Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Household Food Security among Rural Women in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the contribution of non-timber forest products gathering on household food security among rural women in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.  Simple random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of respondents for the study, while structured interview schedule was used to obtained relevant information from the sample of one hundred and thirty (130) rural women in the area. Data collected were analyzed with appropriate statistical tools. The respondents sampled are aware of availability of different NTFPs in the study area and they are involved in NTFPs gathering at different levels. The NTFPs gathered by rural women include: vegetables, mango fruit/orange fruits, firewood and herbs.Result further revealed that the rural women derived a variety of benefits from gathering of NTFPs and it has helped to improve their household food security level of the respondents in the study area. Majority (76.1%) of the respondents were food secure. The study found significant relationship between some selected socio-economic characteristic variables such as education (X2 = 6.240, p< 0.05), household size (X2 = 10.296, p<0.05), Marital status (X2= 5.126, p< 0.05), income (X2= 7.088, p< 0.05) and level of involvement of respondents in gathering of NTFPs. Also positive and significant relationship exists between level of household food security of the respondents and their level of involvement in gathering of NTFPs. The study therefore recommended that, there is need to encourage rural women in the gathering of NTFPs as part of the means of livelihood in the rural area of Nigeria due to varieties of benefits attached to it, which could assist to curb the menace of food insecurity in the Nigeria. Keywords: Contribution, Non-Timber, Rural , Women, Forest, Food Security, Nigeri

Genetic linkage map of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) using SNP markers

Genetic linkage maps provide a genomic framework for quantitative trait loci identification applied in marker assisted selection breeding in crops with limited resources. It serves as a powerful tool to breeders for analysing the mode of inheritance of genes of interest and monitoring of the transmission of target genes from parents to progeny. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers have a great influence on mapping research studies: for faster development of new varieties of crops due to its abundance and high number of polymorphism. Thus, this research work aimed at constructing genetic linkage map of cowpea using SNP markers. This will facilitate development of new varieties of cowpea. Single seed descent method of breeding was used to generate mapping population between IT-95K-193- 12 and Ife-Brown. Fresh leaves from both parental lines and F1 hybrids were genotyped with 135 SNP markers. Data from125 polymorphic SNP markers were used to construct linkage map. Results revealed 12 linkage maps with an average of 10 markers to a chromosome and average marker distance of 3.02 cM between the markers. Constructed map provides basic information that could assist in genetic improvement of cowpea, most especially in developing brown blotch resistant cowpea varieties through detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for brown blotch resistance in cowpea when utilizing marker assisted selection method.Key words: Cowpea, genetic linkage map, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, brown blotch resistance

Assessment of agro-ecological influence on the seed quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in The Gambia

A survey was conducted to assess the quality of groundnut seed produced and stored under ambient environment across various agro-ecologies of The Gambia, with a view to understanding regions with comparative advantage for its production and storage. Seed production activities of 60 seed growers in 26 communities were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews and observations. The Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the communities were geo-referenced to identify the geographical positioning of the production sites. Samples of the groundnut pods were taken from the seed stores, threshed and subjected to seed quality analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to categorize the seed sources, hectarage cultivated, while seed quality data were subjected to analysis of variance of Nested Design. Means of significant factors were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% significant level. The study showed that groundnut seed production is better concentrated in regions with optimum and sustainable rainfall that will reduce abiotic stress during seed development like the Lower River Region, West Coast Region and Central River Region. Fleur-11 variety was identified as one of the most promising varieties for groundnut cultivation in The Gambia and Tropical Africa

Assessment of varietal diversity and production systems of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in Southwest Nigeria

