Variation in fruit traits of pawpaw under different rates of poultry manure

Twelve pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) accessions were evaluated at Nsukka (Latitude 6°51′28″ N Longitude 7°23′44″ E at an elevation of 423 m above sea level), Nigeria, under three poultry manure (PM) rates (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) in order to study the effect of the manure variation on fruit traits. The experiment was a split plot laid out in randomised complete block design replicated thrice. Main plot treatment was poultry manure rates and sub-plot treatment was the 12 accessions of pawpaw. Data on percent number of fruited plants, number of fruits harvested, true-to-type fruit pulp colour and fruit shape were collected. The effect of accession showed that Cnd-Cl-Ro significantly (p ≤ 0.05) produced the highest number of fruited plants (80.0%). Number of fruits harvested was highest in accessions Ijm-Cl-Ro and Ijm-Sp-Ly (6.8). Accession Ijm-Sp-Ly had highest fruits with similar pulp colour and fruit shape (53.3%) to the initial. Application of 10 t ha-1 of PM significantly produced the highest number of fruited plants (60.0%) and fruits harvested (4.4) but did not significantly affect true-to-type fruit pulp colour and shape

Nutritional diversity in accessions of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora L.) sourced from southwestern Nigeria as influenced by collection center and processing

Nut collection expeditions of Plukenetia conophora L. were made to 10 locations in southwestern Nigeria. Seeds extracted were cooked or not and  were assayed for phytochemical and mineral contents. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Omuwo-Oke accession had highest phenol and tannin whereas Ijan had highest phytate; alkaloids and glycosides were higher in Ara accession than others. Accession obtained from Aramoko gave highest iron concentration while the lowest was in Ogotun accession. The concentrations of K, Mg and Na were higher in Ogotun accession while the lowest was found in Alafe, Agbado and Aba-Oyo, respectively. Alafe accession had highest concentration of phosphorus but lower concentration  was obtained in Ogotun. Zinc was highest in collection from Aramoko while Abgado accession had the lowest. Phenol, phytate, alkaloids and glycosides were higher in boiled nuts than fresh nuts but tannin was higher in fresh nuts. K, Mg, Zn and Na were higher in fresh nuts than boiled  nuts. Higher concentration of Fe and P were recorded in boiled nuts. Genotype x traits biplot analysis revealed that cooked nuts from Agbado, Alafe,  and Aramoko had higher values for glycosides. Alkaloid was more pronounced in fresh nut from Ara. Fresh nuts from Aba-Oyo and Agbado gave higher values for phytate. Tannin was highest in fresh nuts from Omuo-Oke and boiled nuts from Igbara-Odo while phenol was higher in boiled nut from Omuo-Oke. Biplot analysis for minerals revealed higher concentration of Zn, NFE, Na and P in boiled nuts from Aramoko, Omuo- Oke, Igbara-Odo, Ogotun and Ijan. Mg was highest in fresh nuts from Ara and Igbara-Odo. Tannin and alkaloids had negative significant  relationship (r = –0.581*) but the relationship between glycosides and alkaloids was positive and significant (r = 0.520*). Zn had significant  relationships with Mg and P (r = 0.590* and –0.551*, respectively). Similarly, Na had positive relationships with K and Mg (r = 0.599** and 0.491*,  respectively). Mg and K had an r-value of 0.502*. Inter-correlative responses between the phytochemicals and minerals revealed that only  glycosides had significant relationships with K, Mg and Zn (which were negative) as well as with P (which was positive). Data obtained suggested sufficient genetic diversity in nuts of Plukenetia sourced from southwestern Nigeria, indicating posibility for selection. Besides, cooking had  signifcant (in some cases, positive) effect on the phytochemicals and minerals assayed. Key words: African walnut, accessions, phytochemical, minerals, processin

Determination of sorptivity, infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity of soil using a tension infiltrometer

