Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science

Mechanical transmissibility effect of Telfairia mosaic virus (TEMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) on growth and nutritional composition of Telfairia occidentalis

T.H. Aliyu — 2024-11-26

Screenhouse potted experiment was conducted to determine the mechanical transmissibility effect of Telfairia mosaic virus (TeMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on the growth and nutritional composition of two Telfairia occidentalis cultivars. The experiment was a complete randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments each replicated 5 times. Virus inoculation was done mechanically through sap extracted by homogenization from infected leaf tissues. Weekly data from 4 - 8 weeks after germination was collected on plant height, number of leaves per plant and number of leaves showing viral symptoms. The nutritional composition of leaf samples was determined using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) 1990 methods. All collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated using the New Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5 % level of probability. The mechanical transmissibility of the viruses was successful with inoculated plants manifesting characteristic virus symptoms. Virus severity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) highest in Ugu-Ala cultivar inoculated with TeMV (17.3% - 31.5%). The tallest plants were Ugu-Elu cultivar inoculated with CMV (104.4 cm - 141.3cm) while Ugu-Ala cultivar inoculated with TeMV produced the lowest number of leaves (18.0 - 26.8). Nutritional composition study revealed that TeMV and CMV caused significant reductions in dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber contents compared to healthy controls. This stresses the need for management of viruses of T. occidentalis by use of resistant cultivars to improve production and enhance nutritional status.

Effects of mineral fertilizers on the performances of selected vegetables grown in soils from different land use types in southwestern Nigeria

G.O. Kolawole — 2024-11-26

Vegetables are rich in several mineral nutrients, vitamins, anti-oxidants and dietary fibre. However, poor soil fertility may limit their production. Furthermore, their growth responses to external fertilizer input may be dependent on the type of soil on which they are grown. An experiment was, therefore, conducted between March and July, 2021, at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, to determine the effects of nitrogen (For Amaranthus, Celosia and Corchorus) and NPK (For Okra) fertilizers on the performances of the aforementioned vegetables grown in soils from three previous land use types. The land use types, namely Arable field (S1), Cocoa plantation (S2), and Abandoned local soap production site (S3) were the main plot treatments while 0 (control), 30 and 60 kg N/ha (For Amaranthus, Celosia and Corchorus); and 0 (control), 45 and 90 kg NPK/ha (For Okra) formed the sub plot treatments arranged as 3 x 3 factorial in completely randomized design replicated three times. Data were collected on leaf production, plant height, fresh shoot and fruit weights. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and where F was significant; treatment means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Generally, soil from the cocoa plantation significantly influenced the best vegetative growth, fresh shoot and fruit weights of the selected vegetables compared with the other two land use types. Soil from the abandoned local soap production site had adverse effects on the performances of the selected vegetables. Irrespective of the land use types, application of mineral fertilizers enhanced the performances of the selected vegetables compared with the control. However, the optimum rate of the fertilizer required to enhance performances of the vegetables was dependent on the type of vegetable and land use type. Furthermore, for Amaranthus, 30 kg N/ha was sufficient to improve fresh shoot weight in land use types S1 (29.43 g/plant, 274.4% higher than the control) and S3 (25.37 g/plant, 130.2% higher than the control); further increase in fresh shoot weight at application of 60 kg N/ha was observed in land use type S2 (57.48 g/plant, 83.3% higher than the control). Vegetables should not be cultivated in abandoned local soap making sites while there is the need to select adaptable vegetables and appropriate external nutrient levels in either arable fields or cocoa plantations for sustainable vegetable cultivation.

Effect of organic fertilizer types and rates on early growth of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora Mull arg)

J.O. Amadi — 2024-11-26

Plukenetia conophora is a multipurpose liana of high economic importance facing serious threat of extinction; therefore to curb this trend, producing healthy seedlings within good time frame is required. This research was therefore conducted to determine the effects of compost, poultry and cow dungs and their rates on growth and development of P. conophora. A total of 375 seedlings were applied three fertilizer types at 5 rates of 0ton/ha, 12.35ton/ha, 24.69ton/ha, 37.04ton/ha, 49.38 ton/ha in 2kg polythene soil filled pots arranged in completely randomize design in five replicates with five seedlings per replicate. Data collected on length of liana, collar diameter, number of leaves, dry weight, leaf area, relative growth rates, absolute growth rates as well as net assimilation rate were subjected to descriptive analysis and ANOVA using SAS. Results showed that organic manure types had significant effects on plant collar diameter and leaf area. The manure rates had significant effects the on plants leaf area. The interactive effect of fertilizer types and rates showed that the highest leaf area of 127.01cm² was obtained with compost at 49.38ton/ha and followed by poultry waste at 49.38ton/ha while cow dung was at 37.04ton/ha. It was least for control with value of 99.45cm². It was concluded that types and rates of the organic manures enhanced the growth and development of P. conophora and were generally optimum at 49.38ton/ha.

