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Open Access
EVALUATION FOR DIVERSITY IN GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) GERMPLASM
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2023-03-12) Musa, U.H.; Isa, H.; Joshua, Alanana Abu; Dasikwo, S.Y.
The tomato {Solarium lycopersicum L.) fruit is quite popular and consumed in a variety of dishes across the globe. Despite the popularity, there is scarcity of information regarding characters that distinguishes varieties and often difficult to identity the germplasm with the best set of phenotypic characters from fruits available in the local market. In this study, five tomato germplasm, namely Roma Savannah, Tima, UTC, Dan Zaria and Tagino were collected from the Nasarawa State College of Agriculture, Lafia were evaluated at morphological levels in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications at the Plant Science and Biotechnology Research Garden, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The mean performance of five tomato varieties studied yield (fruits) and other agronomic traits were significantly different (P >0.05). The average results clarified that the Dan Zaria lines recorded the highest flowering values, as well as some fruit and vegetative growth traits. Furthermore, Tima, Tagino and UTC had the minimum number of fruits/plants, number of leaves, sub branches and flowers. In conclusion, the application for morphological techniques could be considered to provide suitable parameters for studying the evolution of the genetic divergence between the studied tomato lines.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF COMPOST MANURE AND INROGANIC FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF FLUTED PUMPKIN (Telfairia occidentalis HOOK. F.) IN KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-10-08) Joshua, Alanana Abu; Iyokpa, A.M.; Yakubu, D.S.
Effects of NPK, cow dung, and poultry on the growth and yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook f) was conducted at the research farm, Botanical Garden of the Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. This experiment consists of three treatments and one control. The NPK, Cow dung, poultry manure were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and three levels of replicates. So that we have a total of twelve (12) in the experiment. It was observed in this research that the vine length was significantly increased with application of poultry manure to the soil, but application of NPK fertilizer increase the number of branches significantly at the 10WAP, also application of poultry manure increase the numbers of leaves significantly when compare to NPK fertilizer application. It was observed that at the 12WAP, there was a significant difference in the leaf diameter due to the application of poultry manure. The experiment showed that the application of poultry manure significantly increases the leaf length, leaf diameter and vine length throughout the research. The use of poultry manure in the cultivation of fluted pumpkin in Keffi Nasarawa state is recommended.
Open Access
EVALUATION OF THE PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYSICS NUTS {Jatropha curcas L.) SEEDS MORPHOLOGY IN SOME SELECTED LOCATIONS OF KEFFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-06-04) Joshua, Alanana Abu; Kwon-Ndung, E.H.; Dasikwo, S.Y.
Jatropha curcas L. is a multipurpose shrub that has acquired significant economic importance for its seed oil which can be converted to biodiesel, as an alternative to petrol-diesel. This study was carried out on the phenotypic characterization of the seed morphology of Jatropha curcas from eight locations of Keffi Local Government area for providing support for the breeding and allocation of seeds. Five morphological traits were investigated which include: seed weight, seed length, width lateral diameter and seed length and width ratio. The results revealed that the seed morphology had significant variation at 1% and 5% of levels of significance among the locations of the different populations of Jatropha curcas with high level of phenotypic diversity and therefore provenance selection has great potentiality.
Open Access
EVALUATION OF FOUR TYPES OF CITRUS FRUIT PEELS FOR THE CONTROL OF BEANS WEEVIL (Cullosobruchus maculatus) (F) ON STORED COWPEA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2010-11-08) Joshua, Alanana Abu; Umar, U.M.
The results of two rates ofpowdered peels off our citrusfruits were evaluatedfor the Control ofb eans weevil [Callosobruchus maculatus (F)]. 200g of fumigated stored cowpea were introduced into the jar, each mixed with the powdered peels of Citrus sinensis, Citrus paraduscoca, Citrus limon and citrus quanarantifolia at two different rates of 20g and 40g, respectively. Ten matured Callosobruchus maculatus were introduced into the each jar at a fluctuating temperature of28° C 3(f C, and relative humidity of76 85%for three weeks. C. quarantifolia (lime orange) and Citrus limon (lemon) at two rates gave 2.23 3.00% and 2.653.45%, respectively, leveling to drastical control of Callosobruchus maculatus. The mortality rate of Callosobruchus maculatus treated at the interval of 3 days gave 90 100%. This is a positive attribute of the technology which could be utilized by localfarmersfor storing cowpea seedsfor the next planting season.
