Average Sound Absorption per Person at Octave Band Frequencies Between 125Hz And 4000Hz in an Enclosure

The audience constitutes the major sound absorbent materials in most church auditoria and, non-inclusion of the sound absorbed by the audience in the determination of the optimum reverberation time from the design stage accounts for the problem of poor sound quality in such church auditoria. To address this problem, this research was carried out to provide designers with data on sound absorption by an individual at some octave band frequencies important for understanding speech. The work utilized the Sabine’s formula for Reverberation Time to determine the sound absorption per person at Octave band frequencies of 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz.  Data which included the volume, sitting capacity of persons and reverberation time of eight (8) churches were obtained when the churches were occupied and when unoccupied.  These data gave the calculated average sound absorption per person of 0.29, 0.43, 0.51, 0.68, 0.71 and 0.73 at these octave band frequencies respectively, all showing that the average sound absorption by an individual increases with frequency within this octave band frequency range. Key Words: Reverberation Time, Sound Absorption, Octave Band Frequency

A more complete definition for promiscuous soybean

Open Access JournalAbstract Following a series of research on promiscuous nodulation, it came out that it is incomplete to define ‘promiscuous soybean’ as soybean cultivars with the sole ability to form nodules freely with indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains without requiring the specific type, Bradyrhizobium japonicum. This paper proposes a more complete definition which caters for both nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation ability. Keywords : Promiscuous soybean; Nodulation; Biological nitrogen fixation; Bradyrhizobiu

Mode of inheritance of promiscuous nodulation and combining abilities in soybean genotypes

Article purchasedKnowledge of the mode of inheritance of a trait can be a powerful decision-making tool in a breeding program, as it helps predicting selection gain, defining breeding strategy and choosing parental lines. This study aimed at estimating genetic parameters to infer the mode of inheritance of promiscuous nodulation in soybean. Half diallel crosses were made among nine parental lines. F2 progenies were field evaluated together with parents for nodulation characteristics and grain yield in response to Bradyrhizobium sp. strain USDA 3456. Data on nodule number (NN), percent of effective nodules (NE), fresh and dry weight of nodules (NFW and NDW), and grain yield were subjected to analysis of variance, and progenies’ means regression against parents’ was performed following Griffing’s Method2/Model 1. General and specific combining abilities, broad and narrow sense heritabilities, and Baker’s ratio were estimated. The study showed predominant GCA effect for all measured traits except NE. Broad and narrow sense heritabilities were high for grain yield and NDW, moderate for NN and NFW, and low for NE. Baker’s ratio was high for all measured traits except for NE. Overall, additive gene action was more important for all measured traits, except NE where non-additive gene action was more important. The high to moderate heritabilities for most traits showed that substantial gain can be achieved through selection

Multi-environmental evaluation of vegetable soybean for adaptation and stability in Benin

Vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a highly nutritious crop in Africa whose attributes make it a product of choice to formulate diets with numerous human health benefits. The crop is still novel in West Africa, but is making inroads in many countries of the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected vegetable soybean varieties for agronomic performance and stability for fresh pod yield across Benin. Thirty-five vegetable soybean varieties were planted at three locations, namely Calavi, Grand-Popo and Sèmè, for two seasons. There was a significant variation (P < 0.05 ; P< 0.01 and P < 0.001) among genotypes for most quantitative traits; with highly significant environmental (P < 0.001) and GEI effects on fresh pod yield (P < 0.001). Genotype Maksoy 3N (15.9 t ha-1) had the highest fresh pod yield; while genotype AGS466 was the most stable across environments. Based on GGE, Sèmè-2 was the ideal environment for growing vegetable soybean in Benin. The study confirmed that vegetable soybean is well adapted to be grown in Benin and varieties AGS466, AGS346 and Ashorowase are candidates for wide cultivation in the country. Also, grain soybean varieties (S1079-6-7 and Maksoy 3N) are well suited to produce vegetable soybean in Benin. &nbsp

