Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
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Contribution of Home Gardening to Household Food Security: A Case Study of Home Gardeners in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textAims: This study examined the contribution of home gardening to household food security in IgabI Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Study Design: The study was designed to collect data from 120 home gardeners using well structured questionnaire and personal interview of the gardeners by the researchers.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria between June to July, 2019.
Methodology: Multi-stage, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 120 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, frequency distribution, table, percentage and Likert – scale.
Results: The results showed male (65.83%) in their active age (87.50% are within the age range of 21-50 years) and highly educated (92.50%) with good number of years of experience in home gardening, (80% had over 5years of experience) dominated the practice of home gardening in the study area. The study also revealed that they produced many types of crops, about 32. The most popular crops cultivated were; tomato 91.67%),cowpea(87.50%),groundnut(82.50%),okra(75.00%), pumpkin (70.83%), spinach (70.83%) maize(56.67%),millet(56.67%),sorghum(51.67%), pepper (50.00%) and sweet potato (50.00%).The Likert--scale result showed that all the home gardeners household were food secure and the study established that home gardening does not only contribute to their house hold food supply but also their income. However the home gardening in the study area is faced with problems such as pests attack and diseases infestation (80.00%) and lack of farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and farm tools(75.00 %).
Conclusion: The study revealed that home gardening contributed significantly to the household food security. It is therefore important to integrate home gardening into our farming system been a good tool for achieving food security among households and people should also be sensitize to utilize empty plots of land around their homestead for home gardens. 
Response of Mungbean to the Residual Toxicity of Herbicides Used in Wheat under Strip Tillage System
No full textThe residual effect of eight herbicides (Pendimethalin, Pretilachlor, Triasulfuron Ethoxysulfuron, Pyrazosulfuron Ethyl, Carfentrazone – ethyl, Carfentrazone – ethyl+ Isoproteuron, 2, 4 –D) used in wheat of Agronomy Field Laboratory during March to June 2014 was evaluated for mungbean. The eighteen herbicide treatment combinations of the eight herbicides were used in wheat. The experiment was conducted in Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The effect of herbicide residues on the mungbean was evaluated in term of germination, seedling root and shoot length, leaf chlorophyll content and seeding dry matter. The result showed that seedling establishment of mungbean was not adversely affected by the herbicides applied the previous wheat crop. Also, the residue of herbicides applied in strip-tilled wheat did not show any adverse effect on germination, shoot length and seedling dry matter of mungbean and even shoot growth of mungbean was not inhibited by the residue of those herbicides. The reason might be related to the half-life and rate of degradation of herbicides in soil. In addition, farmers can easily grow mungbean in a cropping pattern as a subsequent crop of wheat because the study ensures that tested herbicides did not show any adverse residual effect on the establishment of this succeeding crop. However, continuous use of same herbicide or different herbicides with same mode of action in the same land year after year is strictly prohibited. Also, the prudent use of chemical/herbicide is essential to fulfill the goals of conservation agriculture by having reducing detrimental environmental impact as well as reducing herbicide resistance development in crops
Influence of Edible Starch and Sodium Bi-carbonate on Postharvest Quality of Minimally Processed Carrot and Potato
No full textThe demand for healthy and ready-to-eat products has been growing steadily over the years. However, these products are very susceptible to spoilage and have a short shelf-life. In this research, edible coatings based on edible starch (aloe vera gel) and NaHCO3 were applied on fresh-cut vegetable samples (carrot and potato), and the changes in their bio-chemical properties and microbial changes were monitored during 6 days of storage at 4ºC. Two factor experiments, Factor A; postharvest treatments (different concentration of aloe gel and NaHCO3) and Factor B; two vegetable species (Carrot and Potato) were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Different concentration of aloe vera gel and NaHCO3 solutions were prepared as per treatment. The prepared slices of vegetable species were treated with different treatment combinations and stored in 200 g capacity polyethylene bags sealed under air, vacuum or modified active atmosphere and then bio-chemically (Titratable Acidity (TA), Ascorbic Acid (AA) content, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Reducing Sugar (RS), Non-reducing Sugar (NRS), pH) and microbiologically assessed. Higher rate of edible starch (30%) + NaHCO3 (2%) treated potato (CT12) showed the superior performance on TA (1.290), TSS (5.200% Brix), NRS content (0.340) and pH (4.773% Brix) compare to control and other interaction treatments of the study at 6 days after storage while untreated potato (T0) showed statistically lower AA (6.575 mg/25 g) TA (0.464) TSS (3.856), pH (3.827) NRS (0.133). Growth of bacterial colonies on NA media had statistically highest (14.00) in untreated potato and lowest (5.00) in T12 treated potato while fungal colonies on PDA media range of 4.00 to 11 at 6 DAS. The study may help small-scale establishments to increase the shelf-life of minimally processed vegetables