Survey and botanical description of some common ornamental plants in Federal University Of Technology Minna, Bosso Campus

O.A.Y. Daudu — 2024-11-26

A survey of ornamental plants was carried out around Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTM)Bosso campus Niger State in May 2021. The survey was intended to obtained critical information about the ornamental plants that are used within the campus. Standard procedures were followed for the identification and description of the common ornamental plants. Original coloured photographs of the ornamental plants were also taken for proper documentations. These ornamental plants were then classified based on their relative abundance, mode of propagation, habits, parts associated with aesthetic and other uses aside for beautification. Thirty-five (35) ornamental plant species were identified; from the results obtained, it was deduced that Ixoracoccinea has the highest number recorded (1366) with percentage relative abundance of 27.293 % while the lowest in number was Cycasrevoluta (1) with percentage relative abundance of 0.020 %. It was also recorded that there are different mode of propagations for the ornamental plant species which include stem cuttings, by seed, by fruits, air layering, root cuttings, grafting and offshoot. These ornamental plants that are propagated by stem cuttings had the highest number with percentage of 31.429 % and the least mode of propagation was by grafting (2.857 %). The ornamental plants encountered based on their habits include trees (51.429 %) shrubs (31.429 %) and the least was herbs (2.857 %). Therefore, it was concluded that FUTMBosso campus is endowed with numerous ornamental plants that cut-across different forms of habits.

Economics analysis of snake tomato production cropped in newly established rubber plantation treated with rubber effluent and NPK

M.D. Uwumarongie — 2024-11-26

The long gestation period of rubber (5 to 7 years) hinders the small holder farmers in investing in rubber plantation. During the long gestation period, rubber plant cannot be tapped for latex, hence, no revenue will accrue to the owners. This study compared the influence of different rubber effluents and NPK fertilizer rates and their combinations on the profitability of snake tomato production in the rubber-snake tomato intercrop at Iyanomo, Edo State, Nigeria in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The treatments involved sole rubber and snake tomato and their intercropped combination with NPK and rubber effluent application laid out in a randomized complete block in three replicates. Data were collected on fruit yield. The economic analysis of the trials was carried out by partial farm budgeting. The results showed that NPK and rubber effluent application had significant effect on the yield of snake tomato (P<0.05). The highest fruit yield was observed in sole snake tomato treated with 60 kg N ha^-1 of NPK 15:15:15 (STNPK). The variable cost and revenue increased with soil amendment supplementation. STNPK had the highest gross margin and return per naira invested in the first year of cropping but in the second year, rubber-snake tomato with 60 kg N ha^-1 of NPK 15:15:15 (RSNPK) and STNPK had comparable gross margin and return per naira invested. Based on this, RSNPK was suggested for small holder rubber farmers.

Simple linear regression analysis of climatic variables on the yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br.) in Jigawa, Nigeria

I.M. Azare — 2024-11-26

A study was carried out to assess the effects of some selected climatic variables (rainfall, maximum and minimum air temperature, relative air humidity as well as sunshine duration) on the yield of pearl millet in three local government areas of Jigawa State. The experiments were conducted over 2016 and 2017 planting seasons at the experimental farm of Federal University, Dutste located at 110 42’ N, 90 34’ E [FUD], Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia located at 120 48’ N, 100 01’ E (BUPH) and College of Education, Gumel located at 120 62’ 90 38’ E (COEG]) Jigawa State. The Experiment was laid on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice, in each of the three locations, the total of 25m by 18m experimental area were splits into plots size of 5m2 with 1mtr distance between and within replicate to the study the effects of five climatic variables viz; rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and sunshine hour on the yield of pearl millet. Data collected were subjected to simple linear regression analysis at 5% probability level. The results revealed that contributes 40% to the development of tillers, relative humidity contributes 45% to spike length and sunshine hours 47% to the yield per hectare. At Gumel it was revealed that maximum temperature contributes about 51% to the number of tillers, relative humidity 58% to yield per plot and the sunshine hour contributes about 68% to the yield per hectare. At Hadejiya the results shows that relative air humidity contributes 51% while maximum air temperature 41% and 46% respectively.

