A field experiment was conducted at Federal College of Forestry demonstration farm, Jos, Plateau State to evaluate the effect of water deficit on the agronomic performance of maize. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement of three maize cultivars (SAMMAZ 72T, 73T and 74T) and three irrigation intervals (irrigation at all growth stages, except at tasselling and except at silking) and replicated three times. Data were taken at random from five plants at two weeks interval and the mean value recorded on plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, crop dry matter, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate, water use efficiency, number of cobs/plot, cob length, cob weight/plant 100 grain weight and grain yield. Results indicated that no cultivar difference (p>0.05) were observed on the plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, crop dry matter, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and water use efficiency, number of cobs/plot, cob length, cob weight/plant 100 grain weight and grain yield at Jos. No significant (p>0.05) response to deficit irrigation was observed on number of cobs/plot, cob length, weight of cob/plant and grain yield but significant (p<0.05) on 100 grain weight. It can be concluded that all three cultivars gave similar responses. Similarly, the applications of irrigation water (deficit irrigation) throughout the research period except at silking produce the tallest plant (111.01 cm) and 100 grain weight (21.11 g) of maize. It is therefore recommended that all cultivars can be planted and water withdrawn at silking stage for optimum production of maize under irrigation deficit.
Rising inflation in Nigeria has increased agricultural input costs and heightened the vulnerability of smallholder maize farmers. This study examined the availability and accessibility of information sources for mitigating inflationary effects among maize farmers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 175 farmers from five major maize-producing communities, of whom 153 provided valid responses. Primary quantitative data on respondents’ socio-economic characteristics, availability and accessibility of information sources, and perceived effects of inflation on livelihood were collected through a structured questionnaire administered by trained field assistants. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results showed that television (97.4%), the internet (99.3%), radio (86.3%) and libraries (91.5%) were widely available. However, farmer unions (x̄ = 2.08), cooperatives (x̄ = 2.49) and fellow farmers (x̄ = 2.26) were the only information sources rated highly accessible. Inflation had substantial economic and social effects on farmers’ livelihoods, particularly through higher transportation costs, input prices, fuel costs and labour-related pressures. Information accessibility had a moderate and significant inverse relationship with perceived inflationary effects (r = −0.425, p < 0.01), indicating that improved access to timely and reliable information reduced farmers’ vulnerability. The study recommends strengthening extension services, digital information systems and cooperative-based information dissemination to enhance farmers’ resilience and sustain maize production under inflationary conditions.
The use of phytogenic feed additives in broiler chicken nutrition has increased because of the need for natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. This study assessed the effect of a phytogenic mixture containing gum Arabic tree seeds, bitter leaf, and neem leaf on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens during the finisher phase under semi-arid conditions in Sokoto, Nigeria. Four finisher diets were compared: 30 g phytogenic mixture (PM), 40 g PM, 50 g PM, and 0 g PM as the control. The diets were formulated to contain approximately 20.0% crude protein and 2815 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Performance indices measured were total feed intake, average feed intake per bird per day, total body weight, body weight per bird per day, total body weight gain, body weight gain per bird per day, feed conversion ratio, and percentage mortality. Carcass traits evaluated included breast, thigh, drumstick, wing, back, and neck weights. The results showed that graded levels of the phytogenic mixture had no significant effect on growth performance parameters or mortality (P > 0.05). Most carcass traits were not significantly affected by treatment (P > 0.05), except neck weight, which differed significantly (P < .05). The control group recorded the highest neck weight (74.20 g), whereas birds fed 30 g PM had the lowest neck weight (60.80 g). It was concluded that inclusion of the phytogenic mixture up to 50 g in broiler finisher diets did not adversely affect performance or carcass yield and may sustain comparable production under semi-arid conditions.
