Background and Objective: Uli is a town that hosts a university campus and accommodates a population of people that like catfish delicacies.The study aimed to determine the physicochemical and biochemical analysis of some selected fish ponds in Uli and their health implications for man.Materials and Methods: Physicochemical and bacteriological studies of selected fish ponds in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria were analyzed using standard procedures to evaluate the water quality of the ponds.The ANOVA statistics at 0.05 level of significance were used for statistical analysis.Results: The physicochemical properties showed that the temperature ranged from 31.00±1.0EC to 32.50±1.00EC,while pH ranged from 4.82±0.01 to 5.17±0.01,dissolved oxygen from 1.81±0.06 to 5.50±0.10mg LG 1 , conductivity ranged from 99.0±1.00 to 891.0±1.0 mS cmG 1 , phosphorus values also vary from 0.5±0.01 to 6.0±1.00 mg LG 1 .Bacteria of public health importance like E. coli, Shigella spp.and Salmonella spp.were also detected.The presence of these organisms shows that there is a lack of qualitative management regimens in these ponds.This is attributed to fecal contamination observed within the environment where the fish ponds are located.Conclusion: This study, therefore, encourages the need for good pond water quality management to forestall an epidemic outbreak in light of encouraging fish consumersʼ safety in fish consumption.
Background and Objective: The study was carried out in the hatchery section of Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam.The aim of the study is to determine the effect of phthalates that leach from plastic culture tanks like plastic basins and tarpaulin tanks on the growth and survival of African catfish.Materials and Methods: Randomized Complete Block Design was used and the three treatments were replicated three times.The fish were fed on a 5% body weight ration level, twice a day.Results: The phthalates leached from these plastic materials into the water and also get into the fish they did not affect the growth of the fish and their survival.The mean percentage weight gain recorded for the three treatments (concrete tank, plastic basin and tarpaulin tank) was 664±3.05,658±18.26and 653±16.70,respectively and the significance test (0.798) p>0.05 indicating no significant difference suggesting that phthalates that leached from the plastic tanks are not enough to be growth inhibitors.The same trend was same when the specific growth rate, food conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were calculated.All of them resulted in no significant difference.Also, the rate of mortality was nearly the same for all the treatments with no significant difference suggesting that the low levels of phthalates that leached from the plastic culture materials were not enough to affect the survival of the fish negatively.Conclusion: The concentrations of phthalates that leach from plastic culture tanks do not affect the growth and survival of the African catfish.
Background and Objective: Sidr honey is considered one of the most valuable resources that could improve the economy of Yemen.Therefore increasing the number of Ziziphus spina-christi (Sidr) trees becomes a priority.In this study, the percentage and speed of germination, as well as water imbibition, were checked for Ziziphus spina-christi seeds of 2017 and 2018 production. Materials and Methods:The seeds were obtained from the Doan Honey Bee Center, Hadhramout, Yemen.Four treatments (immersing in water, chilling, immersing first then chilling and chilling first then immersing) along with water control were applied to the seeds.The immersing time was kept to 24 hrs.Also, the temperature and time of the chilling process were 4EC and 4 hrs, respectively.Results: The seeds of 2018 significantly outperformed the seeds of 2017 in terms of water imbibition ability.The largest amount of adsorbed water was noticed for seeds treated by chilling first and then immersing.On the other hand, the lowest amount of adsorbed water was observed when seeds were treated by immersing first and then chilling.Conclusion: The expected promising results in the water imbibition and seed germination will be obtained if old seeds are chilled first and then immersed in water.
Background and Objective: Banana (Musa spp.) is a herbaceous plant native to the Tropical Region of South East Asia.Banana belonging to the genus Musa of the family Musaceae.For vegetatively propagated crops such as banana and plantain, viruses are important constraints to the movement and propagation of plant germplasm.Badnaviruses are important pathogens of banana and plantain.The present study was to determine the agroecological factors that could influence the emergence of the Banana streak virus (BSV) and sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV) in the banana-producing areas of Burkina Faso.Materials and Methods: Sixty-five plantations were surveyed in nine main producing regions and data were collected at two levels: From the farmers and by observation in the plantation.Mapping based on the prevalence and diversity of Badnavirus was performed.The data on prevalence and survey data were analysed with XLSTAT 2016 software.Results: The role of agricultural practices, mainly the uncontrolled use of plant material and climatic conditions in the distribution of Badnaviruses, with high prevalence and diversity of viruses in the plantations located in the Sudanian Zone.The results revealed two phylogenetic groups 1 and 4 most present in the Sudanian Zone and groups 2 and 3 specific to the Sudano-Sahelian Zone.However, the Boucle of Mouhoun Region, although located in the Sudan-Sahelian Zone, recorded a similar distribution of viruses.The AHC analysis was grouped the hight badnavirus prevalent regions into a single class on the basis of agricultural practices.Conclusion: These results suggested a real need for certified healthy plant material for farmers in these different regions.
