Moor Journal of Agricultural Research

Elemental and Clay Mineralogical Compositions of Dustfall in the Lower Benue valley of Nigeria

2015-04-21T16:35:04+00:00

Although the phenomenon of harmattan dustfall in Nigeria has covered many centuries, information as to the total elemental compositions and the type of clay mineralogy in the dust are very scanty. This study was carried out in the Lower Benue Valley (Latitude 7.250N – 8.250N and Longitude 8.000E – 8.500E) to investigate quantitatively, the total elemental compositions as well as to determine the clay mineralogy of the harmattan dust falling in the area. The study involved the collection of both dust and soil samples in 3 locations in the area, and the analysis of the samples using Xray florescence for elemental compositions and chemical means of clay mineralogy determination. The results indicated that harmattan dust had higher contents of Si, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn, S, Ni, Co, Rb, Pb and Nb than the native soils. Although\ the concentration of some of these trace elements (Mn=280mgkg-1; Zr=750mgkg-1; Zn=50mgkg-1; Ni=80mgkg-1; Pb=30mgkg-1 in the native soils are currently below toxic levels, their continuous deposit into the soils through dust import may result into nutrient imbalance and possible toxicities with time. The presence of 2:1 clay minerals in the dust is however beneficial to the native soils because of the higher CEC and fertility as well as good structural development associated with these minerals.

Keywords: Elemental composition; Clay mineralogy; Dustfall; Lower Benue Valley

Influence of “‘milking’ date” on seed yield potential in hybrid yam varieties (D. rotundata)

2015-04-21T16:35:05+00:00

An experiment was planted in 2005 and 2006 at Ikenne(6o 51’ N 3o 42’ E), the humid rainforest experimental station of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training. Ibadan, Nigeria. This project aim was to assess the seed yield potential of hybrid yam varieties at different time of ‘milking’ and its economic implications in order to increase seed supply for tuber yam production. Availability of seed is a problem in yam cultivation and expansion. Tuber vines from two hybrid yam varieties TDr 89/02565, TDr 89/02665 and Ikenne local cultivar were “milked” at six different dates beginning from early August to late October. The tuber yield prior to ‘milking’, seed yield and seed weight were obtained and statistically analyzed. Results showed that mother tuber yields prior to ‘milking’ increased with delay in ‘milking’ date but seed yield produced after ‘milking’ decreased with delay in ‘milking’ date. Mother tuber yield was 9.37 t/ha in early August but increased over 90% by late October. Seed yield was 9.03 t/ha in early August and 0.60 t/ha in late October. Seed weight was 0.92 kg seed -1 in early August and below 0.27 kg seed -1 after mid-September ‘milking’. Varietal differences were significant for mother tuber yield, seed yield and seed weight with the hybrid varieties performing better than the local cultivar. Economic analysis showed that highest net return was obtained in hybrids used when ‘milking’ was done by mid-August. The hybrid varieties had over $4,000 ha-1 yr -1 as net returns while it was lesser than $1,500 ha-1 yr -1 in Ikenne local. The result suggests that seed supply and the income of farmers will increase with the adoption of hybrid varieties TDr 89/02565 and TDr 89/02665.

Keywords: ‘milking’; hybrid yams; seed yam; net returns; benefit to cost ratio

Field evaluation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) varieties for resistance to some major insect pests in Ago-Iwoye, South west Nigeria

2015-04-21T16:35:06+00:00

Field trials to screen twelve varieties of cowpea for resistance to major insect pests were conducted over two planting seasons (2002 and 2003) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Results showed that varietal resistance to insect pests in cowpea varied with growth stages and seasonal changes. Five major insect pests (Aphis craccivora, Megalurothrips sjostedti, Maruca vitrata, Riptortus dentipes and Clavigralla tomentosicollis) were observed at the various stages of growth of cowpea plant. Results suggest that the cowpea variety IT90K-277-2 was resistant to Aphis craccivora while IT86D-719 was resistant to Megalurothrips sjostedti. Maruca vitrata did not pose any threat to most of the cowpea varieties tested. IT95M-118, IT86D-719, IT95M-120 and IT95M-220 were resistant to Riptortus dentipes, a pod-sucking pest. The pod evaluation index showed that IT95M-118 and IT84E-124 were resistant to pod sucking insects. The highest pod and peduncle damage were recorded on variety IT95M-120.

