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

CONTENTS

An Assessment of the Relative Suitability of Glass Aquaria, Plastic Tanks and Clay Pots in the Hachability, Survival and Growth of Clarias gariepinus

Abdullahi, S. Z., Tsadu, S. M., Lamai, S. L. Yisa, T. A. & Ibrahim, A…………….1

Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Soil Moisture Storage and Yield of Okra (abelmoschus esculentus l. Moench) on an Inceptisol in Makurdi, Southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Agber, P. I., Wuese, S. T. and A, Ali……………………………………………… 15

Cyanogenic and Nutritional Composition of Garri Fortified with Corncob Flour.

Uneanya, G.C; Ojeh, G.O……………………………………………………………45

Determinants of Postharvest Losses among Tomato Farmers in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State

Kuranen-Joko, D. N. & Dzahan Hilary Liambee……………………………………………64

Yields of Fresh Market Tomatoes in Organic Production in Zuru

Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Mshelizah R. J, T. A. Manga , M. Y. Gele, E. C. Dabai, N.M. Kanah and I. S. Harande……………………………………………………………………………….74

Evaluating Soil Constraints on the Growing of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Trees in Akwa Ibom State, Southeast Nigeria

Usuah, P. E. & N. M. John………………………………………………………….90

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIVE SUITABILITY OF GLASS AQUARIA, PLASTIC TANKS AND CLAY POTS IN THE HACHABILITY, SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF Clarias gariepinus

¹Abdullahi, S. Z., ²Tsadu, S. M., ³Lamai, S. L. ⁴Yisa, T. A. & ⁵Ibrahim, A.

Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology

Federal University of Technology, Minna

Email: a.ibrahim@futminna.edu.ng

Corresponding Author: Ibrahim, A.

ABSTRACT

The relative suitability of Glass aquaria, Plastic tank and Clay pot in hatching eggs and rearing the fry of Clarias gariepinus was assessed over a period of 13 weeks. The study was conducted at the indoor hatchery of the Departmental of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Eggs of Clarias gariepinus were fertilized, incubated and hatched in the various media. Percentage hatchability and fertilization were calculated to determine quality of the eggs.  Relative performances of the resultant fry were assessed using Survival, growth (weight/length gain and SGR) and K-factor as indicators. A hundred and ten (110) fry were randomly selected; batch weighed and stocked in each culture media. The samples were distributed in triplicates of five (5) samples. Significantly higher percentages (75 %) of fertilization and hatching (90 %) were recorded in glass aquaria. The results also showed that fry in plastic tanks had the highest mean weight gain (2.69±1.73) and length gain (6.00±2.71) with significant difference (p<0.05). Similarly, the highest percentage SGR (4.34±1.82) was in fry reared in plastic tanks (p>0.05). However, percentage survival (58.47±3.92) was highest in clay pot culture facility with a significance (p<0.05). The condition factor on the other hand, revealed that Glass aquaria (K=1.10) and plastic tank (k=1.00) provided better rearing conditions and suitability for rearing C. gariepinus fry as against the clay pot (K=0.80). It was therefore concluded that, glass aquaria were the best for incubation and hatching of C. gariepinus larva, while plastic tank was better suited for rearing the fry and clay pot culture facility is better survival of fry.

Keywords: Culture enclosure, incubation, hatching rate and C. gariepinus

EFFECT OF TILLAGE AND MULCHING ON SOIL MOISTURE STORAGE AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) ON AN INCEPTISOL IN MAKURDI, SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Agber, P. I., Wuese, S. T. and A, Ali

Department of Soil Science

University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373 Makurdi, Makurdi-Nigeria.