Open Access
PROXIMATE COMPOSITION FOR PROTEIN AND OIL CONTENTS OF SOME SELECTED GROUNDNUT (.Arachis hypogaea L.) CULTIVARS GROWN AT KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-02-11) Dasikwo, S.Y.; Joshua, Alanana Abu; Abdullahi, M.H.; Ombugadu, N.A.
The proximate composition for protein and oil contents of some selected groundnut cultivars showed that among all the genotypes evaluated, only ICGV-15-07947 has the highest oil content of 46.26% while others ranges from 35.03 - 39.02% . ICGV-15-07947 has the highest protein content of 29.42% than other cultivars. ICGV-15-09932 has 26.74%, ICGV-15-5891(26.47%), ICGV-15-09992(25.77%), ICGV-15-07999 and ICGV-12991 (25.23%), ICGV-15-09994(24.89%), ICGV-15-86024(24.36%) and the lowest with the protein content is ICGV-15- 07803(24.02%) showing significant difference (p<0.05) between them. Cultivar ICGV-15-07947 has the highest protein contents and oil contents therefore its highly recommended because that makes it good for human consumption, usefulas animal feeds as well it could be used in soap making and when product which requires high protein content are to be developed it will be useful.
Open Access
EVALUATION FOR YIELD OF SOME SELECTED GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) CULTIVARS GROWN AT KEFFI, NASARA WA STATE NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-02-14) Dasikwo, S.Y.; Joshua, Alanana Abu; Abdullahi, M.H.; Ombugadu, N.A.
Evaluation for yield of selected groundnut cultivars was earned out; nine cullivars were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication at the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology Research/ Experimental Garden Nasarawa State University Keffi. Plant nutrient analysis were significantly different (P^TO.05), Ca (3.35-5.05%), P (0.41-0.49%), N (4.00-4.54%) and K (3.62-5.58%). Fresh mass per plant, dry mass per plant, number of pods per plants, number of seed per plants, pod formation per plants without seeds, 100 seed weight, fresh yield mass and dry yield mass was studied for yield determination were significantly different (P.T0.05). Two genotypes, ICGV 15-5891 and ICGV 15-07947, displayed a significantly high number of seeds produced per pod. ICGV 15-07999 produced fewer seeds per pod compared to all other genotypes. ICGV 15- 5891 was the least performing genotype when compared to ICGV- 15-09932 with respect to dry matter and pods produced. ICGV-12991 produces significantly higher seed yield of 936kg ha-1. Genotype ICGV-12991 has a moderate dry matter and high number of pod per plant at harvest which makes it high yielding for the location to which they were evaluated. Therefore, ICGV-12991 is highly recommended for farmers as well as useful for breeding programme.
Open Access
GENETIC VARIABILITY IN MINERAL COMPOSITION AMONG DIFFERENT STRESS TOLERANT MAIZE (Zee mays L.) GENOTYPES IN KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-01-14) Anadi, A.C.; Onovo, J.C.; Joshua, Alanana Abu ; Idris, A.
Genetic variability m mineral composition among different stress tolerant maize genotypes was carried out. Thirteen genotypes and two local checks (control) were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The twelve agronomic characters studied were plant height, ear per plant, anthesissilking interval, days to pollen, days to silking, days to maturity, number of cob per plant, leave length, Zinc, Magnesium, and grain yield. The result obtained from the analysis of variance for all the agronomic traits studied showed significant differences among all the genotypes at (P < 0.01). The highest mean value for zinc was seen in SAM 15 (3.39 mg/kg), followed by SAM 24 (3.26 mg/kg) and L2 (control) (3.16 mg/kg). The least mean value for zinc was found in SAM 37 (2.25 mg/kg). The highest mean values for magnesium was found in LI (control) (6.53 mg/kg), followed by SAM 38 (6.48 mg/kg) and SAM 15 and L2 (control) (6.45 mg/k0). The least mean value was found in SAM 46 and SAM 37 (5.98 mg/kg). The mean performance for Iroi. :!'owed there was significant difference between the genotypes. SAM 48 had the highest mean value (8.35 mg/kg; for iron, followed by SAM 26 (4.05 mg/kg) and SAM 46 (3.83 mg/kg). SAM 24 had the least mean value (2.09 mg/kg). Correlation studies revealed Magnesium to be positive and significantly correlated zinc (r = 0.52). Number of cub per plant was positively correlated to ear per plant (r = 1.00) while ear per plant was significant and negatively correlated to zinc (r = - 0.381) and magnesium (r = -0.341). The results from this research have shown that high genetic variability exist with regards to mineral composition and this warrant effective selection for further improvement. The results from the broad sense heritability estimates for the 12 characters studied showed that all the characters are heritable with values range from 69.11 for leaf length to 100.00 for zinc, magnesium and iron. The information presented in this research should be of value to nutritionists. This paper thus recommend that SAM 48 be giving to children because of its iron content.
