Northern Guinea Research Articles

EFFECT OF ALBIT AND NPK ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea Mays. L) IN MUBI NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA

The study determined the Effect of Albit and Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the growth and yield of maize (zea mays L) in mubi northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. To investigate the critical effect of albit and N.P.K on the growth and yield of maize, a field experiment was carried out at the Adamawa State University Research farm Mubi in the rainy seasons of 2023. The effect of Albit and N.P.K were evaluated. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were taken on nine parameters; plant height, plant leaves, stem girth, dry matter weight, length of cob, diameter of cob, 100 seed weight, days to 50% tasseling, and yield per plot. Results were obtained after subjecting the data to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results shows that the application of Albit + NPK produced a significant higher grain yield of 2.74 t/ha. Maize with Albit alone gave 2.4 t/ha and maize planted with NPK 2.4 t/ha which show no significant difference. In-terms of growth, application of Albit alone shows a promising result where it shows the same result with the application of NPK on plant and showed maize plant has more resistant ability to drought and plant viguor compared to NPK fertilizer. The research concludes that the planting of maize + Albit should be adopted in the northern guinea savannah region of Nigeria.

The rhizosphere bacterial community of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) under limited water conditions

AbstractIntroductionYam cultivation in West Africa, the largest yam production area, has expanded to the northern Guinea savanna, which receives an annual rainfall of 800–1000 mm. However, variations in rainfall are problematic for the stable productivity of yams. Integrated soil fertility management is urgently needed to improve and stabilise yam productivity. Plants have complex interactions with bacterial communities, influencing their health and environmental adaptability. Although the growth of water yams (Dioscorea alata L.) at various rainfall levels might be related to their interaction with the bacterial community, their structure under water limitation is yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the bacterial community structure in the rhizosphere (Rh) and roots of ‘A‐19’ under water limitation conditions.Materials and MethodsPlants were grown under normal conditions, and watering was reduced to less than 70% for 1 month. Rh and root samples were collected for DNA extraction, and downstream amplicon sequencing analyses were performed.ResultsThe dry weight of the shoots, particularly the leaves, decreased under water limitation. Bacterial diversity in the rhizocompartments was significantly reduced. However, bacterial community composition was not affected by water limitation. Despite water‐limited conditions, bacterial community structure was robust in the Burkholderia‐Caballeronia‐Paraburkholderia and Streptomyces clades. These taxa accounted for approximately 60% of the relative abundance in the roots under water limitation.Conclusionidentifying bacterial community composition of ‘A‐19’ under water‐limited conditions provides fundamental information for developing integrated soil fertility management strategies across rainfall gradients in West Africa. Our study indicates that ‘A‐19’ has a robust bacterial community structure for beneficial interactions with bacteria despite soil water conditions.

PREDICTING THE DECOMPOSITION RATE, MASS LOSS, AND NUTRIENT RELEASE OF SINGLE AND MIXED LEAF LITTER TYPES USING DECOMPOSITION MODELS IN THE NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA

<p><strong>Background</strong>: This study presented a non-linear model to biologically describe the decomposition pattern, mass loss and nutrient release of four leaf litter species: <em>Khaya senegalensis </em>(African mahogany), <em>Mangifera indica </em>(Mango)<em>, Gmelina arborea</em> (Beechwood), <em>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</em> (River red gum) and a mixture of the leaf litters using the standard litter bag technique. <strong>Objective</strong>: To explore different mathematical decomposition decay models in evaluating the decomposition rate and the relationship between mass loss and chemical parameters of some selected trees in Nigeria's northern Guinea savannah. <strong>Methodology</strong>: The experiment was a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Fifteen litter bags were randomly placed in the field and retrieved at intervals of 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 84, and 112 days (16 weeks). Three non-linear models were used to estimate the decomposition rate of the litter. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between mass loss and chemical composition. <strong>Results</strong>: Decomposition pattern gradually increased from 7 % up to 78.5 % by week 0 to 16 weeks. The leaf litter of <em>Mangifera indica </em>had<em> </em>the highest mass loss (62.9 %), followed by the litter mixture (44.0 %), <em>Eucalyptus camaldulensis </em>(43.6 %), <em>Gmelina arborea</em> (40.5 %) and <em>Khaya senegalensis </em>(39.3 %). Single exponential model (<em>Adj R<sup>2</sup></em>=93.25-98.59%), double exponential model (<em>Adj R<sup>2</sup></em>=87.93-98.98%), and three parameters asymptotic negative exponential model (<em>Adj R<sup>2</sup>=</em>93.82-98.84%)<em>,</em> described the decomposition process efficiently. Correlation analysis of mass loss and chemical composition was highly significant (p ≤ 0.05), among all the leaf litter chemical properties, organic carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen were the restraining factors. <strong>Implication</strong>: The mass loss was closely linked to the chemical properties of all the litter types. Among these properties, organic carbon and phosphorus were the limiting factors. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: We conclude that the single-leaf litter of <em>Mangifera indica</em> and <em>Khaya senegalensis</em> were superior in chemical composition, and decomposition than the mixed-leaf litter therefore they have the potential to enhancing soil fertility in the study area.</p>

