FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of selected aromatic pepper spices on the organoleptic and microbial qualities of oven-dried Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) fillets stored at ambient temperature. Fresh fillets were seasoned with 2% (w/w) of three different pepper spices Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense), Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), and Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and compared with not spiced (control) samples. The spiced and not-spiced fillets were oven-dried at 100°C for 5 hours, packaged in sterile ziploc bags, and stored at room temperature (28 ± 2 °C) for 14 days. Microbiological, and sensory analyses were conducted at 7-day intervals to assess changes during storage. Results revealed that the spice treatments and storage durations significantly (P < 0.05) affected the sensory and microbial qualities of the fish samples. On Day 1, all samples exhibited high sensory ratings across appearance, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability (3.8 – 4.6), but these values declined progressively by Day 14. Cayenne and Bell Peppertreated samples retained relatively higher flavour and acceptability scores than Scotch Bonnet and the control, suggesting mild preservative or antioxidant effects. Microbial counts increased with storage time, with bacterial loads ranging from 7.0 × 10⁻³ cfu/g in Bell Pepper-treated samples to 240.0 × 10⁻³ cfu/g in Cayenne-treated fillets samples after 14 days. Proteus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sp. were among the predominant bacterial isolates, while Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp., and Penicillium species were the most common detected fungi. Ultimately, bell Pepper proved to be the most effective in inhibiting microbial proliferation and maintaining product acceptability.

This study investigated the extraction and evaluation of Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) produced from Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves using three processing techniques: Heat Coagulation, Alum Precipitation and Acid Coagulation. The research aimed to compare the effects of these extraction methods on the Physical characteristics, Proximate composition, Mineral profile and Phytochemical constituents of the resulting concentrates. Standard laboratory procedures were employed for all analyses. The LPCs obtained from the three methods were dark green when fresh but turned blackish upon drying, indicating chlorophyll degradation during processing. Among the extraction techniques, the Acid Coagulation method yielded the highest Crude Protein value (33.84%), demonstrating its superior efficiency in protein recovery. Alum Precipitation recorded the highest Ash (7.50%) and Crude Fibre (13.33%) contents, suggesting higher mineral and structural residue retention. Heat Coagulation produced the highest Ether Extract (38.33%) and maintained better mineral preservation. Potassium was the most abundant mineral detected, with the highest concentration (231.67 mg/kg) observed in the Heat-treated LPC, while sodium recorded the least concentration (0.01 mg/kg). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, coumarins and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations across treatments. These bioactive components indicate potential antioxidant, antimicrobial and functional benefits. Based on the findings, the Acid Coagulation technique is most effective for enhancing protein recovery from Oil Palm leaves, while Heat Coagulation is more suitable for retaining lipid and mineral components. Overall, Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Leaf Protein Concentrate presents a promising, low-cost and underutilized source of plant protein and minerals for animal feed formulation and other nutritional applications.

The study evaluate land tenure of taungya farm in Edo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. The primary data were obtained through the use of well-structured questionnaire administered on 127 respondents in six local government areas practicing taungya farming in government reserved forest. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics summarized in tables and charts and inferential statistics with the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significant difference. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) among the various locations of the respondents farm land, which dominate any other location considered in the studies. The result shows that the state ownership stood at 69% while other forms of ownership by the respondents were communal, traditional, and private ownership which accounted for 16, 11 and 4% respectively. The results also showed that majority (60%) of the respondents affirmed that their farm size ranges from 2-4 hectares. While 24% and 16% of the respondents had less than 2 hectares and 5-7 hectares respectively. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) in land rate per hectare among the various years under review. The rate accruable in 2020 till-date differ significantly (P<0.05) from every other year under review. The results revealed the various sources of financing the taungya farm, the study confirms that 54% of the respondents obtained their source in financing the taungya farm practice through individual/personal contribution. 18%, 16% and 12% of the respondents affirmed for borrowed money, government grant and government loan respectively. The results revealed significant difference (P<0.05) between the selling price and cost price of the arable crops under review. The selling prices dominated the cost prices of the arable crops in taungya practices. Despite the profitablility measure and yield from the farming system, the farmers experience inadequate minority from the relevant authorities through the duration for land use rent and incentives from government is one of the mitigation the taungya farmer agitated for in the study area.

Egg consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced. Students' food choices are often influenced by socio-economic factors, price fluctuations, and availability of alternative protein sources. Despite the nutritional benefits of eggs, limited studies have examined demand for egg and the determinants of consumption among university undergraduates in Nigeria. Hence this study was conducted to examine egg demand among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. To achieve this, the specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of egg consumers, evaluate the level of egg consumption relative to other animal protein sources, determine the nature of eggs consumed, and identify key factors influencing egg consumption. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 100 students from 219 400 students of the 6 departments consisting of AEE, AFM, ANS, CRS, FWM and SLM. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study.the primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The secondary data were obtained from journals, articles, textbooks and the internet. The results indicated that over half of egg consumers were female (56%), while the other half were male (44%) with a mean age of 23 years and majority within the age bracket of 21-25 years (79%). Majority of undergraduate consumers resided off campus (76%). The mean budget share for egg consumption was 0.38, x making it the most consumed protein source followed by fish (0.25), beef (0.15), chicken (0.10), and milk (0.10). Egg consumption was highest among students in the Forestry and Wildlife Management (0.44), Crop Science (0.43), and Animal Science (0.39) departments, with the lowest consumption recorded in Soil and Land Management students (0.31). Regression analysis revealed that egg consumption was significantly influenced by the price of substitute protein source. An increase in beef prices also led to decreased egg consumption, confirming complementary effects. Furthermore, total protein expenditure was a key determinant of egg consumption indicating that students who spent more on protein allocated a larger portion of their budgets to eggs. Gender was also significant with male students spending more on eggs than female students. However, the prices of eggs, milk, fish, chicken, and pork were not significant predictors, implying that prices of these protein sources do not strongly influence students' egg consumption patterns. The study recommends that universities promote awareness campaigns on the nutritional benefits of eggs and other protein sources to encourage balanced diets and egg consumption. Policymakers should work towards stabilizing egg prices to enhance affordability for students. Additionally, university food vendors should ensure the availability of eggs in various forms to cater to students' dietary preferences.

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.