EVALUATION OF PLANTING PERIODS AND FERTILIZER TYPES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER INTERCROPPED WITH PAWPAW VARIETIES

In a two phased field experiment conducted between 2006 and 2008 at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the performances of cucumber (Cucumber sativus L.) var. Market-more introduced into pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) var: ‘Homestead selection’ and ‘Sunrise solo’ at the early, simultaneous and late times of introduction using 10 t/ha OMF as basal application was evaluated. Also in the mixture, the best fertilizer type involving 10 t/ha OMF or NPK 15:15:15 at 125 kg / ha / month using the zero (0 t/ha) application as control was determined. The factorial experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The results indicated that except at early cucumber introduction, growth and yield depression occurred in the crop mixture compared to the sole in the main vine length, leaf area, number of fruits, fruit yield and relative yield total (RYT). The cucumber performance was better in juvenile pawpaw (one year old) than in mature pawpaw (two year old). Both early and simultaneous introductions under juvenile and mature pawpaw were significantly better than late introduction. The cucumber with OMF was higher than those with NPK treatment in main vine length (101.6 cm and 53.3 cm respectively) and both were significantly better than the control (38.6 cm), though plants with OMF and NPK both were not different in leaf area (4,844 and 4,874 cm2 respectively), while plants with NPK compared to OMF recorded higher number of fruits (16 and 14 respectively) and higher fruit yield (13.8 and 11.2 t/ha respectively). The LER > 1.0 recorded for both cucumbers in Sunrise or Homestead indicated yield advantages of the mixtures compared to the sole.Â

EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING PUMPKIN WITH CASSAVA ON SOIL MICRO- ENVIRONMENT, WEED CONTROL, CROP GROWTH AND YIELDS

Experiments were conducted in Abeokuta, Nigeria in a forest-savanna transition zone to evaluate the effects of intercropping pumpkin with cassava (Cv. Odongbo Idileru and TMS 30572) on soil micro environment, weed control, crop growth and yields. Experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Intercropping cassava with pumpkin significantly reduced supra-optimal soil temperature by 1.1-2.4 0C and weed biomass by 19-140%, and increased soil moisture content by 19-33g kg,-1 light interception by 67% and earthworm cast by 87% compared with sole cassava. Intercropping did not significantly affect the vegetative characters, number of days to harvesting and harvest duration of pumpkin, irrespective of the cassava cultivars. However, intercropping with cassava significantly increased the aggregate leaf area index of both crops by 35-77% and 45-58% compared with sole cropped pumpkin and cassava, respectively. Although, tuber yield of cassava was significantly reduced by 7-11% when intercropped with pumpkin, yield advantage of intercropping increased by 42-91% compared to sole cropping.  Irrespective of the cropping system; TMS 30572 produced higher tuber yield of 5-20% than “Idileru†and 21-41% than “Odongboâ€. It is concluded that pumpkin can be grown in mixture with cassava to provide a suitable environment for growth, but this depends on the cassava cultivar. Using a short early maturing cassava cultivar with a moderate leaf area index (TMS 30572) in a mixture with pumpkin is therefore recommended.Â

TUBE GRAFTING REDUCES INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF BACTERIAL WILT IN TWO TOMATO CULTIVARS IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Bacterial wilt, Ralstonia solanacearum, causes severe loss of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) pro-duction in Nigeria. Tube grafting of two tomato cultivars (Beske and UC82-B) on bacterial wilt-resistant tomato landrace rootstock (Tomachiva) was conducted to reduce incidence of bacterial wilt and in-crease the yield in the two cultivars. The experiments were laid in Randomized Complete Block De-sign (RCBD). Percentage incidence and Percentage Severity Index (PSI) of grafted tomato were 0.00% each in the early planting season. Incidence (1.70%) and PSI (1.50%) of grafted tomato were observed in late planting season. Non-grafted tomato had higher significant values of 42.50% and 38.80% in incidence and percentage severity index in late planting season. Grafting on Tomachiva effectively reduced the incidence and severity of bacterial wilt in two cultivars of tomato in southwest Nigeri

Genetics evaluation of phosphorus utilization in tropical cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp)

