Utjecaj malčiranja na učestalost virusnih bolesti, rast i prinos slatke paprike (Capsicum annuum)

Sweet pepper is attacked by a number of viruses which cause serious yield losses for many growers. The influence of mulching on virus disease incidence in sweet pepper was studied under irrigation in NIHORT. Healthy seedlings were transplanted to the field and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Different mulch used included air-dried leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Tithonia diversifolia (Tithonia), Neem + Tithonia (w/w) and plastic mulch (white, black and yellow) while the control had no mulch. Incidence and severity of virus-like diseases on growth and yield were evaluated. Result indicated that plants grown using white plastic mulch had the lowest disease incidence of 34.43%. Plants grown with Tithonia, Neem, and Neem + Tithonia mulch had high disease incidence of 100%, 88%, and 90.60% respectively. Average virus disease severity ranged from 2.30 and 3.33 on a scale of 1-5 scoring system. Symptoms observed on symptomatic plants include mosaic, mottle, wrinkle and leaf reduction. Plots treated with black plastic mulch produced the lowest fruit weight, while the white and yellow plastic mulch induced highest fruit weight found. The results obtained showed that white and yellow plastic mulches are effective management options for viruses of sweet pepper.Slatku papriku napadaju brojni virusi, koji mnogim uzgajivačima uzrokuju ozbiljne gubitke prinosa. Utjecaj malčiranja na učestalost virusnih bolesti u slatke paprike proučen je tijekom navodnjavanja u Nacionalnome hortikulturnom istraživačkom institutu (NIHORT). Zdrave su sadnice presađene u polje i posložene prema nasumičnome potpunom bločnom rasporedu (RCBD). Različiti korišteni malč uključivao je zrakom sušene listove drveta Azadirachta indica (nima), Tithonia diversifolia (titonije), nima + titonije (bijeli / bijeli) i plastični malč (bijeli, crni i žuti), dok kontrolni tretman nije sadržavao malč. Vrjednovana je učestalost i težina virusnih bolesti s obzirom na rast i prinos. Rezultat je indicirao da su biljke uzgojene uz uporabu bijeloga plastičnog malča imale najmanju učestalost bolesti od 34,43%. Biljke uzgojene s malčem od titonije, nima te nima + titonije imale su visoku učestalost bolesti od 100, 88, odnosno 90,60%. Prosječna težina virusnih bolesti kretala se od 2,30 do 3,33 na ljestvici bodovnoga sustava od 1 do 5. Promatrani znaci na simptomatičnim biljkama uključuju mozaičnost, pjegavost, zgužvanost i smanjenje listova. Čestice tretirane crnim plastičnim malčem proizvele su najmanju težinu ploda, dok su bijeli i žuti plastični malč inducirali najvišu ustanovljenu težinu ploda. Dobiveni rezultati pokazali su da su bijeli i žuti plastični malčevi djelotvorne opcije upravljanja virusima slatke paprike

Insecticidal Activities of Aqueous Extracts of Five Nigerian Aromatic Spices against Garden Eggplant Defoliators and Fruit Borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee: Lepidoptera: Crambidae

 The study evaluated the prospects of aqueous extracts of five Nigerian spices against garden eggplant defoliators and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) in the field. The treatments consisted of Piper guineense (black pepper), Aframomum melegueta (aligator pepper), Eugenia aromatica (cloves), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Capsicum annum (chilli pepper) and untreated check (control). All the aqueous extracts evaluated reduced leaf damaged by defoliators on garden eggplant compared to control. P. guineense, with mean value of 11.02 number of perforations, was the most effective against defoliators, followed by E. aromatica (12.97) reducing leaf damage by 39.64 and 28.74%, respectively. However, their efficacies against defoliating insects were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among other extracts. P. guineense was also more effective than other spices against infestations by garden eggplant fruit borer and larvae density on fruits with mean values of 1.07 and 0.47, respectively. Plots treated with P. guineense recorded highest fruit yield (629 g/plant), followed by E. aromatica (219.3 g/plant). Piper guineense and E. aromatica extracts were thus more efficacious than other spices against defoliating and fruit boring insects of garden eggplants. Adopting the applications of extracts from these spices in home garden will minimize environmental and health hazards associated chemical pesticides and enhance healthy living among the populace. Keywords: spices, aqueous extracts, garden eggplant, Leucinodes orbonalis

