Heavy Metal Uptake Responses in Plants Grown on Crude Oil-Polluted Soils as Prospects for Phytoremediation

The demand and utilization of petroleum products have re-energized its exploration and exploitation globally and this upsurge in world production, refining and distribution of petroleum products have brought with it various problems of environmental pollution, which have effects on the ecosystems. Twenty (24) polyethylene pots each containing 7 kg of sandy loam soil mixed with 50 ml of crude oil, were arranged in the Botanical garden of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, to assess their ability to phytoextract heavy metals in Crude oil-polluted soil. Seeds of Amaranthus hybridus L., Tithonia diversifolia , Abelmoschus esculentus L. and Zea mays were sown in polyethylene containers containing 7 kg of contaminated or Control soil. The containers were arranged in a complete randomized design. Plants were left to grow for two months with regular watering. Plants were harvested, separated into roots and shoots and oven-dried to constant weight. The experimental plants have been able to reduce the concentration of Cu in both soils by about 45% to 85%, Cr in the soil by 92.08% to 96.72%, as the residual concentration varied between 66.00 mg/kg and 99.00 mg/kg, Cd in the soil was reduced to 4.00 mg/kg and 17 mg/kg which represented 96.8% and 86.4% reduction. Tithonia had the highest Pb reduction in crude oil-polluted soil. Ni concentration was reduced by 85.84% by Tithonia planted in crude oil-polluted soil, 94.59% by Amaranthus hybridus planted in Control soil. These show that all the test plants were good phytoextractors of the metals

In-Vivo and In-Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Aqueous Extract of Di-Herbal Formulation ( Euphorbia hirta and lactuca virosa )

Euphorbia hirta and Lactuca virosa are medicinal plants that have been used in the cure and treatment of various diseases and for health care. This study aims at evaluating the anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extracts of Euphorbia hirta and Lactuca virosa plants. Albumin and histamine induced inflammation in mice and xylene induced ear edema were used for the in-vivo anti-inflammatory studies. Erythrocyte membrane stabilization and inhibition of protein denaturation assays were used for the in-vitro anti inflammatory studies. Combined doses of 100 mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 50 mg/kg Lactuca virosa, 100 mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 100 mg/kg Lactuca virosa, 100 mg/kg Lactuca virosa only and 10 mg/kg diclofenac significantly reduced inflamed paw in mice (P<0.05) compared to control in albumin and histamine induced inflammatory test. Combined doses of 50 mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 100 mg/kg Lactuca virosa,100 mg/kg Euphorbia hirta, 100mg/kg Lactuca virosa significantly reduced xylene induced inflammation (P<0.001) compared to control. The extracts at 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml significantly inhibited protein denaturation (P<0.001) and heat induced hemolysis of erythrocytes (P<0.0001). The plant extract of Euphorbia hirta and lactuca virosa possesses in-vivo and in-vivo anti-inflammatory effects

Investigation of the Perception of Climate Change among Arable Crop Farmers in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate the perception of climate change among arable crop farmers in Akinyele local government area of Oyo state, Nigeria using a well-structured questionnaire for data acquisition. Descriptive and inferential (chi-square) statistics were used to analyze the data.. The study revealed that majority of the respondents (50.8%) were between the ages of 40-49years and majority of them (85.8%) are married with household size of 7-10 persons. The study further revealed that (33.3%) of the respondents had no formal education while, (42.5%) of the respondents had a farming experience of 16years and above. However, it also shows that majority of the respondents are aware of the effect and causes of climate change. Significant association exists between marital status (x2=68.426, P=0.000), family size (X2=25.777, P=0.012) and perceived effect of climate change. The study therefore recommended that the government and extension agents should enlighten the women farmers more about climate change and should also help in making them adapt excellently to climate change

SURVEY OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND DISEASE SEVERITY OF COMMON BEAN LINES EVALUATED FOR REACTION TO ROOT KNOT NEMATODES INFESTATION

