Effects of biofertilizer containing N-fixer, P and K solubilizers and AM fungi on maize growth: A greenhouse trial.

An in vitro study was undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of indigenous plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with commonly used inorganic and organic sources of fertilizers in tea plantations. The nitrogenous, phosphatic and potash fertilizers used for this study were urea, rock phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively. The organic sources of fertilizers neem cake, composted coir pith and vermicompost were also used. PGPRs such as nitrogen fixer; Azospirillum lipoferum, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB); Pseudomonas putida, Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB); Burkholderia cepacia and Pseudomonas putida were used for compatibility study. Results were indicated that PGPRs preferred the coir pith and they proved their higher colony establishment in the formulation except Azospirillum spp. that preferred vermicompost for their establishment. The optimum dose of neem cake powder

In vitro investigation on antifungal activity of some plant extracts against Pyricularia oryzae

Studies were carried out to determine the antifungal attributes of some plant extracts against Pyricularia oryzae. The plant species evaluated were the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum, Chromolaena odorata, Cymbopogon citratus, seeds of Eugenia aromatica, Piper guineense, and nuts of Garcinia kola. Antifungal activity was tested at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 % of plant extracts, using the poisoned food technique. All plant extracts reduced the growth of Pyricularia oryzae at all tested concentrations. Highest growth inhibition was achieved at 100 % concentration with E. aromatica, 100 % ; P.guineense 98 % and G.kola, 97.3 % mycelial growth inhibition. Extracts from E. aromatica, G.kola and P. guineense at 100 % concentration promoted significant (P≤0.05) inhibition on mycelial growth and sporulation of P. oryzae than the control, O.gratissimum, C. odorata and C. citratus. It could be inferred that extracts of E.aromatica P.guineense and G.kola at 100 % concentration can serve as bio-fungicides against the growth of P. oryzae.Keywords: Plant extracts, Antifungal attributes, Pyricularia oryzae, sporulation, mycelial growth

COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACIES OF DIAZINON ® +ALBENDAZOLE ®, IVOMEC ® AND IVOJEC ® ON THE CONTROL OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL NEMATODES AND ECTOPARASITES OF PIGS.

The efficacies of diazinon® + albendazole®, ivomec® and ivojec® were compared on 12 pigs naturally infested with mange mites due to Sarcoptes scabiei and gastro-intestinal nematodes. Nematode eggs encountered include those of the Ascaris, Strongyle, Strongyloid and Trichuris. These pigs were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D). Pigs in group A were treated with albendazole orally at 5mg /Kg body weight and thoroughly washed once with 0.02% diazinon® solution. Pigs in groups B and C were treated with ivomec® and ivojec® respectively at 0.3mg/kg body weight subcutaneously. Pigs in group D received no treatment. There were 86.28%, 98.62% and 98.3l% reduction in faecal egg counts (FEC) of pigs in groups A, B and C respectively on the 7th day post treatment. By the 14th day post treatment, pigs in group A had 95.16% reduction in FEC while groups B and C pigs had 100% reduction. Mange mites were absent in the skin scrapings of pigs in group A on the 7th day post treatment, and groups B and C pigs between the 14th and 35th day post treatment. Evidences in the study suggest that there was a fall in the mean PCV values of pigs infested with gastro-intestinal nematodes and sarcoptic mange, while an increase in the mean PCV values was recorded following treatment. Key Words: Pigs , Nematodes , Ectoparasites , Ivomec®, Ivojec® African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol.3 2004: 55-5