Articles

Permanent URI for this collection

https://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/2966

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 120

Open Access
10th Inaugural Lecture: Insects, Plants and Humanity, The Organic Agriculture and Stored Products Protection Axis
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-03-01) Ajayi, Folorunso A.
Open Access
Accessibility of Women to Productive Resources in Farm-Households of Kaduna state, Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-10-10) Rahman, S.A.; Ajayi, Folorunso A.
Women in Nigeria form an labour force contributing about 80 per cent of agricultural labour, but / لا own tbe means of production. لا ه are the key human resources in farm production. This study examines the accessibility of women to farm resources in farm households in two geographical regions of Kaduna State in Northern Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in the selection of a sample of 240farm households. Ordinary least squares O S } regression model was used in analysing the data that were collected through interview schedule. It was obserued that women who were less in farm decision making had low accessibility to productive resources compared to those who were more involved in the farm decisions. The included in the regression model explained 51 and 58 per cent of variation in the rate of women accessibility to farm resources in northern and southern parts of Kaduna State respectively .
Open Access
Agronomic Responses to Four Tillage Variants on a Sandy-loam Ultisol cropped to Sorghum and Soybean in the derived Savanna of Southeastern Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-01-12) Oblaum, S.E.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Obi, M.E.; Wakatsuki, T.
The study evaluated the effects of no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) left bare (B) or mulched (M) giving four treatments; NTB, NTM, CTB and CTM) on profile moisture storage, grain yield and carbon storage under sole- and intercropped sorghum and soybean in 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. In the sole sorghum, NTB and CTM enhanced moisture storage over NTM and CTB. The grain yield was lower in CTB than the other treatments. In the sole soybean, NTM and CTM enhanced moisture storage over NTB and CTB, but the differences in grain yield were consistently non-significant. In the intercropped field, moisture storage differed such that CTM > NTB > NTM = CTB. Whereas grain yield of the sorghum component followed suit, that of the soybean component remained uninfluenced. Overall, the differences in sorghum yields among the tillage methods were less pronounced in the first compared to the second year – when rainfall distribution was relatively erratic. The treatment-induced moisture explained over 60 and 72% of the variability in grain yield of the intercropped sorghum in the first and second year, respectively. In this short-term study, the CTB had the least carbon storage potential in the three cropping systems for which differences tended to be sole sorghum ≤ sole soybean ≤ intercrop. The NTB, NTM/NTB and CTM/NTB are recommended for growing sorghum, soybean and their intercrop, respectively.
Open Access
ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF Parkia biglobosa PLANT EXTRACTS ON Striga hermonthica (DEL.) BENTH CONTROL IN HYBRID MAIZE (Zea mays L.)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2014-09-09) Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Magani, E.I.; Jatto, I.M.; Simon, M.I.; Simon, S.Y.; Jimin, Alfred
Phytochemical potentials of Parkia extracts was evaluated on hybrid variety and local maize cultivars to determine their efficacy on the control of Striga hermonthica (DEL). The experiment was carried out in both the laboratory and later evaluated in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results obtained revealed that Parkia fruit extracts had a greater inhibitory effect on Striga emergence count but not significantly different from that of seed powder extracts. There was also significant varietal differences (P>0.001) to Striga infection, farmer‟s local was more strongly affected than the hybrid Across 97TZL. This result also suggested that both Parkia fruit and seed powder extracts have phytotoxic effects on the control of S. hermonthica. The hybrid Across 97TZL supported low Striga emergence and low infection to Striga damage than the farmer‟s local. This revealed that the hybrid is more resistant to Striga infection than the farmer‟s local. There was significant interaction between inoculation and variety on maize shoot and Striga shoot dry weight. .
Open Access
ALLELOPATHY OF VELVET BEAN (Mucuna cochinchinensis (Wight) Burck) EXUDATES AND ITS INHIBITORY EFFECTS ON WEEDY RICE (Oryza sativa L.)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-01-01) Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Usman, A.; Jatto, I.M.
