Agro-ecological Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Performance of Soybean Genotypes under Rhizobia Inoculation across Three Agro Ecologies of Nigeria

There is need to improve soybean yield potentials per unit area in the tropics, at least to the world average productivity level. To achieve this, attention has to be paid to the selection of high yielding and stable genotypes through plant breeding improvement programmers. Twenty four soybean lines were investigated across three agro ecological zones in Nigeria to determine their productivity. In each of the sites, the experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters.

Assessment of population structure and genetic diversity study of landraces and elite rice varieties commonly grown in Nigeria

A set of 21 rice genotypes including both elite varieties and landraces were characterised based on their population structure using genomic simple sequence repeat (gSSR) markers. A model-based method was used to delineate clusters of individuals based on their genotypes at multiple loci using a Bayesian approach. The population structure analysis separated the 21 genotypes into 3 sub-populations and the grouping were consistent with the ancestral heritage of most of the genotypes whose pedigree is known. Whereas, further clustering analysis based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), separated the 21 genotypes into 5 clusters. The reason for the disparity in the number clusters may be because of the different grouping methods. The knowledge obtained from both population structure and genetic diversity of the selected rice genotypes is an important contribution to future development of rice varieties for deferent agro-ecological zones in Nigeria.

Nutrient management in maize-sesame intercropping system

Two field experiments were conducted in early cropping season of 2015 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria and at Onitinrin village, about 15 kilometres away, to evaluate the effect of organic, inorganic fertilizer and their combinations on the growth and yield performance of maize and sesame intercrop and to determine the appropriate combination rates of organic-based fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer for sustainable high crop yields of maize and sesame intercrop grown in the Sothern Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological Zone of Nigeria. The treatments consisted of different percentages of tithonia compost and inorganic fertilizer applied in combinations or alone, laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Generally, significantly higher maize yield was obtained in treated plots than control. Sesame yield from T3-50 kg N/ha (from urea fertilizer)+197.5 kg N/ha (from tithonia compost) and T5-75 kg N/ha (from urea fertilizer)+98.75 kg N/ha (from tithonia compost) applied plots was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the others in Onitinrin village. For maize/sesame intercrop at Teaching and Research Farm, any of the fertilizer treatment combinations can be applied.

Field evaluation of extra early maize varieties in two agro ecological zones of Nigeria

Low yield of maize has been attributed to low soil N since maize requires high Nitrogen for optimum productivity Field study was conducted in the late season of at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Research Farms in Ibadan forest savanna transition and Mokwa southern guinea savanna zones to evaluate the effects of split Nitrogen fertilizer application on growth and yield of extra early maize The experimental arrangement was x factorial fitted into Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated four times Five extra early maize varieties and eight rates of Nitrogen fertilizer were used in all treatment Data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to Analysis of Variance procedure and significant means were separated using Duncan rsquo s Multiple Range Test at p lt Results showed that maize variety TZEE W DT STR at both locations had significant higher number of leaves plant height leaf area cob dried yield and grain yield at both locations Split application of N fertilizer of kg N ha as at and WAS produce significantly p lt higher grain weight grain yield and dried cob yield at Mokwa and Ibadan respectively The control plot produced significantly reduced dried cob and grain yield in Mokwa and Ibadan by and respectively compared to the best rate of split N application Mokwa Southern guinea savanna zone proved to be a favorable location for higher yield of extra early maize varieties The study concluded that application of N in two split doses at and WAS as kg N ha on extra early maize is recommended for achieving optimum grain yield in both locations The TZEE W DT STR is the best variety in terms of growth and yield of maize at the two locations and is hereby recommended

Farmers\u2019 choice of genotypes and trait preferences in tropically adapted chickens in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

