Ethnomedicinal study of some plants used as spices by the inhabitants of Kano Metropolis, northern Nigeria

No AbstractKeywords: Clove, Ethnomedicine, Garlic, Ginger, Onio

Mutation breeding as panacea for food shortage and malnutrition in Nigeria’s Sahel (a review)

No AbstractKeywords: Food shortage, Mutation, Sahel, semi-ari

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays on variability for yield attributing traits in Fonio (Digitaria exilis [Kippist] Stapf.)

A study was conducted to determine the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of different doses of gamma rays in inducing variability that could be exploited in the genetic improvement of fonio. Seeds of five accessions of fonio were irradiated with five different doses of gamma rays (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 400 Gy, 500 Gy and 0 Gy as control). The seeds were sown in a plot in a completely randomized design with three replications to rise the M1 generation which was advanced to M2 generation. The result obtained from the M2 mutants revealed highly significant difference (P≤0.01) in the effects of different gamma rays doses on the growth and yield traits of fonio. This implies the presence of high genetic variability induced by the mutagen in fonio. The effect is concentration dependent, increase with decrease in irradiation dose. More so, the effectiveness of the mutagen decreases with increase in dose. Seven different chlorophyll deficient mutants were found in the form of: Albina, Chlorina, Lustescent, Striata, Viridis, Viriscent and Xantha, with Xantha, Chlorina and Albina as the most frequent chimeras, The result indicated that lower dose of gamma rays (100 Gy) is more effective and efficient as it induces favorable mutation that could be utilized in the genetic improvement of fonio. Accession Nkpowas was found to respond more to the mutagenic treatment. Keywords: Accessions, Fonio, Gamma Rays, Mutation

Evaluation of essential nutrients in edible locusts and grasshoppers in Kano Metropolis

The present study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional composition of edible locusts and grasshoppers sold and consumed in Kano  metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria. Two species of locusts: (Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria) and two species of grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus and Ornithacris turbida) were procured from Rimi market Kano. Proximate, mineral and amino acids compositions of the samples were analyzed using standard methods. The results obtained revealed a significant difference (P≤0.05) in the amount of proteins, fats, ash, carbohydrates and moisture contents. Similar result is found in the mineral compositions in terms of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Zn and Fe. More so, the amino acid composition of the samples was found to be significantly different (P≤0.05). No significant difference was found in the fibre contents. However, high protein (53.23-67.88%), fats (7.55-18.77%) and carbohydrate contents (10.71-16.01%) were found among the insect samples. Similarly, the amount of essential amino acids such as: threonine, valine, methionine and leucine were higher among the insects. It is therefore concluded that, the edible grasshopper and locust contain significant amount of nutritional components that can be beneficial in combating malnutrition and be incorporated in diet therapy

Plant powders protect stored wheat from infestation by lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (fabricius) (Bostrichidae: Coleoptera)

Rhyzopertha dominica (Bostrichidae: Coleoptera) is one of the most serious devastating insect pests attacking stored wheat grains in Nigeria. The most common strategy adopted in controlling this insect pest is the application of synthetic pesticides which is costly, toxic to non-target organisms and is non eco-friendly. Botanical pesticides are recently used as alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their non-hazardous effect on the environment and non-target organisms, cost effectiveness and direct impacts on the target organisms. This study was carried out to determine the toxicity of leaf powders obtained from three species of plants: Ageratum conyzoides, Momordica charantia and Tephrosia vogelii in the control of R. dominica infestation on stored wheat grains. Five doses (0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 8.00 g) per 20.00 g were measured from the powdered leaves of the tested plants with ethanol treatment as the control (0.00 g 20.00 g-1). The powdered doses were applied onto wheat grains before the insects were introduced. The experiment was laid down in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The data obtained was analyzed using analysis of variance at 5% probability level with Least Significant Difference used to separate the means. The results showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in the magnitude of toxicity imparted by various doses of the powders on R. dominica. The treatments influence high rate of mortality, reduced number of laid eggs and emerged adults when compared with the control. The toxicity of the powders increased with increase in dosage. It was concluded that 8.00 g 20.00 g-1 of the powders were more toxic to R. dominica, inducing 28.00-77.30% insects’ mortality thereby protecting grain damage to as low as 1.04% at 6th month of storage. T. vogelii leaf powders were recommended for use against R. dominica in stored wheat grains. Key words: botanicals, dose, lesser grain borer, whea