Crop In Nigeria Research Articles

Food loss analysis in Nigeria: A systematic literature review

The issue of food loss and waste is a complex one that must be addressed if sustainable food systems are to be achieved. In the Global South, as evidenced by Nigeria, two paradoxical trends can be observed. Firstly, substantial losses of arable crops occur during the production and distribution stages. Secondly, Nigeria is affected by food scarcity, which is in part a consequence of losses occurring at these stages. In terms of food availability, Nigeria ranks 26th among African countries. In light of this context and the government's expressed interest in identifying sustainable solutions to this problem, a systematic review was conducted with the objective of consolidating the fragmented studies on food loss in the region. This review provides a foundation for understanding the causes of food loss, the preventive and reduction strategies required, and for identifying promising areas for future research. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist 2020. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were selected for review. A thematic synthesis was employed to integrate and examine the findings of the studies. The findings indicated that maize, rice, and cassava continued to be the most prevalent food crops in Nigeria, with cultivation occurring across the entire country. We differentiate the critical loss points for different crops, which arise between the production and distribution stages. In conclusion, this review reveals that food loss in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue requiring integrated solutions that address the natural, social, and material dimensions. Further empirical research, especially qualitative studies that focus on the perspectives and practices of food system actors, is essential for developing effective interventions and policies. This approach will help achieve sustainable development of food systems and advance global food security goals.

Phytochemical analysis and GC-MS based bioactive compounds determination of 60 days Nigerian Vigna Radiata aqueous root extract

In the present study, the sturdy root of Nigerian Vigna radiata (L.) commonly called mung bean was investigated for the phytochemical content. This was necessitated as a result of limited information observed on the phytochemical content of fully matured Nigerian Vigna radiata root. 60 days old Vigna radiata (L.) plant, a newly introduced crop in Nigeria, was harvested from the farm of National Biotechnology and Research Development Agency, Abagana Centre, Nigeria. The roots were neatly separated from the plant, rinsed well with distilled water, air dried and grounded into flour. The 60 days old Nigerian Vigna radiata root flour sample (NVrR) subjected to preliminary phytochemical assay revealed the presence of 12 bioactive compounds with a remarkable high percentage concentration of 26.780% recorded for flavonoids content. Tannins also recorded appreciable value of 8.927% while values < 5% were noted for the remaining compounds. Further confirmation of the actual bioactive compounds present in 60 days old NVrR through GC-MS studies, generated 30 observable peaks with 28 bioactive compounds identified through spectrum matching with MassHunter\Library\NIST14.L spectral database. The major component, eluted at RT 23.565 (peak area 33.38%) revealed a bioactive compound which has been reported as an active ingredient in the production of detergents and biodiesel. This discovery represents a groundbreaking innovation in the utilization of NVrR for the production of briquettes, offering a cost-effective alternative energy source. Isolation of the identified compounds may prove the NVrR an important raw material for industrial productions.

Determinants and Profitability of Cowpea Production in Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

As an important cash crop in Nigeria, cowpea is extensively cultivated in most parts of northern Nigeria. This study was carried out to examine the profitability and factors influencing cowpea production in Safana local government area, Katsina State, Nigeria. Fifty farmers were randomly selected for the study area and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budget technique, and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that most of the respondents (58%) were middle-aged within 30 - 50 years with 64% of the respondents having more than 5 years of farming experience. The most important determinants of cowpea production in the study area, include labour (P< 0.01), land (P< 0.05), and seed (P< 0.1). The production enterprise was very profitable as ₦ 46, 209.84 per hectare was generated as the net farm income. Also, the return per naira invested was found to be N 2.10. It was recommended that measures should be taken to bring about an increased generation of income, such as the use of improved seed varieties and the adoption of labor-saving technologies in the area.