Open Access
INVITRO EFFICACY OF LIME PEELS FOR THE CONTROL OF COWPEA WEEVILS (Callosobruchus maculatus L. Walp) IN KEFFI, NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2019-06-12) Abdulkarim, B.M.; Yahaya, S.A.; Oroja, N.; Sani, M.H.; Aliyu, R.H.
In order to evaluate the efficacy of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) peels in the control of cowpea weevils, a study was carried out on stored infested and non-infested cowpeas seeds which were treated with 5g of powdered lime peels and 2g of dress force. The control did not include any of the two potential pesticides. The infested seeds were covered with net of 0.2mm mesh size to prevent the entry of insects and to aid ventilation, while the non-infested cowpeas were left opened for natural weevil infestation. The effects of these treatments for infested and non-infested seeds were evaluated using different doses of the treatments. Results showed that the presence of the two pesticides had significant (P < 0.05) effect on the mortality rates of weevils in all the days but was higher in powdered 5g powdered lime peels between days 17 and 19 with the values (12.33 and 12.00) which is higher than the 2g dress force of the same day with the values (8.00 and 14.00) but was lowest in the control in the same day with the values (5.33 and 6.33) respectively, this also caused a reduction in number of seeds infested and number of adults weevils eggs laid. Significant differences were observed at (P< 0.05) on the effect of the lime peels on C. maculatuscompared to the control, treatment of both infested and non-infested cowpeas. Limepeels were found to be efficacious in the management of cowpea weevils (C. maculatus) in storage which is more environmentally friendly.
Open Access
Moulds Associated with Deterioration of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) and Proximate Analysis of Infected Fruits in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2020-09-03) Anadi, A.C.; Abdulkarim, B.M.; Aliyu, R.H.
A study was carried out on moulds associated with deterioration of mango fruits and proximate analysis of infected fruits in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The disease survey covered four locations in Keffi. The locations include; Keffi Market, FMC Round about, Angwan Lambu and High Court. The four locations were visited four times and a total of 64 mango fruits were collected and sampled. Forty two (42) fruits were infected with different fungal diseases while twenty two (22) were free from fungal infection. The fungal species isolated and identified were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Mucor hiemalis and Rhizopus stolonifer. Their frequencies of occurrence were 28.57%, 23.81%, 23.81% and 23.81% respectively. FMC Round About and High Court has the highest frequency of occurrence (18.75%) and Angwan Lambu has the least occurrence (12.50%). There was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the incidence of different isolates in relation to locations. Analysis of the nutritional contents of infected mango fruits showed increase in the moisture content and reduction in crude fibre, crude ash, crude protein and crude carbohydrates level compared with uninfected fruits. The result for pathogenicity test showed that Aspergillus niger was the most virulent, while Mucor hiemalis was the least virulent or may be mere contaminate. Consumption of deteriorated mango fruits should be avoided because of the health implication of swallowing these fungal isolates.
Open Access
EFFECT OF PHENOLIC ACID OF SOME ADVANCED SWEETPOTATO (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) BREEDING LINES AT PRERELEASE STAGE ON Cylas spp. INFESTATION AT NY ANYA, NIGERIA.
(Department of Agricultural Science,Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-02-01) Abayol, K. N.; Ogaraku, A. O.; Afuape, S. O.
