FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a vital staple crop in many tropical regions, valued for its carbohydrate-rich tubers and economic importance. Bag propagation, which uses polythene bags filled with soil, has become a viable substitute that improves plant establishment, makes fertilizer management easier, and permits controlled growth conditions. This study evaluated effects of cow dung on bag propagated yams growth and yield performance. A private farm in Ogida, Benin City was the experimental site. Two treatments (control and cow dung) utilized in the experiment were laid out as a paired plot. Cured cow dung manure was applied at planting. Data collected on the number of leaves, vine length, and stem diameter were collected and recorded at intervals whereas tuber weight, vine weight, and number of leaves were collected at harvest and recorded. Data collected were analyzed as unequal variance t-test. Results revealed that cow dung significantly enhanced the vegetative growth of yam plants, particularly during the early and mid-growth stages. Variables such as vine length (p ≤ 0.05) and number of leaves (p ≤ 0.05) showed statistically significant increases compared to the control. The most notable impact was observed in tuber weight, where cow dung application led to a highly significant increase (p ≤ 0.05), with mean tuber weight rising from 0.25kg (control) to 0.7 kg (cow dung) an increase of approximately 180%. In conclusion, cow dung was effective and is a sustainable fertilizer for bag-propagated yam, enhancing growth variables and yield while probably improving soil fertility and structure for long-term agricultural productivity.

Dialium guineense fruit is an important tropical fruit which faces substantial post-harvest losses and food safety concerns due to microbial contamination. This study investigated microorganisms associated with the shell, pulp and seed of D. guineense to determine infection rates, identify microbial species (fungal and bacterial) and assess their diversity. The research was conducted at the media preparation room of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Three (3) fruit parts were studied: Shell, pulp and seed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Nutrient Agar (NA) laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six (6) replications. It involved evaluating infection percentages, sub-culturing and identification based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Results showed a 100% infection rate across all fruit parts except one (1) replicate which had a 75% infection rate, indicating significant microbial pressure. A wide variety of fungal and bacterial species was observed, with specific microbial adaptations per fruit part. Pathogenic bacteria, including Shigella sp. and Bacillus cereus, were identified, posing potential health risks, alongside Aspergillus and Fusarium species. This study confirms the fruit's vulnerability to widespread microbial contamination. Findings underscore the critical necessity for improved safety measures against Aspergillus and Fusarium contamination, while identifying promising opportunities to utilize Saccharomyces sp. for industrial processing and seed extracts for natural preservation.

The experiment was carried out at the experimental site of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, to determine the effect of maize kidney bean intercrop on some properties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three (3) levels of same treatment and replicated three (3) times. The treatment levels are sole kidney bean, sole maize and maize-kidney bean intercrop. Soil parameters determined include; pH, Total Nitrogen, Total organic carbon (TOC), Available phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Exchangeable Acidity, Base saturation, Soil textural classes (sand, silt and clay), these were analyzed before sowing and after harvest. Plant nutrient concentrations, growth parameters, and yield components were also measured. Results showed that intercropping significantly improved soil fertility, with higher pH (5.56), TOC (12.30 g/kg), and TN (0.73 g/kg) compared to sole maize. Intercropping enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium concentrations in kidney bean tissues, while maize showed reduced nutrient concentrations under intercropping, indicating differential nutrient uptake between the two crops. Agronomic performance of kidney bean improved under intercropping, with higher stem girth, vine length, and number of leaves, while maize yield was reduced slightly. The yield of kidney bean was not affected by intercropping at 5% level of significance while the yield of maize was significantly (p <0.05) reduced from 7.23t/ha to 6.45t/ha. In conclusion maize-kidney bean intercropping enhances soil fertility, improves nutrient uptake, and improve yield

This study investigated the proximate composition and phytochemical content of five economically important legume seeds: Soya Bean (SB), Faba Bean (FB), Black Gram (BG), Jack Bean (JB), White Bean (WB), and Velvet Bean (VB), to assess their nutritional quality and suitability for food and feed applications. Standard procedures were used to determine moisture, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). Phytochemical screening included the quantification of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, oxalate, and phytate. Results of the proximate analysis showed that Soya Bean was the most nutritionally dense sample, recording the highest Crude Protein ($42.0\%$) and Ether Extract ($15.68\%$). Conversely, Black Gram was identified as the highest energy source, dominated by Nitrogen-Free Extract ($62.04\%$). Phytochemical analysis revealed a critical trade-off: Jack Bean had the highest levels of beneficial antioxidants (Phenolics and Flavonoids) but also the highest concentration of the anti-nutritional factor (ANF) Phytate ($2593.3$ mg/100 mg). Soya Bean, despite its protein superiority, exhibited alarmingly high Oxalate content ($1791.1$ mg/100 g). In contrast, Velvet Bean presented the lowest overall concentration of key ANFs (Phytate and Oxalate), suggesting better mineral bioavailability. The study concludes that while SB and JB offer superior macronutrient and antioxidant profiles, their utilization requires mandatory processing techniques (such as soaking and fermentation) to mitigate the adverse effects of high anti-nutritional factors and ensure optimal nutrient absorption and safety in human and animal diets.

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. The method of application of preservatives and pesticides showed that brushing and spraying were the most prevalent methods. Based on the study and results obtained, the following recommendations are suggested: Sawmill operators should explore and adopt environmentally friendly wood preservation methods, such as heat treatment, borate-based preservatives, and naturally rot-resistant wood species. This will help minimize environmental impacts and enhance the industry's eco-friendliness.

