FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

This study investigates the impact of spacing and fertilizer application on tigernut yield and nutrient content. The research findings reveal that spacing and fertilizer application significantly influence various yield attributes, including herbage weight, nut weight, and herbage yield. Furthermore, nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Fe) in tigernuts vary significantly across different treatments, providing valuable insights into their nutritional content. Proximate composition analysis highlights differences in ether extract, ash content, protein content, moisture content, fiber content, carbohydrates, and dry matter. Additionally, nutrient uptake in tigernuts is influenced by spacing and fertilizer application. As a result, recommendations are made for optimizing crop management practices, tailoring nutrient management, exploring potential applications based on proximate composition, and encouraging further research in tigernut cultivation. These findings contribute to enhancing tigernut cultivation practices and broadening its potential applications in various industries.

The study investigated the chemical composition of chitin and chitosan fed diets, and their effects on goat’s neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. Twelve (12) West African Dwarf goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments (control, chitin at 3% and 6%, chitosan at 0.5% and 1%, and 0.01% oxytetracycline), alongside guinea grass at a ratio of 50:50. Chitin and chitosan were extracted using chemical processes involving demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation, while diets chemical compositions were analyzed, The NDF value (%) range from 25.00 to 93% with control and 6% chitin having the least and highest values respectively and were significantly different (P<0.05) from each other. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in NDF intake and digestibility across treatments were not significantly different. The study concludes that chitin and chitosan from snail shells had no negative influence on NDF intake and digestibility. This approach offers a sustainable and value-added use of snail shell waste in animal nutrition.

Dioscorea alata L. and Dioscorea rotundata Poir are the most commonly grown species of yam (Dioscorea spp.), a staple crop in many tropical nations. Due to their scarcity, high price, and included vulnerability to pests and diseases, producing good-quality seed yams continues to be a significant issue. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and yield of seed yam tubers among minitubers derived from vine cuttings and yam minisett of different cultivars of yam. The improved cultivars used for the minitubers experiment included Akuabata, Vayam, Asiedu, Favourite and Super. The yam minisett trial included Abakiliki 1, Abakiliki 2, Benin Local, Igiowa 1 and Igiowa 2. Both experiments were separately laid out as Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in three replicates. Vine cuttings were also obtained from the minitubers experiment to test the effect of different potting media (sawdust, rice hull, grass and corn cob) on growth and yield of minitubers under semi-autotrophic hydroponics. The vine cutting experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design in three replicates. Results indicated that seed yam tuber yield per stand varied from 267g in Super to 467g in Asiedu, while the yam minisett trial had 200g in Abakiliki1 and 717g Igiowa1. The multiplication ratio varied from 1:46 – 1:75 among the cultivars used in minitubers experiment, while yam minisett trial had 1:1.3 – 1:3.8. In the vine cutting experiment sawdust had 68.0 % survival and this was followed by rice hull, grass and corn cob. The used of minitubers derived from vine cuttings is viable option for production of quality seed yam of Dioscorea spp. Locally sourced potting media such as sawdust, rice hull and grass could be used in humidity chambers for production minitubers

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a key global staple, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa., but its productivity is often constrained by the high cost and documented environmental risks of conventional inorganic fertilizers. This study investigated the use of Panicum maximum leaf powder, a locally available organic nutrient source, application on the agronomic response of maize. The field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City. The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The treatments consisted of four rates of P. maximum application: 0kg/ha, 60kg/ha, 120kg/ha and 180kg/ha. The variables measured included percentage emergence, percentage establishment, days to tasselling, plant height, number of ears, and stover yield. Results showed that the control exhibited significantly poorer establishment, delayed tasselling, shorter plants and reduced stover yield compared to all fertilized plots. The 60kg/ha rate was sufficient to maximize benefits for establishment and maturity, though the total number of ears was not significantly affected by treatment. It is concluded that P. maximum leaf powder is an effective, sustainable organic fertilizer for enhancing maize vegetative growth and stand establishment.

