EFFECT OF LAND-USE PATTERN ON PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM FIXATION AND MAIZE PERFORMANCE

The effect of three different lands-use types for ten years on Phosphorus and Potassium Fixation and maize performance were studied at University Teaching and Research Farm.  Soil samples were collected from the different land-use systems; continuous cultivation of arable crops without fertilizer (CC-F), continuous cultivation of arable crops with fertilizer (CC+F), and Fallow. The samples were subjected to routine analysis and fixation studies in the laboratory.  Greenhouse investigation was also carried out for six weeks to evaluate maize performance in the three different land use systems. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. CC+F released the highest amount of Phosphorus (P) while the fallow released more Potassium (K).  The K released was a reflection of its high organic matter (4.5%).  The continuously cultivated soil without fertilizer (CC-F) had the highest P and K fixation capacity and therefore would require the largest amount of P and K fertilizer for optimum yield than CC+F and Fallow. Dry matter yield of maize correlated with soil organic matter; root weight; Nitrogen (N). P and K uptake; and P and K in solution at zero addition.  Significant correlation was only found between yield and organic matter and N uptake for all the soils indicating the importance of these two related parameters for good crop performance. Also significant correlation between yield and root weight was only found in Fallow and not in the cultivated soils since root impedance caused by high bulk density and gravel content probably occurred in the cultivated soils. A continuously cultivated soil thus have high nutrient fixing capacity since continuous cropping rapidly depletes the nutrients on the exchange sites or nutrient reserves of soils and when fertilizer is added to the soil it first replenishes it exchange sites before meeting the needs of crops.  Cropping practices therefore play a vital role in determining yield and nutrient release capacity of soil in conjunction with the soil characteristics.Â

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL AND DEGRADED SAWDUST ON GROWTH AND YIELD CHARACTER OF PEPPER (CAPSICUM SPP)

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Arbuscular mycorrhiza  and degraded sawdust on growth and yield characters of bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.)  The experiment was 2x4 factorial arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD)) with four replicates. The eight treatments were combinations of two early maturing varieties of bell peppers (PEP and Gombe) and soil amendments (degraded sawdust, Glomus etunicatum and steam sterilized homogenous soil as control (C). The two varieties of bell pepper differed significantly in growth and fruit parameters. Variety Gombe had higher plant  height (22.2cm) and produced more fruits of bell pepper (1.7) than variety PEP inspite of its larger leaf area (23.1cm2) by the latter. The results also showed that soil amendment with degraded sawdust alone and combination with Glomus etunicatum improved the growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth, leaf area as well as numbers of flowers and fruits of bell pepper. The interaction of pepper and soil amendments was significant on all the growth and yield parameters with varieties exhibiting differential reactions to the soil amendment treatments. Soil amendments with degraded sawdust and combination of degraded sawdust with Arbuscular mycorrhiza  had positive effects on the growth and yield characters of both varieties of pepper used (PEP and Gombe).   &nbsp

GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA VARIETIES AS AFFECTED BY RATES OF ORGANO-BASED FOLIAR FERTILIZERS IN RAINFOREST AND RAINFOREST/SAVANNA TRANSITION AGRO-ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

A field experiments were conducted at the Directorate of University Farms, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan between May and August 2015 to assess the effect of different f organo-based fertilizer (fertilizer applied on the leaves) and their rate on growth and yield of two Okra Varieties: LD88 (Late Maturity), and NHAe–47 (Early Maturity). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The experiment was a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial combinations laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in a split-split-plot arrangement, with three replicates at both locations. Factors were okra varieties (LD88 and NHAe–47), the fertilizer types (D.I grow green ® and D.I grow red®) and four rate of foliar applications (0, 300, 600 and 900 ml/ha) while NPK 15:15:15 served as check were applied at 4,6, and 8 Weeks After Sowing (WAS). Agronomic data were obtained from growth and yield variables. Results showed that varieties had significant (P≤ 0.05) effect on growth and yield variables. Variety of LD88 had higher plant height and more leaves than NHAe-47 at both locations. Foliar fertilizer had significant (P≤ 0.05) effect on growth and yield variables. The D.I Grow Green® produced significantly numbers of leaves (11, 9). Application rate of 300 ml/ha and 600 ml/ha D.I.Grow Green® gave a better performance. The LD88 variety produced significantly (P< 0.05) longer pod length (4.68 cm), fresh fruit weight (4.84 t/ha) and dry fruit weight (0.31 t/ha) than NHAe-47. Application rate of 600 mls/ha D.I.Grow Red® produced significantly fresh fruit weight (5.79 t/ha) compared to control (1.32 t/ha). In conclusion, okra variety LD88 had superior growth and yield performance. Application of D.I.Grow Red® at the rate of 300 ml/ha  at Funaab and 600ml/ha at Nihort enhance fruit yield performance on okra. Therefore, 300ml/ha and 600ml/ha could be recommended to farmers in Rainforest/Savanna transition (Abeokuta) and Rainforest agro-ecology (Ibadan), respectively   , , ,

