Maize production plays vital roles in food security and income of many farmers, but poor soil fertility poses significant challenge to yield, irrespective of the cropping system. This field study was setup as split plot in two alternate cropping seasons (September 2021 and April 2022) with mono- and inter-cropping systems as main plots, and seven treatments as sub-plots (Control, chemical–NPK + Lamida gold(Insecticide), Tithonia diversifolia–Ti + Piper guineense–Pi, Plant growth-promoting bacteria–PGPB + Endophytic fungi–EF, EF + Pi and PGPB + EF + Ti + Pi). The consortium of PGPB + EF + Ti + Pi significantly (P < 0.001) enhanced maize yield by 41.4

Chemical fertilizer improves crop productivity, but indiscriminate blanket application can degrade soil fertility and distort nutrient balances. This study was organized around two connected soil fertility management components. Firstly, a simplified site-specific nutrient-gap formula was developed from measured soil nutrient stock, bulk density, sampling depth and crop nutrient demand and used to benchmark existing blanket nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer recommendations for maize on the volcanic soils of Buea, Cameroon. Secondly, a field trial was conducted to evaluate a formula-derived P-fertilizer rate on soybean and economic performances in an integrated approach with microbial amendments. Maize benchmarking revealed that blanket fertilizer rates were either oversupplied with 17.2% N and 69.2% K or undersupplied at 14.7% and 41%. Field validation of the formula-derived P-rate on soybean revealed that the prescribed P-fertilizer rate with or without microbial amendments jointly influenced rhizosphere activities, soybean yield and profitability. Beneficial microbes, P-rates and microbes & lowast;P-rates significantly influenced plant-available P in soybean rhizosphere, soybean nodulation, AMF root colonization, soybean yield and profitability. The formula-derived 58 kg P ha-1 enhanced available P and nodulation under Bradyrhizobium + Kosakonia + AMF, promoted AMF symbiosis and functionality, produced the highest soybean grain yield (1.2 t ha-1) and increased net income by 35.5% relative to blanket lower and higher rates of 29 and 87 kg P ha-1, respectively. These findings demonstrate agronomic and economic benefits of soil test-based nutrient-gap formula-guided fertilization strategy over blanket fertilizer approach that is either over- or underapplied. Overall, this study offers a cautious, field-grounded basis for using soil test nutrient-gap estimates to guide fertilizer management in low-input subsistence farming systems.

Mealybug causes sooty mould on banana leading to high rejection in international markets with significant economic losses, which was resolved using chlorpyriphos treated bags until 2019 when chlorpyriphos insecticide was banned. A field study demonstrated efficacy of biopesticides against mealybug infestation, but the mode of action was uncertain. This laboratory leaf-dip and topical bioassays were conducted to investigate mortality and repellency potentials of Beauveria bassiana fungus and Kosakonia radicincitans bacterium on mealybug Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Treatments comprised biopesticides (Beauveria and Kosakonia), neem-based botanicals (Orgamix and Rata®), chemical insecticides (Pyriforce® –Chlopyriphos-ethyl, Calixine Super® – Acetamipride and Bifenthrine, Parastar® EC40 – Imidachlopride and Lambda-cyhalothrin), and control (tap water). For leaf-dip bioassay, mealybug mortality varied significantly (P < 0.05) after 72 h, with 100% for Calixine Super®, Rata® and Kosakonia, followed by 90% for Pyriforce®, Parastar® EC40 and Orgamix, and 70% for Beauveria. Significant (P < 0.05) variation in mealybug mortality also occurred for topical bioassay, with 100% for Pyriforce® and Beauveria, 91% for Calixine Super® and Parastar® EC40, and 73% for Orgamix. Mealybug survival analysis indicates comparable effect of biopesticides and botanicals with chemical insecticides but the latter was more hazardous. In no-choice trial, Calixine Super® and Rata® exerted 100% repellency followed by Beauveria (94%), Pyriforce®, Orgamix (88%) and Kosakonia (75%). Pyriforce (81%) showed highest repellency in choice trial, followed by Kosakonia (69%). Overall, Beauveria and Kosakonia demonstrated mortality and repellency potentials against mealybugs, with Kosakonia-induced mortality highlighting an important mode of action that was not previously reported, which can guide integrated pest management practices.

