Agro-ecological Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Investigation of the Genetic Diversity of Selected Wild and Cultivated SorghumGermplasm Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Thirty-five (35), wild (5) and cultivated (30) Sorghum bicolor germplasms were collected from 5 different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Proteins were extracted from six weeks old fresh leaves (1.0 g) with 10ml of 0.85% (w/v) sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, filtered and followed by centrifugation at room temperature at 3,000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatants were employed for protein analyses on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. The protein concentrations of the cultivars from North East, North West, South and wild were not statistically different ( P < 0.05) but in the same range with those of cultivars from North Central agro-ecological zone. Analyses of proteins revealed a total of 141 protein bands produced by the cultivars, 21 % has relative molecular mass of 190kD, 24% (22kD), 21% (11kD) and 24% (10kD). However, proteins with 21kD and 26kD were specific to only cultivars from North Central and wild collections. The proportion of differentiated protein (Pp) ranged between 0.06 and 0.24 while the dendrogram constructs revealed little variation between the cultivated and wild sorghum accessions.

Growth Rate and Yield of Two Tomato Varieties (Lycopersicon esculentumMill) under Green Manure and NPK Fertilizer Rate Samaru Northern Guinea Savanna

Field experiments were conducted in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 dry seasons at the Research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru northern guinea savanna agro ecological zone of Nigeria to study growth rate and yield of tomato under green manure and NPK fertilizer rates. Treatment consisted of two tomato varieties (Roma VF and UC82B), four rates of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha−1), and three rates of green manure (0, 5, and 10 t ha−1), laid in a split-plot design with three replications. The variety and fertilizer constituted the main plot while green manure was allocated in subplot. Both varieties responded linearly in growth stages of 5 and 7 weeks after transplanting (WAT) on plant height, relative growth rate, and crop growth rate (CGR). However, UC82B proves superior over Roma VF on growth indices CGR at 5–7 WAT, net assimilation rate (NAR) at 7–9 WAT, and total fruit yield with 10.6% higher. Application of NPK fertilizer significantly increased growth such as plant height, crop dry weight, crop growth rate, and yield. Application between 250 and 280 kg ha−1NPK fertilizers was found efficient for total fruit yield.

Impact of Communal Violent Conflict on Farmer’s Livelihood Activities in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

In Nigeria there is hardly a year where there are no major violent conflicts. However, much has not been published on the quantitative impact of the conflicts on farmers’ livelihood the manager of crops, domesticated and wild life animals. Hence, this study tend to provide information for understanding how conflict handling styles employed by conflicting parties made most of the communal conflicts degenerate into destruction of farmers livelihood activities. Two violent communal conflicts ridden states one in rainforest and derive savannah region of Nigeria were purposively selected to reflect discrepancy in impact of the conflict on livelihood activities the means of generating livelihood in two main agro-ecological regions of Nigeria. Based on the conflict severity the two agro-ecological zones were stratified into core and outside conflict areas. Using farmers register as sampling frame work 60 and 67 farmers were randomly selected in core and outside violent conflict areas of rainforest and savannah zones respectively. Interview schedule instrument was used to collect data while frequency count, percentage t-test and ANOVA were statistical tools used for data analysis. The findings revealed that in Core Violent Conflict Area (CVCA) of rainforest and derived savannah areas 72.1% and 23.8% of the farmers were displaced from their farms respectively. Consequently tree (cocoa) crops production level were severely affected as reflected in lower ( 295) and higher mean ( 697) cocoa production level in tons recorded in CVCA and Outside Violent Conflict Areas (OVCA) respectively in rainforest areas. The severity of conflict impact was not reflected in derived savannah area because yam production level means gap in tons between CVCA ( 423.0) and OVCA ( 629) were very close. However, the savannah area felt the impact of the conflict on sheep and goat production because CVCA recorded lower mean ( 180) numbers of sheep and goats as against higher mean ( 2007) number of sheep and goat recorded in OVCA. The decline in production of sheep and goat could be attributed to conflict because majority (78.4%) of the farmers claimed that they have lost their productive land to conflict. Farmers’ means of generating livelihood activities such as crops production level, sheep and goat number produced were statistically different across conflict zones at P < 0.05 in rainforest and savannah zones. The conflict had severe impact on crops, sheep and goat production hence, a sustainable capacity building program, as a post conflict coping strategies should be organised for conflict victims.

