MAIZE

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a key global staple, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa., but its productivity is often constrained by the high cost and documented environmental risks of conventional inorganic fertilizers. This study investigated the use of Panicum maximum leaf powder, a locally available organic nutrient source, application on the agronomic response of maize. The field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City. The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The treatments consisted of four rates of P. maximum application: 0kg/ha, 60kg/ha, 120kg/ha and 180kg/ha. The variables measured included percentage emergence, percentage establishment, days to tasselling, plant height, number of ears, and stover yield. Results showed that the control exhibited significantly poorer establishment, delayed tasselling, shorter plants and reduced stover yield compared to all fertilized plots. The 60kg/ha rate was sufficient to maximize benefits for establishment and maturity, though the total number of ears was not significantly affected by treatment. It is concluded that P. maximum leaf powder is an effective, sustainable organic fertilizer for enhancing maize vegetative growth and stand establishment.

Fertilizer application influences plant health and susceptibility to pests. Optimal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium foster robust plant growth, which can deter pests and mitigate yield losses. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the impact of fertilizer application on Fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize. The study was conducted during the late maize cropping season of 2023 at the teaching and research farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experiment was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments viz: no fertilizer (T1), inorganic fertilizer (T2), and organic fertilizer (T3), each replicated three times. Treatment plots measured 3x2m and spaced by 1m. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in FAW abundance, damage, or severity among the treatments at 3WAS, 4WAS, 5WAS, 6WAS, and 7WAS. However, the highest mean abundance at 3WAS was recorded in the organic treatment (4.25), while at 4WAS, 5WAS, and 7WAS, the highest mean abundances were observed in the organic treatment (3.26, 4.93, and 3.95, respectively). In terms of damage, the highest mean damaged plants were recorded in the organic treatment at 3WAS (1.93) and 5WAS (3.30). Similarly, the highest mean severity was observed in the organic treatment at 3WAS (3.99), 5WAS (6.36), and 6WAS (5.85). In conclusion, both organic and inorganic fertilizers tested did not influence FAW larval abundance, damage, or severity on maize.

This study was carried out to assess the effects of cassava and maize effluents, on the growth of two freshwater microalgae (Scenedesmus ecornis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). Cassava and maize effluent from agro-processing facilities produces large quantities of wastewater. The test algae were grown in seven concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), which were set up in triplicates. Growth response of the test microalgae was monitored at two-day intervals for 14 days using a visible spectrophotometer (Model No. HV-721). The growth rate, percentage inhibition, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were computed using Microsoft excel software. Physicochemical parameters such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solid (TDS) were also determined. The results indicated that the growth response of Scenedesmus ecornis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii increased with the increasing concentrations of cassava and maize effluent. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed that the growth response was statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the various concentrations for both species. Overall, Scenedesmus ecornis recorded higher biomass relative to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Dry weight of Scenedesmus ecornis recorded the highest biomass of 398.53mg/L, 331.93mg/L, 306.86mg/L, 362.9mg/L, 175.55mg/L, 123.75mg/L and 85.28mg/L at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5% and 0% concentrations respectively. Percentage inhibition result revealed that both microalgae had a stimulatory response to the effluents. This stimulatory response was found to follow a concentration gradient with increased stimulation as effluent concentration increased. Scenedesmus reached -450% inhibition at the highest concentration (100%), while Chlamydomonas peaked at -330% at 100% concentration, this makes Scenedesmus ecornis a better candidate for a successful bioremediation. Results of the physicochemical parameters showed a concentration dependent relationship. pH was observed to decrease with increasing concentration across effluent medium. Based on the findings in this study, it can be deduced that both test microalgae can be utilized for the bioremediation of cassava and maize effluent polluted areas.

This systematic review examines the effectiveness and feasibility of heating and ventilation systems as critical interventions to mitigate substantial post-harvest maize losses in Nigeria, which currently range from 20% to 30%. The core challenge stems from Nigeria's humid, tropical climate, where high temperatures and relative humidity foster pest infestations, microbial growth, and the dangerous production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus species. The study finds that uncontrolled heat, particularly in structures like metal silos, encourages harmful moisture migration and spoilage , while controlled heating remains a potential solution for active grain drying. Ventilation is identified as the key defense mechanism, but its implementation is complicated: traditional natural airflow systems often fail in the humid southern regions, and powered aeration faces significant constraints due to high ambient humidity and an unreliable electricity supply.