Poor soil fertility is a major crop production constraint, which is commonly resolved using chemical fertilizers that may eventually cause deleterious effects on the environment. Alternatively, poultry manure and vermicompost can serve as sustainable options to improve soil and crop performance. This field study at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea in Cameroon, aimed to evaluate the fertilizer value of poultry manure and vermicompost, their influence on earthworm population, and yield of sweet bitter-leaf (Vernonia hymenolepis). The trial was established as randomized complete block design with six treatments (untreated control, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC), PM + NPK, and VC + NPK. The content of N, P and K in vermicompost was significantly (P < 0.05) higher by 82

Growing food insecurity can in part be attributed to a lack of diversity in arable crops, with most African countries now focused on the production of a few “green revolution crops”. Indigenous knowledge of traditional food types could hold the key to the genetic diversification of crop production systems. Wild yams are indigenous crops that have been relegated to the background. This study aimed to assess the state of knowledge in, and cultivation of, wild yams collectively called “Kumbu” by the Bakweris of the Mount Cameroon Region. Following reconnaissance surveys, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 583 interviewees across 41 villages in this region. Data were analysed in the SPSS version 21 statistical package with significance at α = 0.05 where necessary. Results showed that the study population was fairly balanced in terms of gender (SD = 0.534), with males representing 56.8% of the sample. A majority of the interviewees (53.3%) were married, and most had received at least primary education (85.2%). Most (61.6%) of the interviewees do not cultivate Kumbu due to a lack of available seeds (69.3%) and a preference for other yams (30.7%). Of those who cultivate Kumbu (38.4% of the interviewees), a majority (89.6%) have less than five stands of Kumbu. The different names (10) and types (13) of Kumbu could represent linguistic polymorphism, requiring further studies for proper identification. A majority (68.1%) of the interviewees had no idea of the differences between Kumbu types. Agronomic practices, pests, and disease management reported for Kumbu are similar to those of other mainstream yam types. We conclude that the state of knowledge on Kumbu in the Mt Cameroon Region is limited and on the decline. Bringing Kumbu production to the mainstream requires research on molecular taxonomy, propagation techniques, and agronomic practices for better yields.

Pest infestation can severely affect soybean productivity, and synthetic pesticides are frequently used to control crop damage, which may cause deleterious effects on the environment and humans, while their misuse can lead to pest resistance. This study evaluated the potential of locally produced bio-inoculants of microbial and plant origins to control bean leaf beetle and pod borer pests, and the impact on soybean growth and biomass production as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides in Buea – Cameroon. Experiments were conducted in August 2021 and repeated on the same plots in April 2022 to compare performance across seasons, while a new site was used in April 2023 to confirm the effectiveness of treatments in similar seasonal conditions. Experiments were established as Randomized Complete Block Design, with thirteen treatments and four replications. Treatments include control–no input, chemical (NPK fertilizer+Lamida gold insecticide), plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB1)+endophytic fungi (EF), PGPB2+EF, PGPB1+Piper extract (P), PGPB2+P, Rhizobium (R)+P, R+EF, Mucuna extract (M)+P, M+EF, PGPB1+M+EF+P, PGPB2+M+EF+P, and M+R+EF+P. Results show similar performance of bio-inoculants from microbial or plant origin and synthetic chemicals in reducing beetle infestation, severity and damage by 15–75%, leading to significantly (P [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(4.000): 480-493]