Cost and Return Analysis of Ginger Production in the Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

The study focuses on the cost and return analysis of ginger production in the guinea savannah agro ecology of Nigeria. The study is aimed at highlighting the profitability of ginger production with a view to informing and influencing farmers and relevant stakeholders. The study was conducted at Kajuru, Kaduna state in the Guinea Savannah agro ecological zone of Nigeria, during the 2010 and 2011 planting seasons. The objectives of the study include: to estimate the cost and returns of ginger production, determine the returns cost ratio of cultivating one hectare of ginger in the study area. To achieve these, one hectare of farm land was planted out with the UG1variety of ginger, during 2010 and 2011 planting seasons. All agronomic practices were applied as recommended. Data were collected using the cost route approach on all the inputs used. Data analyses was carried out using the income statement to determine the gross return, total cost of production, profit and the returns cost ratio. The result shows that the total cost of cultivating a hectare of ginger in the area is ı677572.5, with a gross return of ı1,382,482. Also a returns cost ratio of 2.04:1 was obtained. This implies that ginger farming in the guinea savannah of Nigeria will attract 2.04 times the capital investment of the farmer. Among the various inputs, cost of labour (50.57%) and planting materials (30.38%) contributed higher to the total variable cost of production. It was therefore concluded that ginger production is a viable enterprise in the study area. The study recommended that ginger farmers should employ labour saving devices in their operations while some of them consider going into commercial seed ginger production using technologies developed by research Institutes.Key words: ginger, production, Nigeria, guinea, savannah

Assessment of Climate Change Adaptive Strategies in Small Ruminant Production in Rural Nigeria

Animals are intrinsically dependent on the environment, and any fluctuations in weather and climate can affect them through water and land changes, such as desertification, feed and water availability. Climate change will not only impact the health and welfare of animals, but also the more than a billion people who depend on them. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the adaptive measures used by rural farmers to alleviate the effect of climate change on small ruminant (sheep and goats) production in rural Nigeria. The target population for this study was all the small ruminant farmers in the five agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. A total of 300 respondents were interviewed using validated structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, means and percentage. The result shows that most (71.9%) of the respondents were adults between 20 and 50 years of age. About 35% keep sheep and goats together while others keep either of the species. The most preferred management system is semi-extensive system (64%). Majority (93.2%) of small ruminant farmers in the rural Nigeria were aware of what climate change is all about and about 54% of them had observed changes in climage through personal experience.Majority of them had also observed and attributed changes to effect of climate change on their flock. Majority of them have also used various strategies to combat climate change. Traditional health care and irrigation of pasture during dry season were not effective adaptive strategies to combat climate change.There is need to educate the farmers more on the possible effect of climate change through the use of radio and other extension organizations (government and non-governmental) on the current situation and implication of climate change on themselves and their animals

Spatio-tempora variation in cassava (Manihot sp.) in forest savannah eco-climatic zone of Nigeria

Multi-locational trials were conducted in four selected locations with the forest-savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria to investigate the spatial variability in the yield of cassava. In an attempt to compare the yield of cassava within the forest-savannah eco-climatic zone of Nigeria, four locations including Ibadan, Abeokuta, Akure and Oshogbo were selected for field trials. Four improved cassava cultivation (TMS 30572, TMS 91934, TMS 50395 and TMS 30555) were grown between 2009 and 2010 in these locations and harvested at 12 months after planting. Results obtained showed that there were significant differences in the yield of cassava in the four selected locations with Ibadan having the highest tuberous root per hectare among the four locations. TMS 30572 had the highest (52,964 t. ha-1) number of tuberous root per hectare among the four varieties of cassava planted. This study revealed that cassava yield decreased with increase in rainfall distribution in the forest-savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Key words: Cassava, tuberous root, spartial variability, rainfall distribution.