Growth And Yield Of Tomato As Influenced By Water Stress At Different Phenological Stages

The study investigates the effect of water stress at different phenological stages on tomato growth and yield. Tomato is a vital vegetable crop in Nigeria, and water scarcity poses challenges to its productivity. The study was carried out in a screen house, water was applied daily with 100% potential evapotranspiration rate except during the ten days water stress applied at every phenological stage. The parameters assessed include number of leaves, plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), and root and shoot dry weights (g), in addition, the water use efficiency. The results were subjected to Analysis of Variance and the means were compared using Least Significant Difference at 5% level of significance. The results show that there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in the water use efficiency of the tomato plants subjected to water stress at the phenological stages. Notably, the study highlights that the vegetative stage is particularly sensitive to water stress, leading to reduced shoot dry weight and compromised overall biomass. Similarly, water stress during the flowering stage diminishes root dry weight. However, the fruiting stage exhibits relatively better yields under water stress than other stages. The findings emphasize the importance of effective irrigation management, particularly during the vegetative phase, to promote optimal plant development. Moreover, the research underscores the significance of providing adequate water during reproductive phases to enhance fruit production and overall plant performance.

Consumption Patterns of Starch Crops in Nigeria, Utilization, Skill Set, and Economic Potential of the Starch Sector

Consumption Patterns of Starch Crops in Nigeria, Utilization, Skill Set, and Economic Potential of the Starch Sector

Rural Households’ Youth Participation in Rice Agribusiness Value Chain Activities: Implications for Employment Opportunities

Purpose: Rice is a food security and multi-value chain crop in Nigeria having the potential to provide employment and income for the teeming population of unemployed youth. The study identified the various rice value chain activities youth participated in, investigated their levels of participation, how they perceived participation in rice agribusiness value chain activities and the constraints affecting their participation.Research Method: A four-stage sampling procedure was used to sample youth from 144 rural households engaging in rice agribusiness activities. Well-validated interview schedule was used to collect quantitative data which was summarised using appropriate descriptive statistics with the hypotheses also adequately tested.Findings: Results show that more males were participating in rice agribusiness value chain activities with a mean age of 29 years. Respondents participated in multiple rice agribusiness activities and majority (77.8%) had favourable perception towards participation. Constraints limiting youth participation include poor land tenure system and bird invasion; majority (89.6%) participated in rice agribusiness value chain activities at high level. Income (r = 0.250) and length of experience (r = 0.211) were significantly related to youth participation. Difference existed in youth participation in rice value chain activities across the three agro-ecological zones. Originality/value: The study revealed that youth actively participated in almost all the activities along rice agribusiness value chain.

Evaluation of pasting and anti-nutritional properties of wheat-plantain flour blends fortified with velvet bean

Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used for human consumption. It is a flour of choice in confectionary industries due to the component gluten Plantain is a popular dietary staple crop in Nigeria due to its versatility and good nutritional value. It is starchy, the less sweet variety can be used either ripe or unripe, they are very good sources of carbohydrate for more than 50 million people. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), belongs to the Fabaceae family, it is part of various legumes which is not commonly used by people as a result of anti-nutrients. Velvet bean is commonly grown in the tropical and subtropical part of the world. This study therefore investigated effect of inclusion of velvet bean on the pasting and anti-nutritional factors of wheat-plantain flour blends. The procured velvet bean and plantain were thoroughly washed, peeled, dried and converted into flours. Wheat, plantain and Velvet flours composite were prepared in the ratio 240:37.5:22.5, 210:60:30 and 150:105:45 respectively and 100% wheat flour was used as the control. The samples were evaluated for their pasting and anti-nutritional properties. pasting revealed that peak ranged from 1928.50-4972.50 Trough, 1054.00-3563.00, breakdown 692.50-1408.00, final viscosity 2077.00-5789.50, setback 968.00-2226.00, peak time 5.10-5.79 min and pasting temperature 80.79-83.14 0C. Anti-nutritional factors revealed that Tannin ranged from 20.01-219.25, Oxalate 24.56-448.79, trypsin inhibitors 10.31-20.70, Phytate 5.67-6.44 and Saponin 0.00-1.87 mg/100g. Addition of plantain and velvet beans flours significantly (p < .05) improved the final viscosity, peak, trough and the setback of the flour blends. The phytochemical properties of the composites indicated significant (P < .05) oxalate, phenolic, flavonoid and saponin increased which makes them suitable as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive agents