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is the most important source of plant protein consumed in Nigeria with major supplies coming from the northern part of the country. However, reduction in supplies due to insurgency resulted in sharp increases in price, especially in Southwest Nigeria where cowpea is relished in different delicacies. Sustainable production increase in suitable Southwest agro-ecologies depends on suitability of cultivated varieties and production practices of the farmers. A study was conducted to identify cowpea varieties cultivated by farmers, the varietal attributes, farmers’ preferences, and production constraints. Data were generated through a farm survey of 120 farmers selected by multi-stage sampling technique in Ondo and Oyo States of Southwest Nigeria. Cowpea production was male dominated, with 20.8 % of cultivated area allocated to its production, averaging 0.96 ha per farm household, fragmented over circa three locations. Local varieties were cultivated by 51.6 % of the farmers with seeds sourced mainly from local markets (62.7 %). Cowpea was mainly cultivated as intercrop (55.1 %) notably with cassava. Herbicides and insecticides were prominently used by the farmers while fertiliser was hardly used for cowpea production (12.8 %). Notable attributes cherished by farmers included brown or white coat colour, smooth texture and medium sized grains, erect or creeping growth pattern, and long pod length. Average yield of cowpea on farmers’ field was 530 kg ha−1 while inadequate access to quality seeds, incidence of field insect pests, and rodents (storage pest) were identified as the most severe production constraints by the farmers. Community-based seed production systems should be introduced for improved access to quality seed

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Antifungal Activity of Allicin Alone and in Combination with Antifungal Drugs

The antifungal activity of allicin and its synergistic effects with the antifungal agents flucytosine and amphotericin B (AmB) were investigated in Candida albicans (C. albicans). C. albicans was treated with different conditions of compounds alone and in combination (allicin, AmB, flucytosine, allicin + AmB, allicin + flucytosine, allicin + AmB + flucytosine). After a 24-hour treatment, cells were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure morphological and biophysical properties associated with cell death. The clearing assay was conducted to confirm the effects of allicin. The viability of C. albicans treated by allicin alone or with one antifungal drug (AmB, flucytosine) in addition was more than 40% after a 24-hr treatment, but the viability of groups treated with combinations of more than two drugs was less than 32%. When the cells were treated with allicin alone or one type of drug, the morphology of the cells did not change noticeably, but when cells were treated with combinations of drugs, there were noticeable morphological changes. In particular, cells treated with allicin + AmB had significant membrane damage (burst or collapsed membranes). Classification of cells according to their cell death phase (CDP) allowed us to determine the relationship between cell viability and treatment conditions in detail. The adhesive force was decreased by the treatment in all groups compare to the control. Cells treated with AmB + allicin had a greater adhesive force than cells treated with AmB alone because of the secretion of molecules due to collapsed membranes. All cells treated with allicin or drugs were softer than the control cells. These results suggest that allicin can reduce MIC of AmB while keeping the same efficacy

Seleção para precocidade e rendimento de sementes em acessos de feijão-mungo com uso de REML/BLUP

