June 2004
Fostering biotechnology entrepreneurship in developing countries
The climate for commercial biotechnology in several developing countries is improving. As a result of the growing science base, biotechnology companies can successfully be located and thrive in these countries. The rewards which can flow from the successful exploitation of research should encourage investment in biotechnological activities. Key words: Entrepreneur, biotechnology, investment.
June 2004
Maize research and production in Nigeria
Maize (Zea mays) is a major important cereal being cultivated in the rainforest and the derived Savannah zones of Nigeria. Land races, improved high yielding and pest and diseases resistant varieties of maize have been developed. Key words: Maize, Zea mays, Nigeria.
June 2004
Effect of plant growth hormones and abiotic stresses on germination, growth and phosphatase activities in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seeds
Phosphatases are widely found in plants having intracellular and extracellular activities. Phosphatases are believed to be important for phosphorous scavenging and remobilization in plants, but its role in adaptation to abiotic stresses and growth hormones at germination level has not been critically evaluated. To address this issue, the effect of ABA, GA3, NaCl and drought on germination, growth, acid and alkaline...
June 2004
Effect of nitrates on embryo induction efficiency in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cv Coker-312 callus culture was assessed in terms of its usefulness as a system for investigating the effect of nitrates from different chemical compounds of nitrogen on embryo induction percentage in calli as the plant growth and cell differentiation mainly based on nitrogen. Both sources and amount of nitrogen in in vitro medium have significant effects mainly on...
June 2004
Development of sorghum populations for resistance to Striga hermonthica in the Nigerian Sudan Savanna
Six elite sorghum varieties, ICSV 111, ICSV 400, KSV 4, Gaya Early, CS 54, and CS 95 were used to improve Striga resistance through pedigree breeding. SRN 39 and IS 9830 varieties were confirmed resistant to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth in field trials. The two Striga resistance lines were crossed with the six elite varieties. Three hundred and sixty Striga-free plants from F2s of...
June 2004
Production of extra-cellular polymer in Azotobacter and biosorption of metal by exopolymer
Two Azotobacter strains were isolated from alkaline and acid soils. The production of alginate and exopolymer from these two strains showed that, strain AC2 produced high polymer in 2% beet molasses or 1% sucrose broth and addition of nitrogen sources (yeast extract) reduced production of this polymer. The optimum condition for production of maximum polymer production (7.5 mg/ml) was at 200 rpm shaking, pH 7...
June 2004
Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial strains isolated from orange juice products
Forty samples of twenty brands of sachet orange juice products were examined microbiologically. All the products were contaminated with bacteria and yeasts. The organisms encountered include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp, Rhodotorula sp, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Micrococcus sp. The resistances of thirty...
June 2004
Characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Algerian arid zone raw goats' milk
Diversity and density of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Algerian raw goats' milk in arid zones were studied by determination of morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics. 206 lactic acid bacterial strains were isolated, with 115 of them belonging to lactic acid cocci and others to the genus, Lactobacillus. The representative species of the total cocci...
June 2004
Biochemical blood parameters in semi-adult rabbits experimentally fed crude oil contaminated diets
Biochemical parameters in blood specimens obtained from semi-adult rabbits of both sexes fed crude oil contaminated diets were examined. The diets had crude oil inclusions of 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20%. Blood samples were obtained from the marginal ear vein of representatives in each treatment group and assayed for urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin and cholesterol. There were significant...
June 2004
Haematological changes associated with crude oil ingestion in experimental rabbits
Blood cell profile among experimental rabbits associated with crude oil ingestion were evaluated and was significantly (P<0.05) altered. Erythrocytes decreased linearly (P<0.05) indicating an anemic condition. The decrease also affected dependable factors such as packed cell volume (PVC) and haemoglobin (Hb). Leukocyctes, the main defense cells of the animal decreased linearly (P<0.05) further indicating...
Advertisement
Advertisement
