Guinea Savannah Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Growth and laying performance of quail (coturnix coturnix japonica) under single phase feeding in Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria

Growth and laying performance of quail (coturnix coturnix japonica) under single phase feeding in Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria

Productivity of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Geartn) as Influenced by Pre-emergence Herbicides in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Two field trials were conducted during 2011 and 2012 wet seasons at the Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria (Lat. 11 o 11 1 N, Long. 07 O 38E and 686m above sea level), in the northern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria, to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides on weed in finger millet. The treatments were atrazine (80WP) at the rates of (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 kg a.i/ha), RafT ® (500SC ) (Atrazine 250 g/l + Terbuthylazine 250 g/l ) at the rates of (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 kg a.i/ha) and Bullet (R) (700SC) (Atrazine 225 g/l + Terbuthylazine 225 g/l + Acetochlor 250 g/l) at the rates of (0.35, 0.75, 1.05 and 1.4 kg a.i/ha), hoe weeded control at 3 and 6 WAS and a weedy check. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated 3 times. The result shows that all the herbicide treatments significantly reduced weed dry weight than the weedy check. Application of atrazine at 0.8 kg a.i/ha or Raft at 0.5 kg a.i/ha gave lower weed dry weight and weed cover score than the hoe weeded control at 3 and 6WAS.While all the rates of Bullet, Raft at 0.75 and 0.1 kg a.i./ha and atrazine at 1.2 and 1.6 kg a.i./ha resulted in lower weed dry matter production which were comparable to hoe weeded control at 3 and 6WAS. Based on the results obtained from this study, 0.8 kg a.i./ha atrazine or 0.5 kg a.i./ha Raft gave season long weed control over hoe weeded check in finger millet with yield increase of 94.2 and 99.5%, respectively. The weedy checks reduced yield of finger millet by 66.7%.

Yield and Yield Components of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Geartn) as Influenced by Pre-Emergence Herbicides in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Two field trials were conducted during the 2011 and 2012 wet seasons at the research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, 2012 Zaria (Lat. 11o 111N, Long. 07O38E and 686m above sea level) in the northern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria, to evaluate pre emergence herbicides for weed control in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Geartn). The trial consisted of 14 treatments. Atrazine (80WP) at rates of (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 kg a.i/ha), RafT® (500SC) (Atrazine 250 g/l + Terbuthylazine 250 g/l) at rates of (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 kg a.i/ha) and Bullet(R) (700SC) (Atrazine 225 g/l + Terbuthylazine 225 g/l + Acetochlor 250 g/l) at rates of (0.35, 0.75, 1.05 and 1.4 kg a.i/ha), hoe weeded control at 3 and 6 WAS and a weedy check. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated 3 times. In both years, all herbicide treatments and hoe weeded control at 3 and 6 WAS significantly increased yield components and yield, consistently across the two years, weedy check gave lower yield characters and yield. Based on the results obtained from this study, 0.8 kg a.i/ha of atrazine or 0.5 kg a.i/ha of Raft gave season long weed control over hoe weeded check in finger millet which resulted into higher grain yield.

Aspects of the nonbreeding ecology of the Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis in and around Amurum Forest Reserve, Jos Plateau, Nigeria

To advance our knowledge about the nonbreeding ecology of the Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis, this study investigated its population dynamics, habitat utilisation and foraging behaviour, from October to December 2018, in and around the Amurum Forest Reserve, located in the guinea savannah zone of Nigeria, West Africa. The study area comprises four main habitat types: gallery forest, rocky outcrop, savannah and farmland. Distance sampling along six transect lines (total length ∼14.2 km) were used to estimate Tree Pipit abundance and density, while habitat utilisation and foraging behaviour were determined from 222 focal observations. Tree Pipit density in the study area averaged about 1 ind. ha-1 and differed significantly between habitats, being highest in savannah, followed by rocky outcrop, farmland and gallery forest. The vegetation characteristics percentage of grass cover, fruiting and flowering plants, and shrubs, as well as insect abundance, significantly influenced the distribution of Tree Pipits in the reserve. Tree Pipits were seen capturing their prey using two foraging techniques, of which gleaning on the ground was the most frequently observed. Variation in Tree Pipit abundance across the three-month study period suggests that many may have been on passage, with relatively few individuals remaining in the area as winter residents.

