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Growth and yield attributes of four varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFField experiments were conducted during the cropping season of the year 2014, to evaluate the growth and yield parameters of four varieties of cowpea (IT04K-223-1, IT04K-321-2, IT04K-332-1 and IT04K-217-5) at Nsugbe Anambra State, Southeastern rainforest zone of Nigeria. A randomized complete block design, replicated three times was used. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) among the varieties evaluated in both growth and yield. Variety IT04K-321-2 consistently yielded better than other varieties evaluated. It had the highest number of pods per plant, pod weight, number of seeds per pod and 1000-seeds weight and plant height with the values of 43.80, 3.01, 4.05, 16.30 and 43.92cm respectively. From the study, it is established that varietal differences exist in cowpea with respect to growth and yield attributes. Under proper management, the yield obtained from Nsugbe area of Anambra State could be compared with yields from other cowpea growing States. This study therefore recommended that variety IT04K-321-2, which had comparable higher yield and was adapted to Nsugbe area be integrated into the farming system for maximum yield and utilization. Farmers are therefore encouraged to integrate this variety into their farming system for maximum yield and utilization in the study area
Heavy metals and microbial contamination of certain leafy vegetables grown in abattoir effluent disposal province of Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), India
Get PDFThe present investigation was carried out to study the heavy metals and microbial contamination of four selected leafy vegetables viz., cabbage, lettuce, coriander and spinach grown in abattoir effluent irrigated soil. The results revealed that the values of various parameters of abattoir effluent viz., TDS (2840 mg L-1), BOD (2480.50 mg L-1), COD (2890.00 mg L-1), total N (195.80 mg L-1), Fe (18.48 mg L-1), Mn (2.88 mg L-1), total bacteria (6.97×108 CFU ml -1), coliform bacteria (3.24×104 MPN 100 ml -1) and total fungi (7.78×105 CFU ml -1) were found beyond the prescribed limit of Indian irrigation standards. The abattoir effluent irrigation significantly (p<0.05/p<0.01) increased the EC, total N, available P, OC, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, total bacteria, coliform bacteria of the soil used for the cultivation of cabbage, lettuce, coriander and spinach in comparison to their respective controls. The most numbers of bacteria (8.67×108 CFU ml-1), coliform bacteria (7.80×105 MPN 100 ml-1) and total fungi (9.85×105 CFU ml-1) were noted in the lettuce after abattoir effluent irrigation. Therefore, the higher contents of heavy metals and microbial population in cabbage, lettuce, coriander and spinach might be related to their contents in the soils irrigated with abattoir effluent. Therefore, the agronomical practices with abattoir effluent should be regularly monitored to avert environmental problems and attendant health hazards
Use of double-hurdle model to crop residues usage among farming households in Argungu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe objective of this research is to examine the crop residues use and its determinants in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. A cross sectional data from 120 households select-ed through a multistage and simple random sampling techniques. This research is timely given the fact that, Nigerian Government is now shifting emphasis from oil-based to agricultural diversified economy. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and double hurdle. Such an approach has never been previously been applied to analyze crop residue usage in the study area and the state at large. The descriptive statistics shows that, farmers preferred using crop residue for feeding (44.1%) than any other purpose. Other important and competing uses of crop residue in-cluded stall feeding, fire wood, house construction and mulching. The intensity of legume crop residue was positively and statistically influenced by household education, land ownership, exten-sion service and access to credit. However, the intensity to use cereal crop residues was positively influenced by household education, extension service and access to electricity (p-0.05). The study concludes crop residues were mainly used for own animal feeding in the area. Extension contact to farm families, socio-economic variable (educational attainment, access to credit) and quantity of crop residues influenced both the decision and intensity of CRs usage in the study area
Effects of integrated nutrient management on agronomical attributes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) under field conditions