This study aimed at determining chicken genotypes of choice and traits preference in chicken by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Data were obtained from a total of 2063 farmers using structured questionnaires in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Chi square (χ2) statistics was used to explore relationships between categorical variables. The mean ranks of the six genotypes and twelve traits of preference were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H (with Mann–Whitney U test for post hoc separation of mean ranks), Friedman, and Wilcoxon signed-rank (with Bonferroni’s adjustments) tests. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) was used to assign farmers into groups. Gender distribution of farmers was found to be statistically significant (χ2 = 16.599; P ≤ 0.002) across the zones. With the exception of Shika Brown, preferences for chicken genotypes were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) influenced by agro-ecological zone. However, gender differentiated response was only significant (P ≤ 0.01) in Sasso chicken with more preference by male farmers. Overall, FUNAAB Alpha, Sasso, and Noiler chicken were ranked 1st, followed by Kuroiler (4th), Shika Brown (5th), and Fulani birds (6th), respectively. Within genotypes, within and across zones and gender, preferences for traits varied significantly (P ≤ 0.005 and P ≤ 0.01). Traits of preference for selection of chicken breeding stock tended towards body size, egg number, egg size, and meat taste. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficients of traits of preference were significant (P ≤ 0.01) and ranged from 0.22 to 0.90. The two PCs extracted, which explained 65.3% of the variability in the dataset, were able to assign the farmers into two groups based on preference for body size of cock and hen and the other ten traits combined. The present findings may guide the choice of appropriate chicken genotypes while the traits of economic importance may be incorporated into future genetic improvement and conservation programs in Nigeria.

Distribution and virulence of fungal species isolated from yam (Dioscorea spp.) tubers in three agroecological zones of Nigeria

Field surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the distribution and virulence of fungal isolates associated with tuber rot disease among yam (Dioscorea spp.) producing agroecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria. A total of 70 and 66 farmers’ fields were surveyed in 2012 and 2013, respectively among three yam species, Dioscorea rotundata, D. alata and D. cayenensis. Fifteen rotted samples were randomly collected per each yam species in fourteen districts across the humid rainforest (HF), the derived savanna (DS) and the southern Guinea savanna (SGS) agroecologies. Twenty-one fungal species were isolated in the HF, 18 species in the DS and 16 in the SGS. The highest rot severity was in HF agroecology in the D. rotundata which varied from 27.2% to 65.7% in 2012 and from 21.1 to 57.4% in 2013, while the SGS agroecology had the least severity. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most virulent pathogen with lesion diameter of 26.8–42.1 mm at 14 days after inoculation. Findings provide baseline information for the formulation of management strategies for yam tuber rot disease in Nigeria.

Genetic variability and diversity in okra landraces using agromorphological traits and seed elemental minerals

ABSTRACTOkra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] landraces found in Nigeria are being examined as sources of genetic variation offering potential to improve agro-morpho-nutritional traits and broaden the gene pool. Objectives of this investigation were to: (1) assess variability of agro-morpho-nutritional traits in okra landraces sourced from five agroecological zones in Nigeria, and (2) estimate divergence among the germplasm. The landraces were evaluated in field experiments over a period of 2 years at the research farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and Mahalanobis statistics were employed to study the diversity pattern. Differences existed for all evaluated traits among landraces. Genotypes NGB00378b, NGB00297, NGB00347, NGB00293, and NGB00350 combined high seed mineral concentrations with high yield potential. A genotype × year interaction was present, as reflected by relatively low broad-sense heritability (<30%) and genetic advance (GA) (<10%) for pod yield and pod width (PDW), which limits potential for improvement. Heterosis breeding could be effectively used to improve K and Mg, as these traits expressed high variation and broad-sense heritability coupled with moderate GA. Using D2 divergence analysis, landraces were separated into seven distinct clusters, with no phylo–agroecological pattern of diversity. Based on the present study, selection for a trait in 1 year may not provide the same benefit in other years due to year-to-year fluctuations in environmental conditions, evaluation in more than 1 year is required.

Genetic Variations, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies among Okra Accessions grown in different Agro-ecological Zones in Nigeria

Genetic Variations, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies among Okra Accessions grown in different Agro-ecological Zones in Nigeria

A Rule-Based Expert System for Pest Control in Maize Plant.