The Impact of Planting Dates on the Performance of Soybean Varieties [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the Nigerian Savannas

Increasing delays in the onset of the rainy season and extended dry spells in the Nigerian savannas are complicating the determination of optimal planting dates for rain-fed crops, which increases risks for farmers. This study evaluated the impact of planting dates on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] performance to identify optimal planting dates for different soybean varieties in two agroecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria. The study involved six planting dates (15 June, 22 June, 29 June, 6 July, 13 July, and 20 July) and three soybean varieties (TGX-1835-10E, TGX-1951-3F, TGX-1904-6F). Results showed significant differences in growth and yield parameters based on location, variety, and planting date. In the Sudan savanna (SS), AEZ at BUK-Kano, optimal yields (>1500 kg ha−1) were achieved when planting TGX-1835-10E and TGX-1951-3F from 15 to 29 June and TGX-1904-6F on 15 June. Planting beyond 29 June reduces yields by 12–55% for TGX-1835-10E and 27–63% for TGX-1951-3F. For TGX-1904-6F, planting after 15 June reduces yields by 27–90%. In the Northern Guinea savanna (NGS) AEZ at Zaria, optimal yields (>1500 kg ha−1) were obtained when planting TGX-1835-10E and TGX-1951-3F from 15 June to 6 July, and TGX-1904-6F between 15 to 29 June. Delaying planting beyond these dates significantly reduced yields by 18–31% for TGX-1835-10E and 12–20% for TGX-1951-3F and 10–41% for TGX-1904-6F.

Effect of Pruning on the Growth and Yield of Indeterminate and Determinate Tomato Variety in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Pruning is a management practice that helps to increase fruit yield and quality of fruit, better aeration, better exposure of foliage to sunlight and photosynthetic. Pruning is not a common practice among tomato growers in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria and most of the farmers have no idea about it. Field trials were conducted concurrently during the dry season of 2020 on the Research Farms of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru (11o 11ꞌN, 07o 38ꞌE 686 m above sea level) and Farmers field in Kujama, (9o 34ꞌN, 8 o 18ꞌE 740m above sea level) in the Northern Guinea Savanna Ecological Zones of Nigeria; to determine the effect of pruning on the growth and yield of indeterminate and determinate hybrid tomato varieties. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments comprising of three pruning techniques (no-pruning, pruning on one stem and two stems) and four varieties of tomato (1 indeterminate hybrid tomato; Larisa F1, 2 determinate hybrid Delta F1, and Platinum F1), and one determinate open pollinated variety (UC82B). The four varieties of tomato with three pruning techniques were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The result at both locations showed varietal significant differences on growth parameters such as higher plant height, shoot dry weight, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative crop growth rate, and yield attribute such as fruit diameter, fruits weight per plant, where Larisa F1 performed better than other varieties. Pruning tomato plant to two- stem and one-stem significantly increased growth parameters where two-stem pruned plants performed best. Variety × pruning interaction on total fresh fruit yield indicated that the combination of Larisa F1 with two-stem was found suitable for maximum fruit yield though at par with Larisa F1 one-stem and unpruned.