Get PDFIn this investigation the effects of different integrated nutrient management on agronomical attrib-utes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. F1 Hybrid Arka Rakshak) under field conditions were investigated. Ten nutrients treatments viz., without nutrient (control) (T1), recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (T2), agro residue vermicompost (ARV) @ 5 t ha-1 (T3), sugarcane pressmud compost (SPC) @ 5 t ha-1 (T4), cattle dung compost (CDC) @ 12.5 t ha-1 (T5), sewage sludge (SS) @ 2 t ha-1 (T6), T7 (50 % RDF + ARV @ 5 t ha-1), T8 (50 % RDF + SPC @ 5 t ha-1), T9 (50 % RDF + CDC @ 12.5 t ha-1) and T10 (50% RDF + SS @ 2 t ha-1) were used for the cultivation of L. esculentum. The results showed that different treatments showed significant (P-0.05/P-0.01) change in EC, OC, TKN, PO43-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn of the soil. Among various treatments the most plant height, root length, dry weight, chlorophyll content, LAI, number of flowers/plant, fruits/plant, crop yield/plant, and biochemical ingredient like crude protein, dietary fiber, total carbohydrates and total sugar of L. esculentum was recorded with 50% RDF + ARV @ 5 t ha-1. The agronomical performance of L. esculentum was recorded in the order of T7 > T10 > T9 > T8 > T3 > T6 > T5 > T4 > T2 > T1 treatments. Thus, sole ARV and 50% RDF along with ARV @ 5 t ha-1 can be used to achieve the maximum crop yield of L. esculentum
Impact of wastewater on nitrate concentrations in soil and vegetables grown along Kubanni River, Zaria in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe concentration of nitrate was evaluated in wastewater, soil and vegetable (carrot, lettuce, onion, spinach, cabbage, tomato and okra) samples collected on seasonal basis from January, 2013 to September 2014 along Kubanni stream channels in Zaria. The results showed nitrate levels in wastewater were in the range of 23.05-283.54 mg/L for the year 2013 and 16.85-68.05 mg/L in the year 2014; soil had concentrations in the range of 2.20-20.50 mg/kg for 2013 and 7.27-29.57 mg/kg for the second year while the vegetable had concentrations in the range of 3.80-23.65 mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 7.48-27.15 mg/Kg in year 2014. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in nitrate concentrations across the locations and seasons for wastewater, soil and vegetables analyzed. Pearson correlation results revealed negative (r = -0.263) relationship between nitrate levels in wastewater for year 2013 and year 2014, likewise negative (r = -0.217) relationship was obtained for vegetables planted in the year 2013 and 2014 whereas negligible (r = 0.137) relationship was recorded in the soil for these years. Nitrate concentrations obtained in this study was higher than maximum contaminant levels set by Standard Organization such as WHO and FAO for wastewater whereas the soil and vegetable of the sampling sites were not contaminated with nitrate ions
Impact of row arrangements, age of tiller seedlings and number of tiller seedlings hill-1 on the growth performance of transplanted Aman rice (cv. BR23)
Get PDFThe experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to see the effect of row arrangements, age of tiller seedlings and number of tiller seedlings hill-1 on growth of transplant Aman rice (cv. BR23). The experiment comprised three row arrangements viz. single, double and triple row; two ages of tiller seedling viz. 25 and 35 days and three levels of number of tiller seedlings hill-1 viz., 2, 4 and 6 tiller seedlings hill-1. The effect of row arrangement, age of tiller seedlings and number of tiller seedlings hill-1 were significant on plant height, number of leaves hill-1, number of total tillers hill-1, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and total dry weight. The tallest plants at 70 DAT, the highest number of leaves and leaf dry weight were found at 25, 40, 55 and 70 DAT in single row arrangement which was as good as double row arrangement while shorter plant and the lowest number of leaves hill-1 were found in triple row arrangement. The highest stem and total dry matter production hill-1 were recorded in triple row arrangement and the lowest were found in single row arrangement. Wider spacing significantly increased plant height, total tiller production hill-1, leaf production hill-1and leaf dry matter production while closer spacing of triple rows enhance stem and total dry matter production hill-1. Transplanted Aman rice (BR23) can be grown in single rows for the highest plant height, more tiller production, leaf production and leaf dry matter production hill-1. In case of total dry matter production cv. BR23 can be grown in triple rows by transplanting 35-day old seedlings with 6 tiller seedlings hill-1
Effects of boron foliar fertilization on irrigated soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) in the Mississippi River Valley Delta of themidsouth, USA
Get PDFBoron (B) deficiencies have been observed in some irrigated soybean fields in the lower Mississippi River Valley on silt loam soils of pH >7.0 and irrigated with water having high calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Boron fertilization effects on irrigated soybean grown using the Early Soybean Production System (ESPS) in the Midsouth have yet to be determined. Three commercial cultivars available for use in the ESPS were selected and foliar fertilized with a B solution at GS’s R3 and/or R5 at concentrations of 280 g B ha-1, 560 g B ha-1, or a split application at both R3 and R5 of 280 g B ha-1. Established stands were greater in 2016 than 2015 (262,378 vs. 180,804 plants ha-1) resulting in respective mean yields of 4239.7 vs. 3794.7 kg ha-1, but no significant interactions with years were noted. Yields of AG4632 were unaffected by B fertilization. Boron fertilization of P47T36 at R5 generally improved yields (>4000.0 kg ha-1) over the control (3668.6 kg ha-1) and applications at R3 (<3900.0 kg ha-1). The 560 g B ha-1 treatment at R3 for P50T64 produced less seed (3742.5 kg ha-1) than all other treatments while no other differences were noted. Some differences were noted in 100 seed weights but they were neither large nor consistent. It is doubtful that economic benefits to soybean in the Mississippi Delta would result unless a B deficiency was positively identified early in a growing season or in previous seasons. It is concluded from this experiment, that foliar fertilization of soybean with B, as a general production practice, is not recommended