Soil fertility constraints for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production are often resolved using chemical fertilizers, but microbial inoculants can be used as a sustainable option/complement. Microbial inoculant formulation was tested on common bean in a randomized-complete-block-design field experiment with eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments included no input(control), chemical fertilizer(NPK), poultry manure(PM), Microbial inoculants(MI), NPK + PM, NPK + MI, PM + MI, and NPK + PM + MI. Microbial inoculant treatment had the highest fertilizer replacement value (proportion of chemical fertilizer that an alternative input can substitute) relative to poultry manure(41.6%) and chemical fertilizer(26.7%). The highest bean yield(3.46 tons ha-1) that was observed in the NPK + PM + MI treatment was significantly (P < 0.001) different from the microbial inoculant treatment(1.71 tons ha-1) and the control(1.42 tons ha-1). The highest 1000-grain weight (494 g) that occurred in NPK + PM + MI inoculant treatment was significantly (P < 0.05) different from the MI(457 g), NPK(448 g), PM(436 g), and control(421 g) treatments. Effective root nodules correlated positively (P < 0.05) with bean yield (r = 0.77) and 1000-grain weight (r = 0.90). Application of NPK + PM + MI had higher nodule number (9) and effectiveness than the control (2). Soil pH (6.6) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NPK + PM + MI than MI + PM (6.5), control (5.5) and NPK (5.0). Soil nitrogen and available phosphorus increased significantly (P < 0.05) in NPK + PM + MI 0.25% and 8.68 mg/kg, respectively, than the control(0.13% and 6.31 mg/kg), while higher potassium(2.80 cmol/kg) occurred in NPK than control(1.70 cmol/kg). These findings highlight the potential to explore the ability of bio-inoculant to boost root nodulation, enhance soil macro-nutrients, and modulate soil pH in bean production systems.

Locally produced bio-inoculant consortium and plant bioactive extract were studied as sustainable management options to boost maize production. The field study was conducted from 13th April to 15th July 2021 and repeated on another field site from 5th May to 4th August 2023 to avoid residual effects while validating reliability of the treatments. Experiments were set up as randomized complete block design with 5 treatments including a Control (No input), Chemical (NPK fertilizer + synthetic insecticide), Organic (Poultry manure + Piper guineense), and locally produced or commercial bio-inoculant of plant growth-promoting bacteria, with 4 replicates. Local inoculum significantly (P < 0.05) increased maize grain yield than untreated control. Microbial and organic amendments produced comparable maize grain yield to chemical input, which were significantly higher than the untreated control (P < 0.05). The local inoculum reduced fall armyworm (FAW) infestation of maize cobs by 18

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) fermentation methods can reduce the eventual fufu yield, while storage affects shelf-life and consumer acceptability. This study investigated effects of five cassava fermentation methods on fufu yield, and five storage methods on microbial load, sensory qualities and consumer acceptability of fufu. Fresh cassava roots were peeled, weighed and subjected to different fermentation methods for 5 days (e.g., tap water changed daily or every 2 days, tap water without change, borehole water without change, and tap water + bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina). The pH, temperature, total dissolved solids and turbidity of cassava fermentation effluent were measured daily for 5 days. Cassava fufu was stored at 0°C, 4°C, dried, in air-tight buckets and low-density polythene (LDPE) bags, and total titratable acid, pH, bacterial and fungal loads and consumer acceptability were evaluated weekly. A nine-point hedonic scale was used to assess consumer acceptability of fufu based on colour, dark spots, caking and odour. The highest fufu yield occurred in fermentation with tap water + bitterleaf (84%) and borehole water (82%) compared to when water was changed after 2 days (42%) and daily (38%). For storage at 4°C, 0°C, oven-dried, LDPE bags, and air-tight buckets in LDPE bags, respectively, bacterial load increased from 4 × 106 CFUs/mL at the start to 73, 32, 29, 145 and 85 × 106 CFUs/mL at week 4, while fungal load increased from 6 × 106 CFUs/mL at the start to 66, 32, 26, 96 and 89 × 106 CFUs/mL at week 4. Storage at 0°C and drying exhibited high consumer acceptability of cassava fufu compared to LDPE and air-tight buckets.

