Morphometry and Preffered Feeding Site of Egyptian Mealybug (Icerya Aegyptiaca Douglas) on Croton Codiaeum Variegatum Plant

Morphometrical analysis of the mealybug, Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) was studied on Codiaeum variegatum under laboratory conditions between August and December, 2010. Microscopic slides were prepared for the existing life forms according to the conventional entomological method. Observations were made on the body structure, appendages and dimensions as possible future tools in taxonomic key’s construction. Result showed that there were three instars and adult stage. There was a significant variation in the body structure, length and dimensions of body appendages of the various larval forms of the insect. The mean body length (cm) of the various instars was significantly different and was as follows: first instars having 1.62±0.03, second instars 1.86±0.03 third instars 2.97±0.07 and the adults to be 3.97±0.03 respectively. Body width dimension was not significantly different and first instars: 0.83±0.02; second instars: 1.04±0.01; third instars: 1.79±0.06 and the adults: 1.85±0.01 respectively. Mean antennal length was recorded to be: 1st instars: 0.53±0.02; 2nd instars: 0.64±0.01; 3rd instar: 0.84±0.02 and the adults: 0.89±0.01 respectively. The progressive development in the length of the stylet with respect to the age of the insects was thought to be affected by feeding requirement and environmental conditions and there was a progressive increase in the dimensions of nearly all the parameters examined after each moult.Keywords: Body appendages, Codiaeum variegatum, Icerya aegyptiaca, instars, instars, morphometry

Dietary potentials of the edible larvae of Cirina forda (westwood) as a poultry feed

An experiment was conducted to determine the performance of broiler chicks to the replacement of fishmeal with the larvae of Cirina forda. Three diets, namely Diet A (100% C. forda larvae and 0% Fish meal); Diet B (50% C. forda larvae and 50% Fish meal); and Diet C, which was the control (100% Fish meal and 0% C. forda larvae) were compounded and fed to the birds. The results showed that the consumption rate, the mean weight gain and specific growth rate of birds fed with Diets A and B did notdiffer significant (P > 0.05) when compared with the control. The potentials of the edible C. forda larvae as a protein source, which can replace and elicit similar growth trends in broiler chicks like the protein present in conventional fish meal, are discussed

Physical properties, correlation and regression analyses of potable water in Ilorin, Nigeria

Water is said to be wholesome if it is fit to use for drinking, cooking, food preparation or washing without any potential danger to human health. This research aimed to determine the potability of water from borehole, sachet and river in Ilorin, Nigeria using physical parameters, assess the correlation between the parameters and carry out regression analysis of the parameters. Water samples were randomly collected from the three Local Government Areas (LGA) in Ilorin to assess physical properties and carry out correlation and regression analyses. Temperature of water samples were between 29 ⁰C – 31.4 ⁰C while pH ranged between 6.42 and 7.90. Correlation coefficient was +0.989 while regression analysis estimated optimal temperature of 30 ⁰C for pH of 7.03. The physical parameters of water in the study area fell within recommended range. There was strong direct relationship between the physical parameters studied. Further studies could consider investigating other physical and chemical parameters involving larger number of samples. Keywords: Potable water, physical parameters, correlation, regression, Ilori

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth of Senecio biafrae (WOROWO) OLIVE & HIERN

Soils have shown a negative balance in nutrient budget which poses a great threat to sustainable soil management for increase in growth and crop yield. This study thus investigated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of Senecio biafrae (Oliv. &Hiern). Topsoil, organic (poultry manure) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK 15:15:15) were used. The fertilizers were weighed and applied to the soil at 5g, 10g, 15g each; control topsoil without application of fertilizers and were replicated five times. Growth parameters including height, number of leaves and stem diameter were taken weekly for the period of the experiment. Application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer had significant effects on all the growth parameters considered. The application of poultry manure resulted into significant increase in the growth parameters towards the latter part of the study. This study has shown that organic manure has great potential for improving soil productivity and plant growth

Cybercafés Use By The Research Scientists In Agricultural Research Institutes In Ibadan, Nigeria

This study examined the use of internet by the research scientists in Agricultural research institutes in Ibadan. A descriptive survey design was adapted for the study. A purposeful sampling technique was also used to select the sample and the method produced 180 Research Scientists. A total of 162 cases were finally analysed which represented 90% of the total sample. Data was collected using a well structured questionnaire designed by researchers. Findings from the study shows a high level of awareness of the importance of Internet service as a resource for research information and other purposes and as such cybercafe is considered as a useful outfit in these Research Institutes. The study also revealed that Research Scientists have resorted to utilizing the cybercafe located outside theirrespective Institute due to: inadequate facilities intheir offices and  incessant power outage; in order to continue their research work after office hours. Finally, the study suggested that in order to improve the effective use of Internet Reasources, there must be reqular power supply as budgetary allocations to the Research Institutes can no longer sustain continous dependency on alternative power supply. The study also suggested that the Research Scientists should be assisted in procuring ICT equipment and that effort should be geared towards the provision of enhanced broadbandwith to the National Research Institutions system in order to reduce hardship being experienced by research Scientists in meeting their research information needs

Prevalence of brucellosis in food animals slaughtered at Damaturu Abattoir, Yobe State, Nigeria

Serological survey of brucellosis in slaughtered food animals was carried out in 318 cattle, 300 sheep and 400 goats slaughtered in Damaturu, Yobe state in arid zone of north eastern Nigeria, from the month of July to October, 2007. Sera collected from the animals were tested using both Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). The results obtained from both RBPT and SAT were comparable. The prevalence rates of 5.7%, 6.0% and 4.0% with RBPT for cattle, sheep and goat respectively were obtained in the study and were significantly associated (

Challenges in the management of a child with end stage renal disease: a case report of an indigent Nigerian child

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is on the rise among children in Nigeria. The cost of its management with renal replacement therapy is quite enormous for the average Nigerian family. There is no support yet from the Nigerian government or the National Health Insurance Scheme to cushion the burden of this disease. Victims essentially depend on family support and support from well meaning individuals. The case of an unfortunate poor Nigerian girl who was recently a victim of ESRD is highlighted to bring to the fore the challenges encountered in the management of children with ESRD. Key words: End stage renal disease. Children. Challenges. Renal replacement therap