Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica Feed

Determinants of Approved Pesticides Use and Its Effect on Farm Performance among Cocoa Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examined the effects of approved pesticide use on cocoa output and farm income in Osun State, Nigeria, given cocoa’s importance as a major cash crop. A multi‑stage sampling technique was used to select 120 cocoa farmers, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logit regression, farm budgeting, and multiple regression models. The average farmer was 49 years old, had 24 years of farming experience, a household size of seven, and cultivated about 2.7 hectares. Logit regression results indicated that age, marital status, farmers’ association membership, access to credit, and pesticide costs significantly influenced the likelihood of using approved pesticides. Budgetary analysis showed that average costs and returns per hectare were $150.22 and $290.54, respectively, with total revenue of $440.76, a gross margin of $326.21, and net income of $290.54, yielding a profit margin of 65.92%. Ordinary least squares estimates revealed that gender, education, quantity of pesticide used, and pesticide cost significantly affected cocoa output, while farm size, age, education, quantity of pesticide, and household size significantly influenced income. The findings suggest that the use of approved pesticides is associated with higher cocoa output among farmers. The results also indicate that the use of approved pesticides is linked to improved farm income. The study recommends policies that enhance farmers’ access to credit, promote youth participation in cocoa production, and encourage membership in farmer associations to increase adoption of approved pesticides and improve livelihoods in the cocoa sector.

Path Analysis of Utilisation and Perceived Effectiveness of Primary Health Care Services: Implications for Rural Development Policies in Ogun State, Nigeria

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Primary health care (PHC) remains central to human capital development and productivity, particularly in rural regions where agriculture is the dominant livelihood. Effective and accessible PHC services contribute directly to agricultural and rural development by reducing morbidity, enhancing labour efficiency, and sustaining household wellbeing. This study aims to assess how accessibility, affordability and attitudes influence PHC utilisation, and hence their perceived effectiveness in Ogun State, Nigeria. We collect cross-sectional data from 120 randomly sampled users of PHC centres across communities, covering the three senatorial districts of the state using validated interview schedules. We use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the interrelations among these constructs. Descriptive findings reveal that 86.7% of respondents experienced high accessibility to PHC services, and 90% experienced high affordability. However, we find an interesting paradox – an unfavourable attitude (67.5%) toward PHC services, but high utilisation (85.8%) and perceived effectiveness (92.5%) of these services among users. The SEM results demonstrate significant relationships, with accessibility (β = 0.30, p < 0.01) and affordability (β = 0.45, p < 0.05) positively affecting utilisation. Utilisation significantly influences perceived effectiveness (β = 0.87, p < 0.01). The study highlights the need to address negative attitudes towards the PHC services despite high levels of accessibility, affordability, and utilisation, suggesting improvements in service quality to enhance overall effectiveness.

Land Suitability Assessment for Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Production in Selected Soils of the Mambilla Plateau, Northeast Nigeria

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria, possesses significant agricultural potential, yet its suitability for cocoa production remains largely unexamined. This study assessed the Plateau’s soils for cocoa cultivation, with implications for income generation, employment, and agro-industrial development. Twelve soil profile pits were established across the area, described, and sampled by paedogenetic horizons. Analyses followed the FAO Land Suitability Evaluation Protocol. Most soils were deep (>150 cm), except for profile pit 03, which was shallow. Textures ranged from sandy clay loam to clay loam, with moderately to slightly acidic pH (5.61–6.18). Organic carbon was generally low (0.07–0.26 %), while cation exchange capacity (7.00–20.02 cmol kg−1) and base saturation percentage (61.35–80.02 %) were moderate to high, aligning with cocoa nutrient demands. Climate and topography were optimal; however, drainage varied, with three profiles poorly drained. Actual suitability classes were largely marginal (S3), with fertility and texture as limiting factors, and drainage issues reducing suitability to N1 in some areas. Nonetheless, potential ratings improved substantially to S2 or S1 with targeted management, including organic matter incorporation, non-acidifying fertilisers, and drainage enhancement. Productivity index values ranged from 26.52 (S3) to 75.00 (S1), reflecting this potential. These findings highlight not only current limitations but also the transformative potential of well-informed, site-specific agricultural policy and practice in the Mambilla region. Supporting interventions such as soil-specific recommendations, subsidized inputs, and farmer training could operationalize these findings. Hence, incorporating geospatial tools and socioeconomic variables like land access and farmer capacity in future works would enhance relevance and adoption.

