FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

Oil palm seedling production is a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, particularly in Edo State, where it supports rural livelihoods and contributes to national income. This study evaluated the economics of oil palm seedling production in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of producers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing revenue, and assessed constraints faced by farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents from five oil palm seedling-producing communities. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple regression. Results revealed that the majority of producers were male (61%), middle-aged (50% aged 21–40 years), and educated (94% had at least primary education). The average household size was 5 members, and most farmers operated small-scale farms (55% cultivated 0.5–1 hectare). Total production cost averaged ₦401,867.27, with land rent (₦109,558.82) and fertilizer (₦55,655.13) as major expenses. The enterprise proved profitable, generating a gross margin of ₦588,325.60 and a return on investment (ROI) of 1.464. Regression analysis indicated that seed cost (r = 4.65, p < 0.001) and fertilizer cost (r = 4.85, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced revenue, explaining 61.5% of variability (R² = 0.615). Key constraints included inadequate finance (100% of respondents), high transportation costs (99%), irregular input supply (99%), labor shortages (98%), and land tenure issues (99%).

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiate an innate immune response system(Chang, 2010). TLR2 genetic differentiation between populations could result from neutral processes or natural selection. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic distance of toll-like receptor 2 gene in breeds of rabbits. A total number of 40adult rabbits (5months and above) were raised at the University of Benin teaching and research farm. Four (4) breeds of rabbits were selected for this experiment (Chinchilla, New Zealand, Hyla and Dutch breeds). About 2ml of blood was collected from the ear vein of the Rabbit separately and placed in a plain bottle containing 6ml of RNA shield. Blood samples were temporarily stored in a refrigerator before DNA extraction and analysis. Genomic DNA was isolated from each blood sample using the Zymo quick-g DNATM. Miniprep kit. Following the manufacturer’s instructions. The results showed that there was no genetic diversity between Hyla male (F1) x Chinchilla Male (Parent) as well asHyla male (F1 generation) x Hyla male (F1). Furthermore, the degree to which Chinchilla Male (F1generation) x Chinchilla Male (F2generation), Chinchilla Male(Parent) x Chinchilla Male (F1generation) and Hyla Female (Parent) x Chinchilla Male (F1generation) differ was constant and the same, while the lowest degree of diversity in genetic Tol-like receptors was obtained from Chinchilla, Male (Parent)x Chinchilla, Male (Parent).

This study investigates the contents of some heavy metals (Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr)) concentrations in the soils of a dumpsite located within Egor Local Government Area in Benin City. Soil samples were randomly obtained from different locations within the dumpsite while the control soils were obtained from the Faculty of Agriculture University of Benin. A total of 18 samples were collected, with nine from the dumpsite and nine from the
control site at three different depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm, and 30-45cm). The experiment was thereafter laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results from the investigations shows that the dumpsite soils exhibited higher organic matter content (47.73, 38.00 and 31.03 gkg -1) that ranged from the topsoil to the subsoil while the control had 13.79, 10.57 and 10.51 gkg -1 respectively. The dumpsite also recorded reduced (5.04 – 6.13) acidity, which resulted in increased nutrient (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) release so was the cadmium (Cd) concentrations significantly elevated in the dumpsite soils, ranging from 5.14 - 8.18 mgkg -1 , compared with the content in the control (0.31 - 0.66 mgkg -1 .). The Cd (19.93 – 36.78 mgkg -1) and Cr (5.14 – 8.18 mgkg -1) contents in the dumpsite were highly above the permissible limit defined by World Health Organization. These findings underscore the potential impact of waste deposition, emphasizing the need for proper waste management practices to mitigate heavy metal contamination from getting into the food chain and as such it is recommended that the dumpsite investigated should not be used in the production of food crops intended for human consumption.

Leaf protein concentrate as an alternative protein source was first suggested as a human food in the 1960s (Tripathi et al., 2011) and research to develop a potential product was conducted in the 1960s and 1970s (Gilani and Lee, 2003). Statistics have shown that there is an increasing rate of protein deficiency globally which has continued to intensify with the rapidly increasing global population growth rate, currently at 1.04% (David, 2021). This increase in population has indirectly made the availability of traditional sources of protein scarce, especially in the tropics where population growth rate and malnutrition are more intensified. In livestock production, the provision of adequate feed composition required by farm animals remains a challenge, owing to the inadequacy or unavailability of feed material to maintain livestock. The major protein feed sources such as soybean meal, fishmeal and groundnut cake for monogastric farm animals are all conventional protein sources for farm animals, and the increase in demand for these commodities has led to their increased cost. These protein feed commodities as well serve as potential human food, and due to their limited availability, there is competition for these commodities to be prioritized for human or livestock nutrition (Akaeze et al., 2015)

