FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

This study investigated the germination potential of 21 different seed types stored under hermetic room temperature conditions at the University of Benin, Nigeria for 3 years. Germination trials revealed that only one seed type, snake tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina), exhibited successful germination at 83.3%.

Scent leaf is a common vegetable and spice in the diet of most Nigerians, cherished as a result of its contribution to health and sensory qualities. However, its safety is usually compromised especially because it is usually consumed raw or slightly cooked. Hence, this study was conducted to determine its microbiological quality. Samples of scent leaf (9) were randomly purchased from New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets in Benin. Each
sample was divided into 2- one group was washed with sterile distilled water and the other group was left unwashed and they were blended to aid homogenization. Samples
were analyzed for bacteria and yeasts using conventional plate culture procedures. This
was followed by the characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates using cultural and
biochemical characteristics. The identity of isolates were confirmed using Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR). The mean bacteria count (log10 cfu/g) across the three markets
for the unwashed samples was 2.30 while that of the washed was 1.92. For fungi, the
mean count in the unwashed scent leaf was 1.67 while that of the washed samples was
1.20. Statistically, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in bacteria counts (log10
cfu/g) between the unwashed (2.27, 2.28 and 2.34) and washed scent leaves (1.96, 1.86
and 1.96) for New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets respectively. Significant differences
(P<0.05) were also recorded in fungal counts (log10 cfu/g) between the raw scent leaves (1.71, 1.66 and 1.63) and washed samples (1.25, 1.18 and 1.16) obtained from New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets respectively. Also, the bacteria count across the markets was always higher than the fungal count; an indication of more bacterial contamination. The bacteria isolated from the scent leaf samples were identified and was found to be Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PCR tests was carried out and
confirmed the identity of three of the isolates specifically as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

This study was conducted to examine the preservatives and pesticide usage in some sawmills in Ovia North East Local Government Area Benin City. This study adopted purposive sampling techniques. Data collection, involved field survey and the field survey involved using questionnaires to collect data in conformity with the objectives. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as, frequency distribution table, mean, and percentages. The majority (98%) of the respondents were male and the age distribution showed a predominance of relatively young workers. Most (63.1%) of the workers were married, and the educational distribution of respondents shows that the largest group has completed senior secondary school (34.5%), Work experience was also diverse, with a substantial number of experienced workers in the industry. Khaya spp (Mahogany), Milicia excelsa (Iroko), Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche), and Lovoa trichilioides (African Walnut) were among the most commonly supplied species. The source of timber supply to the sawmill indicated a higher percentage from natural forests and from another sawmill. While using naturally rot-resistant wood was a common method of treatment, the presence of wood- attacking insects of the order: Isoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera posed challenges to wood preservation. Chemical preservatives like Solignum and Attack were widely used. Pesticides and preservatives are used to protect wood products against these insect attacks, thus extending their lifespan.

Diversified tree-based system are practices that intentionally include functional biodiversity at multiple spatial and/or temporal scales in order to maintain ecosystem services that provide critical inputs to agriculture, such as soil fertility, pest and disease control and pollination. This system is a component of social-ecological systems that depend on certain combinations of traditional and contemporary knowledge, cultures and practices. As ecosystem services are generated and regenerated within a tree-based system, it was imperative to estimate carbon stock in a diversified tree-based system in an arboretum in Forest Resources and Wildlife Management Department, University of Benin. This study determined the tree biomass and predicted the carbon pool in the study area. The biomass carbon accumulation was evaluated using non-destructive method in a completely randomized design. A total of 87 trees were sampled from 8 sample plots measuring 15 x 15 m with an area of 0.22 ha in the study using two input variables (diameter and height). Mean tree height and diameter were pooled together and the best fit allometric regression model was used to estimate Aboveground biomass (AGB) in this study. The result showed that the largest DBH was 64.9 cm while the tallest tree was 26.79 m. In estimating the AGB in the diversified tree-based system, Ketterings et al., 2001 model (AGB=aDb (0.066D2.59) indicated the highest modelling efficiency (R2=1.000, AIC=-40.25, Std. error 1.34). Regression analysis also revealed that most of the carbon was stored in the aboveground biomass with an estimation of 137,216.81 kg ha-1 in the study area. Furthermore, the total carbon stock (AGB + BGB) and carbon sequestered were 77,390.28 and 284,022.3 Mg C ha-1 respectively. Furthermore, to predict the monetary values to be derived from Kyoto carbon credit scheme, the tons of CO2 sequestered in the tree based diversified system amounted to $8,520,669. This study concluded that for the Department to benefit from the carbon credits scheme (Kyoto protocol), it is recommended that an ecosystem services payment policy should be in
place in order to sustain the environmental benefits derivable from the tree-based systems.