Assessment of the sustainability of date palm farms in the Oued-Righ Valley, Southeast Algeria

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Our study aims to assess the sustainability of the date palm farms in the Oued-Righ valley using the Farms Sustainability Indicators (Indicateur de durabilité des exploitations agricoles-IDEA) method. Nineteen (19) farmers, who agreed to evaluate their farms, were surveyed using an appropriate questionnaire. In addition, Statistical analysis, using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27, enabled us to explore the results further and understand the relevance of the different variables. The results showed that the three sustainability scales (Agro-ecology, Socio-territorial and Economy) obtained scores higher than 50 points out of 100, in only three farms. The scores obtained by the agro-ecological and economic scales were above average for a large part of our sample, which explains that their agro-ecological and economic practices contributed strongly to the sustainability of these farms. While the score obtained by the socio-territorial scale indicates that practices at this level are limiting factors to their sustainability. The study reveals the need to improve socio-territorial aspects across three components: product and territorial quality, ethics and human development, and employment and services, to improve the overall sustainability of Oued-Righ valley date palm farms.

Genetic variability for yield and related traits among wild accessions of cowpea and cross-compatibility with cultivated accessions

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Cowpea is an important legume, and its wild relatives could be reliable sources of favorable alleles for genetic diversity and improvement of important traits. The study aimed to evaluate wild accessions of cowpea for genetic variability, identify important traits focused on yield and yield components, and assess wild and domesticated cowpea genotypes for cross-compatibility. Forty-four accessions of wild relatives and domesticated cowpeas were used for the study. Forty wild accessions were evaluated for genetic variability, and selected accessions were crossed with domesticated cowpea accessions. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation coefficients between characters were calculated. Furthermore, data were subjected to factor analysis, step-wise regression, and selection criteria were calculated. The genotypic effect was significant (p < 0.01; p < 0.05) for most of the measured characters except the number of branches per plant. Factor analysis showed that seed yield and number of pods per plant mainly contributed to the observed variations among the wild relatives. The number of pods per plant was among the characters that had positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations with seed yield. Step-wise regression identified the number of pods per plant as the main contributor to variations in seed yield. NGB001071 was identified as one of the top accessions by the classical selection index, largely due to its relatively higher number of pods per plant and seed yield. Crosses between wild accessions and domesticated cowpea were successful. The potential of introgression of favourable alleles from wild forms to domesticated cowpea was documented. This finding suggests that leveraging wild germplasm could enhance the resilience and genetic diversity of cowpeas for measured characters, ultimately improving yield and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.

Influence of temperature on the population dynamics of Parlatoria ziziphi and potential for biological control by the parasitoids Aphytis and Encarsia in citrus orchards

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The black scale, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas, 1853), is a significant citrus pest that weakens trees, reduces fruit quality, and significantly lowers production, thereby affecting profitability. Parasitoids play a key role in its biological control, parasitizing P. ziziphi at different developmental stages. This study aimed to examine the population fluctuations of P. ziziphi in citrus orchards in the Kadiria region (Bouira, Algeria). Additionally, we investigated the influence of temperature on its development and mortality and identified potential biological control agents. Weekly monitoring was conducted in a citrus orchard to assess P. ziziphi populations on orange and mandarin trees. Leaf and fruit samples were collected for identification. The pest was also reared under controlled laboratory conditions to determine its life cycle. The study found that P. ziziphi was more frequently present on leaves and fruit, and laboratory observations identified two parasitoids from the genera Aphytis and Encarsia, though the parasitism rate was low. Moderate temperatures favored P. ziziphi infestations, particularly during the citrus harvesting phase. Regression analysis showed that temperature variations significantly influenced the pest development and mortality. For mandarin orchards, temperature accounted for 33% of the variation in P. ziziphi development/mortality (R² = 0.330, p = 0.020). For orange orchards, the correlation was stronger, with temperature explaining 48.5% of the variation (R² = 0.485, p = 0.001). The findings highlight the role of temperature in influencing P. ziziphi population dynamics. While the natural parasitoids were identified, their impact on controlling the pest remains limited. These insights contribute to understanding the pest behaviour and improving management strategies for sustainable citrus production.

