Rainforest Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Effect of Weight at First Mating on the Performance of New Zealand White Rabbit Population in the Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

It has been generally accepted that for breeders to embark on intensive production of rabbits there is a need to use appropriate body weight rabbit that has better performance. To provide such information, this study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of weight at first mating on the performance of the New Zealand White rabbit population at the University of Benin Teaching and Research Farm. The rabbits were grouped into four based on their weight before the first service (1.00 to 1.49kg, 1.50 to 1.99kg, 2.00 to 2.49kg, and 2.5kg and above) as weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The rabbits were raised under acceptable management. The experimental animals were fed a commercial diet of 18% CP and 2700kcal/kg ME. Data collected were weight of doe before service (WBS), number of time served (NTS), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter weight at weaning (LWW), pre-weaning mortality percentage (PWM), gestation length (GLT), and stillbirth (SBT). The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the R statistical package version 3.3.3 (2017). Significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results obtained showed an increasing trend with body weight at first service. The mean values for LWB were 40.08±1.04, 43.83±2.16, 49.26±2.93 and 45.57±3.74 g for weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Rabbits in weight 2 and 3 had a higher CV of 30%. Mean LWW ranged from 366.20±26.92 in group 1 to 442.90±29.74 in weight group 4. The average LSB was 4 kits. Litter sizes at weaning (LSW) were 3 kits except for group 4 with 4 kits. The body weight at first mating had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the performance traits. Gestation length (GLT) and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) showed significance (P<0.05). Gestation length (GLT) was highest in weight group 4 with mean days of 32.14±0.40 and the least in group 3 (30.53±0.09). Percentage SBT was highest in group 3 (10.48%) and none was recorded in group 4, 0.00±0.00. Percentage PWM was highest in groups 1 and 2 with 23.25% and 1.50%, respectively, while there was no PWM recorded in groups 3 and 4. The results of the efficiency of gain of offspring from the weight group were not significantly different (P>0.05) except for mortality which showed a significant difference (P<0.05). Rabbits from weight groups 1 and 3 showed better performance but for the high mortality in group 1, it will be better to mate rabbits for the first time at weight group 3.

GIS-based Characterization of Land Use, Land Cover Patterns and Microclimate of Agricultural and Agroforestry Landscapes in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

There is increasing need for development of sustainable land use and landscape management practices to avert accelerating trends of land, water and ecosystem degradation and for climate mitigation. This study characterized land use and land cover patterns and microclimate of permanent (forest, agroforestry, fallow, cocoa, oil palm, citrus and ornamental plant field) and annual crop land use systems in a rainforest zone of Nigeria using space-based remote sensing technology. The goal is to evaluate land use and land cover patterns and microclimate along agricultural and agroforestry landscapes in a rainforest zone of Nigeria. Land use types were: permanent (forest, agroforestry, fallow, cocoa, oil palm, citrus and ornamental plant field) and annual cropland. Vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index: NDVI, Normalized Difference Water Index: NDWI and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index: SAVI) were deployed for characterizing land use vegetation cover patterns in relation to vigour and health in addition to responses to weather variables (temperature and rainfall). The NDVI intensities of vegetation cover from the land use types showed differences in vigour and health of vegetation during the rainy and dry seasons of 2017 to 2019. The NDWI of vegetation cover intensity indicates differences in moisture conditions of vegetation cover, the vegetation of the land use systems had more water content (received more rainfall) in 2017 compared to 2018 and 2019 during the rainy season while during the dry season of 2019, NDWI intensity was highest compare to 2018 and 2017. NDVI and NDWI also showed that vegetation cover of permanent land uses had better vigour and health compared to annual (maize) field. SAVI was applied to correct NDVI of vegetation cover patterns of land use types with reference to canopy gaps (soil brightness within canopy especially in spots where vegetation cover is sparse). High SAVI intensities were obtained during rainy compared to the low values during dry season (sparse vegetation cover). Decreasing order of SAVI intensities were agroforestry, oil palm, ornamental plant field, citrus, cocoa, fallow land and maize crop field. Result from the correlations among vegetation indices (NDVI, NDWI and DSAVI) were strong association (R2 = 1) among the years and seasons. The strong R2 values imply that less than 10% of changes in NDWI (the explanatory variables) can be explained by changes in NDVI and SAVI (the dependent variable). Temperature and rainfall differed within months and years of study. Temperatures were highest for March, April and May while rainfall was highest for September of 2017 and 2018 and in October, 2019. Significantly lower rainfall amounts were received for January, February, November and December. The vegetation indices (NDVI, NDWI and SAVI) indicated vigour and water contents of the land use types within seasons and years as well as responses to weather variables (rainfall and temperature in particular). The biophysical findings from this study may advance capacities to cope with climate change challenges and ecosystem conservation. Information generated will find use as strategies for ecologically sound and sustainable land use systems and policy for mainstreaming climate mitigation in in the study area.