The experiment was conducted at the Toxicology laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia in 2013. Allelopathic potential of aqueous methanol and water extracts of Mucuna. cochinchinensis leaves, seeds and roots were investigated on seed germination and seedlings growth of weedy rice (Oryza sativa); and biotest crop specie: lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The treatments consisted of five concentrations (100, 75, 50, 25, 0 %); plant parts (leaves, seed, root) and extraction solvents (methanol, water) were replicated three times and arranged as a completely randomized block (CRD) design. Germination, hypocotyl and radicle growth of all test plant species were inhibited at concentrations (100, 75, 50 and 25%). Inhibitory activity was dependent on the extraction solvents and extract concentrations as reported that methanol at higher extract concentration had the stronger inhibitory activity. The mean EC50 values of M. cochinchinensis leaves, seed and root of methanol extracts in relation to the germination inhibition of O. sativa, 86.06%, 416.32% and 72% respectively, and 30.66% 55.84% and 18.24%, respectively, in Lactuca sativa. Similar trend was observed with the varying concentration of the water extracts. The methanol extract of root showed a greater inhibitory effect on the hypocotyl and radicle growth of weedy rice than its water extract, and more effective on total germination.
Open Access
Assessment of Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn Levels in Soil, Water and Vegetable Grown in Irrigated Farm along River Kubani, Zaria, Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-04-20) Yebpella, G.G.; Magomya, A.M.; Udiba, U.U.; Gandu, I.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Ugboaja, V.C.
Contamination of plants and plant products with toxic chemical elements due to contaminated soil and water has been observed as a result of the release of these toxicants into the sea, rivers, lakes and even into irrigation channels. These toxicants accumulate and constitute an important threat to the life of plants, animals and man through food chain. Therefore investigation into heavy metals level in vegetable, soil and water used for irrigation is apparent. The analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while method validation was achieved using reference material, Lichen (IAEA-336). The research result revealed Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn to be present in the respective samples as follows: Vegetable1.53±0.67ppm Cd, 7.85±1.73ppm Cu, 17.07±6.61ppm Mn, 26.66±12.16ppm Zn; Soil 1.69±0.65ppm Cd, 4.83±1.53ppm Cu, 34.34±6.75ppm Mn, 29.85±11.68ppm Zn and Water 1.30±0.32ppm Cd, 1.55±0.47ppm Cu, 12.67±1.17ppm Mn, 1.98±0.89ppm Zn. The High transfer factor observed between 0.497-0.957 revealed the susceptibility of vegetables to metal contamination by anthropogenic activities, hence routine monitoring of our environment will do us good.
Open Access
Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Levels in Soils of Keffi, Landfill and Solid Waste Dumpsite and Its Ecological Risk
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-08-23) Adua, M.M.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Luka, E.G.; Nghargbu, K'Tso
This study was carried out to quantitatively assess the heavy metal pollution level of soils collected from different landfill and solid waste dumpsite in keffi metropolis of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from different landfill and dumpsites in Keffi metropolis at the depth of 0-30 cm. A total of 5 random samples per location and composited to obtain a laboratory sample. The collected soil sample were allowed to dry under normal temperature within soil sample preparation room of Department of Agronomy Nasarawa State University Shabu Lafia Campus. The analysis for heavy metal was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The levels of concentration these metals varied across soil among sampling point. The mean order of heavy metal concentration in Keffi is Zn>Fe>Mn>Pb>Al>Cu>Se>Ni>As>Hg respectively. The pollution indices such as Contamination factor (CF), Pollution load index (PLI), Contamination degree (Cd), Potential contamination index (Cp) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used for the metal enrichment and contamination status was also calculated. The CF, Cd, Cp, PLI and RI values of the studied metals indicated that the study area does not posed risk to local environments. The concentration of heavy metal indicated that the study area does not posed high risk to local community but the odour from the land fill and dumping site pollute the air which causes respiratory problems. Hence, this open landfill should be closed from use in future and or properly managed by recycling in order to minimize future pollution problems. The mean order of heavy metal concentration in plant samples is Fe>Zn>Mn>AL>Pb>Cu>Cr>Ni >As>Hg respectively. The heavy metal (Fe and Zn) contents in the plants were higher compared to other metals analysed. The concentration of some metal was relatively high in the maize plant, but there were all below the WHO permissible limit except for Zn metal. The transfer factor (Tf) revealed that plants grown on dumpsite and landfill soils absorbed and accumulates heavy metals. The highest transfer factor value was obtained in Fe, followed by Cu, Pb, Zn, Al, Mn, Ni and As respectively.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES IN THE FLOODPLAINS OF RIVER BENUE AT MAKURDI