Proximate composition and colour profile of honey from Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah Zones of Niger State, Nigeria

This study evaluates the proximate composition and colour profile of honey harvested from the Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah zones of Niger State, Nigeria. The samples were gathered from nine Local Government Areas: four from the Northern Guinea Savannah Zone and five from the Southern Guinea Savannah Zone. The analysis included moisture, ash, protein, lipid, fibre, carbohydrate content, and colour composition of the honey samples. The samples showed that there were significant differences (p>0.05) in moisture content, crude protein and carbohydrate content between samples from the Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah zones of Niger State. However, there were no significant differences in the ash and fat content in the honey samples from both Northern and Southern Guinea savannah zones of Niger State. The honey had an amber colour value of 12 - 36.11%, carbohydrate content of 78.32-84.16%, crude protein of 0.16-0.20%, an ash content of 0.56-0.63% and fat content of 0.20-0.21%. The results of the proximate analysis indicated that all examined parameters fell within the codex standard, with the exception of the retailed samples, which had slightly lower carbohydrate contents in both zones. These findings suggested that geographical location within Niger State significantly influences the physicochemical properties of honey, which could impact its quality, marketability, and potential health benefits. Further research is recommended to explore the factors driving these regional differences and their implications for honey production and consumption.

A survey of major constraints associated with sugarcane production in Northern Guinea Savannah Region of Nigeria

A survey of major constraints associated with sugarcane production in Northern Guinea Savannah Region of Nigeria

INFLUENCE OF SEASON ON SERUM PROFILES OF SOME NUTRITIONAL METABOLITES DURING THE OESTRUS CYCLE IN SAVANNAH BROWN GOATS

The study was carried out to determine the effect of seasonal changes and oestrous cycle phase on serum levels of some nutritional metabolites in Savanna Brown (SB) goats. Twenty multiparous (n = 20) and cycling SB goats aged between 2-5 years (2-4 parity) and body mass index (BMI) of 20.17 ± 0.2 kg and 6.2±0.4 were used for the study. Ten animals were used per season. In each season, the animals were synchronized to the oestrus with a single injection of 7.5 mg PGF (Lutalyse). The animals were bled by jugular venipuncture for glucose, cholesterol and total protein determination of serum during the first oestrous cycle following treatment with PGF2. Blood sampling was done at d 0 and d 1 of the induced oestrus, twice weekly subsequently, and finally on d 0 and d lof the second estrus after PGF, treatment. The mean serum glucose concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in the cold-dry (4.3±0.1 mmol/L.) than in early rainy (3.8 ± 0.1 mmol/L) season cycles. The mean serum cholesterol concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the early rainy (3.7 ± 0.1 mmol/L) than in cold-dry (3.2±0.1 mmol/L) season cycles. There was no significant difference in mean serum total protein concentrations between the cold-dry and early rainy season cycles (cold-dry season: 64.6 +0.8 g/L vs early rainy season: 66.2±0.7 g/L; P>0.05). It is concluded that season but not oestrous cycle phase affects serum concentrations of some nutritional metabolites during the oestrous cycle in SB goats. It is therefore recommended that producers and clinicians should take into cognizance the seasonal variation in serum profiles of some energy substrates in feed formulation and reproductive herd health management in SB goats in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Keywords: Nutritional metabolites. Oestrous cycle, Season, Savannah Brown goats

EFFECT OF SEASON ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF LAMBS

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of season on haematological profiles of lambs in Northern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. Blood samples (5ml) were collected from 76 lambs from the mixed flock of Balami, Uda, Yankasa sheep and their crosses through the jugular vein. The data obtained were analysed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS (SAS, 2004). Season had no effect (P>0.05) on all erythrocyte indices of lambs except mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Early dry season recorded higher MCV and MCH value than early wet season. The values for MCV were 28.51+0.50 fl and 27.74±0.40 fl for early dry and wet season, respectively while 9.34±0.21 pg and 8.22±0.16 pg were obtained respectively for MCH during early dry and wet season. Season affected (P<0.05) all the leucocyte indices except monocytes. Early wet season recorded higher values (18.0110.37 x10'/litre) for white blood cells (WBC) counts than early dry season (11.68+0.4 x10'/litre).Effect of season on haematological profile of lambs from the studied population is more prominent on increased leukocyte counts during early wet season. It is therefore recommended that farmers should practice disease prevention protocols such as anti-helminthic drenching and deworming regularly, especially during raining season.

EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ON ERYTHROCYTE OSMOTIC FRAGILITY OF YANKASA SHEEP SUBJECTED TO 12-HOUR FEED AND WATER DEPRIVATION DURING THE HOT-DRY SEASON

Study was conducted to evaluate changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) in Yankasa sheep, subjected to 12-hour feed and water deprivation during the hot-dry season. Sixteen sheep of both sexes, aged 1-2 years and weighing 12-25 kg served as subjects. Eight of the sheep were given vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA), dissolved in 25 ml of distilled water per os, and deprived of feed and water for 12 hours, while eight others were deprived of feed and water for 12 hours only, without prior AA administration. Blood sample (1 ml) was collected from each sheep from the jugular vein before AA administration and/or 12-h feed and water deprivation, using standard aseptic procedures. into test tubes, containing sodium citrate. The EOF was determined spectrophotometrically. The percentage EOF rose as the percentage concentration of NaCl in the solution decreased in the sheep before they were deprived of feed and water. The haemolysis decreased predominantly in the sheep administered with AA after the 12-h starvation. In the sheep subjected to only 12-h of feed and water deprivation, the percentage EOF rose with a decrease in concentration of NaCl in the solution at 0.5% NaCl concentration. The EOF after the 12-h feed and water deprivation in the group administered with the AA did not differ significantly (P>0.05), when compared with that of the control group. The findings of the study showed that sheep subjected to nutritional stress of feed and water starvation may be susceptible to increased haemolysis. The increased EOF recorded in the study, especially at 0.5% NaCl concentration, demonstrated that the EOF test may be a valuable diagnostic tool in the determination of feeding status of animals. In conclusion, 12-h feed and water deprivation increased EOF in sheep, and the EOF test may be of value in the diagnosis of feed and water deprivation in sheep during the hot-dry season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.

EFFECTS OF SEED RATE AND IRRIGATION FREQUENCY ON GROWTH AND FORAGE YIELD OF CENTRO (Centrosema pascuorum Mart. ex Benth)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of seed rate and irrigation frequency on growth attribute and forage yield of Centrosema pascourum. The experimental design was a split-plot replicated 3 times. The treatments consisted of three levels of seed rate (8kg/ha, 10 kg/ha and 12 kg/ha) and three irrigation frequencies (2. 4 and 6 days intervals), respectively. Results indicated that growth of Centrosema pascourum was significantly affected (P<0.05) by seeding rate. There was 31% increase in plant height at seed rates of 10 and 12 kg/ha at 8 weeks after sowing, respectively. Irrigation frequency of 6 days significantly (P<0.05) increased plant height by 45% at 8 weeks after sowing. The highest (P<0.05) forage yield (9.99t/ha) was produced at seed rate of 10 kg/ha at 8 weeks after sowing. Also, 2 days irrigation interval produced 18% higher forage yield at 8 weeks after sowing compared with 2 weeks after sowing. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between the factors investigated at all levels. It was therefore concluded that seed rate of 10 kg/ha and irrigation frequency of 2 days are important factors to consider by farmers before establishing Centrosema pascourum in northern guinea savanna. However, this cannot be achieved without the full knowledge of the size of farm land to be cultivated for better performance and yield.

Growth and Yield of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench) as Affected by Weeding Regimes in Mubi, Adamawa State

