National Cereals Research Institute Research Articles

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as fungal biofertilizer on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus l.) in Kebbi

Studies on effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of biofertilizer on growth and yield Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L).The study was carried out in the greenhouse, the department of biology ADAMU AUGIE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ARGUNGU in polythene bags (50g). A total of 420 seeds of Okra were collected from national cereals Research Institute Gwadangaji. A sun dried seeds of the samples was sown in polythene bags and distributed into seven treatments which were used in the study as follows, control (without treatment), biofertilizer only, organic fertilizer only, chemical fertilizer only, organic fertilizer + biofertilizer, 20% chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer, and biofertilizer (two doses). Using complete randomized block design (CRBD). From the result shows that the biofertilizer only in all parameters shows significant differences (P< 0.05) compared with the control, which gives an indication that biofertilizer helped plant growth and been able to provide the plants with nutrients as it promoted rapid growth, increased leaf size, leaf length, number of leaves, number of branches, fresh weight and dry weight of the plant, hastened crop maturity, and promote fruit and seed development. It was concluded from the result of the study that a fungal biofertilizer play a role as biofertilizer. Were it is clear that the use of biofertilizer affect the growth of Okra. Biofertilizer (two doses) do not affect the growth of Okra as biofertilizer (one dose).It may be due to competition of fungi. The combination of treatments with biofertilizer were recommended for the optimum growth and the yield of Okra. The experiment may be repeated using another fungi or mixture of different fungi. Potassium solubilizing fungi, phosphate solubilizing fungi or another N-fixing microorganism. Cultivation of the plants in field instead of the polythene bags, to provide an appropriate environment to the fungi.

Effects of Methods of Planting and Time of Herbicide Application on the Economic of Lowland Rice in Badeggi, Nigeria

The experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 wet season at National Cereals Research Institute headquarters, Badeggi, Niger state (latitude 9o041 02.05’’N, longitude 0.6o011 3.31’’E) in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different planting methods and herbicide application timings on lowland rice production for farmers in the region. The experiment was laid out in a factorial experiment. The treatment consists of five sowing methods (broadcasting dry, broadcasting wet, dibbling wet, dibbling dry and transplanting) with two different timing of herbicide application. The 10 treatment combinations were laid out in a factorial experiment with a split-plot design with timing of herbicide application allocated to the main plot while sowing methods were designated to the sub-plot. Data were collected on Plant height, number of tillers, day to 50% flowering, day to maturity, number of seeds per panicle, seed yield per panicle, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per hectare. The result indicated that overall, the transplanting method of planting resulted in the significantly highest for all parameters, followed by the dibbling wet and dibbling dry methods. The broadcast method resulted in the poorest outcomes. Applying herbicide at 2 WAS resulted in better outcomes compared to 3 WAS. The transplanting method with herbicide application at 2 WAS resulted in the significantly highest grain yield, gross returns, and gross margin, making it the most profitable option.

Effect of Rabbit Manure on the Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea Linnaeus) Grown on Intensely Cultivated Ultisols of South Eastern Nigeria

Groundnut when planted on marginal or infertile soils, seldom performs well, except where appropriate fertilizer or soil amendment materials are applied. Field trials were conducted at the National Cereals Research Institute, Owot Uta substation near Uyo, to examine the effects of rabbit manure on the growth and yield of groundnut. The experiment consisted of three medium maturing groundnut varieties (Samnut, G-153 and Imata). The three groundnut varieties were treated to five rates of rabbit manure (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0(tonnes/ha)) in a 3×5 factorial arrangement. The experiment was replicated three times. Results indicated significant positive effects.