Uncontrolled weed reduce crop productivity by interfering with crop growth and yield. The reduction of weed growth by crop interference is a viable alternative to reduce the reliance on herbicide use in weed management. One of the strategies to reduce weed infestation is to grow crops as intercrops. A field trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City (06 0 20’ 50’ N, 5 0 37’ 23 “E; 78 m asl) to assess weed suppression in maize-groundnut intercropping systems. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experiment consisted of six treatments (weed-free intercrop, weed-free sole maize, weed-free sole groundnut, weedy intercrop, weedy sole maize and weedy sole groundnut. The attributes measured for weed were weed density per m2
, weed dry weight per m2 , weed smothering efficiency, and for the crops were days to flowering, plant height, ear and pod maturity, cob and pod yields, seed weight, yield and land equivalent ratio. Results showed that weed-free intercrop suppressed weeds relative to weed-free sole maize cropping system. Maize and groundnut plants grew taller in a weed-free cropping system(175cm and 61.5 cm). Number of cobs, 1000-seed weight and grain yield (maize), and pods and100-seed weight (groundnut), were higher in weed-free intercrop or sole cropping systems. This implies that weeds are major constraints limiting maize and groundnut production in Rain forest environment. For weed suppression, the weed density of broadleaves, narrow ROW leaves and their total (561.4 cm, 246.8 cm and 808.2 cm) were all higher in weed-free cropping systems. However, the dry weight of broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (78.6cm, 250 cm, and 329.2 cm) were higher in weedy cropping systems. Weed smothering efficiencies for broadleaves, narrowleaves, and their total (72.9 % 626%and 68.0 %) were higher in the weed-free intercrop. Broadleaves were better controlled in both weed-free and weedy intercrops. Land equivalent ratios were generally above one, showing that it was more advantageous growing maize and groundnut together instead of the respective sole crops. Therefore, it may be recommended that farmers in the Rainforest agro-ecology should intercrop groundnut with maize and regularly control weeds

As at 2020, there were approximately 769.05 million pigs worldwide, where China produced about 51.85 million metric tons (USDA, 2021). Nigeria has the second-largest population of pigs in Africa, and its accounts for about 4 %of the total meat supply in the country (Rahman et al., 2008) with men and women actively participating in its production and marketing. Pig production has also been seenasasource of protein. Their fast growth rate which is only slightly exceeded by thebest, carefully managed broilers, their proliferation which is unsurpassed by that of any other animal species except the birds, their very good efficiency of feed utilization which brings better returns per units of inputs than most animals and quality of theirmeat which is both tender and more nutritive in terms of the contents of proteinandthe B-vitamins than those of other animals (Ogunniyi and Omoteso, 2011). Dietze(2011) stated that pigs provide income for women, strengthening their role in families as well as in local communities.

Forest degradation remains a pressing environmental issue, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functionality worldwide. This study evaluates tree seedling diversity and growth dynamics in a forest restoration site at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The research aims to assess species composition, growth performance, and biodiversity indices within a designated 100m x 86m sample plot. Data collection involved identifying tree species, recording their abundance, and measuring key growth parameters, including height, number of leaves, number of branches, and collar girth. The study employed descriptive statistics and diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s indices, while growth data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 194 trees, representing 28 species from 19 families, were recorded. Among these, 19 species regenerated naturally, while 9 were deliberately planted. The diversity analysis indicated that naturally regenerated species exhibited higher diversity indices (Hˡ = 2.813, D = 0.947, M = 4.195) compared to planted species, highlighting the significance of natural regeneration in enhancing biodiversity. Growth analysis revealed that Terminalia ivorensis demonstrated the highest growth rates across all measured parameters, while Entandrophragma cylindricuvvvvvvvvvvv m recorded the lowest performance. This study underscores the role of human activity in shaping forest regeneration outcomes. The findings suggest that deforestation and land-use change significantly impact species diversity, thereby affecting ecosystem stability. To promote effective forest restoration, it is recommended that reforestation efforts prioritize the selection of resilient native species, enhance conservation strategies, and conduct further research on the ecological factors
influencing seedling establishment and growth. These initiatives are essential for fostering long-term forest sustainability and biodiversity conservatio