SCREENING SOYBEAN GENOTYPES FOR PROMISCUOUS SYMBIOTIC ASSOCIATION WITH Bradyrhizobium STRAINS

The current low soybean ( Glycine max L. Merrill) yields in Sub-Saharan Africa can be alleviated by developing promiscuous genotypes. The research trend in Africa is towards developing promiscuous varieties for less labour and high yields in soybean production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK) with the aim of screening of soybean germplasm for promiscuous symbiotic association with Bradyrhizobium sp. in order to identify genotypes with potential to be used as parents to initiate a breeding programme focusing on promiscuous nodulation. The response of 65 soybean genotypes from different origins to cowpea-type inoculant, Bradyrhizobium sp. strain USDA 3456 were evaluated. Soybean seeds inoculated with both Bradyrhizobium sp. strain USDA 3456 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA 110 were planted in buckets filled with steam-sterilised soil. Significant differences in the number of nodules, effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules were observed among genotypes (P<0.001). Twelve of the 65 genotypes were highly responsive to Bradyrhizobium sp., with over 10 nodules per plant, over 50 mg dry weight of nodules, and 50% effective nodules. A highly positive correlation was shown between dry weight of nodules and nodule number. This study proposes the soybean genotypes NamII, WonderSoya, Bulindi 48C, NamSoy 4M, MakSoy 3N, NamSoy 3, K-Local, Kabanyolo 1, UG 5, Soprano, MakSoy 2N, and MakSoy 5N as potential parental materials for subsequent breeding work.La s\ue9lection de vari\ue9t\ue9s de soja \ue0 nodulation facile peut contribuer grandement \ue0 l\u2019am\ue9lioration des rendements de production en Afrique sub-Saharienne. Les vari\ue9t\ue9s de soja \ue0 nodulation facile rendent superflus l\u2019utilisation d\u2019engrais azot\ue9s, l\u2019application d\u2019inoculum aux fins de fixation biologique d\u2019azote, am\ue9liorent le rendement de soja, ainsi que la qualit\ue9 du sol pour les cultures subs\ue9quentes. Une exp\ue9rimentation en serre a \ue9t\ue9 conduite \ue0 l\u2019Institut de Recherche Agricole de l\u2019Universit\ue9 de Makerere \ue0 Kabanyolo (MUARIK). L\u2019objectif \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer l\u2019habilet\ue9 des accessions de soja \ue0 r\ue9aliser la symbiose avec Bradyrhizobium sp. En vue d\u2019identifier les cultivars qui peuvent constituer de potentiels parents \ue0 utiliser pour initier un programme d\u2019am\ue9lioration g\ue9n\ue9tique du soja visant la nodulation facile. 65 accessions d\u2019origines diverses ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9valu\ue9es pour leur r\ue9action en pr\ue9sence de rhizobium de type ni\ue9b\ue9 (Bradyrhizobium sp. souche USDA 3456). Les graines de soja inocul\ue9es avec le rhizobium de type ni\ue9b\ue9 (Bradyrhizobium sp. souche USDA 3456) ou de type soja ( Bradyrhizobium japonicum souche USDA 110) ont \ue9t\ue9 plant\ue9es dans des pots en plastic soigneusement remplis de terre arable st\ue9rilis\ue9e \ue0 base de vapeur surchauff\ue9e. Des diff\ue9rences significatives ont \ue9t\ue9 observ\ue9es entre accessions, au niveau des nombres de nodules, pourcentages de nodules actives, poids frais et secs des nodules (P<0.001). Douze accessions ont notablement r\ue9agi face \ue0 Bradyrhizobium sp. avec chacune plus de 10 nodules par plante, 50 mg comme poids sec de nodules, et 50% de nodules actives. Une corr\ue9lation positivement tr\ue8s significative a \ue9t\ue9 observ\ue9e entre poids sec et nombre de nodules. Cette \ue9tude propose les accessions NamII, WonderSoya, Bulindi 48C, NamSoy 4M, MakSoy 3N, NamSoy 3, K-Local, Kabanyolo 1, UG 5, Soprano, MakSoy 2N, and MakSoy 5N comme potentiels parents \ue0 utiliser dans un programme ult\ue9rieur d\u2019am\ue9lioration g\ue9n\ue9tique