Morphological and microsatellite DNA diversity of Nigerian indigenous sheep

BackgroundSheep is important in the socio-economic lives of people around the world. It is estimated that more than half of our once common livestock breeds are now endangered. Since genetic characterization of Nigerian sheep is still lacking, we analyzed ten morphological traits on 402 animals and 15 microsatellite DNA markers in 384 animals of the 4 Nigerian sheep breeds to better understand genetic diversity for breeding management and germplasm conservation.ResultsMorphological traits of Uda and Balami were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Yankasa, which were both higher than West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed tail length, rump height, chest girth, ear length and chest depth as the most discriminating variables for classification. Mahalanobis distances show the least differentiation between Uda and Balami and the largest between WAD and Balami sheep. While 93.3% of WAD sheep were correctly assigned to their source genetic group, 63.9% of Yankasa, 61.2% of Balami and 45.2% of Uda were classified correctly by nearest neighbour discriminant analysis. The overall high Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) of all microsatellite markers ranged from 0.751 to 0.927 supporting their use in genetic characterization. Expected heterozygosity was high for all loci (0.783 to 0.93). Mean heterozygote deficiency across all populations (0.171 to 0.534) possibly indicate significant inbreeding (P < 0.05). Mean values for FST, FIT and FIS statistics across all loci were 0.088, 0.394 and 0.336 respectively. Yankasa and Balami are the most closely related breeds (DA = 0.184) while WAD and Balami are the farthest apart breeds (DA = 0.665), which is coincident with distance based on morphological analysis and population structure assessed by STRUCTURE.ConclusionsThese results suggest that within-breed genetic variation in Nigerian sheep is higher than between-breeds and may be a valuable tool for genetic improvement and conservation. The higher genetic variability in Yankasa suggests the presence of unique ancestral alleles reflecting the presence of certain functional genes which may result in better adaptability in more agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. These genetic characteristics are potentially useful in planning improvement and conservation strategies in Nigerian indigenous sheep.

Organic amendment of an ultisol: effects on soil properties, growth, and yield of maize in Southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract Background The Southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria is characterized by inherently low soil fertility status and rapid nutrient depletion especially soil organic matter. However, this zone is characterized by abundant agricultural land and is a potential for crop production. Field experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effects of integrated use of agricultural waste materials and compound mineral fertilizer on soil and plant nutrient status, growth, and yield of maize in ultisol in the Southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Results Application of organic waste alone and in combination with mineral fertilizer enhanced root and shoot biomass, leaf area development, and yield and components of maize. Treatment effects were significant on growth characteristics of maize (stem girth, leaf area, plant height and days to 50% tasselling, root and shoot biomass). Sole application of NPK fertilizer (400 kg/ha) was not significant over the combined use of poultry manure and NPK on girth, leaf area, and plant height. Mean values of stem girth, leaf area, and plant height ranged between 2.05 and 3.8 cm, 0.26 and 0.54 m2, and 84.7 and 209.4 cm, respectively. Root and shoot dry weights were highest under sole NPK application compared with plots where either sole wastes or wastes in combination with reduced NPK were application of NPK fertilizer (400 kg/ha) was not significant over combined use of poultry manure and NPK on stem applied. Integrated use of agricultural wastes and NPK also enhanced root and shoot dry weights compared with sole application of wastes as well as seed weight per plant, 100-seed weight, and number of seeds per cob and grain yield. Among the agricultural wastes applied, poultry manure enhanced the growth and seed yield characteristics of maize. This treatment increased the seed weight per plant, number of seeds per cob, 100-seed weight and seed yield by 55.6%, 66.5%, and 55.4%, respectively over Chromolaena and neem seed cake. Chromolaena and neem seed cake produced similar grain weight per plant, 100-seed weight, number of seed per cob, and seed yield. Poultry manure significantly enhanced the growth and seed yield characteristics of maize over Chromolaena and neem seed cake. Conclusions Integrated use of organic wastes and mineral NPK fertilizer showed promising potential for improving soil fertility, growth, and yield of maize in the Southern Guinea savanna agroecological zone of Nigeria. It is recommended that poultry manure at 7 t/ha plus NPK fertilizer at 200 kg/ha be adopted for maize cultivation in the study area.