Background and Objective: Anthracnose caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides penz is one of the major causes of post-harvest losses of mango in Côte d'Ivoire.Chemical control is a common method and has several side-effects.It is in this perspective that the present study was initiated with the general objective of evaluating the in vitro and in vivo antifungal efficacy of the biopesticides NECO 50 EC, ASTOUN 50 EC and PRORALY 50 EC based on plant extracts against the development of post-harvest anthracnose in mango.Materials and Methods: Five concentrations (100, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) of each bio-pesticide were evaluated in vitro on the mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides.For the in vivo study, 250 mangoes of the Kent variety from the Poro Region, an anthracnose endemic area of Northern Côte d'Ivoire, were used.They were dipped in batches of 25 fruits (10 batches) in different bio-pesticides solutions at doses of 0.15 and 0.20% for 60 and 180 sec for the reference product (prochloraz) at the recommended dose of 0.025%.Treated fruits were stored in a cold room at 10EC for 15 days and at room temperature for 09 days. Results:The bio-pesticides NECO 50 EC and ASTOUN 50 EC completely inhibited the radial mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides at concentrations of 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm.Fruits treated with the biopesticide NECO 50 EC at concentrations of 0.15 and 0.20%, respectively showed no symptoms of anthracnose.In contrast, the negative control and the reference product had incidences above 10%.Conclusion: The present study showed the antifungal potential of the biopesticides NECO 50 EC and ASTOUN 50 EC in the control of post-harvest anthracnose of mango.They may constitute an alternative to the abusive use of synthetic fungicides.
Background and Objective: Mycogone perniciosa is a fungal pathogen responsible for causing wet bubble disease, a serious threat to button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production in India.Outbreaks of wet bubble disease (WBD) are seriously affecting the yield of this mushroom to a great extent.The aim of this study was to have an integrated management of wet bubble disease of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), using the best-selected fungicide, plant extract and bioagent against the pathogen.Materials and Methods: The most promising botanical, bioagent and fungicide were selected from previous in vivo treatments and were further evaluated against Mycogone perniciosa in the mushroom house.Results: Sprays on the casing with non-systemic fungicides prochloraz manganese 50 WP or captan 50 WP at 0.2% and systemic fungicides carbendazim 50 WP or bitertanol at 0.1%, respectively were most effective in controlling wet bubble disease without causing toxicity to the mushroom mycelium.Incorporation of dry formulations of bacterial antagonists in casing mixture at the time of casing at 2-3% was much helpful for the management of the disease.Incorporation of botanicals such as Curcuma longa as dry powder at 1-3% with casing mixture at the time of casing, indicated broad spectrum fungicidal activity against M. perniciosa without affecting the quality and yield of fruiting bodies.Conclusion: These formulations have much scope for commercialization production of an organic mushroom crop, in view of lesser choices available for selective fungicides and the need to avoid pesticide residues in this short-duration high-value crop.
Background and Objective: The lack of suitable varieties that exhibit consistently high yields is the major factor among several production constraints contributing to the low productivity of bananas in the South Western area.The objective of this study was to identify highyielding and disease-resistant varieties in the study area.Materials and Methods: Seven improved banana varieties and one local cultivar (control) were used in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rain-fed conditions on loam soil from the 2015-2018 cropping season.Data on phenology, growth, fruit yield and yield component traits were collected in the first and second crop cycles and analyzed using SAS software version 9.0.Results: The combined analysis of variance revealed a significant difference for varieties and cropping cycle (year) in most of the phenology, growth, fruit yield and yield component traits.However, the difference was not significant for the interaction effect, so the overall mean was used to estimate the performance of the crop over the years.The correlation analysis indicates a positive significant relationship between yield and most of the phenology, growth and yield component characteristics.The varieties, namely Poyo (38.14 t haG 1 ) and William-1 (33.37 t haG 1 ), were found to be the most promising for commercial production, with a 40-29.85%yield that is higher than that of the local cultivar.Conclusion: Therefore, these cultivars can be used to boost banana production and productivity in the test area and areas with similar agro-ecologies, but more research is needed in the surrounding zones to see if this remarkable result can be sustained.