This study was carried out to comparatively study different snail production systems using crops as cover. The systems evaluated were open and screened paddocks in comparison with the conventional paddock. In the open and screened paddocks, four different crops (Pueraria phaseoloides, Centrosema mole, Calapogonium mucunoides and Manihot esculenta) were cultivatedtosimulate the natural environment of the snails. The snails were allowed to live on the crops as applicable in the wild for the first 6 weeks, after which concentrate was introduced for another six weeks, while conventional feeding materials like pawpaw leaves, fruits and water leaf were utilized in the conventional paddock. A total number of three hundred and twenty (320)apparently healthy Archachatina marginata with a liveweight between 50 to 60 g were used in the study, which was laid out in a 2 X 4 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. Data collected on growth, reproduction, environmental temperature and relative humidity were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using GenStat version 12.0 statistical software. Significant level was taken at P < 0.05. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the weight of the snails among the four cover treatments when compared based on the production systems. The snails in the Mucuna, Centro, Puero, and Cassava screened paddock recorded 10.75, 5.90, 5.63, and 4.43 g weight gain, respectively, while the snails reared under the open paddock in Mucuna, Puero, Centro and Cassava had weight gain of 4.28, 3.7, 2.9 and-2.8grespectively. The snails in the conventional paddock had an average weight gain of 6.5g. The snails reared under Cassava in the screened paddock laid the highest average number xxiii of eggs (10). Snails from the Mucuna pen in the screened paddock had a bigger averagesize of eggs (20 mm) while the Snails from the Centro pens in the screened paddock had the highest average egg weight (1.30 g). The incubation period ranged between 26.5 and 32 days. Eggs laid by snails in the Centrosema pen in the screened paddock recorded 100%hatching. The average temperature recorded at 0, 6 and 12 weeks for Open paddockwere39.43, 37.98 and 45.05 oC; for screened paddock were 36.19, 36,67 and 42.76oC and conventional paddock were 39.75, 39.10 and 45.05 oC respectively. The relative humidity recorded in the open paddock at 0, 6 and 12 weeks were 77.31, 63 and 65.11%; the screened paddock were 77.31, 66.63 and 71.56 % and the conventional paddock were 78.75, 68.75 and 67.50 %, respectively. It was concluded that rearing snails under a screened paddock did not only help to regulate the temperature and relative humidity of the snailsimmediate environment but also protects the snails from intruders, predators, and escape, which are the major factors responsible for successful snail farming.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of poultry manure (PM) as a low-cost soil amendment for improving growth and yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) on nutrient-depleted soil. The study was carried out in 2025 at the Experimental Field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. This experiment was laid out on a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four different treatments and three replicates. The treatment rates were control(0), 5tonnes, 10tonnes and 15tonnes/ha. The treatments were four levels of poultry manure; control(0) 5tonnes, 10tonnes and 15tonnes/ha. The plant parameters measured were; vine length, number of leaves and stem girth. The growth parameters were recorded 4 WAP, 6 WAP and 8 weeks after planting, while soil properties (pH, organic carbon, total N, available P and exchangeable K) were taken before planting. The initial experiment showed the pH of the soil was moderately acidic (5.45), the textural class before the experiment was sand and low in total nitrogen ( 0.35g) indicating generally low fertility. The least value of Number of leaf was recorded in control plot ( 32.3 leaves) at 4 WAP which
was lower than the rest treatment levels at different weeks observed, while the highest value of number of leaves was recorded in soil treated with 15tonnes poultry manure ( 322 leaves) at 8 WAP and was significantly higher to other weeks observed in each treatment. The control plots recorded the lowest vine length value of 103.3cm at 4 WAP for fluted pumpkin. While the highest vine length was recorded at 15tonnes 388.7cm at 8 WAP. This means, application of poultry manure significantly (P>0.05) enhanced growth performance of fluted pumpkin on the degraded soil and application of 15 tonnes poultry manure had significant (P>0.05) increased the yield of Telfairia occidentalis. Therefore,15 tonnes poultry manure application significantly (P>0.05) increased the growth and marketable leaf yield ofTelfairia occidentalis.

This study investigated the comparative drying performance and product quality of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves processed using traditional open sun drying (OSD) and an improved parabolic-shaped solar dryer (PSSD). Freshly harvested fluted pumpkin leaves were divided into two batches and dried under both methods to a target moisture content of 10% (wet basis). Key performance indicators measured included drying time, drying rate, and final moisture content, while sensory attributes such as colour, odour, texture, and overall acceptability were assessed using a 9-point Hedonic Scale. Results revealed that the PSSD achieved significantly faster drying (4.55 h) and higher drying rate (21.78 g/hr) compared to OSD (6.05 h and 16.22 g/hr, respectively), with the difference statistically significant (p = 0.027). Sensory evaluation further indicated that
leaves dried with the PSSD were preferred (overall acceptability = 7.9) to those dried under open sunlight (5.9), with superior colour retention and aroma preservation (p < 0.001). The enhanced efficiency and product quality observed in parabolic solar drying
demonstrate its potential as a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative for preserving perishable leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Adoption of this technology can substantially reduce postharvest losses, improve marketability, and promote year-round availability of nutrient-rich vegetables like fluted pumpkin.