Impacts of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on poverty reduction among rice- and cassava-based farming households in rural Nigeria

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Poverty has constituted a significant threat to life and economic development in most developing nations of the world. The rural dwellers in Nigeria have suffered welfare deficits and depletion in general living standards. Developmental programmes and interventions implemented to address rural poverty and inequality in Nigeria have targeted improving crop value chains to increase productivity and income and therefore eliminate poverty in the country. Hence, this study examined the impacts of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on poverty reduction among cassava and rice-based farming households in rural Nigeria. The 2022 version of the panel data set obtained from the VCDP management office within the Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) spanning the period between 2019 and 2022 was used. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty measure, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach. The poverty gap estimates show that poverty headcount was lower among the cassava-based and rice-based beneficiary households (24.02% and 26.75%, respectively) compared to their non-beneficiary counterpart (66.67% and 53.42%, respectively). While annual per capita income significantly increased by ₦ 59,205.570 (131.36 USD) among beneficiaries in cassava-based households at 1%, poverty gap was reduced by 0.021% among the beneficiaries in rice-based farming households at 10%. It could be revealed that the intervention was effective in reducing poverty, more especially among the rice-based farming households. Therefore, the study recommends that the implementation of the VCDP should be sustained and scaled up for wider coverage and effective poverty reduction, especially among cassava-based farming households in rural Nigeria.

Performance, blood profile, rumen characteristics, and anthelminthic effects of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal concentrate diets on West African Dwarf sheep

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Sheep production in tropical regions of Africa is often hampered by a high seasonal variability of forage biomass availability with low protein concentration, in meeting their maintenance and production requirements. Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal as an excellent drought resistance forage supplement for ruminants was evaluated in a 105-day experiment with sixteen (16) healthy yearling West African Dwarf (WAD) rams with a weight range of 13.94 and 14.98 kg in a completely randomised design, to determine its effects on performance, haematology, serum biochemical indices, faecal egg count and rumen characteristics. Animals were assigned to four treatment groups, each with four replicates, containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLLM) in a concentrated diet. A basal diet of Panicum maximum and water was provided ad libitum. Results showed that growth rates improved with the inclusion level of LLLM in the diets and ranged from 33.90 to 43.33 g/day in WAD sheep fed a 5% and 15% LLLM concentrate diet, respectively. The haematological variables varied (p < 0.05) across treatments. Animals fed 10% LLLM had the highest (p < 0.05) packed cell volume and red blood cell count (RBC). Haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) increased (p < 0.05) in sheep fed 10 and 15% LLLM. The white blood cell count (WBC) increased (p < 0.05) while mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) decreased (p < 0.05) with higher LLLM inclusion levels. Variations were also observed in the serum biochemical indices. Total protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine increased (p < 0.05) in LLLM diet-fed sheep. Zero % LLLM-fed sheep had the highest value for aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05). Cholesterol concentration decreased (p < 0.05) with elevated LLLM inclusion. The rumen pH increased (p < 0.05) while microbial count decreased (p < 0.05) with LLLM inclusion in the diets. Ammonia nitrogen was highest (p < 0.05) in animals fed 15% LLLM. Strongyloides papillosus were observed in the faecal egg count which reduced (p < 0.05) with the level of LLLM in the diet. The study concluded that feeding LLLM concentrate diet at 15% inclusion improved sheep feeding and could serve as an anthelminthic as well as a key entry point to sustainable intensification, increasing food security, and decreasing greenhouse emission intensities.

