Articles
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Open Access SPENT ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATION OF AN ULTISOL IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA: COMPARATIVE EFFECTS ON TWO CROP SPECIES(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-12-23) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Obi, E. M.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Peter, P.C.; Eifediyi, E.K.; Nwokocha, C.C.Toxicity from spent engine oil contamination is a prevalent problem in Nigeria. Therefore a field investigation was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria to determine the effect of spent engine oil contaminated soil on growth and yield parameters of maize and cowpea. Post contamination sampling indicated that spent engine oil significantly (P < 0.05) increased total hydrocarbon content and bulk density from 825 mg kg-1 to a maximum of 25411 mg/kg and 1.50 g cm-3 to 1.68 g cm-3 respectively whereas soil water loss between 2 - 10 days after saturation was highest (40 %) in the first three months in 3 % spent engine oil contaminated. Germination was 32 % lower in maize than cowpea while spent engine oil had 29-folds more detrimental effects on leaf expansion of maize compared to cowpea. It was also observed that the dry matter content and grain yield of maize was more than 3 times and 2.5 times respectively, reduced compared to that of cowpea. It was concluded that spent engine oil had detrimental effects on soil physical properties and the test crops, however maize showed higher susceptibility compared to cowpea.Item Open Access Prediction Models for Water Erosion Risk Management: A Review(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2018-05-21) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Fatola, F.O.; Olaniyan, J.O.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Eifediyi, E.K.; Ihem, E.; Nwokocha, C.C.; Adepoju, A.S.; Adepoju, I.O.; Babalola, M.J.In order to estimate the potential soil erosion hazard of an area, erosion prediction models are needed. Various models have been used by researchers, which ranges from mathematical and conceptual simple approaches to complex models that try to include the complexities of the real world. Six (6) models are reviewed in relation to their suitability for use. The KINEROS, CORINE and EUROSEM were best suited for water erosion risk prediction in cultivated soils. On the other hand, the KINEROS, PESERA, CORINE and EUROSEM were found to be applicable in all sectors (Agronomy, water resources management and road construction) highlighted. The GLASOD had the least applicability with respect to this study.Item 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.Item Open Access EFFECT OF SOIL WATER CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-09-09) Ogbe, V.B.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Oiganji, E.Water conservation practices are used in crop production for enhancing soil water storage especially when there are fluctuations in rainfall under rain-fed cropping. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of soil moisture conservation techniques on the growth and yield of maize under rain-fed condition. Four treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The treatments were; conventional ridge, tied ridge, soil bund and film mulch. Data on growth parameters and yield were collected and tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Gen-stat Edition 3. The differences among the treatments were determined using least significant difference (LSD). The results showed that tied ridge recorded the highest plant heights (56.80 and 150.00 cm) at 6 and 8 WAS, number of leaves (6.73 and 12.47) at 4 and 8 WAS, and highest value (9000.00 kg) of yield as compared to the other treatments with soil bund performing least averagely. It can be concluded that tied ridge performed better with highest values of the growth parameters.Item Open Access EFFECTS OF BIOCHAR PARTICLE SIZE ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AND MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PERFORMANCE(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-06-06) Joel, M.F.; Ogbe, V.B.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Jayeoba, O.J.Reducing particle size is an easily adoptable strategy to reduce loss of nutrients due to more adsorption with correspondingly increased surface area compared to areas without biochar or soil treated with larger biochar particle sizes. Field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of biochar particle size on the physico-chemical properties of soil, growth and yield of maize. The treatments were biochar particle size of 5.3mm, 2mm, 1mm, 0.5mm and control. Soil samples were collected for the determination of physicochemical properties of the soil before and after sowing. Data were also collected on growth and yield parameters and were analysed using Gen-stat. The results showed that biochar particle size of 