Maize crop (Zea Mays), also known as corn, is the most widely cultivated plant and popular cereal grains in Nigeria that had found its usage in every home either as food for human beings or feed for animals, and importantly, raw material for food processing industries. It grows across a range of agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. The incidence of crop pest had been one of the major challenges faced by the farmers, resulting in low yield of crop production, both in quality and quantity. Another major challenge is that majority of farmers lack key knowledge in identifying plant diseases. Awkwardly, such knowledge typically resides within a few experts and is not easily accessible to farmers. Farmers initially necessitate to useful advices for diagnosing the various pests and diseases confronting the crops, before being able to implement a suitable treatment or control measures. To make this knowledge more widely available, a rule-based Expert System (ES) was designed and implemented in this paper. The ES comprises of a diagnosis system that detects pest in maize plant; an information system that gives facts about maize and pests, with their control measures; and finally an expert advice on maize plant cultivation. To make the system more user-friendly, an image database was integrated with it. The system was developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and Bootstrap. The application can supply information on 17 pests that affect maize plant in Nigeria, and their respective treatments.

Assessment of Information Needs of Shea Butter Processors’ on Modern Processing Technologies in North Central Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria

To ensure sustainable shea butter production in North Central Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria using modern shea butter processing technologies necessitated this study. The major objective of the study was to identify the information needs of shea butter processors&amp;rsquo; on modern shea butter processing technologies whilst examining the respondents&amp;rsquo; socio-economic characteristics, ascertaining their awareness, areas of information needs, sources of information, and perception on the effect of inadequate information on modern processing technologies were the specific objectives. Primary data were collected from 216 processors&amp;rsquo; using multi-stage sampling procedure. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that most (90.3%) of the processors&amp;rsquo; were females, young and married with little or no formal education and having between 6 to 15 years of processing experience. Respondents obtained information mostly from fellow processors ( =70) and cooperative societies ( = 67). Perceived areas of information need include kneading ( = 89), crushing ( = 88), roasting ( = 85) and milling ( = 84). Perceived effects of inadequate information on modern processing technologies were low yield of shea butter ( = 78), low income ( = 76), and local use of local technologies ( = 71) and poor packaging of shea butter ( = 78). Respondents&amp;rsquo; sex (&amp;chi;2 = 22.076, 0.000), educational level (&amp;chi;2 = 86.983, 0.000) and years of processing experience (&amp;chi;2 = 22.076, 0.000) had significant association with their perception of information needs. Creation of awareness on modern shea butter processing technologies through the use of more radio programmes aired at appropriate time and the use of leaflets produced both in English and local languages is recommended.

Socio-economic factors impacting on maize productivity in contrasting agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

The study looked at the socio-economic factors impacting on maize productivity in contrasting agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. Two states namely Ekiti and Oyo were purposefully selected for the study because they are one of the highest producers of maize in the region. 240 maize farmers were interviewed for the study. The methods of data analysis included, descriptive statistics, budgeting technique and multiple regression model. The result of the analysis of socio-economic characteristics showed that farmers in the rainforest AEZ with mean age of 51.9 years were older than their counterparts in the Ssouthern Guinea Savanna Maize production was found to be more profitable in the rainforest AEZ compared to the Southern Guinea Savanna AEZ. Farm sizewhich was significant at 1%nwas found to be one of the socio-economic variables that determined the productivity of maize in the Southern Guinea Savanna of the study area. Lack of capital was observed to be the major constraint to maize production in the study area. The study recommends that maize farming can be encouraged among the youths by government at all levels by providing micro credit facilities at low interest rates.Keywords: Maize Farmers, Southern Guinea Savanna, Rainforest, Multiple Regression Model, Profitability

