FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sowing depth and soaking on the growth of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.). The experiment was conducted between 10th of March to 17th of may, 2022 at the Department of Crop Science’s Experimental Farm Screen House, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. The Treatments involved three potting media (Top soil + Poultry manure 1:1, TS +PM2:1, TS + PM 1:2), three sowing depths (2,4,6 cm) and three soaking time (0, 12 and24 hr)laid out in a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement fitted into complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The data were collected on plant height, stem girth,numbers of leaves and total area of leaves. Results obtained showed that the physical and chemical properties of the potting media varies. From the results obtained, the depth of sowing, soaking time and media used all had effect on the plant growth parameters as plant highest was recorded at (2.37cm) when TS + PM 2:1 was used with a soaking timeof 12 hours and a sowing depth of 2cm

Snail farming has emerged as a sustainable form of micro-livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa, providing animal protein and income diversification opportunities for smallholder farmers. However, productivity remains low in many farming systems due to inadequate rearing environments that fail to replicate the humid, shaded, and cool natural habitats of snails. This study, titled Modification of the Microenvironment Around a Screen House Used for Snail Production, investigates how targeted environmental modifications can improve snail growth and survival. The study was designed to evaluate key microclimatic variables including temperature, humidity, and soil moisture around screen houses modified using shading materials, mulching, water sprinkling, and windbreaks. The African giant land snail (Achatina marginata) served as the experimental species due to its economic significance. Data on snail growth performance, mortality rate, and activity patterns were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Preliminary findings indicate that microenvironmental modifications create more stable and favorable conditions, leading to reduced mortality and improved weight gain among snails.

Water erosion poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and sustainable rural development in Nigeria, particularly in regions with high rainfall intensity. This study assessed the water erosion control methods practiced by rural dwellers in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the rural dwellers; identify the water erosion control methods they practice; ascertain their level of participation in these practices; determine the perceived benefits of erosion control on community development; and identify the challenges faced in implementation. A two-stage sampling technique was employed, involving the purposive selection of six erosion-prone communities (Evwreni, Uwherun, Ohoro, Ughelli, Orogun, and Agbarho), followed by the simple random selection of 15 rural dwellers from each, resulting in a sample size of 90 respondents. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and meanscores) and inferential statistics (binary logistic regression) to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed a youthful, educated, and gender-mixed population with diversified livelihoods. Respondents demonstrated high awareness (84.3%) of various erosion control methods. The most commonly practiced methods included proper drainage systems (77.8%), mulching (70.0%), cover cropping (63.3%), and construction of dams (61.1%). However, the level of consistent participation was high only for proper drainage (mean=3.47), mulching (3.28), vegetative cover (3.22), and cover cropping (3.02), while more structural methods like terracing, contour farming, and dam construction recorded low participation. The primary perceived benefits of erosion control were reduced flooding (95.6%), enhanced agricultural productivity (85.6%), and protection of infrastructure (82.2%). Major constraints to adoption were lack of materials (81.1%), lack of funds (75.6%), time constraints (74.4%), and poor government support (73.3%). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between specific socio-economic characteristics (such as age, household size, primary occupation, and income) and the adoption of certain erosion control methods. For terracing; age (p=0.043), household size (p=0.044), primary occupation (p=0.011), for zero/reduced tillage; household size (p=0.078), primary occupation (p=0.031), for proper drainage system; household size (p=0.088), for vegetative cover; age (p=0.087), primary occupation (p=0.081), income (p=0.019), for construction of dams; sex (p=0.033), income (p=0.050), for building raised platforms; sex (p=0.056) and for agroforestry; age (p=0.093) leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that while rural dwellers in Ughelli North are knowledgeable about erosion control, a significant gap exists between awareness and consistent implementation, driven largely by socioeconomic and institutional constraints. It is recommended that government, development agencies as well as local community leaders enhance capacity building through practical training, provide financial subsidies and materials, strengthen extension services, and promote community-based approaches to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and ensure sustainable land management in the region.