Banana (Musa spp.) production is source of food, income and foreign exchange, but banana mealybug (Pseudococcus elisae) infestation is a major production constraint that was only highlighted in 2007 following rejection of banana from Cameroon Development Cooperation (CDC) in international markets. Increased banana rejection with the ban on chlorpyrifos insecticide-treated bags in 2019, requires insights on the current status of banana rejection and relevant policies. In order to advance evidence-based debates on policy implications of chlorpyrifos ban on banana trade, we explored secondary data from CDC at prechlorpyrifos ban (PreCB; 2014-2016) and postchlorpyrifos ban (PostCB; 2020-2022). Thereby, providing situational insights on impacts of mealybug infestation at CDC farms on market rejection of banana and financial losses in PreCB and PostCB. This will facilitate relevant policy formulations that can enable adaptation to current and future shocks on pesticide use and banana trade. Findings revealed no banana rejection due to mealybug infestation in at least 2 months of PreCB years, whereas banana was rejected in all 12 months of PostCB years. Rejection of banana bunches due to mealybug infestation increased by 6-folds in PostCB with the highest in February 2021 and January 2022. Monthly financial loss resulting from mealybug infestation differed significantly (p < 0.029) between PreCB (similar to US$3100) and PostCB (similar to US$7600). Besides market rejection of banana and economic losses due to mealybug infestation, business rating and reputation of CDC are downgraded, highlighting the urgent need for policy initiatives to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, and promote sustainable alternative management options.

1. The banana mealybug Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is a pest of economic importance in Cameroon that requires effective control practices, especially after the routinely used chlorpyrifos insecticide was banned in 2019. For effective mealybug control, it is imperative to understand their ecology in relation to banana growth stages and climate-induced seasonal variations. Therefore, the influence of climatic variables and banana growth stages on a spatio-temporal distribution of mealybugs in Esuke and Benoe banana plantations of the Cameroon Development Corporation in Tiko was assessed. 2. A 60-ha area was mapped in each plantation and divided into 12 plots of 5 ha each, which were further sub-divided into four quadrants of 1.25 ha. A total of 10 banana suckers, 10 pre-flowering, 10 flowering and 10 bunchy plants were sampled per quadrant. 3. Monthly mealybug population dynamics were assessed across 2 years in 2021 and 2022 on lower or upper pseudostem, leaves and banana bunches. 4. Significant yearly and monthly mealybug population variation on banana plants were observed, with more mealybugs in 2022 than 2021, and two monthly mealybug peaks in February and November (p < 0.001). Mealybug population was higher on banana bunches and lower or upper pseudostem than on leaves (p < 0.001). Mealybugs preferred bunchy plants than suckers or pre-flowering and flowering plants, and exhibited clumped distribution with Taylor aggregation index (b) greater than one (p < 0.001). A simple linear regression revealed strong positive effects of high temperature on mealybug population ecology, while relative humidity and rainfall had inverse effects on the population of mealybug. 5. These highlight the dynamics of banana mealybug population ecology under variable climatic conditions and banana growth stages, which provides valuable baseline information to facilitate developing effective control strategies for mealybugs in banana plantations.

Maize productivity is frequently hampered as a result of poor soil fertility, insect pests, weed infestations and agronomic management in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how integrated nutrient-pest management and planting geometry affected fall armyworm, stem borer, weed infestation, and maize growth performance. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with planting geometry as the main plot and nutrient-pest management strategies as subplots with three replications at Buea, Cameroon, from August to December 2022. Planting geometry significantly influenced weed infestation and maize growth performance but did not affect the incidence and severity of fall armyworm and stem borer. Planting one plant per stand at 25 cm intra-row spacing significantly reduced weed density by 11%, weed biomass by 14%, and increased maize ear formation by 5% as compared to planting two plants per stand at wider spacing. Chem + Org + Bio treatment significantly reduced maize grain damage incidence and severity by fall armyworm and stem borer by an average of 13% and 14%, respectively, as compared to chemical treatment alone. The use of an integrated Chem + Org + Bio nutrient-pest management strategy with planting one plant per stand at 25 cm intra-row spacing is the best and most effective method to reduce fall armyworm, stem borer, and weed infestation, reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and improve maize productivity in a sustainable way.