EFFECT OF ORGANO- BASED FOLIAR FERTILIZER ON CHLOROPHYLL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF OKRA VARIETIES IN DERIVED SAVANAH OF NIGERIA

Cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) which is a commonly grown vegetable crop in the tropics is constrained by depleting soil fertility. Use of foliar fertilizer as a supplement has been successfully reported in the temperate region hence there is need to determine the effect of foliar liquid fertilizer on okra growth and nutritional quality. Field experiments were conducted at the Abeokuta (Federal University of Agriculture [FUNAAB] ) and Ibadan (National Horticulture Research Institute [NIHORT] ), between May and August 2015 to evaluate the response of two okra varieties to types and rates of organic-based foliar fertilizer application. Experiment was a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial combinations laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates at both locations. Factors were okra variety (LD88 and NHae47-4), the fertilizer types (D.I. Grow Green ® and D.I.Grow Red®) and four rate of foliar applications (0 [control], 300, 600 and 900 ml/ha) while NPK 15:15:15 served as check. The results showed that the D.I.Grow Red® at 300ml/ha produced the higher Ash (8.23%), fat (2.54%,), moisture (14.65%),  and carbohydrate (47.31%)  at Abeokuta while 600 ml/ha produced significantly the higher ash, crude fibre, moisture and carbohydrate (9.37%, 15.94%, 9.13%, and 52.02%), respectively in Ibadan. The study concluded that okra variety LD88 had superior growth performance. Application of D.I.Grow Red® at the rate of 300 ml/ha at Abeokuta and 600 ml/ha at Ibadan enhance fruit nutritional quality of okra. Therefore, 300 and 600 ml/ha is recommended to farmers in Abeokuta and Ibadan, respectively.   &nbsp

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR ON THE GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS, RHIZOSPHERIC MICROFLORA AND YIELD OF TOMATO PLANTS

Human activities have degenerated nearly 40% of the universe soil through excessive chemical inputs, tilling and industrial activities. Biochar can increase soil fecundity, agricultural producti- vity and protects soil-borne diseases. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rice husk biochar on the growth and yield of tomato plants. Biochar was produced through feedstock (rice-husk) pyrolysis and used as soil amendments at different concentrations (20 t/ha and 40 t/ha) and an unamend soil served as control. Physicochemical properties of the soil, rice husk, biochar and biochar soil before and after planting were determined using standard methods. Rhizospheric microflora of the plants were isolated and identified based on morphological and biochemical characterizations. Agronomic parameters such as plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves, flowers, fruits and weight of fruits were determined. Results revealed that rice husk biochar (40 t/ha) had the highest physical and chemical parameters while the unamend soil had the lowest constituents. Predominant bacterium and fungus are Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger. Agronomic parameters: plant heights, stem girths, leaf areas, number of leaves, flowers, fruits and weight of fruits were higher in all the amended soil than the control at the various growth stages. The unamend soil yielded no fruit at 10th week while the amended soil yielded an average fruit weight of 34.95g ± 8.76 and 21.53g ± 5.16 at 20 t/ha and 40 t/ha respectively. This study revealed that biochar produced from rice husk could be used to improve growth and yield of tomato plants.   &nbsp