This field experiment was conducted in the Experimental Field of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, to ascertain the physical and chemical properties of soil and agronomic performance of Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Maize (Zea Mays) in monoculture and intercrop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three levels of treatment and three replicates. Soil samples were
collected before and after experiment for determination of parameters: pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, hydrogen, aluminium, sand, silt and clay. Also plant parameters like, stem girth, number of leaves, vine length, weight of 100 grains and yield were also determined. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test was used
to separate means at 5% level of significance. Results show that the total nitrogen content of the soil in the sole maize plot reduced to 0.54 g/kg from the 0.63 g/kg recorded in the soil before sowing while the kidney bean + maize intercrop plot increased to 0.73 g/kg and the
sole kidney bean pot was 0.80 g/kg. Furthermore, the soils in the area were generally acidic in nature and belong to the loamy sand textural class. The effect of intercropping on yield varied between kidney bean and maize. For kidney bean and intercropping, there was a
slight increase in grain weight (32.8 g under intercropping compared to 31.9g in monoculture) and a minor improvement in total yield (0.72 t/ha in intercropping relative to 0.70 t/ha in monocropping). This suggests that intercropping had positive effect on yield of
kidney bean. The nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium) content of the grains of maize and kidney bean were not affected by intercropping. However, intercropping resulted in a decrease in yield components (stem girth, number of leaves, plant
height, weight of 100 grains average weight of cob and grain yield) of maize while kidney bean recorded increment in growth and yield parameters.

Unlocking Location-Specific Bioactivity: Profound Phytochemical Variations in Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus) Across Benin City Signal New Frontiers in Precision Animal Nutrition. The shift toward sustainable livestock production demands innovative strategies that leverage natural forage bioactivity as alternatives to conventional supplements. This groundbreaking study addresses a critical knowledge gap by mapping the phytochemical diversity of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), a vital tropical forage, across three distinct locations in Benin City, Nigeria. Through rigorous analysis of leaf samples from Ekehuan, University of Benin, and Ekosodin, we quantified key secondary metabolites-alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenol-that define the forage's functional properties. Our results demonstrate dramatic location-dependent variations in phytochemical composition. Ekosodin-derived grass emerged as exceptionally bioactive, containing substantially elevated levels of alkaloids (12.500 mg/100g), saponins (9.800 mg/100g), tannins (5.457 mg/100g), and phenols (4.200 mg/100g)-significantly surpassing concentrations found in other sampling sites. This establishes a clear geochemical signature that directly links environmental factors to forage quality. The implications are transformative: geography dictates bioactivity. The superior phytochemical profile of Ekosodin Guinea grass positions it as a powerful natural supplement capable of enhancing protein utilization, reducing methane emissions, and strengthening animal antioxidant defenses. However, this potency requires careful management, as high concentrations of certain compounds necessitate strategic inclusion rates to balance benefits against potential antinutritional effects. This research provides the scientific foundation for precision forage management, enabling livestock producers to strategically select and utilize Guinea grass based on its verified phytochemical profile. Our findings pioneer a new approach to tropical forage utilization, transforming Guinea grass from a conventional feed into a targeted nutritional tool that promises to revolutionize sustainable livestock production practices throughout West Africa. Megathyrsus maximus, Bioactive Compounds, Phytochemical Geography, Sustainable Livestock Production, Precision Nutrition, Forage Optimization, Natural Supplementation, Agricultural Sustainability.

The Experiment was conducted to determine the physical properties and nutritional composition of the Leaf protein concentrates and bagasse obtained from Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) leaves using alum precipitation and heat coagulation methods. The extraction process of leaf protein from Gmelina leaf was carried out in the main Laboratory of the faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. After extraction it was
observed that GLPC obtained from alum precipitation was light green with fine and powedery feeling while the GLPC obtained from heat coagulation was dark green in colour with fine and powedery feeling. The yield of GLPC obtained using alum precipitation method (8.13%) was obviously higher (5.24%) than that obatined from heat coagulation method. The bagasse yields were (22.47 and 25.14%) respectively for both alum precipitation and heat coagulation method. The result from the expirement shows higher dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and crude ash contents in GLPC extracted using alum precipitation method compare to those extracted using heat coagulation method. Crude fat and NFE on the contrary were higher
significantly in GLPC extracted using heat coagulation method. Elemental Phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, zinc, iron, manganese and copper were higher in GLPC extracted using alum precipitation method than that obtained in GLPC from heat coagulation method. Other parameters assayed for mineral components of the LPC were higher in those extracted using heat coagulation method. It is concluded based on the above
findings that Gmelina leaf protein concentrates obtained using alum precipitation would be preferred as a result of its high crude protein content and qualitative mineral composition should therefore be considered as a viable substitute for more expensive conventional protein feed materials like soya bean meal etc. in livestock feed formulation.

