International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture Research Articles

A PROPOSAL FOR THE USE OF THE PARTNERSHIP-EXTENSION MODEL TO FACILITATE ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE'S PLANTAIN AND BANANA (MUSA SPP.) TECHNOLOGIES IN NIGERIA

Historically, extension work within Nigeria has been largely oriented towards a technology transfer or an advisory approach. However, neither pull nor push extension models have yet realized the potentials of agricultural innovations, especially that of plantain and banana (Musa spp.) cultivars. Empirical data on the adoption level of these cultivars in selected states of Southern Nigeria show that farmers have utilized less than 50% of the potential of technologies developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. This paper presents Selesnew's partnership model of extension as a measure for improving links with stakeholders. Specifically the paper reviews the process of agricultural information dissemination, identifies key actors and their roles, and draws implications for sustainable partnering. The paper concludes that both public and private extension personnel should be involved in initial surveys to identify different categories of plantain and banana farmers in Nigeria, form groups based on the intensity of production resources and provide economic and technical information to farmers.

Biofuels adoption in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make a preliminary analysis of the potentials for the adoption of biofuels in Nigeria. This initial analysis aims to capture some of the possibilities in the adoption of biofuel and the promotion of the cultivation of energy crops and processing of biofuels in Nigeria. Taking a step towards biofuel adoption is crucial for Nigeria to remain an important player in the world energy market, as there is a shift in global fossil fuel consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a desk review of existing literatures on global biofuels production potentials. A synthesis of data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) secondary database on major energy crops production was also conducted, while the GIS map was generated from GIS data sourced from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria.FindingsNigeria has immense potential for energy crops cultivation and the production of bioethanol and biodiesel. The existing database shows that Nigeria ranks very high in terms of production of the major energy crops such as soybean, palm oil, sesame and cassava. The rainfall distribution shows that most energy crops can be grown all over Nigeria. Nigeria has the capacity to be a leading exporter of biofuels. The adoption of biofuels can also ease the financial strain relating to the heavy burden of fossil fuel subsidy and also enhance local livelihoods within the production chains.Practical implicationsWith the very high potential for biofuel production, the Government as well as private investors should take steps towards investing in agriculture for the production of energy crops and the establishment of biofuel‐processing plants in Nigeria.Originality/valueThe paper is a preliminary analysis of bio‐economic and environmental modeling of the adoption of biofuels in the energy sector in Nigeria. This analysis has opened up the focus of the bigger study, modeling the biological, economic, environmental and other impacts of biofuel adoption.

Registration of Three Soybean Germplasm Lines Resistant to Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Soybean Rust)

Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow, is one of the most important foliar diseases of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Development of rust‐resistant lines is one objective of many soybean breeding programs. Three soybean germplasm lines designated as TGx 1987–76F (Reg. No. GP‐369, PI 657702), TGx 1987–118F (Reg. No. GP‐370, PI 657703), and TGx 1987–129F (Reg. No. GP‐368, PI 657701) with resistance to P. pachyrhizi and to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines (Nakano) Vauterin, Hoste, Kersters & Swings (bacterial pustule) were selected from lines developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in collaboration with the USDA‐ARS at the University of Illinois. These lines were derived from a tropical soybean rust‐resistant cultivar UG5, and a rust‐susceptible, high‐yielding elite breeding line, TGx 1805–31F. A total of 297 F7 lines were evaluated for rust resistance under greenhouse conditions using whole inoculated plants, in the laboratory using detached leaves, and under field conditions in Nigeria and Alabama (287 lines). Based on assessments from these various tests, these three lines have combinations of high levels of rust and bacterial pustule resistance, good agronomic traits, and adaptable maturity to the southern U.S. soybean breeding programs. Breeders will find the three lines useful as rust‐resistant parental material in rust‐prone areas.

