Rainforest Zone Research Articles

Farmers’ Knowledge and Perception on CommonBeans Production Constraints and their Mitigation Methods in the Humid Rainforest and Highland Savanna of Cameroon

Background: Common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris is one of the most important plant protein sources in many African countries including Cameroon. It is a major source to smallholder farmers and some large-scale farmers. Common beans also fixes atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with rhizobia thus improving soil fertility. Despite the importance of this major food and cash crop, its production in Cameroon is constrained by several abiotic and biotic factors. Therefore it was hypothesized that bean farmers in the study regions have knowledge on; (1) the various factors that hamper bean production; (2) the planting periods/seasons that the various constraints are more important; (3) they have their own indigenous methods of mitigating these constraints but would prefer more appropriate methods if available.
 Aims: To document when farmers plant beans,how they handled the crop when matured, and if they faced problems with rot/mould, insects orany other constraints in their beans and how they manage these problems.
 Study Design: Random interviewing of beans farmers.
 Place and Duration of Study: Interviewed farmers in Buea and Dschang of the humid rainforest and highland agro-ecological zones of Cameroonrespectively from January 2017 to December 2017.
 Methodology: A semi-structural questionnaire was administered to 519 randomly selected bean farmers in two agro-ecological zones; the humid rainforest and highland savanna. A total of 163 from Bueain the south west (humid rainforest) and 356 from Dschang in the west (highland savanna) were randomly interviewed to document the farmers’ perceptions on various constraints hampering beansproduction, when these are most limiting and the various methods they use to mitigate them.
 Results: Farmers in both agro-ecological zones lacked adequate land surface area for bean production and suffered from low yields. In the highland savanna or west region, 166 (45.98%) and 119 (75.32%) in the humid rainforest or south west region grew beans in farms of sizes <1Ha. Only 2 (1.27%) of bean farmers in the South West and 35 (9.69%) in the West produced beans on farms >2Ha. Most farmers in the west 267 (73.96%) and 139 (87.97%) in the south west produced only 1-3 bags of 50kg each of beans/ha.The farmers faced problems with mold/rot and insect pests; the mold/rot was the most nagging for beans that matured during the rainy season while insect pests was the major constraint for the dry season beans. The mold/rot was controlled mainly by the adjustment of the planting dates of beans while different types of insecticides were used against the insect pests. Farmers also face problems in having adequate/appropriate staking materials for the climbing or indeterminate bean varieties.
 Conclusion: Considering that farmers face the actual daily challenges of bean production. Their knowledge and perceptions of the production constraints of this crop are quintessential and should count in defining research priorities aimed at mitigating the problems in order to increase beans production. Therefore, there is need for research to test and/or validate these farmers knowledge and perceptions about bean production constraints as a prelude to vulgarizing the effective control/management options.

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.

APPLICATION OF PRINCIPAL COMPONENT AND STABILITY ANALYSES TO SOME TRAITS IN FORAGE LEGUMES

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Availability of quality feed in adequate quantity for animals is a perennial problem. Its search results in conflicts between crop farmers and herders. <strong>Objectives. </strong>This research investigated three forage legumes in order to determine the most yielding, adaptable and important traits that could be used for forage improvement. <strong>Methodology. </strong>The forage legumes were laid out in randomised complete block design across three environments. Data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA) and stability analysis using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI). <strong>Results </strong>The result showed that there was significant (<em>p < 0.05</em>) difference among the forage legumes for vegetative traits, stress traits and yield, hence, they could be through breeding. For biomass yield, PC1 and PC2 accounted for 75.16 and 24.84% of G x E respectively based on AMMI. <em>Lablab purpureus</em> is the most yielding, stable, adapted to rain forest and savannah zones, with yield of 28,948.69 kg/ha. PCA revealed that the first three PCs accounted for 87% of the total variation. There was positive and significant association between biomass yield and vegetative traits. <strong>Implication. </strong>Flourishing vegetative growth is a good indicator of biomass yield. <strong>Conclusion. </strong>It is recommended that extension agents should encourage the adoption of lablab for production of feeds for ruminants, as it can serve as sustainable land use measure considering the modern restriction on land availability for grazing and solution to incessant pastoral and crop farmers crises in the tropics.</p>

Effect of Plant Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Rainfed Rice (Oryza Sativa) in the Bimodal Rain Forest Zone of Cameroon