Biochemical and phytochemical analyses of avocado, cashew and soursop leaves

Odafe-Shalome Gideon — 2024-11-26

Ethno-medicine has widespread in all field of medicine and gradually taking over the orthodox medicine with different range of products The chemical composition of young and matured leaves of Avocado (Persea americanna), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), and Soursop (Annona muricata) was evaluated in the Central Research Laboratory unit of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The proximate composition was investigated using the weende system, while the phytochemicals were determined by gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods. Matured leaves of avocado had the highest amount of crude protein (25.76 %) which was not significantly (P<0.05) different from that in matured leaves of soursop (23.92 %). The matured avocado leaf also contained the highest amount of ash (15.85 %) and crude fiber (21.20 %) but with the lowest amount of oil (5.17 %). Matured soursop leaf had the highest amount of oil (19.70 %. The NFE (nitrogen free extract) values ranged from 17.25 % in matured soursop leaf to 48.8 % in young cashew leaf. The matured leaves of soursop recorded the highest levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus, while young soursop contained the highest amount of potassium. The phytochemicals present in the leaves were alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, phenol and saponins of which matured soursop leaf recorded the highest concentrations (1.10, 7.57 and 3.15 respectively). Tannin levels ranged from 0.18 in matured cashew leaf to 0.42 in young cashew leaf, with significant differences (p<0.05) between the leaf samples. The phytochemicals content of these plants' leaves make them medicinal potentials in therapeutic usage while the mineral and nutrition contents enhance their usage as leafy vegetable for human and animal consumption.

Influence of mycorrhiza-fortified quail manure on soybean (Glycine max) varieties grown in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria

P.A. Babajide — 2024-11-26

Amongst the nitrogen fixing grain legumes, soybean (Glycine max) is ranked first and second in terms of protein and oil content respectively. Meanwhile, despite the versatility and other great potentials (soil fertility improvement inclusive) of soybean, its production suffers various limitations, particularly N and P deficiencies, which induced low yield per unit area. Therefore, researching into exploitation of organic / biological means of improving soil nutrition is worthwhile, for improving the performance of versatile arable crops like soybean. Two screen house experiments were concurrently conducted in the year 2018 cropping season, at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (southern guinea savanna) and the Arable Research site of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora (derived guinea savanna), to assess the response of indigenous and hybrid varieties of soybean to selected mycorrhizal inocula, while quail droppings were used as the organic basal manure. The experiments were 3 x 3 x 2 factorial comprising three levels of mycorrhiza inoculation (M0 = No inoculation with any mycorrhizal strain, M1 = inoculation with Glomus clarum and M2 = inoculation with Glomus mossaea), three soybean varieties (V1= Ogbomoso Local or Igboora Local, V2 = TGX2004-10F and V3 = TGX2010-15F) and two levels of soil sterilization (S- = unsterilized and S+ = Sterilized). The trials were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design, replicated thrice. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters, and were subjected to analysis of variance. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p≤0.05. Soil inoculation with any of the arbuscular mycorrhizal strains significantly improved soybean growth and yield parameters, in the two locations, compared to the control. As similarly observed in most of the growth and yield parameters measured, the highest seed yield of 5.1 tons/ha were observed in the medium maturing soybean hybrid varietyTGX2004-10F (i.e. V2), which received G. clarum under unsterilized soil conditions, but the value was not significantly from those obtained from the other hybrid variety investigated, but significantly higher than the local hybrids in the two locations, while the control had the least values. Also, in the two ecoregions or locations, the local varieties inoculated with Glomus clarum had significantly higher growth and yield, comparable to Glomus mossaea and the control, whereas, whereas the hybrids were non-selective in being infected or inoculated by the two mycorrhizal inocula tested, as significant soybean performance was observed in the two strains investigated, compared to the control. Thus, the performance of soybean in low fertile soil is more mycorrhizal strains dependent than the locations. Therefore, G. clarum and G. mossaea were recommended for the soybean hybrids while Glomus clarum was specifically recommended for the local varieties in both of the agroecological zones.

Comparative evaluation of urea Super Granule (USG) and Prilled Urea (PU) on growth and yield of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at Samaru, Nigeria

M. Yahqub — 2024-11-26

This study was conducted during the 2018 and 2019 wet seasons to determine the effects of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on growth, yield and yield components of chilli pepper. The experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The treatments consist of the control, unfertilized plot (F1), 100% N-urea super granule (F2), 100% N- prilled urea (F3), 75% N- urea super granule + 25% N-FYM (F4), 75% N-prilled urea + 25% N-FYM (F5), 75% N- urea super granule (F6) and 75% N-prilled urea (F7). Results of the investigation revealed that F2 significantly enhanced the production of fresh fruits yield ha^-1 , dry fruit yield ha^-1 , number of fruits plant^-1 , total revenue, gross margin, and cost benefit ratio. From the results, it was observed that application of USG had positive impact on yield of chilli pepper than the conventional PU; and could save about 20% N fertilizer. Therefore, it could be concluded that application of USG, as a source of N showed better performance and found to be more economic viable than the conventional PU for chilli production in the study area.

