DEPARTMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Forest degradation remains a pressing environmental issue, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functionality worldwide. This study evaluates tree seedling diversity and growth dynamics in a forest restoration site at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The research aims to assess species composition, growth performance, and biodiversity indices within a designated 100m x 86m sample plot. Data collection involved identifying tree species, recording their abundance, and measuring key growth parameters, including height, number of leaves, number of branches, and collar girth. The study employed descriptive statistics and diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s indices, while growth data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 194 trees, representing 28 species from 19 families, were recorded. Among these, 19 species regenerated naturally, while 9 were deliberately planted. The diversity analysis indicated that naturally regenerated species exhibited higher diversity indices (Hˡ = 2.813, D = 0.947, M = 4.195) compared to planted species, highlighting the significance of natural regeneration in enhancing biodiversity. Growth analysis revealed that Terminalia ivorensis demonstrated the highest growth rates across all measured parameters, while Entandrophragma cylindricuvvvvvvvvvvv m recorded the lowest performance. This study underscores the role of human activity in shaping forest regeneration outcomes. The findings suggest that deforestation and land-use change significantly impact species diversity, thereby affecting ecosystem stability. To promote effective forest restoration, it is recommended that reforestation efforts prioritize the selection of resilient native species, enhance conservation strategies, and conduct further research on the ecological factors
influencing seedling establishment and growth. These initiatives are essential for fostering long-term forest sustainability and biodiversity conservatio

This study assessed the utilization of honey, focusing on the marketing and consumption patterns, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Of the seven (7) communities in Ughelli North Local government area, four (4) were purposively selected and fifty (50) copies of questionnaires were administered to each of the communities. A total of two hundred (200) copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the study area. Data were also collected from 20 honey sellers in the communities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and presented in
tables and charts. The findings revealed that the majority of honey sellers (50%) had been selling for 1-3 years. Their primary marketing channel was physical market places (66.67%), and they predominantly promoted honey through word of mouth (65.38%). All surveyed sellers (100%) reported that they do not export their honey. A significant finding is that all sellers (100%) do not own a bee farm, primarily citing a lack of skills (50%) as the reason.

This study was carried out to examine the fungi associated with the leaf blight of Ochroma pyramidale trees. The diseased leaves of Ochroma pyramidale were obtained from the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management Arboretum, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City. Isolation, sub-culturing, identification of isolates were carried out. The medium used was Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Identification of isolates under the light microscope was carried out. The symptoms observed on the leaves were darkish brown to black lesions that spread around the edges of the leaves and progressed into the lamina. Two fungi were found to be associated with the leaf blight of Ochroma pyramidale. These are Sclerotium rolfsii and Penicillium sp. More research work should be embarked upon to ascertain the pathogen of the disease and how to effectively control and prevent its development.