Fertilizers influence biochemical interactions in the rhizosphere that can affect crop performance. This study evaluated the interaction of plantain (Musa × paradisiaca) growth with soil pH, acid phosphatase and urease activities under different fertilizer amendments in Buea with mono-modal and Akonolinga with bi-modal rainfall patterns in Cameroon. The two experiments were setup in June 2021 following a randomized complete block design with NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), bio-inoculant consortia (plant growth-promoting bacteria – PGPB, Beauveria, Trichoderma, PGPB + Trichoderma), and untreated control, with four replications each. Soil samples were collected on 30th September 2021 and 30th April 2022 for analyses of soil physico-chemical and biological properties. Higher plantain performance occurred in Buea than Akonolinga across samplings, while treatments modulated plantain performance. Significant correlations occurred between plantain height or stem girth with rhizosphere pH, acid phosphatase and urease activities. The soil in Akonolinga is clayey with 38 % higher clay content than Buea, while Buea was clay-loamy with two times more silt than Akonolinga. The pre- and post-planting soil pH in Buea were strongly acidic as compared to extremely acidic soil in Akonolinga, with significant variation of post-planting pH across treatments, sampling time, and field sites. The positive correlation of soil pH, acid phosphatase and urease activities with plantain growth strongly indicate functional relationships that highlight fertilizer effects, sampling time or site-specific variations, and their interactions on plantain performance. Thereby, highlighting the role of locally formulated bio-inoculants in improving crop performance. These findings open up avenues for further studies on the role of bio-inoculants on crop nutrient uptake, and control of crop pests and diseases, in order to promote a holistic management approach that integrates bio-inoculants, crop type, and site-specific factors.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is often transformed locally into a wet fermented mash called fufu in western Africa by unskilled individuals with risk of contamination and reduction of its shelf-life, but information on the microbial status of stored fufu is scarce and preservation techniques are inadequate. We investigated microbial development on fufu and the potential of sodium benzoate as a preservative to increase the shelf-life and quality of stored fufu. Fufu samples from four (Muyuka, Bolifamba, Melong and Lelem) localities in Cameroon were treated with sodium benzoate and stored at room temperature in the laboratory for 8 weeks. Morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques were employed to assess microbial development on stored fufu, while the acceptability of stored fufu was evaluated on a 9-point hedonic scale. A total of six bacterial species were identified on fufu, including four pathogenic (Actinobacter, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas auruginosa, and Pseu-domonas plecoglossicida) and two non-pathogenic (Chryseobacterium sp. and Lactobacillus ceti). Five fungal species were identified, including four pathogenic (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penincillium chrysogenum and candida albicans) and one low virulent pathogenic fungus (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Multivariate analysis revealed significant effect of sodium benzoate and storage duration on bacterial and fungal counts, while the interaction of sodium benzoate and field sites additionally affected fungal count. Bacterial count increased significantly in untreated fufu by 69%, 45.7%, 30.8% and 55%, respectively, for Muyuka, Bolifamba, Melong, and Lelem compared to sodium benzoate treatments. Fungal count also increased significantly in untreated fufu, by 32%, 22.4%, 24.3% and 50%, respectively, for Muyuka, Bolifamba, Melong, and Lelem compared to treated fufu. After six weeks storage, treated fufu was still acceptable with 5.33 hedonic score and low microbial counts, while untreated fufu was completely unacceptable with 2.3 hedonic score and high microbial counts, which highlights the potential of sodium benzoate as preservative for fufu.

