Elephant’s activities elicited biodiversity disturbance in Omo Biosphere Reserve, Nigeria

Disturbance by herbivores occurs in most of the natural ecosystems and influence species diversity and vegetation structure. This study compares the vegetation of elephant (disturbed) zone (EZ) and non-elephant (undisturbed) zone (NEZ) in the Omo biosphere reserve to assess the effect of elephant browsing on the vegetation. Woody species densities, basal area, importance value and species diversity were determined from twenty sampling plots (20 m x 20 m) established randomly each in the EZ and NEZ. The result of floristic composition shows more species were in the NEZ than EZ. The species diversity reduced by 3.3% in EZ. Sorensen index of similarity of the two communities was 62%. Celtis zenkeri (74.75) and Diospyros dendo (51.1) dominated the species in the EZ while Gmelina arborea (127.35) and Funtumia africana (16.63) were the dominant species in the NEZ. Browsing of elephants directly influence species composition, diversity and structure in the forest ecosystem leading to loss of biodiversity

Levels and mobility of Cu, Pb and Cd in citrus orchards of two contrasting ages in north-central region of Nigeria

Widespread contamination of cultivated lands with heavy metals increase human exposure to contaminated agricultural products. The study investigated soil levels and transfer of Cu, Pb and Cd into leaves and barks of different citrus species in 35- and 11-year old orchards in north-central region of Nigeria. Heavy metals concentrations in soils were below permissible limits but greater than background concentrations (Cu = 2.27 mg kg-1, Pb = 0.25 mg kg-1 and Cd = 3.9 mg kg-1). Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the 35-year orchard (orchard I) soil was uncontaminated with Cu (Cu-Igeo = -0.43), uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Pb (Pb-Igeo < 0.39) and moderately contaminated with Cd (Cd-Igeo = 1.65). The 11-year old orchard (orchard II) soil was uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (Igeo for Cu, Pb and Cd was ≤ 1). Bioavailability of the heavy metals soil of orchards I and II were ≥ 30%. Levels of Cd and Pb in bark and leaf tissues were above the maximum permissible limits whereas Cu concentration was within the recommended nutritional status (10 - 50 mg kg-1) for fruit trees. Soil-to-tissue transfer (bioaccumulation) of all heavy metals into the citrus species was ≥ 1.0 and higher in orchard II. High concentration of heavy metals in the leaves and barks of the different citrus species is related to their high bioaccumulation factors despite the relatively low soil concentration of heavy metals in the orchards

Morpho-chemical divergence and fatty acid profile of shea tree seeds (Vitellaria paradoxa) collected from different locations in Kwara State, Nigeria

The present study characterizes seed-related traits, phytochemical, physiochemical parameters and fatty acid profile of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) seeds collected from the Kosubosu, Fufu and Sare areas of Kwara State, Nigeria to determine the effects of microclimate on seed morphology, biochemical and oil constituents. Seed morphological data were analyzed for variability. Seed oil was extracted for phytochemical constituents, physicochemical properties, and fatty acid profiling by gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results showed intra and inter-locational variations in seed characters. Most fruits had 1–2 seeds. Seeds were predominantly brown and very few were dark brown. Phytochemicals and physicochemical parameters of the seed oil varied with place of collection. Alkaloid, saponin, tannin and phytate contents ranged between 0.79–0.84, 1.20–1.26, 1.48–1.56 and 0.15–0.18 mg g–1 respectively. The density of the oil was less than that of water, acid value ranged from 10.58–13.56 mg KOH g–1 and iodine values were between 36.63 to 40.32 g I2 (100 g)–1. Saponification values lie between 160.39 and 184.14 mg KOH g–1; and free fatty acid was within 5.32–6.81 %. Peroxide, ɑ-tocopherol, total phenol and oxalate values as well as viscosity of the oil also varied; however, refractive index was similar. Ethyl oleate and octadecanoic acids were present and most abundance in all the locations, while glycidol stearate was only found in Fufu samples with three other fatty acids. Five fatty acids were present in Kosubosu, while Sare had only two. The results obtained in the present study indicate that shea oil could be used for medicinal, nutritional and industrial purposes. Since seed characters, phytochemical, physicochemical and fatty acid compositions varied with the microclimate, environmental and micro-ecological conditions should be considered when collecting seeds for oil utilization