Influence of Seed Size on Seedling Emergence, Growth and Yield of Potted Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)
No full textPot experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State in the Southern Guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria to evaluate the influence of seed size on plant performance with reference to seedling emergence, seedling growth, development and yield components and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogea). The treatment consisted of three different seed sizes: small, medium and large seeds apportioned to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with ten replications. For seed size, the seeds were initially graded into small, medium and large seeds based on visual assessment for length and diameter and from each group 100-seed weight was determined thus 100-seed weight became the parameter for measuring seed size as used in this experiment. The analyzed data showed no significant effect of seed size on groundnut canopy height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth, days to first flower, number of pods / plant, pod weight, and shelling percentage, but significantly influenced mean days to seedling emergence, days to 50 percent flowering, 100-seed weight and taproot length. The significant effect of seed size on days to seedling emergence, days to 50 percent flowering, 100-seed weight and taproot length could significantly influence farmers’ opinion in the choice of seeds used in planting a field; as this could determine crop maturity, grain yield/ha while length of tap root could affect depth of root forage for nutrients and water, thus crop survival. Despite the non-significant effect of the treatment (seed size) on most parameters investigated, generally crop performance increased with seed size and vice versa, thus sowing of larger seeds is recommended for better groundnut performance
Sowing Dates and Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield of Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) at Ado-Ekiti
No full textInformation on some agronomic practices are required for muskmelon production as there is no record of its production in Ado-Ekiti. A field study of 3 x 2 factorial experiment of sowing dates (January, May and September) and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer application (0 and 333 kg ha-1) was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Data collected on the number of leaves and branches, leaf area, vine length, day to flowering, 50% flowering, number of fruit, fruit size and yield were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% probability. Dates of sowing did not significantly influence growth but muskmelon planted in May gave a higher number of leaves plant-1, leaf area and vine length. Fertilized plants produced better growth and earlier flowering than unfertilized plants. The number of fruits ha-1, average fruit weight and fruit yield ha-1 of 11606, 0.78 kg and 9.09 t ha-1 respectively were produced by fertilized plants which were significantly higher than 10036.70, 0.28 kg and 2.44 t ha-1 from unfertilized plants. Muskmelon planted in September produced a higher number of fruits and fruit yield of 12418 and 11.29 t ha-1 while muskmelon planted in May produced higher fruit weight (0.94 kg) but these did not differ significantly from other sowing dates. Planting muskmelon under the rain-fed condition with adequate fertilizer application gave better performance and is thereby recommended for muskmelon production in Ado-Ekiti. 
Cytokinin-Regulated Physiological Parameters Affected by an Exogenous Dopamine Spray in Brussels Sprout (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)
No full textRoot restriction on the first stage of seedling growth decreases post-transplant biomass accumulation. Several studies in different vegetables and ornamental plants have suggested that this restriction would be overcome by means of a single 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) spray. Based on this, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of both pre-transplant single BAP and dopamine (a cytokinin antagonist) sprays on the growth of Brussels sprout (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) plants grown in 200 plug cells tray-1, during different times of the annual cropping period. The responses of dopamine-sprayed plants were not completely similar to those previously reported. The different physiological processes studied in dopamine-sprayed plants through some growth parameters showed that dopamine affected mainly the rate of leaf appearance, which in turn positively affected both individual and total leaf area expansion. Dopamine-sprayed plants showed a higher leaf source, which allowed them to accumulate a higher biomass on both a fresh and dry weight basis during the initial vegetative growth stages. The effects of both BAP and dopamine were partially related to the environmental conditions during the experiments
Effect of an Organic Fertilizer Based on Native Rhizophagus intraradices on Zea mays L. Yield in Northern Benin
No full textAims: One of the alternatives proposed to improve the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems is the use of organic fertilizers based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the native mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus intraradices in the field at Ouenou in North Benin for improved maize (Zea mays L.) production.
