National Cereals Research Institute Research Articles

Adaptability of Seven Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in High Humid Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted at National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Uyo-Out station in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. The aim was to evaluate the yields of seven maize varieties in humid rainforest of Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria in view of recommending high yield varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The treatments were seven maize varieties viz- : Uwep (local). FARZ 32, Oba super 2, Oba 98 and suwan-I-SR, Quality protein maize (QPM) and extra-early. Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant mean were compared using least significant difference at p<0.05. The result showed significant difference(p<0.05) plant height. FAR 32 was the tallest at 9WAP (159.37 and 163.33 cm in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons, respectively) The shortest variety, 121.12 and 122.61 cm, respectively at 9WAP was recorded in QPM. The weight of grains varied significantly different. FARZ 32 had the heaviest 100 grain weight, 42.60 g and 41.30 g in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The least weight of 100 seeds 31.09 g and 32.99 g, respectively was recorded from Extra Early maize. Comparing the maize grain yield, the result indicated significant difference (p<0.05) in both cropping seasons. FARZ 32 had the highest grain yield, 4.37 and 4.30 tonnes per hectare in 2015 and 2016 in both cropping seasons. Oba super 2 had 4.30 and 4.20 tonnes per hectare in 2015 and 2016. The local cultivar Uweb had 2.49 and 2.59 tonnes per hectare grain yield in both years. The least grain yield, 2.32 and 2.45 tonnes per hectare, respectively was from Extra early maize. Oba, Farz -32, Oba super 2 and Oba 98 were recommended to farmers in the study area.

Genetic Variance, Heritability and Number of Effective Genes for Spike Characters in Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Adequate information on genetic variance and nature of gene actions for yield component characters are very crucial for a successful breeding programme. In this study, genetic variance, heritability and number of effective genes were estimated for Some Spike Characters in Castor. Bi-parental crosses were made among six castor lines at the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Nigeria. Forty five (45) plant samples of parents and F1, 120 F2 and 60 BC1 and BC2 of the three crosses were evaluated for estimation of the genetic variance, heritability and number of effective genes for the traits studied. The results revealed significant variability among the generations for the genetic analysis. The results showed that the magnitude of the environmental variance for all the traits in all the crosses was lesser than both additive and dominance variances except for the number of capsules per raceme in the Cross II. High heritability (h2> 60%), high magnitude of additive variance compared to dominance, high genetic advance (GA > 20%) were observed for total raceme length in all the crosses. Predominant dominance variance, low heritability and moderate average genetic advance (17.69%) were recorded in the crosses for the seed yield per plant. Number of capsules per raceme (CPR) was controlled by 4.47 to 20.96 genes among the crosses. Seed weight (SW) was controlled by a range of 3.13 to 25.16 effective genes. For seed yield (SY), a range from 27.50 to 52.29 effective genes was observed. These findings provide a guide on choice of selection procedures for the improvement of the traits studied.

Yield and yield attributes of lowland rice as affected by weed control methods in Sudan savanna zone of Kebbi State Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted during 2019 rainy season at the Experimental/Seed Multiplication Farm of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Rice Research sub-station, Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (latitude 12º 11’; longitude 12º 4’). The treatments consist of factorial combination of two level of Topstar spectrum 600 and 400 ml ha-1, two level of Cranstan spectrum 1250 and 800 ml ha-1; (pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide), hoe weeding and a weedy check. The treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and were replicated three times. Data were taken and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Result obtained revealed that, Topstar at the rate of 600 ml haˉ¹ produced significantly higher number of productive tillers, panicle length, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. Topstar show highest weed control than all other treatments. Weed cover score and weed dry weight significantly responded to weed control treatments. The result also shows that weedy check consistently recorded the highest value for weed cover and weed dry weight which was followed by plot treated with Cranstan at 800 ml haˉ¹. Topstar at 600 ml haˉ¹ is found to be the best pre-emergence spectrum in weed management in rice field.