Morpho-genetic Diversity and Traits’ Relationship in Castor Germplasm

Adequate knowledge of the extent of dissimilarity among germplasm accessions and traits’ relationships are of great importance in active breeding programme. In the present study, genetic diversity and traits’ relationship were assessed among 74 castor germplasm accessions collected at the National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, Nigeria. The accessions were evaluated on replicated plots of 7.5m2 size, arranged in a randomized complete block design. The data were taken on 20 individual plants, using standard castor descriptors. The results revealed significant variations for all the traits studied among the entries. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation estimated showed low environmental effects on the observed variations. High (≥ 70%) broad sense heritability coupled with high (≥ 20%) genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed in all the traits except days to days to first raceme maturity, number of leaf lobes and seed yield. Six cluster groups, with 4 to 38 members, were identified among the accessions. Significant positive correlations were observed between the seed yield and leaf length (0.269*), and spike length (0.972**). The partitioning of the correlations into direct and indirect yield contributors showed positive direct effects for number of internodes to first raceme, spike length and height to first raceme. The findings showed that selection for long spike early accessions could result in constituting a high yielding breeding population. The identified superior accessions could serve as good germplasm sources for castor breeding programme in Nigeria.

A Study on the Effects of Selected Micronutrients, Locations, and Their Interaction on Cassava Yield Based on the Two-Way ANOVA Model with Interaction

<p dir="ltr"><span>The paper investigated the effects of fertilizer (Zinc, Iron and Manganese), location of farm land and their interaction on cassava yield. The secondary data used for the study were collected from the National Cereal Research Institute of Nigeria Outstanding Farm, Nung Udo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The data comprised of cassava yield (Hectares) for 2016 planting season, five separate farms where three types of fertilizer were applied. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique with interaction was used in the analysis of the data. Furthermore, the Tukey HSD test was conducted to compare the treatment means. The result of the study showed that there is significant mean difference in the yield of cassava based on the three types of fertilizer applied. On the basis of farm locations, the result shows that there is no significant mean difference in cassava yield while the interaction between fertilizer and farm location affects cassava yield significantly at 5% level of significance.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Keywords: </span><span>two-way analysis of variance with interaction; Tukey test; fertilizer; cassava yield; farm location</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>

Assessment of some Plant Extracts for the Management of Rice Gall Midge (Orzeolia oryzivora) Infestation on Rice (Oryza sativa)

In various regions worldwide, there has been a growing interest in exploring higher plant products as innovative chemotherapeutic agents for plant protection. This may be attributed to their nonphytotoxic nature, systemic mode of action, easy biodegradability. Hence, these experiments were conducted in the Research field of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Edozhigi and Batavovog communities at latitude 09°45′ N and longitude 06°07′ E to assess the efficacy of the three plant extracts (Garlic bulb, Neem leaf and Orange peel), Lambda-cyhalothrin was used as positive check) for the control of African rice gall midge tiller Infestation on Rice. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data were collected on the number of tillers per hill, plant height, days to 50% flowering, percent incidence, panicle per meter square, grains per panicle, and rice yield. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significant means were compared with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p<0.05.The result showed a significant reduction in gall midge infestation across all growth stages in plants treated with the extracts compared to untreated controls. Application of Orange peel gave the lowest gall midge incidence (5.42%) on rice at 63 days after sowing in Edozhigi, compared with 5.74% and 5.51% incidence recorded on rice treated with Garlic bulb and Neem leaf extracts respectively. However, their effectiveness was not statistically similar to lambda-cyhalothrin treatment. Additionally, plant extracts did not negatively affect the agronomic traits, leading to an enhanced rice grain yield. It is thus concluded that Garlic bulb, Neem leaf, and Orange peel liquid extracts demonstrated efficacy in controlling AfRGM pests and improved yield.

Influence of Variety, Seedling Transplanting Age and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Selected Chemical Composition of Rice Grains and Straws