Implication of cereal production and intra-food trade to agricultural growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The supply-demand balance of cereals in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries left a gap that needs to be bridged by growth-inclusive agricultural production. Agricultural growth failed to keep pace with the population growth resulting from low technology adoption, mechanization, reduced yield, food loss/waste, trade barrier and distortion, low investment, and tenure security. This study investigates the impact of cereal production and intra-food trade on agricultural growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, utilising a cross-sectional panel dataset of 48 countries from 1986 – 2021. Employing the Im-Pesaran-Shin unit root tests, pairwise correlation analysis, and random effects regression modeling, the study reveals that cereal production significantly contributes to agricultural growth by 0.8 %. In comparison, intra-food trade positively and significantly influences agricultural growth by 2.5 %. The result shows that cereal production positively affects agriculture growth, while intra-food trade and population growth negate the hypothesis of trade-led agricultural growth. Conclusively, the study recommended lifting trade barriers, developing trade-driven policies, encouraging agriculture exports, and expanding free trade agreements within the region.

Adaptability evaluation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes in moisture-stress areas of Somali Region, Ethiopia

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Finger millet is a drought-tolerant and nutritious cereal crop grown in semi-arid areas, especially in Africa and Asia. However, due to a lack of improved variety, the grain yield of the crop at the farmer’s field is lower than in research centers. Therefore, this field experiment aimed to compare the yield of eleven finger millet varieties in the Kebribeyah and Awbare districts in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. The experiment used a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance was computed for eight traits for each location, and the result revealed the presence of significant variability among varieties. However, there was no significant interaction between variety and location for most yield and yield-related traits. In both locations, the results of the analysis of variance results revealed that there was a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) among varieties for days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, thousand seed weight, grain yield, and biomass yield, but no significant difference was between the varieties for the number of tillers and traits of the harvest index (not in Awbare). The mean grain yield varied from 1005.0 to 2583.3 kg ha−1 and 950.0 to 2266.7 kg ha−1 among the tested varieties in Kebribeyah and Awbare, respectively. Meba and Tessema had the highest mean grain yield and related traits in both locations. It showed that these varieties have superior performance and suitability in both locations. Therefore, these varieties are recommended for Kebribeyah and Awebare and areas with similar agro-ecologies.

Oral administration of aqueous bamboo leaf extract: effect on performance, haematological indices and blood oxidative status of broilers

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and the need for safer alternatives in broiler production make exploring natural additives like plant extracts imperative to enhance broiler health and performance. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous bamboo leaf extract (BLE) in drinking water on broiler chickens’ performance, haematological indices, and blood oxidative status. Ninety-six Ross 308 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments: T1 (Control, ordinary water), T2 (antibiotics (Tetranor 5% at 5 g per litre of water)), T3 (50 ml BLE per litre of water) and T4 (100 ml BLE per litre of water), each with four replicates of six birds. Performance data were recorded weekly over 8 weeks, and blood samples were collected on day 56 for haematological and oxidative status analysis. Data were analysed using SAS (2000) with means separation via Tukey’s test. Results showed that broilers that consumed water containing 100ml/L BLE had the highest (p < 0.05) live weight (LW) of 1078.20 g and weight gain (WG) of 1029.19 g at the starter phase. At the finisher phase, broilers in the 100ml BLE group had the highest (p < 0.05) LW (2695.42 g) and zero mortality, whereas the control group recorded the lowest LW (1672.95 g). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p < 0.05) in broilers that had access to water containing 100 ml/L BLE at both phases. Haematological analysis revealed increased (p < 0.05) packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations in the 100 ml/L BLE group. Oxidative stress markers showed lower (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde levels for broilers in the 100 ml/L BLE group than those in the control group. Superoxide dismutase was reduced (p < 0.05) for broilers given ordinary water and those given antibiotics but increased for broilers with 100 ml/L BLE. In conclusion, including BLE at 100 ml/L in drinking water enhanced weight gain, FCR, and survival rate while reducing oxidative stress, indicating a promising natural alternative for improving broiler health and performance.

