ABSTRACT Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, is an important human and livestock protein source in Nigeria, but its production is constrained by ravages of pests and climate change. Conventional breeding efforts used to fortify it against these constraints had resulted into its narrow genetic base. In order to overcome this challenge, other mutation procedures such as physical and chemical mutagens could be used. Nevertheless, information on gamma and ultra-violet (UV) irradiated cowpea seeds and pol...
ABSTRACT Implementing sustainable development and meeting the food needs of world's increasing population demand national and international investment in research and extension. Before fruitful investment can be guaranteed, inventoly of the present status of the object of investment is imperative. This study examined the present status of public extension network in southwestern Nigeria with a view to ascertain its readiness as a learning organization for forest conservation information. Purp...
ABSTRACT Clash of interests between custodians of government Forest Reserves (FRs) in Ogun State and farmers operating within them, often results in conflicts causing disruption of socio-economic activities and sometimes loss of lives. Information on the causes and effects of these clashes would better inform policy makers and forestry professionals on workable and sustainable land-use practice. Therefore, factors responsible for such conflicts and their effects were investigated. Seven hund...
ABSTRACT Weed infestation of soyabean field causes 65% yield reduction in the forestsavanna transition ecosystem of Nigeria. Single weed control method is often less effective. However, Integrated Weed Management (IWM), will ensure more effective and environment friendly control. There is little information on IWM application on soyabean field. This study was therefore aimed at investigating response of soyabean to IWM. Field study was carried out in the 2008 and 2009 planting seasons to as...
ABSTRACT High cost of conventional feedstuffs and competition between livestock and fish for ingredients necessitate research into low cost, non-conventional feedstuffs for profitable fish farming. In aquaculture, the emphasis is on producing feeds that promote growth and health of fish. There is scanty documentation of the potential of onion (Allium cepa) bulbs and walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) leaves in fish production. The growth performance of Clarias gariepinus on diets containing ...
ABSTRACT Tomato yellow leaf curl viral disease (TYLCV) is a destructive disease of tomato in Ghana. The study was conducted during the 2013 minor and 2014 major cropping seasons to determine the knowledge of farmers and their agronomic practices they carry out to manage TYLCV disease in three districts in the Central region, screening of thirty six tomato genotypes against TYLCV disease for a possible tolerant variety and phenotypic and molecular evaluation of selected tolerant genotypes at ...
ABSTRACT The study shows Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin contamination of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) from groundnut samples collected from the six markets in the Central Region of Ghana namely: Swedru, Mankessim, Cape Coast, Fosu, Jukwa and Kasoa. All groundnut sellers interviewed were females and have no knowledge about aflatoxins. Thirty five percent 35% of the groundnut sellers had no formal education whilst 26.7% had basic primary education and 23.3% had Junior high school educatio...
ABSTRACT Maize streak disease (MSD), one of the most destructive maize diseases causes an estimated yield loss of about 20 % in Ghana. A baseline survey was conducted from July to August, 2015 across three agro-ecological zones within the Volta Region to assess the level of MSD incidence and severity in the zones. In addition, field experiments were conducted at Nkwanta during the cropping seasons of 2015 to assess the effects of tillage practices, maize variety and fertilizer application on ...
ABSTRACT The Agricultural Sector Rehabilitation Project (ASRP) is one of key rural development projects whose impact is yet to be understood. The purpose of the study was to determine farmers’ perceived impact of the ASRP on their livelihoods in Careysburg and Todee districts, Liberia. The study sought to describe the socio-economic characteristics of farmers who participated in the project, ascertain the perceptions of beneficiaries on the relevance of the ASRP and examine the perceived le...
ABSTRACT Despite the fact that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been proposed as a means to improve extension delivery in Nigeria, very little has been done to identify the ICT training need of agricultural extension agents. The study examined the ICT training need of agricultural extension agents in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria. A descriptive survey design, content validated and pretested questionnaire were used to collect data from 100 public extension agents i...
Abstract Uncontrolled harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) poses a serious risk of extermination to several of these species in Nigeria. Yet, there is a paucity of information on the distribution, population status and sustainable management of NTFPs in most of the tropical lowland rainforests. We, therefore, assessed the population, distribution and threats to sustainable management of NTFPs within the tropical lowland rainforests of Omo and Shasha Forest Reserves, south western...
ABSTRACT Triplochiton scleroxylon, Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, Nauclea diderichii and Teminalia ivorensis wood blocks were biodegraded in situ in the laboratory by Lenzites palisoti a white rot fungus. The test blocks were cut into 10xlOx20 mm and exposed into the infection region of pure culture of Lenzitespalisoti for 16 weeks. The test blocks were examined for weight loss at 4 weeks interval. The percentages of weight loss obtained after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of incubation of the t...
ABSTRACT This study examined the characteristics and management of street trees in Damaturu, the growing capital city of Yobe State, located in the Sudan savanah ecological zone of Nigeria. Enumeration of street trees was carried out in the major roads of Damaturu to identify tree species and determine population of the species. Data on the management of amenity trees in the town were collected through administration of questionnaire to forestry officials in the State’s Ministry of Environ...
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was four-fold: First, to estimate merchantable logging residues left in the forest after logging; second, to investigate the natural durability of stem and branch wood of five species; third, to compare the bending strength of solid and finger-jointed lumber; and finally to investigate the influence of anatomical properties on natural durability and mechanical properties of wood. The five wood species were Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele), Entandrophrag...
ABSTRACT The study investigated whether progeny of Sarotherodon melanotheron from two different populations would have higher reproductive capacity and also exhibit desirable aquaculture traits. Broodstock of S. melanotheron were collected from Kakum Estuary and Benya lagoon and bred to the second filial generation stage. Reproduction was higher in the parents from the Estuary than those from the lagoon. Water quality parameters were within the acceptable range for fish culture. Three diffe...