0.5mm had the highest value in plant height (121.11cm), plant girth (2.177cm), number of leaves(14.80), leaf area (784.70cm2) and yield parameters (cob length, cob girth, seed weight per cob and yield with values of 10.883cm, 3.640cm, 117.90g and 7094.17kg/ha respectively).Also, biochar particle size of 0.5mmhad the best in the physico-chemical properties in organic carbon (1.80), organic matter (3.10),Nitrogen (0.21), pH (6.7), CEC (4.81) and had the least value in EA (0.50) of the soil as compare to other treatments with the control having the least value of 1.72, 2.96, 0.12,6.3, 4.35 for O.C, OM, N, pH, CEC and the highest for EA(0.83). It can be concluded that biochar particle size of 0.5mm performed best with the highest improvement in the physicochemical properties of the soil, growth and yield parameters of maize.Item Open Access EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT HERBICIDES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-06-06) Amana, Sani Mathew; Joel, M.F.; Ogbe, V.B.; Jayeoba, O.J.Weed is a man-made problem and therefore herbicide use is significant in optimizing agricultural resources to satisfy human needs. It is therefore important to study the effect of herbicide on maize performance, for proper management and long-time productivity. The field experiment was conducted in the rainy season of the year 2021. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with five treatments and replicated three times given a total of 15 plots. The treatments were represented as T1 (Atrazine), T2 (Diuron), T3 (Metolachlor), T4 (Butachlor) and T5 (Control), respectively. Treatments were applied at the same experimental plots equally. Data was also collected on growth and yield parameters and were subjected to analysis of variance The results of the experiment showed that butachlor (T4) recorded the highest value in leaf area (286.00 cm3), plant height (121.27 cm), numbers of leaves (13.70), stem girth (28 cm) and yield parameters (weight of dry maize, weight of dry maize/plot, weight dry seed, weight of wet maize, weight of wet maize/plot with values of 188.67g, 2873.50g, 44.00g, 207.17g and 3033.67g), respectively While Diuron (T2) had the lowest values on all yield parameters (0.00 g).There was statistically high significant difference among treatments means. It can be concluded that butachlor application performed best with the highest improvement in the growth and yield of maize.Item 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.Item Open Access STABILITY AND HYDROLOGICAL MODIFICATIONS IN A TILLED SOIL UNDER SELECTED ORGANIC AMENDMENTS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2015-02-02) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Nwokocha, Chris Chukwuma; Amana, Sani MathewA 36 months study was carried out in Nsukka, south-eastern Nigeria to determine the effect of organic amendment on the stability and hydrological properties of a tilled fragile Ultisol. The experiment was of a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) organic amendments and a control replicated thrice. The soil amendments were comprised of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (PE), Palm Bunch Refuse (PR), Cassava Peels (CS) at 12 Mg/ha and No Amendment/control (NA). Results indicated that organic amendment of tilled plots significantly increased the stability of wet and dry soil aggregates compared to soil aggregates in unamended plots. The amendment of tilled soils led to increased saturated hydraulic conductivity, water sorptivity, transmissivity, steady-state infiltration rate, cumulative infiltration after 90 minutes, time to attain steady-state infiltration and water retention. However, the general trend shows that highest values were obtained when soils were under PE and CS amendments, with values in PE treated soils showing relative increment of more than 100 % compared to control.Item Open Access PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC SCREENING OF THE LEAVES OF Calotropis procera EXTRACTS(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-05-12) Usman, A.; Onore, R.O.; Opaluwa, O.D.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi JajiThe bioactive components of the leaves of Calotropis procera was extracted using aqueous, methanol, and n- hexane and investigated for the presence of secondary metabolites. All the extracts revealed the presence of steroid and saponins while flavonoids are present in aqueous and methanol extracts. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested against fungi, gram positive and gram negative bacteria’s such as Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonela typhi using the agar disk diffusion method. The n-hexane extract demonstrated a significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against S. typhi and S. aureus with the zone of inhibition of 7 and 11 mm. The methanol extract was only active against Gram negative P. aeruginosa with the zone of inhibition of 6, while the aqueous extract was inactive against all the organisms tested. The result of the antioxidant property showed that methanol extract has the highest activity of about 88% while aqueous extract is 37%. The flavonoid content of the extracts was also quantified to be 96.90 and 39.90 mg/g for methanol and aqueous extracts. The crude extracts were also subjected to brine shrimp lethality bioassay and hexane extract showed significant cytotoxicity having LC50 of 2.01 μg/ml.Item Open Access Integrated control of Striga hermonthica using Parkia biglobosa products and mycoherbicide (Fusarium oxysporum) in maize (Zea mays L.) in the savanna(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-09-07) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Avav, T.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a granular mycoherbicide (Fusarium oxysporum) formulation and Parkia (Parkia biglobosa) products under greenhouse conditions for eventual use as an integrated Striga management package under field conditions in the Nigerian Savanna. Methodology and results: Two maize varieties (Across 97 TZL and farmers’ local) and two Striga seed density (5 and 10 c.c/pot) were used in two trials. Two and three Striga control methods (with and without F. oxysporum isolated from Striga hermonthica stems (Marley et al. 1999)); seed soaking for 20 minutes before planting in Parkia products (fruit powder, seed powder) and distilled water as control were used in the first and second trials, respectively. In the two trials, the design used was a randomized complete design with three (3) replications. Generally, the number of emerged Striga was significantly higher in fields planted with the farmers’ local variety than in fields with Across 97 TZL in both trials and throughout the period of observation. The use of either F. oxysporum or Parkia products (fruit and seed powder) resulted in significantly fewer number of emerged Striga, lower Striga dry weight than their corresponding checks (No Fusarium and distilled water). The number of emerged Striga as influenced by Striga seed density (Striga infestation levels) was only significantly different at 56 days after sowing (DAS) in the first trial (evaluating Fusarium), while other periods of observation did not produce consistent results. However, in the second trial, (evaluating Parkia products), the higher Striga seed density (10c.c/pot) produced a corresponding higher number of emerged Striga plants than the lower density (5c.c/pot) throughout the period of observations, although the difference was not significant (P<0.05) Conclusions and application of findings: The results demonstrate the high potential of using mycoherbicides and Parkia based products for the control of S. hermonthica. Parkia trees abound in the Savanna and thus products can be easily and cheaply obtained. Likewise, maize grits can be used to propagate F. oxysporum quickly and cheaply by the farmers’ instead of using the more expensive potato dextrose agar. The implication of these findings is that farmers can easily adopt these practices in integrated management packages for enhanced control of the parasitic plant under field conditions.Item Open Access HANDLNG, USE MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATIN OF PESTICIDE APPLICATION EQUIPMENT(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2015-04-04) Ajayi, Folorunso A.Item Open Access FIELD ASSESMENT OF THE EFFECT OF PARKIA (PARKIA BIGLOBOSA) BASED PRODUCTS AND HERBICIDES ON THE CONTROL OF STRIGA HERMONTHICA AND MAIZE YIELD(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-10-10) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Avav, T.Item Open Access Dynamics Of Weed Flora In Speargrass (Imperata Cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel) Dominated Fallow As Influenced By Chemical Weed Control And Row Spacing In Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr).(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-01-01) Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Avav, T.; Magani, E.I.; Ahom, R.I.Two Field trials were conducted at Ijorimenger and Asukunya in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State (07o 14 N, 08o 37 E), in 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons, with the objective to determine the influence of chemical herbicides and row spacing on the control of speargrass and population dynamics of weed flora. Pretillage glyphosate at the rate of 2.16 kg a.i/ha followed by hoe weeding at 6 WAP and fluazifop-p-butyl at the rate of 0.25 kg a.i/ha followed by hoe weeding at 6 WAP significantly reduced speargrass density compared with hoe weeding control at 3 and 6 WAP. A total of 22 and 16 weed species were found under fallow and in the soil. The weed flora at preharvest of soybean, was dominated by Ageratum conyzoides (L.) and Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour ), which thrived in plots treated with postemergence fluazifop-p-butyl at the rate of 0.25 kg a.i/ha and pretillage glyphosate at the rate of 2.16 kg a.i/ha respectively. The preponderance of weeds not found under fallow but which emerged after disturbance indicated that there was a change in weed flora composition and density. These results suggest that the use of pretillage glyphosate and fluazifop-p-butyl at 2.16 and 0.25 kg a.i/ha respectively followed by hoe weeding at 6 WAP was effective in suppressing speargrass seedling emergence and change in weed flora composition.Item Open Access The use of Parkia biglobosa based products in the control of Striga hermonthica in maize (Zea mays. L.)