EVALUATION OF GROWTH AND POLLEN VIABILITY IN RELATION TO FRUIT SET AMONG FIVE VARIETIES OF TOMATO GROWN IN NIGERIA

U ovom se radu razmatraju morfološke značajke, vijabilnost polena i zametanje ploda u pet kultivara rajčice (Roma, Tropimech, Tima, Tedino i UC-82-B) uzgajane u Nigeriji. Sjeme je uzgojeno u Botaničkom vrtu Sveučilišta Ilorin u Nigeriji. Sakupljeni su i analizirani podaci o morfologiji rasta i stvaranju ploda te utvrđena vijabilnost polena u odnosu na zametanje ploda.Rezultati pokazuju značajne varijacije i korelacije između visine biljke i karakterikstike listova. Međutim,vegetativni rast nije bio u izravnoj vezi s postotkom stvaranja cvjetova i zametanja plodova, ali vijabilnost polena bila je izravno proporcionalna sa zametanjem plodova kod istraživanih kultivara rajčice.Smanjenje vijabilnosti polena pratio je manji broj zametenih plodova.Na broj plodova i veličinu mogu djelovati biotički i abiotički čimbenici, iako se otkrilo da je postotak vijabilnog polena u majčinskoj stanici polena djelovao na zametanje ploda. Dok zrna polena na terenu mogu podlijegati mnogobrojnom stresu, vijabilnost polena u kontroliranom okruženju može se razlikovati od vijabilnosti polena na otvorenom. Međutim,vijabilnost polena u izravnoj je vezi sa zametanjem ploda u rajčice i može se promatrati kao vitalna značajka za poboljšanje rajčice u uzgojnom programu.The present study considered morphological traits, pollens viability and fruit set among five tomatovarieties(Roma, Tropimech, Tima, Tedino and UC-82-B) grown in Nigeria. The seeds were grown in the screen house facility at the Botanical garden, University of IlorinNigeria. Growth and fruiting morphological data were collected and analyzed while pollen viability in relation to fruit set was determined. The results showed significant vegetative growth variations and correlations between plant height and leaf characters. However, vegetative growth was notdirectly related to percentage offlower formation and fruit set, but pollen viability was directly proportional to fruit set in the tomato varieties studied. Reduction in pollen viability was accompanied by lower number of fruit set. Fruit number and size may be affected by biotic or abiotic factors, nonetheless, the percentage of viable pollens in Pollen Mother Cell was found to affect fruit set. Although pollen grains in the field may be subjected to multiple stresses simultaneously;viability of pollens in a controlled setup may differ to the pollen viability in the open field environment. However, pollen viability is directly associated with fruit set in tomato and could be screened as a vital trait for improved tomato in breeding programme

EVALUATION OF GROWTH AND POLLEN VIABILITY IN RELATION TO FRUIT SET AMONG FIVE VARIETIES OF TOMATO GROWN IN NIGERIA

U ovom se radu razmatraju morfološke značajke, vijabilnost polena i zametanje ploda u pet kultivara rajčice (Roma, Tropimech, Tima, Tedino i UC-82-B) uzgajane u Nigeriji. Sjeme je uzgojeno u Botaničkom vrtu Sveučilišta Ilorin u Nigeriji. Sakupljeni su i analizirani podaci o morfologiji rasta i stvaranju ploda te utvrđena vijabilnost polena u odnosu na zametanje ploda.Rezultati pokazuju značajne varijacije i korelacije između visine biljke i karakterikstike listova. Međutim,vegetativni rast nije bio u izravnoj vezi s postotkom stvaranja cvjetova i zametanja plodova, ali vijabilnost polena bila je izravno proporcionalna sa zametanjem plodova kod istraživanih kultivara rajčice.Smanjenje vijabilnosti polena pratio je manji broj zametenih plodova.Na broj plodova i veličinu mogu djelovati biotički i abiotički čimbenici, iako se otkrilo da je postotak vijabilnog polena u majčinskoj stanici polena djelovao na zametanje ploda. Dok zrna polena na terenu mogu podlijegati mnogobrojnom stresu, vijabilnost polena u kontroliranom okruženju može se razlikovati od vijabilnosti polena na otvorenom. Međutim,vijabilnost polena u izravnoj je vezi sa zametanjem ploda u rajčice i može se promatrati kao vitalna značajka za poboljšanje rajčice u uzgojnom programu.The present study considered morphological traits, pollens viability and fruit set among five tomatovarieties(Roma, Tropimech, Tima, Tedino and UC-82-B) grown in Nigeria. The seeds were grown in the screen house facility at the Botanical garden, University of IlorinNigeria. Growth and fruiting morphological data were collected and analyzed while pollen viability in relation to fruit set was determined. The results showed significant vegetative growth variations and correlations between plant height and leaf characters. However, vegetative growth was notdirectly related to percentage offlower formation and fruit set, but pollen viability was directly proportional to fruit set in the tomato varieties studied. Reduction in pollen viability was accompanied by lower number of fruit set. Fruit number and size may be affected by biotic or abiotic factors, nonetheless, the percentage of viable pollens in Pollen Mother Cell was found to affect fruit set. Although pollen grains in the field may be subjected to multiple stresses simultaneously;viability of pollens in a controlled setup may differ to the pollen viability in the open field environment. However, pollen viability is directly associated with fruit set in tomato and could be screened as a vital trait for improved tomato in breeding programme

Thuja occidentalis and Duranta repens as indicators of urban air pollution in industrialized areas of southwest Nigeria

This paper assessed biochemical parameters in leaves of selected ornamental species growing in urban areas of southwest Nigeria to obtain the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) for classification into tolerant and sensitive species against air pollution. Four sites and three ornamental species (Polyalthia longifolia, Thuja occidentalis and Duranta repens) common to the sites were used for this study. Results showed significant variations in biochemical variables, hence biochemical parameters cannot be used solely to categorize the species. APTI values obtained suggested that P.  longifolia    is tolerant species to air pollutants while T. occidentalis and D. repens are sensitive species that can be used as bioindicators of air pollutants. The API value revealed P. longifolia and T. occidentalis to be poor performer and very poor performer respectively while D. repens cannot be recommended for greenbelt development. Therefore, T. occidentalis and D. repens, can be recommended as bioindicators of poor urban air quality

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Fungi Contaminants Associated with In Vitro Cultured Banana Based on ITS Region Sequence

This study characterized, identified and conducted phylogenetic analysis on fungi contaminants in vitro bananas based on the sequence of inter-space (ITS) regions. Genomic DNA was extracted from the pure culture of fungi contaminants, amplified and sequenced using ITS1 and ITS4 markers. Analysis of the sequences using MEGA 7 Software at higher similarity sequence identified five Aspergillus spp., three Penicillium spp., one each of Fusarium, Trichoderma and Cladosporium as the contaminants. The genetic distance between the fungi species was 0.205, which suggests a homogeneous substitution between the sequences, and thiamine was the most stable. The fungi clustered in three major groups at 0.10 genetic distance, subdivided into five clusters. A cluster and sub-cluster consisting of five Aspergillus strains; a major cluster of three Penicillium strains; a cluster comprising of Fusarium chlamydosporum and Trichoderma viride; and a sole fungi Cladosporium tenuissimum. The Aspergillus group were phylogenetically related to A. flavus and A. parvissclerotigenus, the identified Penicillium spp. were closely related to Penicillium citrinum while the detected Cladosporium aligned with Cladosporium tenuissium and Phoma multirostrata. The information provided by this study could be utilized to develop a specific and compelling sterilization protocol to minimize the rate of contamination during in vitro culture procedures

Enhancement of the functional, pasting and textural properties of poundo yam flour through cassava flour supplementation

