Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science

Assessment of fire engulfed coffee plantation for revitalization and proper future management

R.R. Ipinmoroti — 2024-09-11

Understanding the impact of fire in respect to loss of plantations, alteration in micro ecosystem, destruction of soil microorganisms and loss of soil fertility is very germane. Hence, this study centered on the assessment of coffee germplasm plot engulfed with fire for possible revitalization and recommendations for future management. The coffee plot was divided into burned and unburned sections for soil and coffee leaf samples collection. The soil samples were analyzed for the textural composition, the bacteria and fungi population count, organic C, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Al⁺3H⁺ , ECEC, BS, Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn contents using standard methods. The coffee leaf samples were analyzed for the 9-C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn contents. Results indicated that fire outbreak resulted to reduced microbial population counts for the burned section. However, the soil pH was slightly acidic for the unburned plot while it was slightly alkaline for the burned plot. The soil organic C, N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents of the burned section were higher than values obtained for the unburned section. However, the soil N, P, K, Ca, and Mg contents of the unburned section as well as the N, K and Mg contents of the burned section were all below their corresponding critical levels. Hence, the coffee plot soils were considered low in most of the nutrients. This indicated that sustainable coffee production could only be guaranteed with the rational application of fertilizers. Application of manures at 5tones/ha is recommended to build up the soil organic C, soil microbes and nutrients supply. However, it is advised that planting of improved coffee cultivars to replace the fire damaged stands, a 3-meter perimeter fire tracing and good farm sanitation should be taken into consideration in the planation revitalization as extension guide on the farmers.

Evaluation of different sources of ash on selected soil chemical properties, growth and yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) in derived savannah ecology of Ishiagu southeast Nigeria

O.C. Olejeme — 2024-09-11

Evaluation of different sources of ash as they affect soil chemical properties, growth and yield of Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) was conducted at the student‘s project site at Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu Ebonyi State in the 2022 cropping seasons. The experimental design used was the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven (7) treatments: Palm bunch ash, rice husk ash, wood ash, siam weed ash, neem leaf ash, mango leave ash and control (No fertilizer), each replicated three (3) times. Pre and post planting physico-chemical properties of the soils were determined to know the soil status before and after planting. Vein length, number and weight of harvested leaves were taken, also determined were number of pods and seed plus the weight of pods. The soil parameters analyzed were pH, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus. The result indicated significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments on all the parameters measured. The best yield performance in terms of number leaves (28) and seeds (41) were gotten from plots amended with rice husk dust. The highest increase in pH and cation exchange capacity were also recorded from plots treated with rice husk dust. It is therefore recommended that in acidic soils, farmers should use rice husk dust to reduce soil acidity, which at the long run will increase crop yield.

Vegetative and tuber yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) as influenced by different varieties and tuber weights in derived savannah ecology of Ishiagu southeast Nigeria

O.C. Olejeme — 2024-09-11

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different variety and tuber weights on the vegetative and tuber yield of yam grown on an ultisol of Ishiagu south eastern Nigeria. In the trial, a split plot arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used. The two varieties Faketsa and Hembamkwase occupied the main plots, while the tuber weight 50 -100g, 101 – 150g, 151- 200g, 201 -250g and 251-300g occupied the sub-plots. Pre-planting physico-chemical properties of the soils were determined to know the soil status. Seedling emergence, vein length, number of leaves, number and weight of harvested tubers were determined. After the data analysis, the results revealed that tuber weight of 251-300g had the highest seedling emergence of 4.0, including the largest tuber yield of 16.00t/ha though, statistically similar to 13.92t/ha obtained from tuber weight of 201-250g. There was no significant difference due to variety on both vegetative and tuber yield. The use of higher tuber weight can guarantee higher yield and the two varieties can be successfully grown in the study area.

Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucmis Sativus L) in Dadin Kowa North East Nigeria

O. Nwite-Eze — 2024-09-11

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa Gombe State during the 2021 rainy season. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of cucumber. The treatments were organic and inorganic fertilizers with different rates of application, where organic consist of control, 5t/ha, 10t/ha and 15t/ha and the inorganic fertilizer consist of 100kg/ha, 200kg/ha and 300kg/ha. The experiment was conducted as 3x2 lay out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The cow dung was broadcasted and mixed with soil a week before sowing while the NPK was placed along the plant root two weeks after sowing. The growth parameters were measured as from two weeks after sowing and two weeks subsequent interval. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were separated using Ducan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The result from this study showed that NPK fertilizer had significant effect on the growth parameters measured and yield per hectare, NPK fertilizer at the rate of 300kg/ha gave the highest rank of growth and yield parameter, followed by 200kg/ha and then cow dung at 10t/ha. The control gave the least of all the parameters studied. Therefore, the finding of this study showed that the application of NPK fertilizer at 300kg/ha enhanced the production of cucumber in the study area.

