20 research outputs found
FOUR NEW EARTHWORM GENERA (ANNELIDA: OLIGOCHAETA) FROM NIGERIA
The taxonomy of earthworms in Nigeria has been mainly on the family Eudrilidae. The present work describes four new earthworm genera belonging to earthworm families other than the Eudrilidae. Earthworm samples were collected using the digging and hand-sorting method. The earthworms are preserved in formoacetic alcohol. The four taxa described here include Imekodrilus hexagastricus (family Moniligastridae), Adodrilus stephana (family Megascolecidae), Parnematogenia eyinwaensis and Ekitidrilus alabataensis(family Ocnerodrilidae). Imekodrilus hexagastricus from Imeko, Ogun State has six gizzards, characteristic of members of the family Moniligastridae. The genus Adodrilus is compared with 3 earthworm genera, Diporochaeta, Plutellus and Perionyx. The genus and species lacks gizzards. The calciferous glands (a pair) are present, with left and right united in segment X. Four individuals of P. eyinwaensis were collected from Eyinwa, Odogbolu Local Government Area of OgunState. The species is here described as having same position and number of calciferous glands, testes and male pores as the genus Nematogenia. Also described here is E. alabataensis, which was collected from both Ado-Ekiti and Alabata, south west Nigeria. These four genera and species are here presented as new taxa of earthworms from southwest Nigeria.ª¤
Growth performance of Alma millsoni fed with brewers dried grain (BDG) and coconut husk
The growth performance of Alma millsoni cultured on 'brewers dried grain and coconut husk was
studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments (Control, brewer’s dried grain and
coconut husk) and three replicates. Earthworms were cultured in plastic bins of 60 x 30 x 30 cm. While
coconut husk was used as the bedding, the earthworms were fed with brewer’s dried grain, coconut
husk or no extra feed other than the bedding. Growth performance of the earthworms was measured
every week. The proximate composition of the earthworm was conducted using standard procedures.
The mean weight of the earthworms under the three different treatments was significantly different (P <
0.05); with earthworms fed brewers dried grain recording the highest mean weight (1.03 ± 0.50). No
significant difference was observed in the percentage crude fibre, crude protein and moisture between
A. millsoni from different treatments; whereas a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the
percentage crude fat and ash between A. millsoni from the different treatments with A. millsoni fed
brewers dried grain recording the highest percentage crude fat. Weight of worms was significantly and
positively correlated to feed source (P < 0.05). The implication of this is that earthworms fed with
brewers dried grain gained weight above those fed with coconut husk or the control but the weight gain
observed may have been as a result of the increase in crude fat content of the earthworms since there
was no difference in their crude protein content. Culturing of earthworm on either coconut husk or
brewers dried grain must therefore be accompanied with a protein source
EARTHWORM CAST BIOMASS UNDER THREE MANAGED ECOSYSTEMS: IMPLICATION FOR SOIL FERTILITY
The study was conducted to determine earthworm cast biomass under three managed ecosystems, Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and its impact on the soil physicochemical parameters. Seven, five and four plots of 3 m2 each were sampled in Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations respectively. Each plot was laid out in form of a grid and seven quadrats of 44 cm x 44 cm each were sampled in each plot. On-field Cast weights were determined to the nearest gram using a top loading mechanical balance and the cast biomass was calculated from these. The nutrient and mineral properties of both earthworm casts and parent soils were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The % OC (4.61), %OM (7.96), sulphate (38.37), pH (7.78), total nitrogen (0.27), Mn (0.47) and Fe (7.23) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the earthworm casts under Gmelina plantation compared with the cashew and banana plantations. Cu and Fe concentrations in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation were significantly higher (p<0.05) than under cashew and banana plantations while Mg and Mn concentrations showed no significant difference. Compared with the parent soil, %OC, %OM, Mn and Fe obtained from earthworm casts were significantly higher (p<0.05) under all three plantations. Earthworm cast biomass under the Gmelina plantation (15483.63g/m2) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that obtained under the cashew (13270.83g/m2) and banana (8828.13) plantations. The present results showed that earthworm activity is better supported under Gmelina than cashew and banana plantations In addition, the higher cast biomass and nutrient level in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation signifies a significantly higher nutrient level which, expectedly means that the Gmelina plantation soil will be more fertile than the soil in cashew and banana plantations.Key Words: Earthworm cast, Gmelina, Cashew, Banana, physicochemica
NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF THREE EARTHWORM CAST-TYPES COLLECTED FROM IKENNE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Three types of earthworm cast, i.e. pellet cast, turret cast and mass cast, were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, nutrient composition and compared with impact on soil fertility. The standard methods of AOAC was used to analyse the pH, moisture content, cast profile, cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Cu and Zn), anions (P, PO4, NO4, NO3, N), Organic Carbon and Organic Matter. Pellet cast recorded a significantly higher pH of 8.60ª¤¡Þ0.01 while the mean pH of 8.09ª¤¡Þ0.01 and 7.81ª¤¡Þ0.01 were obtained for turret and mass cast respectively (p<0.05). On the other hand, pellet cast recorded the lowest moisture content (29.42%) compared with 45.60% and 47.19% obtained for mass cast and turret cast respectively. The % organic matter (1.05ª¤¡Þ0.02), % organic carbon (0.61ª¤¡Þ0.01), % Nitrite (0.008ª¤¡Þ0.001), % Nitrate (0.018ª¤¡Þ0.001), % Nitrogen (0.063ª¤¡Þ0.001) and % Phosphorus (0.39 ª¤¡Þ 0.001) obtained for Pellet Cast were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those obtained for mass and turret casts. Pellet cast had higher Ca (11.04ª¤¡Þ2.80 mg/dL), Mn (113.08ª¤¡Þ38.45 mg/dL) and Zn (8.54ª¤¡Þ2.62 mg/dL) than turret (9.64ª¤¡Þ0.77, 77.0ª¤¡Þ17.02, 6.68ª¤¡Þ1.65 mg/dL) and mass cast types (4.54ª¤¡Þ0.25, 19.12ª¤¡Þ6.82, 2.04ª¤¡Þ0.70) mg/dL). This study indicated that pellet cast has poor water holding capacity whereas it has higher nutrient concentration compared with mass and turret casts. On the overall, pellet cast, mass cast and turret cast all played synergistic role in soil fertility
Comparative Microbial Analysis of Earthworm Casts Collected From Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria
A comparative assessment of the physicochemical parameters and microbial profile of three types of
earthworm casts (Pellet, Mass and Turret) were determined. The total viable count (TVC), coliform counts, yeast
and mould counts were determined using standard procedures. The pH ranged from 7.8 for Mass cast to 8.6 for
Pellet cast. Moisture content of the casts ranged from 29.43% for pellet casts to 47.10% for turret casts. Organic
matter was 1.05%, 0.72% and 0.63% for pellet, turret and mass casts respectively. TVC was 4.8 x 107cfu/g, 6.1 x
107cfu/g and 1.2 x 108cfu/g for Mass, Turret and Pellet casts respectively. Pellet cast recorded the highest
coliform count (1.5 x 107) while Turret cast the least (7.3 x 106 cfu/g). Mould counts was 8.3 x 106 cfu/g for turret
cast and 1.2 x 107cfu/g for pellet and mass casts. The lowest yeasts count was 1.2 x 107cfu/g in mass cast while
the highest was 3.8 x 107cfu/g for pellet cast. Microbial distribution in the three casts types showed that
Staphylococcus aureus is common to all Cast-types. Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Penicillium
chrysogenum and S. rosei were isolated from Pellet cast only. Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxisporum,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Penicillium oxalicum were isolated from only Turret Cast while Aspergillus
terreus, Fusarium compacticum, Klebsiella aerogenes and Streptococcus feacalis were isolated from Mass Cast
only. The presence of Bacillus licheniformis in Pellet Cast is an advantage plus for Pellet cast usage since this
bacteria contributes to nutrient cycling and displays antifungal activities
NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF THREE EARTHWORM CAST-TYPES COLLECTED FROM IKENNE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Three types of earthworm cast, i.e. pellet cast, turret cast and mass cast, were analysed for physicochemical
characteristics, nutrient composition and compared with impact on soil fertility. The standard
methods of AOAC was used to analyse the pH, moisture content, cast profile, cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K,
Mn, Cu and Zn), anions (P, PO4, NO4, NO3, N), Organic Carbon and Organic Matter. Pellet cast recorded
a significantly higher pH of 8.60±0.01 while the mean pH of 8.09±0.01 and 7.81±0.01 were
obtained for turret and mass cast respectively (p<0.05). On the other hand, pellet cast recorded the
lowest moisture content (29.42%) compared with 45.60% and 47.19% obtained for mass cast and
turret cast respectively. The % organic matter (1.05±0.02), % organic carbon (0.61±0.01), % Nitrite
(0.008±0.001), % Nitrate (0.018±0.001), % Nitrogen (0.063±0.001) and % Phosphorus (0.39 ± 0.001)
obtained for Pellet Cast were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those obtained for mass and turret
casts. Pellet cast had higher Ca (11.04±2.80 mg/dL), Mn (113.08±38.45 mg/dL) and Zn (8.54±2.62
mg/dL) than turret (9.64±0.77, 77.0±17.02, 6.68±1.65 mg/dL) and mass cast types (4.54±0.25,
19.12±6.82, 2.04±0.70) mg/dL). This study indicated that pellet cast has poor water holding capacity
whereas it has higher nutrient concentration compared with mass and turret casts. On the overall,
pellet cast, mass cast and turret cast all played synergistic role in soil fertility
Effects of light colour and oscillator frequency on earthworm bioactivity
An experiment was conducted at the Zoology Laboratory of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria to
evaluate the suitability of different light colours. Being generated from 15-watt, low-heat, or frequencygenerated
flourescent tubes as stimulants to enhance, major cast productivity of the earthworm
species Hyperiodrilus africanus. The aim was to determine if exposure to the different light colours
would improve the cast productivity of the worms and show whether H. africanus would show
preference for any particular light colour, in terms of mass of cast produced and rates of emigration.