(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-06-06) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Avav, T.Objective: To evaluate the effect of two Parkia (Parkia biglobosa) based products for the control of Striga hermonthica in the Nigeria Savanna. Methodology and results: Three weed control treatments (post emergence POE) Triclopyr, 2, 4 – D, each at the rate of 0.36kg a.i/ha and a hoe weeded check at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing [WAS]) and seed coating (soaking for 20 minutes in Parkia fruit powder, Parkia seed powder and distilled water as control) were laid out in a split – plot design with three (3) replications using farmers’ variety of maize (local); assigning weed control treatments and maize seed coating into main and sub – plots, respectively. The trials were carried out in two locations (Makurdi and Lafia). Generally, the number of maize plants infected with Striga was higher in Lafia than in Makurdi. Seed coating with Parkia based products resulted in significantly less plants infected with Striga when compared to soaking in distilled water. The POE of either Triclopyr or 2, 4 – D each at the rate of 0.36kg a.i/ha at 6 Weeks After Sowing delayed the emergence of Striga to 51 and 45 days after sowing (Days After Sowing), respectively. Treatments with Parkia based (fruit and seed powder) products significantly increased maize grain yield than the distilled water soaking; while the weed control treatments differed significantly in terms of maize grain yield, following the order: POE Triclopyr (2090kg/ha) > POE 2, 4 – D (1833 kg/ha) > hoe weeded check (1340kg/ha) Conclusions and application of findings: The study results demonstrate the potentiality of using Parkia based products for the control of S. hermonthica followed by either Triclopyr or 2, 4 – D POE at 6 WAS. The Parkia trees are abundant within the savanna and thus their fruits can easily be procured. This implies that farmers could adopt this method and integrate it with other Striga management practices such as host plant resistance and cultural practices to enhance Striga control.Item Open Access Fusarium Striga hermonthica in Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Savanna(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-03-05) Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Magani, E.I.; Avav, T.Field trials were conducted in 2007/2008 wet season at the Teaching and Research Farm of University of Agriculture, Makurdi (7914: 893710) and the model extension village, Danka-Sarki, Lafia ( 8 9 3 and 7931110) in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria, to evaluate the efficacy of a granular mycoherbicide formulation of Fusarium sp. for the control of Striga hermonthica in maize. Two maize variehes (Farmers’ local and Across 97 TZL Comp 1-٦77) and four treatments, F. oxysporum followed by (1) 2, 4-D; F. oxysporum fb Supplementary Hoe Weeding (SHW); F. oxysporum fb triclopyr and a control (No F. oxysporum, but hoe weeded) were laid in a split-plot design with three replicahons. The two maize variehes formed the main plot treatments while, the Striga control methods were the sub-plots treatments (2 g of mycoherbicide applied pre-sowing in each planting hole). Generally, number of maize plants infected and Striga shoot count, was highest with Hoe Weeded check throughout the period of observations. The farmers’ variety recorded higher plants infected and Striga shoot count than c v Across 97 TZL Comp l-w throughout the period of observahon in this trial, while, higher Striga infestation was observed in Makurdi than in Lafia. The use of F. oxysporum fb either Post Emergence (POE) triclopyr or 2, 4-D each at 0.36 kg a.i ha,! resulted in significantly lower Striga infestahon consequently higher maize grain yield than those fb SHW or Hoe Weeded check.Item Open Access Use of Fusarium oxysporum for the control of Striga hermonthica in maize (Zea mays L.)(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-05-05) Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Magani, E.I.; Avav, T.