The effect of phenolic acid on susceptibility of some advanced sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) breeding lines to Cylas spp. was investigated at Nyanya, Nigeria. Sweetpotato genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates at the location. Results of Cylas infestation assessment showed that variation in susceptibility did exist among lines. Whereas ANOVA established significant difference (P<0.01) in levels of infestation expressed as percentage clean yield, a nonsignificant difference was observed in extent of individual root damage expressed as Cylas mean scores. Sound roots were picked at random and transported to the laboratory for phenolic acid determination. Total phenolic acid which was expressed as chlorogenic acid equivalent (CAE)/mg dry weight was found to differ considerably among breeding lines. The orange-fleshed line Centennial (2.05 mg/g dry weight) had the highest total phenolic acid while the white-fleshed line NRSP/05/3B (0.22 mg/g dry weight) had the lowest content. Also, separation of methanol extract of sweetpotato roots using silica-gel thin layer chromatography showed that only caffeic acid was present in two breeding lines - NRSP/05/022 and NRSP/05/1B. The large differences found in such a small germplasm collection suggest that selecting or breeding sweetpotato with high phenolic acid is possible. Further investigation was done to identify relationships among 16 variable traits using correlation analysis. Correlation studies showed significant relationship (P<0.05, P<0.001) between total phenolic acid and four variable traits. A highly significant relationship (P<0.001) between total phenolic acid and Cylas mean scores (r=0.43) indicate potential biological activity on Cylas spp. infestation thereby suggesting that total phenolic acid and indeed type of phenolic acid is associated with Cylas susceptibility among these breeding lines.
Open Access
KARYOTYPE ANALYSIS IN ZEA MAYS L. VAR. EVERTA (POPCORN) CULTIVATED WITHIN OWERRI, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2023-02-20) Egbucha, K.C.; Aghale, Duke Nduka; Isa, Hauwa'u
Karyotype analysis of Zea mays L. variety everta (Popcorn) was carried out with an aim of establishing any karyotypic features of this plant which could be useful in designing crop improvement efforts for the crop. Fruits of the plant were obtained from operators and certified in a University Herbarium. Germinating root tips were pretreated in colchicine solution and fixed with acetic ethanol. Metaphase chromosomes were accessed after hydrolysis and squashing in orcein. A diploid chromosome count of 2N = 20 was recorded for all cells. The karyotype was highly asymmetrical with intrachromosomal asymmetry index of 0.4548 and interchromosomal asymmetry index of 0.4314. The shortarm had a very high coefficient of variation value of 84.14%, while total length coefficient of variation value was 43.14%. The implication of a history of both major and cryptic activities in this karyotype can be interpreted as karyotypic instability which could be exploited in improvement regimes such as recurrent selection.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION ON THE PROLIFERATION OF EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES IN LAKE GERIYO ADAMAWA NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-01-18) Isa, Hauwa'u; Aliyu, Tukur Nafisatu
Eichhornia crassipes an attractive, floating waterweed with a fibrous root system and dark green rounded leaves and light purple flowers reproduces sexually through the production of vast quantities of seeds. The plant grows so quickly that the surface covered by the mats doubles every 4-5 days producing 33,000 tons fresh weight per hectare annually. As one of the most productive plants on earth, a mat of medium sized plants contains 2 million plants with each individual plant producing at least 140 million others. This investigation attempts to find out the effects of sexual reproduction on the proliferation of Eichhornia crassipes in Lake Geriyo Adamawa Nigeria. Pollen formation and germinability of Eichhornia crassipes being one of the fastest growing plant revealed that 100% of its pollens harvested from the Lake were morphologically deformed. Out of the 1500 pollens scored, 25 (1.67%) showed very slow pollen tube development within 12 hrs. The pollen protoplast in both germinated and non-germinating grains showed signs of collapsing cytoplasm and at the end of the 24 hrs, the protoplasts of 75% of those that germinated and 50% of those that did not germinate disintegrated. Thirty five percent (35%) of the pollen grains showed knobby protuberances only on the grain surface which did not develop further into a pollen tube. Eichhornia crassipes which was found to be sexually sterile revealed the formation of phragmoplast at anaphase a rare occurrence and that sexual reproduction has no effect on the proliferation of Eichhornia crassipes in Lake Geriyo Adamawa Nigeria, therefore the need for further research to find out the reasons for the rapid prolific reproduction of the plant in order to control it.