Effect of farmyard manure on senescence, nitrogen and protein levels in leaves and grains of some cowpea vareities

The effect of farmyard manure was studied on senescence, nitrogen and protein content of the leaves and grains of cowpea. The experimental site for this study was situated at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano Station, Nigeria. The cowpea varieties used in this experiment were Kanannado a local variety and IT89 KD – 288 an improved variety, two treatments were used for the experiment single manure treatment (manurexl), and double manure treatment (manurex2) at the ratio of 5:1 soil to manure and the control (no manure added). Plastic pots of 250mm diameter and 17.5cm for both length and height were used in this study. The pots were arranged in completely randomize block design and labeled appropriately using white and green plastic tags according to the plant treatment applied. The rainy season trial was carried out between August 2006 to November, 2006 while the dry season trial was carried out between October, 2007 to January, 2008 onset of senescence, days to 50% senescence, 90% senescence and days to total death of the plants occurred earlier in IT89KD – 288 than in Kanannado, while comparison between the treatments showed that senescence started earlier in plant treated with double manure treatment than those treated with single manure treatment. Between the two seasons, senescence started earlier rainy season than in dry season. On the other hand nitrogen and protein content of the leaves and grains were higher in IT89KD – 288 than in Kanannado, also between the treatment double manure treatment induced higher nitrogen protein content of leaves and grains. More nitrogen and protein, content of leaves and grains were obtained during the dry season trial than in the rainy season trial.

The molecular grouping of Fusarium isolates on cassava in Nigeria

The Fusarium isolates molecularly grouped in this experiment were isolated from the roots of three cassava genotypes (TMS 30572, TMS 4(2)1425 and TME-1) harvested in Ibadan derived savanna, Sabongidda-Ora humid forest and the Onne humid forest regions of Nigeria in 2004 and 2005. Isolates were previously identified using conventional morphological characters at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan. Molecular grouping was done using amplified fragment length polymorphism at the Fusarium Laboratory of the Kansas State University, Kansas, USA. The molecular groupings agreed with the conventional morphological identification. Ten distinct amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) groups of Fusarium were distinguishable, each group probably a distinct species, and many of them might represent previously undescribed Fusarium species. The two largest of the AFLP groups correspond to F. oxysporum and F. solani species complex. F. solani is an important root rot pathogen of cassava Nigeria.

Influence of cowpea genotype and sorghum-cropping system on cowpea infestation by some insect pests in the sudan savannah of Nigeria

Field trials were conducted at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Agricultural Research Station at Minjibir, Kano State (12013’N, 8041’E, 500M above sea level) in the 1999 and 2000 cropping seasons to investigate the influence of cowpea genotypes and sorghum cropping system on cowpea damage by legume pod borer, Maruca testulalis (Fabricius), bean flower thrips, Megalurthrips sjostedti (Trybom) and cowpea aphids, Aphis craccivora Koch. Treatments consisted of a combination of 6 cowpea genotypes, namely, Danila, IT90K-277-2, IT95K-1091-3, IT95K-222- 14, IT96D666 and IT96D-759 and 4 row arrangements, which included 1M:1C, 2M:2C, 1M:2C and 2M:4C rows of millet to rows of cowpea, respectively. The treatments were laid out in split plot design with row arrangement and cowpea genotype as main and sub-treatments, respectively. Maruca damage ratings on cowpea were recorded based on damage to flowers and pod on the peduncles using 1-9 scale. For aphids, level of infestation was assessed by estimating number of aphid colonies on plants/plots at flowering stage using 0-9 scale, while for thrips, infestation was estimated at post-flowering stage using a scale of 1-9. Result showed that all treatments, except Danila and IT96D-759 were less susceptible to pod damage by Maruca in both 1999 and 2000. Maruca pod damage was significantly higher in 2S:4C row arrangement compared to other treatments. Significantly lower aphids and thrips population were recorded on all treatments except Danila and IT6D-759 and Danila and IT95K-1091-3 in both 1999 and 2000, respectively. The mean number of aphids was lower in 1S:1C in 2000 (2.14) and thrips infestation was highest at 2S:4C row arrangement in 1999 and 2000, respectively. The total dry matter and grain yield increased progressively from 1S:1C through 4S:4C in both 1999 and 2000. The present study suggests that sorghum-cowpea inter crop and the use of improved cowpea varieties should be adopted as control measures against the devastating effects of Maruca, aphids and thrips, thereby improving the cowpea dry matter and grain yield.

