Skin inflammation is a serious problem that must be addressed. The use of steroid and non-steroid drugs is effective as an anti-inflammatory but has many side effects. One of the natural ingredients used by the community as an anti-inflammatory is the leaves of the velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. (DC.)). This study aims to prove that velvet bean leaf ointment is effective as an anti-inflammatory, which is indicated by improvements in the morphology and structure of the skin tissue of mice experiencing inflammation. The research method is an experiment with a completely randomized design consisting of 6 treatments with five replications (normal, negative control, positive control, and velvet bean leaf ointment at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kgBW). Quantitative data were analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the use of ointments of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW was able to improve the morphology of the skin of mice experiencing inflammation, which was indicated by a significant decrease in the thickness of the back folds (P

whose accumulation is strongly influenced by agronomic conditions in the early stages. Among these, seed germination and initial vegetative growth represent critical, yet little-explored, phases that determine the establishment of the plant and its subsequent productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substrate composition on seed germination and early vegetative development of C. sativa under controlled indoor conditions. A completely randomized design was used to evaluate four substrates (peat-based, coconut fiber, vermiculite, and humus) up to the V3 phenological stage. Germination percentage, plant height, root length, fresh biomass, and leaf area were quantified and analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (p ≤ 0.05). Although all substrates promoted satisfactory germination, the peat-based substrate consistently promoted superior agronomic performance, including higher germination rates, greater biomass accumulation, and increased leaf area, while vermiculite significantly improved root development. Coconut fiber showed more variable responses, suggesting limitations related to nutrient availability. These findings demonstrate that substrate composition plays a decisive role during the early stages of C. sativa development, highlighting the importance of substrate selection in ensuring vigorous seedling establishment and providing practical guidance for optimizing nursery stage management in medical cannabis cultivation systems.

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by abnormal behavior and impaired brain function. MK-801, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, is frequently used to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including locomotor hyperactivity and anxiety-related behaviors. Boron is a trace element with known antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, though the alkaline form of boron has not been studied in this context. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of alkaline boron on behavioral alterations induced by MK-801 in mice. Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): control, MK-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), boron + MK-801 (boron-100 mg/kg + MK-801-1 mg/kg, i.p.), and boron (100 mg/kg, i.p.). Injections were administered daily for 14 days. Thirty minutes after the final dose, animals underwent the open field test, where locomotor activity, time spent outside the center, grooming frequency and duration, and defecation count were recorded. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s multiple range test. MK-801 administration induced locomotor hyperactivity, reduced grooming behavior, and suppressed defecation compared to controls (p<0.05). Boron treatment did not exert protective effects on locomotor activity, grooming, or defecation parameters (p>0.05). However, boron significantly attenuated the MK-801-induced reduction in time spent outside the center, suggesting an anxiolytic-like effect (p<0.05). Alkaline boron demonstrated partial protective effects in an MK-801-induced schizophrenia mouse model, specifically on anxiety-related behavior. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying boron’s neuroprotective potential and its relevance for schizophrenia-related behavioral deficits.

This study aims to analyze the sensory characteristic and chemical content of fried dumpling skin as an effort to develop local based product. Four levels of potato flour substitution (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were included in the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to be analyzed through ANOVA at 5% level of significance then continued by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. 3 expert panelists participated in organoleptic test and 80 untrained panelists participated in hedonic test. The result indicated that expert panelists found there was no significant on each treatment, whereas the untrained panelists found different significancy to each treatment. The best treatment according to hedonic test was 10% substitution. In terms of nutrition, the product that substituted 30% potato flour had the highest water and kalium value. Color analysis using CIE L*a*b* revealed that potato flour substitution can decrease L* (lightness), and increase a* (redness), and b* (yellowness).

Improved production of leaf vegetables becomes imperative due to their ability to act as supplements in the usual starchy diets of Africans. To make this task achievable, the use of POME is adopted because it is reportedly rich in essential nutrients, and more environmental friendlier than inorganic fertilizers. In this study, five treatments consisting of fresh POME were applied at the rate of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 t/ha, and NPK 15-15-15 at 400 kg/ha was used for compares. Bed preparation, and other necessary agronomic practices were carried out. There were twenty-four beds of 2 m × 4 m size, arranged in a randomized complete block design field experiment, replicated four times. The treatments were randomly applied to prepared plots, and growth parameters (number of leaves, stem girth, plants height), and total marketable yield (MY) were measured at 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks after sowing (WAS). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and their means separated, using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5%. Fresh POME applied at higher rates was significantly effective in improving agronomic parameters and marketable yield of Amaranthus hybridus. Marketable yield, at (t/ha) was in the order: 60 t/ha-8.93>45 t/ha-8.72>NPK-7.50>30 t/ha-5.90>15 t/ha-4.81>Control-2.23. This study concluded that 60 t/ha of fresh POME could be effective in alleviating the challenges encountered in leaf vegetable production, and would reliably act as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers. However, application of POME at 45 t/ha could also be useful where application at 60 t/ha is unattainable.