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-03-03) Jimin, A.A.; Anjembe, B.C.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji
Experiments were carried out in 11 locations during the rainy season of 2016 at River Benue and its floodplains to determine the effect of selected soil properties on the occurrence and distribution of aquatic macrophytes in the water bodies. All sample sites were selected on the basis of weed presence, density and diversity. The soil properties observed were soil pH, texture, exchangeable Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium, available Phosphorus, Nitrogen, organic matter content and base saturation. The water quality parameters assessed were: pH, odour, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total oxygen demand (TOD). Results indicated that pH of the soils, clay content, Soil texture,water pH, water turbidity TDS, DO, BOD, COD, TOD were varied in the different locations sampled. There was a negative but significant relationship between the occurrence and density of water hyacinth compared with the amount of sodium (Na) contained in the beds of the sampled areas. Similar trends were also observed between the occurrence and population density of Cyperus difformis and the content of potassium (K) in the bed soils, Pteridium esculentum and percentage clay content and bed organic matter content;occurrence and density of Rorippanasturtum-aquaticum, Ludwigia abbysinica A.Rich, Scleriana umanniana Boek., Eleocharis calva, Limnocha risflava, Cyperush aspan, Salvinianym phellula Desv., Anredera cordifolia and Myriophyllum aquaticum,Cyperus erecta and the bed soil pH.A negative and significant relationship also existed between the observed weeds and percentage clay content and bed organic matter content;the occurrence and density of Pycreus lanceolatris, and potassium content in the soil, the occurrence and density of Ludwigia decurrens and the sodium content in the soil while there were positive and significant relationships between the occurrence and density of Ludwigia hyssopifolia, Sacciolepis Africana and Cardiospermum helicacabum and the percentage contents of Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) and the water quality parameters at the study locations.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CARBON AND TOTAL NITROGEN UNDER SHORT TERM AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AN ALFISOL OF GUINEA SAVANNAH
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-06-12) Amana, Sani Mathew; Jayeoba, O.J.; Ogbe, V.B.; Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Agber, P.I.
Field experiments were conducted in the two consecutive rainy seasons of the year 2015 and 2016 at the Agronomy Research Farm, North core of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, in the Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The soils are generally coarse textured and are well drained to moderately well drained. The experiment consisted of five management practices, which served as the treatments: Bare plot, Soybean, Maize, Mucuna and Grass Fallow. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated four times. The treatments generally increased total organic carbon content (27.02 and 27.78g/kg), particulate organic carbon (POC) (14.39 and 18.63g/kg), soil organic matter (44.83 and 47.76g/kg), and carbon stock (2663 and 2191kg/ha) compared with the bare fallow (20.13 and 13.32g/kg). There were highly significant differences at both depth and years except for POC at the second depth (18.63g/kg) in the first year. Total nitrogen was not significant in the first year but was significant in the second year at 0-10cm soil layer. The particulate organic nitrogen (PON) was significantly affected by the management practices in the first year at both soil depths while in the second year PON was significantly different at soil both depths. The carbon to nitrogen ratio was significantly different in both years and depth except at the depth 10-20cm of the first year. Humic acid was not significantly different among the treatments in both depths and years. The management practices possibly influenced the changes observed in both carbon and nitrogen in the short term. Thus, Mucuna and Grass Fallow may be recommended as best practices in this area.
Open Access
BIO-ACTIVITY OF THREE ESSENTIAL OILS EXTRACTED FROM EDIBLE SEEDS ON THE RUST-RED FLOUR BEETLE, TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM (HERBST.) INFESTING STORED PEARL MILLET.
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2011-01-01) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Olomisakin, A.