Co-application of biochar and organic fertiliser for improved productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in the humid tropics

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) grain yield has recently declined partly because of the limited use of organic nutrient sources on degraded tropical soils. The study assessed the agronomic performance of three sesame varieties (V) as affected by organic nutrient sources (T) application. The two factors were arranged in a split-plot with V (White Benue, Cameroun White, and E-8) as the main plot and T (T1: Control, T2: biochar at 2.5 t / ha, T3: biochar at 5.0 t / ha, T4: organic fertiliser at 5.0 t / ha, T5: organic fertiliser + biochar at 2.5 t / ha and T6: organic fertiliser + biochar 5.0 t / ha) as the subplot in a Randomised Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected on agronomic traits of sesame. The varieties were significantly (p < 0.05) different in number of days to flowering, capsule formation, and physiological maturity in 2020. Varietal and organic nutrient source effects were significant (p < 0.05) for height at flowering and harvest in both years. Factor T (T4 – T6) significantly (p < 0.05) increased capsule and seed weight per plant, and grain yield in both years relative to T1. The V × T interaction was significant for height to the first capsule and seed weight per plant in 2020. Sesame grain yields recorded under T3 – T6 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control (T1) in 2020 (1.2 – 1.5 t / ha) and 2021 (1.3 – 1.6 t / ha). Prospective organic sesame producers can apply organic fertiliser at 5 t / ha (T4) alone in the humid tropics.

Cucumber fruit nutrient quality as influenced by variety and organic fertiliser rate

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The nutrient contents of a product can depend on the quantity of fertiliser supplied. An experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in the tropical rainforest‑savannah transitional zone of southwestern Nigeria to determine the nutrient contents of three cucumber varieties as influenced by Gateway Organic Fertiliser (GOF) rates. There were 48 plots of 3.0 × 2.0 m each, separated by 1.0 m pathways. The main plot was cucumber variety (Marketmore, Poinsett, and Marketer) while the sub‑treatment was organic fertiliser rate at 0, 5, 10, and 15 t.ha−1 in a split‑plot arrangement fitted into Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replicates. Fruit nutrient contents differed with cucumber varieties and rates of gateway organic fertiliser. Marketmore variety fruits without application of GOF had higher moisture contents. Poinsett variety fruits cultivated with the application of 5 t. ha−1 GOF had higher dry matter contents. Poinsett variety fruits cultivated with either 10 or 15 t. ha−1 GOF had higher crude protein and carbohydrate contents when compared with other interactions. Poinsett variety cultivated with either 10 or 15 t. ha−1 GOF had higher vitamins A and C contents when compared with other interactions. It was concluded that cultivating the Poinsett cucumber variety with a 10 t.ha−1 GOF rate gave optimum nutrient contents concerning the crude protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin content. The Poinsett cucumber variety cultivated with 10 t. ha−1 Gateway Organic Fertiliser is recommended for optimum nutrient contents.

Effects of variety and organomineral fertiliser rate on cucumber yield and nutritional content in early and late seasons

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Amalgamation of inorganic and organic fertilisers can enhance the effectiveness of fertiliser application. Field experiments were conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture’s Teaching and Research Farm in Abeokuta, Nigeria (lat. 7°15’N and long. 3°25’E), to evaluate the impact of cucumber variety and rate of organomineral fertiliser on yield and nutritional value of three varieties of cucumber during the early and late growing seasons of 2019. Three replicates of a randomised complete block design were used in a split-plot layout used for the trial. Poinsett, Greengo, and Monalisa varieties were the main plot, while the subplots were organomineral fertiliser (OMF) rates of 0, 2.5, and 5.0 tons.ha−1. Growth, fruit yield, and fruit proximate composition data were gathered and subjected to analysis of variance. More fruits/plant were produced by the Greengo variety than the Poinsett or Monalisa varieties. In the late season, fruits from the Poinsett variety had higher moisture content than those from the Monalisa variety. OMF rate of 5.0 tons.ha−1 produced highest fruit yield, followed by 2.5 tons.ha−1 OMF treatment whereas plots with no OMF produced the least fruit yield. Fruits from application of 5.0 tons.ha−1 OMF had higher ash content than from 2.5 tons.ha−1 OMF. Fruits from 2.5 tons.ha−1 OMF in the late season had higher content of crude protein than the 5.0 tons.ha−1 OMF in the early season of 2019. Fruits from unfertilised plots had the lowest ash, crude protein, and moisture content in both seasons. The results of the study show that the Poinsett variety with application of 5.0 tons.ha−1 can be commercially cultivated for high cucumber yield and nutritional value.