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a granular mycoherbicide formulation of Fusarium sp. for the control of Striga hermonthica in maize under a field condition. Methodology and results: Two maize varieties (Across 97 TZL and a farmer’s local) and four treatments (Fusarium oxysporum followed by 2,4 – D, F. oxysporum fb supplementary hoe weeding (SHW), F. oxysporum fb Triclopyr and a control (hoe weeded at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing) were laid out in a split – plot design with three (3) replications; assigning varieties to the main – plots and weed control treatments to the sub – plots. This trial was carried out in two locations (Makurdi and Lafia). Generally, number of plants infected with Striga and shoot count was highest in Makurdi than Lafia. Variety Across 97 TZL had significantly lower/fewer number of plants infected at 9 and 12 Weeks after sowing (WAS) and also delayed the emergence of Striga to 49 days after sowing (DAS), while the farmers’ local initiated early emergence at 36 DAS. Among the Striga control treatments, F. oxysporum either fb post emergence (POE) 2, 4 – D or Triclopyr at the rate of 0.36kg a.i/ha each resulted in significantly fewer plants infested by the parasitic plant and consequently higher grain yields than those fb by SHW or hoe weeded check. Conclusions and application of findings: The study results demonstrate the high potentiality of using F. oxysporum (mycoherbicide) for the control of S. hermonthica by spot application at sowing and thereafter followed by either 2, 4 –D or Triclopyr POE at 6 WAS. The use of maize grits which is readily available to propagate F. oxysporum makes it quite cheap for local farmers instead of the use of potato dextrose agar.Item Open Access GREEN-HOUSE AND FIELD ASSESSEMENT OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM BASED MYCOHERBICIDE FOR THE CONTROL OF STRIGA HERMONTHICA IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-01-04) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Avav, T.Green-house and field trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a granular -oherbicide.ftom Fusarium oxysporum in controlling Striga hermonthica in maize pot culture and under a field condition. In the field trial, among the tested maize varieties, the farmers’ local initiated early emergence of Striga by 36 days after sowing (DAS) while Across 97 TZL delayed by 49 DAS. Throughout the period of observation, the numbers of maize plants infected with Striga/ snoot count were significantly lower in all F. oxysporum- mycoherbicide treated plots when compared -م the highest obtained with hoe-weeded check. Similarly, in the pot experiment, number of emerged Striga was significantly lower in F. oxysporum treated pots when compared to the control. However, the control recorded higher Striga dry weight أ! treatments that received Fusarium. In the field trial, maize grain yield was significantly lower at Makurdi location than at Lafia. Similarly, the farmer’s local variety produced significantly lower grain yield than Across 97 TZL. The use of F. oxysporum followed by (fb) either post-emergence application (POE) 2, 4 - D or Triclopyr each at 36 لأkg a.i/ha resulted in significantly higher grain yield than those fb supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) or hoe weeded check. The study results demonstrate the potentiality of using F. oxysporum and thereafter either fb POE 2, 4 - D or Triclopyr at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) for the control of hermonthica.Item Open Access Fusarium oxysporum and post-emergence herbicide for the control of the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica in maize(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-09-11) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Avav, T.Two trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a granular mycoherbicide formulation based on Fusarium oxysporum and post-emergence herbicide for the control of the parasitic plant, Striga hermonthica in the Nigerian Savanna. Four fungal treatments were used: F. oxysporum followed by 2,4-D, F. oxysporum followed by supplementary hoe weeding, F. oxysporum followed by Triclopyr and a control (No F. oxysporum but hoe-weeded). The experiments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications in the two locations. The two varieties (Across 97 TZL and farmer’s local variety) formed the main plot treatments, while the Striga fungal treatments formed the sub-plot treatments. At the Lafia location, the emergence of Striga was delayed by 7 days (46 days) as compared to the Makurdi location, which germinated earlier 39 days after sowing. Maize variety Across 97 TZL similarly delayed the time to Striga emergence when compared to the farmer’s local variety. However, the different Striga control methods did not have any significant effect on the time of Striga emergence. Generally, number of maize plants infected with Striga was highest with the farmer’s local variety throughout the period of observation, while in the Striga control treatments, hoe-weeded check recorded the highest; the minimum was obtained with plots treated with F. oxysporum followed by postemergence application of Triclopyr at the rate of 0.36 kg a.i./ha at 6 weeks after sowing. Highest maize grain yields were obtained