Application of biological and digital technologies in resolving the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production in Nigeria

The COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked great havoc in many spheres of life, including education, health, economy, and agriculture. This paper x-rayed the effects of the pandemic on crop production in Nigeria, and efforts made to proffer viable solutions through the application of biological and digital technologies. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production was palpable in shortage of farm labour and labour immobility, disruption of agricultural input supply chain (e.g., fertilizers, agrochemicals, and seeds) and food distribution network. These irregularities grossly escalated food insecurity challenges, sparked price hikes, increased hunger and food losses. Considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production which invariably extends to farmers’ income, food security, family nutrition and health, prompt measures to minimize the onward transmission among key players in crop production and food supply chain are imperative. The application of biological technologies including vaccination, use of natural herbs and spices, organic agriculture options (such as organic manuring, use of botanical protectants, farmers’ own seeds, cover cropping, mulching, biofertilizers, etc.), agricultural mechanization, and the digital technologies (mobile phones, remote sensing services, online platforms, robotics and artificial intelligence) would go a long way in resolving the negative effects of the pandemic on crop production in Nigeria. Strict adherences to the recommended public health safety measures (social distancing, compulsory use of face masks in the public, regular hand hygiene, covering of one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing, disinfection of high touch surfaces) are crucial in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 infection. Key words: COVID-19 pandemic, crop production, food security, bio-and digital technologies, Nigeri

Effect of pig manure on growth and productivity of twenty accessions of Moringa oleifera in Nigeria

An experiment to determine the effect of pig waste on the survival, growth and productivity of 20 accessions of Moringa oleifera from the various agroecologies in Nigeria was conducted from August 2011 to November 2012. The experiment was a factorial combination of 3 rates of pig waste – 0, 10 and 20 t/ha – and 20 accessions of Moringa oleifera. Analysis of variance results indicated a general decline in survival percentage of the accessions with time with the Kolo accession showing the highest survival percentage of 84.4% 15 months after transplanting, while Baruten recorded the lowest survival rate (37.8%). There were significant variations across accessions in all the morphological and pod and seed parameters evaluated. The accession from Kolo showed the tallest plants and the widest stem girth while Ugya produced more leaves at the last measurement. Kolo, Ugya, Idere and Awo - Garaji had comparatively higher dry weights than other accessions. There was a linear response to pig waste application although the 0 and 10 t/ha rates were statistically the same. Variation in the pattern of response of reproductive parameters to organic manure was noticed with Baruten and Zaria not producing viable pods at manure rate of 10 t/ha while Idere and Maiduguri failed to bear pods at rates of 20 t/ha. Accessional differences in survival and growth can be exploited for selection and breeding purposes while organic manure can be utilized to improve growth and yield of the species.Keywords: accessions, Moringa oleifera, pig waste, growth, productivit

Nutritional diversity in accessions of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora L.) sourced from southwestern Nigeria as influenced by collection center and processing

Nut collection expeditions of Plukenetia conophora L. were made to 10 locations in southwestern Nigeria. Seeds extracted were cooked or not and  were assayed for phytochemical and mineral contents. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Omuwo-Oke accession had highest phenol and tannin whereas Ijan had highest phytate; alkaloids and glycosides were higher in Ara accession than others. Accession obtained from Aramoko gave highest iron concentration while the lowest was in Ogotun accession. The concentrations of K, Mg and Na were higher in Ogotun accession while the lowest was found in Alafe, Agbado and Aba-Oyo, respectively. Alafe accession had highest concentration of phosphorus but lower concentration  was obtained in Ogotun. Zinc was highest in collection from Aramoko while Abgado accession had the lowest. Phenol, phytate, alkaloids and glycosides were higher in boiled nuts than fresh nuts but tannin was higher in fresh nuts. K, Mg, Zn and Na were higher in fresh nuts than boiled  nuts. Higher concentration of Fe and P were recorded in boiled nuts. Genotype x traits biplot analysis revealed that cooked nuts from Agbado, Alafe,  and Aramoko had higher values for glycosides. Alkaloid was more pronounced in fresh nut from Ara. Fresh nuts from Aba-Oyo and Agbado gave higher values for phytate. Tannin was highest in fresh nuts from Omuo-Oke and boiled nuts from Igbara-Odo while phenol was higher in boiled nut from Omuo-Oke. Biplot analysis for minerals revealed higher concentration of Zn, NFE, Na and P in boiled nuts from Aramoko, Omuo- Oke, Igbara-Odo, Ogotun and Ijan. Mg was highest in fresh nuts from Ara and Igbara-Odo. Tannin and alkaloids had negative significant  relationship (r = –0.581*) but the relationship between glycosides and alkaloids was positive and significant (r = 0.520*). Zn had significant  relationships with Mg and P (r = 0.590* and –0.551*, respectively). Similarly, Na had positive relationships with K and Mg (r = 0.599** and 0.491*,  respectively). Mg and K had an r-value of 0.502*. Inter-correlative responses between the phytochemicals and minerals revealed that only  glycosides had significant relationships with K, Mg and Zn (which were negative) as well as with P (which was positive). Data obtained suggested sufficient genetic diversity in nuts of Plukenetia sourced from southwestern Nigeria, indicating posibility for selection. Besides, cooking had  signifcant (in some cases, positive) effect on the phytochemicals and minerals assayed. Key words: African walnut, accessions, phytochemical, minerals, processin