Effects of Climate Variability on Crop Yield and its Implications for Smallholder Farmers and Precision Agriculture in Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the effects of climate variability on annual crop yield at smallholder farmers’ level in the Guinea Savanna Region of Nigeria, using Niger State as a case study. Climate data (rainfall and maximum temperature) for a period of 38 years (1971-2008) was acquired from National Cereals Research Institute, Bida and Nigeria Meteorological Agency, while crop yield data was acquired from Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Development Authority (NAMDA). Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were undertaken in 18 communities in six local government areas in Niger State spread across the three agricultural zones in the State to validate the impact of climate change and variability. The climate data was analyzed with the aid of charts. Results showed a generally rising trend in both temperature and rainfall across the State. It shows that rainfall is not only more variable, but its onset and cessation patterns have shifted and its occurrence very inconsistent. Linear relationships between climatic variables and the major crops showed moderate to strong positive and negative relationships. However, when crop yields were regressed with the climate variables, only maize (.032), bambara groundnut (.029) and groundnut (.007) were very significant at .05 confidence level (95%). The policy implication of this finding is the need to provide the farmers with local climate information and the need for vigorous pursuance of the development of high yield crop varieties better suited to changing climate conditions in the Guinea Savanna ecological zone by research institutes and other relevant agencies.

Dissemination of Rice Production Technologies in Adopted Villages of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi

Dissemination of Rice Production Technologies in Adopted Villages of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi

Effect of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) and Garlic (Allium Sativum) On the Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Laying Hens

Every animal is as good as what it eats so the availability of good poultry nutrition is crucial to the improvement of poultry products. The competition between humans and the domestic fowl for some feedstuffs greatly hampers the production of quality meat and eggs. This competition affects the relative availability and affordability of the basic feed ingredients used in poultry nutrition. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) on the performance, hematology and serum indices of laying hens. The research was carried out at the National Cereal research Institute experimental farm, Moor Plantation, Ibadan where seventy-two points of lay hens were randomly allotted into six dietary treatments of 12 birds per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design. The diets were formulated to contain 0% ginger and 0% garlic, 1% ginger and 1% garlic, 2% ginger and 2% garlic, 3% ginger and 3% garlic, 3% ginger and 0% garlic, and 0% ginger and 3% garlic to represented treatments 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 respectively. Significant differences (p< 0.05) were observed in performance which includes weight gain, feed conversion ratio and hen day production. There were significant (p< 0.05) influences in the haematology and serum indices such as Packed cell volume, red blood cell, haemoglobin, white blood cell, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, while there were no significant differences in the cholesterol in the serum.

Survey on Nigerian Castor Germplasm for Potential Resistant Genotypes to Cercospora Leaf Spot

Fungal diseases cause a lot of economic damage in castor and in some instances; it is a limiting factor to commercial cultivation of the crop. In the present study, survey on castor germplasm for sources of resistant genes to Cercospora leaf spot was carried out at National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, Nigeria. The genotypes were grown in a resolvable incomplete block design with three replications. The results obtained revealed high variability of host resistance among the genotypes. Percentage disease incidence ranged between 16.67% and 100%. A range between 1.43 score and 4.17 scores with average score of 2.89 were recorded for disease severity among the genotypes. Highest (95.92%) and lowest (13.03%) damage index were observed in the genotypes Acc. 059 and Acc. 022 respectively. The Principal component (PC) 1 to 4 explained 100% of the variability in the germplasm. PC1 explained 69.72% of the variability with the major contributory parameters being the disease incidence, severity and damage index. Significant negative correlations were recorded between the seed yield and all the three disease indices. The result of cluster analysis revealed six cluster groups among the germplasm with cluster membership ranging between 4 and 40 members. The cluster I contained members (Acc. 002, Acc. 017, Acc. 022, Acc. 026, Acc. 027, Acc. 048 and Acc. 061) with low average disease incidence, severity and damage index. The results reported here could serve as a basis for further screening of the potential resistant genotypes under controlled condition to develop resistant lines.