Cacao Water Use, Canopy Characteristics and Yield as Affected by Irrigation and Shade in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

There has been need to improve crop and water productivity considering the need for agricultural intensification in the realm of increasing water scarcity and drought in several regions of the world. Information is limited about the effects of irrigation on cacao water use (evapotranspiration) especially, during the terminal drought situation of the dry season in the rainforest agroecology of Nigeria. The effects of shade and dry season irrigation was examined on tree water use, canopy characteristics and pod and bean yields of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). Treatments were 2 by 2 factorial combinations of irrigation intervals (5 and 10 days) and shade and no-shade (open sun) laid out in a split-plot scheme with 3 replications. Shade regimes constituted the main plots and irrigation intervals the sub-plot treatments. Irrigation water was delivered at 5-and 10-day intervals on emitter lines using gravity drip system. Irrigation combinations affected cacao canopy characteristics (leaf area index) and light integrals (photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and canopy light attenuation (extinction coefficient, k) within the cacao field. The unshaded-irrigation had higher proportion of incident radiation (I) transmitted (Io) through the canopy (IO/I), PAR intensity, and canopy extinction coefficients (k) compared with the shaded plus irrigations at 5-and 10-day intervals. Cumulative seasonal irrigation (12119 and 8483 mm), soil moisture contents (19.6 to 13.7 %) and cacao water use (ETc: 3.8 and 3.2 mm.day-1) differed for the respective 5- and 10-day irrigation intervals. The unshaded plus 5- and 10-day irrigation intervals out-yielded the shaded-irrigation combinations for number and weights of pods and beans. Pod and bean yields were significantly different under irrigation treatments, the 5-day irrigation produced greater number and heavier pods and beans compared with the 10-day irrigation. For the shade-irrigation combinations the range of values were: weights of pods (78000 to 6000 kg/plant), beans (4.8 to 3.2 t/ha) and water productivities: Irrigation WUE: 0.45 to 0.33 mm/kg/ha) and ET WUE: 0.11 to 0.09 mm/kg/ha). The shade-irrigation strategy enhanced cacao leaf area index, water use and bean yields and ameliorated climate stress.

Effects of Intercrops on Growth and Yield of Oil Palm in Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Experiments were conducted between 2014 to 2015cropping seasons in a 3 to 5 years old oil palm fields at Ohosu Sub-Station, Benin City, a rainforest zone of Nigeria. The experimens showed the effects of intercrops (Cassava, Maize and Pepper) on the growth and yield of oil palm. Data were collected on the growth and yields of oil palm in oil palm-intertcropping system. Alley cropping was not detrimental to the growth and yield of oil palm, in particular canopy cover (1.71, 2.52 and 2.86 m) and mean fresh fruit bunch yields (88.8, 89.9. 93.6 kg/plot). The overall biological advantage of the alley intercrops is high in oil palm fields of ages 3 to 5years. The sole and intercrops of cassava, maize and pepper appeared to have optimized use efficiencies of resources (space and nutrients) in the alleys of oil palm of different ages (3 to 5years).

