Effect of Set Size and Fertilizer Types on Early Growth and Development of Plantain Suckers

Inspite of increase in demand for plantain and its products, its production still remain low as a result of unavailability of high quality suckers at the right time. In order to circumvent this problem, this present research was carried out to evaluate the effects of set sizes and organic growth medium on proliferation, growth and development of plantain suckers. The study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho. Three propagule sizes (S1, S2 and S3) and five nitrogen rates using compost (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N/ha) were evaluated.  The emerged suckers were allowed to grow for a period of 12 weeks. During the growth period, data were collected on pseudo stem height and number of leaves and leaf length. At six weeks after fertilizer application, leaf samples were taken for dry matter assessment and leaf tissue nutrient content. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (P≤0.05) and Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the significant means. Corm sizes and compost application had significant effects on growth and development of the suckers’ response variables. Stem girth, pseudo stem height and number of leaves increased with the level of compost application. In addition, it was observed that corm size three (S3) gave the highest number of leaves and highest leaf tissue nutrient uptake even though it has the least value of stem girth and height. Application of 90 and 120 kg N/ha compost to corm size three (S3) gave the highest nutrient content that was not significantly different from each other. Planting of corm size three (S3) with application of 90 kg N/ha compost is therefore recommended for use by the local farmers. Keywords: corm, fertilizer, Nigeria, plantain

Invasive bacterial infections in Gambians with sickle cell anaemia in an era of widespread Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccination

Background: There is relatively little data on the aetiology of bacterial infections in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in West Africa, and no data from countries that have implemented conjugate vaccines against both Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of SCA patients admitted to the Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia during a five-year period when there was high coverage of Hib and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination. We evaluated 161 admissions of 126 patients between April 2010 and April 2015. Results: Pathogenic bacteria were identified in blood cultures from 11 of the 131 admissions that had cultures taken (8.4%, 95% CI 4.5-14.1%). The most frequent isolate was Salmonella Typhimurium (6/11; 54.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (2/11; 18.2%) and other enteric Gram-negative pathogens (2/11; 18.2%) and there was one case of H. influenzae non-type b bacteraemia (1/11; 9.1%). There were no episodes of bacteraemia caused by S. pneumoniae or Hib. Conclusions: The low prevalence of S. pneumoniae and Hib, and the predominance of non-typhoidal Salmonella as a cause of bacteraemia suggest the need to reconsider optimal antimicrobial prophylaxis and the empirical treatment regimens for patients with SCA

Effects of Sowing Date on Yield and Yield Parameters of Some Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cultivar Under Rainfed Condition in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

The study examined the variation in number of flowers, number of nodules, number of pods and seed yield of some groundnut cultivar as affected by planting date in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria under rainfed condition. This is necessary to determine when moisture availability will be at optimum starting from the onset of rainfall, to avert loss which could arise from improper timing of planting. Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso with average annual rainfall of 1000 mm and temperature ranging from 28 to 33 ºC was used for the experiment. A 4 by 4 factorial experiment with four varieties of groundnut (three improved varieties Samnut-10, Samnut-23, Samnut-22 and Kampala (local variety)) and four planting dates of a week interval (29th April, 6th May, 13th May and 20th May, 2016) were tried without chemical amendment. All the parameters evaluated were affected by the planting date.  Samnut-23 and Samnut-10 planted on 29th April produced the highest mean number of flowers (15.67) and number of nodules (116.00) respectively which were significantly higher than others. Cultivar type did not have significant influence (p≤0.05) on the growth parameters. However, number of pods and seed yield was influenced by the cultivar. The highest number of pods (103.00) from this study was produced by Samnut-23 planted on 29th April. It was observed that the high number of pods produced by Samnut-23 did not translate to seed yield because Kampala produced the highest seed yield (73.51 g/plot) which was significantly higher than yield from other cultivars tried. Groundnut cultivars responded differently to planting date tried, with best planting period being early month of May. It was observed that all the cultivars produced their least seed yield when planted towards the end of month of May, therefore, should be discouraged for the tried cultivars at the trial location. KEYWORDS: Sowing date, Rainfed, Pod, Seed yield and Groundnut Production DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-18-06 Publication date:September 30th 201

Hepatorenal toxicity studies of sub-chronic administration of calyx aqueous extracts of hibiscus sabdariffa in albino rats

