FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

The soil is a major habitat for snails and a medium for crops to grow, but it is
sometimes limited in the required nutrient needed by crops for optimum growth. This study investigated the most effective soil fertility management practices that are harmless to the snails and that are needed by snail-friendly crops: plantain, banana, pawpaw, sweet potato, waterleaf and cocoyam to grow to their maximum potentials in a screen house system. These different practices were: cover cropping, weeding and mulching. The implementation of these practices at the right time and in the right proportion, enhances the performance of the crops which are important to the snails as source of nutrition, environment enrichment, shell formation and reproduction. The data collected were plant height, number of leaves, greenness of leaves, clutch size, incubation and hatching. The results demonstrated that good soil fertility management
enhances the performance of both the crops and the snails.

This study was conducted to assess the tolerance of maize genotypes from northwest, Nigeria in order to screen for the genotypes that could withstand waterlogging stress. The experiment was carried out in a screen house of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Nigeria. There were 6 genotypes from (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto) states tested for waterlogging stress at 4 weeks after planting. There were three replications
The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were collected from 2 weeks after planting till 10 weeks. Key parameters measured included plant height, left length, leaf breath, number of leaves, chlorotic leaves and number of dead leaves. At the end of the experiment, few replications of Sokoto accession survived the
waterlogging stress but due to the high temperature of the screen at the time, the replications could not set seed. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into maize responses to waterlogging stress, which would aid breeding programme where genotypes that can be used for developing resilient maize varieties with improved tolerance to
waterlogging were identified.

This study investigated the chemical composition and some mineral properties of maize cobs ensiled with wood ash extract fortified with molasses. The study aimed to determine the effect of soaking durations and additive combination on the proximate and mineral composition of maize cob silage. Six treatments were used, comprising ordinary dried ground maize cobs (control), maize soaked in only water, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash for three days, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash for seven days, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash and molasses for three days, and maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash and molasses for seven days. Samples of these differently treated maize cobs were analyzed for moisture content, dry matter content, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and selected minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, and sodium. The results showed that the inclusion of wood ash extract and molasses, as well as prolonged soaking duration, had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the chemical and mineral composition of the maize cob silage. Moisture, ash, and mineral contents increased with the addition of wood ash extract and molasses, while crude protein, fat, and carbohydrate showed slight decreases as fermentation progressed. The highest ash (6.53%), calcium (188.30 mg/100g), potassium (578.10 mg/100g), and sodium (99.91 mg/100g) contents were recorded in maize soaked in 500 ml wood ash and molasses for seven days, while the control recorded the least mineral enrichment.

Catfish processing is an important household income activity in many Nigerian communities, providing income, food security, and employment for women and low income households. Despite its growing relevance, the sub sector remains largely informal and under supported, particularly in semi urban areas such as Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State. Hence this study was conducted to assess how extension services influence income among catfish processors and examined the challenges affecting service delivery and utilisation. The study specifically aimed to: describe the socioeconomic characteristics of catfish processors in Ikorodu LGA; assess the current state of extension service delivery to catfish processors; evaluate the effects of extension services on income;and identify the challenges faced by catfish processors in accessing and utilising extension services. A two stage sampling technique was used to select 120 catfish processors from five communities in Ikorodu LGA. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) were used to address Objectives 1–4, whilemultiple regression analysis examined the hypothesis regarding the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and the effects of extension services on income. A 5 point Likert scale rating was used to interpret respondents’ ratings of service delivery, benefits, and challenges. Findings showed that both males and females were involved in catfish processing women, with varying levels of education, income, and years of experience. The assessment of extension service delivery produced mean scores slightly above 3.0, indicating moderate but inconsistent access to services. The perceived benefits of extension services on income were positive but not strongly pronounced. Major challenges identified included irregular visits from extension agents (mean = 3.59), long distance to service centres (mean = 3.64), and limited follow up support (mean = 3.66). Regression analysis revealed education level (t = 2.824; p = 0.005)., a significant relationship on the benefits derived from extension services. It was concluded that extension services contribute to improved knowledge and practices among catfish processors. The study recommends Extension
training programmes should be design considering farmers level of education.