A study was carried out on plant density at the experimental field of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, Yaoundé to determine the appropriate spacing to improve rainfed rice production in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018. The planting spacing used were 15cm x 15cm, 20cm x 20cm, 25cm x 25cm and 30cm x 30cm giving the plant populations of 444444, 250000, 160,000 and 111,111 plants / ha respectively using two varieties (Nerica 3 and Nerica 8). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed in the growth and yield across the years. Treatments were highly significant concerning the number of days to the appearance of the first flower, the number of days to 50% flowering, and the number of days to 50 % maturity. Plants were taller with more tillers and gave higher yields in 2017 than those of 2018. The spacing significantly affected the plant height, number of tillers, and panicle length for both varieties. The interaction of spacing and variety was significant for the number of tillers per m2 and the number of seeds per panicle, however, it was not for the weight of 1000 grains and the percentage of full bales. The yield components determining yield increase were the number of panicles / m2 and the number of seeds/panicles. Nerica 3 variety gave higher yields compared to the Nerica 8, the closer the spacing, the higher the yield. There were a strong significance and positive correlation between yield, number of panicles, and the number of grain per panicle. The spacing that gives the highest number of panicle per m2 was 15 cm X 15 cm and this spacing gave good yield in the region where the study was carried out.

Endemicity of Paragonimus and paragonimiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and mapping reveals stability of transmission in endemic foci for a multi-host parasite system.

Paragonimiasis is caused by zoonotic trematodes of Paragonimus spp., found in Asia, the Americas and Africa, particularly in tropical regions. These parasites have a complex, multi-host life cycle, with mammalian definitive hosts and larval stages cycling through two intermediate hosts (snails and freshwater decapod crustaceans). In Africa, paragonimiasis is particularly neglected, and remains the only human parasitic disease without a fully characterised life cycle. However paragonimiasis has potentially significant impacts on public health in Africa, and prevalence has likely been underestimated through under-reporting and misdiagnosis as tuberculosis due to a similar clinical presentation. We identified the need to synthesise current knowledge and map endemic foci for African Paragonimus spp. together with Poikilorchis congolensis, a rare, taxonomically distant trematode with a similar distribution and morphology. We present the first systematic review of the literature relating to African paragonimiasis, combined with mapping of all reported occurrences of Paragonimus spp. throughout Africa, from the 1910s to the present. In human surveys, numerous reports of significant recent transmission in Southeast Nigeria were uncovered, with high prevalence and intensity of infection. Overall prevalence was significantly higher for P. uterobilateralis compared to P. africanus across studies. The potential endemicity of P. africanus in Côte d'Ivoire is also reported. In freshwater crab intermediate hosts, differences in prevalence and intensity of either P. uterobilateralis or P. africanus were evident across genera and species, suggesting differences in susceptibility. Mapping showed temporal stability of endemic foci, with the majority of known occurrences of Paragonimus found in the rainforest zone of West and Central Africa, but with several outliers elsewhere on the continent. This suggests substantial under sampling and localised infection where potential host distributions overlap. Our review highlights the urgent need for increased sampling in active disease foci in Africa, particularly using molecular analysis to fully characterise Paragonimus species and their hosts.

Frequencies of different phenotypes and body parameters of mature indigenous chicken in deciduous rainforest zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted using 800 adult local chickens comprising 355 males and 445 females, which were obtained from 2 major markets in Ado Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti state, Nigeria. Convenience sampling technique was employed in selecting animals for observation. The birds were individually observed for phenotypic expression of shank colour, feather morphology, feather structure, polydactyly, ptylopody and comb types. The number in each group was expressed as a percentage of the total number of birds. The body size parameters measured include body weight, body girth, body length, shank length, wing length, toe length, keel length and shank diameter. The result revealed that the phenotypic frequencies of birds with dominant genes for feather morphology (FF, Ff), feather structure (NaNa + Nana), poly dactyl (PoPo + Popo) and ptylopods (FshFsh + Fshfsh) were 0.033, 0.037, 0.042 and 0.046 respectively, while that of the recessive gene carriers were 0.967, 0.963, 0.958 and 0.954 respectively. The calculated gene frequencies for frizzled (F), Naked neck (Na), Polydactyly (Po) and ptylopods (Fsh) were 0.035, 0.024, 0.034 and 0.035 respectively. The local chicken showed different plumage coloration with black, brown and pink predominating. The male birds were superior to their female counterparts with significant differences (P<0.05) in all the parameters measured except weight.