SUITABILITY EVALUATION OF RAINFED RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) IN FLOOD PLAIN OF SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA

The flood plain of Awe in Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria was studied for rice production. The physical, morphological and chemical properties of the soils were matched with the requirements of the rice production and the overall suitability rating of the soils was obtained using limitation method. The soils were deep (101cm – 170cm) and well drained, poorly to very poorly drained. The soils were fine textured and strongly to moderately acidic and slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 5.10 – 7.15). The percentage sand fraction ranged from 44.8% to 83.1%; silt 5.4% to 9.4% and clay 9.4% to 46.7%. They had low to moderate organic carbon (0.41% to 3.52%); total N (0.04% to 0.11%); available P (1.64mglkg-1 to 3.72mg/kg-1), total exchangeable bases (2.85cmol/kg-1 to 7.97cmol/kg-1), CEC (4.10cmol/kg-1 to 7.98cmol/kg-1), base saturation (65% to 97.5%) and Fe2+ (1.10 to 2.11). Soils of the three flood levels (toeslope or deep swamp, medium or lower slope, levee or shallow swamp) were rated highly to suitable (S1) because of the soils ability to retain water during the growth period with the favourable physical and chemical characteristics such as climate, slope, water levels, pH and texture. Management practices such as organic matter incorporation, liming to increase soil pH, fertilizer application and appropriate time of planting are hereby recommended for increased rice production in the mapping units that are not highly suitable for rice production in the study area.

Comparison of Non Linear Models and Artificial Neural Network to Describe the Liveweight from Birth to Maturity in Female Jersey Cattle

Evaluation of growth data is an important strategy to manage gross feed requirement in female Jersey cattle in the New Derived Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. Two non-linear functions (Gompertz and Logistic) and Neural network models were used to fit liveweight (LW)-age data using the non linear procedure of JMP statistical software. Data used for this study were collected from 150 Jersey female cattle in Shonga Dairy Farm, Kwara, State from 2010-2018. The Neural network function showedthe best goodness of fit. Both the Gompertz and Logistic functions overestimated LW at birth, 3, 36, 48, 60 and 72months respectively. NN function overestimated the LW at 0, 3, 24, 36 and 72 months. The Gompertzfunction had the best estimation of asymptotic weight (649.51 kg) with average absolute growth rate (0.061 kg/day).The inflection point was 15.95, 9.55 and 34.5 months in Logistic, Gompertz and neural network models, respectively. A strong and positive correlation was observed between asymptote and inflection point in Gompertz functions. The metrics of goodness of fit criteria (R2 and RMSE), showed that NN with multilayer perceptron was superior to the other models but Gompertz model, was best in its ability to approximate complex functions of growth curve parametersin female Jersey cattle.

Soil Characterization and Classification in an Upland of Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Background: Soil characterization and classification is the foundation for sustainable land use and management. Upland soils are important in areas of high elevation and undulating terrain. This study characterized and classified Soils of an upland in southern guinea savannah of Nigeria.Methods: The prominent elevation points of the area were read with GPS device and four locations identified were labelled: UP1, UP2, UP3 and UP4. Profile pits were dug in each location, described for the morphological properties and sampled for laboratory analysis of soil physico-chemical properties.Result: The soils were slightly to strongly acidic with pH of 5.29 to 6.11, had low organic matter ranged of 1.52 to 1.79% and low soil nutrient reserve with the effective cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 5.9 to 9.26 mol kg-1. In-situ soil development, transportation and deposition of materials were the major soil formation processes in the area. The soils were classified as Alfisols and were marginally suitable (S3) for yam.