Sugar Cane and Sugar Research at National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria: Time for Collaboration with Egypt’s Sugar Groups

Sugar Cane and Sugar Research at National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria: Time for Collaboration with Egypt’s Sugar Groups

Effect of Packaging Materials and Storage Periods on the Vigor Parameters of Some Selected Varieties of Soybeans in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

This study was carried out in 2017 at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi Nigeria. The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of packaging materials and storage period on the vigor parameters of some selected varieties of soybeans in Makurdi. The experimental design was 3x5x6 factorial CRD comprising 3 varieties, 5 storage periods and 6 packaging materials by 3 replicates. Samples were collected from National Cereal Research Institute, Yandev sub-station. The soybeans were cleaned, dried and the moisture content noted. Five hundred grams was measured into the various packaging material stored and at Strategic Grains Reserve, Federal Ministry of Agriculture Makurdi. The seeds in storage was sampled periodically (2, 4, 6 and 8 months) to determine quality by conducting standard germination test with 100 seeds (100 seeds/rep). The investigation revealed that V3 (TGx 1448-2E) stored for 2 months had the highest Shoot seedling length while V1 (TGx 923-3F) stored for 8 months had the least shoot seedling length. Soybeans stored in cloth had a very high Shoot seedling length at 2 months but dropped thereafter and turned out to be the lowest at the end of the storage period. V2 (TGx 1904-6F) stored in laminate paper produced the longest Shoot seedling length and also produced the shortest with V1. The seedling root length was longest in V3 stored for 2 months and least in V1 stored for 8months.Soybeans stored in cloth for 2 months produced very high SRL 2 months but dropped to 0.00 at the end of the storage period. V2 did better in LDPE than all the packaging materials. V1 had the shortest SRL in soybeans stored in bottle. The highest seedling vigor was recorded in V3 stored for 2 months while the lowest seedling vigor was recorded in V1 stored for 8 months. V2 in plastic container had the highest seedling vigor whileV1 in plastic had the lowest. However, significant differences were observed at (P&lt; 0.05) in the interaction effect. In the present study, LDPE proved to be the best packaging material and the variety that had more resistance to deterioration was V2 (TGx 1904-6F). Soybeans that are stored at ambient should be in storage material that are impervious to air and moisture otherwise the seeds will lose viability and vigor. In addition, varieties that are prone to fast deterioration should not be stored longer.

English

Field experiment was conducted in year 2015/2016 at the National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, Niger State (sugarcane research field) to evaluate the performance of sixteen sugarcane genotypes. The clones were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Analysis of variance showed significant differentiation among studied genotypes. The results revealed that among the evaluated genotypes ILS 708-05 was characterized by highest potential cane yield (105.54 t/ha). BD 1576-14 significantly had highest brix (24.90%) among the tested clones. Genotypes that performed better than the Check ([Standard] B 47419) in terms of cane yield, less flowers and tolerance to smut should be advance to multi-location trials. Key words: Saccharum officinarum, hybrid clones, brix and morpho-agronomic traits.

Response of Cowpea Varieties to Basal Stem Rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) Disease in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

The experiment was conducted at the National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi in the Southern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria during 2010/2011 wet cropping season. The aim was to evaluate five cowpea varieties (L-25, Ife brown, IT89 – KD – 374, IT89 – KD-434 and IT86 – D – 715) for resistance to Basal Stem Rot Disease (BSRD) caused by Sclerotiumrolfsii. The pathogen was artificially inoculated on stem of the varieties with mycelia disc and sclerotia. The inoculation methods included wounding and non-wounding. Healthy plants inoculated with distilled water were used as control. Result revealed that, L – 25, IT89 – KD and IT86 – D – 715 were immune to infection by the pathogen, while IT89 – KD – 434 and Ife brown were susceptible. The effect of pathogen on plant characteristics like plant establishment, plant height and seed weight were significant (P = 0.05). The findings of this study can be used in the control and management of stem rot disease of cowpea.

