Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the early growth of Tamarindus indica L. in Makurdi, Nigeria

Tamarindus indica, commonly known as Tamarind is one of the important multipurpose tropical fruit tree species in the tropical region. To effectively harness the potentials of this species, emphasis must be made for improving their demand as plantation trees, and also their early growth, and speed up their full development rate. The study was conducted to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the early growth of Tamarindus indica in the Forestry Nursery of Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. Seeds were procured, pre-treated with 50 % sulphuric acid for 60 minutes to break seed dormancy and sown in the poly pots filled with top soil. Two weeks after germination, 10 potted seedlings each were divided into 4 groups of 3 different levels of inorganic and organic fertilizer applications in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. Fertilizers were applied using ring method. Data collected for early growth parameters were seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves produced. The growth parameters were measured at two weeks interval for six weeks. The results showed that application of organic manure at various doses yielded better growth and seedlings quality of Tamarindus indica as compared to NPK (15:15:15) and Urea fertilizer. Urea treatment was toxic to the seedlings at all levels of applications which led to the death of the seedlings. NPK applied at 6 grams and 9 grams were also toxic to the seedlings which also led to high mortality rate after application. From the results obtained in this experiment it was that organic manure (cow dung) should be utilized to make nutrient available for optimal growth of Tamarindus indica seedlings and the application of fertilizers (NPK and Urea) above 3 grams on Tamarindus indica seedlings should be discouraged.Keywords: Tamarindus indica, Cowdung, NPK, Urea, early growt

Effect of Agroforestry Trees on Chemical Properties of Vertisols of the Sahel Region of Borno State, Nigeria

Agroforestry practices involving the planting or retention of trees on croplands have been proposed as a simple solution to the restoration of soil fertility, especially in the semi arid regions. To test the validity of this proposal, a study to evaluate the contribution of 15 years old plantations of Acacia nilotica, Acacia senegal, Balanites aegyptiaca trees to soil fertility was undertaken on Borno vertisols. Soil samples were taken from the treated and control plots, these were analysed for soil pH, Organic matter, Nitrogen, phosphorus and Effective cation exchange capacity. The experimental design adopted was a Randomised Complete Block Design replicated four times. The result indicated a lowering of the soil pH under the tree covers while there was an increase in organic matter content in soils under Acacia senegal, increased total Nitrogen under Acacia nilotica and Acacia senegal. Changes in Phosphorus and effective cation exchange capacity did not show any specific pattern.Key Words: Vertisol, Agroforestry tree species, Chemical propertie

Pre-treatment, Germination and Growth Performance of Detarium microcarpum Seeds in three Planting Media

Effect of 20%, 40% and 60% sulphuric acid concentrations on the pretreatment of Detarium microcarpum and seedling growth was studied using standard techniques. Seeds were collected and tested by floating. Results showed that seeds treated with 40% H2SO4 for 10 and 30 mins planted in river sand; 60% H2SO4 for 30 mins planted in top soil and those planted in untreated seeds had the highest (4) germination. Germination percentage of was highest (80%) with 40% H2SO4 treated seeds for 10 and 30 mins planted in river sand; control (river sand, river sand + top soil); 20% H2SO4 for 10 mins planted in top soil and 60% H2SO4 for 30 mins planted in river sand. Emergence index and emergence rate index of seeds followed same trend as germination percentage of seeds. The highest mean (16 cm) height of seedlings was recorded from river sand without H2SO4 seed treatment (control).Mean values of collar diameter, leaf area and number of leaves also follow same trend ofseedling height. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in seedling height, collar diameter, leaf area and number of leaves among seeds grown in different media and control. Seeds treated with 40% H2SO4 and plated in river sand had the highest number of germinations and river sand was the best media of growth

Effect of Acid Pretreatment of Seeds on the Germination and Early Growth of Albizia lebbek (L) Benth in Makurdi, Benue State-Nigeria

The seeds of A. lebbeck exhibit physical dormancy, which leads to poor seed germination due to a tough seed coat, which has prevented the species from being domesticated in the study area. Pre-sowing treatments are therefore necessary to increase seed germination and reduce germination period. This study aims at the evaluation of the impact of acid pretreatment on seed dormancy and growing seedlings of A. lebbeck for the establishment of plantations in Benue state, Nigeria, where it is lacking. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with six pretreatments (soaked) with the used of acids. The pretreatments include: sulphuric acid (70 % H2SO4) for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes; nitric acid (70 % HNO3) for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes; and untreated seeds (control); and replicated thrice. Two seeds were sown in each plastic pot and later thinned to one seed per pot after germination. A total of 144 plastic pots were used. The immersion in 70 % nitric acid for 5 minutes as pretreatment of A. lebbeckyielded the highest germination percentage (50%) and immersion in nitric acid for 2 minutes had the highest emergence index (38). According to the study's findings, pre-treating A. lebbeck with 70 % nitric acid breaks dormancy better and promotes faster growth. Thus, it is recommended that pretreatment of A. lebbeck seeds with 70% nitric acid for five minutes before sowing should be adopted to grow the species faster in the study area

Coinfections of African swine fever virus, porcine circovirus 2 and 3, and porcine parvovirus 1 in swine in Nigeria

As pig production increases in Africa, it is essential to identify the pathogens that are circulating in the swine population to assess pig welfare and implement targeted control measures. For this reason, DNA samples collected from pigs in Nigeria in the context of African swine fever monitoring were further screened by PCR for porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2), porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3), and porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1). Forty-seven (45%) pigs were positive for two or more pathogens. Sequence analysis identified PCV-2 genotypes a, b, and d, while limited genetic heterogenicity was observed among PCV-3 strains. All except one of the PPV1 sequences were genetically distinct from those previously identified in other countries