Plant parasitic nematodes are important pests in crop production in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence of nematodes associated with common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and evaluate breeding lines for their reaction to Meloidogyne spp. in Ghana. Common bean rhizosphere soil was sampled and processed using Modified Baermann Tray method. Five nematode genera, namely Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus , Rotylenchulus , Helicotylenchus and Trichodorus were extracted. The first four genera listed above were prevalent across locations, with Trichodorus present in 30% of the fields sampled. The highest nematode population density of 319 juveniles per 200 cubic centimeter of soil was recorded for Meloidogyne spp. compared to 45 juveniles per 200 cubic centimeter, for Trichodorus. Twelve breeding lines were evaluated by inoculating roots of two-weeks-old plants with 2000 infective-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. Reactions of test lines to Meloidogyne sp. infection were assessed by determining the number of egg masses and galling index (GI) on roots. Reproduction index (RI) was used to classify test lines as resistant or susceptible. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the number of eggs, GI and RI among lines tested. No resistant line was identified; however, lines SEF 47, BFS 35 and BFS 60 were moderately resistant, with RI of 13.1, 17.4 and 23.7%, respectively. Line SEF 60, although classified as slightly resistant, recorded a 100 seed weight of 26.0 g, which was 60% higher than line SEF 53 with seed weight of 16.2 g. Moderately resistant common bean lines identified could be used in common bean improvement programmes to develop elite cultivars tolerant to root knot nematodes.Les n\ue9matodes phytoparasites sont des ravageurs importants dans la production agricole. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019identifier la pr\ue9sence de n\ue9matodes associ\ue9s au haricot commun (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) et d\u2019\ue9valuer les lign\ue9es g\ue9n\ue9alogiques pour leur r\ue9action \ue0 Meloidogyne spp. au Ghana. Le sol de la rhizosph\ue8re du haricot commun a \ue9t\ue9 \ue9chantillonn\ue9 et trait\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019aide de la m\ue9thode du plateau de Baermann modifi\ue9. Cinq genres de n\ue9matodes, \ue0 savoir Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Helicotylenchus et Trichodorus ont \ue9t\ue9 extraits. Les quatre premiers genres \ue9num\ue9r\ue9s ci-dessus \ue9taient r\ue9pandus dans tous les emplacements, avec Trichodorus pr\ue9sent dans 30% des champs \ue9chantillonn\ue9s. La densit\ue9 de population de n\ue9matodes la plus \ue9lev\ue9e de 319 juv\ue9niles par 200/cm3 de sol a \ue9t\ue9 enregistr\ue9e pour Meloidogyne spp. contre 45 juv\ue9niles par 200/cm3 pour Trichodorus. Douze lign\ue9es ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9valu\ue9es en inoculant les racines de plantes \ue2g\ue9es de deux semaines avec 2000 juv\ue9niles au stade infectieux de Meloidogyne sp. R\ue9actions des lign\ue9es de test \ue0 Meloidogyne sp. l\u2019infection ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9valu\ue9es en d\ue9terminant le nombre de masse d\u2019\u153ufs et l\u2019indice de galle (IG) sur les racines. L\u2019indice de reproduction (RI) a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9 pour classer les lign\ue9es de test comme r\ue9sistantes ou sensibles. Des diff\ue9rences significatives (P < 0,05) ont \ue9t\ue9 observ\ue9es dans le nombre d\u2019\u153ufs, GI et RI parmi les lign\ue9es test\ue9es. Aucune lign\ue9e r\ue9sistante n\u2019a \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9e ; cependant, les lign\ue9es SEF 47, BFS 35 et BFS 60 \ue9taient mod\ue9r\ue9ment r\ue9sistantes, avec un RI de 13,1, 17,4 et 23,7 %, respectivement. La lign\ue9e SEF 60, bien que class\ue9e comme l\ue9g\ue8rement r\ue9sistante, a enregistr\ue9 un poids de 100 graines de 26,0 g, soit 60 % de plus que la lign\ue9e SEF 53 avec un poids de graines de 16,2 g. Les lign\ue9es de haricot commun mod\ue9r\ue9ment r\ue9sistantes identifi\ue9es pourraient \ueatre utilis\ue9es dans les programmes d\u2019am\ue9lioration du haricot commun pour d\ue9velopper des cultivars d\u2019\ue9lite tol\ue9rants aux n\ue9matodes \ue0 galles

