Nematodes and Weeds Control Effects of Pueraria phaseoloides and Flemingia macrophylla Fallows on Establishment, Survival and Yield of Plantain

The yield of plantain (Musa spp., AAB Simmonds) declines sharply after 1–2 years of cropping in West and Central Africa, due mainly to weeds and nematodes. A trial was carried out from January 2002 to October 2005 under two land-use systems (LUS) comprising 4–5 year-old bush fallow, dominated by Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob, and a 20 year-old secondary forest, in three villages in southern Cameroon, to assess the effectiveness of Pueraria phaseoloides and Flemingia macrophylla as planted fallows for weed suppression and reduction in nematode damage of the plantain root system, and determine the yield response of different plantain sucker types to the weed suppression and reduced nematode damage. In each LUS, the treatments were a factorial combination of three levels of fallow system and four levels of plantain sucker type arranged in a randomised complete block design. Total above-ground biomass production of P. phaseoloides was 7.45 Mg ha-1, 4.2 times higher than F. macrophylla (1.78 Mg ha-1; P Boiling water-treated “Essong” > Untreated “Essong”. P. phaseoloides produced significantly (P < 0.05) the highest plantain yield. There were no differences between the natural regrowth and F. macrophylla for all the plantain yield parameters. Sanitizing suckers (boiling and nursery-derived) increased actual yield and quantity of edible bunches by 35% and 26%, respectively, compared to the untreated. It was concluded that P. phaseoloides had the greatest positive effect on the growth and yield of plantain

Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Pueraria phaseoloides, Flemingia macrophylla and Chromolaena odorata leaf residues in tropical land use systems

The study determined the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Pueraria phaseoloides, Flemingia macrophylla and Chromolaena odorata leaf residues in young secondary forest and bush land use systems atMfou, southern Cameroon. Residue mass loss after incubating fresh leaves for 120 days was C. odorata > P. phaseoloides > F. macrophylla. Mean weekly loss rates were 4.5, 3.9 and 2.8 per cent for C. odorata, P.phaseoloides and F. macrophylla, respectively. Across residue types, leaf mass loss was greater in the young secondary forest than in the bush land use. Soil texture and soil chemical properties were not correlated to leafmass loss. Except for N, releases of P, K, Ca and Mg were of the order C. odorata ³ P. phaseoloides > F. macrophylla. Proportions of K released from the leaf residues were greater than those for the other nutrients.Half of the K was released within the first 7 weeks after incubation for C. odorata and P. phaseoloides. Among the land uses, release of K in the forest was 1.8 times faster than in the bush. The slowest releases, irrespective of type of leaf residue, were in Ca and Mg. The study concluded that among the planted fallows, Pueraria phaseoloides had the greatest rate of nutrient release. It could, therefore, ensure greater nutrient availability to associated crops. The leaves of C. odorata are rich in all nutrients; hence, short-season crops could benefit from this source of nutrients if the weed is well managed

COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey dataset on psychological and behavioural consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak

This N = 173,426 social science dataset was collected through the collaborative COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey – an open science effort to improve understanding of the human experiences of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic between 30th March and 30th May, 2020. The dataset allows a cross-cultural study of psychological and behavioural responses to the Coronavirus pandemic and associated government measures like cancellation of public functions and stay at home orders implemented in many countries. The dataset contains demographic background variables as well as measures of Asian Disease Problem, perceived stress (PSS-10), availability of social provisions (SPS-10), trust in various authorities, trust in governmental measures to contain the virus (OECD trust), personality traits (BFF-15), information behaviours, agreement with the level of government intervention, and compliance with preventive measures, along with a rich pool of exploratory variables and written experiences. A global consortium from 39 countries and regions worked together to build and translate a survey with variables of shared interests, and recruited participants in 47 languages and dialects. Raw plus cleaned data and dynamic visualizations are available

Differences in response to phosphorus among cowpea (Vigna unguiculanta (l) walp.) cultivars