Effect of inclusion of velvet bean on the proximate composition and functional properties of the wheat-plantain flour blends

Wheat flour is a flour of choice in confectionary industries due to the component gluten. Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used for human consumption. Plantain is a popular dietary staple crop in Nigeria due to its versatility and good nutritional value. It is starchy, the less sweet variety can be used either ripe or unripe, they are very good sources of carbohydrate for more than 50 million people. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), belongs to the Fabaceae family, it is part of various legumes which is not commonly used by people as a result of anti-nutrients. Velvet bean is commonly grown in the tropical and subtropical part of the world. This study therefore investigated effect of inclusion of velvet bean on the proximate composition and functional properties of wheat-plantain flour blends. The procured velvet bean and plantain were thoroughly washed, peeled, dried and converted into flours. Wheat, plantain and Velvet flours composite were prepared in the ratio 240:37.5:22.5, 210:60:30 and 150:105:45 respectively and 100% wheat flour was used as the control. The samples were evaluated for their proximate and functional properties. proximate revealed that moisture ranged from 9.06-11.62%, crude protein 11.93-13.33%, crude fat 0.97-1.53%, crude fibre 0.24-0.51%, ash 0.901.31% and carbohydrates 73.60-74.80%. Functional properties revealed that loose bulk density ranged from 0.40-0.43, pack bulk density 0.60-0.63, water absorption capacity 66.18-87.56, swelling power 463.37-530.77, solubility index 6.05-8.24, dispersibility 69.75-74.25 and LGC 12.4015.50. Addition of plantain and velvet beans flours significantly (p < .05) improved the crude protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate in respect to the composites. Water absorption capacity (WAC) and swelling power of the composites were significantly (p < .05) improved thus making them viable in baking applications, as thickeners and binders in food products and non-food uses in adhesives and pastes/glues.

Digitaria species (Acha): panacea for malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria

Acha (Digitaria sp) is a powerhouse of nutrient, filling, versatile, light, and delicious, yet the most underutilized food security crop in Nigeria. The value of the nutritional content (amino acids, protein, starch, crude fibre and ash) present in acha grain is higher than that reported for other cereals such as rice, maize and sorghum and as such, a panacea for malnutrition’. The grain is tolerated by even those with frail digestive systems, including small children, the elderly, and those who are health-conscious. More so, it is a very fast-growing cereal grain and it is considerably cheaper than most staple food crops. Acha is said to be a good food security crop as it blends well with other recipes. It has a texture similar to grits or couscous with a sand colour and due to the primitive conventional processing methods, it contains a load of gritty sand particles. These gritty sand particles can be prevented by threshing over a clean, hard, non-sandy surface. The consumption of acha daily brings you back to the prehistoric era of longevity and wellness.

Impact of membership in agricultural cooperatives on yield of smallholder tomato farmers in Nigeria