Effects of Iodine Agronomic Bio- fortification on selected Physiological Characteristics of Cassava in Calabar, Southeastern Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted between November 2011 and May 2014 at the Crop Science Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar, (Southeastern rainforest agro-ecological zone of Nigeria) to determine the effectiveness of Iodine agronomic fortification of cassava. The field experiment was a 2x3x4 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design replicated three times, conducted using two cassava varieties,( TME 419 and TMS 30555); four iodine rates( 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0) kg/ha KI; applied at 8, 10 and 12 WAP. Physiological data were obtained by determination of Iodine content [in cassava tuber]; tuber cyanide content (HCN); Carbohydrate content of tuber; starch content of tuber and tuber protein contents. Iodine absorption and retention in cassava tuber flesh was significantly positively correlated with Iodine doses at the times of application (p0.05 and 0.01). TME 419 retained more Iodine in tissues than TMS 30555 and recorded highest correlation co-efficient at 10WAP. Iodine doses and time of application did not significantly control (P≥0.05) contents of cyanide, carbohydrate and starch in cassava tubers. Protein content was significantly varied in cassava varieties and rate and time of Iodine application influenced tuber protein content. TME 419 produced more tuber protein, Iodine doses of 2.5kg/ha KI and 0kg/ha KI had higher protein content than 5kg and 10kg/ha KI. Application at 8WAP and 10WAP were not significantly different. For favourable physiological cassava characteristics, 2.5kg/ha KI is recommended applied 10 weeks after planting (WAP).

Growth and yield variability of groundnut (&lt;i&gt;Arachis hypogaea&lt;/i&gt; L.) cultivars infected with cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus disease

Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea ) is a major legume crop with diverse uses in Nigeria. Its productivity is however threatened by Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in most groundnut producing areas, resulting in huge losses. This study was conducted to determine the resistance of some commercial groundnut cultivars under CABMV disease. The experiment was conducted in Minna, Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Twenty groundnut cultivars were evaluated separately as healthy and CABMV infected trials. The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. Seedlings were infected with the virus by mechanical inoculation at 10 days after sowing. The plants were observed for disease incidence, growth and yield attributes. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, principal component and cluster analyses at p≤0.05. One hundred percent infection was found regardless of the cultivar. The healthy plants exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher morphological and yield parameters than infected plants. Principal component analysis revealed that 100-seed weight accounted for the greatest variability in healthy (eigen vector = 0.6239) and CABMV infected (eigen vector = 0.6005) plants. Cluster analysis showed that 18 (90 %) cultivars formed cluster 1, whereas one cultivar each was found in cluster 2 and 3. The top three cultivars for 100-seed weight: “SAMNUT 23” (56.0 g), “SAMNUT 25” (50.5 g) and “SAMNUT 26” (50.9 g) were the most tolerant to CABMV, whereas “ICG-92267” was identified as the best cultivar for dry matter production (24.0 g/plant). Planting of these tolerant cultivars is recommended in order to mitigate the stresses imposed by CABMV. Keywords: disease incidence, principal components, clusters, groundnut

Assessment of the SOILWAT model for predicting soil hydro-physical characteristics in three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

Soil hydro-physical characteristics influence soil nutrients availability and consequently affect crop performance. However, field determination of these properties for effective management of water for irrigation is laborious, time consuming and expensive. Hence, this study was initiated to assess the performance of the SOILWAT model for the estimation of soil hydro-physical properties. A total of 180 disturbed and 120 undisturbed soil samples were collected from three agro-ecological zones (Savannah, Derived savannah and rainforest) in Nigeria. The samples were analyze for hydro-physical and chemical properties. Soil texture and salinity data were varied in the SOILWAT model (Version 6.1.52) to predict soil physical properties for the three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria, respectively. Measured and predicted values of field capacity, permanent wilting point and soil available water were compared using T-test at α.05. The prediction of soil textural class using the SOILWAT model was sufficiently accurate for the three agro-ecological zones. However, bulk density, maximum water holding capacity, permanent wilting point and soil available water showed significant (p < .05) differences between measured and predicted values, and there were positive relationships between SOILWAT values and the observed values. Thus, the SOILWAT model could be adopted for predicting soil texture and permanent wilting point for savannah, derived savannah and rainforest zones of Nigeria. Also, the inclusion of organic matter input, silt adjustment and addition of salinity in the various moisture characteristics relationships and equations could enhance its performance.