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn has been reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects. Subchronic effects of calyces aqueous extracts of H. Sabdariffa were studied in albino rats. Twenty four (24) albino rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of four rats each. Group A, was fed with growers mesh and distilled water as control. Groups B to F were administered orally with the aqueous extract at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5g /kg body weight respectively and the treatment period was 28 days. A decreased in weights of the animals were observed at all dose levels. The activities of liver maker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and direct bilirubin increased significantly (p0.05) increase in concentrations of total protein and albumin were observed in comparison to the control. The renal indices, urea, uric acid and creatinine in the treated groups were significantly increased compared to the control but a significant decrease (

Oral health awareness, practices and status of patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health institution in Nigeria

Background: Despite the reported increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, very few studies have documented report on oral health awareness and oral health conditions of individuals with diabetes mellitus from our environment. Thus this study aimed at assessing the oral health awareness, practices and status of individuals with diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary health facility in Nigeria.Methods: A cross sectional survey of 143 patients with diabetes attending the medical outpatients' clinic of the hospital. Information was obtained from participants using pretested structured questionnaires and oral examination. Tests of associations were determined using Chi-square and student t test.Results: One-fifth (20.3%) of the respondents were aware of good oral health preventing oral diseases in diabetes. Thirty-five (24.5%) knew that diabetes could worsen oral health condition and only 3 (2.1%) could correctly explain the association between diabetes and oral health conditions. Forty-three (30.1%) had participated in an oral health education program focused on diabetes and oral health. The majority (88.6%) had calculus accumulation while none had a healthy periodontium.Conclusion: Oral health awareness, practices and status of patients with diabetes were poor in our environment. Thus, these individuals need to be better informed of the relationship between oral health and diabetes.Keywords: Oral disease; diabetes; awareness; oral health educatio

Agricultural Extension Agents’ Awareness Of Ict Potentials And Training Needs On Usage For Improved Extension Service Deliv- Ery In Selected Southwest States Of Nigeria

The   study   examined   the   agricultural   extension   workers’ awareness   of   ICT   potentials   and   training needs on ICT usage for improved extension service delivery in selected southwest states of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 132 extension workers’ from Lagos and Ogun States Agricultural Development   Programmes   (LADA  and OGADEP).   A  validated  and  reliable questionnaire was used to obtain primary data on socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, their awareness of ICT potentials and training needs on ICT usage for improved extension services delivery. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and chi-square statistics. Result of the analysis showed that most of the respondents were the Village Extension Agents (78.8 %,), and about 34.1% of them were within the age range of 41 and 45years. About 72.7% the exten- sion agents had first degree (HND/BSc) as the least educational qualification and about 57.6% of them have spent between 11 and 20 years in the extension services. The result also showed that all the extension agents were familiar with the Global System Mobile communication (GSM), 58.3% with the computer and 38.6% of them with the internet. About 43.2% of the extension workers were moderately aware of the ICT potentials for improved extension service delivery based on their mean awareness score of 8.5 (53.1%). The chi-square test of the relationship between the extension workers’ socioeco- nomic characteristics (education: χ² = 45.5,  df = 12; professional rank: χ² = 38.7,  df = 9; working ex- perience χ² = 65.2, df = 12) and level of awareness of the ICT potentials showed a significant relation- ship at p < 0.05. Similarly, a significant relationship was observed between the extension agents’ level of awareness of ICT potentials and their needs for training on usage for improved extension service delivery (χ² = 71.3, df = 18) at p < 0.05. In the light of this, it was concluded that the extension workers had moderate level awareness of ICT potentials for improved extension services and were in need of training on usage in their extension activities. It was recommended that education on ICT potentials and   training on  usage for improved  extension service delivery   should   be promoted and intensified among the extension workers.      &nbsp

Evaluation of Agronomic and Physiological Characteristics of Ten Castor Bean Plant Accessions in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

In spite of numerous industrial benefit of castor plant (Ricinus communis L.), its production is hindered due to lack of adequate agronomic practices. Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria during 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to evaluate the performance of ten accessions of castor plant. The treatments consisted of nine improved accessions of castor plant and a local variety. In each year, the 10 treatments were laid out in completely randomize block design and replicated three times. Data were collected on growth, seed yield and yield attributes parameters. Data collected in 2014 and 2015 were pooled and subjected to analysis of variance while means were separated using Least Significant Difference at 5% probability level. Growth, yield and yield attributes parameters of castor plant accessions were significantly influenced (p≤0.05). NCRICAS041 produced the tallest plant (190.0 cm) at harvest which was significantly taller than others. The highest mean number of capsules per raceme (150.33) produced by NCRICAS056 was significantly higher than others. NCRICAS056 produced the highest seed yield (1,919 kg/ha) while NCRICAS057 gave the least (1,047 kg/ha). The results of accessions seed yield attributes did not followed any specific other. In conclusion, variability among the accessions in growth and seed yield were apparent. Accessions NCRICAS041 and NCRICAS056 performed better than the locally sourced CASGPMAN. They are therefore recommended for the study area. Keywords: Castor, Accessions, Growth parameter, Seed, Seed attributes, DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-18-03 Publication date:September 30th 201