Effects of botanical extracts and antibiotic on incidence and severity of bacterial blight of cotton incited by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Malvacearum

A multilocational field trial was conducted to investigate the effect of some plant extracts (Bolanite aegyptica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Citrus aurantium) and a synthetic antibiotic (Streptomycin) on the incidence and severity of angular leaf spot on five cotton geno-types namely SAMCOT-8, SAMCOT-9, SAMCOT-10, SAMCOT-11 and SAMCOT-12 in Yola and Jalingo, both located in the northern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. The experiment was carried out on a split-plot design having three replications with cotton genotypes on the main plots and plant extracts on the sub-plots. Data collected on the incidence and severity of the disease were analysed using the Generalized Linear Model procedure and means separation at 5% level of probability by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Findings of the study revealed that Streptomycin and Bolanite aegyptiaca were able to reduce the disease incidence by 18.12% from 58.69% in Yola at 13 WAS. In Jalingo however, B. aegyptiaca was found to have re-duced the disease severity from 52.12% to 19.69% at 13 WAS. SAMCOT-8 consistently recorded lower incidence and severity means in Yola and Jalingo of 47.96%; 59.12% and 40.82%; 39.70% while SAMCOT-12 recorded higher means of 53.29%; 59.82% and 48.03%; 46.70% respectively.

An Assessment of Degradation of Soil Properties in Kabba College of Agriculture, Kogi State, Nigeria

ome soils in Kabba College of Agriculture, Kogi State, southern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria, were assessed to ascertain the levels of degradation of soil properties. The rigid grid soil survey method was used to identify seven soil units. Soils were sampled at 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil depth and analyzed for physical and chemical properties using standard methods. Levels of degradation were obtained by comparing laboratory data with the standard land/soil requirement (indicators/criteria) for grouping lands into different degradation classes of 1 to 4 (non to slightly, moderately, highly, and very highly degraded). Results showed that units D (soghum) and E (citrus) were very highly degraded (Class 4) of exchangeable potassium; units C (yam), D and E were highly degraded (Class 3) of organic matter. Other units were moderately degraded (Class 2) of base saturation, bulk density and total nitrogen. There was no degradation of available phosphorus and exchangeable sodium percentage in all the units. Physical and chemical degradation took place in the study area with respect to bulk density, base saturation, total nitrogen, potassium, and organic matter. Sustainable management practices that will promote good bulk density and organic matter accumulation should be encouraged.

Response and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens fed graded levels of Baker's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement

Two hundred and fifty-five day-old Ross White strain broiler chicks were used to evaluate the Response and economic efficiency of broiler chickens fed graded levels of baker's yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement during the harmattan season in the northern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. There were five treatment groups for both starter and finisher phases. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Each treatment group had three replicates with 17 birds per replicate and fifty-five birds per group in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% SC respectively. Results of the starter phase showed significant (P<0.05) differences in terms of final weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Treatment groups fed the control diet (0.0%), 0.5% and 1% SC had the best final body weight and body weight gain during the starter phase. The FCR was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment group fed 0.5%SC during the starter phase. Mortality was higher (11.76%) in the control group compared to other treatment groups in the starter phase. During the finisher phase, treatment group fed 1.0% SC had significantly (P<0.05) higher final body weight, body weight gain and FCR. Apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash, dry matter and nitrogen free extract were better in treatment groups containing SC. The economic efficiency results of this study indicated that the birds fed 1.0% SC were more profitable compared to those fed the control diet. The net profit of the treatment group fed 1.0% SC was N 650.01 compared to the control (N554.35). This study concluded that the optimum inclusion level of Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the diet of broilers starter was 0.5% and 1.0% for finisher diet for improved performance in terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). It is suggested that broiler chicken farmers should be encouraged to include Baker's yeast in the diet of broiler chickens for improved weight productivity and better feed utilization.

Response and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens fed graded levels of Baker's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement

Two hundred and fifty-five day-old Ross White strain broiler chicks were used to evaluate the Response and economic efficiency of broiler chickens fed graded levels of baker's yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement during the harmattan season in the northern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. There were five treatment groups for both starter and finisher phases. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Each treatment group had three replicates with 17 birds per replicate and fifty-five birds per group in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% SC respectively. Results of the starter phase showed significant (P<0.05) differences in terms of final weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Treatment groups fed the control diet (0.0%), 0.5% and 1% SC had the best final body weight and body weight gain during the starter phase. The FCR was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment group fed 0.5% SC during the starter phase. Mortality was higher (11.76%) in the control group compared to other treatment groups in the starter phase. During the finisher phase, treatment group fed 1.0% SC had significantly (P<0.05) higher final body weight, body weight gain and FCR. Apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash, dry matter and nitrogen free extract were better in treatment groups containing SC. The economic efficiency results of this study indicated that the birds fed 1.0% SC were more profitable compared to those fed the control diet. The net profit of the treatment group fed 1.0% SC was N 650.01 compared to the control (N554.35). This study concluded that the optimum inclusion level of Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the diet of broilers starter was 0.5% and 1.0% for finisher diet for improved performance in terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). It is suggested that broiler chicken farmers should be encouraged to include Baker's yeast in the diet of broiler chickens for improved weight productivity and better feed utilization.

Land use conflict between crop and livestock producers in the Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

The paper examines the implications of property rights on land use conflict resolution between crop farmers and nomads in the guinea savannah zone of Nigeria and the methods of resolving the conflicts. Primary data were obtained from 200 randomly selected crop farmers and 75 nomadic Fulani's in four states within the zone, together with 25 key informants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Highest levels of conflicts were recorded during the dry season (October March) when mobile herds migrate into the zone in search of pasture and water. Lack of official grazing routes caused the mobile herds to trespass on cultivated lands where growing or unharvested mature crops stood. Eight percent (8%) of past conflicts were perceived by the respondents as severe, involving use of dangerous weapons, loss of cattle and human lives. Increased social and economic interaction in Yorm of joint celebration of religious and social festivals (by 40% of nomads) with the local people and trade in cattle products and staple food items were found to be evolving over the local people and trade users. The study recommends the establishment of grazing routes within the zone while efforts should be made to enable the traditional institutions to function alongside legislation in resolving land use conflicts.

Thermoregulation in humid climate-adapted and Savannah breeds of goats exposed to West African cold (harmattan) season

Abstract The West African Dwarf (WAD) goats have hereditary dwarfism and are adapted to the humid climate. The study compared the cold tolerance of WAD and Savannah (Red Sokoto and Sahel) goats during the peak of the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. A total of 18 adult non-pregnant, dry does comprising equal number of each breed (six per breed) were used for the study. Thermoregulatory variables were recorded four times in the morning (07:00 h) and afternoon (13:00 h) hours at two-day intervals. Results revealed that irrespective of the hour of day, the WAD had significantly (p < 0.05) higher respiratory rate when compared with Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. The diurnal afternoon rise in respiratory rate and the magnitude of afternoon rise in rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.0001) in WAD than Sahel and Red Sokoto goats. The body surface temperature in the morning hours was significantly lower in WAD compared with Sahel breed, while in the afternoon hours, the inter-digital space temperature was significantly lower in WAD compared with Savannah breeds. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in heart rate, rectal, head and leg temperatures between the breeds in both morning and afternoon hours. Discriminant analysis revealed that the morning hours induced greater homogeneity in the thermoregulatory responses between the breeds adapted to the humid and Savannah climates as compared with the afternoon hours. It was concluded that although WAD goats employed more intense peripheral vasoconstriction to survive cold exposure and demonstrated greater diurnal amplitude in thermoregulatory variables, they maintained comparable core body temperature as the indigenous Savannah breeds. Thus, suggesting that despite the hereditary dwarfism, the WAD goats could conserve body heat during the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.

Effect of maternal haemoglobin variants and lamb genotype on pre-weaning growth rate of sheep of Northern Nigerian and their crosses


 
 