This study investigated the response of soil fungi to various organic amendments; earthworm cast (EC), poultry manure (PM), and inorganic fertiliser (urea) and their impact on the growth of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L. The experiment aimed to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the effects of organic amendments on fungal communities and their potential benefits for sustainable amaranth production. The experiment was done using a complete randomised design (CRD) and replicated three times, using soil and a plastic container. Results showed that organic amendments significantly influenced the composition of soil fungal communities compared to the control treatment. Notably, Trichoderma spp., a fungus with high phosphate solubilization potential, was most abundant in urea-amended soil. However, poultry manure (PM) treatment yielded plants with the highest fresh and dry matter weight, likely due to increased nutrient availability and microbial activity stimulated by the breakdown of organic matter. The study showed that PM amendments improved soil health, promoting the growth of beneficial fungi like Trichoderma spp., and enhancing amaranth growth, potentially contributing to sustainable agricultural practices

This research project is to explore the nutritional benefits of legumes and identify the presence of anti nutritional compounds such as Phytate and oxalate. Various legumes were considered such as Soybean, Jack bean, Velvet bean, Faba bean and Black gram, and a comparative study was undertaken to ascertain which was more edible and contains health beneficial compounds. It was discovered that Soybean proved to contain highest of ash, crude protein and ether extract. While Velvet bean and Faba bean showed moderate presence of oxalate and phytate and therefore proved to be much edible for consumption as there are little or no risk of kidney stone formation and low mineral bioavailability. This work encompasses the introduction, literature review, method and materials, results, discussion, recommendation and conclusion.

This study examined the Extraction of Leaf Protein Concentrates (LPC) from Irvingia gabonensis (Bush Mango) leaves using three different methods: Heat Coagulation, Alum Precipitation, and Acid Coagulation to evaluate their effects on the Physical Properties, Nutritional Composition, and Phytochemical Constituents of the products. Fresh Leaves collected from a part of Edo State were processed into a Slurry, and the resulting LPC and Bagasse were analyzed for Proximate, Mineral, and Phytochemical Contents using Standard Laboratory Procedures (AOAC, 2019). Results showed that the Extraction Method significantly influenced the quality and Nutrient Content of the LPC. The Alum Precipitation method produced the highest Crude Protein (32.95%) and ash (8.50%) values, while the Acid Coagulation method gave the highest Moisture (20.20%) and Carbohydrate (45.54%) levels.

The study analyzed the Information Needs On Lassa Fever Safety Practices Among Garri Processors And Marketers In Esan West, Esan Central And Esan North East, In Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the social economic characteristics of garri processors and marketers in the study area; ascertained respondents awareness of Lassa fever and Lassa fever safety practices; examined respondents access and preferred information sources on Lassa fever safety practices; examined information needs on Lassa fever safety practices; identified the constraints on access to information needs on Lassa fever safety practices.
Data was was collected using random sampling method to will be used to select fifty (50) respondents from Esan West, Esan Central, Esan north East L.G.A making a total of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents. Data collected were analyzed by with Logit regression, multiple regression and pearson product moment correlation(PPMC) and Described with descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation for appropriate variables. Findings from this study showed that Majority (82.7 %) were females while (17.3%) 0fthe respondents were males. Majority (78 % ) of the respondents were married. The garri processors and marketers mainly had secondary education (48.7%), majority of the respondents had 5-10 years experience in garri processing and marketing. The findings also shows that large proportion of garri processors and marketers had household size between 7-9 persons. The major constraints such as High level of illiteracy (mean=3.38) insufficient power supply to charge phones and watch television (mean=3.58), High cost of data (mean=3.13), Non-available information material on Lassa fever (mean=3.6) were the serous constraints affecting the access and use of information on Lassa fever safety practices. The results also shows that Radio (mean=3.57), television (mean=3.62), friends and family (mean=3.28),internet (mean=2.81) and Healthcare providers (mean=2.86) were the preferred information sources for Lassa fever safety practices among garri processors and marketers.

Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential macronutrients needed for plant growth but its use efficiency is reduced due to adsorption sometimes caused by influence of pH. The study aimed at
determining the chemical and physical properties of the sampled soil as well as P sorption capacity at different pH in kulfo soil series of Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin city, Edo state. The study was conducted on twelve (12) samples collected from four (4) soil depths (0-30, 30-60, 60-90, and 90-120 cm) in four (4) replicates from the Kulfo soil series. Physical and chemical properties were determined following standard procedures while the P sorption capacity were determined by equilibrating 5 g soil for 24 hours in 25 ml of P retention solution containing 1000 mg P/L as KH2PO4. The P in the soil P retention suspension was read using the Nitric vanadomolybdate yellow method. The amounts of P adsorbed were calculated by plotting a graph of absorbency against % p retention (100, 80, 60, 40, 20 and 0%) of the standard serial solution. Afterward, P retention of the samples were determined from the regression equation of the curve. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Genstat statistical package. The means were separated at 5% level of probability using Duncan multiple range test. The physical properties indicated that the soil's textural class was predominantly sandy loam for all depths, except at 0-30 cm, where it was Loamy Sand. The chemical properties of the soils revealed that they were acidic, with a mean pH value of 4.71. Other soil properties such as K, Ca, Mg and Na were within the normal range of crop production. The % p sorption varied with soil depths at all pH level, the % P retention at pH (3.0, 4.6, 7.0 and 8.6) had a mean value of (23.5, 19.0, 13.85 and 14.15) respectively. The influence of pH on P sorption calls for a compressive P management approach for the soil, designing the best P management practice to reduce P sorption in soil.

This study examined the postharvest practices information needs among tomato marketers in Egor local government area, Edo state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to;
describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the marketers, examine various tomato postharvest practices engaged by the respondents, ascertain the information needs of
tomato marketers on post-harvest practices, identify sources of information on post harvest practices among tomato marketers, and identify constraints to tomato post-harvest
practice in the study area. A two stage sampling technique was employed in this study. Data for this study were
obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaire administered through interview schedule to Eighty (80) randomly selected respondents from the study area. Data obtained were analyzed using
Multiple Regressions. Results from the descriptive statistic showed that all (100%) of the respondents was
female, and majority (68.8%) was married. The mean age, mean household size, mean years of marketing experience and mean average monthly income were 42.16years, 4.83
members, 13.34years and N43,771.19 respectively. Majority (85%) of the respondents was educated and majority (98.8%) was Christians. Majority (75%) of the marketers were
members of an association and majority (93.8%) were retailers. The study showed that information on how best to preserve tomatoes, information on tomato storage, and
information on how best to transport tomatoes were the major information needs of tomato marketers in the study area. These information needs were adjudged as needed
information with all above the mean benchmark of 3.0. Information sources of tomato marketers were analyzed based on their availability, accessibility and preference. It was
observed that information sources such as; fellow marketers, friends and neighbours and marketers union or cooperative were available, accessible and preferred by the marketers,
with means above the benchmark of 2.0. The postharvest practices engaged by marketers were sorting, grading, cleaning, disinfecting, transportation and marketing. The major constraints to postharvest practices information needs of marketers were inadequate financial support, lack of knowledge of relevant postharvest handling information, and
poor language of information presentation. They all had mean above the benchmark of 2.5 and were adjudged to be serious. Multiple regressions showed that only membership of an association significantly correlated with information needs on postharvest practices at 1% level of significance. The study concluded that though the marketers were experienced due to high years of marketing experience, they still need information on postharvest practices to improve their knowledge and extension agents should conduct an outreach for tomato marketers to help inform them more on postharvest practice they require.