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of stem bark extracts of Detarium microcarpum against bacteria causing gastrointestinal tract infections in humans

Detarium microcarpum is used by different ethnic groups for treatment of various diseases in Nigeria and several parts of West African. The      phytochemical constituents of the stembark extract of D.microcarpum were analyzed using qualitative methods. The antibacterial activity of the stembark extracts against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were tested using the agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical investigation revealed that presence of tannins, saponin, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols and terpenoids. The plant extracts exhibited anti bacterial potential against the tested organisms at different concentrations 100 mg/mL , 50mg/mL 25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL )), with S. aureus having the highest zone of inhibition of 21 mm at 100 mg/mL with ethanolic extract. Therefore, this study suggests that D. microcarpum stembark has phytochemical constituents. The antibacterial activity exhibited by the extracts could be as a result of the phytochemicals presents

Aqueous Extracts of Anogeissus Leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. and Terminalia Glaucescens Planch ex Benth. Inhibited Helicobacter Pylori

The inhibitory effects of methanol, dichloromethane and aqueous extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. and Terminalia glaucescens Planch ex Benth. (family Combretaceae) reportedly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases including stomach disorder and ulcer are investigated to ascertain and justify their use in traditional medicine. Nineteen (19) strains of Helicobacter pylori including 18 clinical isolates and Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 were used in this study. The susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing were performed using the agar dilution procedure guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. bactericidal studies were performed using viable counting techniques. The MIC and MBC values for the susceptible strains ranged from 0.08 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL and 0.16 mg/mL - 2.5 mg/mL respectively Bactericidal study revealed a dose- and time-dependent decline in surviving population of H. pylori AB005 at concentrations equivalent to MIC, 2 x MIC and 4 x MIC (Figures 1-4). The aqueous extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark and root gave a 100% kill at 6-hour exposure time with concentration equivalent to 4x MIC (i.e. 0.32mg/mL). The antimicrobial activities demonstrated by extracts of the plants on Helicobacter pylori revealed the presence of therapeutically potent antibacterial compounds and thus justify the use of these medicinal plants for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Keywords: Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr.; Terminalia glaucescens Planch ex Benth.; Helicobacter pylori; peptic ulcer disease; bactericidal activit

Influence of Different Fertilizer Types on the Growth and Yield of Two Varieties Cucumber (Cucumis melo)

The growth, yield and nutritional quality of Poinsett and Marketmore varieties of cucumber in response to compost and NPK fertilizer application were evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The six fertilizer combinations are T1 (0 kg N), T2 (100% NPK, 600 kg NPK 15:15:15), T3 (100% Tithonia compost (TC), 5 tons/ha), T4 (75% NPK + 25% TC), T5 (50% NPK + 50% TC) and T6 (25% NPK+ 75% TC). The treatments were arranged as 6 × 2 factorial scheme in Randomised Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data were collected on growth parameters, fruit yield, calcium content and iron content. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and difference among treatments means was computed using Least Significant Difference at 0.05 probability level. The results revealed that at the point of maximum growth Poinsett cucumber variety produced significant longer vine (173.78cm); higher number of leaves (23.56) and more robust stem girth (3.01 cm) than the other variety. At 8 weeks after sowing (WAS) the longest vine length (216.67cm) and number of leaves (29.33) were obtained from cucumber plants treated with 5 tons/ha. Varietal effect was not significant (p≤0.05) on cucumber fruit yield and firmness. The vine length, fruit girth, stem girth, number of leaves were significantly influenced by the application of 5 tons/ha. At 8 WAS, the longest vine 216.67cm and highest number of leaves (27.33) were recorded from 5 tons/ha, while the widest stem girth (2.10cm) was gotten from 50% NPK + 50% TC treated cucumber. Fruit yield was significantly improved by the application of different combination of fertilizer. Plant that received fertilizer had significant better fruit yield compared with non-fertilized one. However, the use of 50% NPK + 50% TC gave the highest fruit yield. The study concluded that combine application of 300 kg NPK + 2.5 ton/ha TC would be sufficient for production of the two varieties tried in this study. Keywords: Cucumber; farmyard manure; inorganic fertilizer; growth; yield. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-14-03 Publication date:July 31st 201