This study evaluated the effects of leachate-based liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and goat manure bokashi on the growth and yield of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo). A factorial completely randomized design was applied with three levels of leachate (0, 250, and 500 ppm) and three levels of bokashi (0, 120, and 240 g per polybag). Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5%. Leachate application did not significantly affect plant height, root length, root volume, leaf number, or fresh biomass. In contrast, bokashi significantly increased leaf number and fresh biomass, while no significant interaction between treatments was observed. These results indicate that goat manure bokashi improves vegetative growth and yield of Brazilian spinach, whereas the tested leachate concentrations were insufficient to enhance plant performance. Further studies are recommended to optimize leachate dosage and combination with inorganic fertilizers.

Tuwo-shinkafa (rice meal or rice porridge) is a traditional Nigerian dish popular in the northern region of Nigeria. It is typically prepared from short-grain rice (local rice), which is soft and sticky, or from flour produced from it, the latter being the easiest and fastest preparation method. Enhancing the nutritional value of this meal is of considerable importance. This study investigated the chemical and functional properties of Tuwo-shinkafa flour produced from blends of rice and tigernut, and evaluated its potential for producing a more nutritious Tuwo-shinkafa meal. The flour blends were formulated at rice-to-tigernut ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. The composite flours were analyzed for proximate composition, vitamin and mineral contents, and functional properties, while the prepared Tuwo-shinkafa meal samples were subjected to sensory evaluation. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean separation was performed using Duncan’s New Multiple Range (DNMR) test at a significance level of p < 0.05, employing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Vitamin contents ranged from 12.27 to 12.65 mg/100 g (vitamin C), 0.30 to 0.36 mg/100 g (vitamin B1), 0.17 to 0.21 mg/100 g (vitamin B2), and 0.11 to 0.47 mg/100 g (vitamin B6). The ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents ranged from 0.67 to 2.07%, 150.67 to 275.00 mg/100 g, 147.80 to 331.22 mg/100 g, 182.23 to 190.55 mg/100 g, and 275.12 to 281.43 mg/100 g, respectively. Water absorption capacity, swelling capacity, and bulk density ranged from 108.33 to 143.67%, 5.56 to 6.73%, and 0.66 to 0.79 g/cm³, respectively. Based on the analytical results and sensory evaluation, the study demonstrated the potential of rice–tigernut composite flour to enhance the nutritional quality of Tuwo-shinkafa meal.

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a fruit rich in nutrients, especially carbohydrates, making it a potential alternative food source. Optimal growth of this plant can be achieved through fertilization, such as with potassium nitrate (KNO₃), which contains potassium and nitrogen to enhance growth, quality, and yield. This study aimed to determine the effect of different KNO₃ fertilizer concentrations on the growth and yield of butternut squash plants. The research was conducted from February to June 2025 at Kebun Bibit Cibubur Pusat Pengembangan Benih dan Proteksi Tanaman (P2BPT), Jl. Jambore, Cibubur, Ciracas District, East Jakarta City. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a single factor, namely KNO₃ concentration, consisting of five treatment levels: K0 (control), K1 (8 g/L), K2 (16 g/L), K3 (24 g/L), and K4 (32 g/L). Each treatment was replicated six times with two samples per replicate, resulting in 30 experimental units and a total of 60 plant samples. The observed parameters included plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaves), stem diameter (mm), fruit weight (g), fruit diameter (cm), fruit length (cm), flesh thickness (cm), and fruit sweetness (°Brix). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by The SAS System for Windows 9.0, followed and further testing using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significance level of α = 5%. The results showed that KNO₃ fertilizer had a significant effect on the growth and yield of butternut squash, particularly on plant height at 6–8 weeks after transplanting (WAT), number of leaves at 5–8 WAT, and fruit weight. The highest growth and yield were obtained at the concentration of 32 g/L KNO₃.

