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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
This article aims to determine the level of retained knowledge acquired through trainings on Irrigation and crop management technologies among smallholder farmers in Oluch-Kimira irrigation schemes, Kenya. Farmers were trained and a common knowledge test was administered after sometime for both irrigation participant and non-participant of irrigation technology. The result was analyzed descriptively and inferentially and the findings recorded. Descriptively the result indicated that, the mean score for irrigation participants (IRRP) was 74.5% and 53%t for non-irrigation participants (NIRRP). The result further indicated that the (IRRP) scored high in 17 statements than the (NIRRP) indicating that they had acquired higher knowledge than NIRRP. On the other hand the NIRRP scored high in statements 9 (Flooding can control pests in the field) and 15 (Intercropping beans with maize create unnecessary completion thus low yields) with a score of 54.3% for NIRRP against 44.7% for IRRP and 58.8% for NIRRP against 41.2% for IRRP respectively; whether this difference was significant or not it was determined by testing the hypothesis and concluded that, the difference in score for IRRP and NIRRP is significant. Hence we can infer that the training on irrigation and management technologies was effective.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tuber crop grown in many countries around the world that contributes to people's food security and is a source of income for producers. But it is clear that cassava cultivation encounters enormous constraints, among which cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava bacteriosis are the most important. Thus, knowledge and exploitation of the diversity of cassava is of particular importance for maintaining and improving its productivity. It is in this perspective that the present study is carried out, the objective of which is to identify the morphological characteristics of 19 cassava clones, and to evaluate the susceptibility of the clones to cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava bacteriosis at the Lomé Agronomic Experimentation Station. The results of this study revealed significant phenotypic variability within the clones. The evaluation of the phytosanitary state of the clones showed that the mean attack severity varied from 1.07 to 2.70 for CMD and from 1.81 to 2.11 for bacteriosis. Fresh tuber yields varied from 12.86 t/ha to 75.71 t/ha. Seven clones (GB20, GA24, D24, N22, Cm, C04, C02) obtained a higher yield than the control clone C01 (40 t/ha). The GB20 clone (75.71 t/ha) was the most productive, 89.26% more than the control clone.
ABSTRACT
This review paper focuses mainly on the socio-economic and ecological role of NTFPs contributes to the rural household economy and the types NTFPs. NTFPs are defined to encompass all biological material that may be extracted from natural ecosystems, managed plantations, wood lands, etc., and be utilized within the household, be marketed, or have social, cultural or religious significance. NTFPs Ethiopia covers wide range of products namely wild coffee, honey, gum and resin, spice and wild food, fodder, fuel wood, medicinal plants, construction materials, farm implements, handcrafts, household equipment, and among others. Most NTFPs covered in the review are found to be plant origin except honey and represent an important element in the livelihood of the rural people. These NTFPs are used either for subsistence to be consumed at household level or sold to generate income or both. Based on the existing literature NTFPs are essential components of livelihood activities for the rural people living in and around the forest. In quantitative terms, the level of input the NTFPs contribute to rural people is comparable with the other major livelihood activities like livestock and crop production. On top of this its share to the poor category is found to be major and highest than the richer and this shows the product is more important for the poor. This has an implication that the role NTFPs plays in a rural poor is an immense (broad). The importance of NTFPs is not limited to the improvement of livelihood of the rural people. But goes beyond the economy and it has environmental implication (forest development). Through commercialization of some selected NTFPs such as wild coffee and honey it is possible to protect and sustainably manage the forests. Commercializing these products increases the incomes the rural people generate from the forest without causing adverse effect and in turn contribute to Forest management.