Volume 2 Issue 6 December 2023
Modeling Carbon Stock-Dendrometric Parameters Relationship and Tree Species Diversity in Abu-Gadaf Natural Forest Reserve, Sudan
ABSTRACT
This study modeled the relationships between aboveground carbon stock and tree densitometric parameters
(diameter and height) as well as the species diversity in Abu-Gadaf Natural Forest Reserve, Sudan. Forty-six
sample plots were systematically inventoried across the low and highland areas of the reserve, and tree
diameter at breast height, total height, density, and regeneration trends were measured. The Shannon,
evenness, and richness indices were assessed using the recommended equations and the polynomial
regression for carbon stock-dendrometric parameters modeling. The study findings illustrated that highland
areas have high species richness, evenness, and Shannon index value with 45 tree species and excellent
regeneration for dominant tree species. However, the lowlands accommodate 30 tree species with low tree
density and aboveground biomass. Moreover, the carbon stock-tree diameter relationship exhibited a strong
polynomial correlation with R2 value of 0.93 in comparison to carbon stock-tree height ones. While the
reserve hosts a considerable number of tree species, particularly in the highland areas, several none
regenerated species in the lowland sites need a quick intervention for further conservation. Accordingly, the
participatory approach of community forestry can successfully guide the restoration plan of the influenced
areas across the reserve.
Black Soldier Fly Frass for Improved Soils, Crop Yields and Environment among Smallholders-Mixed Farming System in Kenya
Godfrey Nambafu Nakitare1*; Naomi Kollongei2
ABSTRACT
The production and yields of major crops are in decline in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to deterioration in soil
nutrients and increasing prices of farm inputs. Farmers have used manure and artificial fertilizers to improve
the production of crops. Some of these fertilizers have caused adverse effects on our environment resulting in
climate change. The use of frass, although minimally used by farmers, has proved to be effective in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, providing nutrient-rich feeds to livestock and organic fertilizers to crops. This
article highlights the importance of keeping black soldiers fly and adopting frass to eradicate problems
smallholder farmers face in soil, crop, and environmental management. The fly’s larvae feed and break
organic wastes including wastes from poultry and cattle, making them free from foul odor and emission of
massive carbon dioxide and methane. The larvae can also be used as livestock feeds whereas the unused
organic material becomes fertilizer rich in high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to
other organic and inorganic fertilizers used in SSA. For improved production, farmers need to switch to this
multipurpose insect. A simulation analysis is necessary to show the future adoption of the technology. With
increased awareness and training, more than a million farmers in SSA are likely to adopt this practice in less
than ten years.
Comparative Effect of Plant Extracts and Accession Differences on the Control of A Storage Insect Pest (Callosobruchus maculatus)
Muhammad G.M1; Wada A C2*; Kolo, E1; Muhammad, M.I1; Paiko A S.1;Umar, A.M.; Bello, L.Y3.;
Mahmud, B. 1 and Abdullahi, H.1.
ABSTRACT
Insect pests are the most important constraint limiting Bambara groundnut storage in Nigeria. Consequently,
this study was conducted at the Laboratory of Pest Management Technology Department of Niger State
College of Agriculture, Mokwa aimed at determining the comparative effect of organic plant extracts and
accession differences on a storage insect pest of Bambara groundnut (Vigna suberrancean L Verdc) Mokwa is
located on latitude 09o 18ˡN and longitude 05o 04ˡE in Southern guinea savanna agro-ecological zone of
Nigeria. Med at The treatments were organic materials which consisted of garlic, white onion, violent tree
root powder extracts and phostoxin as check while control had no antidote application. The trial was
factorially combined in a 2×4 arrangement and fitted in to complete randomized design (CRD) with three
replications. Data were collected on insect mortality rate, number of life insect pests, grain weight loss and
insects damage score. The application of garlic, white onion, violent tree root powder extracts and phostoxin
(check) recorded a significantly higher insect mortality rate at 14 and 28 days after storage of 3.67 and 3.00
compared to the control with no application that resulted in lowest mortality rate of 1.33. The result indicated
that varieties of bambara groundnut did not differ significantly on number of life insects throughout the
period of the study. The application of garlic, white onion and violent tree root powders’ extract are effective
for the control of Callosobruchus maculatus. They are suggested for optimum quality protection of bambara
groundnut and as alternatives to synthetic pesticides in southern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria.
Termiticidal Potential of Parkia biglobosa Aqueous Seed Extract Rates and Location on Termites Infestation in Niger State, Nigeria
Muhammad A.A1, Wada A.C. 2*, Kolo E1, Muhammad, M.I.1, Paiko A.S.1, Umar A.M.1, Bello, L.Y3,
Mahmud B.,1 and Abdullahi H.1
ABSTRACT
Termites constitute a nuisance to both the environment and human properties anywhere they exist.