Morphologial evaluation of twenty Okra accessions in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria

C.J. Okonji — 2024-11-26

Characterization or evaluation of crops is an essential first process of any crop improvement programme, information on genetic closeness among genetic resources of crops is useful for both breeding and germplasm conservation, and this can be exploited in breeding programmes to develop improved varieties. Twenty (20) okra accessions obtained from the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, were evaluated in trials conducted in two different locations namely, the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, and the Federal University Oye - Ekiti Teaching and Research Farm. Each trial was conducted to evaluate the 20 okra accessions for fruit yield production potential across the two locations. The result showed the different performances of the twenty okra accession across the two different locations as it showed that some of the parameters measured had better performance over time when compared to others. In Ibadan, NGB00371 significantly was the tallest, NGB00387 significantly had the largest stem diameter while NGB00469 had the longest leaves. However, NGB00308 had the longest days to 50% flowering, first fruiting and higher fruit yield (32.96 t/ha). The performance trend at Ikole was different from that of Ibadan. However, NGB 00387 significantly had the longest leaves while NGB 00371 had the highest fruit yield. It can thenbe concluded that accessions of okra evaluated showed significant variation in some of the parameters measured. it was observed that accessions NGB00387 and NGB00371 had better fruit yield in respective Ibadan and Ikole respectively.

Effects of mulch and staking on the yield and postharvest quality of cucumber

O.B. Adewoyin — 2024-11-26

This research was carried out at the Vegetable Research Farm, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Idi- Ishin, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria to determine the effects of different mulch materials and staking on the yield and post-harvest quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The experimental design was 2x4 factorial, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatments replicated 3 times: Staked Cucumber with Black Polypropylene Mulch, Staked Cucumber with White Polypropylene Mulch Staked Cucumber With organic Mulch (Dried plant materials), Staked Cucumber without mulch, Unstaked Cucumber with Black Polypropylene Mulch, Unstaked Cucumber With white Polypropylene Mulch, Unstaked Cucumber with Organic Mulch (Dried plant materials), Unstaked Cucumber without mulch. Data on vine length, number of leaves, leaf length and fruit yield were collected. The fruit quality parameters were total soluble solids, phenolic acid, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and the determination of scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) at 1, 5, 10 and 15 days in storage. Data was subjected to analysis of variance at (P<0.05) while means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The staked cucumber plants mulched with black polythene mulches had the highest growth rate and resulted in subsequently higher yield (21.01t/ha) of cucumber fruit compared to other mulch materials. There were significant (P>0.05) differences in yield of staked cucumber with white Polypropylene mulch (15.35t/ha) and unstaked Cucumber with black Polypropylene mulch (14.78t/ha). The unstaked Cucumber planted without mulch had the lowest yield (4.93 t/ha). Result from this research showed that staked cucumber planted on white Polypropylene mulch produce fruit with the highest vitamin C, total soluble solids, phenolic acid and DPPH.

Farmer’s unseen enemy: Soilborne pathogens and its’ management

N. Dauda — 2024-11-26

Soil borne pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and phytoplasmas are increasingly becoming the unseen enemy to robust crop productivity in the tropics with particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. Significant yield losses are regular occurrence in major producing parts of the region owing to damage from pathogenic infections. The ubiquitous nature of endemic pathogens, their extensive host ranges, and the inability to fully understand their biology and conditions that favour their multiplication and pathogenicity are major reasons why they thrive. A teaspoon of mature grassland soil for instance, contains several millions of bacteria, fungi and nematodes belonging to differing species. Unlike nutrient deficiency and pesticide toxicity symptoms that may be easily identified by mere visual observations, symptoms of pathogenic infections are not easily recognized, and are sometimes mistaken for other causes like drought, soil compaction, pesticide toxicity, and nutrient deficiency. To link a disease symptom to a pathogen, it is pertinent that both soil and root samples must be collected and thoroughly analyzed. Hence, this article aims to highlight the major pathogenic organisms that cause significant economic losses in crop production in the tropics, disease symptoms and protocols for identifying symptoms as well as management strategies for keeping the pathogens population below the economic threshold.