Eucalypts for Tropical Rainforest (Af) climate

Abstract The equatorial region of the world includes areas of Tropical Rainforest (Af) and Tropical Monsoon (Am) climate zones, which are distinguished by high temperatures and high rainfall, but soils which are often deficient. Potential productivity of plantation forestry in this area is high, and so are the pest and disease dangers which threaten it. This paper describes the Eucalyptus and Corymbia species which are adapted to this situation and also resistant to the main diseases like leaf blights. Based on the highly adapted E. biterranea and E. deglupta and several more, hybridization combined with vegetative propagation is discussed as an excellent alternative to obtain quick gains in short rotations while maintaining wide genetic diversity in such plantations. Management remedies are given for the possible backlash of quick soil depletion.

Climate extremity and flora extinction in a selected rainforest zone, Southwest Nigeria

Climate extremity and flora extinction in a selected rainforest zone, Southwest Nigeria

Influence of Different Depth of Tillage on Carbon Sequestration in the Soil of Rainforest Zone, Ekiti State

Influence of Different Depth of Tillage on Carbon Sequestration in the Soil of Rainforest Zone, Ekiti State

Performance of pure and crossbred progenies of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf goats in the Rainforest Zone of South Eastern Nigeria.


 
 
 
 This study is a report of part of a planned breeding programme to evaluate the performance of pure and crossbred progenies of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in a rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria. A total of 56 kids produced by four breeding goat units consisting of pure Red Sokoto (RS x RS), pure West African Dwarf (WAD X WAD), main cross (RS x WAD), and reciprocal cross (WAD X RS) were used to investigate performance and cost benefit of producing progenies of these indigenous goats. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with genetic group and sex as the factors of interest. Results showed that at birth, the male RS X RS kids weighed significantly (P<0.05) highest (1.84±0.23kg), followed by WAD X RS (1.43±0.14kg), RS X WAD (1.37±0.56kg) while the WAD X WAD kids had the lowest birth weight (1.15±0.39kg). However, the RS X WAD female kids, at birth weighed significantly highest (1.5±0.54kg), followed by the RS X RS (1.33±0.98kg), WAD X RS (1.31±0.17kg) and WAD X WAD (1.09±0.12kg).Body weight at 18 weeks was significantly higher for RS X RS (9.82±0.79kg) than the RS X WAD (8.34±0.85) which in turn was significantly higher than the WAD X RS (7.61±0.13kg) and WAD X WAD (7.51±0.61kg). The male and female kids of the RS X WAD had improved body weight and the linear body measurements namely, body length, height-at-withers and heart girth. This genetic group had a higher average daily gain (46.03 ± 1.41g/d) and better feed conversion ratio (5.38 ± 0.27) than the RS x WAD (6.64 ± 0.18) and WAD x WAD (7.02 ± 0.21). It also had the lowest cost of production (N953.40=$6.60) and as such the highest gross margin (N2,111.06 = $14.60) in 18 weeks. Individuals in this group appeared more promising hybrid goats for commercial meat goat production in the rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria.
 
 
 

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Noon-Time Temperature in Selected Cities in Sudan Savanna and Tropical Rainforest Zones of Nigeria

Urban centres in Sub-Saharan Africa have been undergoing unprecedented urbanization in the past decades at annual rates of almost 4%; with attendant impacts on the cities’ thermal conditions. This study aimed at characterizing the noon-time maximum temperature of two selected cities each in the Sudan and Tropical Rainforest zones of Nigeria. The study utilized daily ERA Interim (European Reanalysis) grid-based 2 meter above ground daily noontime maximum temperature (°C) data of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) from 1990 to 2019. R Statistical package version 3.6.1 was employed to detect the trend and seasonality in the maximum noon-time temperature of the four cities using non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend and seasonal trend tests. The statistical properties of the data were first analyzed by graphical examination of the data, using time plots, and boxplots. Also, the normality test of Shapiro-Wilk (S-W test) was applied. Pettitt test was then employed to test for single change-point detection in the temperature series. The study revealed higher mean temperature values of 27.49°C and 25.56°C respectively for Birnin Kebbi and Kano both in the Sudan, and lower temperature values of 24.08°C and 23.17°C respectively for Ibadan and Owerri located in the Tropical rainforest. The Tau statistics for Kano, Ibadan and Owerri are 0.07084, 0.09848 and 0.09113 and the corresponding p-values are 0.0447, 0.0053 and 0.0098 which are less than 0.05 alpha value; indicating significant trends for the three cities. The results also show significant seasonal increase at 0.05 significant levels in the maximum noon-time temperature series for all the locations. The study recommends urban landscape planning and design for optimization of outdoor thermal comfort and creation of heathier urban environments for the city dwellers.