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Fish gut content analyses refer to methods of analyzing fish diet through assessment of materials found in dissected fish stomach. This work was conducted to determine the gut content, most frequently consumed prey and viscerosomatic index of the Clariidae species found in riverine area in south western Nigeria. The study spanned for six months (December, 2020 to May, 2021). Fish samples were examined fresh using frequency of occurrence, number and degree of fullness to examine the guts. Out of the 99 specimens collected in total, 45.83% and 54.17% of Clarias gariepinus, had ¼ full stomachs and half full stomachs respectively; 60%, 36.67%, 3.33% of Clarias jaensis had ¼ full, half full and ¾ full stomachs stomachs respectively, 63.33% and 36.67% of Clarias anguillaris had ¼ full and half full stomachs respectively while Clarias agboyiensis and Clarias pachynema species had similar stomach fullness of 33.33% for ¼ fullness and 66.67% for half fullness with none of the species having empty nor 100% full stomachs. Result also showed that the examined species are indiscriminate feeders; feeding on both plants and animals. The viscerosomatic index showed that the species had more flesh than carcass, giving an inference that the species have reasonable nutritional value and FCR. In conclusion, the Clariidae species were found to be omnivores and as such are to be provided with more natural materials in their environment for proper growth.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Chilli pepper, Capsicum frutescens (L.) (whole and powder) was evaluated for their insecticidal activities against the bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus to prevent loss of cowpea in storage. There were eight treatments (1.0g, 2.0g and 3.0g of chilli pepper powder, 1.0g, 2.0g and 3.0g of whole fruit of chilli pepper, actellic dust 2% and no protectant control) in five replications laid-out in complete randomized design. 200g of cowpea seeds were admixed with each of the treatments for their efficacy against oviposition, damage and weight loss to Callosobruchus maculatus. Percentage germination and proximate composition were also tested after storing seeds for periods ranging between 38 days and 4 months. Results revealed that chilli pepper powder and whole fruits at all levels reduced to its barest minimum the number of eggs laid or hatched by Callosobruchus maculatus preventing adult emergence and survival at 38 days after infestation, weight loss after 4 months and increased percentage germination as compared to control (60.0±0.0 and 40.0±0.0). Chilli pepper had significant influence on proximate composition as treated cowpea retained their nutrient after four months of storage. 3.0g chilli pepper powder was observed to be very effective than other treatments and control.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The study evaluated the toxicity of aqueous extracts of Ricinus communis leaf on the juveniles of Heteroclarias, with mean weight 24.00 ± 0.25 g. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations of C (0.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0., 5.0 and 6.0 g/l), in a static bio-assay procedure for 96 hours. The 96 hours LC50 values were calculated at 4.37 g/l. Results indicated varying concentrations of R. communis resulted in different pathological alterations in the juveniles of Heteroclarias. Behavioural responses observed in experimental fish includes; erratic swimming, twitching, gaping, mucous discharge, skin discoloration and death. These responses and mortalities were significantly different (P˂0.05) in treatments with increasing concentration of R. communis when compared with the control. Experimental water showed increase in temperature (°C), pH and conductivity (µS/cm) with increase in test ingredient concentration while reverse was the case with dissolved oxygen (mg/l). Histolopathological assay of gills, liver and kidney, revealed different alterations in architecture, fragmentation and haemorrhage of gill filaments, fusion of the primary and secondary lamellae. Liver showed congestion of hepatic veins and foci hepatocellular degeneration while kidney revealed congestion of the renal artery, inflammation of the renal tubules, haematopoietic cells and nephrons, hyperplasia of the glomerular vessels, pyknotic nephrons and degenerated renal corpuscle.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The repellent activity of terpinolene and its effects on antioxidant, neurotransmitter and detoxifying enzymes of Rhyzopertha dominica was evaluated under laboratory condition. The terpinolene was made into 2% concentration and 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0ml dosages were made from it and replicated five times. The repellent activity of the compound was carried out by placing two a filter paper that have been divided into two equal parts into a Petri-dishes with one side been treated with the compound. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, AChE, CarEST and GST was determined in the larvae of the insect. The result showed that, only 1.0 ml dosage and the positive control achieved 100% repellency at 0-1 h and were significantly different from other treatments. The activity of SOD decreases with increase in dosage of the compound. The lowest SOD (0.29 µmol/min/ml) was recorded by the positive control but was not significantly different from the 1.0 ml dosage of the compound. CAT activity significantly reduced at higher dosage, while the positive control recorded the lowest CAT activity. GPx activity increased increased dosage. AChE activity decreased with increase in the compound dosage. DDVP recorded the lowest AChE activity 0.25 µmol/min/ml. CarEST and GST activities increased with increase dosage of 0.6 ml and drastically reduced at 0.8 and 1.0 ml of the compound. Terpinolene compound proven insecticidal and could be formulated to target SOD and AChE enzymes having shown significant effects on them. Thus, this could be the mode of action of the compound.