical evidence from Enugu State, Nigeria

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study assessed the effects of household attributes on climate change mitigation practices based on empirical evidence from Enugu state, Nigeria. the study was carried out in Enugu state, Nigeria. semistructured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from household surveys from 120 household heads, long with context-specific qualitative data. results of binomial logit regression analysis revealed that household attributes had a significant impact on seven out of ten mitigation strategies. these strategies corresponded to the two main mitigation measures of adopting renewable energy sources and energy efficiency throughout the economy. the odds of using most mitigation strategies were positively correlated with education (use of energy saving devices at 5% level of significance); employment as a public servant (use of renewable energy sources at 1% level of significance), and social group membership (printing only when it is necessary at 10% level of significance). however, the odds were negatively correlated with increasing household size (switching off lights and devices when not in use at 10% level of significance). the study recommends among other things that education as a household socio-economic attribute should be enhanced through incorporating a vast array of educational resources and informational campaigns aimed at expediting household awareness of climate change and its mitigating actions.

Effects of different washing and curing methods on the proximate composition, mineral, microbial and sensory properties of snail meat

C.D. Umeakuana , L.C. Ugwuowo, T.M. Okonkwo — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out using completely randomized design to determine the effect of different washing methods on the proximate composition, mineral, microbial characteristics and sensory properties of cured snail meat. The best washing agent was selected for further processing after washing with lime, alum, salt and ash through sensory evaluation. Snails from the best washing agents were divided into four portions to correspond to the following curing humectant which were used in cook-soak equilibration: salt alone, salt + glycerol, salt + potassium-sorbate and salt + potassium-sorbate + glycerol. The cured samples were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral, microbial characteristics and sensory properties. Results showed that lime-washed snail meat had the highest score for overall acceptability and had similar scores for color, odor, texture and proximate composition with samples washed with salt, alum and ash, and was selected for further processing. Curing with various humectants did not lead to significant differences (p > 0.05) in sensory characteristics except that samples cured with salt + glycerol + potassium-sorbate solution was judged to be tougher/harder and the color was neither liked nor disliked compared to others. Curing also reduced the moisture content due to osmotic dehydration but the protein, fat, ash, zinc, total pigment and pH increased due to the concentration effect. Samples cured with glycerol were higher in moisture content but lower in water activity. Therefore, lime-washed snail meat appears to be better than other methods but the different curing humectants used did not show significant difference (p > 0.05) on the physicochemical properties of cured snail meat.

Effects of soil solarization and powdered botanicals on nematode population, soil physical properties and weed diversity

J.P. Omotosho , A.M. Ajayi — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plant parasitic nematodes have significant effects on plant health, crop productivity, and food security. A study was designed to evaluate the effect of soil solarization and botanical powder, solely and synergistically, on the population of nematodes, soil physical properties and weed diversity during the rainy season (between June and August 2023). Seven treatments, including standard check and control, were evaluated. The seven treatments were transparent polythene, transparent polythene and powdered botanicals (Carica papaya and Vernonia amygdalina), black polythene, black polythene and powdered botanicals (C. papaya and Vernonia amygdalina), powdered botanicals (C. papaya and V. amygdalina) only, standard check (Carbofuran) and control. Treatments were applied on plots measuring 1.4 m x 1.6 m (2.24 m2) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were collected on nematode population, soil moisture content, soil temperature and weed diversity. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab Software, Version 17. The results obtained showed that black polythene, used singly, had the highest reduction (44.84%) of the overall nematode population and 50.00% reduction of the Meloidogyne spp. population. It also had the highest reduction, 60.00%, in the population of Meloidogyne spp. when used with powdered botanicals. Furthermore, the two treatments had 100.00% inhibition on weed growth. Transparent polythene had the highest increase in soil temperature (31.48%) and moisture, 1.80%. Black polythene may be recommended for use in the management of soil-borne plant parasitic nematodes during the rainy season. It has the added benefit of weed control.

Effect of single and dual inoculations of arbuscular mycorrhizas on soil phosphatase, growth, and root colonization of tomato

Y.B. Ibiang , Y.B. Ibiang , B.W. Sokari , P.M. Udeze , C.I. Egbaji — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Soil phosphatase, growth and root colonization of tomato treated with two strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) - Rhizophagus irregularis and Rhizophagus intraradices in single and dual inoculations were investigated. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with four treatment groups: R. irregularis (R.irr), R. intraradices (R.int), R.irr+R.int, and uninoculated (control), for six weeks in a greenhouse, after which the plants were harvested. The data collected on soil acid phosphatase, root colonization, growth indices and shoot phosphorus (P) concentrations were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at 95% probability level. Soil acid phosphatase and shoot P concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by AMF inoculation, with higher phosphatase values in dual inoculation (0.43 μg g⁻¹) compared to the single inoculation of R.irr (0.32 μg g⁻¹) and R.int (0.34 μg g⁻¹), and the control (0.14 μg g⁻¹). Compared to the control, R.irr and R.irr+R.int significantly increased the shoot fresh weights and total dry weights, while plant lengths and number of leaves were highest in dual inoculation. However, the intensity of mycorrhizal colonization (41.32%, 20.57% and 38.18%) recorded for R.irr, R.int, and R.irr+R.int, respectively, and the corresponding growth responses (30.99%, 24.56% and 27.48%), were not significantly (p > 0.05) different between single and dual inoculated plants. Although a significant synergistic effect on host colonization and biomass indices was not obtained, dual inoculation of R. irregularis and R. intraradices induced more soil phosphatase production in tomato rhizosphere than single inoculation.