Assessment of the utilisation level of Fadama II project components among crop farmer beneficiaries in south west, Nigeria

R.A. Mufutau — 2024-11-26

The study assessed utilisation of Fadama II project components among crop farmer beneficiaries in South West, Nigeria.Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 159 crop farmer beneficiaries of Fadama II project from Ogun State, 156 from Oyo State and 152 respondents from Lagos state respectively. This produced 467 crop farmer beneficiaries of Fadama II project. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data on the level of access and utilization of Fadama II project components namely; capacity building, pilot asset acquisition rural infrastructure and demand-driven advisory services. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages and mean while Analysis of Variance was used to test hypotheses at p≤0.05 level of significance. Results indicate that utilisation of Fadama II project components was low (59.3%) among crop farmer beneficiaries in the study area. Demand-driven advisory service was the most accessed Fadama II components ( =2.25) while utilization of pilot asset acquisition ranked first ( =2.26). Furthermore, there existed significant differences among crop farmer beneficiaries’ level of access (F=4.51; p<0.05). Also, utilization of Fadama II project components (F=5.38; p<0.05) differed significantly across the study area. Fadama II project components recorded low utilisation among crop farmer beneficiaries. The study recommended the need for more accessibility of intervention projects for improved utilisation among beneficiaries in the study area.

Mycopesticides and its application in agriculture: An alternative to the growing concerns in the use of chemical pesticides

P.O. Okeh — 2024-11-26

The rise in global concern over the negative consequences of agrochemicals in agriculture cannot be overemphasized. Over-reliance on chemical pesticides for pests control, is not without its accompanying side effects. Chemical pesticides are known to cause varying degrees of health and environmental damages if not properly handled. These consequences can be indispensable with continuous use of chemical pesticides in agriculture irrespective of how meticulous one is, since pesticides can migrate by air, soil, or water, outside of its intended area of use, contaminating soil, air, and water, and causing significant damages to plant and human health. In recent times, there is an increased emphasis on production of safe, nutritious and healthy foods. As such, research has been geared towards the use of biological control measures that does not leave behind chemical residues. Mycopesticides or biological control fungus is one aspect of biological control that has proven to be very effective in the control of pests. This article attempts to highlight some proven biological control fungus such as Ampelomyces quisqualis, Trichoderma spp, Beauveria spp, Metarhiziumanisopliae, Verticillium spp etc., that have been effectively utilized in control of pathogens, insects, and weeds in agriculture, and some advantages and disadvantages of biological control fungus.

Effects of herdsmen activities on cassava production in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State Nigeria

B.A Oyebamiji — 2024-11-26

Violent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers are common in South-west, Nigeria. This may cause declined agricultural production resulting in food insecurity. This study therefore examined the effects of herdsmen activities on cassava production in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 103 registered crop farmers in the study area. Primary data were obtained through the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Student-t test. Results revealed that the mean age, household size, annual income and farming experience of the respondents were 58.54 years, 6 person, N 58592.23k and 26.07 years respectively. Majority (75.7%) of the respondents were male, 83.5% were married, 67.0% were Christian while 33.0% had no formal education. Also, 51.5% were in cooperative society while 72.8% indicated that farming is their primary occupation. The major arable crops grown were cassava (100.0%) and maize (89.3%), high destruction of crops (x = 2.92), destruction of properties (x = 2.89), and kidnapping (x = 2.82) as the major activities of herdsmen in the study area. Furthermore, the mean cassava produced before and after the herdsmen were 5 and 3 tonnes respectively. Student t-test revealed a significant difference in cassava production (t =7.557, p≤0.05), prices of crop sold (t =8.881, p≤0.05) before and after the herdsmen activities. The study concluded that the activities of herdsmen had negative effect on the crop farmer in the study area. Therefore, the study recommended that peace building mechanism should be implemented to resolve the conflict between the cassava farmers and herdsmen in the study area.

Characterization of the two species of Melochia L. in Nigeria

S.O. Azeez — 2024-11-26

Melochia corchorifolia L. and Melochia melissifolia Benth. have food and medicinal values; however, they are being misidentified. It is therefore necessary to characterize these species comprehensively to establish their taxonomic status. This study employed botanical and cytological parameters to characterize the two Nigerian Melochia species following standard methods and it was carried out at the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. The result showed that M. corchorifolia could be distinguished from M. melissifolia by its erect and annual habit, numerous, predominantly terminal inflorescences and white petals without pigmentation. Melochia melissifolia was procumbent, perennial with a few principally axillary inflorescences, pink flowers with pigmentation on petioles, stem and tip of the fruits. The leaf adaxial stomata type, foliar trichome type, midrib and vascular bundle shapes, presence or absence of starch grain, tylose, brachysclereids, axial parenchyma, and phloem fibre could be used to delimit the two species. They possessed monad, oblate to prolate spheroidal pollen grains with high pollen stainability. In addition, triad pollen was observed in M. corchorifolia. Chromosome numbers of 2n=4x=28 and 2n=8x+2=58 were recorded in M. corchorifolia and M. melissifolia respectively. Both species had high pollen stainability. The germination percentage was high and low in M. corchorifolia and M. melissifolia respectively. The study revealed many similarities between the two Melochia species, indicating their close genetic relationship as well as having a common origin. Nevertheless, the two species could be separated from each other with certain morphological and anatomical characters, chromosome counts and some reproductive parameters. Therefore, the two Nigerian Melochia species studied are distinct species from a common ancestor.