at Lafia with Across 97 TZL and plots treated with F. oxysporum followed by either post-emergence 2,4-D or Triclopyr at 0.36 kg a.i./ha each. The results demonstrate the high potentiality of using F. oxysporum as a spot application at planting followed by post-emergence herbicide (2,4-D or Triclopyr) application at 6 weeks after sowing for the control of the parasitic plant S. hermonthica in the Nigerian Savanna.Item Open Access INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE PARASITIC PLANT (STRIGA HERMONTHICA) IN MAIZE USING PARKIA BIGLOBOSA BASED PRODUCTS AND POST-EMERGENCY HERBICIDE IN THE NIGERIAN SAVANNA(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2010-09-09) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Ahom, R.I.Two trials ه رر conducted in 2008 and 2009 wet seasons to assess the effect of maize seeds soaked (as a pre-plant treatment) in Parkia based products and post- emergence herbicides in the suppressive effect of striga hermonthica in maize. The experiments were !aid out in 2 sp lit- plot design with three replications in the two locations. The main plot treatments consist of three striga control methods: post-emergence (POE) Tridopyr, 2, 4-0 (each at the rate of 0.36 kg a.i/ha) and a hoe-weeded check at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing ( ! ى the sub-piot treatments were made of seeds soaked for 20 minutes prior to planting in Parkia fruit powder, Parkia seed powder suspensions and distilled water as control, respectively. In the two years, 2009 delayed the emergence of striga by 46 days after sowing (DAS) as compared to 2008 (48 DAS). Similarly, Makurdi delayed the striga ?mergence by 45 DAS than that of 42 DAS. Generally, maize soaked in Parkia based products (fruit and seed powder) delayed the emergence by 50 and 45 DAS, respectively than the distilled water (36 DAS). Generally, seeds soaked in Parkia products resulted in significantly reduced Striga shoots as compared to the highest recorded in distilled water throughout the period of observation. Similarly, in the striga control methods, the POE application of either Tridopyr or 2, 4- D each at the rate of 0.36 kg a.i/ha resulted in significantly reduced Striga shoots as compared to the hoe- weeded check. Maize grain yield was significantly higher with all treatments of Parkia based products as compared to distilled water check. In the striga control methods, the highest and lowest maize grain yields were obtained by the POE applied Tridopyr at the rate of 0,36 kg a.i/ha and the hoe-weeded check, respectively. The Parkia fruit powder and fruit peel are by- products, after processing of Parkia beans, thus can easily be sourced. This implies that farmers could continue this practice in combination with POE application of herbicides (Tridopyr or 2, 44- D) for the control ofS. hermonthica in maize.Item Open Access Sustainable Control of Striga Hermonthica in Maize (Zea Mays L.) By the Use of Parkia Biglobosa Based Products and Post-emergence Herbicides(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2010-10-10) Magani, E.I.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji; Ahom, R.I.Two trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons with the principal objective of assessing the effects of maize seeds with Parkia (Parkia biglobosa) fruit and seed powder Pre-sowing treatment and post-emergence application of herbicides in the control of Striga hermonthica in the Nigerian Savanna. Three Striga control methods consisting of post-emergence (POE) Triclopyr, 2, 4-D (each at the rate of 0.36 kg a.i/ha) and a hoe-weeded check at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) formed the main plot treatment, while the maize seed soaking (Soaking for 20 minutes in Parkia fruit powder suspension, Parkia seed powder suspension and distilled water as control) were the sub-plot treatments, respectively. The experiments were laid out in a split-plot design with three replications in the two locations. Maize seeds soaked in distilled water initiated early emergence of Striga by 36 days after sowing (DAS), as compared to those soaked in Parkia fruit and seed powder suspensions by 50 and 45 DAS, respectively. Generally, the number of maize plants infested with Striga was higher in 2008 and at Lafia. Maize seeds soaked for 20 minutes before planting in Parkia based products suspension (fruit and seed powder) resulted in significantly fewer number of maize plants infected with Striga/shoot count as compared to those soaked in distilled water (check). Similarly, post- emergence (POE) application of either Triclopyr or 2, 4-D at the rate of 0.36 kg a.i/ha each resulted in fewer number of maize plants infected/shoot count of Striga as compared to the hoe-weeded check. All treatments that received Parkia based products significantly increased maize grain yield than the distilled water soaking; while the Striga control methods differed significantly in terms of maize grain yield, following the order hoe-weeded check