Volume 3 Issue 1 February 2024
Assesment of Variability in Yield and Proximate Composition of Nine Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) Genotypes in Awka, South-Eastern Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Mungbean has tremendous genetic diversity worldwide. This genetic variation can be used for the genetic improvement of the crop towards developing high yielding varieties. Therefore, the research aimed at assessing the growth, yield and proximate composition of nine mungbean genotypes (Umudike V1a, Umudike V2a, TVR 194, TVR 294, Iran mungbean, Umudike V1b, TVR 20, Umudike V2b, and TVR 111). The research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications. The result of this study showed that an appreciable level of variation exists among the mungbean genotypes. Umudike V1a was a quick maturing genotype, At 4 WAS; it had the highest number of branches (8.67), height (18 cm), and number of leaves (24.67). It had the highest 100 and 1000 seeds weights of (6.67g) and (67.3g) with (Umudike V1b). Its seed is relatively low in protein (25.66%) and high in carbohydrate (53.96%). The pods are long (8.34cm) and large seeds (67.3g). Umudike V2a) shared related attributes with Umudike V1a, and so should be selected alongside for traits like quick maturity, erect stature, and long pods, large seeds that are rich in carbohydrates and relatively low in protein. Iran mung bean had the highest number of branches (23.11) at 8WAS which enabled it to bear the largest number of leaves (69.3) and pods (24.8). Its 100 and 1000 seed weights of 5.67g) and 54g is relatively high. The seed is relatively high in protein (29.73%) and low in carbohydrate (50.3%). Tvr 194 genotype shared similar attributes and should be selected alongside. Generally, in the tested genotypes of mungbean, seed yield is independent of plant height, number of branches and number of leaves.
Effects of Pre-Treatments and Drying Methods on Proximate Composition of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Flour
A. Ahmad1*, D. T. Gungula2, J. B. Abakura2, A. Zulfiqar3, L. A. Beccera4, J. O. Ilesanmi5. and J. Kapsiya1
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this research was to determine the effect of different pre-treatments and drying methods on the proximate composition of cassava flour in Yola, Adamawa State. Cassava has been considered the 4th most important food security crop, but inevitably, postharvest physiological deterioration starts within 48-72 hours after harvest. The cassava tubers (Manihot esculenta Crantz) were obtained during the 2022 and 2023 seasons at the sub-station of National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Nyanya, Abuja and the variety used was “TME-419”. The harvested tubers were subjected to different pre-treatments (48 hrs soaking in water, 2 and 4 minutes blanching) prior to three different drying methods (shade, sun, and oven). The time taken for the drying were 750C for 74 hours, 27.420C for 8 days, and 25.650C for 10 days for oven, sun, and shade drying, respectively, before milling into flour and the flour samples were analyzed for their proximate compositions. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed among the pre treatments and drying methods in 2022 and 2023. There were also no interaction effects (p>0.05) between the pre-treatments and drying methods in 2022 and 2023 except on protein content in 2023. The combination of 2 minutes of blanching and shade gave the highest mean value of 2.79%, followed by 2.72%, which was obtained from the combination of 4 minutes of blanching and oven drying, while the least of 2.28% was obtained from the combination of 2 minutes blanching and oven drying. Oven drying was found to be faster and more efficient in moisture removal than sun and shade drying methods. Therefore, any of the pretreatments used in this research should be adopted before drying for better quality and long shelf life of cassava flour.
Aboveground Biomass, Carbon Stock, and Stand Characteristics of Three Selected Riverine Reserved Forests in Sinnar State, Sudan
Nasreldin A. Gurashi1; Elmugheira M.I. Mohammed 2,3,*; Sohad A. Fadlelmola4; Elmalih M.I.
Mohammed5, and Faisal I. Musa 6,7
ABSTRACT
This study aims to assess the aboveground biomass, carbon stock, and stand characteristics of the selected riverine forest reserve in Sinnar State toward the sustainable management of forest resources in Sudan. A total of 108 circular sample plots (0.1ha) were systematically established, and ANOVA was run for data analysis. The Geref sites illustrated the highest heights for all three forest reserves and the largest diameter at breast height (DBH) and volume for Abu-Geili and Ronga, with significant differences between the forests and across the sites. The tree density of the Karab sites in Abu-Geili for the trees of 14, 24 and 28 years were ten, nine, and three times that of the Kamrab reserve, respectively. The Ronga forest illustrated the highest aboveground biomass and carbon stock in the Karab and Geref sites compared to Abu-Geili and Kamrab ones, with significant differences between sites and reserves. The carbon stock shows a good correlation with DBH attaining the R2, F, and P values of 0.67, 545.7, and 0.0001, respectively. The study recommends that the biomass and carbon stocks of A. nilotica plantations occur North and south of Sinnar Dam can effectively predicted using DBH with R2 of ≤ 0.6. Moreover, a conservation plan is urgently needed to protect the trees growing in the Karab sites and the forest edges.