Soil moisture dynamics under rainfed sorghum and soybean on contrasting tillage–mulch seedbeds in a mineral sandy loam at derived savanna of south-eastern Nigeria

Rainfall variability, often accompanied by high temperatures and soil drought, is a common problem of grain crop production by resource-poor farmers in Nsukka Agroecological Zone of Nigeria. The effects of no-till (NT), conventional tillage (CT), bare-fallow (B) and mulch (M) (combinations of which gave NTB, NTM, CTB and CTM) on moisture status of a sandy loam sole-cropped to sorghum and soybean at Nsukka were evaluated during the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. Sampling was carried out from 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–50 cm soil layers at 10±1-day intervals. Rainfall was more favourable in the first season than in the second. The effects of the tillage–mulch treatments were generally less distinct under sorghum than soybean. The profile moisture storage followed the order, NTM ≤ CTB ≤ CTM ≤ NTB under sorghum and NTB ≤ CTB ≤ NTM ≤ CTM under soybean. Moisture content tended to be higher with CT within the 0–20 cm layers, but with NT in the 30–50 cm soil layer under soybean. Higher moisture status due to mulch was evident under both crops. The soybean field maintained a higher soil moisture status than the sorghum field during the second season. The differing effects of the crops should be considered in years of erratic rainfall, especially when the next crop can benefit from the residual soil moisture.

Nutritional Variation in Fruits and Seeds of Pumpkins (Cucurbita Spp) Accessions from Nigeria

Fruits and seeds of Nineteen accessions of Cucurbita collected from three agro ecological zones of Nigeria were evaluated for their physical attributes, proximate values, minerals, vitamins and anti- nutritional factors. The result indicated that there was significant differences in the accessions for moisture content, crude fibre, ash, crude protein, fat and carbohydrate in the fruits (p 0.05). The moisture content ranged from 78.46 to 91.97% in the fruits while in the seeds, it ranged from 44.73 to 53.04%. The ash, crude fat and crude protein content was generally higher in the seeds than the fruit pulp indicating that the seeds are high in essential nutrients. The Nigerian accessions of Cucurbita species have low levels of tannin, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids but the hydrogen cyanide was high. The vitamin C content was high among the fruits and seeds while thiamine and riboflavin content was moderate. The variations observed among the accessions can be explained with the first four principal component axis which accounted for 84.5% of the total variations observed with crude fibre, moisture and crude protein being the most important contributing variables. Genetic component analysis showed that most of the traits had more genetic than non-genetic factors contributing to the variability which indicates that selection can be effective in the improvement of these traits. This was further validated by such traits such as ash, niacin, flavonoids and alkaloids having high heritability and high genetic advance which means that they can be improved by selection directly.

An Evaluation of the Productivity of Alagba Series for Upland Crops Production in the Humid Agro Ecological Zone Of Nigeria

Studies were carried out on Alagba series in the humid agro ecolocological zone of Nigeria to evaluate their productivity on the basis of their physicochemical properties. Soil constraints inherent in the soils which negatively impact on their productivity were scientifically identified. Thereafter, appropriate measures to ameliorate the constraints were proffered in order to enhance the productivity of the soils. Among the constraints identified were soil acidification, low effective cation exchange capacity and susceptibility to erosion due to the clayey texture throughout the profile. This kind of texture not only made the soils less productive for deep rooted crops but also caused difficulties in harvesting. Liming and the use of acid-tolerant species were appropriate measures to ameliorate the acidity constraints, while incorporation of organic materials into the soils in combination with liming were the appropriate measures to enhance the effective cation exchange capacity. Erosion control and maintenance of surface cover were to be given high priority, while tillage should be limited to only when soil was drier than the plastic limit. Soil organic carbon should be maintained or increased due to its role in many important soil properties that have a bearing on soil productivity.Keywords: Productivity, inherent soil constraints, Alagba Series, humid agroecological zone, Nigeria

Effect of Cattle Dung and Urea Fertilizer on pH and Cations of Soils Selected from Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria

Effect of Cattle Dung and Urea Fertilizer on pH and Cations of Soils Selected from Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria

FARO 45 to FARO 49: two early-maturing and three medium-maturing upland rice varieties released in Nigeria

Upland rice is grown on 30% of the 1.77 million ha planted to rice in Nigeria. In August 1996, the National Crop Variety Release Committee released two early maturing and three medium-maturing upland rice varieties for different agroecological zones in Nigeria. Their characteristics are shown in the table. FARO 45 is more suited to the northwestern and northeastern zones, while FARO 46 is recommended for all the five agroecological zones of the country. Both are harvested at around 100 d after seeding.