Genetics evaluation of phosphorus utilization in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) was studied in a cross involving a tropically adapted genotype (IT90K-277-2) with a reported positive response to rock phosphate (RP) and a second genotype (IT89KD-288) that responds negatively to RP, using generation mean analysis of the parents, their F1, F2 and the two backcross generations. Highly significant differences among the six generations with respect to seed phosphorus (P) concentration and grain yield per plant were observed. The F1 progenies produced seeds with higher seed P concentration (0.31 mg/g) than the mid-parent value (0.27mg/g). Mean yield per plant in the F1(48.03g) that was significantly greater than the mid-parent value (28.85g) was also observed suggesting positive heterosis for the two traits. Backcrossing to both parents showed good convergence of genes on the recurrent parents. Possibility of transgressive segregation for seed P concentration and grain yield per plant in the F2 generation was also observed. Absence of significant reciprocal differences among individuals in the F1 and F2 populations suggested lack of maternal and cytoplasmic effects. Non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis) made significant contributions to total genetic variations in both traits within the cross. Whereas seed P concentration was observed to be under polygenic control, number of genes for seed yield per plant was biased downward by epistasis. Observed narrow-sense heritability estimate (HN)) for seed P concentration of 50.51% and very low (0.040) expected genetic gain in the F3 over the F2 means suggested that although expected progress from selection could be lowered by non-additive gene effects, this trait could be transmitted to the offsprings of hybridization program with huge success, through backcrossing. Although, available soil P (6.03 – 8.09mg/kg) was observed to be below the critical level, phosphorus uptake in the F1 and the segregating generations was observed to be higher than what obtained in the parents to suggest that the progenies of a P-efficient x P-inefficient cross would be efficient in P utilization.Keywords: Generation mean analysis, Phosphorus uptake, Polygenes, Transgressive segregants, Tropical vigna

THE INFLUENCE OF TYPE OF CUTTING AND GROWING MEDIUM ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF SCORPION ORCHID (Arachnis maingayi) Hook.f. Schltr

Orchids are of importance primarily for their horticultural appeal and accounts for 8% of the world floricultural trade. Scorpion orchid (Arachnis maingayi Hook) is highly prized for its beautiful long lasting flowers, but it is under-exploited in many countries including Nigeria. There is the need to determine the best type of cutting and growing medium protocols for commercial production of this species. Seven homogenous growing media (sawdust, topsoil, charcoal, coconut husk, wood shavings, maize cobs and rice husk) and two types of cutting (apical and non-apical) were compared in a factorial experiment laid out in Completely Randomized Design with six replications at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria between 2010 and 2012. Data collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry weight, days to spiking, length and number of spike, size and number of florets were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s HSD at p ≤ 0.05 to separate treatment means. Apical cuttings were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) superior to non-apical cuttings in terms of all parameters assessed except floret diameter which was statistically similar. For growing medium, dry matter accumulation and spike yield were in the order of charcoal > rice husk > maize cob > topsoil > wood shavings > coconut husk. Apical cuttings planted in charcoal or rice husk gave the best results relative to other media. Thus, apical cutting is the best propagating technique and charcoal or rice husk is the best growing medium for scorpion orchid cultivation. &nbsp

EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING ON SOIL HYDRO-THERMAL REGIME, CROP PERFORMANCE AND WEED SITUATION IN A CASSAVA/OKRA INTERCROP

Experiments were conducted in Abeokuta, south-western Nigeria to evaluate the effect of intercropping okra with cassava (Cv. Odongbo Idileru and TMS 30572) on soil hydrothermal regime, weed control, crop growth and yields. Treatments were randomized within three blocks in a split-plot design. Main plot was cropping system and subplot was cassava variety. Intercropping of cassava with okra significantly reduced the soil temperature by 2-7 % and weeds biomass by 60-76 %, and increased soil moisture content by 8-21 % and light interception by 16 % compared with sole cassava. Number of surface earthworm casts was 176 % higher than in sole okra. Intercropping with cassava did not significantly affect the vegetative characters, number of days to flowering and harvesting and harvest duration of okra, irrespective of the cassava cultivars. Vegetative characters and tuber yield of cassava were also not significantly affected by intercropping with okra.  Tuber yield of Cv. Odongbo’ was significantly reduced by 15-21% than Idileru, and 31-35% than TMS 30572. Yield advantage of intercropping increased by 78-114% compared to sole cropping. It is concluded that okra can be grown in mixture with cassava to provide a suitable environment for growth, but this depends on the cassava cultivar. Using a short early maturing cassava cultivar, with a moderate leaf area index in a mixture with okra is therefore recommended.Â

VARIETAL RELEASE: RELEASE OF TWO DUAL PURPOSE OFADA RICE VARIETIES (FUNAABOR- 1 AND FUNAABOR-2) BY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA (FUNAAB)