Effects of gamma irradiation on submergence tolerance of two selected varieties of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study was carried out to assess the effect of different doses of gamma irradiation on agro-morphological traits under simulated flooding of two rice varieties (FARO 44 and FARO 60) in order to identify the most effective radiation dose in creation of genetic variability for submergence tolerance. Seeds of FARO 44 and FARO 60 cultivars were collected from National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) Badeggi, Nigeria and exposed to different doses of gamma irradiation (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 Gy) at Center for Energy and Research Training, Zaria, Nigeria. The treated and the controls seeds were evaluated for submergence in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicate each. Each experimental bucket was flooded for a period of 10 days and was allowed to grow till harvest after submergence period. From the results, gamma irradiation had significant (P≤0.05) positive effect on survival percentage of FARO 44 after submergence with 150 Gy having the highest (93.75%) compared to the control (56.25%). The irradiation doses (150 and 200 Gy) had significant positive effects (p≤0.05) on the plant height and yield of FARO 44. In Faro 60, low doses of gamma irradiation (100 Gy) had significant (p≤0.05) effects on the days to 50% flowering and weight of 100 grains (g). It was observed that gamma radiation doses of 150 Gy and 200 Gy had positive effects on submergence tolerance indices of FARO 44 used in this research. Further research therefore should be carried out on submergence tolerance of the promising mutants.

Development and performance evaluation of a guided horizontal conveyor rice harvester

A guided horizontal conveyor rice harvester that uses slider-crank mechanism to drive the cutter bar was designed and constructed. Most Nigerian farms are segregated and this makes it difficult to make use of combine harvester as mechanical means of harvesting. Essential parts of the harvester are cutter bar, conveyor, transmission system and crop reel. The machine constructed was operated and tested on the rice field of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Moor plantation, Ibadan, to evaluate the performance of the machine. A 22 x 3 factorial experimental design with two replicates was used to analysis the effect of engine speed (1200, 1400 and 1800rpm), ecology (irrigated and rainfed-lowland) and moisture content (18.3% and 21.2%) on field capacity, field efficiency, cutting efficiency and operation loss. The test result revealed that moisture content had a significant effect on both the cutting efficiency and operation loss of the machine while the ecology had a significant effect only on the field capacity and field efficiency. At moisture content of 21.2%, the average cutting efficiency was higher with the highest value of 97.2% at 1200rpm. At moisture content of 18.3%, lower operation losses were recorded. The lowest average operation loss of 23.9% was recorded against the 1800rpm. The rainfed-lowland ecology gave a higher field capacity and efficiency. The highest field capacity of 0.0525ha/hr and field efficiency of 49.1% was recorded at 1400rpm. Maximum cutting efficiency of 97.2% was recorded at 1200rpm and 21.2% moisture content, and, lowest operation loss at 1800rpm and 18.3% moisture content.Keywords: Guided rice harvester, horizontal conveyor, slider-crank, cutter bar

Genetic Variability Studies on Twelve Genotypes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Growth and Yield Performance in South Eastern Nigeria

Twelve genotypes of rice collected from the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria were evaluated to estimate the magnitude of genetic variability and relationship of some agronomic traits of rice and their contributions to yield. The results obtained showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) among the genotypes in all the traits studied. Genotype ‘WAB 35-1-FX2’ produced a significantly higher grain yield of 3.40 t/ha compared with all the other genotypes in the two years combined. Genotypes ‘WAB 33-25’, ‘WAB 56-1-FX2’, ‘WAB 56-39’, ‘WAB 56-125’, ‘ITA 150’ and ‘FAROX 16 (LC)’ were the most stable grain yielding genotypes across the two years of the experiment. High broad sense heritability (h2bs) was associated with grain yield (h2bs = 98.63%), number of spikelets/panicle (98.78%), plant height (98.34%) for the first year planting, whereas in the second year planting, days to 50% flowering (96.72%), days to maturity (94.14%) and grain yield (83.33%) were among the traits that showed high broad sense heritability. The two years combined correlation analysis showed that grain yield correlated significantly and positively with number of spikelets/panicle (r = 0.2358*), number of panicles/m2 (r = 0.1895*), number of fertile spikelets/panicle (r = 0.1672*) and 1,000 grain weight (r = 0.1247*), indicating that these traits can be phenotypic basis for improving grain yield of rice. Conversely, grain yield exhibited negative correlation with days to 50% flowering (-0.3009) and days to maturity (-0.2650), though not significant. This suggests that rice grain yield can be improved by selecting early flowering and maturing genotypes especially under heat and drought prone conditions.