The effect of different levels of soil phosphorus (P) on nodulation and growth of three cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cultivars (Accra market, IT82-E32 and TVU 1977) were compared in a greenhouse study. The rates were 0, 15, 30 and 45 mg P kg-1 soil. Both nodule number and nodule dry weight were increased by P application in Accra market and TVU 1977 but did not change much in IT82-E32. Shoot dry weight of IT82-E32 was the least affected by P application. In contrast, shoot yields of Accra market and TVU 1977 with no P application, were 75 and 65 percent, respectively of the maximum obtained under P application. Pod (plus seed ) yield was highest in IT82-E32 at both the lowest and highest level of soil P. IT82-E32 also accumulated substantially higher amount of nitrogen in pods than Accra market and TVU 1977. It is possible by selection to obtain cultivars capable of good growth in soils of low P, variety IT82-E32 is a good example. JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 1 Number 2, January (1999) pp. 10-1

Nematodes and weeds control effects of Pueraria phaseoloides and Flemingia macrophylla fallows on establishment, survival and yield of plantain

The yield of plantain (Musa spp., AAB Simmonds) declines sharply after 1–2 years of cropping in West and Central Africa, due mainly to weeds and nematodes. A trial was carried out from January 2002 to October 2005 under two land-use systems (LUS) comprising 4–5 year-old bush fallow, dominated by Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob, and a 20 year-old secondary forest, in three villages in southern Cameroon, to assess the effectiveness of Pueraria phaseoloides and Flemingia macrophylla as planted fallows for weed suppression and reduction in nematode damage of the plantain root system, and determine the yield response of different plantain sucker types to the weed suppression and reduced nematode damage. In each LUS, the treatments were a factorial combination of three levels of fallow system and four levels of plantain sucker type arranged in a randomised complete block design. Total above-ground biomass production of P. phaseoloides was 7.45 Mg ha-1, 4.2 times higher than F. macrophylla (1.78 Mg ha-1; P Boiling water-treated “Essong” > Untreated “Essong”. P. phaseoloides produced significantly (P < 0.05) the highest plantain yield. There were no differences between the natural regrowth and F. macrophylla for all the plantain yield parameters. Sanitizing suckers (boiling and nursery-derived) increased actual yield and quantity of edible bunches by 35% and 26%, respectively, compared to the untreated. It was concluded that P. phaseoloides had the greatest positive effect on the growth and yield of plantain

Soil population of Helicotylenchus multicinctus under Pueraria phaseoloides, Flemingia macrophylla and natural bush fallows and their effect on plantain yield in the humid forest zone of Southern Cameroon

Soil population densities of Helicotylenchus multicinctus (Cobb) Golden were assessed under Flemingia macrophylla [(Willd.) Merrill] and Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth, and natural bush fallows over 24 months in three villages in southern Cameroon. Also assessed was the effect of H. multicinctus on yield of plantain. Trials were set up in four to five year-old Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. dominated natural bush fallow. Initial H. multicinctus population density at Ngoumou (512 100 cm–3 soil) was (p < 0.05) higher than at Mfou (241 100 cm–3 soil) and Nkometou (70 100 cm–3 soil). H. multicinctus population was correlated with (i) total annual rainfall (r = 0.79; p = 0.01) and (ii) clay content (r = 0.95; p < 0.001). At 12 months after planting (MAP), P. phaseoloides and F. macrophylla supported (p < 0.01) lower population densities of H. multicinctus (88 and 152 100 cm–3 soil, respectively) compared with the natural regrowth (287 100 cm–3 soil). Comparing the initial population with that at 12 MAP for each of the three fallow systems, both P. phaseoloides and F. macrophylla reduced density of H. multicinctus (p < 0.05). However, when the initial population density was compared with that at 24 MAP only under P. phaseoloides was the reduction maintained. Contrarily, population density under F. macrophylla was comparable between the initial and 24 MAP. This is the first report of the nematode reducing effect of P. phaseoloides. Plantain flowering and subsequent harvesting was earliest under P. phaseoloides, different from that under F. macrophylla (p < 0.05). Plant bunch weight was positively correlated with the length of the fruit filling period (r = 0.67) which in turn was positively correlated with the non damaged root index (NDRI) (r = 0.58). Plantain under P. phaseoloides had the highest NDRI and consequently recorded the greatest yield (p < 0.05). There was no difference in plantain yield between the natural regrowth and F. macrophylla. Pueraria phaseoloides could be used as one component for the biological control of H. multicinctus

Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Pueraria phaseoloides, Flemingia macrophylla dnd Chromolaena odorata leaf residues in tropical land use systems

The study determined the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Pueraria phaseoloides, Flemingiamacrophylla and Chromolaena odorata leaf residues in young secondary forest and bush land use systems at Mfou, southern Cameroon. Residue mass loss after incubating fresh leaves for 120 days was C. odorata>P.phaseoloides > F. macrophylla. Mean weekly loss rates were 4.5, 3.9 and 2.8 per cent for C. odorata, P. phaseoloides and F. macrophylla, respectively. Across residue types, leaf mass loss was greater in the young secondary forest than in the bush land use. Soil texture and soil chemical properties were not correlated to leaf mass loss. Except for N, releases of P, K, Ca and Mg were of the order C. odorata≥ P. phaseoloides > F. macrophylla. Proportions of K released from the leafresidues were greater than those for the other nutrients.Half of the K was released within the first 7 weeks afterincubation for C. odorata and P. phaseoloides. Among the land uses, release of K in the forest was 1.8 times faster than in the bush. The slowest releases, irrespective of type of leaf residue, were in Ca and Mg. The study concluded that among the planted fallows, Puerariaphaseoloides had the greatest rate of nutrient release. It could, therefore, ensure greater nutrient availability to associated crops. The leaves of C. odorata are rich in all nutrients; hence, short-season crops could benefit from this source of nutrients if the weed is well managed.Décomposition et les schémas de dégagement de nutriment du résidu foliaire de Pueraria phaseoloides,Flemingia macrophylla et Chromolaena odorata dans lessystèmes d’utilisation de terre tropicale. Nous avons déterminé la décomposition et les schémas de dégagement de nutriment du résidu foliaire de Pueraria phaseoloides,Flemingia macrophylla et Chromolaena odorata dans les systèmes d’utilisation de forêt de jeunes arbres et de terre arbustive à Mfou, au sud du Cameroun. La perte de masse résiduaire après l’incubation de feuilles fraîches pour 120 jours était C. odorata > P. phaseoloides > F.macrophylla. Les taux de perte moyen par semaine étaient 4.5, 3.9 et 2.8% respectivement pour C. odorata, P.phaseoloides et F. macrophylla. En travers de types deresidu, la perte de masse foliaire était plus élevée dans l’utilisation de forêt de jeunes arbres que dans la terrearbustive. La texture de sol et les propriétés chimiques de sol ne corrélaient pas à la perte de masse foliaire. Excepté A, les dégagements de P, K, Ca et Mg suivaient l’ordre C.odorata ≥ P. phaseoloides > F. macrophylla. Lesproportions de K dégagées de résidu foliaire étaient plusélevées que celles des autres nutriments. La moitié de Kétait dégagée dans les 7 premières semaines aprèsincubation pour C. odorata et P. phaseoloides. Parmi les utilisations de terre, le dégagement de K dans la forêt était1.8 fois plus rapide que dans la terre arbustive. Les dégagements les plus lents, indépendamment de type de résidu foliaire, étaient en Ca et Mg. L’étude a tiré la conclusion que parmi les jachères plantées, Pueraria phaseoloides, avaient les taux de dégagement de nutrimentles plus levés. Elle pourra donc assurer la disponibilité de nutriment plus élevée aux cultures associées. Les feuilles de C. odorata sont riches en tous les nutriments donc les cultures de courte période pourraient tirer des bienfaits de cette source de nutriments si la mauvaise herbe est bien maîtrisée

Decomposition and Nutrient Release Patterns of Pueraria phaseoloides and Flemingia macrophylla Under Two Rainfall Regimes