Variation in agronomic characteristics of five okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench genotypes

A.O. Amao — 2024-11-26

This study was conducted to examine the differences existing among five okra genotypes for agronomic characteristics and yield. The genotypes were three established national varieties viz. V35, LD 88/1-8 and 47-4 together with two breeding lines 53-139 and 4-30, from the breeding lines programme of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Each genotype was sown in a 3m long single row plot with 45cm between plants within the row separated 1m apart. Flowers on six competitive plants of each genotype were tagged on opening and pods harvested separately at the edible stage six days later. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) as for a completely randomised design, the six plants per entry representing six replicates. Flowering period ranged from 20 days in V35 to 28 days in 47-4 and 53-139, 47-4 and 4-30 recorded the highest heights both at flowering and maturity. Average number of harvested fruits per plant ranged from 8 fruits in V35 to 19 fruits in 4-30, fruit yield weight per plant ranged from 15.7g in LD 88/1-8 to 20.7g in 4-30. V35 had the least fresh and dry weight: 319g/m² and 34.3g/m² while 4-30 had the highest 884g/m² and 67.9g/m² . The breeding line 4-30 recorded high similarity with established variety 47-4 in most of the measured agronomic traits except for different pod colour The estimates of coefficient of variation shows V35 and LD 88/1- 8 both established varieties recording highest coefficients confirming contaminations over time while the advanced breeding lines i.e. 4-30 and 53-139 had coefficients indicating greater uniformity within the genotypes. Despite the unknown pedigree of these established varieties, this study result suggested sufficient distinction and justify they can be used to estimate heritability values and used for more okra improvement programmes.

Efficacy of insecticides on fruit yield and fruit damage of eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

O.A. Olaniran — 2024-11-26

Field trials were conducted during 2016 and 2017 raining seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, to determine the effects of leaf extracts of Pawpaw, Tobacco and Cashew on insect pests of three selected eggplant varieties. Synthetic insecticide (Lambdachyalothin) and untreated plants were included in the experiment for comparison and each treatment was replicated three times. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. Data were collected on insect pests, fruit damage and fruit yield. Four major insect pests of eggplant – Zonocerus variegatus, Spodoptera litoralis, Leucinodes ornabalis and Epilachna species were observed. Among the tested varieties, S. depressum had the least significant (P< 0.05) infestation. All the tested leaf plant extracts were effective in the control of the observed insect pests when compared with the level of insect pest attack on untreated plants. However, cashew extract had the highest insecticidal efficacy (55%) compared with other tested plant extracts while insecticidal potential of pawpaw extract was comparable to tobacco extracts. Meanwhile, none of the tested plant leaf extracts was effective as Lambdachyhalothrin in the control of the observed insect pests. Among the tested varieties, Solanum depressum had highest fruit yield ( 3.45 - 3.88 t/ha) and least fruit damage.

Preliminary observations on the response of soybean genotypes to Frogeye disease under natural conditions in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

B.A. Yekini — 2024-11-26

Frogeye leaf spot (FLS) of soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important disease that causes significant seed yield loss in warm, humid regions of the world. The study was conducted with the objective to assess the response of soybean to source of FLS at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria during 2021 late cropping season. Eight soybean genotypes were screened against FLS under natural condition. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The data collected were disease incidence, severity and agronomic performance which were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated using Tukey at P<0.05. The results revealed that genotype TGX-1904-6F had the highest disease incidence (46.67%), followed by TGX-1989-19F (18.33 %) while TGX-1987-62F (5.00 %) had the least. Similarly, the result of the disease severity ranged from 1.00-3.77. TGX-1904-6F (3.77) had the highest, followed by SCSL-01 (2.47) while TGX-1987-10F (1.00) had the least. The result of resistant levels indicates that one soybean genotype (TGX-1987-10F) was highly resistant, five were resistant (TGX-1951-3F, TGX-1448-2E, TGX-1987-62F, TGX-1989-19F and TGX-1835-10F), one genotype was moderately resistant (SCSL-01) and one moderately susceptible (TGX-1904-6F). Five fungi organisms belonging to four genera were isolated from eight soybean seeds which includes Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium species and Curvularia species. Aspergillus flavus (38.30 %) had the highest percentage of occurrence while Curvularia species (2.13 %) had the least. The study recommended that the resistant genotypes could be further planted in other agro ecological zone to determine resistant genotypes against frogeye leaf spot disease in soybean.