The objective of this work was to select early maturing and high yielding mung bean (Vigna radiata) genotypes for savanna and rainforest conditions in Nigeria. Twenty mung bean genotypes were evaluated, in 2019 and 2020, in the following agroecological zones of Southwestern Nigeria: Rainforest, Derived Savanna, and Southern Guinea Savanna, totaling six environments. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The restricted maximum likelihood (REML)/best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) mixed model was used. The magnitude of the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than that of the genotypic coefficient of variation for all agronomic characters measured. A high heritability estimate was recorded for first flowering (87%), followed by pod length (85%), number of seeds per pod (79%), and 50% flowering (55%). However, a low heritability was observed for seed yield per hectare (23%). The selective accuracy was 0.5 for yield, which is considered moderate, and ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 for the other characters. A yield of 1,472.93 kg ha-1 was obtained across the six environments. Nine promising genotypes (TVr-45, TVr-98, TVr-64, TVr-102, TVr-86, TVr-106, TVr-9, TVr-95, and TVr-33) were identified. Therefore, these genotypes are suitable and adapted for cultivation in the agroecological zones of Southwestern Nigeria.O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar genótipos de feijão-mungo (Vigna radiata) de maturação precoce e alto rendimento para condições de savana e mata na Nigéria. Vinte genótipos de feijão-mungo foram avaliados, em 2019 e 2020, nas seguintes zonas agroecológicas do sudoeste da Nigéria: floresta tropical, savana derivada e savana do sul da Guiné, o que totalizou seis ambientes. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Utilizou-se o modelo misto de máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML)/melhor predição linear não enviesada (BLUP). A magnitude do coeficiente de variação fenotípico foi maior do que a do coeficiente de variação genotípico para todos os caracteres agronômicos mensurados. Registrou-se elevada estimativa de herdabilidade para primeira floração (87%), seguida por comprimento da vagem (85%), número de sementes por vagem (79%) e 50% da floração (55%). No entanto, observou-se baixa herdabilidade para produção de sementes por hectare (23%). A precisão seletiva foi de 0,5 para rendimento, que é considerada moderada, e de 0,7 a 0,9 para os outros caracteres. Obteve-se um rendimento de 1.472,93 kg ha-1 nos seis ambientes. Foram identificados nove genótipos promissores (TVr-45, TVr-98, TVr-64, TVr-102, TVr-86, TVr-106, TVr-9, TVr-95 e TVr-33). Portanto, esses genótipos são adequados e adaptados para cultivo nas zonas agroecológicas do sudoeste da Nigéria

Antimicrobial properties of garlic oil against human enteric bacteria: evaluation of methodologies and comparisons with garlic oil sulfides and garlic powder.

The antimicrobial effects of aqueous garlic extracts are well established but those of garlic oil (GO) are little known. Methodologies for estimating the antimicrobial activity of GO were assessed and GO, GO sulfide constituents, and garlic powder (GP) were compared in tests against human enteric bacteria. Test methodologies were identified as capable of producing underestimates of GO activity. Antimicrobial activity was greater in media lacking tryptone or cysteine, suggesting that, as for allicin, GO effects may involve sulfhydryl reactivity. All bacteria tested, which included both gram-negative and -positive bacteria and pathogenic forms, were susceptible to garlic materials. On a weight-of-product basis, 24 h MICs for GO (0.02 to 5.5 mg/ml, 62 enteric isolates) and dimethyl trisulfide (0.02 to 0.31 mg/ml, 6 enteric isolates) were lower than those for a mixture of diallyl sulfides (0.63 to 25 mg/ml, 6 enteric isolates) and for GP, which also exhibited a smaller MIC range (6.25 to 12.5 mg/ml, 29 enteric isolates). Viability time studies of GO and GP against Enterobacter aerogenes showed time- and dose-dependent effects. Based upon its thiosulfinate content, GP was more active than GO against most bacteria, although some properties of GO are identified as offering greater therapeutic potential. Further exploration of the potential of GP and GO in enteric disease control appears warranted

Assessment of Use of Selected Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Extension Service Delivery: Implication for Agricultural Development in Nigeria

The study was carried out to assess the implication of the useof selected Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs) for extension service delivery in Nigeria. The simplerandom technique was used to select fifty percent of the total extensionagents which equivalent to forty-two respondents assample size for the study. Frequency counts, percentages, meanand standard deviation were used as descriptive statistic. Also,Chi-Square test and Spearman’s rho correlation were employedas inferential statistic to test for the hypotheses. Findings indicatedthat access to various ICTs tools especially Radio and Mobilephone and were found to be relevant to farming operations. Theresult of Chi square test revealed that significant relationshipexist between sex, age, level of education, years of working experienceof the extension agents and level of use of ICTs. Furthermore,the result of Spearman rho Correlation showed thatthere was no significant relationship between ICT training of extensionworkers and the level of use of ICTs. The study recommendedamong others that, there should be a periodic review ofthe use of current ICTs in extension service delivery to facilitateeffectiveness in the use of ICTs for extension service and adequatefunding of extension service should also be ensured to enhancethe maintenance of ICTs made available to extension personnel