We report on a study to determine the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Pueraria phaseoloides and Flemingia macrophylla leaf residues under two rainfall regimes in southern Cameroon. Fresh leaf material of the two legume species were put in litter bags and placed on the soil surface for 120 days at Ngoumou (high rainfall) and Nkometou (low rainfall). Mass loss of the leaf residue was faster in P. phaseoloides than F. macrophylla such that half-lives ranged from 9.0 - 9.5 weeks for P. phaseoloides and 14.6 - 20.2 weeks for F. macrophylla. Per cent leaf mass remaining was greater (p < 0.05) at Ngoumou than at Nkometou with mean half-lives being 14.6 and 12.1 weeks, respectively. The release of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) was faster and in greater quantities in P. phaseoloides than F. macrophylla. More than half of the constituent N in P. phaseoloides was released in 9 weeks. Generally, half of K released from either legume species was within the first 5 weeks. The rate of release of each constituent nutrient was faster at Ngoumou than at Nkometou. The study concluded that P. phaseoloides had the largest amounts and rates of nutrient releases and therefore could ensure greater nutrient availability to associated crops. Banful, B., Hauser, S., Kumaga, F., Ofori, K. & Ndango, R. Les Modèles de la Décomposition et le Transfert des Nutriments dans le Cas de Pueraria Phaseoloides et Flemingia Macrophylla sous deux Régimes Pluvieux. Nous faisons notre réportage sur une étude pour déterminer les modèles de la décomposition et le transfert des nutriments dans le cas de Pueraria Phaseoloides et flemingia macrophylla sous deux régimes pluvieux au sud du Caméroon. Frais matériau de feuille des espèces légumineuses étaient mis dans des boîtes litières et placés sur la superficie du sol pour 120 jours à Ngoumou (pluie intenses) et Nkometou (pluies non intenses). La perte en masse des feuilles était plus rapide en P. phaseoloides que F. macrophylla tel que “démi vies” ont rangé entre 9.0 et 9.5 semaines dans le cas de P. phageoloides et 14.6 et 12.1 semaines dans le cas de F. macrophylla. Le pourcentage de feuille qui reste était plus grand à Nkometou avec un moyen “démi-vies” de 14.6 et 12.1 semaines respectivement. Le transfert des nutriments (N,P,K, Ca et Mg) était plus rapide et en grande qualité dans le cas de p. phaseoloides que F. macrophylla. Plus de la moitié des composants N dans P. phaseoloides étaient transférés en 9 semaines. Généralement, la moitié de K transféré de chaque espèce légumineuses était dans la première 5 semaines. Parmi les villages, le niveau de transfert de chaque composant nutrif était plus rapide à Ngoumou qu\' à Nkometou. L\'étude a conclu que pueraria phaseoloides possèdait un niveau plus élevé de transfert des nutriments et donc capable d\'assurer la disponibilité des nutriments aux cultures associeées en grande quantité. Keywords: Rainfall, mass loss, nutrient loss, planted fallows. Agricultural and Food Science Journal of Ghana Vol. 6 2007 pp. 485-50

Cultivation and use of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) in the Volta Region of Ghana

The African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A. Rich) is a legumi nous crop found in the Volta Region of Ghana. Three expeditions were under taken in the region between September 1998 and March 1999 to investigate the extent of cultivation and use of the bean as the basis for research into its develop ment and promotion as a major crop. Its cultivation is currently localized around Nkwanta and Ho West Districts. It is grown as a minor crop in mixed associa tion with yam and cassava. It is used extensively in various dietary prepara tions and has potential for supplement ing the protein requirements of many families throughout the year. Its current low status as a minor crop means that this potential is largely unexploited. Re search efforts are required to improve its agronomic characteristics and promote its cultivation and use as a major crop. The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Volume 6 No.3, 2001, pp. 74-77 KEY WORDS: African yam bean, food security, Ghana, legume, pulse, Sphenostylis stenocarpa, under-exploited cro

Cultivation and use of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) in the Volta Region of Ghana

The African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A. Rich) is a leguminous crop found in the Volta Region of Ghana. Three expeditions were undertaken in the region between September 1998 and March 1999 to investigate the extent of cultivation and use of the bean as the basis for research into its development and promotion as a major crop. Its cultivation is currently localized around Nkwanta and Ho West Districts. It is grown as a minor crop in mixed association with yam and cassava. It is used extensively in various dietary preparations and has potential for supplementing the protein requirements of many families throughout the year. Its current low status as a minor crop means that this potential is largely unexploited. Research efforts are required to improve its agronomic characteristics and promote its cultivation and use as a major crop