Background and Objective: Due to the uncontrolled use of synthetic pesticides for the management of stored grain insect pests, in the present investigation, three essential oils have been evaluated for their insecticidal activities in binary combination against red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum.Material and Methods: For repellency and toxicity assay, the different combinations of essential oils were prepared in acetone and applied on filter paper and tested their repellent and toxicity activity against T. castaneum.Results: Highest repellent activity was observed by a binary combination of A. marmelos and M. arvensis are 8.6 at 0.40% concentration (χ 2 value = 3.263) (p<0.05).In binary combination, the essential oils of A. marmelos and M. arvensis are more effective against red flour beetles having minimum LC 50 value against adults was 13.431 µL cmG 3 at 48 hrs (F = 31.835)(p<0.001),respectively compared to other essential oils combination.The percent grains infection was reduced 85.69, 67.86 and 76.88 at 60% of the sub-lethal concentration of 48 hrs LC 50 .Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded that essential oils have a more efficient insecticidal tool against T. castaneum as a fumigant in binary combination.
Background and Objective: The composition and processing parameters of Kulikuli assure the desired culinary qualities, while the feelings of individuals during chewing of Kulikuli are the critical item reflecting its acceptability.Thus, the effects of the processing conditions, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) variety, frying temperature (160-170EC) and frying time (1-3 min) for the proximate and sensory qualities of Kulikuli using the Taguchi technique was investigated.Materials and Methods: Different treatment combinations obtained by L 9 (3 3 ) of Taguchi orthogonal array were used to produce Kulikuli.The proximate and sensory qualities were determined using the standard AOAC method while a 9-point hedonic scale was used to determine the sensory qualities.Results: The optimum processing conditions for the proximate and sensory quality varied significantly (p<0.05).The proximate compositions of these products ranged between 5. 99-6.99,29.57-35.98,10.62-22.38,4.82-8.74,1.17-2.56,31.13-39.39and 317.30-377.68Kcal/100 g, respectively for moisture contents, protein contents, crude fats, ash, crude fibers, carbohydrates and energy values.The Kulikuli samples of GK, 160EC, 3 min and GK, 165EC, 2 min processing combinations were the most preferred by the panellists.Conclusion: The study provides an insight into the effects of processing conditions on the proximate and sensory qualities of Kulikuli.
Background and Objective: Helicoverpa armigera is among the major insect pest of tomato fruit that threatens its availability in the right quality.The management of H. armigera has over the years relied heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides which have negative consequences.This study therefore, aimed at examining the sub-lethal effect of Moringa and Balanite seed oils on H. armigera third instar larvae.Materials and Methods: An experiment was conducted at the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Bayero University, Kano, to test the toxicity and sub-lethal effect of three concentrations: 2, 4 and 6% of Balanite and Moringa seed oils on the third instar larvae of H. armigera.Results: The result shows that the seed oils reduced the duration of the developmental stages of H. armigera third instar larvae.Significant (50, 85 and 100%) reduction in the larval (most damaging stage) duration, fecundity and hatchability were observed, respectively in 6% concentration compared to the control.Conclusion: This underpins the sub-lethal effects of the plant oils on the third instar larvae of H. armigera.
Background and Objective: Ceiba pentandra is a tropical tree that belongs to the order Malvales, the family of Malvaceae native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Northern South America and tropical West African.An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of aqueous Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) leaf and Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) milk extracts on the performance of Ceiba pentandra seedlings by determining the effect of the substances on the early growth characteristics of the seedling and determining the best concentration of the extracts for optimum growth of the seedling of Ceiba.Materials and Methods: The treatment combination consists of different levels of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) and Coconut Milk (CM).Treatments were tested on Ceiba pentandra seedlings raised in polythene pots arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times.Foliar spray of the treatments started at 2 Weeks After Sowing (WAS) and subsequent application continued at 4 weeks intervals until 14 WAS.Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and stem girth per seedling.Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat 17th edition and significant mean differences were separated using Fischerʼs Protected Least Significant Difference (FPLSD).Result: Results obtained revealed significant effects of the treatments on early growth characteristics of the Ceiba pentandra seedlings.Where the combination of 5% CM/5% MLE had the highest significant effects followed by 5% of MLE only. Conclusion:The finding of the trial depicts an application of organic plant growth enhancers that can reduce time, energy and expenses in raising seedlings of Ceiba pentandra.
Background and Objective: Vigna subterranea is a nutritionally rich, drought tolerant but under-utilized legume.The study was to determine progeny development and subsequent losses caused by varying initial egg densities of C. maculatus on stored Vigna subterranea seeds .Materials and Methods: Twenty grains each of V. subterranea (milky-coloured seed coat) and (speckled seed coat) bearing 0, 2 and 3 eggs were placed in separate 50 mL glass jars with netted lid.The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates and left undisturbed for 30 and 60 days in the Laboratory of Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike under storage conditions (28±2EC and 80±10% RH) between July and September, 2017.The parameters assessed were progeny emergence and grain weight loss.Results: Analyses of data showed that significantly (p<0.05)higher mean number of adult C. maculatus emerged from batches bearing 2 eggs (2.81) than those bearing 0 egg (0.71) and 1 egg (1.65) but was not significantly higher in those bearing 3 eggs (2.31) at 30 DAT (days after treatment).A similar trend was observed at 60 DAT.Significantly (P<0.05) more adults emerged at 60 DAT (3.05) than at 30 DAT (1.87).Seed weight losses in cultivars bearing 2 eggs (36.37 g) and 3 eggs (34.65 g) were significantly (p<0.05)different from varieties with 1 egg (27.84) and 0 egg (0.00 g).Conclusion: Tested cultivars of V. subterranea were susceptible to C. maculatus at varying degrees and the highest weight losses and number of adults who emerged were from seeds bearing 2 eggs.