Dry season Irrigation Regime Effects on Water Use, Rootzone Moisture and Yield of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

The humid tropics is characterized by wet-dry seasonal transitions, irrigation has the potential for building adaptation and resilience to climate stress for enhancing crop performance. A field trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dry season irrigation regimes on water use, root zone moisture dynamics and yield of cacao in a rainforest zone of Nigeria. Irrigation amounts computed as EPan x Pan coefficients were based on cumulative class A Pan evaporation. Irrigation treatments were coded as IrT1 (EPan x 1,0), IrT2 (EPan x 0.7) and IrT3 (EPan x 0.5). Irrigation water was applied 5-days interval and discharged via point source emitters (2.8 l/h discharge rate ) on drip lines laterally installed per row of trees. Mean irrigation requirements were 4.49 mm (9.81:9.6 l/tree/day), 3.14 mm (7.06:6.8 l/tree/day) and 2.44 mm (5.49: 4.8 l/tree/day) while total seasonal water applied were 121.19, 84.83 and 60.59 l/tree for IrT1, IrT2 and IrT3 respectively. Mean soil moisture contents and cacao evapotranspiration (ETc) were 52, 45 and 28 % and 4.54, 3.19 and 2.32 mm/day while evaporation from soil area wetted by emitters (EWz) were 5.65, 2.82 and 0.19 mm/day for respective IrT1, IrT2 and IrT3. The deficit irrigation strategies (IrT2 and 31 IrT3) imposed soil moisture deficit stress on cacao and produced lower pod and bean yields, it however enhanced water use efficiencies (25 and 44 %) and 30 and 50 % water savings. The study established suitable Pan coefficients for scheduling irrigation for cacao yield enhancement and drought (climate stress) amelioration.

Drought Stress Modulation by Biochar and Effects on Soil and Performance of Seedlings of Urban Forest Tree Species

Aims: This study was designed to examine the effects of watering regime and biochar on soil properties and performance of seedlings of urban forest tree species (UFTS) in the nursery. Study Design: The experiment was a 5 by 3 by 2 factorial scheme involving urban forest tree species, watering regimes and biochar amendment or not. Place and Duration of Study: seedlings of five UFTS were raised in the Nursery and Screenhouse of Wesley University, Ondo, a rainforest zone of Nigeria. Methodology: Seedlings of five Urban Forest Tree Species (UFTS) were subjected to watering at 80, 60 and 35% field capacity (FC) with or without biochar amendment. UFTS evaluated are: Bauhinia monandra, Delonix regia, Terminalia catappa, Dypsis lutescens and Veitchia merrillii. Results: Watering regime and biochar amendment exerted significant effects on soil physical and chemical properties, physiological attributes and biochemical constituents and performance o the UFTS evaluated. Watering at 60 and 35% FC increased bulk and particle densities but reduced significantly (P<.05) soil moisture content at field capacity compare with watering at 80% FC. Further, the 60 and 35% FC watering exhibited low N, available K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. Addition of biochar to the variously watered soil considerably reduced bulk density but remarkably increased porosity, field capacity moisture and plant available moisture. Biochar amendment increased soil pH, total and volatile organic matter contents, available K+ and Ca2+, extractable Mg2+ and dissolved phosphate (PO43+). The responses of growth traits and biochemical constituents of UFTS to watering regimes was species specific. Relative to 80 % FC watering, seedling growth attributes reduced significantly under deficit water application (60 and 35% FC) in addition to remarkable accumulation of osmolytes (osmoprotectants) and enzymatic activities. Biochar amendment enhanced accumulation of osmolytes and activities of superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase and catalase enzymes of UFTS seedlings. Conclusion: Differential watering and biochar amendment affected soil physical and chemical properties and growth of UFTS seedlings evaluated. Biochar amendment of the variously watered soil enhanced seedling growth, and appear as effective strategy for improving soil properties and UFTS performance, and for mitigation of adverse effects of suboptimal watering.