Effects of Neem Aqueous Extract (Azadirachta indica) against Aphids and Aphid-borne Virus in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Pests and diseases are among the major factors limiting plant growth and yields. Pests are known vectors of pathogens including viruses. Proper management of plant pests is an indirect means of controlling viral diseases in plants. This study aimed at comparing the potential of neem extract and a synthetic insecticide (lambda cyhalothrin) for the management of aphids and Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in five different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes and to determine the residual effects of the insecticide in the cowpea grains. The experimental field was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included; spraying of cowpea plots with aqueous neem extract and lambda cyhalothrin (LC) twice at foliage stage, once at flowering and podding stages. Control plots were left unsprayed. Data were obtained on growth and yields of cowpea genotypes as well as the pest and virus disease traits. Results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that variations attributable to genotypes were significant (p ≤ 0.01) for cowpea yields and virus disease traits. Treatments applied influenced the occurrence of pests and virus diseases. Neem extract reduced aphid infestations and virus diseases as much as the insecticide. Ife BPC accumulated a very high level of LC (1.14 ppm) in its grain when compared with the maximum residue level (MRL) for lambda cyalothrin in cowpea seeds. The study concludes that the use of eco-friendly bio-pesticide such as neem aqueous extract is effective for the management of aphids and aphid-borne virus in cowpea fields. Keywords: Aphids; aqueous extract; cowpea; neem; pesticide; viru

Cowpea viruses: Effect of single and mixed infections on symptomatology and virus concentration

Natural multiple viral infections of cultivated cowpeas have been reported in Nigeria. In this study, three Nigerian commercial cowpea cultivars ("Olo 11", "Oloyin" and "White") and two lines from the IITA (IT86D- 719 and TVU 76) were mechanically inoculated with Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), Bean southern mosaic virus (SBMV) and Cowpea mottle virus (CMeV) singly, as well as in all possible combinations at 10, 20 and 30 days after planting (DAP). Samples of leaves or stems were collected at 10, 20 and 30 days after inoculation (DAI) and analyzed for relative virus concentration by Enzyme-Linked Immunosrbent Assay. All the cultivars and lines {CVS/L} were susceptible to the viruses but the commercial CVS showed more severe symptoms and had relatively higher viral concentration. In single virus infections, CABMV which induced the most severe symptoms had absorbance values (at 405 nm) of 0.11 to 0.46 while SBMV and CMeV which induced moderate symptoms had virus titre of 0.74 to 1.99 and 0.11 to 0.90 respectively. Plants inoculated 10 DAP had significantly higher virus concentration than those inoculated 30 DAP. In mixed infections involving CABMV (10 DAP) apical necrosis and death were observed in commercial cultivars "Olo 11" and "White". Enhancement of CMeV titers were observed in plants infected with CMeV + CABMV. Multiple viral infections of cowpeas may result in complete yield loss, hence, the availability of seeds of cultivars with a high level of multiple virus resistance is recommended as a means of control

Strengthening retinopathy of prematurity screening and treatment services in Nigeria: a case study of activities, challenges and outcomes 2017-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) will become a major cause of blindness in Nigerian children unless screening and treatment services expand. This article aims to describe the collaborative activities undertaken to improve services for ROP between 2017 and 2020 as well as the outcome of these activities in Nigeria. DESIGN: Descriptive case study. SETTING: Neonatal intensive care units in Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS: Staff providing services for ROP, and 723 preterm infants screened for ROP who fulfilled screening criteria (gestational age <34 weeks or birth weight ≤2000 g, or sickness criteria). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A WhatsApp group was initiated for Nigerian ophthalmologists and neonatologists in 2018. Members participated in a range of capacity-building, national and international collaborative activities between 2017 and 2018. A national protocol for ROP was developed for Nigeria and adopted in 2018; 1 year screening outcome data were collected and analysed. In 2019, an esurvey was used to collect service data from WhatsApp group members for 2017-2018 and to assess challenges in service provision. RESULTS: In 2017 only six of the 84 public neonatal units in Nigeria provided ROP services; this number had increased to 20 by 2018. Of the 723 babies screened in 10 units over a year, 127 (17.6%) developed any ROP; and 29 (22.8%) developed type 1 ROP. Only 13 (44.8%) babies were treated, most by intravitreal bevacizumab. The screening criteria were revised in 2020. Challenges included lack of equipment to regulate oxygen and to document and treat ROP, and lack of data systems. CONCLUSION: ROP screening coverage and quality improved after national and international collaborative efforts. To scale up and improve services, equipment for neonatal care and ROP treatment is urgently needed, as well as systems to monitor data. Ongoing advocacy is also essential