Effects of rainfall variability on moisture availability for cultivation of sorghum, kenaf and okra in tropical wet-and dry-climatic western zones of Nigeria

H.G. Kassim — 2024-11-26

Field experiments to determine the effects of moisture availability on the growth and yield of sorghum, kenaf, and okra in sole and mixtures, were conducted during the 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Treatments consisted of eleven planting patterns (sole crops, 2-tier mixtures, and 3-tier mixtures) formed from the mixtures of two sorghum cultivars (Sr and Sw) with kenaf (K) and okra (O) arranged as randomized complete block design with three replications on a sandy loam soil. Daily agroclimatic data of rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, bright sunshine hours, day length and wind speed were collected and processed into decadal means and then related to the various growth components (establishment, vegetative, reproductive and maturity stages) of the crops. Agronomical data collected were panicle length and grain yield, bast fibre and seed yield, number of fruits, fruit weight, and fruit yield of sorghum, kenaf, and okra, respectively The results of this study showed that the rainfall amount received during the 2011 growing period (1018.2 mm) was greater than that during the 2012 growing period (728 mm), but approximately 71% and 73% were available for crop use, respectively. In addition, only 68.8% and 70.8% of the total rainfall recorded during the 2011 and 2012 growing periods, respectively, was available for consumptive water use. The water use efficiencies of the crops in the mixtures were higher than those of their respective sole crops. The yield components of sorghum, kenaf, and okra in both soles and mixtures were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 2011 growing period. Based on the values of the water requirement satisfaction index (> 90%), both seasons were suitable for the cultivation of sorghum/kenaf/okra. The study concluded that the cultivation of crops in mixtures was suitable for ecological areas with a total annual rainfall of at least 1000 mm.

Physiological and biochemical responses of kola (Cola nitida) seedlings at different colours to application of plant growth substances

O. Ugioro — 2024-11-26

Kola belongs to the family sterculiaceae. This study evaluated the effect of plant growth substances on the physiological and biochemical components of Cola nitida seedlings. This study was carried out in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, Ibadan. A total of 200 fresh nuts of different colours of C. nitida were used. Nuts were pre-germinated, thinned and sown one per polyethene bag arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated thrice. Treated plants were sprayed every two weeks with 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 200 mg/ L of indo-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acid, kinetin and 20% coconut water while the control was watered with tap water. Samples were analyzed after drying at 60 0 c for two days for 2hrs. White C, nitida seedlings recorded the highest value in sodium (7.45mg/100g dry matter), calcium (7.33mg/100g dry matter), manganese (2.36 mg/100g dry matter) and zinc (5.34 mg/100g dry matter) when treated with 50mg/L GA3. Similar results were observed for pink and red colours of C. nitida seedlings with 50 mg/L GA3 recorded the highest value in sodium and calcium respectively. 100 mg/L GA3 recorded the highest in anthraquinone and theobromine for white C. nitida seedlings. 200 mg/L GA3 recorded the highest in anthraquinone, theobromine, kolatin and poytphenol for pink C, nitida seedlings. 20% coconut water had highest in trypsin inhibitor for pink and red C. nitida seedlings. Conclusively, application of plant growth substances enhances mineral and phytochemical content of C. nitida seedlings of different colours compared to the control.

Organo-mineral fertilizer effect on performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Umudike, southeast Nigeria

B.J. Emoruwa — 2024-11-26

A two-year field experiment was conducted during the cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020 to examine the influence of different organic manure sources, N:P:K-(15:15:15) fertilizer and combined application of organic manure and N:P:K-(15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of cucumber at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike situated in a rain forest agroecology. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were sole application of organic manures (poultry manure, goat manure and rabbit manure at 10 t/ha, N:P:K-(15:15:15) fertilizer at 300 kg/ha and combination of organic manures and N:P:K fertilizer at 5 t/ha and 150 kg/ha, respectively. The results showed that the application of poultry manure closely followed by a combined application of poultry manure and N:P:K-(15:15:15) fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) increased the vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf area index, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits and fresh fruit yield compared to the other treatments investigated. The highest fresh fruit yield per hectare was recorded in year 2019 cropping season, which was higher by 24.56% compared to year 2020 cropping season while the interaction between poultry manure and year 2019 gave the highest fresh fruit yields. Therefore, poultry manure source or a combination of poultry manure and N:P:K-(15:15:15) fertilizer can be adjudged to be better sources of high soil nutrients for cucumber production in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.