The role of trees and plantation agriculture in mitigating global climate change

Climate change refers to a paradigm shift in the climatic pattern of a location, region or planet which is linked with average weather components, such as temperature, wind patterns and precipitations. Climate change results in erratic events such as rising global temperature, intensified drought, flooding, cyclones, low or poor agricultural productivity, loss of biodiversity and shifting of seasons. Natural processes such as variations in the intensity of the sun, eruptions from volcanoes, very slow changes in ocean circulations and land surfaces can cause this global climate change but human activities are by far the major causes through the continuous release of greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere, by altering land surfaces, and or depleting the ozone layer. The most environmentally conservative response to climate change mitigation would be to stop the consumption of fossil fuels and production of methane and chlorofluorocarbons; but these options may not be feasible until alternative technologies emanate. Considering the large amounts of carbon accumulated as biomass in plantations, extensive planting of trees, which posses large canopies that are able to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, could help mitigate the rising atmospheric CO2 levels. The roles of plantations in mitigating global climate change are related, but not limited to the following: the influence of trees on the hydrologic cycle, the barrier against destructive windstorm and desertification, conservation of the soil surface against erosion and intense heat, binding action of the dense root system, sustainable biodiversity, provision of renewable and bioenergy, nutritious food, employment, and rural income, and the reservoir of sequestered carbon. There is an urgent need to properly integrate trees and plantations in our agricultural systems, homes, institutions, markets, parks and other public places. This would not only help to reduce the build-up of carbondioxide and other atmospheric impurities but also increase the produce from plantation crops in a locality thereby mitigating against food insecurity and poverty.Keywords: Climate-change, trees, mitigation, adaptation, carbon sequestration, food security, sustainable agricultur

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the postharvest fruit qualities of four "musa" (AAB sub-group) genotypes in sub-humid zone of Nigeria

The postharvest fruit quality responses of four plantain genotypes (‘29525’, ‘30456-3’, ‘PITA 14’ and Agbagba) to fertilizer types (inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer and control (no fertilizer) were evaluated in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 cropping seasons. The experimental design was a 4 x 3 factorial in randomized block design with three replications. There were significant differences (

Effect of Moringa Oleifera Aqueous Leaf Extract on Some Haematological Indices in Wistar Rats

The use of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in the treatment of virtually all ailments calls for further research to support the claim for its ability to boost blood. Thirty six albino rats of the Wistar strain weighing 200-230g were sorted into groups according to their weights and sex. The animals were divided into two groups, male and female. Three (3) test groups (1%, 5%, and 10% w/w) for the males containing five (5) animals each and a control group, for the females, three (3) test groups (1%, 5%, and 10% w/w) and control group with four (4) animals each. The result of haematological indices in female Wistar rats administered aqueous extract of M. oleifera shows that Hb count generally increased significantly in all the groups compared with their control group. Similarly, PCV and WBC generally increased in all the groups, this increase was significant for WBC in all the groups. RBC values showed a non-significant (p>0.05) value at 1% treated group but a significant increases (p<0.05) were obtained in the 5% and 10% treated groups. In the male animals, the result showed that hemoglobin count (Hb) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the group that was given 1% M. oleifera compared with the control group while there was a non-significant (p>0.05) increase Hb count in the 5% treated group. Generally, PCV count shows a dose dependent increase with 10% having the highest PCV count when compared with the control. Similarly, the WBC count also shows a dose dependent increase when compared with the control. RBC count showed a general decrease in all the exposed groups compared with their relative control. In conclusion, M. oleifera may increase PCV, HB and RBC counts, its use must be well regulated because of the fact that it increases WBC count, a possible toxicological response. Key words: haematology, Moringa oleifera, toxicological response, haemoglobin