Soil fertility evaluation and land-use effects on soil properties, carbon and nitrogen sequestration in the rainforest of Nigeria

This study investigates changes in soil properties, specifically soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), associated with different land use systems derived from forests in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. The land use systems examined include mature oil palm plantation (OP), bush fallow or secondary forest (BF), alley cropping with multi-purpose trees (AC), and continuous cassava cropping with and without fertilizer (FC and UC). Converting forests to cultivated land led to a decrease in SOC and TN content and storage across all soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-40 cm). In the top 0-10 cm depth, the average decrease in SOC and TN storage was 63% and 62%, respectively, while for 0-40 cm, the decrease was 48% and 46%, respectively, for all land use systems derived from forests. Furthermore, the study reveals that even after 5, 10, and 30 years of secondary forest regrowth (BF), alley cropping (AC), and oil palm plantation (OP), respectively, the fertility levels were not restored to those observed in the primary forest. These findings underscore the capacity of forest soils to conserve and enhance soil SOM (soil organic matter), which in turn plays an essential role in SOC sequestration, TN storage, and soil nutrient conservation.

Precipitation Intensity-Duration Occurrence Models Development for Designated Locations in the Southern Humid Rain Forest Zones of Nigeria

This research work examined the tendencies and patterns in the rainfall in carefully chosen localities of Southwest and South-South Nigeria. Rainfall data from 1983-2014 in Ibadan, Lagos, Benin, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri were used for this study. Standard deviation, mean, coefficient of skewness, coefficient of kurtosis, coefficient of variation and standardized anomaly index were engaged to analyze the data and describe the distribution of rainfall in these stations. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences, SPSS 17 and Minitab 16. The outcomes revealed that the maximum annual rainfall occurred at Warri station 4489.80 mm in the year 2008 and the minimum occurred at Benin 229.10 mm in 2005. Also, Benin has the maximum coefficient of variation of about 24.72%, while Port Harcourt has the minimum coefficient of variation of about 12.71%. Warri station was positively skewed indicating that it experienced frequent low rainfall values, while Port Harcourt was approximately symmetrical skewed. Warri has kurtosis coefficient of 4.45 which is highest among others. However, the patterns of rainfall in these areas are random or fluctuating. It is recommended that models built on the perceived decreasing rainfall, such as drainages, dams, have to be reviewed.

Nodulation, dry matter accumulation and yields of soybean (glycine max L.) cultivars at varying plant spacing in a rainforest agro-ecology

Field trials were conducted during 2017 and 2018 late cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to evaluate soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivars for nodulation, dry matter accumulation and seed and fodder yields at varying plant spacings. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement replicated four times. Four plant spacings (50 × 30 cm, 60 × 25 cm, 75 × 20 cm, and 100 × 15 cm) were evaluated on six soybean cultivars: TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F (early maturing), TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F (medium maturing) and TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F (late maturing). Results showed that varietal performance depended on plant spacing. TGX1904-6F nodulated best at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1835-10E at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1448-2E at 75 × 20 cm, and TGX1951-3 at 100 × 15 cm. TGX1835-10E accumulated dry matter most at plant spacing of 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1987-62 at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1951-3F at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1904-6F at 50 × 30 cm, and TGX1448-2E at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm. TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F had higher seed and fodder yields at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm, and TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, relative to other plant spacing. Therefore, for higher yields in rainforest agro-ecology, farmers should adopt the right cultivar-plant spacing combination for soybean.

Effects of Dry Season Irrigation on Cacao Water Use, Root Zone Moisture and Yield in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Effects of Dry Season Irrigation on Cacao Water Use, Root Zone Moisture and Yield in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Effects of Copper Fungicides Spray on Nutrient Contents in Soils of Cocoa Growing Areas of Southwestern Nigeria

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of copper fungicides spray on physical and chemical properties of soils of cocoa growing areas of southwestern Nigeria. Samples were collected from selected cocoa farms and adjacent plots across three states (9 samples from Osun State, 9 samples from Ondo State and 7 samples from Ekiti State), within rainforest zone of Nigeria. The physical and chemical properties of the soil samples were determined. Copper contents of the cocoa plantation soils were significantly higher (16.23 mg Cu/kg) than the adjacent plots (6.31 mg Cu/kg) indicating accumulation of Cu in the soil because of long-term Cu fungicides spray. Other chemical properties determined (pH, Zn, % organic matter, % total N, Ca, Mg and Na) also had higher values in cocoa plantations compared to adjacent plots. Significant decrease was observed in available P in soil samples from cocoa plantations (24.05 mg P/kg) when compared with adjacent plots (30.36 mg P/kg). Management practices like applications of K and P fertilizers are highly recommended for viable cocoa growth and optimum yield in the study areas. Reduction of canopy formed by cocoa trees will allow easy penetration of sunlight into cocoa plantation thereby increase the rate of organic matter decomposition.
 Keywords: Copper, fungicide spray, cocoa farms, black pod disease.