Consequently, this research was conducted at Mokwa Local Government area of Niger State to evaluate the
rate of bio-insecticide for their control. Mokwa is located on latitude 09˚ 18ˡN and longitude 05˚ 14ˡE in
Southern Guinea Savanna agro ecological Zone of Nigeria. This experiment was aimed at determining the
termiticidal potential of acqueous solution rates of locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa) seed and location on
termites῎. The main treatments were four Parkia biglobosa seed extract rates at 0, 5, 10, and 15 millilitres
while the sub treatments were three termites locations at Mokwa, Muwo and Kudu. The trial was factorially
combined in a 4 x 3 arrangement and fitted into a completely randomized design (CRD) with three
replications. Data collection were on number of termite per meter of tunnel, length of tunnels in meter,
number of life termites and the number of dead termites found after treating with the extract solution rates.
The result showed that Parkia biglobosa seed extract rates differed significantly on termites’ mortality rate
irrespective of the location. Moreover, the Parkia biglobosa seed extract rates had significant effect on
termites throughout the period of the study. The P. biglobosa seed extract rates at 10 and 15 millilitres were
effective for the control of termites in all the test locations and are thus suggested for use as an alternative to
synthetic termiticides in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria for termite control.
Agricultural Price Policy in India: An Introspective Study
Ram Krishna Mandal*
ABSTRACT
Most of the agro products are available based on season. At the time of harvesting, the product prices are
very low and at the time of seedling, the product prices are very high. Both producers and consumers faced
problems. For overall stabilizing the economy, price policy is necessary. The study aims to explore the benefit
of the farmers through the price policy in the Indian economy. This study is descriptive type by nature based
on secondary sources like various Government reports, books, articles, websites and web-based journals.
Need for Agricultural Price Policy and minimum support prices with findings, appraisal, its advantages and
disadvantages and suggestions are discussed here. The basic motive behind the Agriculture policy of the
Government of India is to save the interests of both farmers and consumers. The prices of the food grains
should be decided very wisely so that neither farmers nor consumers get to suffer.
Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth Performance of Indian Spinach Beta vulgaris var. Bengalensis
Ashish Tiwari1*, Priti Singh2, Irshad Ali Saudagar3, Kuldeep Chauhan4, Vivek Verma5, and Pradeep
Sondhiya6
ABSTRACT
India is the world’s second-largest vegetable producer, after China. Indian spinach is a leafy vegetable grown
inweredia and other regions of the world. Nitrogen and Phosphorus affect the growth performance of Indian
spinach Beta vulgaris var. Bengalensis. These can be a good alternative to organic fertilizers. Nearly all of the
researchers offered suggestions for the careful application of Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) fertilizers in
accordance with the state of the soil and the requirements of the crop in a particular soil and climate. The
present investigation has led to the conclusion that at 30 days after sowing, plant height and leaf numbers per
plant were significantly highest in treatment of 50 kg N/ha. Nitrogen could be the main component for the
high growth rate of the studied species. Phosphorus was found responsible for the enhancement of the leaf in
size and weight. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width in 15 days and 30 days, and leaf weight
after 30 days of sowing were also recorded. The highest plant height (39.13 cm) was recorded 15 days after
sowing in N 50 kg/ha, followed by 38.30 cm in N75 kg ha-1 with 1.58 g. Phosphorus was found responsible for
the enhancement of the leaf in size and weight. Treatments had a profound effect on the growth and
production of Indian spinach seeds, regardless of growing conditions. The performance of Indian spinach was
found to be better during the regional season in the study site.
A Comparative Nutritional Study on the Leaves of Amaranthus spinosus L., Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F and Talinum triangulare Jacq. Cultivated in Anambra State
Ilodibia, C.V.1*; Aziagba, B.O.1; Achebe, U.A.2; Okoye, N.T. 1
ABSTRACT
Vegetables like A. spinosus, T. occidentalis and T. triangulare are those vascular plants whose portions or
portion are consumed as complement food or prime dish. A Comparative proximate study on A. spinosus, T.
occidentalis and T. triangulare was evaluated to determine their nutritional characteristics with regards to
moisture, ash contents, carbohydrate, protein, fat contents and crude fibre using standard methods and
compared. This was to ascertain the one with the highest nutrient for optimum utilization and usefulness as
a vegetable. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The result showed that the investigated nutrients
were present in the leaves of the three species but in varied amounts. T. occidentalis had the highest ash,
protein, fiber and lipid contents (12.30±0.01), (35.40±1.2), (1.60±0.08) and (13.70±0.6) respectively, while T.
triangulare had the highest moisture and carbohydrate contents (5.24±0.14) and (56.32±0.58) respectively.