Cowpea production practices, constraints, and end-users preferred varieties and traits in Southern Benin

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an important food and nutrition security crop in Benin, though its production is constrained by absence of information necessary for strategic planning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of preferred traits and production constraints of cowpea in southern Benin. A survey was conducted in three main cowpea-growing districts in southern Benin, namely Ketou, Zakpota and Klouekanmey. Data were collected from 175 respondents through structured survey, as well as using field observations and via focus group discussions. It was clear that the majority of farmers (82%) grew cowpea in association with other crops, though mostly with maize (Zea mays L.). A total of 75.9% of farmers purchased seeds from agro-dealers in local markets. The perception of cowpea production constraints varied among districts, with weeds infestation, unavailability of certified seeds, drought, low yield, and insect pest attacks as the major production constraints across the districts. Factorial analysis showed that for the sociocultural group Adja, selection of cowpea varieties is based on pod hardness and tolerance to Striga gesnerioides; while for the sociocultural group Fon, cooking time, grain colour and seed price were the main selection criteria. On the other hand, for sociocultural groups Nagot and Holli, selection of the cowpea varieties was based on the ease to separate the coat from the cotyledons and seed size (medium to large). These findings could guide cowpea breeders and extension officers in further research and dissemination programmes in Benin

Source of resistance among cowpea accessions to bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus F. Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, in Benin

Post-harvest loss in cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L.) is essentially caused by bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.), the most damaging storage pest causing up to 95% loss of produce kept for long in non-treated conditions. In managing storage pests, host plant resistance proves to be a better approach than chemicals control, especially for food produce. However, no investigation in Benin has tackled resistance of cowpea germplasm to bruchid. The obective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to cowpea bruchid in Benin. A total of 174 cowpea accessions were evaluated in storage. Fourteen cowpea accessions were found resistant to bruchid including: IT06K-123-1, ALEGI*SECOW3B, IT86D-1038, WC35B, IT86D-1033, TOUMKALAM, KPLOBEROUGE, WC66*NE50, IT06K-270, IT84S-2246-4, WC36, TVU1471, TVU-1367-7 and WC66*5T with respective Dobie susceptibility indices of : 2.96, 2.71, 2.67, 2.58, 2.55, 2.49, 2.46, 2.36, 2.11, 1.42, 1.15, 0.53, 0.00 and 0.00. Pest tolerance of cowpea (0.00 to 100.00%) varied according to the resistance and susceptibility statuses of accessions screened. Correlations showed that seed damage, number of adult emerged, weight loss and Dobie susceptibility index, could be considered essential while selecting bruchid tolerant accessions. The resistant accessions observed during this experiment can serve as parental lines in breeding programmes.Le ni\ue9b\ue9 ( Vigna unguiculata L.) est fortement attaqu\ue9 par les bruches du ni\ue9b\ue9 ( Callosobruchus maculatus F.) causant 95% de d\ue9g\ue2ts. L\u2019usage des plantes r\ue9sistantes constitue une alternative aux produits chimiques. Ainsi, au B\ue9nin, en absence d\u2019\ue9tudes ant\ue9rieures sur la r\ue9sistance du ni\ue9b\ue9 aux bruches les accessions susceptibles sont toujours cultiv\ue9es. L\u2019objectif g\ue9n\ue9ral de cette \ue9tude est l\u2019\ue9valuation de la r\ue9sistance des diff\ue9rentes accessions de ni\ue9b\ue9 cultiv\ue9 au B\ue9nin. En effet, 174 accessions de ni\ue9b\ue9 ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9valu\ue9es en stock. Plusieurs param\ue8tres ont \ue9t\ue9 d\ue9termin\ue9s : poids initial et final des graines; pourcentage d\u2019insecte \ue9merg\ue9; pourcentage de perte de poids, de graines endommag\ue9es et de tol\ue9rance des insectes; p\ue9riode m\ue9diane de d\ue9veloppement; indice de susceptibilit\ue9 de Dobie; indice de croissance; nombre moyen de trous, nombre moyen d\u2019\u153ufs pondus. Les donn\ue9es collect\ue9es ont \ue9t\ue9 soumises \ue0 ANOVA One-way, corr\ue9lation de Pearson et \ue0 une r\ue9gression lin\ue9aire multiple. Quatorze accessions \ue9taient r\ue9sistantes aux bruches \ue0 savoir\ua0: IT06K-123-1, ALEGI*SECOW3B, IT86D-1038, WC35B, IT86D-1033, TOUMKALAM, KPLOBEROUGE, WC66*NE50, IT06K-270, IT84S-2246-4, WC36, TVU1471, TVU-1367-7 et WC66*5T respectivement avec la susceptibilit\ue9 de Dobie: 2.96, 2.71, 2.67, 2.58, 2.55, 2.49, 2.46, 2.36, 2.11, 1.42, 1.15, 0.53, 0.00 et 0.00. La corr\ue9lation de Pearson montre que pourcentage de graine endommag\ue9e, nombres d\u2019insectes \ue9merg\ue9s, la perte de poids et l\u2019indice de susceptibilit\ue9 de Dobie sont les param\ue8tres \ue0 prendre en compte dans un processus de s\ue9lection des accessions r\ue9sistantes aux bruches. En cons\ue9quence, les accessions r\ue9sistantes observ\ue9es dans ce travail peuvent \ueatre utilis\ue9es dans des programmes d\u2019am\ue9lioration

INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON THE PRODUCTION SYSTEM OF KERSTING\u2019S GROUNDNUT IN BENIN

Socio-demographic factors are often responsible for the persistent neglect of orphan crops such as Kersting\u2019s groundnut ( Macrotyloma geocarpum ) in sub-Saharan Africa.The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors on production of Kersting\u2019s groundnut (KG), as a basis for informing policy and development efforts in Benin. Data were collected from 305 randomly selected respondents from three major KG growing areas of Benin (Zou, Collines and Plateau). Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, ordered logit models and Kendall\u2019s coefficient of concordance were used to analyse data, rank and prioritise production constraints across socio-demographic clusters. Factors such as land tenure, farm size, farming experience, education level, age and location had significant positive influence on cultivated KG plot size. Similarly, gender, education level and membership to cooperative groups had positive effects on farmer-reported yield. Furthermore, location in the department of Zou had a negative effect on reported yield. Production activities (sowing and harvesting) were significantly influenced by gender and education level. The most significant constraints were damage due to transhumance, lack of quality seed, changing rainfall patterns, production complexity and poor access to credit and land. Strategic actions for boosting KG productivity should include use of improved varieties, sustainable seed system, appropriate crop management practices, and improved access to credit.Les facteurs socio-d\ue9mographiques sont souvent responsables de la n\ue9gligence persistante des cultures orphelines telles que la lentille de terre (Macrotyloma geocarpum) en Afrique subsaharienne. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9tudier l\u2019influence des facteurs socio-d\ue9mographiques sur la production de la lentille de terre, pour \ue9clairer les efforts de politique et de d\ue9veloppement au B\ue9nin. Les donn\ue9es ont \ue9t\ue9 collect\ue9es aupr\ue8s de 305 r\ue9pondants choisis au hasard dans trois grandes r\ue9gions productrices de lentille de terre du B\ue9nin (Zou, Collines et Plateau). Statistiques descriptive, analyse de variance, regression logistique et coefficient de concordance de Kendall ont \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9s pour analyser les donn\ue9es, classer et hi\ue9rarchiser les contraintes de production \ue0 travers les groupes socio-d\ue9mographiques. Des facteurs tels que le r\ue9gime foncier, la taille de l\u2019exploitation, l\u2019exp\ue9rience agricole, le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation, l\u2019\ue2ge et la localisation g\ue9ographique ont eu une influence positive significative sur la superficie de lentille de terre cultiv\ue9e. De m\ueame, le sexe, le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation et l\u2019appartenance \ue0 des coop\ue9ratives ont eu des effets positifs sur le rendement d\ue9clar\ue9 par les agriculteurs. De plus, la localisation dans le d\ue9partement du Zou a eu un effet n\ue9gatif sur le rendement. Les activit\ue9s de production (semis et r\ue9colte) \ue9taient significativement influenc\ue9es par le sexe et le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation. Les contraintes les plus importantes \ue9taient les d\ue9g\ue2ts dus \ue0 la transhumance, le manque de semences de qualit\ue9, le changement du r\ue9gime pluviom\ue9trique, la complexit\ue9 de la production et le faible acc\ue8s au cr\ue9dit et \ue0 la terre. Les actions strat\ue9giques pour stimuler la productivit\ue9 de lentille de terre devraient inclure le d\ue9veloppement des vari\ue9t\ue9s am\ue9lior\ue9es, un syst\ue8me semencier durable, des pratiques de gestion des cultures appropri\ue9es et un meilleur acc\ue8s au cr\ue9dit