Food instruction booklet design for the Nigeria food consumption and nutrition survey 2001-2003

In 2001-2003, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in collaboration with the federal government of Nigeria, USAID and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), conducted a nationwide food consumption survey. Since the last national survey occurred in 1963, a major objective was to establish national baseline data for women and children under 5 years old. To ensure the accuracy and quality of detailed food intake data, IITA adapted the USDA Food Instruction Booklet (FIB), a compilation of foods consumed in the country, divided into food groups and subgroups. A Nigerian food composition database formed the basis of the Nigerian FIB, whereby, food groups, probes, a food index, and measurement guides with conversion tables were compiled. The Nigerian FIB included 18 major food groups and 79 subgroups compared to 16 food groups and 100 subgroups in the USDA FIB. For both countries, these food groups highlight how food is categorized and consumed. A typical example was how each country grouped grains and cereals. The Nigerian FIB included four separate groups (cereals, cereal products, confectionaries, and pasta). In the USDA FIB, breads and sweet breads were put together as one group. Cereal, pasta and rice were together as a second group. Examples of these food groups and probes are presented. While both FIBs contained measurement guides (cups, spoons, thickness sticks, rulers), the Nigerian FIB also included indigenous guides. These guides allowed for food weight conversions using local utensils, weights of foods cooked at home and purchased away from home, weights of foods with different sizes, and weights of food items with different measuring tools. Another unique element in the Nigerian FIB was the inclusion of scientific names for foods, their English names, and local names in the three Nigerian languages (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo). The FIB highlights cultural similarities and differences in food consumption and demonstrates how one country’s survey instrument can be adapted to meet the needs of another.Key Words: food instruction booklet, survey instrument

CHEMICAL, PASTING AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF TAPIOCA GRITS FROM CASSAVA MOSAIC DISEASE-RESISTANT CASSAVA VARIETIES

ABSTRACT The study investigated the chemical, pasting and sensory properties of tapioca grits produced from wet starches from 39 different cassava varieties (36 varieties resistant to cassava mosaic disease [CMD] and three checks TMS 30572, 4(2) 1425 and 82/00058) planted in June 2004/2005 at the experimental farm of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, high-rainfall Onne (Lat 4.4°N, Long 7.1°E, mean annual rainfall of 2,600 mm.), Rivers State, Nigeria. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) for chemical and functional properties of tapioca grits from different cassava varieties. Amylose content ranged from 18.30 to 22.95%, amylopectin content ranged from 77.05 to 81.70%, protein content ranged from 0.16 to 0.42%, sugar content ranged from 0.10 to 1.20%, starch damage ranged from 1.22 to 1.49%, pH values ranged from 4.25 to 6.15, moisture content ranged from 5.75% to 10.12%, ash content ranged from 0.19 to 0.67%, starch content ranged from 67.34 to 81.86%. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in all the pasting properties of the tapioca grits from different CMD starches. The peak viscosity of pregelatinized tapioca ranged from 110.79 to 545.17 RVU, final viscosities for tapioca ranged from 87.00 to 281.38 RVU. Setback values and pasting time ranged from 29.65 to 89.80 RVU, and 3.2 to 4.2 min, respectively. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the panelist scores for the tapioca samples. In terms of overall acceptability, panelists rated tapioca samples produced from 92/0067 has the best followed by 98/0510, 97/4769, whereas the least was tapioca sample from 98/0226. Based on our findings, tapioca grits from TMS92/0067, TMS98/0510 and 4(2) 1425 cassava varieties based on the high scores for sensory, chemical and setback values. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The recent world food crises have given new hope to potential breakfast diets like tapioca grits. Tapioca, a roasted cassava starch, is usually soaked and cooked in water and sugar/milk added. To appreciate best cassava varieties for this ever demanding product, this project on chemical, pasting and sensory properties of tapioca grits from cassava mosaic disease-resistant cassava varieties has high practical applications to guide readers and processors on best traits to use for the production of tapioca. Consumers can make use of tapioca for different pudding production. Tapioca grits from TMS92/0067, TMS98/0510 and 4(2)1425 cassava varieties will rise early and consistent on cooling, which is very important for the consumer preference. With appropriate addition of additives such as eggs, milk and sugar, consumers are assured of best quality tapioca meal.