Low soil fertility and inappropriate fertilizer management remain major constraints to seed yam production in the Nigerian savanna. This study evaluated the influence of NPK fertilizer types and rates on growth attributes, chlorophyll content, and tuber yield of Kpamyo yam (Dioscorea rotundata L.) minitubers. Field experiments were conducted during the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons at the IITA research farm, Kubwa, Abuja, using a split–split plot design with three replications. Treatments consisted of three planting populations (266,000, 133,000 and 88,000 plant ha-1), three fertilizer types (NPK 15:15:15, 20:10:10, and 27:13:13), and four fertilizer rates (0, 200, 400, and 600 kgha⁻¹). Growth parameters, chlorophyll content (SPAD), and yield attributes were measured and subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that fertilizer types and rates significantly (p<0.05) affected plant height, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, tuber yield, sett multiplication ratio and harvest index. NPK 27:13:13 promoted the most vigorous vegetative growth but produced comparatively lower tuber yield and harvest index, in contrast, NPK 15:15:15 consistently resulted in higher chlorophyll content and superior yield performance. Tuber yield increased with fertilizer rate up to 400 kg ha-1 but declined at 600 kg ha-1. Plant population density significantly influenced tuber size, with higher densities reducing mean tuber weight due to increased competition. The application of NPK 15:15:15 at 400 kg ha-1 provides the optimum nutrient combination for maximizing physiological efficiency and tuber yield of Kpamyo yam minitubers under Southern Guinea Savanna conditions, offering a practical strategy for improving seed yam production in Nigeria.
This study examined the factors influencing farmers’ attitude and participation in the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) intervention programmes in Zaria, Sabon Gari, and Makarfi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 343 respondents from a sampling frame of 2,386 farmers. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that most respondents were male, married, and within the economically active age group, with a mean age of 42.6 years. The regression analysis on farmers’ attitude showed that age, educational level, farming experience, programme awareness, trust in government programmes, and perceived benefits significantly influenced farmers’ attitude toward NADF programmes. The model produced an R² value of 0.53 and an F-value of 24.63. The participation model revealed that farm size, annual farm income, cooperative membership, access to extension services, frequency of extension contact, and access to agricultural credit significantly influenced farmers’ participation in NADF programmes. The model recorded an R² value of 0.57 and an F-value of 28.11, while access to agricultural credit emerged as the strongest determinant of participation. Major constraints identified included inadequate access to credit, delay in loan disbursement, inadequate extension contact, poor awareness, and high cost of farm inputs. The study concluded that socio-economic, institutional, and programme-related factors significantly influence farmers’ attitude and participation in NADF intervention programmes. It recommends improved access to credit, strengthened extension services, effective awareness campaigns, and transparent programme implementation.
Urban green spaces are threatened by rapid urbanization, especially in the educational institutions where infrastructure growth frequently jeopardizes ecological sustainability. This study, therefore, assessed the influence of infrastructural development on land use and land cover (LULC) changes at the oldest university in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan. Four LULC classes: vegetation, built-up areas, bare land, and water bodies were examined using remote sensing from 2000 to 2024. The increase of academic, residential, and support facilities was reflected in the dominance of built-up areas, which peaked at 7.82 km² (61.27%) in 2010 and 7.30 km² (57.21%) in 2020. The total area of vegetation varied significantly: it was 4.42 km² (34.66%) in 2000, increased to 4.98 km² (39.04%) in 2005, fell to 2.10 km² (16.48%) in 2010 (an annual loss of 0.58 km²), and recovered to 4.77 km² (37.40%) in 2015 (annual gain of 0.53 km²) and then declined to 3.48 km² by 2020. By 2024, bare land had increased to 2.89 km² (22.66%) due to building projects, while vegetation had shown a slight rebound, reaching 3.54 km² (27.74%). Water bodies remained small (<1%), with a brief peak of 2.79 km² (21.88%) in 2010. Results were validated by a robust classification accuracy (overall 85–93%; Kappa 0.80–0.90), with User's/Producer's accuracies >70–100% across classes. Water bodies were nearly perfectly detected, but vegetation (User's 87–97%) and built-ups (Producer's 80–92%) had distinct spectral signatures. The study revealed that infrastructural development continues to dominate the institution despite changes, stressing the need for integrated urban planning. To promote sustainable development goals while also ensuring campus ecological resilience and student well-being, this study recommends an Integrated Master Plan that includes green infrastructure.