E-mail: kumedula@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi in the year 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to determine soil moisture storage and yield of okra as influenced by tillage and mulching. The field moisture content determination was a weekly field-to-laboratory soil water content determination that gave an idea of the soil moisture available for the crop on the field vis-à-vis the rainfall received within the same duration. Improved okra variety NHAe47-4 was planted within three (3) tillage methods with five (5) sawdust-mulching rates, replicated three (3) times and arranged factorially in an RCBD to monitor variation in crop yield in response to varying soil moisture storage in the different treatments. Among the tillage methods, Tied ridging gave the highest crop yield of 5,370kg/ha, followed by Flat cultivation with 4,830 kg/ha and least by Open ridging with 4,620 kg/ha.  Soil moisture storage-wise, Tied ridging accumulated the highest average soil moisture of 214.75 mm, followed by Flat cultivation with 213.16mm and least by open ridging with 209.63mm. Of the mulching rates, 4 – 8 t/ha regardless of tillage method produced significantly higher yield of Okra, and also had the higher moderating effect on soil moisture storage than their respective controls. The performance of either 6 or 8 t/ha was not significantly different at 5% level of probability, but was significantly higher than 4 t/ha. It is recommended that 6 t/ha mulch with Tied ridging is most suitable for overall improved soil condition and profitable okra production on the soil of the study area (inceptisol).

DETERMINANTS OF POSTHARVEST LOSSES AMONG TOMATO FARMERS IN GBOKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

Kuranen-Joko, D. N. & Dzahan Hilary Liambee

Department of Home & Rural Economics, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev

Department of Agricultural Extension & Management, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, yandev

Email: dorcasnjoko@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The study determined the factors affecting postharvest losses in tomato in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Using non-probability sampling technique, 170 farmers were selected but 164 completed their questionnaire. The primary data for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression, and independent samples test of means’ difference. Findings showed that tomato farming is male dominated as most families used family labour. While farming experience statistically reduced postharvest losses in tomato, farm size led to increase in postharvest losses. It was concluded that average postharvest loss among tomato farmers in Gboko LGA was quite large, as well as revenue lost due to postharvest losses. The study, therefore, recommended that both male and female farmers be trained on the management of postharvest losses in tomato; farmers with long farming experience should be involved in the training to share their experiences; and farm size should be as minimal as the farmers can manage so that postharvest losses do not increase.

Keywords:Tomato, Postharvest Losses, Gboko, Revenue, Management.

CYANOGENIC AND NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF GARRI FORTIFIED WITH CORNCOB FLOUR

Uneanya, G.C; Ojeh, G.O

Department of Food Technology,

Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Email:gennyuneanya@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Cyanogenic and nutritional composition of garri fortified with corn cob flour was evaluated. Garri was produced from cassava tubers and fortified with corncob flour produced from maize in ratios of 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, respectively. The proximate analysis of the garri fortified with corncob flour ranged as follows; moisture content 9.805-12.49% protein  1.51-3.88%, ash 2.29-11.74%, fat 1.44-1.69%, crude fibre 1.64-25.58%, carbohydrates 57.99-79.17%, total dietary fibre 2.87-93.15%, soluble dietary fibre 0.65-3.77%,non soluble fat 2.23-89.54%. Also the mineral composition of the garri fortified with corncob flour ranged as follows; Fe 0.14-0.44mg/100g, Mg 13.62 -28.58mg/100g, K 53.07-87.32mg/100g, Na 18.27-24.57mg/100g, Ca 22.03-49.17mg/100g, P 42.73-77.05mg/100g.The functional properties of the samples ranged as follows; Swelling index 1.67–2.85%, bulk density 0.28-0.49g/cm³, Gelatinization Temperature 64.6-72.6 ⁰c, Wettability 1.65-15.14sec, Water Absorption capacity 2.53-4.57%. The phytochemical composition of garri fortified with corncob range as follows; Phytate 0.85 -1.09, Alkaloid 0.09-0.18, Tannin 0.18-0.65, Saponin 0.24-0.38, Cyanide 1.58-5.83, Steroid 0.06-0.09, Glycoside 0.08-0.16, Trypsin 0.45-2.47, Flavonoid  0.04-0.78, lecithin 0.04-4.73. These results are an indication of usefulness of corn cob flour in increasing the nutritional composition of food. Sensory Analysis was about carried out on the garri fortified with corncob flour. There was no signification difference (P<0.05) between the samples which shows indicating the feasibility of fortifying corncob in garri making. Statistically, analysis of the data indicated that the garri produced from 5% corncob flour had the overall acceptability attribute similar to 100% garri which was best rated by the panelists.