Modeling of the Toxicity of Eucalyptus globulus Labill Essential Oil against Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst

Although the application of synthetic chemicals is the main method in the management of insect pests, their overuse has led to public concerns about environmental pollution, threats to human health, and acute and chronic toxicity on non-target organisms. Plant essential oils have introduced as healthy, available, and effective alternatives to detrimental chemicals in recent years. Further, it is necessary to predict the exact amount of required pesticide to save costs and determine the optimal conditions for achievement to the best outcomes. Accordingly, the toxicity of Eucalyptus globulus Labill essential oil against the adults of a cosmopolitan pest Tribolium castaneum Herbst (red flour beetle) along with its modeling and optimization was assessed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The coefficients of the essential oil concentration and time as independent variables are positive, showing their increase results in the augmentation of insect pest mortality. E. globulus essential oil showed prospective concentration-time dependent fumigant toxicity against T. castaneum. A quadratic polynomial equation was achieved for the toxicity of E. globulus essential oil using multiple regression analysis: 7.33413 + 0.20191A + 0.47313B + 4.64054E-003AB + 0.016349B2, in which A and B are the exposure time and essential oil concentration. The accuracy of the introduced model was approved through the analysis of variance. Results of the optimization indicated that 45.50 \u3bcl/l of essential oil and 72.00 h-exposure time would be adequate to achieve 92.45% mortality of T. castaneum. According to the results of current study, E. globulus essential oil has high potential in the management of T. castaneum and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a suitable method to the optimization and modelling of this bio-effect

Some Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Assessment of Four Solvents Extracts of Button Weed ( Borreria verticillata )

Borreria vertcillata is a woody perennial shrub with false-button weedy herb belonging to the family (Rubiaceae), used for treating/curing various forms of diseases across the world since ancient times. Qualitative phytochemical screening of Borreria vertcillata pulverized whole plant was carried out using four different solvent extracts (N-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate and methanol). The phytochemicals screeened contained alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponnins, anthraquinones and steroids. The extracts were then screened for the presence of some phytochemicals such as alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponnins, steroids, terpenes, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides. All the extracts contained alkaloids, triterpenes and glycosides present but flavonoids, saponnins and tannins only present in ethyl acetate and methanol while anthraquinones and steroids were totally absent from the extracts .Of all the extracts Ethyl acetate extracts had the most influential effects on pathogenic organisms such as Culex quinquefasciatus , Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli and Candidas albica

Introduction of Improved Okra (NHAe47-4) Variety as a Means of Economic Enhancement of Farmers in Ido Village, Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to introduce improved okra (NHAe47-4) variety to farmers in Ido Village in Ido Local Government of Oyo State using SAFE approach to agricultural extension which includes; capacity building among farmers to enable them diagnoses their problems, identify solutions and develop plans and implement them with or without support from outside. Farmers in the studied area were selected and a group was formed comprising of twelve (12) members. Sensitization and awareness creation were conducted in the study area through series of activities such as facilitating, interactive group discussions and several meetings with the farmers were held to orientate them of the improved okra variety through teaching and management techniques. Descriptive statistical tool such as frequency distribution and percentages was used to analyze the objectives. At the end of the harvesting and whole exercise, the group (farmers) was interviewed verbally to know their levels of awareness for adoption and their general view about the improved variety in relation to the normal okra variety they were used to. The farmers embraced the technology and they were actively participated through demonstration method exercise. Having known all the techniques involved in the production cycle, the farmers also tried the technology on their individual plot which served as an encouragement factor for adoption. The study thus resulted into improving the standard of living and economic enhancement of the farmers in the study area