This study investigated the relationships between growth parameters and fruit yield of eggplant as well as the economic returns associated with different fertilizer regimes under field conditions. A field experiment was conducted at the College Horticultural Garden, University of Education, Brikama, Guinea-forest savannah, The Gambia, during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons. Treatments consisted of Control, T1 (NPK at 125 kg ha⁻¹), T2 (poultry manure at 10 t ha⁻¹), T3 (NPK at 125 kg ha⁻¹ + poultry manure at 10 t ha⁻¹), and T4 (NPK at 250 kg ha⁻¹ + poultry manure at 20 t ha⁻¹) and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth parameters evaluated included plant height, stem girth, leaf area index, number of fruits per plant, and average fruit weight per plant, while economic variables comprised total production cost, gross revenue, net return, and benefit–cost ratio (BCR). Data were subjected to Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and partial budget analyses to determine yield predictors and profitability of fertilizer applications. Result of correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between fruit yield and most growth traits, particularly number of fruits per plant (r = 0.87), leaf area index (r = 0.94) and plant height (r = 0.79). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that plant height leaf area index and number of fruits per plant were the strongest predictors of fruit yield, contributing significantly to the model fit (). T3 produced the highest fruit yield and the most favorable economic returns. This treatment generated a net return of $ 2,060 ha-1 and a benefit–cost ratio of 3.42, indicating high profitability and efficient resource use compared with other treatments. The study concludes that integrated fertilizer management enhances both yield predictability and economic returns in eggplant production. T3 therefore represents a sustainable and economically viable nutrient management strategy capable of improving productivity and farm income among eggplant growers in the Gambia.
Youth restiveness in farming communities is a major rural development concern because it can weaken farm labour availability, disrupt access to farms and markets, and discourage agricultural investment. This study assessed perceived youth restiveness in selected farming communities in Southwest Nigeria and examined its implications for agricultural development. A multi-method research design was adopted, combining a cross-sectional survey with Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 862 youths from recognised youth clubs in farming communities of Ekiti, Ogun and Osun States, representing a 95.1% valid response rate. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaires, through interview schedule questionnaire administration method and FGDs. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were transcribed and thematically analysed to complement the survey findings. Findings showed that 33.3% of the respondents were unemployed, 3.6% were civil servants and only 5.0% were directly engaged in farming. Drug trafficking/abuse (mean = 3.19), stealing (mean = 3.17), political thuggery (mean = 2.85), internet scam/cyber fraud (mean = 2.77), kidnapping (mean = 2.63) and armed robbery (mean = 2.61) were perceived as frequent forms of youth restiveness. Binary logistic regression results showed that access to education had a positive and significant relationship with perceived youth restiveness (b = 0.0287; P < 0.05), suggesting that education without corresponding employment and rural enterprise opportunities may heighten unmet expectations among youths. The study concludes that youth restiveness in farming communities is connected with weak livelihood engagement, low participation in agriculture and limited rural employment opportunities, with implications for farm access, labour supply and production continuity. The study recommends rural job creation, youth-focused agribusiness empowerment, functional local government support, transparent empowerment programmes and security-sensitive agricultural development interventions.
The productivity and overall success of smallholder maize farmers depend not only on access to farm inputs and improved cultivation practices but also on their ability to obtain reliable and timely agricultural information. Against this backdrop, the study was conducted to examine the accessibility of broadcast media among maize farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 150 respondents, using a questionnaire. Data collected were described with the use of frequency counts, mean, and percentages while binary logistic regression was used to identify determinants of broadcasting media platforms accessibility and made some inferences. Findings of the study showed that maize farming in the study area was mainly carried out by middle-aged (48 years) with tertiary education (58%), many of whom combine farming with other occupations, especially civil service employment (46%). The findings further showed that radio (x̄= 3.52), television (x̄= 3.36), newspapers (x̄= 3.3), and magazines (x̄= 3.20) constituted the most accessible broadcast media platform among the farmers. Although, broadcast media such as podcasts (x̄ = 1.33 and x̄=1.13) and satellite (x̄= 1.31 and x̄=2.33) were neither available nor accessible respectively. However, major constraints faced were poor network signal coverage (x̄ = 3.75), high cost of broadcasting devices (x̄ = 3.72) and poor power supply (x̄ = 3.56). It was established that only the information sources like ADP (t = 2.427; p≤0.05), Cooperative (t = 9.993; p≤0.001) and other farmers (t = 7.728; p≤0.000) had significant relationship with access to broadcasting media platforms. The findings concluded that despite the growing prominence of broadcasting media in information dissemination, maize farmers continue to underutilize them to access information and the fact that intrapersonal methods such as cooperative and other farmers positively influenced accessibility, it should be utilized to increase usage.