 
 Pre-weaning growth trait of sheep of Northern Nigerian (Balami, Uda and Yankasa) subjected to diallel crossing were estimated using 127 lambs. The study was conducted at National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, Nigeria. Blood (5ml) samples were collected from ewes and rams that produce the lambs to evaluate the effect of parental haemoglobin (Hb) variant on the pre-weaning growth rate of lambs. Weight and average daily gain (ADG) of lambs were obtained at 2 weeks interval to 12th week. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using General Linear Model Procedure of SAS. Pair-wise difference was used to separate the mean. Frequency of ewes’ Hb genotype in relation to lambs was sorted and tested with Chi Square Procedure of SAS. The result showed that HbAB was the predominant (P<0.01) variant in the studied population, observed in 60% of the ewes and 100% of the sires. Allele A had the highest frequency (62%) in the dam population. The genotypic distribution of Hb variants in the population significantly deviated from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (χ2 = 50.8, P<0.01). HbAB and HbBB dams gave birth to lambs that were heavier (P<0.01) than lambs from HbAA from birth to 12 weeks of age. Crossbred lambs from Balami rams and Uda ewes (BL x UD) recorded the highest weight (4.47±0.20 kg) at birth while the least weight (1.73±0.20 kg) at birth was obtained from crossbred lambs given birth to by Yankasa rams and Balami ewes (YK X BL). Pure Balami lambs (BL X BL) was outstandingly superior (P<0.05) to lambs from other genotypes starting from the second week of age up to weaning (12th week). BL X BL also recorded the highest (238.09±12.42 g) average daily gain from birth to 2 weeks of age (ADG2). The ADG decreased linearly as the lambs advanced in age from birth to weaning. Balami sheep are capable of expressing their genetic potentials (better growth than others) in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Genetic improvement of growth traits of Nigerian sheep using indigenous stock should focus on the exploitation of genetic potentials in terms of faster growth rate of Balami sheep.
 
 
 

Serum malondialdehyde concentration of weaned rabbits raised in two different management systems

Management system in rabbit production has been reported to affect their welfare and performance. In view of this, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different management systems (cage-housed and pen-housed) on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of weaned rabbits in Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Twenty four healthy weaned crossbred rabbits in equal sexes, aged between 5-6 weeks with live weight of 612±14.72 g (mean ±SD) were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (cage-housed and pen-housed) consisting of 12 rabbits per group. They were fed commercial diet (concentrate) supplemented with Tridax procumbens and given access to clean fresh water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results from the study showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the serum MDA concentration between the two groups. Pen-housed rabbits had lower MDA concentration (1.83 mmol/L) as against 2.78 mmol/L for the cage-housed rabbits. The higher MDA concentration levels for the caged house rabbits indicate that they had greater free radicals-mediated cell damage and oxidative stress, which imply that they had the worst welfare conditions.

Helminth Parasites of Anurans from Zaria, Northern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Helminth parasitc infections were investigated in 150 Anurans collected in parts of the Northern Guinea Savannah during thedry and wet seasons of 2016. The Anurans that were investigated included Amietophrynus regularis, Kassina senegalensis,Afrixalus vittiger, Xenopus tropicalis, Xenopus fischbergi, Pyxiecephalus cf. edulis, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, Amniranagalamensis and Ptychadena pumilio. Overall prevalence of helminth parasites was 64% (94/150). Seven species ofhelminths belonging to three taxonomic classes were recovered: Monogenea 4%, Trematoda 19.33% and Nematoda 40.67%were identified. Eupolystoma alluaudi (30%) was the only monogenean recorded from the bladder of S. regularis. Tematodesfound were Diplodischus fishthalicus (53.49%) and Haematoloechus micrurus (67.45%) from the rectum and lungs of H.occipitalis, respectively. Nematodes included Camallanus microcephalus from the oesophagus and small intestine of X.fischbergi ( 62.96%) and X. tropicalis (100 %), respectively, Camallanus dimitrovi (25.58%) from the small intestine andrectum of H. occipitalis, an unidentified nematode from the oesophagus and small intestine of X. fischbergi (1.85%) and X.tropicalis (33.33%), and an Aplectana (85.00%%) species from the small intestine and rectum of S. regularis. Except forEupolystoma alluaudi, the infestation level was generally low. Parasite prevalence was higher during the wet (39.33%) thandry (24.67%) season and the difference was not significant (p = 0.17). The prevalence and infection intensity were lower thanthose reported from anurans in southern biotopes of Nigeria. The occurrence of Camallanus macrocephalus is a new recordfor Nigeria, while X. fischbergi and X. tropicalis are new host records for C. macrocephalus.
 Keywords: Anurans, helminth, prevalence, Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Maize Yield Affected by Periods of Weed Interference in Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Maize Yield Affected by Periods of Weed Interference in Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Effect of the Depth of Insertion of the Thermometer on the Rectal Temperature of Donkeys During the Hot-Dry Season in a Tropical Savannah