The earthworms were kept in cylindrical plastic containers and put in different cubicles on a wooden
shelf, where they are subjected to different light colours that is, white, dark (control), green, blue, and
red. Results indicated that the red light colour was the most suitable in terms of cast productivity, as
casting was highest (11.96 g/worm), followed by blue (10.66 g/worm), green (9.49 g/worm), dark (7.2
g/worm) and white (4.86 g/worm), respectively. Least emigration was recorded under the control (dark) ,
followed by red, white, blue and green respectively, which indicated that the worms were probably more
‘comfortable’ in the dark and the red light than the other light colours tested. Results suggest that if
red light is introduced to a farm, casting activities can be increased and therefore, soil fertility can be
improved
Cellulase Sources in the Eudrilid Earthworm, Eudrilus Eugeniae
Earthworms have been known to breakdown leaf litter to release the
nutrients laden in the leaves. Their ability to breakdown leaf litter implies that they
have a source of cellulose. The present work looked at these sources to establish if
they were exogenous or endogenous in origin. Earthworm samples of the species
Eudriluseugeniaewere fed with tissue paper as cellulose source. The resulting faecal
droppings were subjected to various carbohydrate tests to confirm the final products.
Some of the worms were defaunated by treating with antibiotics to ensure the
cellulose source was exogenous. Survival tests were also carried out on the faunated
and defaunated earthworms. The results showed by Molisch's test the presence of
carbohydrate in both fresh and egested tissue paper; while Benedict test and Barfoed's
test indicate that the ingested tissue paper was digested to monosaccharide level.
Seliwanoff's test also confirmed that the breakdown product was the monosaccharide
fructose. Result of the survival test showed a significantly higher survival rate in the
faunated than the defaunated earthworms. The results also showed that cellulose is of
both exogenous and endogenous source to the earthworms. It is thus proposed that in
plant litter treatments introduction of earthworms should be encouraged above merely
introducing microbes as the gut of the worms is here shown to support microbial
activity
Prospects and challenges of vermiculture practices in southwest Nigeria
The prospect of vermiculture in the south-western coast of Nigeria was studied. One hundred and two
respondents were interviewed in the three coastal towns of Badagry, Epe and Igbokoda. The results
show that 94% of respondents made use of earthworms as fish bait, 37% buy their worms and 57%
collected by themselves. The respondents, who buy, however, noted that their suppliers do not breed
the worms but search for them from marshy areas. The price value placed on the worms ranged
between 0.35 and ₦3.10 per kg; while the most quoted prices were 0.35 and ₦0.80 (16.7% each). The
average quoted price was ₦0.70 per kg. Forty-six percent (46%) of respondents were willing to buy
earthworms if supplied to them; 49% were willing to serve as sales agents if contacted and 66.7%
opined that earthworm was their choicest fishing bait. The results indicate positive expectation for
vermiculture as a business venture. Vermiculture should, however, put into consideration the
production of Alma millsoni and Libyodrilus violaceus, the species quoted as the most preferred and
effective for fishing. Vermiculture will go a long way in solving the problem of earthworm scarcity
among these people, reduce the stress put on natural populations earthworms, thus conserving the
worms and also reduce damage done to the soil environment in the course of excavating for worms
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF GASOLINE FUME ON STRESS HORMONES, ANTIOXIDANT STATUS AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN ALBINO RAT
Gasoline fume has been considered a major air pollutant affecting the heart, lungs, brain,
liver and kidneys. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the effect of inhalation exposure
to gasoline fume on some endogenic stress hormones and oxidative enzymes of albino rats.
Forty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to five experimental treatments (T) with
eight rats per treatment (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5). The control treatment, T1 was housed in a
section of experimental animal house free from gasoline fumes while T2, T3, T4 and T5 were
exposed to gasoline fumes in exposure chambers for one, three, five and nine hours daily
respectively for twelve weeks. The levels of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),
aldosterone and corticosterone were determined using Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay
(ELISA) kits. Concentrations of oxidative stress marker (GSH, CAT, MDA and BuChE)
were assayed using standard method. Levels of ACTH were recorded to significantly reduce
in the gasoline fume exposed rats when compared to control. Aldosterone and corticosterone
significantly increase with increase in the daily period of gasoline fume exposure relative to
the control. Values of ACTH negatively correlate with those of corticosterone and
aldosterone in the exposed rats. The values of GSH, CAT and BuChE were significantly
higher in the control rats and significantly reduce with increasing daily exposure time to
gasoline fume. MDA concentration was lower in control rats but significantly increased with
increasing daily exposure time to gasoline fume. Inhalation exposure to gasoline fume was
observed to induce stress in the exposed animal