The ovicidal, repellent and toxic activities of three essential oils extracted from clove, Syzgium aromaticum (L.) Merril and Percy; West African black pepper (WABP), Piper guineense Schum and Thonn. and Ethiopian pepper, Xylopia aethiopica (Dunn) A. Rich were evaluated against the rust-red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) under laboratory conditions (20 – 39OC; 41 – 58% RH). Five pairs of 2- to 3- day old adult T. castaneum were allowed to oviposit for 20 days on 20 g of 20% broken pearl millet grain contained in 50 ml glass jar with a lid. After 20 days, all dead and live insects were removed from the jars. Thereafter, four rates (0.75, 1.50, 2.25 and 3.00 mg) of each essential oil carried in 2 ml analytical grade acetone were used to treat the seeds and progeny emergence was recorded for three generations. The same rates of essential oil as described above were assayed against thirty larvae and adults T. castaneum as repellant on a 30 cm3 Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The number of insects repelled on both treated and untreated half discs of filter paper was recorded after 30 min. Both the ovicidal and repellent treatment were set up in a randomized complete block design with a split plot arrangement and replicated three times. In the toxicity study 30 unsexed adults and larvae of T. castaneum were treated with the same rates of essential oils carried in 2 ml analytical grade acetone and admixed with 20 g of 20% broken grain in a 50 ml glass jar with a lid. Adult and larval mortality was taken 24 h after and results were subjected to probit analysis. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized design replicated three times. All the control batches were treated with 2 ml of pure analytical grade acetone alone. The three essential oils were able to reduce progeny emergence of T. castaneum significantly than in the control treatments. Higher number of adults emerged in Ethiopian pepper than in clove and WABP. There was however no significant difference (p≥0.05) between clove and WABP. The efficacy of the dosage rate was dose dependent as less number of adults emerged in higher concentration than in lower concentrations. The three essential oils evoked classes II - V repellency rates. There was no significant difference (p≥0.05) between the three oils, but the dosage rates were statistically different (p≤0.05) from each other. Values for repellency test against adult T. castaneum ranged for clove oil between 83.20 – 99.62%, WABP 88.50 – 99.62% and Ethiopian pepper 91.70 – 97.70%; while in the case of repellency for larva, 61 -100% for clove; 25.60 – 100% for WABP and 40.50 – 86.30% for Ethiopian pepper. In the toxicity test, the entire essential oil caused 100% mortality of both adult and larva of T. castaneum albeit at higher dosage rates. The LC50 for clove was 0.40 (adults), 0.46 (larvae); WABP 0.21 (adults), 0.54 (larvae) and Ethiopian pepper 1.78 (adults), 0.67 (larvae)/ 20 g seed.
Open Access
COMPARATIVE BIO-ACTIVITY OF SOME EDIBLE SPICE POWDERS IN THE CONTROL OF THE MAIZE STORAGE WEEVIL (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2013-03-03) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Isaac, Ogara M.
Five edible plant product powders (EPPP), West African black pepper (WABP) (Piper guineense Schum and Thonn.), clove (Syzgium aromaticum (L.) Merril & Percy), Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica (Dunn) A. Rich), Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta Schum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), were studied for their acute toxicity and effectiveness in repelling, acute toxicity, oviposition and progeny emergence suppression of Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch) activities at the rate of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/10g maize seeds. The experiment was carried out as treatments before infestation (TBI) and treatment after infestation (TAI), in the laboratory under ambient temperature and relative humidity. All the dosage rates tested evoked repellency class of III and IV in all the (EPPP) treatments, while the control evoked class II. The results of the acute toxicity showed that all the EPPP can cause mortality of S. zeamais albeit at low dosage rates. Thus, the EPPP can be ranked in order of toxicity as WABP > Clove > Ginger > Alligator pepper > Ethiopian pepper. All the plant product powders significantly (P< 0.05) reduced oviposition by S. zeamais when tested as treatment before infestation, compared with control treatments. P. guineense and S. aromaticum at all dosage rates completely inhibited progeny emergence. The activities of A. melegueta, X. aethiopica and Z. officinale were dose dependant in reducing progeny emergence (P< 0.05). In the case of treatment after infestation progeny, emergence was least in treatments with WABP, clove and Ethiopian pepper. There were however, significant differences (P<0.05) between the EPPP and the control treatment at all dosage rates. The potential effectiveness of all the EPPP implies that stored maize could be adequately protected against S. zeamais thus reducing infestation.
Open Access
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF EXTRACTION SOLVENTS ON THE PERSISTENCE AND ACUTE TOXICITY OF SEED EXTRACTS AGAINST COWPEA BRUCHID CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS (F.)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 1996-03-03) Lale, N.E.S.; Ajayi, Folorunso A.