Open Access
DAILY MITOTIC INDEX OF THE OFFSETS OF EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES IN LAKE GERIYO, ADAMAWA STATE AND ITS PROBABLE EFFECTS ON THE PLANT’S REPRODUCTION AND PROLIFERATION
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-09-07) Isa, Hauwa'u; Aliyu, Tukur Nafisatu
The daily Mitotic cycle in the offsets of Eichhornia crassipes was investigated. The species Eichhornia crassipes ((Mart.) Solms-Laubach) of the family Pontederiaceae was found to have 2n=36 and n=18 number of chromosomes. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, n=12, prob>/r/under Ho: Rho=0 was used in comparing day and night cycles. Mitosis in the offsets of E. crassipes occurred throughout the day and night with interphase and prophase stages being predominating and showing negative relationships with each other. There were no significant differences in the day time cycles, neither were there any significant difference in the night cycle at p=0. 01. And as it was for interphase and prophase, all other stages were generally frequent during the night cycle as well as the day cycle. The analysis also showed that although the offsets for the two experiments were collected on two separate days, the results at the end of first cycle (5.00 p.m.) merge imperceptibly into those at the beginning of the second cycle (6.00 p.m.). The taxon having indicated at least two mitotic peaks within the same 24 hours duration suggest that E. crassipes is mitotically vigorous and that more than two separate cell cycles are possible within a period of 24 hours. This probably may suggest why the plant is extremely gregarious in the field and proliferates faster than any other known taxon except bacteria. This may also lend support to the speculation that the mitotic E. crassipes has some under laying inherent pattern and that this partern may be too rigid for change. Statistical analysis also confirmed that the day cycle showed no significant variations from the night cycle, temperature rather than illumination seems to be the factor influencing mitosis in E. crassipes.
Open Access
DICENTRIC CHROMATID BRIDGES AND POLLEN STERILITY IN CLEOME GYNANDRA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-01-18) Isa, Hauwa'u; Onovo, J.C.; Egbucha, K.C
The present investigation revealed that the haploid chromosome number of Cleome gynandra (Linn) is n=9 and 4n=36. It is essentially a tetraploid. Meiotic chromosome behaviour in pollen mother cells (PMCs) in this tetraploid at Anaphase I and II were highly irregular. The percentage of chromatid bridges observed during the course of investigation in this tetraploid species was found to be 40.35. In the present investigation the tetraploid species investigated showed 47.60% morphologically fertile pollens, and 52.40% morphologically sterile pollens. It appears that the high frequency of chromatid bridges formed (40.35%) and 52.40% pollen deformity seems to indicate that chromatid bridges were not beneficial to the ecological aptitude of the taxon with regards to its sexual reproduction as deformed pollens often are nonviable. From the results of the present investigation, it was clear that structural alterations in the chromosomes due to largely frequent bridge formation appeared to be part of a common factor contributing to the sterility of pollen grains in Cleome gynandra.
Open Access
The Environmental Impact of Pipeline Vandalism - A Challenge to Biodiversity in Portharcourt Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2023-02-20) Sanusi, Aishatu; Onovo, Josiah Chukwudi; Isa, Hauwa'u
-A study was undertaken between March and November, 2015 in Portharcourt area of Rivers State, Nigeria to determine the effects of pipeline vandalism on the biodiversity in the region. The presence of potential energy from oil, made Portharcourt to become one of Nigeria’s most important industrial cities. The environmental problems as a result of oil spillage mostly caused by pipeline vandalism in Portharcourt area include freshwater pollution, air pollution, chemical pollution, soil and land pollution, unsustainable agricultural practice such as fish farming, biodiversity depletion, habitat and ecological systems loss and insecurity. Data were collected through the use of applicable sampling techniques. Results revealed that constant oil spills from these pipelines constituted health hazards for both the people and the environment. Involvement of the host communities in the processes that guarantee the safety of oil installations and best practice for prudent pipeline management in Portharcourt, River State and the country at large are hereby recommended.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF EARLY WEED REMOVAL ON SOME YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF ZEA MAYS L. VAR. TZB (FARZ 34) CULTIVATED IN OWERRI, SOUTH EAST NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-09-21) Egbucha, Kelechukwu Chris; Isa, Hauwa'u; Aghale, Duke Nduka
Investigation was conducted on the effects of early weed removal on some yield attributes of Zea mays L. var. TZB (FARZ 34) cultivated in Owerri, Nigeria with the aim of evaluating the extent of reduction in total output occasioned by delays in weed removal following seed sprouting. Healthy seeds of this variety were obtained from State Agricultural Development Corporation. The seeds were sown onto manually prepared plots in a Completely Randomized Design. Weeds on treated subplots were removed ten day following germination while those growing on the other plots (untreated) were not removed until 30 days after germination. Data on yield attribute parameters such as number of marketable cobs per plant, green earlength of undehusked cob, thousand grain weight etc. were collected. Results showed that difference in number of cobs per plant between crops harvested from treated and untreated subplots was statistically significant p<0.01. Other yield attributes investigated gave similar results with varying degrees of percentage yield differences between crops from treated and untreated subplots. The implication of this is that Zea mays competitive capability with weeds at early vegetative stages was inadequate comparable to that of the weeds. Incorporating early weed removal in the total farming plan will result in substantial yield gain for growers.