In this study, poundo yam flour was supplemented with cassava flour (5, 15, 30 and 50%) and the functionality of the flour and quality of the cooked dough were determined. The composite flours and yam flour (approx. 56%) were more dispersible than the cassava flour (approx. 50%). Cassava flour addition significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the lightness of poundo yam flour (75.65–84.67) and the ability of the flours to absorb water, but the lightness values (61.60–64.79) of the cooked dough did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Samples with cassava flour were firmer (7.56–22.87 N), stickier (2.51–5.92 Ns) and gummier (2.57–5.48 N) than the control dough. Sensory ratings were similar across the cooked poundo yam samples. This study demonstrated that cassava flour can be used to supplement yam flour for poundo yam flour production

Impact of the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination on pneumonia in The Gambia: population-based surveillance and case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are used in many low-income countries but their impact on the incidence of pneumonia is unclear. The Gambia introduced PCV7 in August, 2009, and PCV13 in May, 2011. We aimed to measure the impact of the introduction of these vaccines on pneumonia incidence. METHODS: We did population-based surveillance and case-control studies. The primary endpoint was WHO-defined radiological pneumonia with pulmonary consolidation. Population-based surveillance was for suspected pneumonia in children aged 2-59 months (minimum age 3 months in the case-control study) between May 12, 2008, and Dec 31, 2015. Surveillance for the impact study was limited to the Basse Health and Demographic Surveillance System (BHDSS), whereas surveillance for the case-control study included both the BHDSS and Fuladu West Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Nurses screened all outpatients and inpatients at all health facilities in the surveillance area using standardised criteria for referral to clinicians in Basse and Bansang. These clinicians recorded clinical findings and applied standardised criteria to identify patients with suspected pneumonia. We compared the incidence of pneumonia during the baseline period (May 12, 2008, to May 11, 2010) and the PCV13 period (Jan 1, 2014, to Dec 31, 2015). We also investigated the effectiveness of PCV13 using case-control methods between Sept 12, 2011, and Sept 31, 2014. Controls were aged 90 days or older, and were eligible to have received at least one dose of PCV13; cases had the same eligibility criteria with the addition of having WHO-defined radiological pneumonia. FINDINGS: We investigated 18 833 children with clinical pneumonia and identified 2156 cases of radiological pneumonia. Among children aged 2-11 months, the incidence of radiological pneumonia fell from 21·0 cases per 1000 person-years in the baseline period to 16·2 cases per 1000 person-years (23% decline, 95% CI 7-36) in 2014-15. In the 12-23 month age group, radiological pneumonia decreased from 15·3 to 10·9 cases per 1000 person-years (29% decline, 12-42). In children aged 2-4 years, incidence fell from 5·2 to 4·1 cases per 1000 person-years (22% decline, 1-39). Incidence of all clinical pneumonia increased by 4% (-1 to 8), but hospitalised cases declined by 8% (3-13). Pneumococcal pneumonia declined from 2·9 to 1·2 cases per 1000 person-years (58% decline, 22-77) in children aged 2-11 months and from 2·6 to 0·7 cases per 1000 person-years (75% decline, 47-88) in children aged 12-23 months. Hypoxic pneumonia fell from 13·1 to 5·7 cases per 1000 person-years (57% decline, 42-67) in children aged 2-11 months and from 6·8 to 1·9 cases per 1000 person-years (72% decline, 58-82) in children aged 12-23 months. In the case-control study, the best estimate of the effectiveness of three doses of PCV13 against radiological pneumonia was an adjusted odds ratio of 0·57 (0·30-1·08) in children aged 3-11 months and vaccine effectiveness increased with greater numbers of doses (p=0·026). The analysis in children aged 12 months and older was underpowered because there were few unvaccinated cases and controls. INTERPRETATION: The introduction of PCV in The Gambia was associated with a moderate impact on the incidence of radiological pneumonia, a small reduction in cases of hospitalised pneumonia, and substantial reductions of pneumococcal and hypoxic pneumonia in young children. Low-income countries that introduce PCV13 with reasonable coverage can expect modest reductions in hospitalised cases of pneumonia and a marked impact on the incidence of severe childhood pneumonia. FUNDING: GAVI's Pneumococcal vaccines Accelerated Development and Introduction Plan, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and UK Medical Research Council