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.

Assessment of wild tomato accessions for fruit yield, physicochemical and nutritional properties under a rain forest agro-ecology

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a broadly consumed fruit vegetable globally. It is one of the research mandate vegetable of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria. The institute’s contains diverse collections of tomato accessions and wild relatives, without utilization information for the African continent. With the decline in diversity and potential of cultivars, a robust tomato breeding pipeline with broad genetic base that eliminates redundancy in the development of lines with desired horticultural traits is paramount. This study evaluated the mean performance and variations of thirteen wild tomato accessions obtained from the C.M. Rick Tomato Genetic Resource Center, University of California, Davis, USA, evaluated for agronomic, nutritional and physicochemical traits under a rain forest zone in Nigeria. The accessions were planted and grown in three replications with randomized complete block design. Agronomic traits, physicochemical and nutritional parameters were measured and analyzed. There was significant (P < 0.001) variation among accessions for all traits measured. Accession LA0130 was separated from others by cluster analysis and was outstanding for its unique attributes which include: fruit yield parameters, total soluble solids, acidity and content. The principal component analysis suggests fruit yield related traits, acidity and contributed most to the variation among the 13 accessions. The results obtained can be used to breed materials adapted to a rain forest . These wild tomato accessions have genes with desirable agronomic, nutritional and physicochemical traits that could be into breeding lines to improve commercial tomato varieties.

Boot Stage Forage Yield and Quality of Pearl Millet as Influenced by Organo-mineral Fertilizer Rates in Humid Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

An experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure to investigate the effects of different levels of organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br). The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Five levels of OMF at 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4t/ha and 100 kg/ha N.P.K. 15:15:15 were used. Pearl millet seeds were sown at the rate of 10 kg/ha. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the plant height, fresh and dry forage yield obtained at boot stage. The following ranges were obtained in the investigated traits among the fertilizer applications; plant height 1.08-2.54 m, fresh forage yield 24.37-59.10t/ha and dry matter yield of 4.25-10.67 t/ha. Quality parameters (CP, CF, EE, NFE and Ash) showed significant increase with higher levels of OMF applied. The ranges obtained were: CP 8.56-13.32%, EE 15.82-16.1%, EE 7.14-8.69%, Ash 11.46-16.07%, NFE 33.38-44.48 and moisture content 9.49-11.58%. The study concludes that organo-mineral fertilizer application at 4t/ha is particularly effective in improving the forage yield and quality of pearl millet.

Small mammals of a West African hotspot, the Ziama-Wonegizi-Wologizi transfrontier forest landscape

Abstract The Upper Guinea rainforest zone in West Africa is considered a biodiversity hotspot and contains important habitats for threatened and endemic mammals, yet this region remains poorly known particularly for small mammals. The aim of this study was to survey small mammals in a Liberian and Guinean cross-border conservation area, the Ziama-Wonegizi-Wologizi landscape. We recorded a total of 52 small mammal species, including 26 bats, 15 rodents, 10 shrews, one otter-shrew, of which one rodent species was new to science (Colomys sp. nov.). We also documented the first country records of the bats Chaerephon aloysiisabaudiae, Pseudoromicia brunnea and Pipistrellus inexspectatus from Guinea, and the shrews Crocidura douceti and Crocidura grandiceps from Liberia. Furthermore, we recorded the recently described bat Nycticeinops happoldorum from Wologizi and Ziama, and we documented the presence of Micropotamogale lamottei at Wologizi, which represents the fourth known locality for this globally threatened species. Finally, the forests of Wologizi and Ziama support numerous threatened species. The results of our survey demonstrate the importance of this region for small mammals and support the creation of a transboundary protected area that will encompass the entire forest landscape.

Techno-economic comparison of wet and dry cooling systems for combined cycle power plants in different climatic zones

For combined-cycle power plants, the two most dominant steam condenser cooling options are the wet-cooling tower and the air-cooled (dry) systems. The wet cooling system is commonly installed on plants located in areas with available water sources, while the dry system is typically preferred in areas where water is scarce. However, owing to the increasing regulations on water conservation, water usage costs and improvements on cooling system designs, a new approach is required for the optimal selection of plant cooling systems, incorporating site climatic conditions, amongst other considerations. This study presents a comparative techno-economic analysis of a steam turbine cycle with wet- and dry- cooling systems for five typical tropical locations in Nigeria with different climatic conditions and water usage costs. The results show that in the hot (ambient temperatures >33 °C) and dry regions (relative humidity <65%) namely Sahel, Sudan, and Guinea savannah, the plant with wet cooling generated more net power outputs with lower life-cycle costs, operating and maintenance costs than with dry cooling. Thus, for these three regions, the wet cooling system is the best option. But for the Tropical Rainforest and Coastal zones with low ambient temperatures (≤31 °C) and high relative humidity values (≥76%), the performance and cost implications of the plant with dry cooling was more favourable due to lower system sizes and costs requirements. Parametric investigations revealed that high ambient temperature increased the size and costs requirements of air-cooled systems while relative humidity significantly influenced the total power consumption of water-cooled systems.