EVALUATING SOIL CONSTRAINTS ON THE GROWING OF OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis) TREES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

¹Usuah, P. E. & N. M. John²

¹Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, University of Uyo, Uyo

²Department of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Calabar

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in 2016/2017 to evaluate soil constraints on the growing of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) tress in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Auger samples were taken from 21 oil palm growing locations at 0-25, 25-50, 50-75, 75-100 and 100-125cm depths, spread to cover much of the state. Each location was assessed on the basis of terrain, depth of soil, drainage, soil texture, and chemical properties such as pH, N, P, organic C, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and ECEC. The study showed that terrain at the locations ranged from “nearly level” (0-2%) to “strongly sloping” (4-7%). Soils were deep, with no impenetrable-layer within the 0-125cm depth. Drainage was good except at three locations with high water table. Soil texture was mostly loamy-sand (LS) to sandy loams (SL) down to the 125cm depths. Calcium and Mg ions dominated the exchange complex, creating undesirably wide Ca:K, K:Ca, K:Mg and Mg:K ratios and, thus, conditions for nutrient imbalances. Exchangeable K values were very low (0.05 -0.25 cmol kg^-1 and 0.05-0.10 cmol kg^-1 for the 0-25 cm and 25-50 cm depth respectively). Mean values of organic C were 25.08 g kg^-1 and 20.06 g kg^-1 for the 0-25 cm and 25-50 cm depths respectively. Mean values of available P were 15.31 mg kg^-1 and 14.72 mg kg^-1 for the 0-25 cm and 25-50 cm depth respectively. Total N levels were very low, with mean values of 1.11 g kg^-1 and 0.91 g kg^-1 for the 0-25 and 25-50 cm depth respectively. The study found that relatively very high levels of exchangeable Mg, very low levels of exchangeable K and very low levels of total N, along with poor drainage and steep slopes at some locations constitute serious constraints on the growing of oil palm trees in most of the state.

Keywords: Oil palm, soil constraints, soil management, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

YIELDS OF FRESH MARKET TOMATOES IN ORGANIC PRODUCTION IN ZURU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Mshelizah R. J¹, T. A. Manga² , M. Y. Gele³, E. C. Dabai⁴, N.M. Kanah⁵ and I. S. Harande⁶.

 ¹Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 1018, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria

²Department of Crop Production Technology, College of Agriculture, Zuru. Kebbi State,

³Department of Agricultural Technology, College of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Science, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 1018, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria

⁵Department of Home and Rural Economics, College of Agriculture P.M.B. 1018, Zuru, Kebbi State,

⁶Department of Animal Health Production, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 1018, Zuru, Kebbi State,

ABSTRACT

The study examines the yields of fresh market tomatoes in Zuru LGA of Kebbi State. Specifically, the study identified the management practices of organic tomatoes and it also determines the yields of fresh market tomatoes. The sample size for this study was forty (40) organic tomato farmers, ten (10) farmers were randomly selected from four different villages. Structured Questionnaire was used to collect the data for this study. Simple descriptive statistics was used to summarize the stated objectives. The result of the descriptive statistics revealed that about 63% of the respondents practice crop rotation as cropping system they adopted and this same result shows that 70% of the respondents use composts manure on their organic tomato farm land. The study recommends that the organic tomato farmers should be exposed to other methods of increasing soil fertility other than the ones discussed in this work, as this will help boost their production capacity and obtain a higher yields of the crop.

Keys: Yields, Tomatoes, Organic Production and Kebbi State.