Keywords: Cowpea; Major Insect pests; Resistance

Laboratory Culture Technique for Cephonodes hylas Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

2015-04-21T16:35:07+00:00

Cephonodes hylas (L) is a major Lepidopterous defoliator insect pest that is responsible for 50-70% yield loss of robusta coffee in Nigeria. The biology of the pest was not fully understood due to paucity of information on its rearing in captivity. In addition, on eclosion, the young adults have undeveloped gonads and they require feed before maturation of their gonads. A new laboratory culture technique for this pest is therefore, discussed in this study. Eight cages were initially screened in the laboratory for rearing the insects. Subsequently, four concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 25%) of three sources of sugar; table cane sugar, analytical sucrose and honey were tested for their suitability for raising adults C. hylas under laboratory conditions in the chosen muslin cage with a feeding platform. The moths fed actively on the diets and lived longer than when starved. It was also confirmed that the adults require food for maturation of the gonads. A mean longevity of 14days/adult was attained with the 25% sucrose as against 4 days when starved (given water only) while a mean fecundity of 957 viable eggs/ female was obtained compared to an average of 132 eggs/female in the wild population of the insect. No egg was recorded for the starved moth. The 10% commercial cane sugar solution was adjudged best diet for laboratory rearing of adult C. hylas.

Keywords: Laboratory; Culture/Rearing; Diet; Cephonodes hylas

Influence of Tangelo (Citrus reticulata X Citrus paradisi) varieties and population density on scion growth in the nursery

2015-04-21T16:35:08+00:00

Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) rootstocks were planted in citrus nursery at Ibadan to determine the best population density and the most compatible scion for good citrus nursery management practices. Rough lemon rootstock seedlings were planted at population densities of 62,500plants/ha (40cmX40cm), 83,333plants/ha (40cmX30cm), 111,111plants/ha (60cmX15cm), 55,555plants/ha (60cmX30cm single row spacing), 74,074 plants/ha (60cmX30cm double row spacing). These were later budded with three Tangelo (Citrus reticulata X Citrus paradisi) varieties namely: Orlando, Ortanique and Nocatee. The experiment was a randomized complete block design in split plot layout. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance procedure and means were separated using LSD. Results showed that Nocatee had significantly (p=0.05) superior budtake (93.6%) than either Orlando or Ortanique, while Orlando had the least (73.5%). Ortanique had longest scion length (27.36cm “ 48.20cm) and stem diameter (0.38cm “ 0.74cm) than those of Orlando and Norcatee. Orlando had significantly superior number of leaves (30 “ 70) than those of Ortanique and Nocatee through out the period of study. Scions on rootstock grown at population density of 55,555plants/ha had significantly (P<0.05) higher number of leaves (46-86) and stem diameter (0.52cm-0.83cm) than other population densities during the period of study. While the least number of leaves was obtained in plants grown at 111, 111 plants/ha density, plants at 83,333/ha had the least stem diameter. Length of scions grown at population densities of 111,111 plants/ha was higher than those of other population densities. The study revealed that Nocatee ranked best for budtake, Orlando was best for number of leaves while Ortanique was outstanding for scion length and stem diameter. However, since improvement in scion length and stem diameter are the preferred growth attributes in citrus nursery, Ortanique on rough lemon rootstock performed better than other scions. Also, Population densities of 55,555plants/ha ranked best for most of the parameter measured in this study. .

Keywords: Rough-lemon rootstock, Tangelo scion, population-density

Effect of Types of Concentrate Supplement on Feed Intake and Performance of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Panicum Maximum as Basal Diet

2015-04-21T16:35:09+00:00

Twelve one year old West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep (10.00 ± 0.5kg) with initial body weight) were used in a 12 week experiment to determine the effect of concentrate supplement (Groundnut cake, Palm kernel cake and Soybean meal) offered with a basal diet of Panicum maximum on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, feed conversion ratio, water intake, protein intake and blood metabolites. The animals were allocated to four treatments consisting of Basal diet (Panicum maximum) alone, Basal + Soybean meal (GSM), Basal + Groundnut cake GGC) and Basal + Palm kernel cake (GPC). Daily intakes of grass, supplement and water intake as well as weekly liveweight changes were recorded in a 12 week feeding trial. Blood samples were collected on 0, 49th and 84th day of the experiment to measure changes in serum glucose, Albumin, Globulin and total protein. Results showed that total DMI significantly increased (P< 0.05) in GSM, GGC and GPC treatment groups compared to those on Basal diet only. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (P<0.05) in animals on GSM followed by those on GPC and GGC, respectively while the worst FCR was exhibited by sheep on grass only. Average daily weight gain (ADWG) was comparable (P>0.05) in animal on GPC and GSM supplement while a lower (P<0.05) ADWG was recorded in animals offered GGC supplement and grass only. The blood metabolites were higher in animals on GPC supplements compared to those on GGC, GSM and grass only at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, feeding of GPC or GSM supplement appears promising as a means of achieving high average daily weight gain in sheep.