The study was conducted under lowland ecological conditions at the Edozhigi and Badeggi National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) farms in the Guinea savannah region of southern Nigeria during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. The objective was to determine the effect of seedling transplanting age and nitrogen fertilizer rates on nutrient content of two rice varieties. The trial was laid out in a split-split plot arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design (RBCD) and replicated three times. The treatments for the trial consisted of two rice varieties as the main factor (FARO 44 and FARO 52), the sub plot factor consisted of four seedling transplanting ages (7, 14, 21 and 28) and the sub-sub plot factor consisted of five inorganic N fertilizer rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ha). Rice grains and straw after harvest were analyzed for N, P, K, Fe and Zn content. The result of the rice grain and straw nutrient content revealed a significant effect of location on rice grain nitrogen and zinc content. Rice planted at Edozhigi gave significantly higher nitrogen and zinc content in rice grains in 2015 and 2016 planting seasons. Nitrogen fertilizer application had significant effect on rice grain nitrogen content in 2016 planting season. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) effect of variety on Zn content of rice grains. Rice variety Faro 44 produced significantly higher rice grain zinc content of 0.334 and 0.297 ppm during both planting seasons. Significantly (p<0.05) rice variety Faro 44 had higher rice straw nitrogen content of 0.172 and 0.165% in 2015 and 2016 planting seasons respectively. In conclusion, the application of 240 kg N/ha to 14 and 28 days old of Faro 44 rice variety revealed more nutrient content in rice grain and straw.

Effect of Variety, Seedling Transplanting Age and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Growth Performance of Rice in Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Agronomic field trial was conducted during 2015 and 2016 planting seasons at National Cereals Research Institute Farms of Edozhigi and Badeggi, located in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The study assessed the effect of variety, seedling transplanting age and nitrogen fertilizer rates on the growth of rice. Treatments consisted of two rice varieties (FARO 44 and FARO 52), four seedling transplanting ages (7, 14, 21 and 28 days after planting) and five inorganic N fertilizer rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ha). Treatments were laid out as split–split plot arrangement fitted into Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The measured growth parameters were plant height and number of tillers. pplication of 120_240 kg N/ha to 28 days old seedlings of Faro 44 and Faro 52 is recommended for optimum rice growth in Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria.

Effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin + Carbofuran Application and Habitat Modification on Population Dynamics Of 0rseolia oryzivora (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Relation to its Parasitoids On Rice

ABSTRACT This experiment was carried out between 2018 and 2019 at the experimental site of National Cereals Research Institute’s identified hot spot (Edozhigi) for Africa rice gall midge (0rseolia oryzivora) infestation in Nigeria. Edozhigi in Niger State is within the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone at latitude 09°45' N, longitude 06°07' E, to test integrated inluence of habitat manipulation, lambda-cyhalothrin and carbofuran on population dynamics of 0. oryzivora in relation to its parasitoids on rice. The treatments were arranged in split-plot and laid out in a RCBD with three replicates. Data were collected on number of tiller / stand, plant height, days to 50 percent flowering, percent incidence, percent severity, percentage parasitism of 0. oryzivora, panicle per meter square, grains per panicle and yield of rice. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significant means were separated using Student Newman Keuls Test, (SNK) at 5 % probability. The result showed that Rice plots treated with P. scrubiculatum + 0.38L/ha lambda-cyhalotrin +3.75kg/ha carbofuran had lower incidence (2.36) and severity (1.54) of 0. oryzivora compared with incidence (7.99) and severity (7.40) respectively found in untreated plots (control). It also had significantly higher yield (3263.95kg/ha) compared with the yield (2688.28kg/ha) in control plots. In conclusion, having P. scrobiculatum at boarder of net plots enhanced number of parasitoids and reduced attack of rice by 0. oryzivora. Integration of habitat modification with insecticide application offers better protection of rice against O. oryzivora. Key words: Habitat P. scrobiculatum, Infestation, Modification, Galls.