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Assessment of different kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) accessions in hormone-free plant growth medium and identification of the associated fungal contaminants

Kenaf is an industrial crop, which serves as income to small-holder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, the oily and recalcitrant nature of its seeds makes seed germination during conventional propagation almost impossible. Plant tissue culture is a viable alternative to conventional propagation of kenaf seeds, however, it requires the use of expensive plant growth hormones and it is prone to fungal contaminations. This study therefore aimed at comparing the seedling growth of four different accessions of kenaf seeds (Tianung 2, Ifeken 100, Ifeken 400, and Ifeken D1 400) in half-strength growth hormone-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium as well as to identify the associated fungal contaminants in this medium. Data were obtained on plant length (cm), plant width (mm), number of leaves, leaf length (cm), number of roots, and root length (cm) at 14 days after culture (DAC). There were significant differences in all the growth parameters observed (p&lt;0.05) except the plant width (mm) [p&gt;0.05] at 14 DAC. Ifeken 400 had the highest average plant length (14.5 cm) followed by Ifeken 100 (10.5 cm) at p&lt;0.05. On the other hand, the least average plant length (4.16 cm) was observed from both Tianung 2 and Ifeken D1 400 at p&lt;0.05. The highest average root length (5.3 cm) was produced by Ifeken 400 while Ifeken DI 400 had the least average root length (2.6 cm) [p&lt;0.05]. The fungal contaminants associated with the kenaf cultures in the half-strength growth hormone-free MS media were Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. Therefore, half-strength growth hormone-free MS medium could be considered as a low cost alternative method of propagating kenaf seeds in order to prevent poor seed germination and allow for improvement of kenaf as an industrial crop.       Keywords: Aspergillus spp., Fungal contamination, Hibiscus cannabinus L., Plant growth hormones, Plant tissue culture DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-10-05 Publication date:May 31st 202

Potential use of biomass ash as a sustainable alternative for fly ash in concrete production: A review

The broad utilization of concrete results in significant carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and depletion of natural resources due to substantial increase in cement production. Fly ash, the waste product of coal combustion, has been used extensively as a cementitious additive in concrete to reduce the impact of cement production on the environment and also conserve the natural resources. However, the shortage in the supply of coal resulting from and stringent environmental regulations has led to a decline in fly ash production. Organic materials which are derived from plants and animals are regarded as biomass and the byproduct of biomass combustion are known as biomass ash. Several materials including biomass ash have been proposed as a sustainable alternative to fly ash in the production of concrete. Biomass ash as a supplementary cementitious material have been found to offer more advantages to traditional mineral additives improve the characteristics of concrete, decrease its environmental impact, and. In contrast, the use of biomass ash as mineral additives in concrete is largely unexplored in most developing countries, including Nigeria. This could be related to a lack of understanding of the region's biomass ash potential for such applications. The quality of concrete containing biomass ash can be greatly improved depending on the method used for its treatment, which is expected to increase interest in its use in the construction industry. Thus, there is the need for improvement in the quality of biomass ash to achieve high level of its incorporation for enhanced characteristics of cement mortar and concrete

A focus on biometal systems of some phyto-antibiotic drug complexes

Biometal coordination bearing active donor atoms of medicinal plant extracts or herbal isolates (phytochemicals) in the recent approach of biomedical sciences is a new and advanced chemotherapeutics for combating antibiotics resistance. Stereochemistry of central metal ions around active plant molecules can give rise to robust solid state 3D metal complexes of antibiotics aiding better biological performance/affinity without any side effect compared with the parent biomolecules (organic ligands). This review therefore focuses on the applications of medicinal plant extracts as antibiotics. Structural systems of metal complexes of flavonoids, curcumins, alkaloids, carotenoids and coumarins from aloe vera, acalypha and henna leaf (AAH) are also described with a view to achieving the rationale for functional bioactive antibiotic drug

Apical necrosis induced on plants inoculated with a combination of the three viruses

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Cowpea viruses: Effect of single and mixed infections on symptomatology and virus concentration"</p><p>http://www.virologyj.com/content/4/1/95</p><p>Virology Journal 2007;4():95-95.</p><p>Published online 27 Sep 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC2222634.</p><p></p