A participatory evaluation of improved cowpea cultivars in the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones of north east Nigeria

A number of improved varieties have been developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), combining diverse plant type with resistance or tolerance to several diseases, insect pests, and parasitic weeds and possessing other good agronomic traits. Trials were established with farmers to evaluate several new IITA-bred cowpea varieties on-farm in a process of participatory varietal selection. Central to this has been a ‘mother-daughter’ approach with researcher-managed ‘mother’ trials and farmer-managed ‘daughter’ trials in order to combine researchers' and farmers' criteria in evaluation of new varieties. In both set of trials, new varieties IT89KD-391, IT97K-499-35, and IT89KD-288 were favoured by farmers because of their high grain and fodder yields. Farmers have also shown interest in the continuous use of a local variety Kanannado Brown. It is suitable for relay intercropping; having a creeping habit, and the ability to smother weeds. The brown seeds fetch higher market prices. The implications are that improved cowpea varieties should be suitable for relay-intercropping and controlling weeds, be brown in colour, have large grain size, be pest resistant as well as give high yields of grain and fodder. At the same time, it is important that the farmer's criteria should be considered in breeding and varietal selection programmes.

Genetic diversity in pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Landraces as revealed by simple sequence repeat markers

2International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nairobi, Kenya. 3 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya. Accepted 12 March, 2010 Genetic relationships among 88 pigeonpea accessions from a presumed centre of origin and diversity, India and a presumed secondary centre of diversity in East Africa were evaluated using six microsatellite markers. Forty-seven (47) alleles were detected in the populations studied, with a mean of eight alleles per locus. Populations were defined by region (India and East Africa) and sub-populations by country in the case of East Africa and State in the case of India. Substantial differentiation among regions was evident from Roger’s modified distance and Wright’s F statistic. Greatest genetic diversity in terms of number of alleles, number of rare alleles and Nei’s unbiased estimate of gene diversity (H) was found in India as opposed to East Africa. This supports the hypothesis that India is the centre of diversity and East Africa is a secondary centre of diversity. Within East Africa, germplasm from Tanzania had the highest diversity according to Nei’s unbiased estimate of gene diversity, followed by Kenya and Uganda. Germplasm from Kenya and Tanzania were more closely related than that of Uganda according to Roger’s modified distance. Within India, results did not indicate a clear centre of diversity. Values of genetic distance indicated that genetic relationships followed geographical proximity.

Serological detection of seed borne viruses in cowpea regenerated germplasm using protein a sandwich enzyme linked immunorsorbent assay

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is susceptible to a number of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. The effects of viruses can be devastating and are a major constraint to the production of cowpea. A study was carried out to detect the presence of seed borne viruses in fourteen cowpea accessions screened from 300 regeneratedcowpea germplasm from the genebank collection of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria. Protein A Sandwich Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (PAS ELISA) was used to detect seed borne viruses in the accessions. Out of 36 accessions of TVu 033 indexed, 31 were infected with Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus genus Potyvirus, which is of great economic importance in germplasm conservation and exchange between countries as it causes great loss. Southern bean mosaic virus was not detected in any of the accessionsevaluated. Seeds were harvested from the infected mother plants at maturity and the embryos excised in vitro onto hormone free medium composed of 4.43 g MS basal salt, 30 g sucrose and 8 g of agar. The seedlings obtained were serologically indexed to detect any seed-borne viruses after acclimatisation to screen house conditions. Theseedlings obtained from excised embryos got from harvested seeds gave a negative ELISA result.

