Light intensity variation and early growth performance of Anona muricata Linn seedlings in south-western Nigeria

The study was carried out in the Silviculture nursery of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria. Fruits were collected  from Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Oyo States. The seeds were extracted, air dried and seedlings raised. Each seedling was transplanted into a polythene  pot filled with top soil. . A total of 160 seedlings were exposed to four different light intensities (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) under light screening chambers made from wooden frames and covered mesh on all sides with single, double or triple layers of synthetic 1mm mesh netting. The  seedlings raised in the open nursery were receiving 100% light intensity and served as control. Seedlings were watered daily. Growth variables were taken fortnightly for eight months. The seedling height, collar diameter and number of the leaves were assessed. The results showed that the number of leaves of Anona muricata varied significantly among the three factors and the control. The highest number of leaves was found in seedlings exposed to 100% (23.2), 75% (20.65), 25% (20.2) and 75% (20.4) light intensities for seedlings raised from seeds from Ogun, Ondo, Osun  and Oyo respectively. The least leaf number was found in 25% (19.9), 50% (19.25), 50% (2318.0) and 100% (19.5) in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States respectively. The ANOVA revealed that there were no significant differences at 5% probability level in all the four seed sources. The highest diameter was found in seedlings exposed to 100% (4.47 mm), 75% (4 mm), 100% (4.14mm) and 75% (3.90 mm) light intensities in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States respectively while the least was observed in 25% (3.06mm), (3.60 mm), (3.61 mm) and (3.36 mm) in all states. There were significant  differences at 5 % probability level among the treatment in Ogun, Osun and Oyo States while in Ondo State, there was no significant difference at 5% probability level. The highest height was found in 75% (31.01 cm), (32.44 cm), (31.69 cm) and (33.43 cm) light intensity while the least was found in 25% (21.01 cm), (22.46cm), (25.28cm) and (22.86 cm) light intensity in all sources. The ANOVA revealed no significant differences at 5% probability level in all the four sources used. Therefore, it was concluded that A. muricata requires partial shade (75 % light intensity) and seeds from Oyo State were found best among the sources. Keywords: Light intensity, Annona muricata, southwestern Nigeria, early growth performanc

Morphological diversity in growth characteristics of Jatropha curcas l. accessions from South- West Nigeria

Jatropha curcas is a multi-purpose tree with significant economic importance that has not been fully exploited due to lack of adequate breeding programme in Nigeria. Consequently upon this, 31 accessions collected from 4 states in Southwestern Nigeria were assessed for their morphological diversity in order to establish this as a bed rock for further breeding programmes. Data were collected on plant height, numbers of leaves and collar diameter; these were subjected to analysis of variance, principal component analysis and cluster analysis using Minitab version 17. The results showed significant differences (p≤0.05) among the 31 accessions assessed. Principal component analysis indicated that the first three axes contributed 97.8% of the total variation observed. The first axis accounted for 68% of the total variation while the second and third axes accounted for 24.7% and 5.1%, respectively, of the total variation recorded. Cluster analysis as well as the dendrogram revealed three distinct clusters of genetic similarities and differences. High genetic similarities were observed among accessions collected from the different states whereas some accessions collected from similar regions had low genetic similarities. Cluster 1 consisted of 21 genotypes with their characters falli ng below the grand mean. Cluster 2 had nine genotypes, they produced the highest values for all the characters assessed. Cluster 3 with only one genotype has its values below the ground mean. Members of cluster 2 have proven to be superior. The existence of morphological diversity offers potential for selection among the accessions in the breeding of J. curcas from southwestern Nigeria

Assessment of environmental degradation in Eleyele Area, Ibadan North West Local Government, Oyo State Nigeria

This study investigated the causes and effects of environmental degradation in Eleyele, Ibadan. Six research questions were formulated for  this study. A duly validated instrument named Questionnaire on Causes and Effects of Environmental Degradation (QCEED) was used for data collection. A total of ninety (90) copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents using simple random sampling method by coming in contact/physical means and oral interviewing the respondents. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data collected. The result from this study showed that erosion (28.8%), flooding (22.5%), and air pollution (18.3%) were identified as major environmental hazards in the study area. The causes of these environmental problems were inadequate drainage pattern (19.4%),  dumping of solids wastes into rivers/streams (17.8%), poor sanitation exercise (15.6%). The study identified control measures such as awareness programme to re-awaken people’s commitment on environmental management (81.3%), dredging of rivers/streams channel (91.3%), renovation of damaged drainages (85.0%) and prosecution of sanitation exercise programme offenders (75.0%). The study recommends that there is need for the formulation and enforcement of sanitation  programme among others