Agro-ecological characteristics and ethanobotanical significance of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): An overview
Get PDFSafflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is one of the oldest crops. It is native to the old world. It occurs naturally in Mediterranean Region, North Eastern Africa and South Western Asia to India. It is cultivated in India mainly for oil and dye. The purpose of the present paper is to highlight the ethanobotanical properties and importance of the safflower as an ancient wonderful crop and it also focus on the environmental conditions required for the growth of safflower in India. The seeds are also used as Birdseeds. It has been grown in the past for ornamental, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Presently it has become important mainly due to edible oil, which is obtained from its seeds. The oil is helpful in lowering blood cholesterol. It is specifically relevant to India being the largest producer of Safflower in the world. The safflower is mainly grown in India for its valuable edible oil which has many important properties related to health. The present paper also highlights the other uses of safflower beyond edible oil. The safflower oil is valuable as it content omega-6 fatty acids which are beneficial for our body. It maintains a balance of cholesterol in the body and reduces the chances of developing atherosclerosis. The various studies have shown that moderate safflower seed consumption is good for cardiovascular health. The consumption of safflower seed is also efficient in reducing belly fat. The safflower oil also lowers high blood pressure. The medicinal properties of safflower have been discovered as early as the Middle Ages, where the juice of safflower plant is mixed with chicken stock or sweetened water to relieve constipation and respiratory problems. 
Taxonomic significance of stem and petiole anatomy of three white varieties of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Get PDFAnatomical studies were carried out on the stem and petiole of three white varieties of Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) belonging to the family Fabaceae consumed in Awka Anambra State Nigeria. The structures of the stem and the petiole showed the basic structure of a dicotyledonous plant. The transverse section of the stem and petiole consists of epidermal and collenchyma layers, parenchyma cells and stele (vascular bundles, secretory cells and pith); however there were differ-ences in shape and position of the vascular bundles. In the stem, this bundles are located on a continuous ring but in the petiole are cutting and divided into two large adaxial and three abaxial bundles forming main foliar trace, which above it lie laterally a pair of secondary bundles. The relationships found in this study provide insights to the phylogeny of the species and revealed the importance of combined data from different taxonomic evidences to have clearer information on varietal relationships to enhance the delimitation of Vigna species
Fish productivity: Assessing sustainability in a tropical oxbow lake of Nadia district, West Bengal, India
Get PDFFish productivity in oxbow lake is impacted severely due to varied unsustainable anthropogenic practices like over exploitation, indiscriminate use of fine meshed fishing gears, jute retting etc. This particular study was conducted in a semi closed oxbow lake ecosystem in eastern India to assess both the present and sustainable fish productivity based on the data collected through direct catch assessment survey, fishing effort survey and catch per unit effort calculation. Hike in relative abundance values like numbers of fish catch (>3.78 times), catch per gear effort (>2.6 times), fish density (>2.65 times) and fall in relative biomass values like catch per gear effort, catch per unit effort and fish standing biomass (>41%) were observed during monsoon compared to premonsoon due to flooded turbid water from the river Ganga and jute retting processes during monsoon. Jute retting and indiscriminate over fishing of the monsoon made fish production reduced by >50% during post monsoon. The current fish productivity was estimated at 1146.64kg/ha/year supporting only 23.33% livelihoods of enlisted fishers and about 97.67% of fish production remains unreported every year in the official records of the cooperative society based on the oxbow lake ecosystem indicating inefficient management. Total sustainable production of 285MT (@5MT/ha/year) with total operating capital need of INR 1.00 crore (@INR 0.01716 crore/ha/year) with benefit cost ratio of 4.28 was estimated as the sustainable and replicable basis for promotion of organic aquaculture supporting 100% livelihoods of all fishers and rejuvenating the management of the present oxbow lake ecosystem