The two-year experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of weeding regimes on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in Mubi Adamawa State, Northern Guinea Savannah, grown at the Tree Crop Plantation (TCP) Farm, School of Agriculture, Federal polytechnic, Mubi, during 2022 and 2023 rain cropping season. Mubi is located in the North-eastern part of Adamawa State laid between Latitude 90 26ʹ and100 10ʹN and Longitude 130 10ʹ and 130 44ʹE. at an Altitude of 696m above sea level. The experiments were laid out in Split Plot Design with four (4) treatments: No weeding (W1), 1 Weeding at 3 weeks after sowing (WAS) (W2), 2 weeding at 3, and 6 WAS (W3) and 3 weeding at 3, 6 and 9 WAS (W4), replicated 3 times. Data were collected on plant height, Number of leaves, stem diameter, days to 50 % flowering, fruit length, fruit diameter, fresh fruit yield per plot, fresh fruit yield per hectare and dried fruit yield per hectare. The data on growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Analysis System (SAS), (SAS, 2000) and means that showed significant differences were separated by F-test using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results revealed that weeding regimes significantly influenced plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter, at 3, 6 and 9 WAS. On the response of phonological traits and yield components of okra, to weeding regimes and significant influences were observed in days to 50 % flowering, fruit length, fruit diameter, fresh fruit yield per plot, fresh fruit yield per hectare and dried fruit yield per hectare, accordingly. Treatment W4 performed significantly higher than the other treatments. The study therefore recommends 3 times weeding at an interval of 3 WAS to okra farmers in Mubi and its environs for optimum fruit yield.

Yield Performance and Stability of Some Indian Castor Hybrids in Nigerian Ecology

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an industrial oil crop that is widely recognized as an ideal crop for tropical and subtropical regions. Nigeria has been identified as a country with high potential to meet her national castor oil need and provide surplus for export. This potential can be harnessed, only if adequate production technologies, such as improved varieties, are available to the farmers. In this research, three FTB castor hybrids (Code 11, Code 22 & Code 33) and two local checks (NCRICAS1 & NCRICAS1) were assessed for their yield performance and stability in Nigeria. The castor genotypes were evaluated in a replicated plots across six locations in the Southern and Northern Guinea savanna ecologies of Nigeria. The results revealed significant differences for traits assessed among the genotypes. Average seed yield among the hybrids ranged between 596.58kg/ha and 1372.49kg/ha. Average seed yields of the checks ranged between 849.58kg/ha and 1239.63kg/ha. The hybrid Code 33 out yielded the two local checks at four locations (i.e Badeggi, Benue, Kebbi & Sokoto) out of the six locations. The check 1 (Acc.036) recorded significant higher yield (1705.28kg/ha & 1648.15kg/ha) than the hybrid Code 33 (1573.91kg/ha & 867.58kg/ha) at Bacita and Bauchi locations. Besides recording comparable seed yield to the best hybrid (Code 33), the local check 1 (Acc.036) matured earlier than the hybrids evaluated. The GGE biplot view revealed good stability and responsiveness for both hybrid Code 33 (G5) and Acc.036 (G2). Based on performance per se, the hybrid Code 33 showed better adaptation to the ecology. However, further assessment on oil quantity and quality, and cost benefit analysis of the hybrid(s) in comparison to the local varieties is highly recommended.

Growth Response of Lowland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Variety as Influenced by Sowing Method and Fertilizer Management in Nigeria Savanna

Field trials were conducted at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru, and Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa in the northern Guinea and Sudan Savanna ecological zones of Nigeria respectively, during the 2021 wet season. Treatments consisted of three lowland rice varieties (FARO 44, FARO 52, and FARO 57), three sowing methods (dibbling, drilling and broadcasting) and four rates of NPK and Agric-Zyme 3X organic liquid fertilizers (0:0:0 kg NPKha-1 + 3.0 Lha-1, 60:30:30 kg NPKha-1+1.5 Lha-1, 60:30:30 kg NPKha-1 + 3.0 Lha-1 and 120:60:60 kg NPKha-1 + 0 Lha-1). The trials were replicated three times, in a factorial arrangement using a split-plot arrangement. Fertilizer rates and sowing methods were in the main plots and rice variety as subplot. FARO 44 recorded taller plants height and took longer days for effective grain filling periods and FARO 57 took a longer day to 50% flowering. The effect of sowing methods was generally not significant on rice, however, broadcasting recorded taller plant heights and higher leaf area index, while dibbling recorded higher paddy yield. Application of 120: 60: 60 NPK kg ha-1 outperformed other fertilizer management methods followed by 60: 30: 30 NPK kg ha-1 + 3 L ha-1 Agric-Zyme 3X in all parameters. In conclusion, FARO 57 variety outperformed other varieties used in the study, Drilling method and application of 60: 30: 30 NPK kg ha-1 were better for growth, yield and grain quality of lowland rice in the study areas.