In Nepal agricultural input market is observed growing basically in micronutrient fertilizers. There is no trend analysis for such inputs in recent years and thus hinders evidence-based policy making. This research was carried out to assess five-year trend analysis comparing product categories, formulation types, countries of origin, and registration status between 2019 and 2024 in Kathmandu valley. Further the objective of the study is to classify product categories and minimum nutrient specifications for policy makers. Baseline market survey was done in 2019 and documented 78 such products across the Kathmandu Valley. Again, market survey was done in 2024, and we found 218 products—a 2.9-fold increase in five years. Of 218 products surveyed across 15 agrovets in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts, only two (0.9%) products were found registered in Fertilizer Control Order with valid government approval. This shows the market of such product is exponentially growing.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a persistent public health challenge in Nepal, affecting 43% of children under five and up to 47.6% of pregnant women. This study evaluates the quality and applicability of the Nepalese Food Composition Table (NFCT) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) database for addressing the IDA burden. Using a qualitative design, the methodology comprised 12 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector, supplemented by a literature review and a comparative technical review against the Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT). Results show that NFCT 2017, despite covering 387 food items, lacks analytical sensitivity, carries an estimated error margin of ±10%, and omits iron bioavailability data. NARC 2024 is more statistically structured but limited by geographic bias and a lack of animal-source and processed-food data. IFCT 2017, by contrast, shows stronger analytical precision, broader geographic coverage, and bioavailable-iron profiling. These gaps constrain dietary assessment and nutrition-sensitive policy planning in Nepal. The study recommends a multi-sectoral approach to strengthen laboratory infrastructure, adopt standardized FAO/INFOODS methodologies, and integrate food composition data digitally, supporting the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan III and a shift from supplementation toward sustainable food-based strategies.
This study examined some socio-economic determinants of utilization of solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) by dry-season vegetable farmers in Ovia North-east Local Government Area of Edo State. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to arrive at sample size of 75 respondents. Data for this study were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of study showed that females (73.5%) utilized SPIS, 34.0% of them were within the age range of 41-50 years with a simple majority (84.0%) of them were married. Based on the findings of the study, the types of vegetables grown in order of popularity were Pepper (73.0%), Garden egg (46%), Okra (40.0%) and Tomato (31.0%) respectively. The findings of the study further revealed that farmers on continuous utilization (40%) were more. Series of factors determined the utilization of SPIS in the study area. The test results showed that association exists between farm size (X2 = 12.521; p= 0.014); educational level (X2 = 19.189; p < 0.004); age (X2 = 16.061; p= 0.013) and factors influencing utilization of SPIS which showed significant association. The study showed that several factors influenced vegetable farmers’ utilization of SPIS facilities in the study area. The study therefore recommended that technical support and training should be provided for dry-season vegetable farmers in the study area to enable them and other dry season vegetable farmers utilise more SPIS.
Mobilization strategies exist but their utilisation in community development efforts is a challenge in developing countries. The study assessed utilization of mobilization strategies (capacity building, coalitions, direct engagement, and partnership) in community development projects. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select and structured questionnaire was administered on 112 respondents. Data were obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis test. Age (x̄= 45.5), sex (Frequency: male=76, female =36), annual income (x̄=650; 981.61), years of formal education (x̄=13.6) influenced utilization of mobilization strategies in community development projects. The main constraints faced by the respondents were finance (91.1%), government policies (82.1%), and poor communication (66.1%). Chi-square test results showed significant (χ2 =231.568, P < 0.000) association between the utilization of mobilization strategies and number of community development projects engaged upon in the study area. Community developers in study area utilised mobilization strategies in executing projects for their community development. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that community members should actively engage in numbers of community development projects for maximum utilization of mobilization strategies.