Key words: Panicum maximum, Concentrate supplement, WAD Sheep, Performance, blood parameters

Gender Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Practices by Crop Farmers in Ondo State

2015-04-21T16:35:10+00:00

Sustainable agricultural practices describe the effort of farmers at protecting and enhancing the environment to preserve it for further exploitation. Therefore both men and women have important roles to play in preserving their environment. This paper analyzed the gender roles in the use of sustainable agricultural practices by crop farmers in Ondo State. A multi stage sampling method was used in selecting zones, blocks, cells and farmers for the study. An interview guide was used to obtain data from 320 crop farmers and stratified into 252 male and 60 female farmers. The results showed that 20 sustainable agricultural practices were identified by crop farmers in the study area. Both male and female farmers engaged in bush burning, crop rotation, bush fallow, composting and mulching. The results also revealed that there was high level of farming tasks performed by both males and females. Farmers’ attitude scores range from 27 - 135. Most of the respondents’ scores fell between the range of 65 and 112. Most of the farmers (male and female) had favorable attitude towards the use of sustainable agricultural practices. There was significant difference between the constraints to the use of sustainable agricultural practices by male and female crop farmers T-test analysis indicated that there was significant difference between male and female farmers use of the sustainable agricultural practices in the area of study (t=5.65; p=0.03). The policy implication of these findings is that there is a need to intensify extension efforts in order to integrate sustainable agricultural practices in to their farming systems which will reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable environmental management.

Keywords: Gender analysis, Environmental, Sustainable, Agricultural Practices, Nigeria

Crop Yield Potentials of The Inland Valleys of Ibadan Urban Area, South Western Nigeria

2015-04-21T16:35:11+00:00

Increasing demands on agricultural and potential agricultural lands for other uses, especially in the urban environment is necessitating the investigation of flood prone low lands, especially inland valleys for agricultural production. This is for the purpose of supplementing rainfed crop production of the uplands. Inland valleys are the least attractive to urban development. Incidentally, those characteristics that make inland valleys less attractive to urban development confer on them high potential for agricultural uses. This work investigated the crop yield potentials of some of the inland valley soils in Ibadan urban environment. Maize and Okra were used as the test crops. The selection of the sites was based on geological origin, valley shape and whether forested or not forested. The soils of the inland valleys are generally young (Entisols/Gleysols). They are slightly acidic to neutral with high base saturation and moderate to high nutrient status. Water-table depth determines to a large extent their usefulness. At low management levels (no fertilizers), yields of 4.6 t/ha and 7.5 t/ha were obtained for maize and okra respectively. At improved management levels (fertilized), yields were much higher: 6.8 t/ha and 13.3 t/ha for maize and okra respectively. Poor drainage and high weed infestation despite moderate to high fertility status are constraints for optimum usage of the inland valley soils, especially in the rainy season. Adequate exploitation of the potentials of these inland valleys for crop production, especially during the dry season, will go a long way to supplementing the food requirement of the urban dwellers.

Keywords: Inland valley soils, Crop yield, Alluvial deposits, Fertilized and non-fertilized plots, maize, Okra

Effect of Varieties and Budder Efficiency on Citrus scion performance in the Nursery

2015-04-21T16:35:12+00:00

In an effort to boost the availability of budded citrus seedlings, the effect of varieties and budder efficiency were evaluated to improve the performance of scion development. Three scions namely: Tangelo (Citrus paradisi x Citrus reticulata), Lemon (C. limon) and Valencia Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbecks) were budded on Rough lemon (Citrus jambhri: Lush) rootstock, using different budders. The experimental design was randomized complete block in 3 x 3 factorial arrangements. Budder B and C spent an average of 1.34 and 1.37 minutes respectively to bud one (1) seedling, while it took budder A, 1.54 minutes to do the same. Tangelo scion was the easiest to bud in that it took 1.33 minutes to bud one (1) seedling, while 1.52 minutes was spent to bud a scion of Lemon. Budtake was best for budder C and significantly superior (P < 0.05) to Tangelo scion percent budtake. Lemon variety with 90.3 per cent budbreak was significantly superior to Valencia and Tangelo budbreak. Scion subsequent growth was not affected by budder efficiency and scion varieties. However, all the treatments had attained minimum standard of 45cm scion length for transplanting to the orchard with the exception of Tangelo scion on rough lemon rootstock twenty four weeks after budding.