Evaluation of four white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) cultivars for seed yam production in Obio Akpa, South Eastern Nigeria

O. J. Ekwere — 2024-09-11

Some yam cultivars respond poorly to the yam minisett technology. In South Eastern Nigeria, farmers involved in seed yams production are often faced with problem of choice among the available cultivars of the white yam. To solve this problem, a field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, from May, 2020 to October 2021, to evaluate the effects of cultivars and setts weight on the growth and yield of the white yam. The experiment consisted of four cultivars of the white yam; Atam, Nwopoko, Afara and TDr 89/02665, and three setts weight categories; (20-25g), (26-30g) and (31-35g). TDr89/02665 is an improved cultivar of white yam sourced from the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The other cultivars were sourced from local yam farmers in Obioakpa community. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial, replicated three times. The yam setts were planted at 1 x 0.25 m, corresponding to 40,000 stands/ha. Results showed that cultivars and setts weight significantly affected all the growth and yield parameters considered in the experiment; percentage establishment, days to first sprout emergence, number and length of vines as well as the number and yield of tubers. TDr89/02665 had the highest percentage establishment (88.92 in 2020, and 89.93 in 2021), it also produced the longest vines (147.67 cm in 2020, and 149.61 cm in 2021). There were no significant differences in percentage establishment and length of vines between TDr89/02665 and Atam. The shortest vines (95.44 cm) were produced on Nwopoko in 2021. Atam produced the highest yields (7.65 tons/ha in 2020). In 2021, the highest yields (7.73 tons/ha) were produced by TDr89/02665. Setts weight categories (31-35g) performed better than the other two categories (26- 30g and 20-25g) in all the parameters under consideration; it had the highest establishment percentage, number and length of vines as well as the number and yield of tubers; Results also indicated that there were significant interaction effects between the yam cultivars and setts weight; TDr89/02665(31-35g) consistently produced the best yields (9.31 tons/ha in 2020 and 8.33 tons/ha in 2021) and was therefore recommended to farmers in the study area.

Effects of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on some soil nutrients properties and yield of Okro (Abelmoschus esculentus)

W.B. Bello — 2024-09-11

Response of some soil nutrients properties and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and poultry manure were evaluated at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Research Farm, Igboora, Nigeria in two cropping season of both 2018 and 2019. The treatments consisted of 120 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15, 10 t/ha Poultry manure (PM), 5 t/ha Poultry manure, 2.5 t/ha PM+ 60 kg NPK 15-15-15 and no fertilizer as control were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data on number of pods and yield were collected. The result showed that 2.5 t/ha PM+ 60 kg NPK 15-15-15 gave significantly (p<0.05) higher Okra pod weight (1.15 and 0.86kg/ha) and yield (92.22 and 94.68kg/ha) in both cropping seasons respectively. Maximum yield of 101.60 kg/ha was obtained with application of 2.5t/ha PM+ 60kg NPK 15-15-15 in the second cropping season. Sole application of poultry manure and its combination with NPK significantly increased soil N, P, K, Ca and Mg. It can be concluded that for maximum production, the amount of poultry manure required can reduce the chemical fertilizer that would be needed for Okra production.

Assessment of technical efficiency and profitability among rain-fed tomato farmers in Yewa Division, Ogun State

O. Oyebanjo — 2024-09-11

Production efficiency of tomato has declined drastically in Nigeria despite its significant contribution to farm income and nutrition of households. The aim of this study is to examine the technical efficiency and profitability of rain-fed tomato farming in Yewa Division, Ogun State. Primary data were collected through multistage sampling procedure from 105 farmers using structured questionnaire. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and stochastic production frontier (SPF). Descriptive statistics revealed that an average tomato farmer was 36 years-old, 96.2% had minimum of primary education, and average farming experience was 12 years, 84.8% cultivated less than 1.0 ha while major source of funding was through cooperative societies (56.2%). Estimate of budgetary technique revealed that tomato farming was profitable at average gross margin of N15,233.30. The result of SPF shows that production efficiency was significantly affected by education (1%), household size (1%), farm size (1%), seed (1%), agro-chemical (1%) and extension services (5%). The mean efficiency was 0.632. The major farming problems were inadequate credit facilities (76.2%), pests and diseases (65.7%) and lack of extension service (48.6%). The study recommends that extension service should be improved to complement education and experience of the farmers. Efficient input delivery is necessary to encourage expansion of cultivated land. Modern inputs and equipment must be adequately distributed to enhance adoption of modern farm practices including application of chemicals in order to resolve the problems of pests and diseases on the farms. Farmers should explore cooperative efforts to resolve their major financial problems.