To attain a sustainable forest management decision, accurate information is needed on structure and growth of major forest components. This information can be derived by using functional forest models. Therefore, the study involved formulating site-specific models for yield prediction in Okeluse Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria. Systematic sampling technique was adopted with 20 1-km-long transects laid at 500 m intervals. Four plots (50 × 50 m) were laid alternately at 250 m intervals, along each of the transects. A total of 80 sample plots were used for the study. All trees with diameters (Dbh) ≥10 cm were measured for diameter, height, stem quality and crown length. All measured trees were identified to species-level. Data were analysed, using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The yield-prediction models were evaluated, using root mean square error (RMSE), , Akaike information criterion (AIC) and F-test. Models were validated, using paired-sample t-test and absolute bias. Seventeen tree species, belonging to 12 families, were encountered. Lophira alata occurred most with RD of 15.9%. Four (4) of the species encountered (i.e., Afzelia africana, Entandrophragma cylindricum, Lophira alata and Pterygota macrocarpa) were vulnerable. Seven (7) of the tree species (i.e., Albizia lebbeck, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Antiaris toxicaria, Blighia sapida, Ceiba pentandra, Mansonia altissima and Triplochyton scleroxylon) were least concern. The mean species importance value index was 75.74±25.59. Average basal area and stem volume were 31.47±8.91 m2 and 125.89±35.64 m3/ha, respectively. Most of the trees had low slenderness coefficient, indicating excellent stability and low susceptibility damage. The best yield-prediction model was of the form: V= -55.234 + 0.9863(lnDbh) -2.114BA2 + 0.3492MHT with R2, RMSE, AIC and absolute bias of 88.5%, 1.02, 57.62 and 0.210, respectively. The model also showed no significant difference in the mean observed and predicted yield values. It is therefore recommended for future predictions in the study area.
Tomato is a versatile vegetable which plays a crucial role in global food security and industrial applications. This study analysed the consumption patterns of tomato in Kano State, Nigeria, through a consumer preference ranking model approach. Systematic sampling was employed to select 67 consumers from Yankaba market in Kano metropolis, which is the largest market within the State. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and a preference ranking index. The results revealed that majority of tomato consumers were females (64.18%), married (70.15 %), had formal education (76. 12%), with mean age of 33 years, which implies young and energetic consumers in the study area. All (100.0%) the sampled tomato consumers consume at the household level in the study area. The result shows that tomato was consumed daily, at affordable rates and attributes like availability, appearance, and colour influencing the purchase of tomato. The consumer preference index results revealed that majority (76.83%) of the consumers ranked the availability of tomato first in their preference ranking; appearance (76.47%), price (75.73%), and colour (75.73%) as second and third, respectively. The major constraints faced by consumers in the study area were price fluctuation (95.52%), poor quality (61.19%), and poor market information (53.73%). The study concludes that tomatoes can improve the nutritional status of consumers provided the attributes are met during purchase. The study recommends that consumers should be enlightened through extension personnel on nutritional benefits and ways to minimize food waste to improve consumption.
The global impact of the post-harvest losses due to insect pests, including Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil), requires effective and sustainable pest management. To address this need, the present work investigated the efficacy of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf and seed powders at larval and adult stages of S. zeamais. The study was undertaken at the Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Abuja, using a randomized complete block design. The neem seeds were collected from mature trees that have reached 10 years old, which makes them fully productive. The treatments consist of concentrations of neem leaf and seed powders (5, 10 and 15%) and control group applied on maize grains infested with S. zeamais, respectively. A sample size of 300 maize weevils was used for the study. Both the treatment and control groups were divided equally among the samples. Mortality rate, oviposition inhibition and damage were monitored for 14 days. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA. Detection of mortality occurred at a 15% concentration of neem seed powder. Adult mortality, oviposition inhibition and damage to grain after 14 days, respectively, were greatest at 15% concentration of neem seed powder. Neem leaf powder also demonstrated insecticidal efficacy but was less than neem seed powder. Both treatments inhibited oviposition and damage to the grain. Results. showed that A. indica is an alternative biologically active pesticide. Future studies will examine ways to include A. indica in different biopesticide formulations to boost efficacy and scalability.