Superovulatory response and embryo yield in pure Friesian, Inyambo, and crossbreed cows under field conditions in Rwanda

F. Bizimana , F. Shumbusho F.,, C.A. Hirwa, R. Båge , M. Ntawubizi — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to investigate the superovulatory responses and embryo yield in pure Friesian, Inyambo, and crossbreed cows in Rwanda. The research was conducted from 2018 to 2019, using 38 breeding donor cows from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board cattle research farms. Donor cows represented five breed genotypes: Inyambo, Friesian, and various crossbreeds (Inyambo × Friesian, Inyambo × Jersey and Inyambo × Sahiwal). Superovulation was induced using two commercial preparations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimufol and Pluset, with three inseminations at 12-h intervals. Embryo recovery was conducted on day 7 post-insemination. Factors such as FSH types, donor breed, age, parity, body weight, body condition score, interval from last calving, milk yield, and ovary status were analyzed for their impact on superovulatory responses and embryo yield. A total of 181 embryos were collected, yielding 107 transferable embryos, with a recovery rate of 56.9%. The FSH type and donor body weight significantly (p < 0.05) influenced superovulatory responses and embryo yield, the number of developed corpora lutea, total flushed structures (unfertilized ova and embryos), viable embryos, and embryo stages. Stimufol-treated donors contributed 83.8% of viable embryos. Well-conditioned donors weighing 300-400 kg and 500-600 kg yielded higher numbers of viable embryos. This study showed that there is potential application of MOET in Rwanda's dairy genetic improvement and Inyambo local breed genetic conservation through embryo cryopreservation, Further
research is recommended to explore factors influencing bovine embryo recovery rates for sustainable practice.

Evaluation of growth and productivity of mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) under different organic substrate combinations

A.N.A. Teke , R.F. Muyang , J.N. Ngongbi — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mushrooms are fleshy saprophytic fungi noted for their health, nutritional and economic benefits. Recent studies have revealed the ability of Pleurotus mushroom to grow on agricultural wastes within a short period of time. In Cameroon, the technological knowledge on the use of organic waste materials as substrates for mushroom production still remains under exploited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different organic substrate combinations on the growth and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus. A completely randomized design was laid out with four treatments and four replications, giving a total of 16 treatments. The treatments consisted of T1 (sawdust/rice bran/corn flour), T2 (sawdust/corncobs/rice bran/corn flour), T3 (palm cones/rice bran/corn flour) and T4 (elephant grass straw/rice bran/corn flour). Results obtained revealed that growth and yield of P. ostreatus depends largely on the type of substrate combination used. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded in growth parameters among treatments. The highest mean height (19.5 cm), diameter of pileus (29 cm) and mean weight of individual fruiting bodies (75.6 g) were recorded in T2. The highest biological yield was also due to T2 which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from T3 and T4 but not T1. The combination of sawdust + corn cobs + rice bran + corn flour showed a suitable substrate for the cultivation of P. ostreatus and therefore can be recommended to local communities in the Northwest region of Cameroon where large volumes of agricultural wastes such as sawdust and corncobs are still highly under-utilized.

Dairy cattle breed preference and socio-economic impacts of the smallholder dairy cattle farming system in Rwanda

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Smallholder dairy farming systems serve as the backbone of rural economies in many African countries, providing households with food security and income while also developing assets. The purpose of this study was to examine dairy cattle breed preferences and determine the economic impacts of smallholder dairy farming systems in Rwanda. A household survey was conducted in nine districts of Rwanda using a random sampling method to collect quantitative data from 411 smallholder dairy farmers. Data were collected in Microsoft Excel and processed with the Statistical Package for Social Science, version 26. The data showed that the most preferred dairy breed among smallholder dairy farmers was Jersey cross (44%), followed by a Friesian cross (28.2%). The findings also revealed that 65.8% of respondents kept at least one dairy cow, which had some social and economic consequences such as providing milk for home consumption (99.6%), income from selling manure and cattle (98.7%), manure for land fertilization (97.1%), employment (95.5%), social respect (91.3%), health service (88%), asset development (87.5%), education service (81.5%), and social security contribution (39.2%). The study's findings demonstrated the importance of the smallholder dairy farming system in boosting household welfare, creating social cohesion, and empowering marginalized groups, and supporting economic stability. Further research is needed to determine the factors influencing dairy breed selection among smallholder dairy farmers in Rwanda, as well as their relative significance.