Water Stress Effects on Plantain (MUSA sp. aab) Suckers Grown Under Varying Nitrogen and Watering Regimes

Plantain suckers (Musa sp.) raised under four nitrogen rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) and three watering intervals (6, 9, 12 days) were subjected to water stress in a glasshouse experiment. Nitrogen rates did not significantly affect growth before water stress. After water stress induction, suckers grown with 300 kg ha-1 produced more photosynthetically active leaves, larger leaf area and thicker pseudostems. Nitrogen at 200 kg ha-1 resulted in highest total dry matter accumulation while 100 kg ha-1 favoured more root development. Frequently watered plants (6-day interval) initially produced more leaves which were not sustained during the water stress, but the 9-day watering intervald higher total number of leaves and taller suckers after water stress. Suckers watered at 12-day intervalid higher leaf nitrogen content and leaf dry matter than other watering regimes. A positive relationship between dry matter production and nitrogen rates after water stress was observed. Suckers raised with 200 kg ha-1 and watered at 9-day interval were more vigorous and tolerant to water stress. This combination is recommended as a practice for raising plantain suckers in areas where dry seasons are unavoidable after field establishement.Les rejets de plantain (Musa sp.) eleves sous 4 nivaux d'azote (0, 100, 200 et 300 kg de N/ha) et 3 intervalles d'eau (6,9,12 jours) etaient soumis au stress d'eau sous serre experimentale vitree. Les taux d'azote n'ont pas significativement affecte la croissance avant le stress en eau. Apres l'induction du stress d'eau, les rejets plantes avec 300 kg de N/ha produisaient de feuilles plus larges et plus actives photosynthetiquement et des pseudotroncs plus epais. 200 kg de N/ha permettaient l'accumulation de la plus grande quantite de matiere seche alors que 100 kg de N/ha favorisait le developpement des racines. Les intervalles d'eau de 6 jours produisaient au debut plus de feuilles qui n'etaient plus soutenues durant le stress d'eau, mais 9 jours d'intervalles d'eau produisaient le nombre total des feuilles le plus eleve et des rejetons plus grands apres les stress d'eau. Les rejetons arroses tous les 12 jours d'intervalle avaient des feuilles avec le niveau d'et de matiere seche le plus eleve que les autres regimes d'arrosage. Un rapport positif entre la production de matiere seche et le taux d'apres le stress d'eau etait observe. Les rejets eleves avec 200 kg de N/ha et arroses tous les 9 jours d'intervalle etaient plus vigoureux et tolerant au stress d'eau. Cette combinaison etait recommandee comme une pratique de dressage de rejetons de plantain le ou les saisons seches sont inevitables apres leur etablissement au champ

Response of Musa species to macro-propagation. II: The effects of genotype, initiation and weaning media on sucker growth and quality in the nursery

Sucker plantlets of five Musa genotypes were derived from sword-sucker-corms using ricehull and sawdust as initiation media. Plantlets initiated were transferred to three weaning/rooting media formulated with ricehull (RH), sawdust (SD) and poultry manure (PM). Weaning media and genotypes had significant (P<0.05) effects on most of the sucker plantlet growth parameters studied. There was variable adaptation pattern of genotypes to weaning/rooting media. RH+PM (3:1 v/v) enhanced the best sucker quality in terms of number of photosynthetically active leaves, plant height, plant girth and plant vigor in four ('PITA 22', 'Agbagba', 'FHIA 17' and 'Nsukka local') out of the five genotypes evaluated. Except 'PITA 25' all other genotypes had the poorest performance in SD+PM (3:1 v/v). Medium SD+RH+PM (1.5:1.5:1 v/v/v) supported good quality sucker in 'Agbagba', 'FIHA 17', 'Nsukka Local' and 'PITA 25'. Percent survival in each weaning medium was influenced by genotype and the rooting status of plantlets at the time of excision. However, from the study RH+PM was adjudged the best medium for raising plantlets to vigorous suckers for field planting