This study was carried out to analyse fresh fish marketing in Benin Metropolis. The specific objectives are to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of fresh fish marketers in the study area; ascertain the marketing Chanel for fresh fish in Benin Metropolis; estimate the profitability of fresh fish marketing in the study area and
identify the challenges confronting fresh fish marketing in the study area. A three stage sampling procedure was used in the study. The final stage involved the use of simple random sampling technique in the selection of 72 respondents. Both primary
and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire through field survey and interview schedule. The collected data were measured and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Profitability was analyzed using Gini coefficient and market margin while the hypothesis was analyzed using multiple regression. The results showed that majority (73.6%) of the marketers were female and 42 years old. The results also indicated that most (77.8%) of the marketers were married, with Primary School living certificate and 5 persons within household. The results indicated that 84.93% of the marketers had marketing experience of 2 to 11 years, majority (55.6%) of marketers are not member of cooperative society and 77.8% are full time marketer. The total margin was 178519.1781 and marketing margin was N154741.54. The results showed that there was a negative and significant relationship between marketing experience and fresh fish marketing at 10% level of probability. The results also showed that contact with extension agent has a positive and significant influence on fresh fish marketing in the study area. The challenges confronting fresh fish marketing is shown in Table 4.5.

The monitoring activities adopted in various forest operations in Edo State were investigated in this study. The relevant issues related to the monitoring methods adopted, personnel involved, impacts and challenges of the monitoring methods adopted was studied with the aid of questionnaire. The result showed that there were significant differences among the agents involved in forest monitoring (P<0.05) and further analysis with LSD identified State Department of Forest (SDF) as the most dominant. The result revealed that both operational and strategic monitoring method is being adopted (85.5%), and there were significant difference among the adopted methods in operational and strategic method (P<0.05), further analysis identified patrol for monitoring log movement, and goal-oriented method as most dominant respectively. The result also revealed that the participatory method in forest monitoring is main professional-based and locally-based, 53.63% and 30.43% respectively. It revealed that there was no significant difference among the participation of local members in participatory forest monitoring (P<0.05). It reveal also that there were significant difference
among the challenges on proper forest monitoring (P<0.05) and further analysis with LSD identified inadequate manpower, underfunding and insecurity as the most dominant. It was observed that there was no significant difference among the impacts of the monitoring methods adopted in the State’s forest estate.

Acid rain significantly impacts soil chemistry, particularly the availability of essential basic cations such as calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), sodium (Na⁺), and potassium(K⁺). This study examines the effect of acid rain on soil basic cations within coastal plains and parent material at three locations in the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0-30 cm and 30-60 cm) in three different locations and were analyzed for some soil physical and chemical properties using standard procedure, while rain water samples were collected from the same locations and were analyzed for pH. The results indicated a general decrease in soil pH with depth, with JSQ showing the highest mean pH (5.65), followed by Hall 2 (5.31) and AGR305(5.10). The lowest pH (4.77) was recorded at 30-60 cm in AGR 305, suggesting increased acidification and leaching effects. Exchangeable cation analysis revealed calcium as the dominant cation, with mean values of 0.73 cmol/kg at JSQ, 0.64 cmol/kgat Hall 2, and 0.57 cmol/kg at AGR 305. Magnesium levels ranged from0.14to0.32cmol/kg, with JSQ (0.26 cmol/kg) near the critical threshold (0.2 cmol/kg), while Hall 2(0.19 cmol/kg) and AGR 305 (0.18 cmol/kg) indicated possible deficiencies. Sodium and potassium levels remained close to the critical limits across all locations, with potassium at 0.23 cmol/kg in JSQ, 0.17 cmol/kg in Hall 2, and 0.16 cmol/kg in AGR305.