EVALUATION OF SUGARCANE HYBRID CLONES ON WEED DYNAMICS, SUGAR QUALITY AND PLANT CROP PRODUCTIVITY AT BADEGGI, NIGERIA

Plant breeding programme develop varieties primarily to increase yield and resistance to diseases/insects with little emphasis on weeds dynamics. This study was conducted to evaluate sugarcane hybrid clones for weed dynamics, sugar quality and plant crop productivity at the Upland Sugarcane Experimental Field of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria. A total of sixteen clones were planted on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the clones for some traits. Our results show that P. scrobiculatum (Linn.), S. pumila (Poir.), P. leucanthus (Schum & Thonn), B. diffusa (L), H. suaveolens (Poit), C. esculentus (Linn.) and K. squamulata (Thorn.ex Vahl) were the major weed problems of sugarcane at Badeggi. Lower weed dry matter (0.18 g m-2), and taller plants (194.07 cm), higher cane yield (136.8 t ha-1) and Sugar yield (12.93 t ha-1) were found in BD -1098-003 m among the studied hybrids. BD 1098-005 m, BD 441-007 m and B 47419 possess higher fibre, these materials can be utilized for energy cane variety. Brix percent also varied among the clones with increase in crop age, which can be used as indicator for maturity. The results revealed that some weed species types and their duration of infestation are among the numerous factors responsible for the reduction in growth and yield attributes of sugarcane crop. The promising hybrids will be advance for more evaluation at different locations for yield and juice quality stability studies.

Determination of Weed Control Efficiency of Pre-Rice Cropping Cassava/Legume Intercrops and Different Weed Management Practices in Low Land Rice at Badeggi Central Nigeria

The experiment was conducted at the lowland experimental field of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi. (90 45N, 600 7E, Alt, 70.57 m) in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria in 2020-2022 cropping seasons The study was to evaluate the effect of pre-rice cropping cassava/legume intercrops and different weed management practices on weed control efficiency, growth and productivity of low land rice. The trial was conducted in two stages. The first (preceding intercropping) The treatments consisted of Mucuna puriens, Cowpea, Soybean, Lablab purpureus and Aeschynomene histrix that were intercropped with cassava (IIT 427 variety), sole cassava and natural fallow were also included as treatments. These were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Cassava/legume intercropping was carried out in January using residual moisture on raised beds that were prepared manually. Plot size used was 12.5 x 5 m with alley way of 0.5 m. Beds were constructed at 2.5 m long, 0.5 m wide and 0.75 m high. Planting of Cassava was done on the top sides of beds in two rows with the intra-row spacing of 0.5 (ten stands per bed) and planting of legumes were 0.5 m x 9.25 inter and intra-row spacing respectively except for soybean which was planted drilled at 5 cm intra row spacing immediately the beds were constructed. The cassava/legume cropping was harvested in August The second trial was the planting of rice on the plots previously cropped with cassava/legume intercrops. The trial was laid out in split plot design. Cassava/legume intercrop systems were allocated to the main plot, while weed management practices:- (i) Application of 4. 0 (propanil at 1.44 kg a.i. ha-1 plus 2,4 D at 0.80 kg a.i ha-1 ( Orizo plusR, at the rate of 2.24 kg a.i ha-1 at 3 weeks after transplanting (WAT) followed by hand weeding at 6 WAT (ii) two hand weedings at 3 and 6 WAT (iii) one hand weeding at 3 WAT, and (iv) weedy check were put into the sub plots with size of 12.5 x 5 m for main plots while and sub plot size was 3 x 5 m three replications. The results of treatments indicated that rice planted after cassava/Mucuna, cassava/Aeschynomene intercrops under two hand weeding and herbicide followed by one hand weeding produced lower density and dry matter. Weed control efficiency was higher in rice planted after cassava/mucuna intercrop. Weed reduction percentage range from 25-45 %, 30-50 % and 45-65 % in rice grown after cassava/legume intercrop compared to rice after fallow in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Higher rice plant height, higher number of rice tiller/stand were recorded in rice grown after cassava/Mucuna, cassava/Aeschynomene. Rice panicles per m2 and rice grain yield were increased by 72.9%, 83.6% and 84.1% in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, with two hand weeding when compared with zero weeding. Rice planted after natural fallow under zero weeding produced higher weed density which resulted in poor rice performances. Rice planted after cassava Mucuna consistently controlled weed growth while cassava/cowpea and cassava Aeschynomene performed much better in rice production hence should be adopted as cropping systems for farmers

Antifungal Efficacy of Chitosan against Blast Pathogenic Fungi (Magnaporthe oryzae) on Rice (Oryzasativa) Field