Interaction of Genotype x Sowing Date on Yield and Associated Traits of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] over Two Cropping Seasons in a Humid Agro-ecological Zone of South-Eastern Nigeria

The study evaluated four soybean genotypes in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons in the humid tropics for growth, seed yield and other reproductive characters. A split plot in randomised complete block design with four replications was used at National Cereals Research Institute, Amakanma sub-station, Abia State, Nigeria (latitude 05o 28´ N, longitude 07o 29´ E, 154.25 m asl). Sowing date was the main plot treatment while soybean genotypes were fitted into the subplots. Sowing date significantly affected soybean yield and yield components with the month of July pointing out as most appropriate sowing time for the crop in the humid tropics of southeast Nigeria. TGx1485-1D soybean genotype consistently exhibited high performance in seed yield and in most of the characters studied across both environments while TGx1987-10F had the least, hence can be tipped as good breeding material for development of high yielding soybean varieties that would have high adaptation to the agro-ecology. Correlation and path analysis revealed that number of pods plant-1 among other traits was the most important contributor to seed yield and demands close attention as selection index for crop improvement. TGx1485-1D though high yielding exhibited low yield stability across both environments in the GGE bi-plot ranking where it ranked closest to the ideal genotype, hence, can be recommended as suitable for cultivation in the humid tropics of southeast Nigeria. Also, the genotype could be exploited for future breeding programs aimed at boosting research in developing high yielding, adaptable, disease resistance and stable genotypes for the region.

Determination of Appropriate Rate of Cattle Dung for Effective Weed Control and Higher Yield of Castor Bean Seed (Ricinus Communis L) At Badeggi, Nigeria

Castor field of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Badeggi is becoming over mined as a result of continuous cropping over a long period of time and thereby leading to high leaching of added inputs such as herbicides, inorganic fertilizer; and water by causing high infiltration of both rain and irrigation water and consequently, affecting weed control and castor yield (kg/ha). Therefore, possible way to reclaim or ameliorate the soil to improve weed control and enable higher productivity of castor seed is necessary. Field trials were established on castor experimental field of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi in 2013 and 2014 wet seasons. The treatments evaluated were different rates of air dried cattle dung manure at the following rates 5.0t/ha, 10.0t/ha, 15.0t/ha, 20.0t/ha, NPK inorganic fertilizer at 60-60-20kg/ha and the control where nothing was applied. All the rates of cattle dung evaluated offered better weed control and castor bean yield (kg/ha) than the control where no fertilization took place in both years. The incorporation of cattle dung in both years at all the rates evaluated gave significantly better weed control and yield (kg/ha) of castor seed than plots treated with inorganic fertilizer alone at 60-60-30kg/ha NPK. Among the various rates of cattle dung evaluated for effective weed control and castor seed yield (kg/ha), the weed control and castor seed yield achieved from the incorporation of 10.0t/ha of cattle dung was significantly comparable to the weed control and castor yield (kg/ha) obtained from the incorporation of higher rates of 15.0t/ha and 20.0t/ha in 2013 and 2014.

Effects of slope position and fertilization on the performance of upland rice planted on inland valley soils at Minna and Bida, Nigeria.