Keywords: Citrus varieties, Budder efficiency and Scion growth

Effects of varying weeds substrates on vermicomposting and germination, nodulation and vegetative yield response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata M. Walp) to the compost

2015-04-21T16:35:13+00:00

Suitability of some grasses, weeds and poultry droppings, either sole or in combination for vermicomposting as well as the effect of vermicompost on soil properties, growth and nodulation of cowpea were assessed. The results indicated that poultry droppings, sole grass or weed substrates were not suitable for vermicomposting. However, suitable substrates were obtained when grasses and weeds were combined. Vermicomposts were 97-89% higher in available P content than the unamended soil, and the soils amended with vermicompost were 5 - 10 times higher in available P (16.23 – 31.89ug g-1) than the unamended soil. The vermicomposts were significantly different (p < 0.05) in available P content before and when mixed with soil. Amending soils with vermicompost from weed and grass combination significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil moisture content at field capacity, CEC, exchangeable Ca, K and available P as well as nodule number, dry weight per plant of cowpea. There is an indication that sole grass or weed substrates could contain compounds that are toxic to worms suggesting that quality indicators have to be established for vermicomposting.

Keywords: Vermicompost; Eudrilus eugeniae; Weeds; Grasses; Cowpea

Effect of foliar application of fungicides on incidence and severity of leaf spot disease of Roselle induced by Coniella musaiaensis B. Sutton var. hibisci

2015-04-21T16:35:14+00:00

Three fungicides were evaluated for their efficacy in controlling leaf spot disease in Roselle induced by Coniella musaiaensis in a randomized compete block design experiment in 2003 at Abeokuta, (7015‘N, 3025‘E) a transition zone in South Western Nigeria. The experiment was replicated three times and repeated in 2004. The fungicides were Benlate, Bentex ‘T’ and Polygram combi applied at the rate of 0.6kgai/ha, 2.5kgai/ha and 3.5kgai/ha respectively. There were four field sprays of each of the three fungicides at 14 days interval starting from the time the disease was observed. Benlate was the most effective fungicide, leading to the least percentage disease incidence of 53% and severity of 2.8 in 2004. Benlate spray also led to highest dry calyx yield of 93.20 kg/ha in 2003 and 160.18 kg/ha in 2004 as against unsprayed (check) plot with average dry calyx yield of 16kg/ha and 26kg/ha in 2003 and 2004 respectively. The other fungicides also led to reduction in incidence and severity of Coniella leaf spot in 2003 and 2004. Polygram Combi was the least effective leading to the highest percentage incidence and severity of 52.7 and 5.70 respectively in 2003 and 64.3 and 3.73 respectively in 2004. It also had the lowest calyx yield of the three tested fungicides.

Keywords:- Coniella leaf spot, roselle, fungicides, Nigeria

Current status of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in five South-western States, Nigeria.

2015-04-21T16:35:16+00:00

The study investigated the current distribution of the larger grain borer (LGB), Prostephanus truncatus, in five states of South-western Nigeria; Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Ondo and Osun by visual observation of maize stored in cribs and using the synthetic aggregation pheromone of LGB as baits in survey traps for twenty days. The highest mean number of LGB was trapped in Ogun state, followed by catches from Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and Osun states respectively. The mean number of LGB trapped in Ogun state was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than mean catches in other states. In all the locations, the number of borers caught in the traps declined with days after the activation of the pheromone. In the crib survey, P. truncatus was not observed in any of the twenty cribs sampled across the states. However, other stored product insects were found in descending order; Sitophilus zeamais (L.) (60.0%), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Motsch) (40.0%), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) (35.0%), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Steph.) (25%) and Rhizopertha dominica F. (5.0%). Concerted efforts should be directed at preventing further spread of LGB in Nigeria, especially in Ogun and Lagos states that showed high presence of the borer.

Keywords: Prostephanus Truncatus; Aggregation pheromone; Survey tra; Cribs; Distribution