Responses of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties to month of sowing and nutrient source in Bauchi State, Nigeria

R.A. Bala — 2024-09-11

Field experiment was conducted during the dry seasons of 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Gubi campus, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (10◦ 22´N and 9◦ 47´E) to determine the responses of two green bean varieties to month of sowing and nutrient source. The treatment consisted of two varieties of green bean (Yarsalina and Garji), three month of sowing (Mid - October Mid - November and Mid - December) and three nutrient sources (NPK fertilizer at 20;40;40 kg/ha, cow dung at 2 t/ ha and poultry manure at 2 t/ha) and a control (no nutrient added). These were factorially combined to give twelve 12 treatment combinations and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, number of flowers, number of pods, total and marketable pods yield. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using ANOVA significantly different means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). There was significant (p≤ 0.05) variation between the two varieties, the three month of sowing and the nutrient sources on almost all the growth (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index) and yield components (Number of flowers, number of pods, total and market pods yield) of green bean. Yarsalina outperformed Garji by producing taller plants (32.52cm), more leaves (45.6), larger leaf area (46.6cm) and leaf area index (4.71), number of flower (60), number of pods (28.52) and total (7.41t/ha) and marketable pods yield (6.89t/ ha). The crops sown in Mid - October had taller plants (32.01cm), more leaves (49.51), wider leaf area (45.14cm² ) and leaf area index (4.52) while crops sown in Mid - December produced more flowers (60.81) than both the Mid - October and Mid - November sowings. Crops sown in Mid - October however produced more pods (27.82) while Mid - October and Mid - December sowings produced the highest total pod (7.12t/ha) yield than the Mid - November sowing. Application of poultry manure had significantly (p≤ 0.05) taller plants (36.69cm), more leaves (52.24), wider leaf area (56.58cm² ) and leaf area index (5.73). Furthermore, it produced significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) number of flowers (69.24) and pods (36.59) and higher total (10.68t/ha) and marketable pod (10.13t/ha) yield. At the different season under investigation, 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 dry season produced significantly (p≤ 0.05) taller plants, and more leaves, higher leaf area and leaf area index than the 2020/2021season. Higher number of flowers, number of pods and total pod yield was produced in 2021/2022 dry season. Based on the finding of this study, it can be concluded that Yarsalina sown in either Mid - October or Mid - December with application of poultry manure at the rate of 2t/ha produced best vegetative growth and yield component and was observed to produced higher pod yield and therefore can be adopted by farmers for improved green bean production in the study area.

Screenhouse studies on the effects of bio-fumigant crops and animal manure on growth and yield of Fusarium wilt infected tomatoes

Salisu Gombe Haruna — 2024-09-11

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of bio-fumigation on growth and yield of tomato infected with Fusarium wilt. The experiment was carried out in the screen house of the Federal College of Horticultural Technology Dadin Kowa, Gombe State, in May – July, 2015 and was repeated in September – November, 2015. The trial was a 4 x 4 factorial arranged in a split plot design consisting of poultry manure, cow dung, CAMAZEB® (60% Mancozeb + 40% Carbendazim WP) as check and un-amended soil (control) as the main plot, while biofumigant crops (cabbage residues, garlic and onion) and soil untreated constituted the sub plots. Poultry manure or cow dung at the rate of 0.85 kg and 200g of sliced cabbage residues, onion or 100 g of sliced garlic were separately mixed with 4 kg of soil and incorporated in to the respective containers as growing media. Treatments were replicated thrice. Data on the growth parameters and yield components of the two experiments were pooled before subjected to analysis of variance. Tomatoes grown on soil amended with poultry manure and cabbage residues significantly (P≤0.005) produced tallest seedlings with highest number of leaves and branches than the other treatments. At 10 weeks after transplanting tallest tomato plants were obtained on soil amended with poultry manure and cabbage (81.6cm) which were at par with those grown on cow dung and cabbage amended soils (80cm). Poultry manure + cabbage and cow dung + cabbage exhibited same effect on leaf production and branching. Tomatoes with highest yield (1.82kg plant-1 ), fresh shoot (297.8g) and fresh root (69.9g) weights were recorded on tomatoes transplanted on poultry manure and cabbage amended soil. Based on the results obtained, amending soil with 0.85 kg of poultry manure and 200g of cabbage is recommended as bio-fertilizer for sustainable tomato production under screen house or green house conditions.