Effects of different NPK levels on growth and seed yield of sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i> L) varieties in Bauchi, Nigeria

Sesame is an important oil seed crop which is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics of the world but farmers in the northern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria seldom apply fertilizers to the crop. Trials were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons at the Research Farm of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, to study the effects of different levels of NPK on the growth and seed yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in Bauchi. The experiment was laid out in split plot design consisting of four levels of NPK and 8 varieties of sesame, giving a total of 32 treatment combinations. The varieties were kept in the main plot while NPK levels were assigned to subplots. The parameters assessed include plant height, number of leaves, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, stem diameter, internode length, dry matter, leaf area, days to 75% flowering and maturity, number of capsules, number of seeds per capsule, number of seeds per locule, one thousand seed weight and seed yield. Results showed significant difference (p< 0.05) on growth, yield and yield attributes of sesame in both years. The different grain yield responses were associated with the differences in NPK levels. Sesame seed yield increased linearly from the application of 75 kg NPK ha-1, 100 kg NPK ha-1 to 125 kg NPK ha-1.

Toposequence effect on soil properties and suitability rating for selected crops in Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

A toposequence at Giwa, Kaduna State was studied with the aim of assessing the effect of topography on soil properties and suitability ratings for rainfed rice, cowpea, and tomato. Three slope positions namely, lower slope (LS), middle slope (MS) and upper slope (US) were delineated, and their properties were assessed. Results indicated that soils on all locations were very deep (167 – 192 cm) with occurrence of plinthite at subsurface of MS and US. Slope position of the soils was noted to influence morphological, physical and chemical properties. Content of silt and sand fractions, available water content and moisture retention at field capacity were all significantly influenced by slope. Melanization, braunification, plinthization and argilluviation were some pedogenetic process notable in the soils. Suitability studies revealed that 29.12% of the area was moderately suitable (S2) for rice cultivation with limitations of climate, soil physical property and fertility, while 70.88% of the area were marginally suitable (S3), with an additional limitation in wetness. For cowpea, 68.13% of the soils were S2 with limitations in fertility, while MS was highly suitable (S1). Tomato was rated S2 for the entire area with general limitations in climate and fertility. Suitability for rice increased down the slope from US, while that of cowpea and tomato increased along the slope from LS to US. This effect was attributed to distribution of nutrient and water, as preconditioned by topography. Management practice suggests the use of LS for rice, while MS and US may be rotated for cultivating tomato and cowpea.

Effects of sheep manure, plant population and nitrogen levels on growth and fresh fruit yield of chilli pepper (<i>Capsicum frutescence</i> l.) at Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted between 2004 and 2006 at the Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Samaru Zaria in the Northern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria, to study the response of chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescence L.) to sheep manure, plant population and nitrogen levels. Treatments evaluated consisted of four levels of sheep manure rates (0 t, 5 t, 10 t, and15 t ha-1), three plant populations (22,222; 44,444; and 66,666 plants ha1) and four rates of Nitrogen (0kg,60kg 120kg and 180 kg N ha1). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design and replicated three times. Result showed that application of sheep manure produced about significant increase in number of branches by 80%, similarly number of fruits increased by more than 600% and fresh fruit yields (Kg ha-1) recorded 57% increase over the control. Plant population was observed to significantly increase in the number of fruits per plant with 22,222 and 44,444plant/ha recording similar values, but higher number of fruits produced per plant than 66,666 plants ha-1 However, fresh fruit yield of Chilli pepper was not significantly influenced by plant population. The use of 120kgN ha1 resulted in increased number of branches, fruit per plant and fresh fruit yields by 57 and 60% respectively over non fertilized plants. Application of sheep manure at 10 t ha1, +44,444plants ha and 120kgN ha could be recommended for the production of chilli pepper under rain fed condition in Northern Guinea savannah.