Field trials were carried out at inland valleys of the Research Farms of the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi and Federal University of Technology, Gidan Kwano, Minna, Nigeria during the 2012 wet season to determine their suitability for rice production. The trials were conducted to determine the effect of slope position and fertilization on the performance of upland rice grown on inland valley soils at Minna and Bida, Nigeria. FARO 45 (ITA 257) early maturing upland variety of rice was used as the test crop at each slope level. The experiment was a 3 x 2 factorial combination of three slopes (upper, middle and hydromorphic fringe) and two fertilizations (without fertilizer and with fertilizer) in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated three times. The soil textures were loamy sand in Bida and Sandy loam in Minna. Generally, low to high nutrient values were observed in the two inland valley ecosystems. Higher levels of nutrient were observed at the lower slope than the upper slope. However, the hydromorphic fringe gave high to moderate levels of nutrients while the upper slope gave low to very low nutrient levels. On the other hand the middle gave a nutrient of low to moderate. The values of pH (H2O) were slightly acidic in both Bida and Minna. Organic carbon in Bida was low to moderate while that of Minna was rated high to very high. Parameters measured were plant height, number of days to 50% flowering, number of seeds per panicle, dry weight of straw, panicle weight, tiller count, dry weight of 100 seeds and grain yield. In both sites, tiller count ranged from 1 to 3 along the slopes (that is from upper slope to hydromorphic fringe). In addition, in Bida, days to 50% flowering ranged from 77 to 85 days while that of Minna ranged from 75 to 84 days. Grain yield in Bida ranged from 218.64 kg ha-1 to 689.69 kg ha-1 while that of Minna ranged from 268.81 kg ha-1 to 689.69 kg ha-1. However, hydromorphic fringes with or without fertilizer gave better growth and yield data and the most suitable for rice production in the two study areas. The study revealed that growing of upland rice in hydromorphic fringes of the inland valley with fertilizer (30 kg P ha-1, 30 kg K ha-1 and 80 kg N ha-1) in both locations supports good growth and grain yield.Keywords: fertilization, hydromorphic fringe, inland valleys, slope, position.

Yield and Iron Toxicity Response of Rice Cultivars to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application Rates in Lowland Ecology of Moist Savanna of Northern Nigeria

Evaluation of ameliorative effect of nitrogen and phosphorus rates on iron toxicity of lowland rice was examined. Trials were conducted in the Research Farm of National Cereal Research Institute, 2006 and 2007 wet season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split-split-plot arrangement replicated three times. The main blocked consisted of three levels of phosphorus (0, 30 and 60 P205 kg ha-1); the sub-block four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 120 N kg ha-1)and the sub-sub-block ten rice varieties (five lowland NERICAs (NERICA L-19, 20, 41, 42 and 60), four improved sativa (FKR 19, TOX 4004, BW 348-1and WITA 4) and one local variety (Ebagichi). Significant interactions (P &lt;0.05) of phosphorus × nitrogen × variety at 42 and 63 DAT were observed on iron toxicity score with significant depression at 30 kg P205 ha-1 of lower nitrogen rates in all varieties except NERICA L-60. Increasing application rates of nitrogen resulted in increase in grain yield, while maximum grain yield was observed at 30 kg P205 ha-1. WITA 4 at lower N application rates and 30 kg P205 ha-1 remained the most promising in terms of grain yield and iron toxicity tolerance in the moist Savanna of northern Nigeria.