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.

Effect of Weed Control Methods and Canopy Characteristics on Weed Biomass, Yield and Yield Components of Two Contrasting Cassava Varieties in the Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Weed infestation is one of the reasons why the average cassava yield is low in Nigeria. This study was conducted in 2010 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to evaluate the impact of different cassava canopy structures on (i) weed biomass and (ii) yield and its components. The treatments consist of hand-weeded, herbicidal treatment, and unweeded checks in the main plot. The sub-plots constituted the cassava cultivars (TMS 30572 and TME 1) laid out in a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement in three replications. TMS 30572 reduced weed biomass by 59% when compared to TME 1 in the unweeded plot. However, there was no significant difference in the weed biomass between the hand-weeded and herbicide-treated where TMS 30572 and TME 1 were cultivated. Root dry matter of TMS 30572 was higher by 72% when compared to TME 1 in the untreated field. However, there was no significant difference between the yield of TMS 30572 and TME 1 in both hand-weeded and herbicide-treated plots. In conclusion, TME 30572 is recommended for cultivation in regions with similar agroecological patterns coupled with Integrated Weed Management (IWM) especially, when planting TME 1 to obtain optimum yield. Keywords: Weed biomass, TMS 30572, TME 1, Yield, and Integrated Weed Management. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-14-05 Publication date: July 31 st 2021

Evaluation of two contrasting cassava canopy structures on weed flora composition in a rainforest zone of Nigeria.

The impact of weed competition on crop growth is a universal concern to farmers. This study was conducted in 2010 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to evaluate the impact of cassava canopy on weed diversity and identify shade-tolerant weed species in response to varying canopy structure at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife ecological zone. The treatments consist of hand-weeded, herbicidal treatment, and unweeded checks in the main plot. The sub-plots constituted the cassava cultivars (TMS 30572 and TME 1) laid out in a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement in three replications. Fifteen weed species survived under the shade of TMS 30572 where two families were monocots while four families were dicots. However, twenty weed species were recorded where TME 1 was cultivated of which two families were monocots while five families were dicots. TMS 30572 suppressed weeds by 20% when compared to TME 1. In conclusion, TME 30572 is recommended for cultivation in this agroecology to obtain a maximum benefit on cassava production. Keywords: Weed, TMS 30572, TME 1, Shade-tolerant, and Weed diversity. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-12-05 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Abundance and Diversity Index of Weeds in Oil Palm and Vegetable Intercropping in Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

The problem of severe weed infestation often arises during the early phases of establishment of oil palm field due to the spacing requirement and growth habit of young oil palm plantation until later years when the canopy closes. This study was conducted at Ala, Akure-North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, to investigate the composition of weed species and their distribution in fruit vegetable-juvenile oil palm intercrop. The fallow alleys within the immature oil palm were intercropped with 2 accessions of tomato (NGB 01665 and NG/AA/SEP/09/053) and eggplant (NGB 01737). The sampling of the weed species was carried out with a quadrat (0.25 m<sup>2</sup>). Weed species parameters and the Diversity Index (D) were quantitatively analyzed. The results revealed that members of <em>Asteraceae </em>and <em>Poaceae </em>gave the highest weed species at 3 and 6 weeks after intercropping (WAI) (17.857% and 19.04%) respectively. A total of 23 and 16 were found at 3 and 6 WAI, while the least diversity index of 0.734 was recorded in the immature oil palm/tomato (NGB 01665) plot at 6 WAI. Farmers should be persuaded to simultaneously intercrop fruit vegetables within the alley of juvenile oil palm, particularly at the earlier years prior to closure of the oil palm canopy.