Comparative effect of organic fertilizers on growth and yield of long cayenne pepper in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria

The objective of this study was to improve the growth and yield of long cayenne pepper using 10 organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers including tithonia compost (TC), poultry manure from a battery cage (PMB), poultry manure from dip-litter (PMD), pacesetter organic fertilizer (POF), sunshine organic fertilizer (SOF), ayeye organic fertilizer (AOF), brewery waste (BW), cow dung (CD), oil palm bunch ash (OPBA), cocoa pod husk (CPH) were collected at some specific locations in Oyo, Osun and Ondo States of Nigeria. The experiment was a 2?11 factorial experiment fitted into a randomized complete block design consisting of 10 organic fertilizers and the control at two locations (Ibadan and Ogbomoso) in 2008. The dosage of 130 kg N ha-1 of each of organic fertilizer was applied one week before transplanting. Six-week-old pepper seedlings were transplanted into a plot of 3m?2m (6m2) with one seedling per hill. Growth and yield data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference (LSD) at p&lt;0.05 was used to compare the means. The results of the experiment reveal that the overall macronutrient content of the ten evaluated organic fertilizer sources was presented in the following order: SOF&gt;OPBA=CPH&gt;AOF&gt;TC&gt;POF&gt;PMB=CD&gt;BW&gt;PMD. All the organic fertilizers more significantly enhanced the growth and yield of pepper than the control. The best three organic fertilizers at both locations in terms of fruit length were TC=SOF=PM. Fruit size at Ogbomoso was relatively bigger than that of Ibadan. The total fruit yield was highest under TC, SOF, PM and PMD at both locations. In conclusion, variations existed in the nutrient composition of the organic fertilizer. Meanwhile, TC, PMB, PMD and SOF were significantly similar in their ability to improve pepper yield. Moreover, PMB, TC and SOF significantly enhanced the vegetative growth of pepper.

Insecticidal Activities of Five Medicinal Plant Materials against Callosobruchus Maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Infesting Cowpea Seeds in Storage

Powders from five elite plant materials (nutmeg, Myristica fragrans; red hot chilli pepper, Capsicum annuum; ginger rhizome, Zingiber officinale; black pepper, Piper nigrum and alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta) at 1.5 % w/w concentration were assessed against cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus infestations on stored cowpea seeds under laboratory environmental conditions in three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria by members of the Research Group. The conventional synthetic insecticide, permethrin was included as standard check, while untreated seeds served as the control. Adult mortality, oviposition rate and adult emergence were the indices considered in the experiments. For the first three days of exposure, black pepper (P. nigrum) powder caused the highest percentage mortality (68.8, 78.0 and 83.8 % respectively) of the bruchid adults and differed significantly (P

Serum Biochemistry Reference Intervals of &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt; Farmed in Earthen Pond Systems in the Southern Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria

The monitoring of health in fish farms partly relies on the availability of exact serum biochemistry reference intervals as these data provides a base for the interpretation of tests to assess health status. Serum biochemistry reference intervals for Clarias gariepinus cultured in earthen pond system was established following evaluations of two hundred and forty healthy fish sampled across eight farms. The S.B.R.I were: Total protein 31.22-42.11 g/dl in juveniles and 38.96-43.57 g/dl in adults; Albumin 6.72-10.21 g/dl in juveniles and 6.25-8.93 g/dl in adults; Globulin 8.39-50.83 in juveniles and 24.23-33.64 g/dl in adults; Alanine aminotransferase 12.55-23.65 IU/L in juveniles and 7.35-13.72 IU/L in adults; Aspartate aminotransferase 90.62-121.64 IU/L in juveniles and 83.41-101.62 IU/L in adults; Glucose 17.04-26.22 mg/dl in juveniles and 10.17-48.93 mg/dl in adults; Cholesterol 91.09-101.24 mg/dl in juveniles and 91.40-155.87 mg/dl in adults; HDL-cholesterol 9.17-29.01 mg/dl in juveniles and 19.27-29.01 mg/dl in adults. Other results include Lactate dehydrogenase 28.06-54.03 mg/dl in juveniles and Urea 1.96-4.11 mg/dl in juvenile fish. These data will serve as a tool for the monitoring of health and nutritional condition of Clarias gariepinus farmed in ponds at the Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria.