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the depth of insertion and environmental parameters on the rectal temperature (RT) in donkeys during the hot-dry season in a tropical savannah zone of Nigeria. The experimental subjects were comprised of thirty donkeys divided into three groups based on age: group I, 10 foals (40.67 ± 2.20 kg; 1.50 ± 0.02 months); group II, 10 yearlings (91.53 ± 0.54 kg; 1.51 ± 0.01 years); and group III, 10 adults (140 ± 0.71 kg; 8.03 ± 0.06 years). Each group was divided into 5 male and 5 female donkeys. Measurements of the RT were recorded with a digital thermometer probe (model HI935007, Hanna Instruments), which was inserted into the rectum at varying depths of 3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 cm in the same animal in each group. There was a gradual increase in the RT in donkeys as the depth of insertion was increased from 3.5 cm (36.60°C) to 14 cm (38.40°C). Data obtained from the study were subjected to repeated-measures analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test to compare mean values between different depths of RT measurements. Overall, there was a variation in the RT by the depth of insertion with the shallow depth of 3.5 cm having a lower RT than the depths of 7, 10.5, and 14 cm. The variation of the RT observed in donkeys showed that there is need to standardize the probe-insertion depth in veterinary clinical practice for accurate measurement of the RT in donkeys in the Northern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria.

Growth and Fruit Yield of Tomato (<I>Solanum lycopersicum L.</I>) under Different Levels of Phosphorus Fertilization

Having substantial and working knowledge on phosphorus fertilization is a pre-requisite to profitable tomato production. Thus, the present research was conducted to determine the optimum phosphorus (P) fertilizer rate for better fruit yield of tomato in Ilorin, a location in the Southern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. Five levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, 90 and120kgP/ha) were tested on UC82B tomato variety. The experiment waslaid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches at different growth stages while data on fruit yield as well as its components were collected at harvest. Results showed that application of 30kgP/ha produced plants with the highest leaf area. The control and 30kgP/ha produced the highest number of leaves. Application of 90kgP/ha and 120kgP/ha resulted in production of highest number of fruits while application of 90kgP/ha alone resulted in production of the tallest plants, highest number of branches and highest fruit yield. The yield was 66% better than the control. It was, therefore, concluded that 90kgP/ha should be used for optimum tomato fruit production in the agro-ecological zone of the research and places with the same climatic and edaphic conditions.
 Keywords: Phosphorus fertilization, tomato, growth improvement and fruit yield

Insecticidal activity of aqueous indigenous plant extracts against insect pests associated with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Insect pests of cucumber are mainly controlled using synthetic insecticides. However, considering the various ecological dangers caused by their usage, it becomes imperative to provide alternatives to them. The insecticidal activities of aqueous extract of five selected plants, Lantana camara Linneaus, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl, Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Piper guineense Schum and Thonn. extracts against insect pests (Phyllotreta cruciferae Fabricius, Diabrotical undecimpunctata Howardi Barber, Epilachna vigintiopunctata Fabricius and Monolepta spp Coquillett) of cucumber were evaluated. The extract of each plant was prepared by pounding 1000 g which was then soaked in 2000 ml of water for 24 hours to form stock solution. The mixture was serially diluted into two concentrations (10 and 15%v/v) and applied to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Data collection commenced at 2 weeks after planting on weekly basis for six weeks. Severity of insect damage on leaves, fruits, and yield were assessed. A. indica (10%v/v) and Z. officinale (15%v/v) demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) highest efficacy with least insect population of 1.46 and 1.52, respectively. At 5–6 weeks after treatment, A. indica and Z. officinale plant extracts had the same efficacy with Karate 25EC®. At 10% concentration, P. guineense, T. diversifolia and L. camara performed better than the control. Plant treated with 10% Z. officinale extract had the highest fruit yield (2.58 t/ha) compared with karate (0.84 t/ha). In conclusion, all the plant extracts applied were as effective as Karate 25EC® in controlling insect pests of cucumber. It is therefore recommended that A. indica, Z. officinale and P. guineense extracts could be used to effectively control insect pests of cucumber.