Effects of Weeding Frequency on the Yield and Shelf-life Performance of Tomato (Lycopersicon Lycopersicum (L) Mill.)

This study assessed the effects of different weeding frequencies on the yield, performance and shelf life of tomato. Plants under two weeks weeding interval, excelled in terms of growth, yield and storage performance compared to control and other plants under different weeding frequencies. The loss of frit it quality and rate of decay depended on the weeding frequencies and storage methods. For all the parameters investigated, fruits from no weeding (control) appeared to be more perishable in all the three storage methods than 2 weeks weeding interval. Incubator was the most effective storage method but not significantly different from that of evaporative coolant structure irrespective of the weeding frequencies Evaporative coolant structure was discovered to be more beneficial and convenient for the rural farmers because it is cheaper, accessible and stores tomato fruits well for a considerable length of time

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, fruit yield, nutritional and lycopene contents of three varieties of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Field experiments were carried out to assess the impact of 100% NPK fertilizer recommendation (300 kg NPK 20:10:10), 100% Tithonia compost (TC), 75% NPK + 25% TC, 50% NPK + 50% TC, 25% NPK + 75% TC and control (non-fertilized plant) on the growth, fruit yield, nutritional and lycopene contents of three tomato varieties (Raoma VF; Ogbomoso local and Califonia wonder). The experiment was a split plot fitted into a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and reproductive parameters, fruit and seed attributes, and fruit proximate and nutritional contents. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance to determine significant means. Significant varietal  differences were observed among the tomato varieties in terms of growth, fruit yield and nutritional  attributes. The plant dry matter yield was highest in Ogbomoso local and least in Roma VF. Fruit yield  obtained with Ogbomoso local was 45 and 56% higher than what was obtained for Roma VF and Califonia  wonder, respectively. In terms of vitamin C content, Roma VF fertilized with 50% NPK + 50% TC gave  the highest value which is 23 to 67% higher than values obtained from the other treatment combinations.  Again, irrespective of variety, organically grown tomato contains higher content of lycopene. It was also observed that the higher the proportion of TC compost in the treatments, the better the lycopene content. It could be concluded that the use of organic fertilizer has potential in improving the growth, fruit yield and nutritional contents of any of the three tomato varieties studied. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, compost, inorganic fertilizers, fruit yield, nutritional quality, lycopene content.Abbreviation: TC, Tithonia compost; WAT, week after transplanting; TSS, total soluble solid

Effect on some management practices on the performance of tomato (Lycopersicon eseulentum: mill)

Two experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan during thel997 and 1998 cropping seasons, to investigate the combined effects of tillage, staking and mulching on the grow.th and yield fJel"fonnance of tomatoes. Growth, yield and yield parameters of tomato were significantly (P<0.05) affected by all the treabnent combinations. Treabnent with full complement of management practices (i.e. tillage, staking and mulching) gave the best result for all parameters  considered while the control (no tillage, no staking and no mulching) gave the poorest performance in temis of growth and fruit yield A combination of tillage, staking and mulching was found to be one of the cultural inputs capable of enhancing tomato production in the sou/hem guinea savanna ecological zone

Qualitative assessment of the conservative management of nocturia with standardised written materials for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in men treated in primary care

Background: Many men prefer conservative treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but education and self-help guidance are limited in primary care. Objective: To report qualitative interview findings for men reporting nocturia in a primary care setting for LUTS. Design, setting, and participants: TRIUMPH (Treating Urinary Symptoms in Men in Primary Healthcare) is a multicentre cluster randomised trial of standardised manualised care (a booklet delivered by a health care professional) versus usual care for LUTS. The participants (524 in the intervention arm and 553 in the usual care arm) were men presenting for primary care for LUTS at 30 general practice (GP) sites in the UK. Intervention: Delivery of a LUTS self-management booklet by health care staff in comparison to usual care for men with LUTS. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The qualitative component included 58 early-stage (0–3 mo after study enrolment) and 33 late-stage (3–9 mo later) interviews with participants to assess their experience of LUTS and conservative treatment in primary care. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for interview. Results and limitations: Nocturia is a common driver for seeking health care and is perceived by men as relatively acceptable to discuss. Information and self-help guidance were largely absent from descriptions of GP consultations, other than reducing evening caffeine and fluid intake. The TRIUMPH LUTS intervention booklet offers explanations and self-management guidance. Men with long-term disruptive symptoms, a perception that the booklet content was novel or worthwhile, and a belief that self-management might help, were more receptive to the intervention. In follow-up, improvements in nocturia were related to successful implementation of several aspects of the guidance. Most men were willing to complete a bladder diary, but some found it inconvenient, especially men in employment. The characteristics of the trial population mean that the findings may not apply to all men. Conclusions: Reassuring men that nocturia is part of ageing without offering them information and support risks reinforcing the tendency to discount problematic LUTS. The trial booklet and the training of health care professionals support guidance on nocturia self-management, which is most effective for men receptive to this approach. However, the nature of the trial population means that the findings may not apply to all men. Patient summary: Men are more comfortable in discussing waking at night to urinate than talking about other urinary symptoms with their GP. This problem should lead to a detailed discussion of all urinary symptoms rather than being thought of as a sign of ageing. An information booklet and nurse consultation helped many men to improve this symptom