Blast disease (caused by Magnaporthe oryzae) is the most damaging disease to rice, and synthetic fungicides has been the primary means of control, however, concerns have been raised about the health risks posed, hence, the need for alternative biological crop protection strategies. This study evaluate the antifungal efficacy of chitosan against blast pathogenic fungi on rice field. Three chitosan (High, Medium and Low Molecular Weight) were purchased while the fourth Chitosan was synthesized from crab shell (CSCS). Faro 52 rice variety was collected from National Cereal Research Institute, Badeggi and Planted on Hydromorphic field. The degree of deacetylation of the synthesized chitosan was 98%. The rice field was inoculated with M. oryzae and treated with chitosan at two weeks after transplanting. The blast severity and incidence and other agronomic data were taken and data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANAOVA) and means separated using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Results reveals that blast severity of 6,(highly susceptible) 5, (moderately susceptible) 4(susceptible) and incidence of 28.3%, 20%, 20% and 24.3% in rice plant tag with MMWC1.5%, 1HMWC 2.0%, LMWC2.0% and CSCS 2.0% before treatment with chitosan was observed. However, the severity reduce to 1(resistance) in all and incidence of 9.3%, 2.3%, 1.0% and 2.0% respectively at the end of the treatment. There was no significant difference (P≤0.05) in all other agronomic parameters except for panicle count with highest value (8.53) in HMWC 2.0% and lowest value (5.80) in HMWC 0.5%. Similarly, significant difference was observed in grain yield per plot with highest yield of 717 gram in HMWC 2.0% treated plot while the lowest yield of 190 gram was observed in MMWC 0.5% which was significantly different. It may therefore be concluded that chitosan treatment reduce the severity and incidence of blast pathogen as well as increase grain yield.

Yield and Post-Harvest Pest Status of Some White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) Landraces in Uyo Southeastern Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted at National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI),Uyo out- Station in 2012 and 2013 to evaluated yield and post-harvest pest status of some yam landraces in Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Treatments were eight white yam landraces; Nwopoko, Obiotorugo, Offala, Hambakwashe, Aloshi, Udeanyi, Pepa and Eteme and one improved yam cultivar TDr 89/02665. Data obtained from yield and pest severity were subjected to analysis of variance. Result showed that Hambakwase produced significant tuber yield of 31.10 and 33.01 t/ha in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Obioturugo produced 28.18 and 28.02 t/ha, respectively. Eteme produced the least tuber yield of 16.23 and 15.33 t/ha. Udanyi had significant higher number of rotten tubers per plot at harvest; 2.41 and 2.08 in both years. At 3 months in storage, Offala had significant dry rot of 1.73 and 2.01, followed by 1.61 and 0.91 dry rot tubers per plot, recorded in Aloshi. Number of wet rot tubers per plot as influenced by white yam landraces at 3 months storage varied significantly different (p<0.05). Udanyi had significant higher number of wet tuber rot; 4.30 and 3.22 in 2012 and 2013. Presence of mealy bug infestation were seen Offala, Aloshi,Udanyi and Eteme in 2012. In 2013, Offala, Udanyi, Eteme and TDr 89/02665 had mealy bug infestation. .Among the yam landraces, scale insects were observed in the following; Obioturugo, Hambakwase and Udanyi in 2012 while in 2013, Obioturugo, Udanyi and Eteme had presence of scale insect in tubers at 3 months storage. This study therefore recommended Hambakwase and Nwopok for high tuber yield, less susceptible to rot, beetle and termite attack. Also, these promising yam landraces showed be incorporated into yam breeding programme in Nigeria.