Analysis of Determinants of Farm Size Productivity among Small- Holder Cassava Farmers in South East Agro Ecological Zone, Nigeria

Aims: To examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers and determinants of farm size productivity among small-holder cassava farmers. Study design: Time series data. Place and Duration of study : The study was carried out in 2009 in the south-east agro ecological zone of Nigeria. April-June, 2009. Methodology : A multistage randomized sampling method was used in selecting four states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Cross River and then 240 cassava farmers in the area of study. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents. Information sought bordered on the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and input use. Analysis of data was carried out using log-linear regression model and descriptive statistics such as tables, percentages and mean. Results: The results revealed that farm size was negative and significant at 1% and productivity of cassava increases with hired labour which is positively correlated with productivity at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of mode of occupation was positively correlated to productivity at 5%. It signifies that full time farmers are more productive than part time farmers. Conclusion: The results have shown that there is an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity. This call for policies aimed at redistribution of land targeted towards giving land to small-holder farmers in order to improve productivity. Research Article

Combined Effect of Cattle Dung and Urea Fertilizer on Organic Carbon, Forms of Nitrogen and Available Phosphorus in Selected Nigerian Soils

Incubation experiment was conducted on four soil types in Nigeria using cattle dung (CD) at the rate -1 -1 of 2.5g/kg soil ( 5 t ha ), Urea fertilizer at the rate of 0.1g/kg soil ( 200 kg ha ) and cattle dung -1 (2.5g/kg soil) combined with Urea 0.05g/kg soil (100 kg ha ) as treatments. The objective of the experiment was to compare the rate of OC, NH 4 – N, NO3 – N and available P release on soils selected from different agro ecological zones of Nigeria. Ten soil samples were collected and bulked from each of the sandy clay, sandy loam, sandy clay loam and loamy sand soils from three different locations within each soil type. The soils were arranged on completely randomized design in laboratory for 60 days. All the treatments reacted differently in each of the soil type in relation to OC, total N, NH4 – N, NO3 – N and available P. In sandy clay and sandy loam soils, all the treatments significantly increased (p < 0.05) OC, total N, NH4 – N, NO3 – N and available P except OC in sandy loam compared with control. In sandy clay loam and loamy sand soils, all the treatments significantly increased (p< 0.05) NH4 – N, NO3 – N and available P. Among all the treatments, CD had the highest OC in all the soil textural classes,, urea had the highest NH4-N and NO3-N while CD + urea had the highest available P (except sandy clay). Cow dung had the highest P in sandy clay. Sand loam and sandy clay loam had highest total N but urea recorded highest value of N in sandy clay while urea+CD mineralized equal amount of total N

Genotype × Environment Interaction of Mosaic Disease, Root Yields and Total Carotene Concentration of Yellow-Fleshed Cassava in Nigeria

Twenty-one yellow-fleshed cassava genotypes were evaluated over two years in five major cassava growing agroecological zones in Nigeria. The trials were established in a randomized complete block design with four replications to assess genotype performance and Genotype × Environment interaction for cassava mosaic disease (CMD), fresh and dry root yield (FYLD; DYLD), root dry matter content (DMC), and total carotene concentration (TCC). Combined analysis of variance showed significant differences (P&lt;0.001) among genotypes (G), environment (E), and Genotype × Environment interaction (GE) for all the traits tested. For reaction to CMD, the best genotypes showing stable resistance were TMS 07/0539 and TMS 07/0628. For root yield, the best genotypes were TMS 01/1368 and TMS 07/0553. Genotype TMS 07/0593 was the best for DMC and TCC across the 10 environments. Variation among genotypes accounted for most of the Total Sum of Squares for CMD (72.1%) and TCC (34.4%). Environmental variation accounted for most of the Total Sum of Squares for FYLD (42.8%), DYLD (39.6%), and DMC (29.2%). This study revealed that TMS 07/0593 has the highest and most stable TCC, DMC with the lowest CMD severity score and appeared to be the best genotype.