Effects of Weed Suppressant on Yield Productivity of Cassava (Manhihot Esculenta Crantz) In Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Akata, O.R.1*; Ikeh, A.O.2; Orji, J.O.2; Udoh, E.I.3 and Esang, D.M.3
ABSTRACT
Field experiment was conducted in 2021nd 2022 cropping seasons at National Cereals Research Institute
(NCRI), Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, to assess yield productivity of cassava and economic return to
management (Nha-1) under cover crop crops as weed suppressant. The experiment was laid out in
randomized complete block design. The treatments were non-weeded plot, weeded plot, cassava intercrops
with vegetable cowpea, egusi melon and cucumber. The cassava storage root yield differs significantly
(p<0.05) in both cropping seasons. The treatment of manual hand weeding produced significant larger root
tuber yields, 32.25 and 34.25 t/ha in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, respectively. Cassava storage root
yield recorded in cowpea treatment was 28.71 and 26.75 t/ha in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons,
respectively. Cassava intercrop with egusi melon produced 26.98 and 26.62 t/ha, respectively. Cassava
intercrop with cucumber produced storage root yield of 26.31 and 25.39 t/ha in both cropping seasons. The
least storage root yield were 8.01 and 8.23 t/ha in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, respectively. Result
showed that manual weeded treatment produced 11-75% and 22-76% higher storage root yield compared to
the other treatments in both cropping seasons. Comparing the cost of production and economic returns to
management. Treatment of manual hoe weeding 3 times, resulted to highest cost of production; N 218, 500
and 240,500 in both cropping seasons. Cowpea and egusi melon as weed suppressant had; 135,000 and
146,500 total cost of production while the least; N 129,500 and 177,500 in both cropping seasons, was
recorded in control (no weeding) treatment. Highest economic returns to management, N 3780880 and N
4266610 with respective cost/benefit ratios of 28.3 and 29.5 in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons,
respectively. This was followed by N 3556200 and N 3899490 with cost/benefit ratio of 27.3 and 26.6 in 2021
and 2022, respectively. The treatment of manual hoe weeding three times; N 3393500 and N 4040750 with
cost/benefit of 16.53 and 17.80 in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, respectively. The study suggests that
intercropping cassava variety-TMS98/0505 with cover crop as weed suppressant could sustainable enhance
farmer’s income.
Analysis of Regeneration Potential of Human-Disturbed Wetlands Woody Flora in Bamenda III Sub Division, North West Region, Cameroon
Carine Ngwitoh Tanwie; Titus Fondo Ambebe*
ABSTRACT
Wetlands of the Bamenda III Sub Division in northwestern Cameroon are wantonly and indiscriminately destroyed by a rapidly growing human population to the advantage of infrastructural development and economic gain. Biodiversity of the ecosystems is threatened by the accompanying human activities. This study assessed the regeneration potential of the wetlands woody flora in the Bamenda III municipality. Three 10 m × 10 m quadrats were established at distances of 50 m along nine lines transects. Woody plant species
were identified from each quadrat and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of all individuals per species was measured. The regeneration status of each species was determined by comparing its number of mature trees (DBH) > 10 cm), saplings (10 cm > DBH > 2.5 cm) and seedlings (DBH < 2.5 cm). Of 31 species encountered in the study area, only 01 (Bridelia micrantha) had a good regeneration potential. In contrast, regeneration was poor for 03 Canarium schweinfurthii, Funtimia africana, Ficus mucosa) and fair for 02 (Pseudospondia microcarpa, Ficus lutea) species. The regeneration status of the remaining 25 species (Neoboutonia macrocalyx, Anthocleista grandiflora, Leandra balansae, Psychotria sp., Psidium guajava, Macaranga occidentalis, Syzygium polyanthum, Albizia julibrissin, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Voacanga africana, Vernonia amygdalina, Acalypha diversifolia, Kola nitida, Vitex doniana. Albizia grandiflora, Garcinia intermedia, Ficus equates, Canthiumera robusta, Ficus exasperata, Polyscias fulva, Trichilia Americana, Sterculia tragacantha, Annona squamosal, Carapa guianensis, Boehmeria caudata) was new. The findings of this study highlight a need for restoration and protection of wetland ecosystems in the Bamenda III municipality.