Influence of temperature regimes on drought stress tolerance of cowpea genotypes in Northern Guinea savannah, Nigeria

Drought is a major constraint that affects cowpea production in Zaria, Nigeria. It is unpredictable, and occurs at any growth stage of cowpea. Changes in global climatic trendsare consistently narrowing the cowpea growing season in Northern Nigeria by graduallypushing its cultivation towards drought-prone, colder temperatures. The study aimed to elucidate foresight data on the tolerance of cowpea landraces to drought at cold and hottemperatures in a bid to harness available germplasm towards mitigating climatic changes.Seedling drought tolerance of four hundred and twenty-two (422) cowpea genotypes obtainedfrom farmers’ collection (308) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (114) was evaluated by adopting the wooden box method. The parameters evaluated were number of plants, plant height, number of trifoliate, leaf senescence, stem greenness, and recovery. The mean square values for all evaluated traits were significant (p ≤ 0.05). Leaf senescence progressed rapidly in cooler temperatures (6 oC - 18 oC). Interestingly, the recovery rate upon reintroduction of water after drought stress was higher in cold temperatures. The percentage recovery and stem greenness of drought-tolerant plants were positively associated with hot temperatures (22 oC - 36 oC). As cowpea production is pushed into colder planting season, the resilience shown by cowpea landraces in northern Nigeria are positive.

Genetic evaluation of some cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes to address food insecurity in Mubi Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Research Farm; Department of Crop Science, Adamawa State University, Mubi. The experiment studied the genetic evaluation of some cowpea genotypes to address food insecurity in Mubi, with the following objectives: to determine the amount of diversity among 26 cowpea genotypes; evaluate and select early maturing genotypes; including high yielding genotypes. The 26 genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Data were collected on 16 agronomic traits. Results revealed highly significant differences (P < 0.01) among genotypes for most agronomic traits studied. These indicated the presence of sufficient variation among the 26 genotypes. From the mean performance, Loko genotype and UAM 14-122-17-7 produced the highest cowpea grain yields with 636.33 kg/ha and 605.84 kg/ha respectively. IT 14-1683-2 (42 and 45 days), IT99K-573-1-1 (42 and 47 days) and IT07K-292-10 (42 and 47 days) showed earliness with respect to days to first and 50% flowering. Mubi-3 and IT97K-449-35 genotypes recorded the highest estimates of fresh pod vegetables. Furthermore, the highest Genotypic Coefficient of Variation and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation were recorded for kernel yield (30.57 and 35.53) and grain yield (30.18 and 34.47), high heritability coupled with genetic advance were recorded for days to 50% flowering (95.92 and 23.40), 100 seed weight (90.56 and 10.37), fresh pod weight (78.71 and 14.19) and grain yield (76.63 and 230.75).

Evaluation of land use impact on soil quality in Samaru College of Agriculture, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Abstract Land use changes influence soil quality, which is of fundamental importance in sustainable crop production and environmental management. This study evaluated land use impact on soil quality at Samaru College of Agriculture farm, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The land use types were Tomato/Pepper, Grapevine/Fluted pumpkin, Mango/Orange, and Guava/Mango. A profile pit was dug in each land unit. Soil samples were collected from genetic horizons, prepared, and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods. Sand, silt, and clay differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the land uses. The soil texture varied from clay loam to clay. Bulk density (BD) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher under Mango/Orange and Guava/Mango than other land use types. The soil reaction (pH) ranged from 5.0 to 5.8 and was strongly to moderately acidic. Soil organic carbon was low (< 10 g/kg), total nitrogen values of 0.19 – 0.24 g/kg were low, and available phosphorus values of 1.8 – 27.4 mg/kg were rated low to high across the land use types. Soils under the Grapevine/Fluted pumpkin land use type were significantly higher in organic carbon, exchangeable potassium, sodium, and effective cation exchange capacity than the other land use types. Soil quality under Grapevine/Fluted pumpkin was rated best (80 %), whereas soil quality under Tomato/Pepper land use type was the worst (40 %). The soils were low-to-high in quality and had a higher potential to support crop production if management practices that encourage the build-up of nutrients in the soil system were adopted. The application of manure, liming materials, and phosphorus-based fertilisers is advocated.