Effects of hydro-priming treatments on seedling growth performance attributes of Corchorus olitorius genotypes

M.M. Shittu — 2024-09-11

Hydro-priming treatment is the cheapest and commonest method for enhancing emergence and seedling growth performance of Corchorus plant. Establishing suitability of any treatment for each genotype is necessary to ensure optimum field performance. Based on a completely randomized design and using a screen-house set-up, the effect of two types of hydro-priming treatments (hot water at 100°C for 10 s and soaking in ordinary water for 2-10 h) was evaluated on the number of days to 50% seedling emergence, seedling height and number of leaves/plant of 14 genotypes of Corchorus olitorius seeds. The effects of genotype and treatment were significant (p<0.05) on the dependent variables. Longer water soaking time significantly (p<0.01) reduced days to 50% emergence (r² =0.5258), but increased seedling height (r² =0.2385) and number of leaves per plant (r² =0.5989). Ordinary water soaking for 10 h was similar to hot water (100^◦C) soaking in days to 50% emergence for all the genotypes. Genotypes NG/09/002, NGB/01/288 and NG/11/007 had significantly higher seedling height when treated with hot water than ordinary water soaking. Contrarily, NG/09/010, NG/11/007, NG/11/006 and Eletieku yielded higher number of leaves/plant in ordinary water for 10 h than the hot water soaking treatment. The findings suggest that appropriate hydro-priming treatment should be given to specific Corchorus genotype for optimum performance.

Population growth and economic wellbeing in Lagos, Nigeria

O.T. Oyewo — 2024-09-11

This research examined the population increase and people's well-being in Lagos, Nigeria. The data was collected between 1981 and 2020 and was analysed using the ordinary least square approach, a fully modified OLS and dynamic OLS. The result shows that there was a positive association between housing and population increase. This is due to the fact that as the population grows, the labour force also grows. This, in turn, would result to increases in production, with proportionate increase in home demand and increases in government spending with resultant rise in house prices. However, there is no substantial association between inflation and housing demand. Therefore, the real sector of the economy should be given adequate attention which would aid the country in the area of labour absorption/population growth, and can promote provision of more housing facilities and landscaping.

Integrated nutrient management in mango production: Knowledge and associated constraints in south-west Nigeria

O.O. Olufunmi — 2024-09-11

This study examined farmers‘ knowledge and constraints associated with integrated nutrient fertilizers nutrient sources use for mango production in the south-west zone of Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 105 respondents and data were collected using structured questionnaires and results data analyzed with descriptive statistics. Majority (90.4%) of mango farmers were males and married (92.4%) with 80.9% having basic education while and majority (90.4%) had an average household size of 7 persons. Majority (83.95%) had less than three (3) acres of farmland and majority (85.7%) of the respondents intercropped their mango with other crops. Only 2.9% of the respondents cultivated mango using grafted seedlings; majority (68.5%) did not apply fertilizers on their mango farms while and only 36.7% were aware of integrated nutrient fertilizer use. Mango fruits are harvested at different stages, with 49.5%, harvest when fully ripe, 47.6% harvest when partially ripe and 2.9% harvest unripe fruits of the farmers carried out their mango harvest when fully ripe, partially ripe and unripe respectively. While varieties cultivated in the zone included Kent, Julie, Ogbomosho, Palaba and Cherry, with Ogbomosho being was the predominantly preferred variety. Pest and disease infestation (80.0%), grazing animals (76.7%), inadequate extension contact (73.3%), fluctuating weather conditions (70.0%) and fruit theft (70.0%) were ranked the most challenging constraints to mango production in the studied area south-west Nigeria. The study helped to point out the need for recommends that improvements in mango production in the zone are needed by through integrated nutrient management, pest and disease control, while efforts to control animal grazing animals and provision of sufficient extension services should be put in place contact.

Combined application of rice-straw biochar and poultry manure to promote nutrient uptake and yield of Capsicum frutescens