’,'lie,comparative ؛'.fleets of « نسا organic (acetone, mell anol and ethanol) aniil one poll،' (water) extraction .solvents on the persistence'and acute toxicity of seed extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), hemp {Cannabis saliva L.) and guna melon (Citrullus colocynthis Schrad) against the cowpea bruchid, Callasobruchus maculatus (F.) were studied under laboratory conditions (30.2 - 4O.6٠C and 10-66% R.H.), For the determination of (he persistent effect of the extracts, four batches of 10 g of cowpea seeds were each treated with either 0.5 ml ()ا ؛malytical grade of acetone containing 200 mg of ettch of the seed oils obtained with the organic solvents or 0.5 ml of the aqueous extract in glass vials into which 4 and 2 four-day old female and male bruchids, respectively, were later introduced. The ،lumber of eggs laid in each batch of cowpe؛،. seeds and the number of adults that emerged in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations were counted thereafter. The toxicity test consisted of admixing 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg of the oils obtained with each organic solvent with 10 g of cowpea seeds in glass vials into which 50 four-day old, unsexed bruchids were introduced. Bruchid mortality was recorded 24 h after treatment. Significantly fewer numbers of eggs were laid especially in the batches treated with extracts obtained with the organic solvents than in the check batches. Significantly higher numbers of adult bruchids emerged in check batches than in treated batches in the first generation. However, acetonic extract of the plant seeds was significantly more effective in reducing oviposition and adult emergence than methanolic, ethanolic or aqueous extracts and the methanolic and ethanolic extracts were significantly more effective than the aqueous extract. The ethanolic extract of hemp seeds was sdperior to methanolic extract of this plant seed in reducing oviposition and adult emergence in the first'generation of the bruchids. No adult bruchid emerged in batches of cowpea seeds treated with the seed oils obtained with the'organic solvents in the 2nd and 3rd generations of the bruchids. The overall effect of the organic solvents oh the’ acute toxicity of the seed extracts to adult c. ■ maculatus was less pronounced. However, acetonic extract with a mean IC of 117 rg/10 g seed was the most toxic, followed in a decreasing order of toxicity by methanolic extract (LC» - 121 mg/10 g seed) and ethanolic extract (LC^) = 135 mg/10 g 'seed). Across the organic solvents, neem seed oil was the most toxic ( 77 - مت mg/1.0 g seed) followed by hemp seed oil (1 (0 = 132 mg/10 ت seed) and guna melon seed oil (LCjo = 164 mg/10 g seed).
Open Access
COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF EDIBLE PLANT POWDERS OBTAINED FROM PIPER GUINEENSE AND MORINGA OLEIFERA IN THE CONTROL OF THE COWPEA BRUCHID, CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS INFESTING COWPEA SEEDS IN STORAGE
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2012-09-16) Anda, D.A.; Ajayi, Folorunso A.
Two edible plant product powders, West Africa black pepper (Piper guineense Schum and Thorn) and Horseradish (Moringa oleifera Lam) were studied for effectiveness in controlling the cowpea seed bruchid (CSB) Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) in the Agronomy Laboratory, Collage of Agriculture, Lafia. A completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of three treatments (root–bark, leaf and seed powders) each at three dosage rates of 0.5, 0.75, 1.00 g were admixed with 30 g of cowpea seeds in three replications contained in plastic cups with a lid. Untreated control was also provided. 10 pairs of 3 day old adult C. maculatus were introduced into each plastic container and allowed to mate and oviposit. Adult mortality was taken at 24 hourly for a period of 7 days. Number of eggs laid was taken from 10 randomly selected seeds from each treatment and replicate. The entire plant product powders significantly (p < 0.05) reduced oviposition by C. maculatus. Also, significant (p < 0.05) result was observed in grains treated with seed powders of the two plants. Adult emergence decreased with time among seeds treated with the plant products and increased in time among the seeds without treatment (control). There were however significant differences (p < 0.05) between the edible plant powders and the control treatment at all dosage rates tested. The effectiveness of the seed powders for the two edible plants was significantly higher when compared with the leaf powder and the root bark. Thus, can be ranked as follows: seed powder > root–bark > leaf powder.