Effect of application of titanium dioxide in the management of Fusarium wilt and fruit yield of some tomato accessions

R.O. Olanrewaju — 2024-11-26

Tomato (Solanum lycopoersicum L.) is often threatened by wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporium f.sp lycopersici. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been reported to promote plant growth and reduce disease severity. This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of TiO₂ application on incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt as well as yield indices of three susceptible tomato accessions. The experiment consisted of a 3 x 5 factorial experiment fitted into Completely Randomized Design and Randomized Complete Block Design in the screenhouse and the field, respectively. All experiments were set up with three replications. The treatments consisted of three tomato accessions (CPTTO/19/191, CPTTO/19/193 and CPTTO/19/195) and with four concentrations of TiO₂ (0.3, 0.7, 1.0 and 1.3 ml/l) applied using soil drenching. Plots without TiO₂ application served as the control. In both screenhouse and the field, application of 1.3 ml/l TiO₂ significantly reduced the incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt with better yield of tomato fruit in the three accessions than the control plots and pots. The study concluded that application of TiO₂ at 1.3 ml/l reduced incidence and severity of Fusaruim wilt of tomato and increased the yield of tomato.

Effect of dosage and spray frequency of henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) on Alternaria leaf spot disease of cucumber melon (Cucumis sativus L.) in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria

Z.H Mohammed — 2024-11-26

Field trials were conducted in 2018 and 2019 cropping season at Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri to assess the effect of dosage and spray frequency of botanical leaf extracts in the management of Alternaria leaf spot disease of cucumber melon. The experimental plots were laid in a strip plot design replicated three times. Different dosages (50, 75 and 100 g/L) were assigned as the vertical factor while spray frequency (no spray, spray once, twice, thrice, and four times) as the horizontal factor. Results showed that spray frequency at spray three or four times and dosage at 100g/L significantly (P<0.05) affected the disease incidence and severity of the leaf spot disease. Yield increase was also observed under the same condition. Spraying of cucumber melon three or four times is very crucial in the reduction of the leaf spot disease.

Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science

Mechanical transmissibility effect of Telfairia mosaic virus (TEMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) on growth and nutritional composition of Telfairia occidentalis

Effects of mineral fertilizers on the performances of selected vegetables grown in soils from different land use types in southwestern Nigeria

Effect of organic fertilizer types and rates on early growth of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora Mull arg)

Survey and botanical description of some common ornamental plants in Federal University Of Technology Minna, Bosso Campus

Economics analysis of snake tomato production cropped in newly established rubber plantation treated with rubber effluent and NPK

Simple linear regression analysis of climatic variables on the yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br.) in Jigawa, Nigeria

Biochemical and phytochemical analyses of avocado, cashew and soursop leaves

Influence of mycorrhiza-fortified quail manure on soybean (Glycine max) varieties grown in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria

Comparative evaluation of urea Super Granule (USG) and Prilled Urea (PU) on growth and yield of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at Samaru, Nigeria

Morphologial evaluation of twenty Okra accessions in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria

Effects of mulch and staking on the yield and postharvest quality of cucumber

Farmer’s unseen enemy: Soilborne pathogens and its’ management

Assessment of the utilisation level of Fadama II project components among crop farmer beneficiaries in south west, Nigeria

Mycopesticides and its application in agriculture: An alternative to the growing concerns in the use of chemical pesticides

Effects of herdsmen activities on cassava production in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State Nigeria

Characterization of the two species of Melochia L. in Nigeria

Variation in agronomic characteristics of five okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench genotypes

Efficacy of insecticides on fruit yield and fruit damage of eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Preliminary observations on the response of soybean genotypes to Frogeye disease under natural conditions in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Effects of rainfall variability on moisture availability for cultivation of sorghum, kenaf and okra in tropical wet-and dry-climatic western zones of Nigeria

Physiological and biochemical responses of kola (Cola nitida) seedlings at different colours to application of plant growth substances

Organo-mineral fertilizer effect on performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Umudike, southeast Nigeria

Effect of application of titanium dioxide in the management of Fusarium wilt and fruit yield of some tomato accessions

Effect of dosage and spray frequency of henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) on Alternaria leaf spot disease of cucumber melon (Cucumis sativus L.) in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria