Ethnobotany survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of fibroid in Ogun and Osun States, southwestern, Nigeria

This study was aimed at documenting information of ethno-botanical survey of plants traditional used as medicine in the treatment of fibroid in Ogun and Osun States, Nigeria. Structured and open-ended questionnaire were administered to respondents for data collection. Multistage sampling technique with a four stage design, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used for this study. Four and six Local Government Areas were selected purposively from Ogun and Osun States, respectively. A total number of 192 respondents were interviewed; results showed that majority of the respondents were males in Ogun state (72.8%) and Osun state (65.8%). The mean ages of the respondents for Ogun and Osun state were 49.3 years and 50.2 years respectively. Most of the respondents had secondary school education in Ogun (34.6%) and Osun (33.3%) states respectively, while, 71.6% and 64.9% of the traditional healers and herb sellers were Muslims in Ogun and Osun states respectively. A sum of 102 plants species belonging to 49 families were found. Euphorbiaceae had the highest frequency of family species followed by Annonaceae.Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Fibroid treatmen

GENETIC VARIABILITY IN SEED PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND STORAGE LIFE OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) GENOTYPES STORED UNDER AMBIENT CONDITIONS

This study, conducted at the laboratory of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology Department, Federal Universityof Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, was carried out to determine genetic variability in seed physiological qualityand storage life of groundnut genotypes stored under ambient conditions. Seeds of 14 groundnut genotypes wereused in the study. Clean seeds of each genotype were packed in a polyethylene bag and the packaged lots wereelectrically sealed and placed in a laboratory cabinet under ambient conditions. The packed seed lots were storedfor 150 days (5 months). Seed samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after storage for seed qualityevaluation. The experiment was a 6 x 14 factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Datawere collected on rate of germination, seed viability, seedling length, seedling vigour index, seedling freshweight and seedling dry weight. Significant differences were observed in all seed attributes evaluated among the14 groundnut genotypes. Seed storage period significantly influenced each of the six seed quality attributes of the14 genotypes. Storage period of groundnut should not exceed 3 months (90 days) under ambient conditions in allthe genotypes except Samnut 25 and Samnut 26. Seed quality attributes decreased with increase in storageperiods. Samnut 26 and Samnut 25 were identified to be superior for most of the seed quality attributes evaluated,while Kwandala local, Kampala spp and Maizabuwa local had the least performance. Storage time had negativeand strong association with all the six quality attributes. Probit modeling result showed that Samnut 26 had thehighest estimated storage life. All the genotypes had a relatively low rate of deterioration except Kwandala with aslope of 0.4383

Responses of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa [Hochst. Ex A. Rich]) accessions to viral diseases and serological identification of the associated viruses

African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) is an orphan crop with lofty nutraceutical benefits grown in Africa. However, pests and diseases often hinder its productivity. Twenty accessions of African yam bean (AYB) were screened for resistance to viral diseases and symptomatic leaves were indexed for the presence of viruses. The Field experiments were conducted during the 2015/2016 cropping seasons (wet and dry seasons). The twenty accessions were grown in triplicates in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) on the field under natural infection and the resistance or susceptibility responses were recorded using visual symptom expression. The characteristic symptoms that were highly prevalent were leaf mosaic and leaf distortion. In both seasons, there were significant (P< 0.05) differences in the severity of these viral symptoms. Also, based on the severity of the symptoms observed in this study, 2 accessions were classified as resistant, 16 as susceptible and 2 accessions as highly susceptible. Two viruses were identified serologically namely Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus (CPMMV) and Blackeye Cowpea Mosaic Virus (BlCMV). The sources of resistance identified in this study would be useful for breeders in developing virus resistant varieties for African yam bean improvement. Keywords: African yam bean, Virus, Symptoms, ACP-Elisa, Screening

Sensory attributes and consumption of melon-soybean soup blends with Indian spinach vegetables in Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria

The study investigated the sensory attributes of melon-soybean soup with Indian spinach vegetables which was observed to be poorly accepted in consumption. Descriptive research design and sensory evaluation was used. The study population comprised three hundred and fifty students from 100-500 level with a sample size of 40 respondents that were randomly selected from each level. Ratios of melon and soya beans 20:80, 40: 60, 60: 40, 100:0 50:50, and 80:20 was used for the sensory evaluation .The samples were given to the panelist and the results were analyzed using 9-point hedonic scale. A well-structured questionnaire was also used to assess the level of acceptability and consumption of the soups; the data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at (p<0.05) level.The findings revealed that the control, melon 100% soup had the highest acceptability in terms of colour, aroma, texture and general acceptability. The use of melon and soya bean soup blend is acceptable up to 60% inclusion level. The result obtained shows that there are no setbacks in the acceptability and consumption of melon-soybean soup with Indian spinach vegetables in Nigeria. It is recommended that Soya beans products should be included in the melon and soya beans soup blend to improve acceptability and consumption in Nigeria.Keyword: Assessment, Soybeans, Sensory Qualities, Vegetable, Nutrition, Acceptabilit

The effect of early administration of glucocorticoids on learning and spatial memory

Synthetic Glucocorticoids are commonly administered to early low-birth weight infants to prevent the onset of chronic lung disease. During this period, the brain is undergoing significant structural and functional changes and is therefore particularly vulnerable to external influences. It has been observed that steroids administered postnatally may have transient retarding effect on learning and memory functions, and that animal age and sex may modify such effects. This study aims to illustrate the effect of early administration of glucocorticoids on learning and spatial memory. Wistar rat pups were grouped into two (control and treatment) of six pups each. 0.5mg/kg of dexamethasone was administered to four day old pups for a period of three days. At 35 days the pups were subjected to spatial memory testing. Spatial memory was assessed using a Y- Maze. It was observed that the animals in the treatment group preferred to return to the start arm or explore the other arm. This is indicative of impaired spatial memory. Steroids administered postnatally may have transient retarding effect on learning and memory functions.Keywords: Glucocorticoids, learning, memory, brain, ra

Influence of plant population on fruit and seed yield characters of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) genotypes

This study assessed the influence of three plant populations (18518, 27777 and 40000 plants ha-1) on fruit and seed yield characters in 16 genotypes of Capsicum frutescens in 2010 and 2011 cropping years using a 3 x 16 split plot arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design. Plant population and genotype formed main and sub-plots, respectively. Data collected on fruit and seed yield characters were subjected to analysis of variance after which means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference. Correlation analysis was also carried out among the characters. Significant and highest (P < 0.01) number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight, fruit weight per plant, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight, seed weight per plant and seed weight per fruit were obtained under 18518 plants ha-1 while highest (P < 0.05) fruit yield ha-1 (11.3 tons) and seed yield ha-1 (698.7 kg) were obtained under 40000 plants ha-1. Top fruit and seed yielding genotypes across the three plant population were PP9955-15 and Chilli 14, respectively. Number of fruits per plant showed negative and highly significant correlation with single fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and seed weight per fruit. Significant positive or negative correlations were also observed among other characters. Plant population of 40,000 ha-1 using 50 x 50 cm spacing is recommended for high fruit and seed yield in C. frutescens production.Key words: Cayenne pepper, plant population, seed production efficiency, seed yiel

A Comparative Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and its Determinants among Urban and Rural Community Residents in Ogun State

Background: The success of any COVID-19 vaccination programme will depend on public willingness to receive the vaccination. This is important to  tailor public health messaging appropriately. This study aimed to determine and compare COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and factors influencing it  among rural and urban community members in Ogun State.Methods: The study was a comparative cross-sectional study. Multistage sampling technique was utilized to select 404 and 396 adult residents from  the urban and rural communities, respectively. Data collection was by structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and  inferential statistics were done. Level of significance was set at p<5%.Results: More respondents in urban area 186 (46.0%) were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccine compared to rural respondents 90 (22.7%) (p<0.001). Acceptance that COVID-19 is real (AOR=2.98; 95%CI=1.61-5.51 p<0.001) versus (AOR=2.17; 95CI=1.06- 4.44 p=0.035) predicted acceptability in both  urban and rural areas, respectively. In urban area, being a male (AOR=1.58; 95%CI=1.02-2.44 p=0.041) while in rural area, completion of  immunization (AOR=3.47; 95%CI=1.79-6.72 p<0.001) and fair perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 (AOR=3.05; 95CI:1.55-6.01 p= 0.001) were predictors of acceptability.Conclusion: The study showed there was overall poor acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine among urban and rural residents. Urban residents were  more likely to accept the vaccines compared to rural residents. Therefore, government should do more in terms of health education and promotion  for a right attitude to COVID-19 vaccination

Drug supply shortage in Nigeria during COVID-19: efforts and challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive disruptions in global supply chains. Nigeria is particularly vulnerable with respect to pharmaceuticals since there is reduced local production and about 70% of the drug supply is imported creating a huge supply–demand disparity particularly in times like COVID-19. Nigeria is in need of huge quantities of quality-assured health commodities to effectively respond to the pandemic. Significant shortages of other essential medicines and medical products across the country could be imminent. Drug scarcity in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic period is because of several accumulated factors, majorly as a result of global lockdown, decreased manufacturing, unaddressed regulatory affairs, poor access to resources by the population, lack of buffer stocks, security instability, and poor funding of the healthcare system. This situation if left unattended, could cause serious drawbacks to the health of the populace as well as the quality of life of Nigerians amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Appropriate measures should be directed to ensure ethical processes on drug production, importation, pricing, and distribution to avoid such events during unavoidable scenarios, like the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies

ASSESSMENT OF SEED YIELD AND YIELD RELATED CHARACTERS AMONG 22 NIGERIAN CULTIVATED RICE (Oryza sativa L.) VARIETIES GROWN IN GUINEA SAVANNAH AGRO-ECOLOGY, ABUJA, OVER TWO CROPPING YEARS

Twenty-two rice varieties were evaluated in a field trial under rain-fed conditions at the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Sheda, Abuja (Latitudes 8°53'7'' – 8 o 45’3N and Longitudes 7°3'56'' – 7 o 3.01’E) in 2017 and 2018 cropping years to provide a comparative measure for seed yield and yield related components of cultivated rice varieties in guinea savannah agro-ecology of Nigeria. The experimental field was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates. Seeds of the 22 varieties were assessed for seedling emergence, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of panicles/plant, seed yield/plot, seed yield/ha, 100 seed weight and seed weight/ plant. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance and means were separated using Tukey’s HSD at 5% probability level. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and principal component analyses were also used. Higher panicle length, number of panicles/plot, seed weight/plant and 100-seed weight were observed in year 2017 compared to 2018. FARO 48, FARO 59, FARO 58 and PAC 832 had highest seed yield (10.19 - 11.09 tha-1 ) while FARO 62, FARO 22 and FARO 21 performed poorly. Plant height, number of panicles/plant, panicle height, seed yield/plant mainly contributed to the variation within the rice varieties. Seed germination was positively related to other seed quality attributes (r=0.36 – 0.84**). The study concluded that FARO 48, FARO 59, FARO 58, PAC 832, FARO 44 and FARO 45 with highest seed yield components are recommended for cultivation and could be used for future yield improvement

Influence of environment on protein and oil contents of soybeans seed (Glycine Max (L.) Merril)

An attempt was made to study the magnitude of environmental variability on protein and oil contents of six genetically diverse soybean genotypes under three environments represented by three locations in Nigeria (Zaria in Northern Guinea Savanna, Jos in Pseudo Savanna and Mokwa in Southern Savanna) for two years (1996 and 1997). Significant genotypic location and location x genotype x year effects were observed for protein content while genotypic and location x genotype effects were significant for oil contents. Significant genetic differences in protein content occurred among genotypes, locations and between years, whereas significant genotypic differences in oil content was observed. Bossier and TGX849-313D out yielded in protein content. Protein content in Mokwa and Zaria were higher than that of Jos while protein content in Year 2 (1997) was higher than Year 1 (1996). Oil content remained similar irrespective of location and year. Jos is in a dry cool environment compared with Mokwa which is humid and hot and Zaria which is dry and hot. Environmental factors exerted greater influence more on the protein content than oil content of tropical soybean seeds. High temperature tended to increase protein content with little or no effect on oil content. There was positive significant association between protein and oil contents under Jos environment in 1997 whereas the association was negatively significant under Mokwa environment. Therefore, selection for protein and oil contents among soybean genotypes for further improvement is possible due to large variability present. Variations in protein and oil contents were due to differences in location. Changes in climatic factors resulting from yearly cultivation of soybean in different locations can influence protein content. Key Words: correlation analysis, genotype, Glycine max, oil, protein [Global Jnl Agric Sci Vol.1(1) 2002: 27-32