SIAM WEED (Chromolaena odorata) AND COWDUNG COMPOST EFFECTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, YIELD and MINERAL NUTRITION OF TOMATOES(Lycopersicon esculentum L)

Greenhouse trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of  siam weed (chromolaena odorata) and cowdung compost on  physicochemical properties, yield and mineral nutrition of tomatoes(lycopersicon esculentum l). The nutritional value of tomato makes it one of the crop that is a daily household consumption by every family.Compost was prepared in this study from Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and cowdung. Three compost samples were prepared from Cowdung and siam weed at ratio 100g: 100g (sample A),  200g chopped siam weed (sample B) and 200g cowdung (sample C). These three samples were composted in plastic drums perforated for aeration and each sample was replicated three times. The content in the drums were regularly turned and monitored at 1, 10, 30 and 60 days for physicochemical properties. The physicochemical and mineral element analyses of the compost were carried out using standard procedures.The pH of the composted samples ranged between 5.8 to 6.9. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents increased with days of composting while those of heavy metals decreased. The result of plant height for the two varieties ranges  between 5.31-119.8, number of  fruits is between 11-21 and the yield (kg) parameter ranges between 0.76-1.91. Treatment. A gave higher mineral element over other treatment applied. The order of mineral elements contributed to the fruits were as follows treatments A>C>B>D   &nbsp

VARIETAL RELEASE: RELEASE OF TWO DUAL PURPOSE OFADA RICE VARIETIES (FUNAABOR- 1 AND FUNAABOR-2) BY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA (FUNAAB)

Two new dual purpose Ofada rice varieties (Oryza sativa) were developed and released by Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in collaboration with National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria, Africa Rice Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria and National Rice/Maize Centre, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria. A bottom-top approach was used for Ofada rice seed collection (accessions) from Farmer’s field based on Farmer’s preference. The collected Ofada rice seed (mixtures) were purified and field selection done using recurrent selection methods for desired morpho-agronomic, adaptive and nutritional characters. Repeated cycles of selection was done resulting in four distinct Ofada rice varieties, while two outstanding and dual purpose; upland and lowland agroecologies (first of its type in Nigeria) Ofada rice varieties were selected; FUNAABOR- 1 (aka Ofada gold) and FUNAABOR -2 (aka Ofada white) were finally selected, registered and released, after they were tested for acceptability, adaptability and stability across all south western states and in addition Edo and Delta states of Nigeria. The distinctive and specific descriptors of both released Ofada rice varieties are hereby presented:Â

INHIBITION OF Fusarium oxysporum Pathogenic Fungus USING COMPOST EXTRACT FROM Chromolaena odorata (SIAM WEED) AND COW DUNG

The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of composts extract from cow dung and Chromolae-na odorata in controlling Fusarium oxysporum. Three compost samples were prepared in this study from Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and cow dung. Sample A was prepared from Cow dung and siam weed at ratio 100g: 100g, Sample B was prepared from 200g chopped siam weed and sample C contained 200g cow dung. These three samples were composted in plastic drums perforated for aera-tion and each sample were replicated three times. The content in the drums were regularly turned and monitored for 1, 10, 30 and 60 days. The microbiological analysis of the composts were determined using standard procedures. The inhibitory activities of the sterilised compost extracts on the F. ox-ysporum were determined using agar well diffusion method. The bacterial, coliform and fungal loads ranged from 1.50 – 9.0 × 107 cfu/ml, 0.3 – 6.0× 107 cfu/ml and 0.1 – 2.50 × 107 cfu/ml respectively. Inhibitory activities of the compost extracts on F. oxysporum at different days of composting increased with days of composting. The highest zone of inhibition was recorded by extract from compost pre-pared from C. odorata at 60 days of composting, closely followed by extract from compost prepared from mixture of cow dung and C. odorata at 60 days of composting. No antifungal activity was found in all extracts from the 24h-composts. Highest disease severity was recorded in extract of 24 h and on control. All extract at 60 days of fermentation were healthy The study therefore revealed the potentials of extracts from Chromolaena odorata and cow dung for the inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum of many crops

CHANGES IN MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES DURING COMPOSTING OF SIAM WEED (Chromolaena odorata) AND COWDUNG