Tomatoes are one of the most significant fruit and vegetable crops in Nigeria. This could be ascribed to the fact that it helps many farmers support their way of life and improve their financial status. However, due to ineffective production management techniques, restrictions on the supply of pesticides and fungicides, access to information, market fluctuations, and crop shelf life, the yield of tomatoes is low. There is a need for powerful institutions like agricultural cooperatives to increase tomato yield. Agricultural cooperatives have been promoted in Nigeria as an agricultural development strategy that will increase crop yield and farmer income. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of membership in agricultural cooperatives on the yields of smallholder tomato farmers in rural Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure is used to collect data for the study. The Endogenous Treatment Regression model was used to analyze the data. According to the findings of the first regression (Probit regression), age, years of formal education, main occupation, years of farming experience, farm size, years of experience in tomato farming, aged dependents, distance to market, access to credit service and access to extension service have a positive and significant impact on the membership of farmers in the agricultural cooperative. The results of the endogenous treatment regression model reveal marital status, age, years of formal education, years of informal education, main occupation, years of farming experience, farm size, years of tomato farming, aged dependents, distance to market, access to credit services, cost of processing, access to extension service and agricultural cooperative membership are all statistically significant variables influencing tomato yield. According to the ATE estimate, the average farmer would produce 9.159 times more when he/she joined an agricultural cooperative. The conditional treatment effect (ATT), which assesses the impact of membership in agricultural cooperatives on tomato yield, was correspondingly approximately 9.447 and statistically significant at 1%. As a result, the typical farmer who is a member of an agricultural cooperative would produce a yield that is 9.447 times more than it would be if he/she was not a member of an agricultural cooperative. The study found that membership in agricultural cooperatives has a positive impact on tomato yield among smallholder farmers in rural Nigeria in contrast to what it would have been in the absence of being a member of agricultural cooperatives after adjusting for both observable and unobserved factors. Tomatoes farmers must be encouraged to join an agricultural cooperative to boost their yield.

The influences of storage period and morphotypes on the proximate and selected vitamins of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) fruits

Pumpkin, a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family is an underutilized crop in Nigeria. This plant requires minimal agronomic input to produce optimal yield and it is drought tolerant. However, due to preservation, the fruit does not remain biochemically the same. What happens to squash stored for months after harvesting at room temperature needs to be examined from nutritional point of view. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the effects of storage at ambient temperature and relative humidity on selected vitamins (A, C, and E), and the proximate (crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, and carbohydrate) in the green and orange morphotypes of pumpkin fruit. Pumpkins harvested in 2015 were stored for 4 months (January to April) and nutritional parameters evaluated monthly using standard assays. The results showed that the vitamin A content did not change significantly (P<0.05) over the storage period and morphotypes while the vitamin C and vitamin E contents decreased by 15% and 18%, respectively, when comparing the 1st and 4th months of storage. Crude protein and fat content decreased significantly over the storage period. However, crude fiber and ash increased in storage time. Except for crude fiber, the two morphotypes behaved similarly over the storage period. Remarkably, vitamin A concentrations in squash did not change after harvest, and some of the nutrients studied were not significantly affected during the first 4 months of storage. This information is especially important for people in rural areas limited in modern ways of storing fruit vegetable after harvest.

Drivers of transformation of the maize sector in Nigeria

Maize is widely used for food, animal feed, and industrial raw material in Nigeria. This paper documents the important changes that characterize Nigeria's maize production and area expansion along with contributing factors that have transformed maize from a backyard food crop to a dominant food security and commercial crop. Using both secondary and primary data on maize production and varietal adoption over the last six decades, we found that Nigeria now produces ten times more maize than it did in 1960 and four times more maize than it did in 2005. Our findings further suggested that government policies and institutional arrangements that promoted access to and use of modern inputs and increased demand of maize grain for food, feed, and other industrial uses have played major roles in transforming maize from a backyard crop to a dominant staple and commercial crop in Nigeria. Considering the impeding climate change threats to food security in Nigeria, policy interventions should be tailored towards further scaling-up of stress resilient and climate-smart maize varieties to improve the productivity, income, and resilience of smallholder farmers. This requires strong support not only to get recently released superior improved varieties into the hands of smallholder farmers but also to accelerate varietal turnover.

