September 2013
Genotype × environment interaction on biomass production in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in North-Western Nigeria
Genotype x environment interaction was determined from a field experiment conducted to evaluate sorghum landraces of North Western Nigeria during the 2010 rainy season at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, teaching and research farm, Sokoto, Sokoto State and during 2011 rainy season at Bubuche, Augie Local Government Area, Kebbi State, North-Western Nigeria. The materials used in the study consisted of ten indigenous grain...
September 2013
Demographic parameters of Helopeltis antonii Signoret (Heteroptera: Miridae) on neem, cocoa and henna
Helopeltis antonii is a polyphagous pest causing considerable economic damage for cashew in South India. Relative multiplication of H. antonii was studied on its three important alternate host plants; neem, cocoa and henna. Life tables and population parameters for the mirid were constructed based on unlimited food condition and a natural enemy-free environment. The preoviposition period was between 19 to...
September 2013
Butyrylcholinesterase activity among farm male pesticide handlers in Naivasha, Kenya
To investigate the incidence of pesticide poisoning using serum cholinesterase activity patterns in a horticultural farm, 616 people comprising of 496 pesticide handlers (test group) and a control group of 120 persons participated in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information, while the activities of serum cholinesterase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum...
September 2013
Notes on the biology of Nysius natalensis Evans (Hemiptera: Orsillidae)
Four of the more than 100 Nysius species known worldwide, occur in South Africa, viz. Nysius natalensisEvans, Nysius binotatus (Germar), Nysius pallidus Evans and Nysius stali Evans. Although, N. natalensis is a sporadic pest of sunflower in South Africa, no description of the different life stages has been published. Such information would...
September 2013
Socio-economic factors affecting adoption of improved agricultural practices by small scale farmers in South Africa
Improved crop production forms an integral part of the intervention proposals of the UN Millennium Project to eradicate poverty and hunger in southern Africa. The objective of this study was to collect information on socio-economic aspects and farming practices that could affect adoption of improved agricultural practices. This study highlights the importance of appreciating the complexity of agricultural systems into...
September 2013
Seed treatments to break dormancy and stimulate germination in Cercis siliquastrum L. and Carpinus orientalis Mill.
The aim of this study was to investigate the methods that increase the germination of the native species Cercis siliquastrum and Carpinus orientalis, whose seeds exhibit dormancy. Seeds of C. siliquastrum were collected from a natural habitat and an urban environment, and seeds from both origins were given 6 different dormancy-breaking treatments. Seeds of C. orientalis were collected...
September 2013
Study of stillage biodegradation by respirometry in sandy and clay soils
The stillage, which is a liquid residue from the distillation of the sugarcane ethanolic fermentation, contains organic matter and can be a big source of pollution when it is discarded in the wrong way. Its application as fertilizer has been extended, which is reason to cause concerns regarding the environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate and quantify the biodegradation of stillage in sandy and clay soils,...
September 2013
Accessibility and relevance of information and communication technologies (ICTS) among cassava farmers in Nigeria
The study attempts to investigate the level of awareness, access and relevance of information and communication technology (ICT) tools among cassava farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were gathered through a survey interview scheduled on a total of 130 cassava farmers. The data were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, Spearman rho correlation and independent sampled t-test. The...
September 2013
An improved rapid composting procedure enhance the substrate quality and yield of Agaricus bisporus
The effect of passive aeration on substrate quality, composting period and yield was studied using different perforated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes arrangements, as a composting method for substrate preparation to Agaricus bisporus cultivation. The ingredients are, mixture of wheat straw (60%), wheat bran (5.5%), chicken manure (31%), urea (0.5%) and gypsum (3%) with initial moisture (75%) used for...
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