The study seeks to examine the multi-locational trail of fifteen genotype of
shrunken-2 super sweet maize in benin city. The experiment was conducted at experimental farm with the premises of university of benin teaching hospital. Benin city, nigeria fifteen super sweet corn (maize) genetype “UISSH 1, UISSH 2, UISSH 3. UISSH4, UISSH 5, UISSH 6, UISSH 7, UISSH 8, UISSH 9, UISSH 10, UISSH 11, UISSH 12, UISSH 13, UISSH 14 and UISSH 15 varieties were evaluated in this experiment. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three
replications. The data collected was analyzed using Genstat version 12.
Characters measured included Seedling emergence all 11 days, days to 50%
tasseling, day to 50% silking, days to 50% pollen shedding. Ear height, plant
height, number of, days to maturity, Number of cob, cob weight, husk cover, ear
aspect and fresh ear yield. The effects of genotype (G) were found to be highly
significant (p<0:01) days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% pollen shedding, Ear
geight. The result of experiments showed that there was significant difference
due to genotype effect in plant height, days to 50% tasselilng, days to 50% pollen
shedding, ear height, plant height and days to maturity. Genotype also affects
days to Cob number, cob weight and fresh ear yield. The genotypes, UISSH3
was identified as one of the most promising for production Benin city although
this variety can be improved for early emergence and better

The distribution and marketing of leafy vegetables pose significant challenges due
to their perishable nature. This study was conducted to assess the profitability of vegetable marketing in Benin City, Edo State, by examining the socioeconomic characteristics of leafy vegetable marketers, determining the cost and margins of leafy vegetable marketing, analyzing the determinants of profit in this sector, and identifying associated challenges. A sample of 100 respondents from five markets was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to vegetables marketers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics budgetary analysis and inferential statistics (linear
regression). The findings indicate that the majority (89.0%) of respondents were females, highlighting the dominance of females in vegetable marketing. Middle-aged
individuals constitute a substantial proportion (40%) of vegetable marketers, and
married individuals dominate the sector (42%). Larger households with 4-6 members contribute significantly to family labor and expenses. Total revenue (TR) from various vegetables amounted to ₦29,675.71, with variable costs (TVC) totaling ₦20,730 and fixed costs at ₦7,050. The total marketing cost (TMC) was ₦27,780, resulting in a net return of ₦1,895.71. While the net return indicates profitability, it is relatively lower compared to previous research findings. Key constraints include poor access roads, rapid quality deterioration/spoilage, seasonal price fluctuations, and high transportation costs. The perishable nature of vegetables presents a significant challenge. it can be concluded that vegetable marketing in Benin City is predominantly conducted by females, often middle- aged and married individuals. Despite profitability, the profit margin is comparatively lower than in previous studies. It was recommended that
addressing poor access roads to alleviate transportation challenges and reduce spoilage and marketing costs.

This study assessed the adoption of improved poultry farming technologies among farmersin Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The research described the socio-economic characteristics of poultry farmers, identified the available poultry farming technologies, assessed the awareness and sources of information about these technologies, determined the level of adoption, evaluated the perceived benefits of using these technologies, and identified factors militating against their adoption. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from six communities within the local government area. Data collection was facilitated through structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Probit regression to draw inferences. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed but 119 questionnaires were returned as valid response while only one (1) was invalid response. As a result, the 119 questionnaires were analyzed and presented for discussion. The Results revealed that most poultry farmers were male (52.9%) and married (53.8%), with a significant proportion having secondary education. The majority (57.1%) had over five years of farming experience, with farm sizes ranging from small-scale to large-scale operations. Awareness of improved poultry technologies such as Automatic feeders (86.5%), Water systems(94.1%), Incubators (73.1%), Egg collection and grading machine (51.3%), Poultry vaccination systems (89.1%), and Biosecurity system (57.1%) was high among respondents. However, the level of adoption varied due to several challenges. The high perceived benefits of adopting these technologies included increased productivity, better disease management, Time savings (mean score = 2.66) and Improved animal welfare (mean score = 2.84). Despite these benefits, several factors highly militated against the adoption of improved poultry farming technologies. These included high initial costs of advanced systems (mean = 3.06), limited access to credit facilities(mean = 2.99). The study concluded that improved poultry farming technologies have significant potential to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector. However, addressing barriers such as financial constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, and lack of technical expertise is critical for increasing adoption rates. It recommended that government should provide affordable credit
facilities to farmers, organize regular training programs to build technical capacity, improve rural infrastructure to support farm operations, and foster partnerships between farmers and technology providers to reduce costs and improve accessibility. By implementing these measures, the adoption of improved poultry farming technologies can be enhanced, contributing to food security and economic growth in Edo State and beyond.