This study was conducted in June-July 2018 to determine hydraulic properties of soil mainly: sorptivity (S); infiltration rate (I); hydraulic conductivity (K) and water diffusivity (D) using a tension infiltrometer. These soil properties are required during the design of irrigation and drainage projects. The Experimental site was the Demonstration Farm of Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DFDABE), University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. The soil was loamy sand with mean porosity of 42.90%, percentage contents of sand, silt and clay were 84.35, 5.41 and 10.24%, respectively. A tension infiltrometer which restricts preferential flow of water in the soil was used to measure the infiltration rates. Water potentials of -0.02, -0.05, -10 and -0.15 m were used but -0.05 m was found to be most appropriate for tension infiltrometer. Potential -0.02 m could not control preferential flow of water during infiltration test. The infiltration data were used to determine S, I, K and D of the soil. The mean values of S, I, K and D at -0.02 m in 2018 were 63.50 mm/h1/2, 176.84 mm/h, 22.42 mm/h and 171,092.46 mm2/h, respectively. The corresponding values at -0.05 m were 29.90 mm/h1/2, 71.32 mm/h, 24.67 mm/h and 72,871.29 mm2/h. Corresponding values at -0.10 m were 19.88 mm/h1/2, 32.76 mm/h, 13.02 mm/h and 26,309.80 mm2/h and at -0.15 m were 15.41 mm/h1/2, 28.54 mm/h, 15.02 mm/h and 23,041.13 mm2/h. The values of infiltration rates and hydraulic conductivities of the soil can be used for design of an irrigation project in the study area.Keywords: Hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate, sorptivity, soil porosity, tension infiltrometer, water diffusivity

Agronomic evaluation of plantains and other triploid banana

The agronomic potential of landraces and cultivars must be determined for an optimal utilization of genetic resources in Musa improvement. Field assessment of 75 plantain landraces and 17 banana cultivars was carried out in two representative locations in Nigeria: Onne (southeastern humid lowland forest), and Ibadan (western forest-savanna transition). There were significant differences between the landraces and cultivars for all characteristics. Plant height and girth, height of the tallest sucker at flowering and at harvest, bunch weight, average fruit weight and number of fruit in the third hand were significantly influenced by the genotype-by-location interaction. Number of hands and fruit per bunch, and number of fruit of the first hand were not affected by neither the location nor the genotype-by-location interaction. The number of fruit in the second hand showed the lowest coefficient of variation, which suggests that this characteristic may be more reliable for characterization of Musa germplasm. The significant genotype-by-location interaction for the agronomic characteristics shows the need to identify environmentally representative locations for in situ conservation of Musa germplasm, as well as for its further characterization

Fruit characteristics and ripening pattern of ten Musa genotypes in a subhumid environment in Nigeria

Conventional evaluation of Musa through multilocation trials has often been carried out to ascertain the yield stability and ecological range of new varieties but, for prospective growers, it is equally important to know the fruit characteristics and ripening pattern of the genotypes. Indeed, fruit characteristics determine consumers’ attitudes towards the new varieties, and the associated market value of these varieties. Materials and methods. The metric traits and ripening pattern of fruits from nine Musa hybrids and one local variety of plantain were evaluated during two cropping seasons in a sub-humid environment in Nigeria. Results. All the traits measured varied with the genotype, but cropping cycle influenced only fruit weight and days to complete senescence of fruits. The interaction between genotype and cropping cycle was significant on fruit weight, fruit length and days to attain four different ripening stages. Most genotypes had better values in the ratoon harvest than in the plant crop. Fruit length and shape of PITA 21 were comparable with those of the local check, but the index of edible proportion was highest in PITA 22. PITA 21 and PITA 26 had the longest green life and total shelf life. Conclusion. The genotypes evaluated in our study revealed different utilization potentials. Also, the better postharvest life of some of the hybrids and comparable metric traits with the local check suggested the high adoption potential of the hybrids.L'évaluation conventionnelle de bananiers par essais multisites a souvent été effectuée pour étudier la stabilité du rendement et la gamme écologique de nouvelles variétés, mais, pour des cultivateurs éventuels, il est également important de connaître les caractéristiques et le comportement de maturation des fruits des différents génotypes. En effet, les caractéristiques des fruits déterminent l'attitude du consommateur vis-à-vis des nouvelles variétés et la valeur marchande qui leur est associée. Matériel et méthodes. Les caractéristiques biométriques et le comportement de maturation des fruits de neuf hybrides de Musa et d’une variété locale de plantain ont été évalués pendant deux cycles de culture dans un environnement subhumide au Nigéria. Résultats. Toutes les caractéristiques mesurées ont varié en fonction du génotype, mais le cycle de production n’a influencé que le poids des fruits et le nombre de jours nécessaires pour parvenir à leur sénescence. L'interaction entre le génotype et le cycle de production a été significative pour le poids et la longueur du fruit, ainsi que pour le nombre de jours requis pour atteindre quatre stades de maturation différents. La plupart des génotypes ont présenté de meilleures récoltes lors du cycle issu de rejets que lors du premier cycle de plantation. La longueur et la forme des fruits de PITA 21 ont été comparables à celles du témoin local, mais le taux de partie comestible a été le plus haut pour les fruits de PITA 22. PITA 21 et PITA 26 ont eu les plus longues vie verte et durée de conservation totale. Conclusion. Les génotypes évalués dans notre étude ont révélé différents potentiels d'utilisation. En outre, une meilleure conservation après récolte de certains hybrides par rapport au témoin local et des caractéristiques biométriques comparables à ce cultivar suggèreraient une forte probabilité d'adoption de ces hybrides