•Locally produced bio-fertilizer increased the soil nitrogen content compared to the control.•Manure amendment enhanced earthworm abundance compared to the control and NPK fertilizer.•Maize grain weight increased for treatments with manure, microbes and NPK compared to the control.•The protein content in maize grains increased for the treatment that incorporates NPK, manure and microbes.

The banana mealybug (Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius) causes significant economic losses to banana production. Prior to the 2019 ban of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos use in commercial banana production systems due to high chlorpyrifos residue levels on banana fruits, chlorpyrifos-treated exclusion bags were commonly used to mitigate mealybug infestation on banana bunches and fingers. Short- and long-term effects of 2 beneficial microbes (Beauveria bassiana and Kosakonia radicincitans), 2 neem-based botanicals (Orgamix and Rata®), 3 chemical insecticides Pyriforce® (Chlorpyriphos-ethyl), Calixine Super® (Acetamipride and Bifenthrin), and Parastar EC40® (Imidachlorpride and Lambda-cyhalothrin), and tap water (Control) were evaluated on mealybug in a newly established and 5-year-old banana farms. Mealybug sampling was conducted for three months after each insecticide application and their population dynamics was calculated using Mann-Kendall trend statistics (S). For the 5-year-old banana farm, except the control, all treatments caused significant (P < 0.05) short-term reduction in mealybug population from pre-treatment application to 5 days in March, July and November samplings. Mealybug population reduction in March was greater than 90% for Calixine Super®, Orgamix and Beauveria, and between 80% and 90% for Kosakonia, Rata and Parastar EC40® (P < 0.05). A similar trend was recorded in July and November, with a higher reduction for Beauveria (52.08%) in July. An increasing linear mealybug trend was observed between March and June (S was positive, P > 0.05) across all treatments, while Orgamix and Rata® caused downward trend between July and October. A downward mealybug trend occurred for Parastar EC40® (S = −1), Rata® (S = −3), Beauveria (S = −6) and Kosakonia (S = −3) between November and January. Biorationals effectively reduced mealybug populations better than chlorpyrifos, while beneficial microbes and neem-based botanicals demonstrated long-term potency on mealybug.

The study examined the problem of excessive postharvest losses (PHLs) of Malay apples due to inadequate postharvest handling, which is hindering the growing demand for the fruit. The study surveyed 160 growers and 40 traders using semi-structured questionnaires to assess postharvest handling practices and propose storage techniques in the Mount Cameroon Region. Data were obtained via face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Also, the effects of control (no application), hot water dip, 1-MCP, and Aloe vera gel treatments on the quality of Malay apples stored at room temperature for 24 days were examined using a completely randomised design. Chi-square results showed a significant (p< 0.05) association between sociodemographic factors [gender (chi 2 = 25.004, p = 0.050), educa-tional level (chi 2 = 63.797, p = 0.034), and farming experience (chi 2 = 48.87, p = 0.047)] and PHLs. Results showed that inadequate postharvest handling was leading to excessive PHLs, and appropriate postharvest techniques were necessary to maintain the fruit's quality and reduce losses. Significant differences were observed among harvesting, transportation and storage methods, packaging materials, and marketing methods, with harvest and storage showing higher PHLs of 40% and 35%, respectively. The study also found that 1-MCP and Aloe vera were effective in extending the storage life of Malay apples while maintaining quality. The study concluded that growers and traders should adopt proper postharvest techniques in their operations, including handpicking, and application of 1-MCP or Aloe vera gel coating to reduce PHLs and maintain fruit quality for 12 days. Overall, the study highlights the importance of better postharvest handling practices and storage tech-niques to reduce postharvest losses and improve the supply chain's efficiency. Future research could explore the applicability of these findings on other fruits and geographical locations, and investigate the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of these treatments.