GC-MS Determination of Bioactive Constituents of the Methanolic Fractions of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder affecting a huge population all over the world. Cnidoscolus species have been extensively used for the management of diabetes in folkloric medicine. The presence of diverse secondary metabolites has been reported from species of the genus Cnidoscolus. However, there has not been much information available on phytochemical components and biological activity in the leaf methanol extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Objective: This study was designed to extract and identify some bioactive compounds in the leaf methanol fractions of C. aconitifolius which may provide insight on its pharmacological properties and its use in traditional medicine. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and National Cereals Research Institute Zaria, Nigeria between June 2012 and July 2013. Methodology: Twenty grams of the powdered sample was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel (60-120 mesh) and eluted with 100 ml each of n-hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and respectively at the rate of 1ml/min. The eluates were concentrated and labeled as FI, F2, F3 and F4. The percentage yields of the fractions were 7.55%, 6.00%, 15.5%, and 65.00% (w/w) respectively. n-hexane and petroleum ether did not elute much of the compounds. The active methanol fraction of C. aconitifolius extract (F4) which showed the highest hypoglycaemic effect as identified by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in rats was taken for Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for separation of the bioactive components. GC-MS analysis was performed using a GC-MS (Model: QP2010 PLUS SHIMADZU, JAPAN) comprising a AOC-20i auto-sampler and gas-chromatograph interfaced to a mass spectrometer. Results: The bioactive organic components of the GC-MS analysis provided peaks of six different phytochemical compounds, with their retention time (RT) and peak area (PA) in addition to minor constituents. The major compounds are dodecanoic acid-1, 2, 3- propanetriyl ester ( RT:25.74, PA: 51.18%), cyclotetradecane (RT: 23.39, PA:15.59%), eicosanoic acid (RT:20.61, PA:18.47%); octadecanoic acid (RT: 16.82, PA:1.21%), 4-nitrosophenyl-beta-phenyl propionate (RT: 11.53, PA: 4.38%), benzene acetic acid, phenyl malonic acid and 3-oxo-4-phenylbutyronitrile (RT:10.34, PA: 9.17%). The presence of these compounds in the plant extract may at least be responsible for one of the pharmacological properties of C. aconitifolius and thus recommended as plant of phyto-pharmaceutical importance

Comparison between the nutritional quality of flour obtained from raw, roasted and fermented sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed grown in Nigeria.

The most common form of utilization of sesame seed is its roasting, which supplies nutrients to the diet. Therefore, in view of the nutritional values of sesame seeds, the present study aimed at investigating the effect of roasting and fermentation 011 the nutritional quality of sesame flour. Nigeria grown white sesame seeds (NC'RI-98-60) were collected from National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI). Badegi. Nigeria. The seeds were divided into three portions, and treated as raw. roasted and fermented sesame seeds respectively. Each of the samples was milled, sieved and analysed for chemical composition using standard methods. Animal studies were used to evaluate the raw and processed sesame in terms of nutritional and histopathological qualities. The ranges of proximate contents from sesame were: protein 15.4-26.5 g/100 g. fat 52.4-62.8 g/100 g, crude fibre 3.34-3.89 g/100 g. ash 3.93-6.78 g/100 g. carbohydrate 11.7-13.4 g/100 g and energy value 550.7-593.7 kcal/g. Among the minerals, calcium was highest (464-567 mg/100 g) followed by phosphorus (442-508 mg/100 g). magnesium (399-455 mg/100 g) and potassium (336-489 mg/100 g). Total essential amino acid was within the range of 26.66-32.73 mg/100 g and these values were higher than FAO/WHO dietary requirement for infant and adult. Fatty acid profiles of raw. roasted and fermented sesame showed a predominance of oleic acid (46.43%, 44.20%, and 43.16%, respectively) followed by linoleic acid (36.76%. 39.02%, and 39.67%); while the least was behenic acid. The unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio ranges between 5.01-5.13. Phytate and oxalate concentrations of fermented sesame were significantly reduced than other food samples. In general, fermented sesame was found to have to have better nutritional quality as indicated by rat growth response. Correspondingly, the Food Efficiency Ratio (FER) value of 0.16 was higher than raw and roasted sesame respectively. Significantly higher Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) value was also obtained for fermented sesame. The organ to body ratios of the test animals were influenced by treatments as recorded on heart, kidney, spleen, liver and pancreas. The present study investigated the effect of roasting and fermentation 011 the nutritional quality of sesame flour. The findings showed that roasting and fermentation could enhance the nutritional quality of sesame seeds without detrimental effect 011 human.