This study investigated the effect of wetland conditions on cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, compare the costs and returns between wetland and arable land farmers, assess technical efficiency, evaluate yield differences, and identify coping strategies used to manage environmental challenges. Primary data were collected from 96 cassava farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across four wetland and four arable land communities. A structured questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, stochastic frontier production function, and t-tests to compare profitability, yield, and efficiency across both farming environments. The results showed that cassava production was profitable in both environments but significantly more profitable in arable land areas. Arable land farmers earned higher average
profit (₦490,438.60) than wetland farmers (₦150,583.63), and also recorded higher mean yields (2,279 kg compared to 1,413.4 kg). Technical efficiency was similar for both groups, with mean scores of 0.629 (wetland) and 0.632 (arable land). The study further revealed that wetland farmers face challenges such as flooding, high weed pressure, and higher production costs, prompting coping strategies like off-farm income, livestock rearing, and cooperative membership.

The study investigated the economy of feed conversion of weaner rabbits fed diets in which soybean meal (SBM) was partially replaced with Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) leaf meal (GGLM). Rising feed costs, especially for conventional protein sources like soybean meal, have prompted the exploration of locally available and low-cost alternatives to enhance the profitability of rabbit roduction. Twenty weaner rabbits aged 4–6 weeks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% GGLM as replacement levels for SBM in a completely randomized design, with five rabbits per treatment. The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric, and the feeding trial lasted ten weeks. Parameters measured included feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost of feed consumed, cost per kilogram weight gain, total production cost, and net profit. Results indicated that inclusion of GGLM up to 20% did not significantly affect growth performance or FCR compared to the control diet. However, feed cost per kilogram decreased progressively with higher inclusion levels of GGLM, with the lowest feed cost and highest net profit recorded at 30% inclusion. Economic analysis showed that substituting GGLM for SBM substantially reduced feed costs without adverse effects on productivity at moderate inclusion levels. The study concludes that partial
replacement of soybean meal with Guinea grass leaf meal (up to 30%) in weaner rabbit diets is economically advantageous and supports efficient feed utilization. It is therefore recommended for smallholder and commercial rabbit producers as a cost- effective strategy for improving profitability and sustainability in rabbit production systems.

This study investigated the growth performance of weaner pigs fed diets in which yellow maize was partially replaced with a novel feed ingredient, designated 75% MUSARPOMS Grade, at inclusion levels of 0%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. MUSARPOMS is an unconventional feed resource composed of 75% ground dried ripe plantain peels and 25% palm oil mill slurry. The ten-week feeding trial, including a two-week adaptation period on the control diet, aimed to evaluate the potential of this feed as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for swine production by utilizing locally available agro-industrial by- products. A total of twenty-five weaner pigs, with initial body weights ranging from 13.30 to 14.40 kg, were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, with each treatment replicated five times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Pigs were offered the experimental diets and water ad libitum throughout the study. Initial body weights were statistically similar across treatments, confirming uniformity of experimental animals at the onset of the trial. While final body weights and overall feed intake were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments, parameters such as total weight gain, average weekly weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency demonstrated significant responses to maize replacement levels. The highest growth performance and feed utilization efficiency were observed in pigs receiving the control diet. Among the MUSARPOMS-based diets, the 50% maize replacement level yielded growth and feed efficiency values most comparable to the control, whereas higher inclusion levels (60%) resulted in reduced performance and poorer feed utilization. These findings indicate that 75% MUSARPOMS Grade can replace up to 50% of maize in weaner pig diets without substantially compromising growth, offering a viable, cost-reducing

The present study evaluated the physical, chemical, and heavy metals content (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) and fertility status of soils from three dumpsites within the Benin city metropolis and the effect of NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of Okra and Garden Egg. Soils samples were collected processed and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The experiment was a 3 x 4 factorial fitted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with three levels of fertilizer (0 g NPK, 14 g NPK and 28 g NPK) and (3) dumpsites (Benin Sapele Road Dumpsite (BSD), Benin Agbor Road Dumpsite (BAD) and Benin Oluku Bypass Dumpsite
(BOD) and the control with three replications. Growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves; stem girth; leaf area) and yield were collected. The fruit yield per hectare was derived by estimating the fruit yield per poly bag. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. Results showed that, physical and chemical properties of the dumpsite soils were slightly alkaline with pH range of 7.28 to 7.56. The organic carbon ranged between 11.6 and 13.7 g/kg. The fertility status of the soils from the different dumpsites revealed that soils
from Agbor Road ByePass were high in potassium while soils from Oluku and Sapele ByePass dumpsites were high in phosphorus and nitrogen. The total N from the dumpsites ranged between 0.065 to 0.199 %. The heavy metal content of dumpsite soils varied significantly, but was within the limits recommended by FAO/WHO. The application of 28 g NPK fertilizer enhanced the growth and yield of Okra and Garden Egg compared to the control. This study suggest that dumpsite soils amended with NPK fertilizer improved soil nutrients status and enhanced the yield and growth of Okra and Garden Egg plant.

The rising cost of feed additives has made livestock production increasingly expensive, especially for small ruminants. This has created the need to explore cheaper alternative feed sources that can still support efficient growth and nutrient utilization. Chitin and chitosan, obtained from snail shell waste, are potential feed additives known to enhance nutrient digestion and nitrogen use in animals. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing chitin and chitosan on nitrogen balance and retention in goats. A total of twelve (12) goats were randomly assigned to six different dietary treatments.The trial lasted 15 days, with an 8-day digestibility and nitrogen balance trial using metabolic cages. Data on feed intake, fecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, and nitrogen balance were collected and analyzed statistically. The results showed that goats fed diets chitosan retained more nitrogen compared to those on the control diet. There were no adverse effects on dry matter intake. The study concludes that chitosan derived from snail shell can serve as useful feed additives at 0.5% inclusion level for improving nitrogen utilization in goats.