SEED SYSTEM AND SEED QUALITY OF KERSTING\u2019S GROUNDNUT IN BENIN

Swift delivery of quality seeds to farming communities is a fundamental step in mainstreaming the value chain of orphan crops. The objective of this study was to characterise seed production and delivery systems of the orphan Kersting\u2019s groundnut (KG) [ Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Mar\ue9chal & Baudet] and their influence on seed quality in Benin. A survey was conducted among 305 farmers from the major KG growing areas in Benin. A total of 60 seed samples were collected from different sources (farmer own seed, local markets and agro-dealers) for quality tests. The results showed that seed sources, acquisition modes and perceived quality differed significantly (P<0.01) among gender groups and with farming experience. Majority of farmers (74.93%) perceived seeds acquired from the local markets and seed stored in non-hermetic conditions as of poor quality compared to seeds sourced from their own stock and stored in hermetic conditions. Yet, the seed quality analysis revealed no differences (P<0.05) among the sources and storage methods. Less than 20% of the tested samples met the national quality standards suggesting an important quality constraint in the current system which may justify the reported low yield and crop failure.L\u2019acc\ue8s aux semences de qualit\ue9 est une \ue9tape fondamentale dans l\u2019int\ue9gration de la cha\ueene de valeur des cultures orphelines. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait de caract\ue9riser les syst\ue8mes de production et de distribution de semences de la lentille de terre [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Mar\ue9chal & Baudet] au B\ue9nin et leur influence sur la qualit\ue9 des semences. Une enqu\ueate a \ue9t\ue9 men\ue9e aupr\ue8s de 305 agriculteurs de la principale zone de production de la lentille de terre au B\ue9nin. Au total, 60 \ue9chantillons de semences ont \ue9t\ue9 collect\ue9s aupr\ue8s de diff\ue9rentes sources (agriculteurs, march\ue9s locaux et les vendeurs d\u2019intrants agricole) pour des tests de qualit\ue9. Les r\ue9sultats ont montr\ue9 que les sources de semences, les modes d\u2019acquisition et la perception des r\ue9pondants par rapport \ue0 la qualit\ue9 des semences diff\ue9raient significativement (P<0,01) avec le genre des r\ue9pondants et leur l\u2019exp\ue9rience de production. La majorit\ue9 des r\ue9pondants (74,93%) per\ue7oivent les semences acquises sur les march\ue9s locaux et les semences stock\ue9es dans des structures non herm\ue9tiques comme \ue9tant de mauvaise qualit\ue9 par rapport \ue0 celles provenant de leur propre stock et stock\ue9es dans des structures herm\ue9tiques. Cependant, l\u2019analyse de la qualit\ue9 des semences n\u2019a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 aucune diff\ue9rence significative (P<0,05) entre les sources et les m\ue9thodes de stockage. Moins de 20 % des \ue9chantillons test\ue9s r\ue9pondaient aux normes de qualit\ue9 en vigueur au Benin, ce qui sugg\ue8re une contrainte de qualit\ue9 importante dans le syst\ue8me actuel et pourrait justifier le faible rendement et l\u2019\ue9chec des r\ue9coltes enregistr\ue9es