Exploring a mobile application for pest and disease symptomatic diagnosis in food crops in Nigeria: Implications of its use by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa

Crop pests and diseases are major impediments to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Timely and accurate diagnosis of invasive crop pests and diseases promote crop protection efforts. The use of digital mobile application technology and image processing tools for precision agriculture and pest identification and monitoring is gaining attention but limited research has tested its accuracy, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the accuracy of Plantix - your crop doctor (a general-purpose mobile application for plant pests and diseases diagnosis) was evaluated on common pests and diseases of some staple crops grown in South-Western Nigeria. The results showed 90-100% accuracy of major pest and disease symptoms detected on maize (Zea mays), okra (Abelmoschus esculenthus), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and plantain (Musa paradisiaca), and the application showed 100% accuracy when used to diagnose similar crop types, but that are healthy. However, pest symptoms on Celosia (Celosia argentea), Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.), and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarifa) were not detected by the mobile application, probably because these crops were not yet included in the database of this application. The exploration of this mobile application can provide technical services for farmers. There is a need to update the database of Plantix with local and indigenous crops in sub-Saharan Africa and develop home-grown mobile applications for disease and pest diagnosis and monitoring.

Economic Analysis of Cocoa Production Cropping Pattern in Nigeria, West Africa

Cocoa is the most prominent export crop in Nigeria in terms of its production and export capacities. There is dearth of literature on the profitability of the different cropping systems. This study therefore examined the profitability of the different cocoa cropping systems and the factors that affect the revenue of cocoa farmers for each of the cropping systems. The study area was Nigeria and information were collected from one hundred and eighty farmers using well-structured question- naires. Descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and linear regression were used for analysis in this study. The study revealed that twenty-seven farmers practised sole cocoa cropping, seventy-five farmers practised cocoa/arable cropping and seventy-eight farmers practised cocoa/tree cropping systems, respectively. The mean age of farmers in sole cocoa cropping system was 49.3 years, for cocoa/ arable cropping system the mean age was 47.8 years while for cocoa/tree cropping system the mean age of farmers was 47.2 years. For sole cocoa cropping system, the total cost (TC) was USD 7,764; the gross revenue (GR) was USD 43,774 with USD 36,009 as profit made from the cropping system. The TC for cocoa/tree cropping system in Nigeria was USD 18,003, GR was USD 124,104 and the profit was USD 106,102. Similarly for cocoa/arable cropping system, the TC was USD 16,215, GR was USD 109,849 and profit was USD 93,634. The determinants for the three cocoa cropping systems were age, gender, marital status (married), educational level (primary), cost of seedling, cost of fertilizer, cost of fungicide, cost of herbicide, labour cost for bush clearing, land preparation, weeding and planting. Cocoa/tree and cocoa/arable cropping systems were more profitable than sole cocoa cropping systems. However, cocoa/ tree cropping system was more profitable with a value of USD 106,102.

Land suitability evaluation for oil palm production in Cross River State, Nigeria

The properties of soils in an area are defined by the interaction between lithology and other factors of soil formation. Of the five factors of soil formation, climate is most important in the control of the distribution of crops in Nigeria, and oil palm is not an exception. The study was carried out to evaluate the suitability of land in Cross River State for oil palm production, and make appropriate soil management recommendations for improved production. Eight slope transitions were identified and two soil profile pits were sunk in each transition. Sixteen profile pits were used for the study. Currently, the well-drained high elevation soils are moderately suitable (S2) for oil palm cultivation; however, most of the well-drained soils in the higher elevation ranges in the southern agricultural zone are potentially highly suitable (S1). The central and southern agricultural zones are more suitable for oil palm cultivation. The poorly drained and low elevation areas in the three zones are not economical for the cultivation of oil palm and should be put to the cultivation of sugar cane and paddy rice.

Eco-friendly management of the flea beetle, <i>Podagrica</i> species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench) with <i>Artemisia annua</i> L. seed extract