Manure placement effects on root and shoot growth and nutrient uptake of PITA 14 plantain hybrid (Musa sp. AAAB)

Low soil organic matter and associated poor soil fertility cause yield decline in Musaspecies, necessitating external nutrient input to maintain yield. Best fertilization practices include applying the correct fertilizer at the correct rate, time and place. In this regard, manure placement effects on growth, root system development and nutrient uptake of a plantain hybrid were evaluated in a screen-house. Three manure placement methods, whereby the full dose of manure was applied as top-dressing (T1), bottom-dressing (T2), or a split combination thereof (T3), were assessed together with a no manure control (T4). There was significant (P < 0.05) treatment effects on most of the parameters studied. T1 gave the best growth indices 3 months after transplanting (MAT) but not at 5 MAT. The highest root NPK and leaf N at 3 MAT was associated with T3. T3 also induced the best plant growth at 5 MAT, followed by T2. Expectedly, the control treatment produced plants with the poorest growth. Whole-plant biomass yield and distribution were influenced by manure placement as was specific leaf area. Significantly large correlations between leaf-3 parameters and whole-plant growth indices were observed. Thus, dry weight of leaf-3 predicted whole-plant biomass yield with high reliability (r2 = 94.1%), supporting leaf-3 analysis as a non-destructive alternative for assessment of plant performance in response to manure. It was apparent from the study that plant performance indices at 3 and 5 MAT showed that split dressing at the top and the bottom of the pots (T3) was a more sustainable method for manure application to Musa

Fruit characteristics and ripening pattern of ten

Introduction. Conventional evaluation of Musa through multilocation trials has often been carried out to ascertain the yield stability and ecological range of new varieties but, for prospective growers, it is equally important to know the fruit characteristics and ripening pattern of the genotypes. Indeed, fruit characteristics determine consumers’ attitudes towards the new varieties, and the associated market value of these varieties. Materials and methods. The metric traits and ripening pattern of fruits from nine Musa hybrids and one local variety of plantain were evaluated during two cropping seasons in a sub-humid environment in Nigeria. Results. All the traits measured varied with the genotype, but cropping cycle influenced only fruit weight and days to complete senescence of fruits. The interaction between genotype and cropping cycle was significant on fruit weight, fruit length and days to attain four different ripening stages. Most genotypes had better values in the ratoon harvest than in the plant crop. Fruit length and shape of PITA 21 were comparable with those of the local check, but the index of edible proportion was highest in PITA 22. PITA 21 and PITA 26 had the longest green life and total shelf life. Conclusion. The genotypes evaluated in our study revealed different utilization potentials. Also, the better postharvest life of some of the hybrids and comparable metric traits with the local check suggested the high adoption potential of the hybrids

Comparing yield stability of Musa genotypes in Nigeria using four statistical methods

Four statistical approaches were examined for stability analysis for yield in order to determine their congruence in identification of musa genotypes. Thirty-six Musa genotypes grown in four location for two crop cycle were evaluated. The statistical methods used included Gauch’s additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, Finlay and Wilkinson’s regression coefficient (FW), Francis and Kennenberg’s grouping based on CV and mean yield (FK), and Kang’s statistic for simultaneous selection (YSi) for high and stable yield. Changes in yield of genotypes across the locations were observed, suggesting that there was little homeostatic adaptation of the genotypes. There was a weak rank correlation among the locations and crop cycles, and also among stability methods. However, AMMI was significantly correlated with YSi. Also, FW was significantly correlated with FK. The level of convergence between any two methods ranged from 16 to 44%, while among any three or the four method was between 16 and 18%. Three cooking banana landraces, Bluggoe, Fougamou and pelipita were identified as high yielding and stable by all methods. In most cases, genotypes selected by AMMI and FW were also classified as stable by the other two methods. We conclude that simultaneous use of different stability statistics may protect breeders from wrongly identifying presumably stable genotypes

Assessment of Mineral and Antinutritional Qualities of Ceiba Pentandra Succulent and Matured Leaves