The impact of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation on garden egg (Solanum gilo L.) performance

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Garden eggs are an important vegetable, but often yield poorly due to soil fertility depletion. Biochar has gained interest in mitigating nutrient loss, while arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) reportedly enhance plant nutrition. However, limited information exists on garden egg responses to biochar application and their interactions with mycorrhizal inoculation. Therefore, the effects of biochar and AMF inoculation on garden egg performance were investigated. In a 3 × 2 factorial field experiment during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, biochar (0, 2.5, and 5 t/ha) and AMF inoculation (−AMF and +AMF) were evaluated in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. Garden egg (NHSg−3) seedlings were transplanted at 60 cm × 60 cm spacing. Data were subjected to ANOVA at p < 0.05. Applying 5 t/ha biochar and AMF inoculation resulted in a significant leaf area increase compared with their respective controls. Fruit yield was significantly higher with 2.5 t/ha biochar than other treatments. The AMF-inoculated plants had significantly higher fruit yield (726.40 kg/ha) than the untreated plants (644.17 kg/ha). Fruit yield for biochar and AMF interactions ranged from 436.50 (− AMF) to 854.53 kg/ha (+AMF inoculation) at 5 t/ha biochar. However, 5 t/ha biochar resulted in significantly higher weed biomass and lower microbial count, while 2.5 t/ha biochar +AMF and −AMF treatments gave 771.63 and 802.08 kg/ha fruit yields, respectively, enhanced microbial counts, and reduced weed biomass. Applying 2.5 t/ha biochar without AMF inoculation was considered adequate for good garden egg performance and improved soil conditions.

Species composition, relative abundance, and diversity of termites (Blattodea: Insecta: Isoptera) in the Kwara State Univerity Campus, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Termites are widely dispersed throughout the tropics and attain the highest diversity and abundance in the rainforests of Africa. Understanding their diversity in areas with human activities can provide insights into the local biodiversity and health of the ecosystem. The present study investigated the abundance and diversity of termite species at the Kwara State University campus. The study area was divided into five zones, and thorough examinations of all microhabitats were conducted to detect termite presence. Random handpicking and transect sampling methods were employed to evaluate termite diversity. There were 353 instances of termites encountered between May 2021 and August 2022. The analysis revealed eight termite species in seven genera and three subfamilies. Among these, Trinervitermes geminatus had the highest relative abundance at 48.7 %, whereas Fulleritermes tenebricus had the lowest at 1.98 %. All identified species belonged to the family Termitidae, with subfamilies Nasutitermitinae accounting for 50.7 %, Macrotermitinae for 37.7 %, and Termitinae for 11.6 % of the species. Grass-feeding Trinervitermes geminatus was the most frequently collected species, followed by fungus-growing Macrotermes subhyalinus; both were found across all five campus zones. The species diversity and richness indices observed in the five zones were moderately high. The considerable abundance of termites within the university campus suggests their significance in the ecosystem. There is a need to document termite species present in an ecosystem with human activities because it helps to monitor biodiversity loss in the environment.

Adoption drivers of organic vegetable farming practices among vegetable farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The practice of organic agriculture (OA) in Nigeria has undergone expansion due, among other things, to consumer interest in food safety issues. Organic Farming (OF) is a holistic production management system that promotes and enhances agro‑ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The study investigated adoption drivers for organic vegetable farming practices among vegetable farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 120 organic vegetable farmers were sampled through a multistage sampling procedure, and survey questions were administered. Data were analysed using frequency counts, mean, and Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The majority of farmers had a good knowledge of Organic Vegetable Farming Practices (OVFP), which aids adoption and is a good signal for economic returns and sustainable livelihoods. The most rated of the three benefit domains was health, which averagely was rated high (x̅ = 1.38), while economic (x̅ = 1.04) and environmental conservation benefits (x̅ = 1.00) were both rated average; with enhanced good health and long life; reduced climate change effects, as well as generation of greenhouse gases and higher premiums in the marketplace identified as top health, environmental conservation, and economic benefits, respectively. Although the majority of farmers highly adopted OVFP, however, a closer examination of the few practices that the majority of the farmers did not adopt was of health and environmental significance. Farmers’ age, education, farm size, household size, knowledge, health, and economic benefits of OF were important drivers of adoption and practices of OF among Oyo State, Nigeria vegetable farmers. OF, therefore, is a sustainable agricultural approach that holds great potential for effectively contributing to local food security, the health of citizens, increased family health, and environmental standards.