Fertilizer application influences plant health and susceptibility to pests. Optimal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium foster robust plant growth, which can deter pests and mitigate yield losses. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the impact of fertilizer application on Fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize. The study was conducted during the late maize cropping season of 2023 at the teaching and research farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experiment was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments viz: no fertilizer (T1), inorganic fertilizer (T2), and organic fertilizer (T3), each replicated three times. Treatment plots measured 3x2m and spaced by 1m. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in FAW abundance, damage, or severity among the treatments at 3WAS, 4WAS, 5WAS, 6WAS, and 7WAS. However, the highest mean abundance at 3WAS was recorded in the organic treatment (4.25), while at 4WAS, 5WAS, and 7WAS, the highest mean abundances were observed in the organic treatment (3.26, 4.93, and 3.95, respectively). In terms of damage, the highest mean damaged plants were recorded in the organic treatment at 3WAS (1.93) and 5WAS (3.30). Similarly, the highest mean severity was observed in the organic treatment at 3WAS (3.99), 5WAS (6.36), and 6WAS (5.85). In conclusion, both organic and inorganic fertilizers tested did not influence FAW larval abundance, damage, or severity on maize.

This study investigated the effects of different processing methods and natural spices on the proximate composition and sensory characteristics of Merluccius merluccius (Meluza). The experiment employed a 4 × 3 factorial designs consisting of four spice treatments, control (no spice), black pepper, cinnamon, and a combination of black pepper + cinnamon across three processing methods: deep frying, air frying, and smoking. Proximate and organoleptic analyses were carried out over a three-month period following standard procedures. Results revealed that both processing method and spice type significantly influenced the nutritional and sensory quality of the fish. Deep frying generally increased lipid content and enhanced juiciness, while smoking reduced moisture and increased ash concentration, reflecting mineral concentration through dehydration. Spiced samples, especially those treated with black pepper + cinnamon, showed higher carbohydrate and protein retention than controls, indicating antioxidant and preservative effects of the spices. Sensory evaluation indicated that deep-fried and spiced samples were most preferred in terms of aroma, flavour, texture, and overall acceptability. The combination of black pepper and cinnamon proved particularly effective in improving taste and aroma without compromising nutritional value. The study concludes that integrating natural spices with suitable processing methods enhances both the nutritive and organoleptic quality of M. merluccius. It is therefore recommended that deep frying with black pepper + cinnamon is suitable for the production of high-quality and consumer-preferred fish products.

A study was carried out in the cropping season of 2025 at the screen house of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City to evaluate the effect of topsoil and cattle dung potting mixture on the growth of pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn) seedlings. The trial involved five potting media (topsoil (TS), cattle dung (CD), TS+ CD 1:1, TS+ CD 1:2 And TS+ CD 2:1) laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on the physical and chemical properties, growth parameters (stem height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area) and dry matter indices (total dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and root:shoot ratio) of all potting media. Results of the study show that seedlings grown in mixtures of topsoil and cattle dung (TS + CD) consistently showed superior growth in terms of plant height and stem girth compared to those in topsoil and cattle dung alone. At 8 WAS, the TS + CD 1:1 potting medium produced seedlings with the largest leaf area, longest root length, highest shoot dry weight, root dry weight and total dry weight. Based on the superior performance in the key growth parameters, the use of a 1:1 mixture of topsoil to cattle dung is recommended for growing pawpaw seedlings in the nursery.

Different forms of Potassium (K) could exist in soils, contributing to total K pool. The study aims at evaluating the forms and distribution of K in soils planted to plantain in University of Benin, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected in April, 2025, from four (0 - 30, 30- 60, 60 - 90 and 90 - 120 cm) depths in three replicates, making a total of 12 samples, the samples were air-dried, crushed, passed through 2 mm sieve and analyzed for some chemical and physical properties, using standard operating methods. Water soluble, exchangeable, difficultly exchangeable, fixed and total K forms, were determined in 1:10 soil:xtractants ratio diluted to 25 ml volume, while the relationship between some physical and chemical properties and forms of K were determined using simple linear correlation. The result showed that sand was the dominant soil separate with grand mean values of 71.37%, while the pH (H2O) showed slightly acidic soil reaction, and ranged between 5.00 - 5.15 with grand mean value of 5.06. The water soluble and exchangeable K were very low and ranged between 0.01 - 0. 03 and 0.01 - 0.05 cmol/kg with grand mean value of 0.02 and 0.03 cmol/kg respectively. Highest value of 0.10 cmol/kg at 30 - 60 cm soil depth and 0.07 cmol/kg at 60 - 90 cm soil depth with a grand mean values of 0.06 and 0.08 cmol/kg was obtained for difficultly exchangeable K and fixed form of K, respectively. Positively and negatively significant relationships was obtained between some soil physical and chemical properties, and different forms of K, indicating the influence of soil properties on forms, distribution and availability of K. Water soluble and exchangeable forms of K were very low in the soils studied.