The data obtained from this study showed that these vegetables contain appreciable amount of proteins, fat,
fiber and carbohydrate needed for normal body functions and maintenance of the body with T. occidentalis
being the most nutritious based on its protein and lipid contents. It can therefore, be concluded that these
vegetables can contribute significantly to the nutrition of man and animals and should be used as source of
nutrients to supplement other major sources of foods.
Taxonomic Study of Chrysophyllum albidum Found in Awka Anambra State, Nigeria
1Aziagba Bibian Okwuchukwu*; Ilodibia Chinyere Veronica ; Okeke Olumachi Emelda
ABSTRACT
Taxonomic study was carried out on the stem, leaf, root, flower, and fruit of Chrysophyllum albidum using
standard techniques. Morphological result revealed that the plant is a tree with greyish brown to dark brown
stem which is glabrous and circular in shape. The leaves are green, compound (imparipinnate in
arrangement), pubescent texture, and elliptical in shape. The flowers are actinomorphic, free and arranged in
clusters. The fruits are depressed globose, yellow to orange when mature and have about 5 seeds arranged in
a star pattern in the fruit hence the name star apple. The quantitative characters revealed the leaf length as
24.7±4.01 cm, leaf width as 8.20±0.69 cm, petiole length 1.83±0.21 cm, and stem girth 1.44 ±0.67 m.
Anatomical studies revealed the presence of cortical parenchyma containing prismatic crystals in the cross
sections of some of the organs studied. The parenchyma cells have a brick wall arrangement in the radial and
transverse longitudinal section of the stem. The presence of sclerenchyma and well-defined vascular bundle in
the transverse section of the stem was also revealed. The overall data collected could be used as a viable tool
in the identification of African star apple and retain their characters now that many plant species are
genetically modified and in the delimitation of the taxa in the species level.
Analyzing the Relationship between Soil Properties and Crop Productivity Using Geophysics and Statistical Models
Molua,O.C.1, Ukpene, A.O.2, Vwavware, J.O.3, Emagbetere, J.U.4, Ighrapata, F.C.5
ABSTRACT
Agronomists and researchers have demonstrated persistent interest in examining the relationship between
soil properties and crop productivity with the objective of improving agricultural practices. The application of
geophysics and statistical models offers valuable techniques for analyzing the complex nature of this
relationship. This article investigated the application of geophysical techniques and statistical models to
understand the impact of soil properties on agricultural productivity. It thoroughly examined the main factors
that influence this relationship through an extensive analysis of existing literature. The results showed that
there was correlation between crop yield and soil nutrient level, soil texture, pH level and increased electrical
conductivity. The study further recorded that electrical resistivity increased with greater depth due to further
dryness in the soil. The study’s findings and analyses made valuable contributions to improving agricultural
methodologies and increasing crop productivity, while also prioritizing the preservation of sustainable soil
management techniques.
Agricultural Price Policy in India: An Introspective StudyQualitative and Quantitative Ethnobotanical Study of Arrang Valley of District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Muhammad Sajid1; Fazli Rahim1; Shakir Ullah2*; Rehan Ullah1; Rizwana Bilqees3 and Lubna Shakir4
ABSTRACT
The findings of the ethnobotanical field work in the Arrang valley of Bajaur are presented. Arrang is a closed
valley, 18 kilometers long and gifted with some of the most important plant species which are on the verge of
extinction. How this traditional knowledge can contribute to modern scientific human plant diachronic
interactions, is emphasized in the current research. Totally 180 persons were properly interviewed in Arrang,
ranging from specialists in traditional ethnobotanical knowledge to common persons. Although the valley and
its adjacent area about of 300 species. During current research only 163 species were documented. Only two
species of gymnosperm were found worth consideration and 118 species belonging to 80 families of
Angiosperms were documented. One species belong to Pteridophytes. These plants have been in active use
up to the present time as food, medicine, tools, materials for construction, resources for rituals, for the sake
of naming, fodder, timber, fuel, honey bee attractants, aromatic, broom making, toothbrush, ornamental,
cage making, rope making, staple food, vegetable, fruit, flavoring and soil binders etc. According to the
accumulated ethnobotanical information most of the plants served multiple functions. The most abundant
species belonged to families Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae and Solanaceae.
Due to over exploitation and over grazing about 12 species are on the verge of extinction in the area such as
Xanthium stromonium, Ammivisnaga, Foeniculum vulgare, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Melia azedarach,
Ailanthus altissima, Berberis lycium, Quercus baloot, Rumex hastatus, Tecrium stocksianum.