Background and Objective: Cactus Opuntia spp. is cultivated and widely distributed in Mexico, traditionally is used as a food.In the last years, the production of this Cactaceae has increased and now the waste matter of the crop is a problem because of the amounts collected.This waste matter is translated into monetary losses for farmers, to decrease these monetary losses in the last years some strategies have been implemented.Materials and Methods: In this study were analyzed different strategies, projects, the development of bioproducts and patents are used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, construction, food and beverage industries.In addition, have the objective of reducing the environmental impact, related whit the ecological economy.Besides, the use of nopal in projects was related to the degree of methyl esterification of the supernatant residue obtained from acid hydrolysis (mucilage).Results: This study concludes that the mucilage, dietary fibre and vitamins present in the waste matter are compounds important to industries.Conclusion: The perspectives suggest the use of these chemical compounds located in nopal waste matter for different products, plus the improvement production chains, post-harvest treatments and the application of technology production.
Background and Objective: Forest biodiversity provides an enormous range of forest products that play an integral part in livelihood and well-being supports and assist to drive sustainable growth in rural communities but the disparities in value-use and social or economic activities have a side effect on biodiversity.As a result, in the research region, there has been a progressive reduction in biodiversity.This study investigates the biodiversity decline and socio-economic impact on rural dwellers.Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from information provided based on the respondent's knowledge as harvesters, marketers and consumers of the biodiversity resources using a structured questionnaire.A random sampling technique was used to select twelve communities in proximity to the study area.The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.Results: Results showed a total of sixty-two biodiversity resources (plants and animals) were identified as contributing to the socio-economic welfare of households as a source of income generation, 47.5% of house-derived food intake, 42.5% obtained medicinal herbs, 10.0% generate other incomes.It was observed that all the respondents generate incomes from the forest resources, 33.3% pay their wards school fees, 20.3% pay house rent and 26.7% pay for transportation and other social responsibilities.The result revealed that about 70% of respondents confessed the validity of contributions of biodiversity resources to the socio-economic welfare of the rural community while 30% says no.The result showed that 35% of the respondents were affected by biodiversity decline, 57.5% felt the intensity of the declining impact on the income generation while 7.5% of respondents were unchanged.The result shows that 16.7% of resources user restock or were willing to restock after harvesting while 83.3% refused.Conclusion: Biodiversity contributes and plays a significant role in the socio-economic welfare of the rural community, hence, a need to intensify campaigns on conservation and reforestation in Nigeria, which promotes entrepreneurial skill acquisition as an alternative source of livelihood.
Background and Objective: The Rangeland in the North Bank Region (NBR) of The Gambia is made up of dispersed trees, shrubs and ground cover grass and forbs species on a plain topography.A study was carried out to evaluate upland range resources in some parts of NBR of The Gambia.Materials and Methods: It involved rangeland forage sampling to determine the botanical composition, dry matter yield (DMY) and proximate composition of sampled forages and determination of seasonal stocking rate (SR) in the study area.Transect samplings using open-ended quadrat were employed to determine species composition.Forage samples were collected from four fenced blocks within the rangeland at a 30 days interval.Results: A total of seventy-one different forage species distributed among 13 families were identified in the study area.The forage biomass of the rangeland was composed of 15% types of grass, 6% legumes, 27% forbs, 30% shrubs and 22% trees species.Two grass species (Brachiaria lata and Hyparrhenia rufa), 2 legume species (Alysicarpus ovalifolius and Tephrosia pedicellata) and 4 forb species (Borreria stachydea, Senna obtusifolia, Croton hirtus and Hyptis suaveolens) were the dominant forage species identified in the study area.Grand mean DMY of 6780 kg haG 1 and SR of 5.60 au haG 1 for the period were obtained.The proximate composition of the sampled forages varied in values of dry matter, crude protein, ash, crude fibre and nitrogenfree extracts contents from late wet to the early dry season.Conclusion: The study revealed low productivity and inadequate forage species composition of the rangeland and grasses were the less dominant forage species found on the rangeland.Furthermore, the crude protein contents of the grasses were below 7%, implying that the grasses cannot supply adequate protein to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock in the North Bank Region of The Gambia.
