Category Archives: International Journal of Agricultural Research and Food Production 2017

Multi-Location Assessment of Improved Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) Varieties in Kano State of Nigeria

S.U. Abdulkadir¹, B.M. Auwalu², A. Lado², S.U. Yahaya² and S.O. Afuape³

¹Federal College of Horticulture, Dadinkowa, Gombe State, Nigeria                                       ²Bayero University Kano, Kano State, Ngeria                                                                                  ³National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria

E-mail: babanaminatulmufida@gmail.com                                                          

ABSTRACT

Multi-location experiment was conducted in farmers’ field at 3 local government areas of Kano state (Bagwai, Kibiya, and Rimingado) during 2016 rainy season with aim of evaluating performance of newly introduced improved sweet potato varieties  for possible recommendation to the local farmers in the study areas based on their yield potential. The design of the experiment was randomised complete block design (RCBD). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat 17^th edition and the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. The result revealed significant differences among the varieties and the locations on growth characters and total root yield. The varieties differ significantly in all the growth parameters measured except crop growth rate 9-12 WAP and net assimilation rates 6-9 WAP. Centennial produced the highest vine yield (31.1 t ha^-1) while Mother delight produced the lowest vine yield of 1.4 t ha-¹. Among the newly introduced improved varieties King J was found to produce the highest total root yield (20.4tha^-1) which was at par with the Local check variety Danchina (25.5 t ha^-1). They were followed by AO305 (12.2 t ha-¹) which was at par with T121 (10.3t ha^-1), Mothers delight (5.1 t ha-¹), Sumaia (4.8 t ha-¹), Delvia (4.5 t ha-¹). Centennial (1.7 t ha-¹) and Lourdes (1.4 t ha-¹) were significantly lower in root yield. Similarly location showed significant differences except on crop growth rate, number of leaves at 9 WAP and net assimilation rate at 9-12 WAP. Kibiya was significantly higher than all the location on both vine and root yield (34.2 and 16.4 t ha^-1), respectively. The significant differences among the varieties observed in this study on total yield indicates that genotypes trial would, enable selection of high yielding varieties to improve yields and income of local farmers  in order to achieve  maximum benefit of the crop especially towards alleviating hunger and mal-nutrition in the study area. Varieties that recorded high vine yield but low storage root yield could be recommended for fodder production.                                                                                                                                                            

Keywords: Location, assessment, yield and sweet potato variety

Comparative Growth Performance of two Strains of African Sharptooth Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (normally Pigmented and Albino) fed Commercial Catfish Diets in Collapsible Tarpaulin Tanks

Umanah, Saviour Isonguyoh & Harry, Ebenezer Harry

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management University of Uyo, PMB 1017, Uyo, Nigeria

Email: saviourumanah@gmail.com,

Corresponding Author: Umanah,Saviour Isonguyoh

ABSTRACT

This study compared growth performance of two strains (normally pigmented and albino) of African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus fed commercial diets in collapsible tarpaulin tanks. Fingerlings were stocked at 20 fish per m² and replicated three times for the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. The fish were fed twice daily at 6% body weight, and the culture period lasted 20 weeks (140 days). Results showed significant differences in crude protein, nitrogen free extract and ash levels between the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus (p<0.05). However, crude lipid, fibre and energy deposits in the tissues of both strains of C. gariepinus exhibited no significant differences (p>0.05). Mean length gain, mean weight gain and mean growth rate were significantly different (p<0.05) in both the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. Specific growth rate and survival rate were insignificantly different (p>0.05) between normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. Feed utilization results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in feed consumed, protein consumed and protein productive value between the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. However, feed conversion ratio, feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were insignificantly different (p>0.05) between both strains of C. gariepinus. The growth performance (mean weight gain) of the normally pigmented strain was better compared to that of the albino. The albino strain can still grow to be used as food fish as well as its being a good ornamental choice.

Keywords: normally pigmented, albino, growth performance, Clarias gariepinus