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria and fungi remain a global health problem, particularly due to the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for effective alternative antimicrobial sources. Endophytic bacteria, especially fluorescent Pseudomonas, are known to produce secondary metabolites with antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of endophytic fluorescent Pseudomonas isolated from the roots of banana buai (Musa × paradisiaca L.) and to identify isolates with the highest activity. This experimental study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using 44 isolates with three replications. Antimicrobial activity was tested in vitro using the spot inoculation method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The observed parameter was the diameter of the inhibition zone, which was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that antimicrobial activity varied among isolates and was specific to the test microorganisms. Isolate PFPB 32 exhibited the highest activity against E. coli and S. aureus, while isolate PFPB 300 showed the strongest antifungal activity against C. albicans. These findings indicate that endophytic fluorescent Pseudomonas from banana buai roots have potential as a source of antimicrobial agents, particularly antifungal agents against Candida albicans

Background: Fish entrails, which have minimal commercial value, can be processed into organic fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, improve crop yield and reduce CO‚ emissions associated with chemical fertilizers. Similarly, kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), a nutrient-rich shrub commonly used as fencing material in the Philippines, can serve as an additional organic fertilizer source. The study evaluated the impact of Gliricidia sepium extract (GSE) and fish entrails suspension (FES), applied at different frequencies, on rice growth and yield and ROI. Methods: The field experiment was conducted from February to July 2024 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments were: T0 - no fertilizer (control); T1 - 120-90-90 N, P2O5, K2O inorganic fertilizer (643 kg complete fertilizer + 66 kg urea ha-1); T2 - 4 L ha-1 GSE + FES applied weekly; T3 - 4 L ha-1 GSE + FES applied every three days; and T4 - 4 L ha-1 GSE + FES applied daily. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). Result: Soil pH, OM, Available P and exchangeable K, improved under daily applications of GSE and FES compared with inorganic fertilizer and the control. The highest leaf area index (LAI) was recorded under inorganic fertilizer, although daily and three-day organic applications produced comparable values. The number of productive tillers per hill and percent of filled spikelets per panicle, weight of field spikelets per panicle and grain yield under daily organic fertilizer application were statistically similar to those under inorganic fertilizer. Grain yield was lowest in the control (4.42 t ha-1) and highest with inorganic fertilizer (7.25 t ha-1). Weekly and three-day organic applications yielded 5.00 t ha-1, while daily application produced 6.25 t ha-1, statistically comparable to inorganic fertilizer. These findings indicate that daily GSE and FES application is a viable organic alternative for sustainable rice production, although weekly application was more economically favorable due to lower labor and input costs.

Tomato is the most widely consumed vegetable worldwide and serves as an important source of vitamins and minerals. Using the Bacillus species as biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters is a sustainable approach to optimize production and mitigate the effects of root-infecting phytopathogenic fungi, thereby reducing reliance on chemical inputs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Bacillus sp.-based bioinoculant, produced in a 7 L bioreactor, for controlling root phytopathogens and enhancing tomato yields under field conditions. The trial was conducted at an experimental field of the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Lima, Peru) using a randomized complete block design with four blocks. Treatment means were compared using Tukey’s multiple range test (α = 0.05) to evaluate treatment effects. The treatments included three concentrations of the bioinoculant (10%, 20%, and 30%) derived from an initial concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/mL of a Bacillus halotolerans IcBac2.1 strain sourced from the LEMyB laboratory strain collection, a commercial biological product (1 × 109 CFU/g), and uninoculated control. Applications were made for the following four key stages of crop development: 10 days after germination, when transplanting through root dipping, 7 days after transplanting, and at the onset of flowering. In all treated groups, applications were directed to the plant crown, whereas the control group received no treatment. The evaluated variables included plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), root disease incidence (%), chlorophyll index (SPAD), °Brix, pH, vitamin C (mg/100 g), total protein (mg/100 g) and crop yield (t/ha). The greatest plant growth-promoting effects were observed in plants inoculated with the 20% bioinoculant and in the commercial product treatment, as evidenced by increased plant height, greater fruit diameter, caliber, and length, as well as lower root disease incidence (2.86% and 1.43%, respectively). In addition, yields were highest in these treatments (29.9 and 25.2 t ha−1, respectively) compared with 14.5 t ha−1 in the control. These results indicate that a 20% B. halotolerans-based bioformulation, similar to the commercial formulation, promotes plant growth, improves agronomic performance, and reduces root disease incidence in tomato crops.