Open Access
Comparative Efficacy of Jatropha curcas L. Seed Powder for the Control of Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) on Stored Bambaranut, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2015-12-12) Dattijo, S.A.; Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Ibrahim, B.I.; Adaebitan, S.A.; Gurama, U.A.; Garba, M.
The study was to assess insecticidal effectiveness of Jatropha curcas L. seed powder on Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) infesting stored bambaranut, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt. The experiment was laid out in a factorial design of 4×2 levels (seed powder at the rates of 0.0, 0.5. 1.0 and 1.5 g, with and without addition of the synthetic insecticide at 0.01 g/20 g bambaranut seed) and laid out in a completely randomized design, in three replicates. Results obtained showed lowest oviposition, progeny emergence and seed damage (5.33, 1.58 and 1.83, respectively) in bambaranut seeds admixed with 1.0 g of the seed. Although, statistically similar to all other treatments, it was significantly (P≤0.001) better than the control treatment in which 33.83 eggs were laid and 24.08 adults emerged from 22.92 emergence holes. In addition, at six (6) days after treatment, highest adult mortality rate (99.17%) similar to that (99.17%) obtained in the synthetic insecticide was also recorded in seeds treated with 1.0 g seed powder. However, all other treatments were also significantly better than the control, in which 72.50% of the introduced bruchids died. Comparatively, lowest rate of seed damage (6.68%) and lasting effect was also obtained with the addition 1.0 g seed powder. In conclusion, appreciable level of protection on bambaranut seeds was achieved using seed powder of J. curcas. Therefore, it is recommended that for effective management of C. subinnotatus infesting bambaranut, farmers could use 5 Kg seed powder on 100 Kg bambaranut seeds.
Open Access
COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF SOME BOTANICALS AND CYPERMETHRIN AGAINST COWPEA INSECT PESTS AT THREE DIFFERENT PERIODS OF SPRAYING IN A GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2005-11-09) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Mundi, A.D,; Rahman, S.A.
A, study was carried out in 2003 and 2004 rainy seasons to study the efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts (ALE) of neem'wild basil, ecalyptus and Cypermethrin 10% EC on the insect pests causing damage to flowers and seeds of cowpea (IAR 48) in Lafta, located in the Guinea Savanna o f Nigeria. The field was laid out in a randomised complete block design and treatments consisted of one dosage rate (20%/4m2) of botanical pesticides and recommended rate of (3.5 litre/ha) of Cypermethrin 10% EC. Pesticides were applied once per day in the morning or evening and twice per day (both morning and evening) to a total of four sprays. Results showed that the use of Cypermethrin performed significantly (P<0.05) better than any of the botanicals in the two seasons in protecting flowers and seeds from insect pest infestation. Application of ALE o f neem was however, significantly better than wild basil or eucalyptus. Spraying o f pesticides twice in a day conferred a significantly higher (P<0.05) protection to flowers and seeds in the two seasons than spraying only in the morning or evening.
Open Access
Comparison of traditional and modern approaches to soil conservation in a changing climate: a review
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-09-25) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Eifediyi, E.K.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Olaniyan, J.O.; Ihem, E.; Ukelina, C.U.; Adepoju, S.; Taiwo, Ridwan; Fatola, F.O.
Soil is the most age-long indispensable rudiment in sustainable crop production in Nigeria. Successful crop production lies in the soil conservation practice in use. Some traditional and modern soil conservation practices in Nigeria were reviewed from available literatures (1937-2015) to determine the extent of their usage and sectoral applicability. The literatures surveyed included scientific and legislative publications. The findings revealed that the efficacy of most traditional systems (stone lines, planting pits, and shifting cultivation) of soil conservation in Nigeria is yet to be verified by research. Be it as it may, local farmers have continued their use because it’s working for them. Some of the modern approaches (agroforestry, plastic mulching, modern tillage and improved fallow) whose effects are well documented and positively reported are rather too expensive for farmer’s adoption. Adoption is also hampered when the modern approaches are grossly unfamiliar to local farmers, arising from their not been synthesized from the traditional techniques. The modern approaches, particularly when home grown has shown proven positive effects on local soils, consequently has become widely adopted. All the traditional and modern soil conservation approaches showed the highest sectoral applicability in agriculture whereas the least was in forest resource management. With projected future adverse effects of climate change, practices that are inimical to soil conservation like sand mining and paving should be regulated by legislation whereas dredging of waterways, practices that increase soil infiltration capacities and dune stabilization and protection should be adopted.