Two new dual purpose Ofada rice varieties (Oryza sativa) were developed and released by Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in collaboration with National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria, Africa Rice Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria and National Rice/Maize Centre, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria. A bottom-top approach was used for Ofada rice seed collection (accessions) from Farmer’s field based on Farmer’s preference. The collected Ofada rice seed (mixtures) were purified and field selection done using recurrent selection methods for desired morpho-agronomic, adaptive and nutritional characters. Repeated cycles of selection was done resulting in four distinct Ofada rice varieties, while two outstanding and dual purpose; upland and lowland agroecologies (first of its type in Nigeria) Ofada rice varieties were selected; FUNAABOR- 1 (aka Ofada gold) and FUNAABOR -2 (aka Ofada white) were finally selected, registered and released, after they were tested for acceptability, adaptability and stability across all south western states and in addition Edo and Delta states of Nigeria. The distinctive and specific descriptors of both released Ofada rice varieties are hereby presented:Â

Influence of Organic Manure on Phosphorus and Potassium Fractions in Soil Planted with Soybean

Field experiments were carried out on the Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nigeria to determine the effects of poultry manure (PM) on soil P and K fractions and nutrient availability to soybean plants. Treatments consisted of five rates of PM (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 tha-1) and 100 kg ha-1 of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer as basal application. Soybean (TGx 1448-2E) was cultivated in two planting seasons. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replicates. During the second year (second season), treatments were not applied to evaluate residual effects. Results from phosphorus fractionation showed that residual P, redundant soluble P and occluded P had highest values of the inorganic P in the first planting season. Application of PM reduced P fixation, residual P and occluded P fractions in the soil in the second season. Available P significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in most treated soils and greater in second season. The values of total and mineral K were higher than those of the other forms. The abundance of soil K fractions in the soils followed the order: Total K > mineral K > non exchangeable K > 1N HCl K > 1N HNO3 K > available K > exchangeable K > water soluble K. There were increases in all the K fractions. Application of PM significantly increased concentrations of N, P and K in plant tissue. The study concluded that application of 10 tha-1 PM minimised P fixation, increased available K, increased nutrient uptake and improved crop yield in soybean. Therefore, poultry manure is recommended for production of soybean in Abeokuta soil

Speciation and dynamics of phosphorus in some organically amended soils of southwestern Nigeria

Availability of soil phosphorus (P) is a function of its dynamics and can be improved by using organic amendments. Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of poultry manure (PM) on soil P fractions and bioavailability to soybean (Glycine max). Soils from ten farmers’ fields in Southwest Nigeria, were used for incubation and pot experiments. Treatments were five rates of PM (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha−1). Triplicate units in incubation and pot experiments were arranged in Completely Randomised Design. Soybean was grown for three consecutive growth cycles of seven weeks each and soil samples were analysed for Saloid P, Al-P, Fe-P, Ca-P, occluded P, reductant soluble P, and residual P. Results indicated that Fe-P was the dominant active inorganic P in the soils while residual P was the dominant inactive inorganic-P in most of the soils. In the pot experiment, application of poultry manure significantly increased organic P in the soils in the first growth cycle, but decreased slightly in second growth cycle. Highest and lowest (P ≤ 0.05) organic P values were observed in soil samples from Ayetoro and Odeda, respectively. In the pot experiment, application of PM reduced P fixation and occluded P fraction in the soils. There was general increase in available P in most of the soils considered despite increase or decrease in other forms of P. Poultry manure reduced the fixation of P and release of occluded phosphorus. Generally, Poultry manure significantly improved soil P fractions and plant P tissue concentrations

Knowledge, Attitude, and Health Believes of Glaucoma Patients in a Nigerian Hospital

To find out the knowledge, attitude and health beliefs of glaucoma patients in Sagamu, Nigeria. A Prospective hospital based case series of 90 patients aged 5-87years who has been attending the glaucoma clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching hospital (OOUTH) was conducted. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire and the data obtained analyzed using Epi Info 2002. Overall 15.1% (13) had family history of glaucoma and only 18.1% had heard of glaucoma before their diagnosis was made.93.9% believed that glaucoma is a serious condition which can damage vision and 7.1% believed that they can recover from the illness after treatment. We conclude that glaucoma awareness among glaucoma patients was not high. Majority believed that they can recover from the illness after treatment. Health education programmes may help increase the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma. Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 50 (3&4) 2006: pp. 62-6