The post-acclimatization stage is a critical period for Lase banana (Musa acuminata L.) plants derived from tissue culture, as they must adapt to open-field environmental conditions. The application of photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) and chitosan has the potential to enhance plant growth and development, as well as improve the tolerance of banana plants during the post-acclimatization stage. The primary objective of this study was to obtain Lase banana seedlings from tissue culture with optimal field growth through the application of PSB and chitosan. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design in a field setting, with the main plots representing PSB concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mL/L) and the subplots representing chitosan concentrations (10, 15, and 20 mL/L). Data were analyzed using ANOVA at the 5% significance level and further tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The results showed a significant interaction between PSB at 20 mL/L and chitosan at 15 mL/L for several parameters, including root number and length, plant fresh weight, and total chlorophyll content of Lase banana plants.

This study aimed to evaluate various temperature pre-treatment strategies for preparing E. cottonii seedlings within a transportation engineering framework. The experiment was conducted from June - September 2025 at the Marine and Terrestrial Bioindustry Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia. A factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, involving two factors: temperature treatment (S) and transportation duration (W). The temperature factor consisted of five levels based on the number of ice packs applied: 0 (S1), 1 (S2), 2 (S3), 3 (S4), and 4 (S5). Transportation duration comprised three levels: 12 hours (W1), 24 hours (W2), and 36 hours (W3). The initial weight of the seedlings was standardized at 120 g. Observed parameters included weight loss, storage temperature, seedling color characteristics, and salinity content. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS, followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. The results demonstrated that single-factor temperature treatments (S), transportation duration (W), and their interaction (S×W) significantly affected absolute weight loss, storage temperature, and all color parameters of E. cottonii seedlings. However, none of these treatments exerted a significant effect on seedling salinity. The interaction between four ice packs and a 12 h transportation period (S5W1) was identified as the optimal treatment, as it best preserved seedling color performance, with lightness (L*) of 23.3±0.01, redness (a*) of −0.2±0.12, and yellowness (b*) of 7.5±0.07. Despite these advantages, this treatment also resulted in a relatively high weight loss (25.4±0.5 g), likely due to cold shock induced by a substantial reduction in styrofoam container temperature to 24.2±0.09°C. In contrast, seedling salinity remained statistically unchanged across all treatment combinations, ranging from 3.75±0.2% to 3.76±0.28%

Appropriate inorganic fertilizers application is a strategy to supplement soil nutrients for cucumber production for its optimum production. These inorganic fertilizers will make nutrients readily available for uptake within a short time. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, for three consecutive seasons to ascertain the appropriate nitrogen rate for cucumber hybrids. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RDCB) with three replicates. The 3 x 4 factorial experiment involved three cucumber hybrids (African Giant, Greengo and Darina) and four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1). Data were collected on the vine length (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area (cm2), days to 50% flowering, number of female flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), and fruit weight per plant (kg) and analyzed using IRRI STAR software. Means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the traits studied increase as the nitrogen level increases in all the selected cucumber hybrids. There were significant increases at each of the nitrogen levels except for 100 to 150 kg N ha-1 in all the studied traits. The percentage increase in fruit weight per plant from 100 to 150 kg N ha-1 was very minute and not economical. Furthermore, Greengo recorded the highest mean value for fruit weight per plant, followed by Darina at all the nitrogen levels. The experiment recommended that nitrogen should be applied at the rate of 100 kg N ha-1 for profitable fruit yield in the cucumber hybrid, and commercial farmers should adopt Greengo for higher fruit yield under open field conditions.

Silage is an alternative livestock feed in the form of fermented forage that is stored for long periods in anaerobic conditions and can meet the availability of forage for livestock during the dry season. The objective of this study was to obtain a high-quality ramie waste (Boehmeria nivea) silage formulation with the best palatability for sheep based on the feed intake of Garut sheep on ramie silage and the best quality based on storage life. This study used 6 male Garut sheep aged 12-16 months with an average weight of 32 kg. The sheep were given 4 treatments, namely P0 = Rami leaf silage without additives (as basal feed); P1 = Ramie leaf silage, rice bran, and 0.5% aromatic bran; P2 = Ramie leaf silage, rice bran, 0.5% aromatic bran, and 5% molasses; P3 = Ramie leaf silage, rice bran, and 1% aromatic bran. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD), and each sheep was placed in an individual pen. The research data were processed using analysis of variance, then to determine the differences between treatments, it was followed by Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that the physical quality of the silage was still in good condition up to 9 months of ensilage and could be used as a solution to feed shortages in the future. This can be seen from the level of palatability of Garut sheep to flax waste silage >50% measured from the average daily consumption of livestock.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasingly being applied in controlled-environment agriculture due to their energy efficiency and spectral flexibility; however, crop-specific responses to different LED spectra remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of four commercial LED lamps compared with sunlight on the growth, soil plant analysis development (SPAD), leaf color, and biomass production of Hong-Tai Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) and Baby Bok Choy (B. rapa subsp. chinensis). A completely randomized design with four light treatments was employed, and growth traits—SPAD values, leaf color indices, fresh weight, and dry weight—were measured at 35 days after sowing. Data were analyzed using an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (p ≤ 0.05). LED treatments significantly enhanced biomass accumulation relative to sunlight. Hong-Tai Bok Choy achieved the highest fresh (167.53 g plant−1) and dry weights (10.32 g plant−1) under the pink LED, whereas Baby Bok Choy showed maximum fresh (110.79 g plant−1) and dry weights (6.61 g plant−1) under the 4000 K white LED. In contrast, sunlight (reference treatment) resulted in higher SPAD values and superior leaf color. These results demonstrate that commercial LEDs improve yield performance, with optimal LED lamps differing between crop types, highlighting the importance of species-specific LED selection in controlled-environment vegetable production.