Open Access
CONTACT EFFECT OF Jatropha curcas L. EXTRACTS FOR THE CONTROL OF Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) ON STORED BAMBARA NUT, Vigna subterranea (L.) VERDCOURT
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-03-02) Dattijo, S.A.; Garba, M.; Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Gurama, U.A.; Hauwa, Y.I.
The research was conducted in the year 2017 at the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Bayero University Kano to assess insecticidal properties of Jatropha curcas L. leaf and seed powders on Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) infesting stored bambara nut, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt. The study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of the product with conventional chemical insecticide (pirimiphos-methyl 2%). Factorial experiment of 2×2×2 levels (leaf and seed powders at the rates of 0.0 and 0.5 g, with and without addition of the synthetic chemical at 0.01 g/20 g bambara nut seed) were laid out in a completely randomized design and replicated three times. Results obtained indicated positive contact effect of Jatropha leaf/seed extracts on adult bruchids. The results also showed strong repellent both singly and combined treatments although better results were obtained on leaf and seed combination with increase with the time of exposure. In conclusion, appreciable level of protection on bambara nut seeds was achieved using seed powder of J. curcas. Therefore, it is recommended that for effective management of C. Subinnotatus infesting bambara nut, farmers could use 1.0 g seed powder on 20 g bambara nut seeds
Open Access
Copper in water-soil-plant interactions: food chain toxicity due to irrigation with Asa River in Ilorin, Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-12-24) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Eifediyi, E.K.; Olaniyan, J.O.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Akah, Nkechi; Ihem, E.; Yusuf, Abdulateef; Taiwo, Ridwan
Asa River is the most important river that serves as a cheaper and easier disposal alternative to industries and at the same time as a less expensive and dependable water supply to farmers for the production of vegetables in dry season in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria. To investigate the effect of Asa River water pollution on water-soil-plant copper (Cu) mobility, a two factor factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) survey was conducted. The factors comprised of Factor A: distance between irrigation water sources and Factor B: irrigation history (irrigation duration in years). Four (4) farming locations, which corresponded to a control location 200 m upstream (– 200 m location), 200, 400 and 600 m downstream were selected. At each location, 4 farmers with different irrigation history were selected and the study was replicated thrice. The irrigation history was 0, 10, 20 and 30 years of irrigation with Asa river water. The results indicated that Cu levels in Asa River obtained 600 m downstream of control location, exceeded permissible limits with levels as high as 4.51 mg/L. Soil and plant tissue Cu concentrations were also found to exceed permissible levels, with plant tissue Cu reaching as high as 81.86 mg/kg in Corchorus olitorius.
Open Access
Current Research Concerns and Emerging Technologies in Agriculture, Family, Industry, Health . and Education
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-02-02) Ajayi, Folorunso A.
Open Access
Damage by Asphondylia sesame Felt (Diptera:Cecidomyiidae) to Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Variety and Planting Date at Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2013-03-14) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Ogunwolu, E.O.; Adeyemi, M.O.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Sanni, H.
Varietal and planting date effects on damage by the gall midge, Asphondylia sesame, to sesame was investigated in small plot tests conducted at Lafia, Nigeria, in 2007 and 2008. Three dates of planting, July 26, August 3 and August 10, as main plot treatments, and an early-maturing variety [90 days] variety of sesame, E-8, and a late-maturing one [120 days] Yandev-55, as subplot treatments, were replicated four times in randomized complete block design. Over the two years, incidence of galling ranged from 4.2-17.5% (mean = 11.54%) and it explained 66.6% of the variation in seed yield. The earliest- planted plots were the most productive in terms of number of pods (mean = 789.8/5 plants), seed yield (mean = 175.0 kglha), and were the least damaged (4.25% galling incidence). One to two weeks delay in planting caused 22.1-34.1 % reduction in podding, 39.1-45.1 % reduction in seed yield, and it increased galling incidence by 171.8-305.9%. Varietal differences were significant (P0.05). Galling incidence was >2-fold lower and seed yield 1.8-fold higher on Variety E-8 than on Yandev-45. Early planting of E-8 is recommended as a sustainable way of mitigating gall midge damage to sesame.