O.O. Fawibe — 2024-09-11

A field experiment was carried out during the cropping season of 2021 to examine the influence of sole or combined application of rice- straw biochar and poultry manure on yield, nutrient uptake, and physiological attributes of Capsicum frutescens. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Treatments were 10 t/ha biochar (BC), 5 t/ha biochar + 5 t/ha poultry manure (BC+PM), 10 t/ha poultry manure (PM), and no amendment as the control (NA). Parameters determined were fruit yield, aboveground biomass, macro and micro nutrients in leaves, antinutrients content, and pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) concentration. Data were analysed with one-way analysis of variance while means were separated using Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test at p<0.05. Soil amended with PM increased the nitrogen content of C. frutescens leaves by 40.9% while polyphenol and phytic acid were reduced by 20.5% and 29.2%, respectively compared with NA. Moreover, PM increased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b by 91.9% and 16.4% respectively whereas proline was reduced by 31.3% compared with NA. However, PM and BC+PM had comparable influence on pigments, nutrients and antinutrients contents of C. frutescens. BC+PM significantly increased yield and aboveground biomass of C. frutescens by 52.9% and 99.2%, respectively compared with NA. BC had no significant influence on the yield and nutrient uptake of C. frutescens compared with NA. In conclusion, sole application of poultry manure or combined with rice-straw biochar increased yield and nutrients availability in the leaves of C. frutescens.

Control of postharvest fungal rot of sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas (L) Lam.) in storage with sawdust of some tropical plants

F. Beckley — 2024-09-11

Postharvest loss of sweet potato due to fungal rots is a major challenge faced by farmers and marketers in Nigeria. Studies were conducted in Southwest, Nigeria to determine the shelf life of sweet potato stored in three sawdust types obtained from tropical plants. The experiment consisted of treatments arranged in CRD fitted into a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial experiment. Treatments were two (2) sweet potato varieties (Blesbok and Shaba), three (3) sawdust types (Anogeissus leiocarpus, Gmelina arborea and Cola nitida) and three (3) packaging materials (carton, basket and sack). Sweet potato tubers were stored for 16 weeks in 2015 and 2016; and thereafter assessed for weight loss and rot incidence. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and means separated with Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Sweet potato stored in sack with G. arborea sawdust recorded significantly lower (p<0.05) weight loss (17.36%) and disease incidence (16.48%) than other treatments in 2015 and 2016. Relative humidity is negatively correlated with percentage weight loss of tubers in the three packaging materials. The study concluded that storage of sweet potato in sack containing G. arborea or A. leiocarpus sawdust has potential for improving the shelf life of tubers and it is therefore recommended.

Proposing a Nigerian botanical garden design with selected plant species for sustainability, development and ecosystem services

J.O. Alabi — 2024-09-11

Botanical gardens must find a compromise between the need for peace and seclusion, and satisfy the demand for ecosystem service and visitor services including restaurants, information centre and sales areas that convey with them pollution, noise and hyperactivity. The study proposed a prototype design for the establishment of Nigerian Botanical Garden with some selected ornamental plants species that can enhance provision of ecosystem services and sustainable heritage garden development. It was based on the concept of ecological landscape and computeraided architectural design, which was used as determinants in the formulation of floor, site layout plans and animation production. The study revealed that: Botanical Garden prototype designed ranged from site layout plan, building (9825mm by 19870mm), elevation and perspective drawing using plant species Erythrina indica, Roystenea regia, Phoenix dactylifera and Eucepalartos barteri as less varieties and more repetition species and Acacia moniliforms, Mussaenda erythrophylla, Codiaeum variegatum, and Plumera rubra as more varieties and less repetition species. The study proposed that, plant species families of Apocynaceae, Arecaceae, Zamiaceae, and Euphorbiacea out of 8 families would be good candidates for ecosystem services such as: aesthetic, pollutant removal and air quality improvement, while the families of Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae and Araucariaceae would be good candidate for shading, human health and well-being, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and heritage garden sustainability.

Effects of accelerated aging on physiological quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Seeds

T.O. Kehinde — 2024-09-11

Seed ageing is the main challenge of seed storage while the maintenance of viability in storage is germane in seed quality preservation. This study was conducted in 2019 to estimate the potential longevity of the seeds of eight genotypes of okra under accelerated ageing at the Laboratory of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The seeds of the eight okra genotypes (Unaab-10-0116, Unaab-24-1215, Unaab-12-0116, Unaab-09-0116, Unaab-27-1215, Unaab-11-0116, Unaab-22-1215 and Clemson Spineless) were stored in the incubator at 45^oC and 85% relative humidity (RH) conditioned using NaCl and germination determined at 100 - day time course during storage on 50 seeds. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design with three replications. Data collected on seed germination, seedling length seedling vigour index, seedling fresh and dry weights were subjected to Analysis of Variance and treatment means were separated using Duncan‘s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. PROBIT modelling was also used to estimate potential longevity. Considerable differences occurred in the seed quality of the okra seeds due to differences in genotypes and ageing duration. Genotype Unaab-10-0116 displayed superiority over all the other genotypes with estimated storage life of 7.15 months. The seed PROBIT modelling result also revealed that Unaab09-0116 seedlots had the storage life of 5.56 months and thus, recommended for future seed improvement programme.