This study evaluated the effects of growing media and rabbit urine liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) concentrations on the growth and yield of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.) in Klaten Regency, Indonesia. A factorial completely randomized design tested three growing media (cow, goat, and chicken manure mixed with fermented rice husk at a 1:1 ratio) and three LOF concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mL L⁻¹). Plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, and root weight were measured and analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (α = 0.05). Growing media had no significant effect on any parameter. LOF concentration significantly increased leaf number but did not affect plant height, fresh weight, or root weight, and no interaction effects were detected. These results indicate that rabbit urine LOF primarily promotes vegetative leaf development rather than overall biomass accumulation in mustard greens.

The quality of coffee seedlings is strongly influenced by the growing medium, particularly its organic matter content and nutrient availability. Coffee husk is an abundant agro-industrial by-product that can be composted and utilized as a soil amendment to improve nursery media quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different rates of coffee husk compost on the growth of coffee seedlings. The experiment was conducted for four months in a nursery using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven compost rate treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of a control and six compost rates equivalent to 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, and 1 1/2 of the recommended dose. Observed growth parameters included seedling height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level. The results showed that coffee husk compost significantly enhanced all growth parameters compared to the control. Growth increased with increasing compost rates up to the recommended dose, beyond which no further significant improvement was observed. These findings indicate that coffee husk compost can be effectively used as a soil amendment to improve coffee seedling growth when applied at an optimal rate.

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. leads to significant losses in bird’s eye chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) production, including reduced fruit quality, lower yield, and increased production costs. Although synthetic pesticides are widely used for disease management, their prolonged application raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability and food safety. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of citronella essential oil, in both free and nano-encapsulated forms, against Colletotrichum spp. Compared to the previous studies, this work uniquely evaluates and compares nano-encapsulated and non-encapsulated citronella essential oil against anthracnose in bird’s eye chili. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with treatments consisting of citronella essential oil at concentrations of 0.125% and 0.063%, either encapsulated or non-encapsulated, tested under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Parameters observed were incubation period, disease intensity, inhibition percentage, colony appearance, and hyphal morphology. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) when significant differences were detected. Application of 0.125% citronella essential oil effectively delayed incubation (6.05 DAI), resulting in a disease intensity of 45%, and achieved the highest in vitro inhibition (92.21%) until 10 DAI, outperforming Propineb 70 WP and other treatments. Colony morphology remained generally similar, but notable differences in hyphal fate were observed, including lysis, shrinkage, curling, and unbranched growth. These findings indicate that citronella essential oil is a promising natural candidate to reduce reliance on Propineb 70 WP. However, further field-scale evaluations are needed.

Feed shortage has been identified to be one of the main constraints limiting animal production for milk and meat in Niger. Stover from cereal crops has been a significant source of feed during the long and dry season with producers showing preference for sorghum stover. Sorghum brown midrib (bmr) genes are well known for improving forage quality around the world; however, farmers in Niger do not have access to sorghum cultivars enriched with bmr genes. To address this limitation, a new forage sorghum breeding program has been initiated in 2016 in Niger to introgressbmr genes into elite Nigerien sorghum varieties. Agronomic studies were performed to determine the most efficient forage production system using split plot design for three treatments: TRT 1, TRT 2 and TRT 3. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey HSD multiple range test was used to separate treatment means.NIRSanalysis revealed the good nutritional qualities of the TRT-1 and TRT-2and significant (P<0.05) differences were observed among treatments for CP, and ADL contents. The stover from the TRT-1 expressed high nutrients content levels. The double cutting technicopens new opportunities for alleviating feed shortage facing improved livestock productivity in Niger.