Study Design: The experimental design was a complete random block of three treatments. Mention the design of the study here.
Place and Duration of Study: Endomycorrhizal infection was assessed on roots of corn plants at 78 days post-seed.
Methodology: Corn variety 2000 SYN EE-W was inoculated with the strain in combination with the mineral fertilizer (NPK) half-dose.
Results: Results showed that of the three treatments, the highest heights were observed in plants treated with Rhizophagus intraradices +½ dose of NPK (15:15:15) and urea. The same observations were made with respect to leaf number and leaf area of plants and grain yield. Regarding the endomycorrhizal infection of plants inoculated with Rhizophagus intraradices +½ dose of NPK (15:15:15) and urea, of the three producers, the observation was that the endomycorrhizal infection was elevated to the level of the second producer (P2) which was of the order of (50%) while the mycorrhizal intensity was lower (24.6%) in the same producer.
Conclusion: The native mycorrhizal fungus R. intraradices plus the half-dose NPK plus urea, had a positive impact on most of the various parameters
Productivity and Fruit Quality Influenced by Bioestimulant in Olive under Hot and Arid Environment of Mexico
No full textActually modern fruit trees physiology is focused on the stimulation of plant cell development and fruit production using bioestimulant. This study evaluated the effect of bioestimulant ‘Engordone’ under two doses (0.5 and 1.0 L ha-1) and two times (pea-size fruit and 28 days later) in olive tree cv Manzanilla under hot and arid environment of Mexico. The experiment was carried out during 2018 and 2019 at National Research Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP) in the Experimental Station Coast of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The experiment was carried out on olive tree of eight years old, planted at distance of 10 x 5 m (200 trees ha-1) and under drip irrigation system. The experiment was analyzed using a randomized complete block design and four replications. The variables evaluated were olive yield, classification by size and fruit characteristics (fruit weight and pulp-pit ratio). The results showed that bioestimulant application had little effect on olive yield which increased the yield by 14.1 and 6.5% in 2018 and 2019, respectively compared to untreated trees, but without statistical difference. Fruit characteristic were no affected by treatments. Only the percentage of non-marketable fruit was statistically (P<0.05) reduced in the first year. Finally, new biostimulants and times of application are necessary to carried out to improve the size of table olives
Survey of Technologies Used in Cassava Processing in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State
No full textThe purpose of this study was to survey the technologies used in cassava processing in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Specifically, the study was proposed to determine the technologies used in harvesting, peeling, grinding, extracting water, sifting and frying crushed cassava tubers into Garri. A structured questionnaire titled “Survey of technologies used in cassava processing in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State (STUCP)”.was administered to one hundred-fifty farmers in ten villages in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data was analyzed with the use of pictorial view of the technology used in cassava processing and Statistical package for social science was used in determining the frequency, percentage and mean. The findings revealed that more need to be done in terms of the technology used in harvesting, peeling, grinding, extracting water, sifting and frying crushed cassava tubers into Garri. One of the recommendations was that technology used in cassava processing should be improved in order to boost garri production in Rivers State
Factors Influencing Post-harvest Losses among Vegetable Farmers in Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo State
No full textThe study analyzed factors influencing post harvest losses among vegetables farmers in Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo state, Nigeria. Specifically the study ascertained the kind of vegetables produced; determined the quantity of output production of vegetables; determined the causes of post harvest losses among vegetable farmers; examined the factors affecting post harvest losses of vegetable; ascertained the effect of post harvest losses among vegetable farmers and identify possible strategies that can reduce losses among vegetable farmers. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used in the selection of ninety eight (98) respondents and a set of structured questionnaire was administered on them to obtain information. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentages and chart) and inferential (multiple regression) statistics. Result showed that majority (51%) of the farmers cultivated leafy vegetables and the average quantity of vegetable produced was 142.35 kg. Farmers identified major causes of post harvest losses as pest (94.9%), disease (81.6%), lack of storage facility (80.6%) and poor handling of vegetable (71.4%). The major factors affecting post harvest losses were improper handling (87.8%), lack of credit facility (86.7%) and the possible strategies to reduce post harvest were use of improved processing and preservation method (91.8%), access to appropriate technology (88.8%), adequate post harvest handling (87.8%). The study recommends that, the extension agents through the aids of federal government, should train rural, urban and sub- urban farmers on post harvest, processing and marketing technology