Background: Food insecurity remains a major challenge in Nigeria, assessing mineral and antinutritional qualities of Ceiba could ensure food security and improve people's diet.Objectives: The study assessed mineral and antinutritional qualities of succulent and matured leaves of two Ceiba accessions.Materials and methods: Succulent and matured leaves of Ceiba were collected from Ayede and Unosi in Kogi State, Nigeria and investigated for minerals and anti-nutrients using standard analytical procedures. The experiment was a 2x2 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to the analysis of variance in CRD using GENSTAT statistical software.Results: Unosi accession significantly (p&lt;0.05) had higher potassium (42.9 mg/100g). Phosphorus (72.2mg/100g) and zinc (0.764 mg/100g) were more in Ayede. Matured leaves possessed higher calcium (21.22 mg/100g) and magnesium (62.81 mg/100g). Succulent leaves had more phosphorus (75.5 mg/100g). Genotype x traits biplot analysis revealed that matured leaves from Ayede had higher calcium. Iron, phosphorus and zinc were more in succulent leaves from Ayede. Matured leaves from Unosi had higher magnesium. Succulent leaves from Unosi contained higher potassium. Higher oxalate (172.5mg/100g) and phytate (3.90mg /100g) were attributed to matured leaves. Biplot analysis revealed that all the anti-nutrients were higher in matured leaves from Ayede.Conclusion: Ayede accession is a better option for the consumers and for genetic improvement since the anti-nutrient content can be reduced during the cooking process. Higher anti-nutrients in matured leaves and higher mineral values in succulent leaves of Ceiba suggests the consumption of the succulent leaves

Phenotypic and genetic correlations in Musa populations in Nigeria

Breeding efforts for genetic improvement of banana and plantain have gradually shifted from individual trait selection to simultaneous improvement of several traits, following an ideotype concept. Therefore, information on the phenotypic and genetic association among these traits, and the influence of environmental factors thereupon, would be valuable to the Musa breeder. In this regard, the correlation of several traits with bunch weight was assessed for a sample of 36 Musa genotypes grown at three locations (Abuja, Ibadan and Onne) for two consecutive crop cycles. Genetic correlations between bunch weight and plant height at flowering, height of the tallest sucker at maturity of mother plant and number of days for fruit filling were smaller than phenotypic correlations, suggesting a synergistic effect of genotypes and environments on phenotypic relationship between bunch weight and those traits. However, the genetic correlations between bunch weight and the number of days to flowering or the number of leaves was higher than phenotypic correlations. The associations between bunch weight and yield components were higher than between bunch weight and phenological traits. In the former cases, the genetic correlation was similar to the phenotypic correlation, indicating that the effect of genotype x environment interaction on the relationship between bunch weight and yield components was neutral. This indicates that yield components could serve as indirect selection criteria for yield. Generally, there was a higher genetic expression for most yield components during the second crop cycle in all the environments. This probably implies that selection should be carried out in the second crop cycle. Different correlations were observed across locations, suggesting that different selection indices may be constructed to identify ideotypes best suited to specific agro-ecological niches.Les efforts d'amélioration génétique du bananier et du bananier-plantain ont graduellement passé de la sélection de caractères individuels à celle simultanée de plusieurs caractères, suivant un concept d'idéotype. Ainsi, il devenu est important pour le sélectionneur Musa de connaître le degré d'association phénotypique et génétique entre ces caractères ainsi que l'influence des facteurs environnementaux sur ces associations. Aussi a-t-on déterminé les coefficients de corrélation entre le poids du régime et plusieurs autres caractères pour un échantillon de 36 génotypes évalués dans quatre sites (Abuja, Ibadan, Onne-alley crop, Onne-sole crop) sur deux cycles consécutifs. Les corrélations génétiques entre le poids de régime d'une part et la taille à la floraison, la taille du plus grand rejet à mâturité du pied mère et l'intervalle floraison-coupe d'autre part étaient inférieures aux corrélations phénotypiques, ce qui suggère un effet de synergie entre génotypes et environnement sur les relations phénotypiques entre le poids du régime et ces caractères. Par contre, les corrélations génétiques entre le poids du régime et l'intervalle plantation-floraison ou le nombre de feuilles étaient supérieures aux corrélations phénotypiques. Les associations entre poids du régime et composantes du rendement étaient plus fortes que les associations entre poids du régime et caractères végétatifs. Dans les premiers cas, la corrélation génétique était du même ordre de grandeur que la corrélation phénotypique, ce qui indique une neutralité de l'effet d'interaction entre génotypes et environmments sur les relations entre poids de régime et composantes du rendement. Aussi, les composantes du rendement peuvent-elles servir de critères indirects de sélection pour le rendement. En général, le niveau d'expression de la plupart des composantes du rendement était plus marqué dans le second cycle de culture quel que soit le site, ce qui veut dire que la sélection devrait se faire au cours de ce second cycle. On a obtenu différentes corrélations à travers les sites, ce qui suggère qu'on doive contruire des indices de sélection spécifiques à chaque niche agroécologique pour l'identification des idéotypes les mieux adaptés à ces niches