Identification and Abundance of Plant-parasitic Nematodes Associated with Amenity Trees in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Plant-parasitic nematodes contribute to unnoticeable damages which lead to gradual decline in the values and eventually death of amenity trees. Identification of these nematode pests is vital for their effective management. Reconnaissance survey was carried out to identify amenity tree species present in the University of Port Harcourt(UNIPORT). Composite bulked soil and root samples (126) were collected from amenity trees in UNIPORT and nematode pests were extracted from samples using modified Baerman method. The nematode pests were identified and their populations determined using standard procedures. Relative importance value (RIV) and diversity indices were calculated with appropriate software. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and with analysis of variance. 38 tree species were identified in UNIPORT belonging to 20 families. Terminalia mantaly , Cocos nucifera and Terminalia catappa with RIVs of 15.1, 9.35, and 9.12 respectively were the three most important amenity trees in UNIPORT. Fifteen nematode pest genera; Helicotylenchus , Aporcelaimus , Tylenchulus , Meloidogyne , Scutelonema , Pratylenchus , Tylenchus , Rotylenchoides, Criconema , Hemicyliophora, Trichodorus , Mesodorylaimus , Heterodera , Paratylenchus and Longidorus were associated with 21 of the amenity trees. The three most important nematode pest genera were Helicotylenchus, Tylenchulus and Aporcelaimus with RIVs of 42%, 16% and 5.34%, respectively. Helicotylenchus (RIV 45.41%) and Tylenchulus (RIV 30%) were the most important plant-parasitic nematode genera in the soil and roots of amenity trees, respectively. Helicotylenchus, Tylenchulus and Aporcelaimus were the three most important plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with amenity trees in UNIPORT

Amenity Trees Diversity in Selected Tertiary Institutions within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Trees are a central component of most urban communities, providing diverse benefits such as improving air quality, increasing aesthetic appeal, preventing erosion and providing habitat for wildlife. However, there is inadequate information on the distribution and diversity of these trees within our academic environments. This study investigates the distribution, frequency and species diversity of amenity trees within the main campuses of tertiary institutions in River State, Nigeria. The selected tertiary institutions are University of Port-Harcourt (Institution A) and Rivers State University (Institution B). Five (5) major roads in each campus were randomly selected, and 200m along each road was selected as sample areas. Ten (10) meter was marked from the edge of the road, and complete inventory was taken of all trees within the marked sample area. Diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter and tree height were measured. Shannon-Weiner and Simpson diversity index were used to calculate amenity trees diversity, while Margalef specie richness was used to calculate the species index. A total of 539 trees were surveyed on both campuses, comprising 26 different species and 10 families. Casuarina equisetifolia had the highest frequency with 92 trees in B. Simpson diversity index showed higher diversity (D = 0.78) in B amenity trees than A (D = 0.81). Shannon-Weiner species evenness was 0.71 and 0.76 for Institutions A and B respectively. Margalef specie richness index were 2.90 for A and 1.40 for B. This study provides baseline information for ecosystem management of urban forest tree species within campuses. For sustainable management of trees on campuses, frequent inventory and survey should be conducted to establish their abundance, distribution and diversity

Rural Households\u2019 Attitude towards Potential Use of Jatropha for Environmental Restoration in Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined rural households\u2019 attitude towards potential use of Jatropha for environmental restoration in Saki-West Local Government Area. A purposive sampling procedure was used in selecting due to deforestation for charcoal production, while 120 respondents were sampled with a simple random technique from the study area. The data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire with interview section, and were analyzed with frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and Pearson product moment correlation. There was correlation between rural households\u2019 awareness on use of Jatropha and use of Jatropha for environmental restoration (r = 0.399**, p < 0.05). The respondents\u2019 attitude was significantly related to their behavior in utilization of Jatropha for environmental restoration (r = - 0.182*, p < 0.05). The study showed that awareness and attitude of rural households strongly influenced use of Jatropha for environmental restoration. The implication of this study is to ensure that the environment becomes free of hazards and degradation which affect survival of the ecosystem and biodiversity. Hence, government should join in the advocacy to open continuous channels of communication on the importance of Jatropha, and to also motivate the people to having right attitude towards the use of Jatropha as a measure to restoring the environment