Use of morphological characters to identify cassava mosaic disease and cassava bacterial blight resistance

Diseases are among the major constraints that prevent cassava’s (Manihot esculenta L.) optimum yield. Both the improved cassava breeds and local germplasms in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan expressed wide genetic variability in morphological characters and diseases resistance. The current criteria for disease resistant varieties among the cassava cultivars appeared to be cumbersome. Attempts were made to identify and classify the clones based on the morphological traits expressed by the improved breeds and the landraces. Genotypes were scored for resistance to cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava bacteria blight (CBB) attacks in the field. It was evident that identification of cassava genotypes using morphological characters is reliable. Some genotypes were resistant to CMD and CBB attack. It was found that pigmentation and level of branching confers resistance to cassava against CMD and CBB attack. CBB incidence was highly correlated (P<0.001) with both pith and hardwood thickness. The negative relationship between CBB severity and sprouting was very significant (P<0.001) for 3, 6, and 9 days after planting (DAP). CMD incidence showed a high correlation (P<0.001) with CMD severity. A similar result was observed in the relationship between CBB incidence, showing a strong correlation (P<0.001) with CBB severity.

Effect of bradyrhizobial inoculation and n fertilization on promiscuous soybean and subsequent maize yield grown in degraded “terre de barre” in Benin

Poor adoption of green manure and agro forestry systems for sustainable intensification of agricultural production in the moist savannah of West-Africa, as well as the low contribution of traditional grain legumes such as groundnuts, cowpea and common bean have prompted the search for alternative socio-economic solutions for smallholders. One of them is the development of N2 fixation by promiscuous soybean to increase food production and to improve soil fertility, in particular on degraded lands. Fifteen farmers’ fields were selected for soybean trials in 2001 and 2002, and again in 2002 and 2003 for the maize trials. Each farmer’s field represented one replication. The 15N isotope dilution method was used to assess symbiotic N2 fixation of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) promiscuous soybean variety TGX 1448 2E and its response to inoculation and fertilization. In both 2001 and 2002, the application of 20 kg N did not affect nodulation, biomass production and N accumulation of soybean uninoculated in 2001, or inoculated in 2002. However, inoculation produced the highest soybean nodule number and nodule weight in 2002. The highest values of biomass production and N accumulation were found with soybean that received poultry manure in 2001 and 100 kg N ha-1 as urea in 2002. The highest biomass and N accumulation in 2001 was 1600 kg DM ha-1 and 41 kg N ha-1 with soybean amended with poultry manure. Shoot N content in 2002 averaged only 25 kg N ha- 1, while the average N accumulation in soybean seed was 64 kg N ha-1. The best percentage of N derived from atmosphere (Ndfa) (54 %), amounting to only 13 kg N ha-1, was obtained with soybean fertilized with 20 kg N ha-1 and inoculated. These values are very low indicating that soybean cultivated in the study area was far from satisfying its requirements through N fixation. The N balance calculated on the basis of the amount of N fixed removed in the grain is negative (-48 kg ha-1). Significant increase occurred only when plots were previously grown to soybean and fertilized with poultry manure being 5124 and 3211 kg DM ha-1 compared to the previous soybean plot without N, for maize shoot and grain, respectively. Total N yield in shoots was significantly higher in plots previously cropped to soybean than to maize. The contribution of soybean to maize yield was not significantly different from the contribution of maize-to-maize in 2003. Soybean growing in West-Africa is a promising technology that has multiple benefits.Keys words : Benin Republic ; promiscuous soybean ; symbiotic N fixation ; 15N isotope dilution; N accumulation ; N Balance ; % Ndfa.

SCREENING OF CASSAVA GENOTYPES FOR RESISTANCE TO BACTERIAL BLIGHT USING STRAIN x GENOTYPE INTERACTIONS

Twenty-four improved and local genotypes of cassava (Manihot esculenta) from Togo were screened under controlled conditions for resistance to cassava bacterial blight by stem-inoculation with four highly virulent Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis strains from different African origins. The local genotypes Nakoko and Toma159 were most susceptible to the four strains, while most other genotypes, including the reference genotype Ben86052, with susceptible reaction to at least two strains, were resistant to at least one strain. Six genotypes showed a resistant reaction to the four strains, the local genotype Gbazekoute and the improved CVTM4 from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) being the most resistant. Six groups of genotypes with differential reactions to the strains were identified, which allowed the strains to be defined as pathotypes.