Determinants of willingness to adopt farm service centres among farming households in Abia State, Nigeria

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The uptake of new agricultural technologies/innovations is not devoid of some challenges in Nigeria. However, to increase the production level in the sector, there is a need to enhance the adoption of new technologies/innovations. Therefore, this study examined the determinants of willingness to adopt farm service centres among farming households in Abia State, Nigeria. The study collected primary data from 300 farming households with a questionnaire using a three‑stage sampling procedure. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Results of socioeconomic characteristics revealed that farming activities in the area were male (58.7 %) dominated, mostly married (82 %) with a mean age of 50 ± 9.7, having 10.5 ± 5.8 mean years of formal education, operating on 0.87 ± 1.3 hectare of farmland with 21 years of farming experience. Binary logistic model result revealed that age, level of education, and farming experience were the factors determining the willingness to adopt farm service centres in the area. The need to boost farmers’ knowledge through an adult literacy programme, and involvement of relatively old farmers in empowerment programme as well as encouraging farmers’ participation in farmers’ associations in the study area is hereby recommended.

Evaluation of soil properties variability along a toposequence in Wasinmi, Southwest Nigeria

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Topography significantly influences soil development and characteristics within an uneven agricultural field. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of soil attributes and processes through detailed pedological knowledge is crucial for effective soil management. This research was carried out in Wasinmi, southwestern Nigeria, to delineate and categorise the soils across different slopes for agricultural insights. Three soil profiles were excavated across the topographical sequence, specifically designated as upper, middle, and lower slope positions. The prevailing soil texture was sandy loam with a discernible trend of lighter soil colour as the slope descended and soil depth increased. The pH of the soil ranged from moderately acidic to slightly acidic. The saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil organic matter content were lowest on the lower slope. Available phosphorus distribution varied inconsistently with higher concentrations of heavy minerals observed at the upper slope. The study underscored the influential role of topography in soil property variations and the need for tailored management practices. The classification of the soils revealed Typic Plintustults in the upper and middle slope positions, while the soils in the lower slope were identified as Typic Kandiaquults. This study demonstrated that topography significantly influenced soil properties, thereby emphasising the need for informed practices to better support the long-term sustainability of land use and agricultural outputs in topographically diverse landscapes.

Evaluation of forty‑five rice (Oryza species) accessions for resistance to rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) disease under natural conditions

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The experiments were conducted to investigate the resistance levels among forty‑five lowland rice accessions at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu (Latitude 5°56″N and Longitude 7°41″E) Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Forty‑five rice accessions were screened for their resistance to the blast disease in row planting during the 2017 and 2019 cropping seasons using Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) and were replicated thrice. The data on disease intensity and agronomic performance were subjected to Analysis of Variance and the significant means were separated with the Tukey HSD test at p < 0.05. Assessment of blast disease showed that the incidence, severity, and resistance levels varied significantly among rice tested. Accession NG / SA / JAN / 023 had the highest disease incidence (59.06 %) while accessions NG / SA / DEC / 07 / 0300, TOG 5453, TOG 6804, FARO‑22 and FARO‑57 had no blast symptoms for the two cropping seasons. The disease severity ranged from 0.00 to 3.43 for the two cropping seasons. Five accessions (NG / SA / DEC / 07 / 0300, TOG‑5453, TOG‑6804, FARO‑22, and FARO‑57) were highly resistant, 10 were resistant, 14 moderately resistant, and 16 were moderately susceptible to the disease. In the 2017 cropping season, the result of the grain yield showed that accession Local Foreign and FARO 26 had the value of 46.77 g apiece while NG / SA / DEC / 07 / 0278 had the least (11.00 g). However, in the 2019 cropping season, the results of the grain yield showed that accession Local Foreign produced the highest yield (56.00 g), FARO 26 had 40.31 g grain yield while NG / SA / DEC / 07 / 0285 (22.0 g) had the lowest grain yield. The study concluded that using the blast‑resistant cultivars is the best option in managing blast disease, and the five highly resistant accessions could be planted out in other agroecological zones for further studies on managing rice blast disease in the field.