Growth assessment of juvenile oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) intercropped with fruit vegetables in a rainforest zone of Nigeria

Improper intercropping of Elaeis guineensis with other crops has impaired the growth and development of the oil palm due to competition for environmental resources. The study was conducted to investigate the impact of intercropping on the growth of juvenile oil palm for 2 years. The research commenced during the rainy season of 2016 at an established juvenile oil palm plantation in Ala, Akure-North Local Government of Ondo State. Four fruit vegetables were intercropped separately within the alley of the plantation at 1, 2 or 3 m away from the oil palms in a randomized complete block design. Growth parameters of the juvenile oils were assessed. Results revealed that at 16 weeks after intercropping (WAI), the intercropped oil palm recorded better growth performance with higher canopy spread, number of frond, number of leaflets and trunk height (218.20, 37.00, 87.48 and 38.17 cm) respectively, than the sole oil palms (214.67, 32.83, 72.89 and 31.67 cm) respectively. There were no significant difference in all the growth parameters examined except canopy height (p < 0.05). Juvenile oil palm cultivated in rainforest agroecological zone of Nigeria can be intercropped with fruit vegetables without any deleterious effect when intercropped at minimum of 1 m away from the oil palms.

Influence of Manuring on Growth and Yield of Tomato Varieties in Akure, a Rain Forest Zone of South West Nigeria

Tomato a highly nutritious and income relevance crop. The optimum productivity is constrained by a number of factors such as soil fertility management. A field experiment was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria between December 2012 to April 2013 (irrigated) and March – August 2013 (rainfed) to investigate the effect manuring on the growth and yield of tomato varieties. Four manuring sources (Organic, Organo-mineral, Urea and No fertilizer) and four tomato varieties (Beske, Ibadan local, Roma and UC) laid out as a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. Results showed that manuring influenced on set of flowering in tomato, organic fertilizer prolonged day to anthesis (22.72 day) closely followed by organomineral (22.49 days) while control (no fertilizer) was earliest (20.88 days). Beske significantly showed earliness to flowering, Ibadan local and Roma were delayed but had similar flowering dates (P≤ 0.05). The varieties had distinct fruit yield responses to fertilizer application, fruit produced were in order of Beske, Ibadan local and UC (721.9;626.4) g;(683.6; 696.2) g; (550.0; 463.6) g (384.4; 431.5) g for rainfed and irrigation respectively. Varietal effect was significant on fruit yields for irrigated, Beske recorded heaviest fruit yield (6.03g) followed by Ibadan local (4.72), Roma (2.6) and UC (2.14). Harvested fruit among the varieties in both seasons were (3978.5t/ha;3484.9t/ha;1229.8t/ha and 985.2 t/ha) and (3947.2t/ha; 3452.8t/ha; 1197.8t/ha; 953.2t/ha) for Beske, Ibadan local, Roma and UC respectively. Fertilizer application were significant for both season on harvested fruits weight in magnitude order of Organomineral, organic fertilizer urea and control (3535.9;3503.9t/ha),organic fertilizer (2935.2;2903.2t/ha), Urea (2078.8;2047.4t/ha) and control (1128.0;1096.5t/ha). Beske and Ibadan local varieties performed better in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. Organic fertilizer sources complimented with mineral fertilizer timely applied with good agronomic managements are measures to enhance growth and yield performance of tomato.

Propagation of Begonia scapigera Hook. f. outside its natural habitat in the rainforest zone of Nigeria

Propagation of <i>Begonia scapigera</i> Hook. f. outside its natural habitat in the rainforest zone of Nigeria

Effects of pruning location on growth and fruiting of three tomato (&lt;i&gt;Lycopersicon esculentum&lt;/i&gt; Mill) varieties in rainforest zone of Nigeria