Evaluation of Selected Post-Emergence Herbicides for Weed Management in Maize at Different Agroecological Zones of Nigeria

Effects of some post-emergence herbicides on growth and yield of maize was studied at rainforest, (7 16 N, 5 12 E) and rainforest-savanna transition (7 31 N, 5 45 E) agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Atrazine at 3.0 g a.i/ha, nicosulfuron at 7.5 and 40 g a.i/ha, 2,4-D at 0.80 kg a.i /ha, and weedy check were laid out on the field in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab 17 statistical software. Treatments mean were separated using Turkey test (P= 0.05). Results revealed that herbicides reduce the effect of weed competition, thereby allowing crop to perform optimally. Excellent weed control by density, weed fresh weight and weed dry weight occurred with nicosulfuron treatments, followed by 2,4-D and atrazin. However, atrazine is more effective than 2,4-D in reducing weed growth in rainforest agro-ecology. Nicosulfuron was more effective for weed control than other herbicides in both agro-ecologies of Nigeria and was recommended for successful weed management.

Morphological and molecular identification of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Nigeria, West Africa: a threat to livestock health.

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was first reported in West Africa in Ivory Coast, in 2007. Since then it has made an aggressive eastward advancement having been reported in four other West African countries: Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo and Benin. We herein report the first molecular identification of this tick species in Nigeria, West Africa, and highlight the threat it poses to livestock health. A nation-wide tick survey was conducted in 12 out of 36 states across the various agro ecological zones of Nigeria over a 1year period (April 2014-March 2015). In total 1498 ticks belonging to three genera collected from cattle were morphologically identified. Overall, Amblyomma species constituted the highest percentage of sampled ticks, 50.2% (752/1498), followed by Rhipicephalus (including the subgenus Boophilus) species, 29.4% (440/1498) and Hyalomma species, 20.4% (306/1498). The presence of Rh. (B.) microplus was identified morphologically from four out of the12 states. This finding was confirmed for the first time in Nigeria using a molecular method targeting the ITS-2 region of the ticks in three of the 12 states. This study ascertained the presence of Rh. (B.) microplus in Nigeria in addition to a broad variety of cattle tick species, most of which are of veterinary importance. The implication of this finding is that there may be additional economic burden to livestock farmers due to increased cost of tick control occasioned by the acaricide resistance by this tick species widely reported from different climes. Additionally, there may be a potential upsurge in incidence of hemoparasitic infections in cattle leading to increased morbidity, cost of treatment and mortalities.

Heavy metal pollutants in selected organs of African giant rats from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria: evidence for their role as an environmental specimen bank.

An assessment of the concentration of heavy metals in the liver, brain, kidney, bone, and lungs of African giant rats (AGRs) from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria having different industrial activities was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Twenty adult AGRs from cities in mangrove/freshwater swamp, rainforest, and woodland/tall grass savanna agro-ecological zones of Nigeria were used for this study. AGRs were euthanized, carefully dissected, and the brains, liver, lungs, bone, and kidneys were harvested, digested, and analyzed for concentrations of vanadium (V), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). All data generated were evaluated for statistical significance using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple post-test comparison. Results showed the major environmental heavy metal pollutants of the mangrove/freshwater swamp to be vanadium and selenium while those of woodland/tall grass savanna agro-ecological zones were lead, selenium, and zinc. The vanadium concentration was more than twofold higher in the observed tissues of AGR from the mangrove/freshwater swamp, and this may be related to increased exploitation of minerals and the activities of militants in pipeline vandalization in this zone. Interestingly, the highest concentration of this metal was seen in the lungs suggestive of a respiratory route of exposure. Among the potential adverse effects derived from exposure to metals, developmental toxicity is a serious risk. This type of investigation can assist in knowing the level of animal and human exposure to environmental pollutants both in highly industrialized and non-industrialized areas and is more ideal in environmental monitoring. This study therefore suggests AGR as model for ecotoxicological research and environmental specimen banks (ESBs) in this part of Africa.