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.

Morphometric studies on Nigerian honeybee Apis mellifera adansonni L. workers of rainforest and Sudan agro-ecological zones of Nigeria

The threat to honeybees, Apis mellifera occasioned by anthropogenic activities often reduced variations and loss of diversity globally, hence the need to conserve the existing honeybee populations. Fifteen morphological characters were measured for variation on four hundred (400) worker honeybee samples purposively collected from two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Inferential statistics Analysis of Variance, SNK and t- test (α = 0.05) and dendrogram of morphological proximity based on wings and proboscis length was also constructed using PAST 2.14 version analysis as appropriate for data collected. Results showed that significant morphological variation (p < 0.05) existed within honeybees in locations studied in each agro-ecological zones and among Apis mellifera populations in both Sudan and rainforest ecological zones in Nigeria. A. mellifera L. collected from areas of Sudan vegetation (mountainous zone) showed significant higher value of several morphological characters as compared to those found in rainforest zone (sub-mountainous zone). Whereas high morphological similarities were observed in Sudan honeybee populations, distant relatedness of Emure (rainforest) honeybees however were recorded (CV = 0.34). The study concluded that ecotypes exist in Nigerian honeybees as a result of significant morphometric variations which could have significant impact in future bee breeding programmes with respect to A. mellifera L. in Sudan and rainforest agroecological zones of Nigeria. It is recommended that activities that will enhance honeybee conservation should therefore be encouraged.

Effects of climatic variability on cassava production in Nigeria

Climate change has brought about irregularity in pattern and intensity of climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature that are important in crop production; making planning in agriculture difficult. The importance of cassava in the diet of Nigerian and its industrial use necessitate the need to examine the effects of climatic variability on cassava production. Secondary data obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) were used for the study. Analysis of Variance and Error Correction model were utilized. The study showed that the rainforest zone had the highest averages of annual rainfall (1709mm) and relative humidity (82.1%) while the Sahel savannah had the highest mean annual temperature (35.3oC). The variability in annual rainfall and relative humidity was low in the rainforest zone. The study showed that the rainforest zone had the least dispersion of average annual relative humidity (2.06%) while the guinea savannah had highest dispersion (4.68%). The average cassava output from the agro-ecological zones was 49,118,871MT per year. Rainforest and guinea savannah accounted for 56.3% and 41.9% of total cassava output respectively. There were significant variations in the climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) among the agro-ecological zones but not significant among the years (p&gt;0.05). The annual rainfall and solar radiation were the factors that influenced cassava output in all the agro-ecological zones. The need for affordable irrigation by cassava farmers and the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture are recommended to boost cassava production in Sudan savannah and Sahel savannah.

Evaluation of Yields of Selected Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L) Varieties in a Humid Environment

This study is aimed to evaluate the yield performance of 12 varieties of upland rice and to assess the agronomic traits that contribute to yield performance of these varieties. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The twelve varieties which made up the twelve treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experimental site was loamy sand, medium acidic with the soil pH reduced in the second cropping season (pH 4.9 in 2012; and pH 4.8 in 2013). The varieties differed significantly amongst themselves in panicle weight, number of fertile spikelets, grain length/breath ratio, 1000 grain weight in 2012 and 2013 planting and grain yield in 2012 planting season. The ITA 321 had the highest yield of 10300.33 kg/ha in 2012 and 10533.33 kg/ha in 2013 followed by NERICA 1 having 9066.67 kg/ha (2012) and 9133.33 kg/ha (2013). The NERICA 2,3,4,5 and 6 also belonged to the high yielding group while APO, Vandana, IR68 and ITA 150 recorded lower yields. Results of this evaluation have shown that ITA 321 and NERICA 1 can be grown in the tropical rainforest zone for paddy grain yield rather than ITA 150 which are already in use in this agro-ecological zone. They are recommended also for adoption and use in rice production instead of the popular ITA 150.