The influence of cropping systems on the population and build up of pigeonpea insect pests at vegetative phase

The influence of different intercrops comprising pigeonpea +yam, pigeonpea + cassava, pigeonpea + cocoyam, pigeonpea + maize and pigeonpea sole on the vegetative damage by insect pests was studied on pigeonpea plants at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka during 2002 and 2003 cropping year. Monitoring of insect population at vegetative phase comprised five (5) intercrops laid down using Randomized Complete Block Design in four replications. Damage on the vegetative parts was done by rating scale. Result from the studies showed that pigeonpea in inter-crops involving cassava and maize recorded low vegetative damage while inter-crops involving yam, cocoyam and sole crops had moderate damage. Generally, insect population counts were found statistically significant at 5% probability level. Maize and cassava inter-crops recorded the lowest population counts and highest on pigeonpea + cocoyam, pigeonpea + yam and pigeonpea sole crops. However, the population of grasshoppers were significantly higher in pigeonpea sole crops. Followed by pigeonpea + cassava inter-crops. The population of beetles were found not significant though there were higher number of leafbeetles in sole pigeonpea compared to other inter-crops. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 7(2) 2006: 15-1

Nursery and Field Establishment of Moringa Oleifera: The Federal University Of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria Experience

Moringa oleifera fondly called “The miracle tree” is currently drawing global attention as a multi-utility plant. The products of this miracle plant (also called a life saver) have been reported to be useful to nutritionists, animal scientists, pathologists, entomologists, environmentalists, practitioners of natural medicine, etc. Though the Moringa tree is widespread throughout the tropics, around farms and compounds and often used as fence especially in Northern Nigeria, not much has been done to enhance its large scale production to ensure sustained availability. The Federal University of Technology, Owerri has keyed into the Moringa oleifera initiative through its Centre for Agricultural Research. About 2 hectares of this plant have been successfully established in the University farm sourced from different locations (Ilorin, and Lafiagi in Kwara State and Mokwa in Niger State), all in Nigeria. So far, some nursery practices have been developed for this crop including the avoidance of heavy shades and seed dressing with Apron Star 42 WS® (20% Thiamethoxam + 20% Metalaxyl-M + 2% Difenoconazol). Field trials are currently going on to monitor the performance of the seedlings in the field

Preliminary Evaluation of Nursery and Early Field Propagation Practices for Jatropha curcas L. at Owerri, Nigeria.

Jatropha curcas dubbed ‘the best source of biofuel production among the various plant - based fuel resources the world over’ is reputed to yield substantial quantity of seed oil which can be converted to biodiesel without refining. Though the Jatropha plant is found growing in semi arid, arid and tropical environments, around farms and compounds and often used as fence especially in Northern Nigeria, not much has been done to enhance its large scale production to ensure sustained availability. The Federal University of Technology, Owerri has keyed into the Jatropha initiative through its Centre for Agricultural Research. About 2 hectares of this plant have been successfully established in the University farm sourced from different locations (Ilorin, and Lafiagi in Kwara State and Mokwa in Niger State), all in Nigeria. So far, some nursery practices have been developed for this crop including the avoidance of heavy shades and seed dressing with Apron Star 42 WS® (20% Thiamethoxam + 20% Metalaxyl-M + 2% Difenoconazol). Field trials are currently going on to monitor the performance of the seedlings in the field.Key words: Jatropha, Nursery, Field Establishment, CAR, FU