SEED

This study analyzed the nutritional and functional properties of moringa root, leaf, and seed including the awareness and utilization of the plant among different demographic groups inEdo State. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining laboratory analysis (quasi experimental design) and survey methods. The sample size for the study is 180, representing 10% of the population; 80 market women, 60 community men and 40 community youths. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content of moringa seeds and leaves. Additionally, the mineral composition of the leaves was examined to assess their micronutrient profile. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of public awareness and demographic differences (age and gender) regarding the nutritional and functional benefits of moringa. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of 0.99. Findings from the study indicated that moringa is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E), minerals (calcium 641.2mg/100, iron 18.14mg/100, phosphorus 71.1mg/100, potassium 26.1.1mg/100), proteins 27.61%, crude fat 2.5%, carbohydrate 47.09%, Ash content 9.25%, fibre fat 10.11% and antioxidants (Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and steriods. The functional properties of moringa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects, making it highly beneficial for human health. Despite these benefits, public awareness and utilization remain significantly low, particularly among younger demographics (15-20years). Indicating that the awareness increases significantly with age, (aged 45 and above). The study also revealed that moringa can serve as a viable alternative for addressing malnutrition (x̄= 2.86), terminal x ailments (x̄= 2.87), lactation (x̄= 2.93), cooking (x̄= 2.92), tea (x̄=3.13), improving food security, and enhancing economic development through commercial cultivation and product fortification. Based on these findings, the study recommended amongst others; increased public awareness campaigns, integration of moringa into government nutrition programs, promotion of large-scale cultivation, and encouragement of moringa-based industries for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals

This study was carried out to evaluate the seed yield of cowpea varieties grown in a screen house in Benin City, Edo state. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Research and Experimental Farm, University of Benin, Benin city. Nine (9) cowpea varieties were collected from the Institute for Agriculture Research (IAR), Samaru Zaria and two (2) from an open market on Benin City. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) with eleven treatments and three replications. Data on pod length, number of seeds, total number of pods, weight of seeds and pod weight were collected. The data collected were analyzed using SAS version 9.0. Pod length was highest (13.54) in S19 and lowest in 1.1. There were significant differences among all the cowpea varieties for the measured variable except number of seeds. However, several varieties were statistically equal in performance for all the variables. Samaru varieties were better than the open market varieties in all cases hence it is
recommended to sow with samaru varieties.