Studies on length-weight-relationship (LWR) and Fulton’s condition factor (k) aspects of stock assessment explain fish patterns of growth, estimation of fish biomass from length observations and understand the welfare status of a given fish species in the aquatic habitat. The paucity of information on growth patterns and k of Brycinus nurse species in the Goronyo reservoir makes it difficult to develop strategies for sustainable management of the species. Three (Rimawa, Katsira and Kaita) landing sites were selected for monthly data collection for two years. About 763 specimens were sampled for data collection on LWR and k using standard procedures. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequency distribution and regression analysis conducted in order to establish relationship between length and weight of the sampled fish. The results revealed that B. nurse total length ranged from 7.13 to15.47 cm with a mean weight ranging from 30.69 ± 7.43 g to a maximum of 113.36 ± 5.29 g among unsexed specimens in August. The mean seasonal b values of the LWR exhibited isometric (b = 3.00, male), positive (b = 3.88, female) and negative (b = 1.20, male) allometric patterns of growth. The goodness of fit of the LWR ranged from R2 = 0.90 to R2 = 0.94 in males and females respectively. The mean k values ranged from 0.16 to 1.80 in males in October. The study concludes that, majority of the species exhibited small to medium size ranges, isometric and allometric patterns of growth and are overfished in the reservoir. Therefore, the study recommends the suspension of catching the species by the fishermen for two years in order for the species to attain its full-size potential in the reservoir.
This study was designed to examine physicochemical properties, heavy metals and microbial load of some groundwater (borehole water) at different locations in Gashua Town of Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria. Standard methods were employed to determine physicochemical properties; elemental contents were determined by using Atomic Emission Spectrometer (AES) and the microbial potentials were evaluated by the Pour Plate method. The results indicated that the pH values of 80 % of the water samples from the various sites were within the acidic medium ranges (5.80 to 6.40) which were below WHO, NAFDAC and NSDWQ permissible limit, while 20 % of the samples were within the ranges of 6.49 to 6.80 which falls within the WHO acceptable limit. The presence of heavy metals such as As, Cd, Hg in all the samples were above the required limits, Fe was within WHO and NSDWQ maximum acceptable limits, while Pb was not detected in all the samples. The microbial contamination of the samples with total coliform count indicated 100% of the samples were within the acceptable limits (0.00 to 3.9 CFU/100ml) specified by NSDWQ, samples obtained at Site E, site K, site P and Site R were above WHO maximum acceptable limit, samples obtained from other site(s) indicated E.coli content within the range of 0.00 to 3.0 CFU/100ml which shown only 20% of the samples were above NSDWQ and WHO maximum permissible limit. Other physicochemical parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolve solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), nitrate (NO3-), sulphate (SO4-), chloride (Cl-), Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) within the ranges of 0.06 – 0.25 µs/cm; 0.04-0.13 mg/L; 0.72-1.01 mg/L; 1.99-31.55 mg/L; 13.98-37.61 mg/L; 2.07-24.07 mg/L; 0.13-1.06 mg/L and 0.65-2.59 mg/L respectively. Presence of heavy metals contamination could be attributed to the agricultural activities such as irrigation farming which involved the use of wastewater, chemical fertilizer and other agrochemicals. The activities of traditional potash miners and irrigation farmers warranted littered feacial deposits in the area which could be linked to the bacteriological contamination of some of the water samples.
The Adansonia digitata (Baobab) tree holds substantial ecological and economic importance in Africa, yet its propagation remains challenging. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed to assess the effects of different organic rooting supplements on callusing and root formation in baobab. The treatments included four organic rooting supplements (Aloe vera, Moringa, Banana, and Onion extracts) on callusing and root formation during the marcotting of Adansonia digitata, with distilled water as a control. Each treatment was replicated six times, with the individual samples randomly assigned within the layout. Healthy branches from 15-year-old baobab trees were selected for air layering. A 4-5 cm strip of bark was carefully removed 50-70 cm from the tip of each branch to expose the cambium layer, which is essential for stimulating root formation. A mixture of sawdust, wood ash, and manure was prepared in a 1:1:1 ratio to serve as the rooting medium. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test to assess differences among treatments for callusing and root number after eight weeks. Results indicated significant (p<0.05) variation in root number, with Aloe vera demonstrating the highest rooting success among treatments. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in callusing rates across treatments, though Aloe vera and Onion generally exhibited slightly higher callus formation compared to other treatments. These findings underscore the potential of Aloe vera as an effective, organic rooting supplement, offering a sustainable alternative for Baobab propagation. It is recommended that further exploration to optimized supplement combinations, concentrations, and biochemical mechanisms should be carried out to enhance Vegetative propagation.