A field experiment was carried out during the 2016/2017 dry cropping season at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City to examine the effects of location of pruning on some vegetative and reproductive attributes of tomato varieties. The trial was laid out in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement fitted in a randomized complete block design in three replicates with twelve treatment combinations per replicate and 36 for the whole replicates consisting of four location of pruning, P1 (pruning the tips only), P2 (pruning the lateral suckers only), P3 (pruning the tips and lateral suckers) and P0 (control, i.e., no pruning) on three varieties of tomatoes V1 (Cobra), V2 (Roma VF) and V3 (UC82). The results showed that Cobra variety produced higher fruit weight/plant (37.86 g) and more number of rotted fruits (1.42) than other varieties. Roma VF showed superiority in number of branches /plant (22.58) compared with Cobra variety (15.42) and UC82 (14.67). Pruning at P1 and P0 increased number of branches (23.33 and 21.89) than P2 (14.56) and P3 (10.44) Number of leaves increased in P1 compared with P2 and P3 and the leaf area increased at P3 (36.32 cm2) more than P0 (28.34 cm2). The rotted fruits increased in this order P2, P3 &gt; P0, P1. Since pruning increased the number of rotted fruits/plant but produced non-significant increases in fruit weight/plant (g) and fruit yield (t ha-1), any of the three varieties of tomato could be used in Edo rain forest zone of Nigeria at no pruning.Keywords: cultural practices, leaf area, rotted fruits, stem diameter, suckers

Growth, Yield and Varietal Responses of Cassava to time of Planting into Plantain Stands in a Plantain/Cassava Intercrop in Akure, South-West Nigeria

A field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farms of The Federal University of Technology Akure to evaluate the responses of cassava varieties to time of planting in plantain-based intercropping system in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the more compatible cassava variety for intercrop with plantain examine e the appropriate time to introduce cassava varieties into plantain/cassava intercrop and to identify the more compatible cassava variety for intercrop with plantain. The experiment involved the use of two varieties of cassava (TME 419 non branching and TMS 98/0581 moderately branched) planted at spacing of 1 x 1 m into the alleys of false horn plantain variety space at 3 x 2 m. The treatments were sole plantain, sole cassava varieties (TME 419 poorly branched variety and TMS 0581 branching variety), plantain + he respective cassava varieties (TME 419 and TMS 98/0581) at the same time, and plantain + the respective cassava varieties (TME 419 and TMS 98/0581) at 4 weeks after planting&gt;the treatment plot size was 9 m x 6 m. The plantains and the two cassava varieties were planted sole as the control treatments. The introduction of cassava into plantain as intercrop was carried out at different times which were; at the same time with plantain, and at four (4) weeks after planting plantain. Data on growth parameters such as; plant height, pseudo-stem girth, number of leaves were taken for plantains, while plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of branches, height at branching were taken for cassava at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks after planting (WAP). Yield parameters such as; bunch weight, number of fingers, number of hands, length of fingers, girth of fingers, weight of hands, weight of fingers were taken for plantains while number of tubers, weight of tubers, girth of tubers, length of tubers, fresh root yield, shoot biomass, were taken for cassava at harvest. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. The results showed a higher growth and yield performance for TME419 (49.2 t/ha) and TMS98/0581 (45.7 t/ha) planted sole, and TME 419 (39.5 t/ha) intercropped at planting compared to TMS 98/0581 (24.4 t/ha) intercropped at planting, TME 419 (21.7 t/ha) and TMS 98/0581 (15.7 t/ha) intercropped at 4 week after planting (WAP), respectively. But there was no significant difference (P&lt;0.05) recorded for the growth of plantain, whereas the yield of sole plantain was higher and differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) from the yields of intercropped plantain. All the treatment combinations had land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio (ATER) greater than 1. Plantain + TME 419 intercropped at the same time recording the highest LER and ATER (1.48 and 1.5) while plantain + TMS 98/0581 had the least 1.11 and 1.14 respectively. The cost benefit analysis for the treatment combinations showed that TME 419 planted sole had the highest return of ₦3.567 per ₦1 invested, TME 419 intercropped at the same time gave a return of ₦3.416 per ₦1 invested, which was greater than other intercropped treatments. Intercropping cassava with plantain at the same time, as well as the use of TME 419 variety gave the best performance in terms of growth, yield, land equivalent ratio, area time equivalent ratio and returns on investment. This combination are recommended for plantain-based intercropping system involving cassava in the study area.