Assessment of inhibitory substances in the seed coat of some cowpea cultivars for resistance against &lt;i&gt;Callosobruchus maculates&lt;/i&gt;

Laboratory experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Imo State University, Nigeria to assess the inhibitory substances in the seed coat of 15 cowpea cultivars for resistance against Callosobruchus maculatus. Fifty (50) seeds of the cowpea cultivars were collected from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) Ibadan and placed in 15 different Petri-dishes with perforated tops and infested with 10 adult C. maculatus pest (4 males : 6 females). The Petri-dishes containing the seeds and the insects were allowed to stay undisturbed for 4 weeks. Another set of 50 seeds of the cowpea cultivars were soaked in water to allow for easy removal of the seed coats. The seed coats were dried in the oven at 65oC for about 25 min, and then ground into a fine powder. It was observed that the adult C. maculatus did not attack the cowpea. However, after 4 weeks, new C. maculatus adults were observed on the cowpea seeds. The number of emerged adult C. maculatus and the number of insect exit holes observed in the IT97K-568-18 and IT98K-131-2 cultivars were lower and significantly different from the other cultivars. The quantity of tannin and saponin in the seed coat of the cultivars IT97K-568-18 and IT98K-131-2 were significantly higher than the other cultivars. The ability of these two cowpea cultivars to resist the attack of C. maculatus was attributed to the presence of tannin and saponin in the seed coats. It is recommended that IT97K-568-18 and IT98K-131-2 cultivars be incorporated in the cowpea breeding programmes involving insect resistance. Key words: Cowpea, Callosobruchus maculatus, Cultivars, Tannin, Saponin,Seed coat

Progress In Breeding Diploid Genetic Stocks Of Banana With Resistance To Black Sigatoka

Selected genetically related diploid Musa materials of the base, first, and second generations of the breeding programme in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) high rainfall station, Onne were evaluated for black Sigatoka resistance and agronomic performance. This was done in order to assess the progress made over time in the breeding programme. The results obtained showed that progress has been made from the base generation to generation 1 and from generation 1 to generation 2 in the improvement of the yield attributes of the highly black Sigatoka resistant diploid Musa cultivars- Calcutta 4 and pisang lilin. The diploid hybrids selected in generations 1 and 2 were not as resistant to black Sigatoka disease as the parents. However, improvement at generation 2 has succeeded in bringing together, productivity and resistance traits which seemed to oppose each other in generation 1 as revealed by the biplots. The clones, 2625-5, 9007-4, 1518-4, and 2829-62 from the crosses between Bobby tannap and Calcutta 4 in generation 1 were strongly associated with index of non-spotted leaves in the biplot. The clones, 25291-S26, 25291-S32, 25291-S62, and 25291- 1A from the double-cross (BT x C4) x (TL x PL) were associated with most of the yield, disease response and phenological traits. The clones, 25291-S89, 25291-S26, 25291-S32, 25291-S62, 25291- S58, 25233-S3, and 27398 had combination of positive and relatively high heterosis both for black Sigatoka resistance and productivity traits. Key words: Genetic progress, black Sigatoka resistance, agronomic performance, diploid bananas

The effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and black sigatoka disease reaction of some plantain (Musa spp. Aab) genotypes in south-eastern Nigeria

Three plantain hybrids (‘29525’, ‘30456-3’, ‘PITA 14’) and a landrace genotype ‘Agbagba’ (as control) were field evaluated in response to organic and inorganic fertilizers at the International Institute of TropicalAgriculture, High Rainfall Station, Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria, for two cropping cycles. The experimental design was a 4 x 3 factorial in randomized complete block, replicated thrice. Growth, yield and black sigatoka disease parameters were measured during the two cropping (plant and ratoon crop) cycles of evaluation. The genotypes ‘29525’ and ‘PITA 14’ produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher leaf area, number of standing leaves and index of non-spotted leaves; however, genotype ‘30456-3’ retained more functional leaves at harvest while genotype ‘29525’ produced heavier bunches/ha during the two cropping cycles. Poultry manure supported the best plant growth and yield parameters, especially index of non-spotted leaves, number of standing leaves at flowering and at harvest, leaf retention index and bunch yield/ha. There was a strong and positive relationship between the index of non-spotted leaves and bunch yield/ha. The newly developed hybrids (‘29525’ and ‘30456-3’) were confirmed to be tolerant to black sigatoka disease with fertilizer application reducing the severity of the disease. Similarly, these two new hybrids had comparatively good agronomic traits that could warrant their recommendation for on-farm adaptive trial.Keywords: Musa genotypes, Fertilizer, Black Sigatoka disease, Growth, Yield.