This study focused on market linkage mechanisms among catfish farmers in Edo South Agricultural Zone, Edo State Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio- economic characteristics of catfish farmers; identify existing markets utilized by catfish farmers; identify the mechanisms for linking farmers to the markets; ascertain the linkage strengths of the identified mechanisms; identify sources of information on market linkages among catfish farmers; examine preferred choice of market outlets among catfish farmers; establish reasons for farmers’ preference for chosen market outlets and
identify the constraints to effective market linkage among catfish farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used for a simple random sampling of 20 catfish farmers from each of the four (4) selected Local Government Areas in Edo South
Agricultural Zone giving a total of 80 farmers. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire in line with the objectives of the study. Data were analysed using
descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and mean scores as well as inferential statistics being Pearson-Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results showed that more than half (53.8%) of the proportion of catfish farmers were male, most (80%) of them were married with mean age of 42 years. Direct contact (98.7%) was the most used mechanism for market linkage. Results also showed that most (96.2%) of the farmers utilized local markets, fellow farmers (86.2%) were the most used source of information and high transportation costs (mean = 4.39) was the major constraint encountered by catfish farmers for effective market linkages. It was concluded that direct contact was the most used linkage mechanism and high transportation costs was a major constraint faced by catfish farmers in linking to markets. The study therefore
recommended that Government and relevant stakeholders should invest in improving road networks and transportation systems to reduce transportation costs and ease market
linkage for catfish farmers.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Rabbits have a distinctive feeding behaviour that sets them apart from other mammals. This is due to their unusual digestive physiology, which falls between that of monozastric and herbivorous animals. Being herbivores, their eating technique differs significantly from that of ruminants. Rabbits are classified within the Lagomorpha order, specifically the Leporidae family, which encompasses both rabbits and hares (Grassé & Dekeuser, 2015). Although rabbits exhibit certain behaviours similar to rodents, such as chewing, they are not categorised as rodents. The majority of our comprehension on rabbit feeding behaviour is derived from research conducted on domestic rabbits, who are commonly bred for meat, fur, or as subjects in laboratory experiments. These trials frequently entail rabbits being provided with some well-balanced, complete pelleted feed ad libitum, occasionally supplemented with dry forages or straw, but typically without a genuine unrestricted selection of food. A distinctive characteristic of rabbit eating behaviour is caecotrophy, a process in which rabbits excrete and promptly consume specialised soft faeces known as "caecotrophes". As a consequence, rabbits consume two distinct forms of food: feeds and caecotrophes. Caecotrophes are produced by holding food particles in the fermentative section (caecum and proximal colon) until they become sufficiently tiny in size. Contrary to ruminants, rabbits employ a different approach by prioritising

Cassava is a crucial staple crop in Nigeria, playing a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods. However, climate variability—characterized by erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events—poses significant challenges to cassava production. This study examines the effects of climate variability on cassava production capacity in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it aims to (1) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers, (2) estimate and compare local cassava yields with the national average, (3) examine the effect of socioeconomic and climatic variables, along with market price, on cassava yield; (4) identify adaptation strategies employed by farmers to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate variability; (5) highlight how respondents perceived climate variability to affect cassava production. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 100 cassava farmers, while secondary information was obtained from established sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression models. Findings revealed that although local cassava yields are slightly lower than the national standard, the difference is not statistically significant. Capital investment emerged as a key determinant of yield, whereas climatic variables did not show a direct significant effect. These results underscore the need for enhanced financial support, improved agricultural practices, and robust extension services to build resilience against climate variability. The study provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to secure cassava production under increasingly volatile climatic conditions.

This Study conducted a profitability analysis of plantain marketing in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. It was observed that there was no clarity on the measures that plantain marketers in Ovia-North East Local Government Area of Edo State put in place to reduce the effect of the marketing constraints in order to increase their marketing profitability. Hence, the study objectives were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondent; determine the marketing channels; determine the profitability; identify the marketing constraints and identify the ameliorating measures for plantain marketing in the study area. The primary data used for the study were collected through interview with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Eight (8) markets were purposively selected in the study area. Marketers were proportionately sampled from each market giving a total sample size of ninety (90) respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, cost and return analysis, ordinary least square regression analysis, and Likert scale were used to analyze data collected. Majority of the marketers interviewed were female (95.6%), married (66.7%), within the age group of 40-49 (30%) with secondary education (38.9%), 6 10 years and 20 years and above (28.9%) marketing experience and household size of 1-5 (58.9%). The study encountered mainly retailers (48.9%). Marketers had a mean monthly gross income of ₦172.17 per bunch. Their gross ratio, operating ratio, expense structure ratio, return per capital invested and benefit cost ratio were 0.17, 0.82, 0.004, 0.21 and 1.21 respectively. Marketing constraints were high purchase price, seasonality, high transfer cost and poor access to credit facilities. Ameliorating measures used were thrift society and joint vehicle hiring. Quantity sold and transfer cost were the significant determinants of revenue with a coefficient of 1334 and 671.68 respectively. It was concluded that plantain marketing was profitable and that technologies, financial and transport systems dedicated to agricultural products, most especially plantain, will greatly boost profitability.