Effects of Different Seed Beds and Intercropping Systems on Weed Growth and Productivity of Sorghum and Sunflower at Badeggi, Central Nigeria

The trial was carried out at the experimental field of National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. The main objective was to determine the effects of different seed beds and intercropping system on weed growth and productivity of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and Sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The different seed beds were: ridge, flat and broad bed while the cropping systems were sole Sorghum, sole Sunflower and Sorghum / Sunflower intercrop. The results showed highest weed density and dry matter/m2 were recorded in sole Sorghum planted on ridge while the least weed density and dry matter/m2 were found in Sorghum /Sunflower intercrop planted on broad bed. Tallest Sorghum plants were recorded when intercropped with Sunflower on flat while the highest Sorghum grain yield was obtained in sole plots planted on broad bed. The height of Sunflower was not affected by both seed bed types and intercrop while the highest and least grain yield of Sunflower were obtained when planted sole on flat and ridge respectively. Planting of Sorghum/Sunflower intercrop on broad bed controlled weed most and sole Sorghum on broad bed gave the highest Sorghum grain yield while maximum Sunflower grain yield was produced in sole planting hence be practiced by farmers

Response of Lowland Rice to Rice Crop Specific Npk Fertilizer at Badeggi Central Nigeria

The trial was carried at National Cereals Research Institute Lowland Experimental field in the year 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the response of lowland rice to application of Rice Crop Specific NPK fertilizer 1and commercial NPK fertilizer which was applied at two levels each recommended blanket rate of 80:40:40 NPK/ha and higher rate of 120: 60:60 NPK/ha for lowland rice as well as the control (Zero fertilizer). The results indicated that application of fertilizer has significant effects on rice growth there by increased the height of rice at different weeks after fertilizer application compared to control. Rice straw and grain yield production was significantly affected with application and the rates. RCS fertilizer applied at 120:60:60/ha produced higher tonnage of rice straw and grain while application of RCS fertilizer at 80:40:40/ha produced similar rice straw and grain yield with application of NPK 15: 15:15: at rate of 120:60:60/ha. There the adoption of RCS-NPK formulation at rate 80:40:40 kg/ha is recommended against the higher rates from commercial NPK to save cost for the resources poor farmer.

Quality Ealuation of National Cereals Research Institute Brown Sugar

A brown sugar process technology [BST] was developed using a simple batch system and a local clarifier at the National Cereals Research Institute [NCRI], Badeggi. The quality characteristics of the brown sugar produced from the technology were studied. Where necessary and feasible the brown sugar quality was compared to industrial brown sugars. The bulk density, solubility, particle size, brix percentage, pH, Pol%, soluble and insoluble fractions, water sorption properties, proximate composition, microbial load and organoleptic properties of the sugar were evaluated. The results showed that the brown sugar had 82.87% solubility as compared to 85.80 and 72.73% of industrial samples. The bulk density was 0.88g/cm3 as compared to 0.82 and 0.95g/cm3. The particle size ranged from 600µm-10mm with 53% passing through 600µm-1.18mm. The moisture sorption studies showed that the brown sugar exhibited a sigmoid shaped structure with monolayer moisture content of 0.63gH20 while the surface area was 0.0036x10M2 /g solid. There was no apparent presence of fibre but ash content was high [10.00%] while protein as expected was very low [0.26%]. The microbial load was low 20x103 cfu/g while feacal pollution was not observed. The NCRI brown sugar was preferred to the industrial samples and had an acceptability score of 4 in a 5-point-hedonic scale.

Variability, seasonal effects and principal component analysis of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes in Uyo, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted in 2017 early and late cropping seasons at National Cereals Research Institute, Uyo Out Station, Owot Uta, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA of Akwa Ibom State to determine variability, seasonal effects and principal components of growth characters, yield and yield components of seven cowpea genotypes. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design in four replications. Fourteen characters were studied namely; percentage establishment (%), plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaf area (cm2), number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, length of pods (cm), girth of pods (cm), number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of pods (g), weight of 100 seeds (g) and seed yield (kg/ha). Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among the cowpea genotypes in plant height, number of leaves, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield (kg/ha). The cowpea genotypes IT89KD391B was superior in 5 characters, namely plants heights (cm), number of leaves, leaf area (cm2), length of pods (cm), girth of pods and weight of 100 seeds, followed by Ife brown for days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield (kg/ha) while IT89KD260 recorded the highest percentage establishment and number of branches per plant. First 4PC with Eigen values greater than 1.0 jointly explained 89.3% of the total variations in the genotypes. Significant seasonal effects were observed on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, and seed yield (kg/ha). The result identified late cropping season as the best season for cowpea production in Uyo, Southern Nigeria.