THE EFFECT OF AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES ON THE INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF APHID VECTORS OF PEPPER VEINAL MOTTLE VIRUS, ON CULTIVATED PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) IN NIGERIA

The distribution of aphid vectors of Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) was studied on cultivated pepper between 2003 and 2005 in the major pepper producing areas of the six agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. The aphids were isolated, identified and their transmission ability determined. Population of aphid vectors increased progressively in all the agro-ecological zones from March at the onset of raining season reaching a peak in August and then declining from September at the on set of the dry season. The Humid forest and Derived Savanna agro-ecological zones recorded highest mean population of aphids / leaf and types of aphid’s species compared with other agro-ecological zones. Six species of aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Aphis gossipii (Glover), Aphis craccivora (Koch), Aphis spiraecola (Patch), Aphis fabae (Blanchard), and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), were identified on the pepper fields surveyed in all the agro-ecological zones. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of M. persicae, A. gossipii, A. craccivora, and R. maidis while A. spiraecola and A. fabae that varied in occurrence in all the zones. Ability to transmit PVMV to a healthy pepper plants varied in all the identified aphid species but R. maidis was not able to transmit PVMV from infected to a healthy pepper plant. A more sustainable approach to controlling pepper viruses is by targeting the aphid vectors and preventing the vectors from reaching the crops because the aphid vectors which are virus specific are the major means of transmitting virus to healthy plant.

CONTROL OF BACTERIAL WILT DISEASE OF TOMATO: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH EFFORTS IN NIGERIA

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a major vegetable crop in Nigeria and its culinary use cuts across class and culture, making it a crop of immense popularity. However, tomato cultivation in Nigeria is severely affected by bacterial wilt disease caused by the soil borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Survey of major tomato producing areas in the southwestern parts of the country showed epidemics of bacterial wilt with high incidences of 60-80% in fields. High yield loss of over 70% was observed in 60% of the fields and tomato cultivation was completely impossible in some areas due to high yield loss. The disease more recently is observed now across major agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Investigation into the isolation, identification and characterization of the pathogen preceded research efforts aimed towards the control. R. solanaceanum isolates were characterized to belong to race 1 biovar 3. Attempts made in the use of cultural control, host resistance gave variable results while the use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) showed promising results. This paper addresses production constraints of tomato as a result of bacterial wilt disease, the research efforts targeted at these constraints are highlighted and recommendations are made on achieving a sustainable control to enhance the production level of tomato.

Studies on the weed host range of bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) (Genus: comovirus) Disease of Soybean In Nsukka Agro-Ecological Zone, South Eastern Nigeria

The epidemiology of Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) disease of soybean involving screening of twenty soybean varieties and ten plant species for incidence of BPMV disease were studied for two years in the Nsukka Agro ecological Zone of Nigeria. Twenty soybean varieties used in the field experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, while ten plant species used in Screen house experiments were laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Incidence of BPMV disease on soybean varieties by natural infection increased with time and reached 35% at 10 weeks after planting. The seed transmission of BPMV was not observed. Host range studies implicated five plant species including, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, Glycine max (L.) Merril, Calapogonium sp., Desmodium sp. and Mucuna mucunoides. They served as alternate host of BPMV disease.

Farmers’ Perception of the Effects of Climate Change and Coping Strategies in Three Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

The study assessed farmers perception of the effects of climate change and coping strategies in three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Three agro-ecological zones namely Middle-Belt, North-Central and North–East were purposively selected and one LGA where NAERLS extension model village is located was purposively selected from each of the 3 agro-ecological zones. One village was randomly selected in addition to the NAERLS model village. Twenty five farmers were randomly selected from each village. One hundred and fifty (150) validated structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from respondents. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Farmers were fully aware of the effect of climate change and possible coping strategies such as the need for agricultural insurance, planting of drought and flood tolerant varieties and reduction of water loss through practices such as mulching and rearing of heat tolerant livestock. General perception was that climate change increases the rate of sickness/infection, reduces family income and that frequency of flood and that drought has increased. Chi-square analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between perception of climate change and agro-ecology (X2 =23.52; p