<p>Okra, grown and consumed in every ecological zone, is amongst the most sort after fruit vegetable crops in Nigeria. The crop is often infested by diverse field insect pests, especially the flea beetle <em>Podagrica</em> species, which impinges on its growth and productivity. The application of synthetic pesticides has been the generic insect pest control measure due to its touted effectiveness. These synthetics, however, has safety concerns which include; hazard to human health, amplification of toxins in the food chain, pest resurgence, domestic animals and human poisoning, environmental pollution, insect resistance, natural enemies destruction; springs, wells, rivers, and underground water contamination. Stakeholders are advocating an alternative management approach that is sustainable with less negative social and environmental impact. This study, therefore, compared the insecticidal efficacy of <em>Artemisia annua</em> (source of the antimalarial artemisinin) seed extract in comparison with Cypermethrin 10 EC, a synthetic insecticide, in controlling <em>Podagrica</em> species, the major field insect pests of okra. The trial was set out in a 7 x 4 factorial arrangement integrated into a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Cypermethrin 10 E.C was tested at 0.25 ml, 0.50 ml, and 0.70 ml/100 ml of water, while <em>Artemisia annua</em> extract was applied at 1.00 ml, 2.00 ml, and 3.00 ml/100 ml of water respectively. The control for both treatments was designated 0.0 ml. Data on leaf damage and flea beetle abundance were carried out from 4-10 weeks after planting (WAP) whilst the pods’ weight was measured at maturity. The result shows that i) the concentrations of Artemisia extract and Cypermethrin sprayed provided comparable protection to okra against the flea beetle; ii) the yield of okra (pod weight) does not vary between <em>Artemisia annua</em> extract and Cypermethrin treated plots; and iii) flea beetle infestations vary with okra developmental stages.</p>

A Review of Insect Pest Management in Vegetable Crop Production in Nigeria.

Insect pest infestations and damage can limit the production of vegetables in the farming systems in Nigeria. This review looks at integrated insect pest management as a possible panacea for resolving insect pest issues in vegetable crops. The main vegetable crops which include okra, tomatoes, chilli peppers, cucumbers, green amaranth, carrots and onions are highlighted. The major insect pests of the various vegetables which include foliage beetles, caterpillars, aphids, fruit flies, stink bugs, and grasshoppers are also mentioned. The various control measures that have been empirically verified for the mitigation of the impact of these insect pests, including the application of synthetic insecticides, modification of agronomic practices, use of resistant varieties, application of botanicals, biological and mechanical controls, are discussed. Studies which have been carried out attempting to integrate two or more of the control strategies for better insect pest control are also reviewed. Strategies that can be put in place for the integrated pest management of vegetable insect pests in Nigeria are considered. Among the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices instituted for the mitigation of pest infestations on vegetable crops in Nigeria, intercropping of suitable vegetables in combination with the application of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Piper guineense seeds under good farm hygiene and sanitation proved to be most successful.

Examination of the Suitability of Available Energy Crops for Biodiesel Production as an Adaptative Measure to Climate Change in Nigeria

Motivated by the need to reduce the amount of CO2 and other Green House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere as a means of climate change adaptation, this study was carried out to identify and examine the suitability of available energy crops in Nigeria. Secondary data sources were adopted in the identification of the energy crops and it was found that sugarcane, Soybeans, maize, wheat, oil palm and Jatropha; among others are available in Nigeria and can be utilized in the production of bio-fuel to replace the fossil-fuel presently in use in other to reduce the emission of GHGs. The suitability appraisal was conducted by interviewing professionals on which of the identified energy crops will be most suitable and why. A total of 30 professionals were purposively selected and interviewed, 10 Chemists, 10 Environmentalists and 10 from Biosciences. 28 out of the 30 supported the adoption of Jatropha Curcas considering the cost of production, benefits attached and effects on food availability and food security, since it is not edible. The study therefore recommended that Jatropha Curcas Seeds be harnessed for bio-diesel production in Nigeria. A policy design to improve the production and processing of the Jatropha Curcas was proposed while a thorough research into the economics and cost benefit analyses is deemed necessary.

Tomato and Jute Mallow are Two New Hosts of Papaya Bunchy Top Phytoplasma, a 16SrXII-O Subgroup Strain in Nigeria.

