Effect of periods of hydro-priming and seed weights on the germination of Vitex doniana sweet seeds

There is paucity of information on breaking the dormancy of Vitex doniana through hydro-priming. Hydropriming is the method of ensuring uniform and high germination percentage, by soaking seeds in water and follow by drying of seeds, while the emergence of radicle is prevented. There is need to determine the appropriate periods of hydropriming to prevent over or under hydro-priming of seeds. In light of this, investigation was conducted on the effect of periods of hydro-priming and seed weights on the germination of V.doniana seeds. To assess the effect of periods of hydropriming (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36hrs) and three seed weights (1.2, 1.4 and 3.3g) on the germination of V.doniana seeds, a split-plot experimental design with five replications was employed. Result revealed that periods of hydropriming significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the germination of V.doniana. A significant germination percentage value of 50% was recorded in seeds hydroprimed for 36hours. Germination percentage of seeds increased with the increasing periods of hydropriming. Highest germination percentage value of 40% was recorded in average seed size of 1.4g A significant germination percentage of 100% was recorded in 1.4g seeds hydro-primed for 36hours. Least mean germination time of 8days was recorded for 1.4 and 3.3g seeds. Hydro-priming of 1.4g for 36hours enhances the germination percentage of V.doniana seeds. The study therefore recommends hydro-primng of 1.4g seeds for 36hours for mass production of its seedlings for agro-forestry systems.Keywords: Dormancy, Soaking and drying of seeds, Pre-sowing treatment, Germination, Agro-forestry specie

Farmers’ perception and Knowledge need for adoption of new cultivars of cassava in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State.

The study examined farmers’ perception and knowledge need for adoption new varieties of cassava in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State. The purpose of the research was to;( 1) ascertain how cassava farmers in the area perceive the new varieties of cassava vis-a-vis the technologies required for its propagation, and (2) the relationship between the existing and recommended knowledge of cassava cultivation in the area. Seventy six respondents used for the study were selected by random sampling while focus group discussion and interview schedule were employed to gather data. Data were analyzed by mean score analysis. The result of the analysis shows that majority (36.8%) were between 30- 39 years, 89% married and 34.2% had secondary education while 50% had regular extension contact. However, out of five (5) main recommended production technologies, only two- planting methods (51.3%) and weeding interval (56.6%) were in line with farmers’ previous experience or knowledge. Farmers perceived the new cassava cultivars as beneficial through its high yielding capacity (3.3*), fast maturity (3.1) and disease resistance (2.5) among others, while capital and marketing (3.2 apiece), farm size (3.0) were among the perceived constraints to adoption of the new cultivars. The study recommended among others formation of cooperative society to aid farming activities in the area. Keywords: awareness, benefit, constraints, knowledge of planting cassava, perception

Farmers' perception and Knowledge need for adoption of new cultivars of cassava in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State

The study examined farmers' perception and knowledge need for adoption new varieties of cassava in Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The purpose of the research was to; 1) ascertain how cassava farmers in the area perceive the new varieties of cassava vis-a-vis the technologies required for its propagation, and (2) the relationship between the existing and recommended knowledge of cassava cultivation in the area. Seventy-six respondents used for the study were selected by random sampling while focus group discussion and interview schedule were employed to gather data. Data were analyzed by mean score analysis. The result of the analysis shows that majority (36.8%) were between 30 to 39 years, 89% married and 34.2% had secondary education while 50% had regular extension contact. However, out of the five (5) main recommended production technologies, only twoplanting methods (51.3%) and weeding interval (56.6%) were in line with farmers' previous experience or knowledge. Farmers perceived the new cassava cultivars as beneficial through its high yielding capacity (3.3*), fast maturity (3.1) and disease resistance (2.5) among others, while capital and marketing (3.2 apiece), farm size (3.0) were among the perceived constraints to adoption of the new cultivars. The study recommended among others formation of cooperative society to aid farming activities in the area