Anti-nutrients and heavy metals in some new plantain and banana cultivars

Plantain and banana flour are important raw material in the baking and confectionery industry, and complementary food formulation. Five new plantain and banana hybrids developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) at Highrainfall Station, Onne, Nigeria were screened for certain anti-nutritional factors and some heavy metals commonly found in foods. Results show that PITA 17 is lowest (1.66%) in saponin, while PITA 24 (4.97%) is highest. Conversely, the tannin content was lowest (0.16%) in PITA 24 and highest (0.28%) in both PITA 17 and BITA 3. The oxalate content of the new hybrid ranges between 0.49% and 0.82%, across the six cultivars evaluated. Phytate level was lowest (1.2x10-5) in PITA 14 and highest (11.0x10-5) in PITA 24. PITA’s 14, 24 and Agbagba contained 4.0x10-5% cyanide, while 4.0x10-5 was obtained for PITA’s 17, 26 and BITA 3. The phenolic content of PITA’s 14 and 26, and Agbagba was 0.033%, while PITA’s 17, 24 and BITA 3 had 0.036%. The heavy metal contents of the new plantain and banana ranges between 0.13-0.19ppm for Lead, 0.02-0.03ppm for Cadmium, and

Ethno medicinal information on collation and identification of some medicinal plants in Research Institutes of South-west Nigeria

An arboretum is a collection of trees. Related collections include a fruticetum (from the Latin frutex, meaning shrub), and a viticetum, a collection of vines. More commonly today, an arboretum is a botanical garden containing living collections of woody plants intended at least partly for scientific study. Distribution of medicinal plants information were investigated in International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) arboretum and Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) arboretum to collate and identify different medicinal plants used in the traditional pharmacopoeia for the treatment of diseases affecting human body. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. A total of 120 informants aged 35 and above comprising 64% males and 36% females were interviewed. The investigation revealed that a total of 129 species of medicinal plants (Trees (78%), Shrubs (18%), Herbs (3%) and Climbers (1%)) belonging to 39 families 94 genera were identified and documented. Much of the plant families have been endangered as they were not easily found during the field work. Plants are documented for further research on their secondary metabolites, biological attributes in the various plant parts.

Registration of Striga‐Resistant Tropical Extra‐Early Maize Population

An extra‐early maturing white‐grained, flint/dent maize (Zea mays L.) population, TZEE‐W Pop STR C4 (Reg. No. GP‐576; PI 657704), has been developed at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. The population has moderate levels of resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. It was released in 2004 in west and central Africa as source germplasm for the development of synthetic varieties, parental inbred lines, and hybrids with improved resistance to Striga and superior grain yield. It is also drought tolerant with good levels of resistance to maize streak virus and southern corn leaf blight [caused by Bipolaris maydis (Nisikado &amp; Miyake) Shoemaker]. Results of trials at three locations in Nigeria and Benin Republic, 2006 and 2007, showed that under Striga‐infested conditions, the cultivars 2004 TZEE‐W Pop STR C4, derived from C4 of TZEE‐W Pop STR, and TZEE‐W Pop × LD (Set A2), were the most promising in terms of grain yield, low levels of Striga damage and Striga emergence. TZEE‐W Pop STR C4 outyielded the Striga‐susceptible check by 43% under Striga infestation and 33% when Striga‐free. In another trial with 16 normal and quality protein maize (QPM) varieties evaluated at 10 Striga‐free locations, TZEE‐W Pop STR C4 outyielded the normal local check by 24% and the QPM reference check by 18%.