Nigerian papaya bunchy top (NGPBT) phytoplasma was first identified in diseased papaya plants growing in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (Kazeem et al. 2021). The NGPBT phytoplasma is a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma convolvuli'-related strain and represents a subgroup lineage, 16SrXII-O (the accession number of the reference strain is MW530522, Kazeem et al. 2021). The present communication reports that NGPBT phytoplasma can also infect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius). Since May 2020, tomato and jute mallow grwn in Ibadan have been observed to develop yellowing, little leaf, and stunting symptoms (Fig. 1). Because the symptomatic plants occurred in the region approximately 1 km adjacent to where the NGPBT disease was reported, and the symptoms of infected plants resembled those of phytoplasma infection, molecular diagnostic assays for phytoplasma detection were deployed. Total DNAs were extracted from symptomatic plants, including four tomato plants and three jute mallows, as well as from asymptomatic two tomato and two jute mallow plants. The DNA samples were subjected to semi-nested PCR using phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene-specific primers P1A and P7A, followed by P1A and 16S-SR (Lee et al. 2004). An amplicon of 1.5 kb was obtained from each of the symptomatic plants, while no amplicon resulted from DNA samples of asymptomatic plants or negative controls without DNA templates (water and PCR reagents only). PCR products were cloned into the TOPO TA cloning vector (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA), and three clones were chosen for each sample for Sanger sequencing (Psomagen Inc., Rockville, MD, USA). The nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences (1.53kb) derived from tomato (OP123558) and jute mallow (OP123559) samples were identical. Based on the iPhyClassifier phytoplasma classification web tool (Zhao et al. 2009) and the BLAST search against the NCBI nucleotide database, these phytoplasma strains showed 100% sequence identity in 16S rRNA gene with the NGPBT phytoplasma (16SrXII-O, MW530522). Moreover, two additional genetic loci including ribosomal protein genes rplV-rpsC, and rplO-secY-adk were also amplified by nested PCR or semi-nested PCR with specific primers rpStolF/rpStolR followed by rpStolF2/rpStolR (Martini et al. 2007), and SecYF1a (Xll)/MapR-703-a, followed by SecYF2a (Xll)/MapR-703-a (Lee et al. 2010). Gene fragments of rplV-rpsC (1238bp) and rplO-secY-adk (2064bp) were amplified from DNAs of diseased papaya, tomato, and jute mallow plants. The obtained sequences were deposited into GenBank, respectively: rplV-rpsC (OP123560, OP123562, and OP123563) and rplO-secY-adk (OP123565, OP123567, and OP123568). Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) indicated that the sequences of phytoplasmas amplified from three different plant hosts were also identical in rp, secY, and adk genes. The MLSA results demonstrate that tomato and jute mallow are two new hosts of NGPBT phytoplasmas. This also marks the first time that phytoplasma diseases are associated with tomato and jute mallow in Nigeria, as prior to this study, phytoplasma diseases were only reported in coconut palm and papaya in the country (Osagie et al. 2016; Kazeem et al. 2021). Results from the present study suggest that insect vector(s) for the transmission of the NGPBT phytoplasma are present in the region. Since both tomato and jute mallow are important vegetable crops in Nigeria, timely dissemination of emerging disease information is needed to alert growers and extension personnel in the region. In addition, ongoing incidence, and prevalence surveys of NGPBT disease indicate that more infected papaya and tomato plants have been observed in the region than in previous years. A better understanding of the NGPBT phytoplasma disease epidemiology will help devise strategies to control the diseases associated with the NGPBT phytoplasma.

Does Rice Quality Matter? Understanding Consumer Preferences for Rice in Nigeria

AbstractRice is a staple crop in Nigeria. Even with a push to increase domestic production, little is known about the functionality of Nigeria’s open bag markets and the preferences of consumers for specific rice attributes. Our study uses a hedonic price model to identify quality attribute preferences of consumers and potential market failures. Our results indicate that Nigerian consumers prefer rice with homogenous long slender kernels and a low presence of broken rice and are indifferent to chalkiness. The findings are useful as they can inform future strategies for rice breeders, domestic policy makers, and rice exporters.