Compressive Strength Properties of Cassava Peel Ash and Wood Ash in Concrete Production

High rate of increase in the prices of cement is worrisome and become burden to people in the entire construction industry. Researchers, civil engineers, builders, architects and all concerns parties in the building industry are desperate for any suitable and effective but cheaper materials that can replace cement. There is need to find an alternative binding material that can be used mainly or in partial replacement of cement. The materials used were sourced from Bida town, Niger state, Nigeria. Wood ash and cassava peel ash were obtained after burning in the furnace at National Cereal Research Institute Badeggi, Bida into ash and passed through 75 micro meter sieve to the finest texture. The water use for the work was free from impurities. The comparative study on the compressive strength of concrete when OPC was partially replaced independently by some percentage of cassava peel ash (C.P.A) and wood ash (W.A) using 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% on both materials, 0.5 water-cement ratio and mixed design ration of 1:2:4. The mean strength of concrete at control is 0% (27.11N/mm2), 5% (24.44N/mm2), 10% (23.25N/mm2), 15% (23.36N/mm2), 20% (18.52N/mm2) and 25% (15.93N/mm2). 25% replacement of cement has the lowest mean strength at 28 days. Replacement at 5, 10 15% are within specification of (20N/mm2) for plain concrete while 20 and 25% are not suitable for structural concrete. The higher the pozzolanic material added to the cement in concrete production the lower the strength. The effects of Cassava Peel Ash and Wood Ash as environment pollution can be reduced when utilized as part of cement in concrete production.

Effect of Intra-Row Spacing on the Incidence and Severity of Viral Diseases of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in Mokwa, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the effect of intra-row spacing on the incidence and severity of viral disease on soybean during the wet cropping season in 2019 at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Mokwa field, located in the Southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria at an altitude of about 212 metres above sea level. Observation and data collection were done on the disease incidence and severity rating; also, plant height, the number of leaves, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod and Grain yield (t/ha) were determined at harvest. Data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (PROC GLM) procedure of SAS (2008). The means of significant (p≤0.05) F-test were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. The Elisa results obtained revealed the presence of Cowpea mottle virus, Cowpea yellow mosaic virus and Soybean mosaic virus. Also, the field trial showed that the different spacing and soybean cultivars investigated differ significantly on the variables tested. However, optimum spacing at 20 cm and 1448 - 2E had significantly (P<0.05) increased in all vegetative, reproductive growth and yield as well as reduced incidence of the soybean viruses detected in the field. From the above results, spacing at 20 cm with the cultivation of soybean cultivar 1448 - 2E and appropriate cultural practices are hereby recommended to farmers in the area.

Evaluation of AV-5055 as Seed Dresser in Lowland Rice Production

This experiment was established in 2020 cropping season at National Cereals Research Institute experimental field at Badeggi in Guinea Savannah agro-ecological Zone, (Latitude 9 040 Longitude 6 070 E), to assess seed dressing effect of AV-5055 on rice seed. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Designs (RCBD), replicated three times. It consisted of four (4) treatments: application of AV-5055 rate at 0.7L, 1.2L, 1.7L per 100kg of rice seed and no application of chemical as (control). Data was taken on plant height, tiller count, days to 50% flowering, bird damage, rodent damage panicle per meter square and grain yield. The result shows that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in plant height, tiller count, days to 50% flowering and bird damage. However, control plot had significantly (P < 0.05) lower rodent damage (0.00) and higher grain yield (2060.00kg/ha) compared to rodent damage and grain yield in treated plots (0.33-2.33) and (1789.00-1999.03) respectively. It was concluded from the result of analysis that AV-5055 offer protection to dressed seed against bird depredation from planted field as there was no significant difference on bird depredation among the various rates of AV-5055 application. However, various rates of AV-5055 application attract picking by rodents and subsequent reduction on yield. Thus it was recommended that AV-5055 should be applied in combination with rodenticides to give perfect seed protection against birds and rodents.