Three compost samples were prepared in this study from Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and cowdung. Sample A was prepared from Cow dung and siam weed at ratio 100g: 100g, Sample B was prepared from 200g chopped siam weed and sample C contained 200g cowdung. These three sam-ples were composted in plastic drums perforated for aeration and each sample were replicated three times. The content in the drums were regularly turned and monitored at 1, 10, 30 and 60 days for mi-crobiological and physicochemical properties. The microbiological and physicochemical analyses of the compost were carried out using standard procedures. Bacterial, Coliform and Fungal count in-creased from day 1 to the 30th day and thereafter decreased from 30th day to the 60th day in all the composting samples. The bacteria species isolated and identified were Pseudomonas fragilis, Pseu-domonas nitrificans, Proteus mirabilis, E. coli, Streptococcus faecium, Micrococcus luteus, Clostridium perfringes, Bacillus cereus, Proteus morganii, Micrococcus acidophilus. Fungal species were Aspergil-lus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporium, Penicillum chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The pH of the composted samples ranges between 5.8 to 6.9. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content increased with days of composting but the heavy metals decreased with days of composting. The sulfatase, phosphatase, dehydrogenase, amyl-ase and cellulose enzymes in the three samples increased from day 1 to the 60th day. Sulfatase en-zyme which was the highest ranged from 25 to 76.5% in the three sample, phosphatase (14 to 60.5%), dehydrogenase (20.5 to 55.0%), cellulose (16.5 to 49%) and amylase which was the least enzyme recorded ranged from 5.0 to 38%

High level antibiotic resistance and relatedness of Staphylococcus aureus in raw cow milk and soft cheese in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Prevalence of pathogenic S. aureus with multiple antibiotic resistance in raw milk and soft cheese in Abeokuta, kept rising and is now becoming a serious public health concern. Therefore, the S. aureus resistance profiles and their resistance relatedness in raw cow milk and soft cheese were studied.A total of 100 raw cow milk samples were randomly collected from boarded and free ranged cattle in different herds in Abeokuta, Nigeria while same number of samples of soft cheese were randomly purchased from various hawkers in different popular markets (Ologborugburu, Alabata, Kotopo, Ita-Oshin, and Lafenwa) in Abeokuta. S. aureus and other bacteria were isolated and biochemically characterized while coagulase S. aureus were tested for their antimicrobial resistance pattern and their resistance relatedness was determined using Dendro-UPGMA construction software.High occurrence rate of E.coli (22.1%), Citrobacter freundii (18.3%) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (16.4%) were found in milk and Pseudomonas fluorescens and Klebsilella specie (14.0%) in soft cheese. A significant rate of coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus of 9.6% and 5.3% was found in milk and soft cheese samples respectively. Antibiotic resistant pattern show significant 100% resistance of S. aureus strains to Tetracycline, Penicillin and 50% to Amoxicillin while 100% and 92.9% show MIC > 16ug/ml to Amoxicillin, Tetracycline and Penicillin respectively. Similarly, 100% resistance to Tetracycline and Penicillin was shown by the S. aureus obtained in Soft cheese while only 50% show resistance to cefotaxime. All the 24 coagulase S. aureus isolates were divided into two major clusters Sa and Sb with 31% resistance relatedness. The Sa clusters were further divided into two sub-clusters sa1 and sa2 with 34% antibiogram resistance relatedness while sa2 was further divided into two major clades sa2v and sa2i having 46% resistance relatedness. Of 14 S. aureus strains found to belong to clade sa2v, 4 strains were found in milk sold in Ologborugburu, 2 in Alabata and1 in Kotopo. S. aureus strains with same antibiogram profile were found in 4 samples of Soft cheese sold in Kotopo, 3 in Ita-oshi and 3 in Lafenwa. Only 1 S. aurues strain was found to belong to sb cluster. Rapid dissemination of resistant S. aureus across Abeokuta with similar antibiotic resistant profile call for urgent surveillance and practical preventive action against retailing and consumption of raw milk and soft cheese in Abeokuta, Nigeria.Keywords: S. aureus, antibiotics, resistance, milk, soft chees