Open Access
Combining abilities in single cross hybrid of quality protein maize for grain yield and its components
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2015-10-03) Mijinyawa, A.; Onovo, J.C.; Isa, Hauwa'u; Junaidu, H.I.; Abdulkarim, B.M
A trial involving five females of normal maize and three males of Quality Protein Maize (parents) were mated in a line x tester mating design in 2012. The resultant 15 F1 crosses and 8 parents were evaluated in 2012/2013 using lattice II design replicated three times at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria. Seven agronomic traits of parents and F1 were studied to determine their general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA, respectively). Highly significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among the genotypes for all traits except plant height, ear height and ear weight. Sammaz 32 and sammaz 15 were the best parents in terms of G C A for grain yield parameters and most traits. With respect to SCA, hybrids sammaz 17 x sammaz 11 (2471.11) and sammaz 32 x sammaz 15 (1923.7) were the best in terms of grain yield and most traits. The highest values were between plant height and Grain yield. Therefore, three way hybrid crosses could be employed to improve the desired character in the population.
Open Access
Cytological Studies in Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2015-10-03) Isa, Hauwa'u; Egbuche, K.C.; Malgwi, M.M; Aliyu, Tukur Nafisatu
Chromosomal studies were carried out on Eichhornia crassipes and the taxon was found to have 32 individual chromosomes with haploid chromosome number of 16 (n=16), indicating a clear tetraploid genome of 2n =4x =32, chiasmata frequencies per nucleus/bivalent were analyzed at diplotene and diakinesis revealing a marked reduction of chiasmata at diakinesis as compared tobdiplotene . the very low terminalization value of 0.43 showed that most of the chiasmata were terminalized at diakinesis and metaphase I. Multivalent associations were frequent suggesting the presence of a translocation heterozygote . Univalents were also frequent occurrence .chromatid bridges , fragment, Laggards and eliminated chromosomes were also frequent at both MI and MII. Secondary association of chromosomes occurred with a prepodence of four and eight over other groups.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF THE COMPOSITION OF SOLID WASTE IN SELECTED SITES OF GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA FCT NIGERIA
(Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2011-05-10) Joshua, Alanana Abu ; Shittu, G.A.
An assessment of the amount and composition of solid waste generated in four selected sites of Gwagwalada was conducted in October, 2004 and March, 2005. Various types of waste generated were sampled randomly and analyzed. Biodegradable waste accounted for 93.20% of total waste generated during the harvesting season and 92.12% of total waste generated during the harvesting season and 91.12% in planting season. Of the biodegradable waste, 13303.47g was generated in dry season (harvesting) while 13286.99g in wet season (planting). T-test analyzing revealed that significant differences existed both between the type and amount of waste generated in harvesting (dry) season and planting (wet) season (t=03668;P<0.05). From the above findings, it is cleared that more waste was generated during the harvest season than in planting season
Open Access
CYTOLOGICAL DILEMMA ON THE PROLIFIC REPRODUCTION OF EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES IN LAKE GERIYO ADAMAWA, NIGERIA
(Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2023-02-20) Isa, Hauwa'u; Aliyu, Tukur Nafisatu; Tahir, S.M.
Chromosomal and karyological studies were carried out on Eichhornia crassipes and the taxon was found to have 32 individual chromosomes with a haploid chromosome number of 16 (n=16), indicating a clear tetraploid genome of 2n=4x=32. At diplotene and diakinesis, chiasma frequencies per nucleus/bivalent were analyzed revealing a marked reduction of chiasmata at diakinesis as compared to diplotene. The very low terminalization value of 0.43 showed that most of the chiasmata were terminalized at diakinesis and metaphase I. Multivalent associations were frequent suggesting the presence of a translocation heterozygote. Univalents were also of a frequent occurrence. Chromatid bridges, fragments, laggards and eliminated chromosomes were also as frequent at both MI and MII. Secondary association of chromosomes occurred with a preponderance of four and eight over other groups. Eichhornia crassipes has a high propensity to proliferate asexually by means of offsets and this probably accounts for its prolific reproduction rate which has so far defied all known control measures Thus, this investigation revealed that the massive rate of invasion of this plant could be traced to its very high rate of mitosis, a significant deviation from what obtains in other Higher plants. The occurrence of these aberrations might have influence the prolific behaviour of the plant hence the need for further research be carried out in order to find out if there is any relationship between cytological studies and prolific reproduction.