INTRODUCTION TO AFRICA YAM BEAN (SPHENOSTYLIS STENOCARPA (HOCHST. EX A. RICH.) HARMS)

Food security and malnutrition are great concerns in developing and under-developed nations. Climate change, political unrest, and all sorts of crises within these nations and their neighboring nations have contributed greatly to the issue of food insecurity, malnutrition, and hunger. Many food plants that have the potential to combat the challenges of food insecurities and malnutrition in the face of climate change have been neglected, under-utilized and some of the crops are on their way to extinction. African yam bean (AYB) is one of the numerous crops with great potential in overcoming the problems associated with food and nutritional insecurities. AYB under-utilization, poor acceptance, and neglect by the farmers and consumers may be a result of poor awareness about its nutritional and health benefits, poor agronomy practices adopted by the farmers, and other production limiting factors such as low yield and long maturity period. Information that can guide the farmers and consumers for the commercial production and processing of AYB is not readily available. This review aims to summarize and made available information on AYB for the farmers and the consumers for it to be commercialized and for the researchers to see reasons and areas to make improvements on the crop.

THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CRAYFISH PROCESSING IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Objectives: Crayfish production is a source of both direct and indirect employment. It is a major income generating activity that offers substantial economic benefits to traders and has the potential to address food security problems. Hence, the work analyzed the profitability of crayfish production and the determinants while highlighting the constraints to crayfish production. Methods: The multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 120 crayfish producers. Quantitative analytical techniques were employed in the analysis. Socioeconomic characteristics and constraints were assessed using descriptive statistical tools, while the level of profit and its determinants were evaluated using the farm budgeting technique and ordinary least square multiple regression techniques, respectively. Results: Crayfish production is a profitable venture with a return on investment of ₦45,585.1. Primary occupation, household size, processing experience, and quantity processed positively affected the performance of the enterprise while labor cost, association membership, and processing costs negatively influenced the enterprise. Conclusion: Efficiency of resource use, enhanced profitability, and livelihoods can be achieved through the provision of infrastructures and improved processing equipment at subsidized rates.

PRODUCTION ECONOMICS AND MARKETING OF POTATO IN OKHALDHUNGA, NEPAL

Potato is a major staple food crops in the hilly region of Nepal. To assess the production economics and marketing of potato, a study was conducted at Siddicharan municipality and Molung rural municipality of Okhaldhunga, Nepal in 2019. Altogether 60 samples, 30 from each location were selected randomly. Economic analysis was performed through cost benefit analysis and Cobb Douglas Production function. Among the different variety used by the farmers, Kufri Jyoti was the most preferred variety. The main constraints in potato production were shortage of irrigational structure followed by low information on use of chemical fertilizer, lack of labor at the time of harvesting, insufficient quantity of manure, prevalence of middle man, high cost of transportation, and unavailability of improved seed. The mean difference between the farm gate price and market price of Siddicharan and Molung was 7.33 and 5.96, respectively, which were statistically significant at p<0.1. The overall average benefit cost ratio was found to be 1.23 in which Siddicharan and Molung had BC ratio of 1.55 and 0.99, respectively, which was significant at p<0.01 which indicated that farming in Molung was not profitable. Overall the seed cost, labor cost, FYM cost, and bullocks cost should be increased by 900%, 186.95%, 101.88%, and 626.31%, respectively, and chemical cost, machinery cost, and transportation cost should be decreased by 99.98%, 73.11%, and 99.57%, respectively. Return to scale was found to be 0.227 which implies that it was increasing at decreasing rate of return.

DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF INDIRECT MULTI-PORTIONED TYPE SOLAR DRYER FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to minimize post-harvest damages and improve the handling of agricultural commodities. The secondary objective was to assess the performance of the dryer by varying inlet velocity of air on temperature, final moisture of the product, drying period, and drying rate METHODS: The present research was carried out for the development, fabrication, and testing of a multi-portioned type solar dryer. The multi-portioned dryer consisted of a collector unit, air storage chamber, drying cabins, and a chimney. A fan assembly was also attached at the inlet of the collector and at the outlet of the drying compartment to control the air velocity and to remove the moist air. RESULTS: The data obtained from the experiments revealed that the maximum temperature elevation of 36.5oC was attained during a no-load test. The results obtained after carrying out load tests revealed that the maximum drying rate of 47 g/hr was achieved at the air inlet velocity of 3.2 m/s. The initial moisture content of 80.50% was brought down to 3.31% in five sunshine hours of 150 gram sliced potatoes. Each portion received air at varying speeds, and it was observed that the portion receiving air at the lowest speed had the maximum temperature. CONCLUSION: The lowest temperature elevation was recorded for the portion receiving air at the highest speed. The dryer was also found to be suitable for the on-field practical application for the drying of perishable commodities.

USING HISTORIC SITES IN DETERMINING PLANT-SOIL INTERACTIONS UNDER LONG TERM CONTAMINATED SOILS

The relationships between heavy metals in soils and crop tissues are critical in understanding the potential risk to crop yields from Zn, Cu and Ni (the principal phytotoxic elements of concern in sludge), and the possible effects on dietary Cd (the critical zootoxic element that is labile in sludge-treated soil and readily absorbed by plants. These relationships cannot be derived from the agronomic trials because the quantities of heavy metals applied to the soil in sludge are small. These are field sites have been treated with sludge for many years in operational practice and where the oncentrations of heavy metals have been significantly raised above background values, representing potentially a worse-case of soil contamination. The purpose of the study was to provide a surrogate for long-term sludge-treated agricultural soil by examining the effects on crops of heavy metals in soil irrigated with raw sewage effluent for periods of more than 80 years and containing significantly elevated concentrations of heavy metals. Methodology: Two surveys of the Gabal El Asfar Old Farm were undertaken to assess the long-term effects of heavy metals in sludge-treated soil on crop quality. In the first survey, the relationships between total and DTPA extractable heavy metals in soil and concentrations in citrus fruit were examined. Concentrations of heavy metals in leaves of citrus were measured in the second survey and related to total and DTPA extractable metals in soil. The heavy metal contents of citrus leaves and fruit (orange - eleven sampling sites; mandarin - four sampling sites), and total and DTPA extractable concentrations in soils were measured in samples collected from different areas of the Farm during two site surveys. Total and DTPA concentrations of heavy metals in the surveyed soils showed significant enrichment by long-term irrigation with sewage effluent. For example, the maximum total concentrations of Zn and Cu were 530 and 366 mg kg-1, respectively, representing a potential risk to crop yields The maximum Cd concentration detected was 9 mg kg-1 and may be a potential risk to the human food chain from uptake into staple crops grown at the farm. DTPA extractable metals were significantly (P<0.001) correlated with the total contents of Zn (r=0.91***), Cu (r=0.83***), Ni (r=0.63***) and Pb (r=0.85***) in soil when data from both surveys were pooled for statistical evaluation. There was also evidence of a weak relationship between DTPA extractable Cd and the total soil Cadmium is the only element of concern in terms of the risk to human health from uptake into food crops grown on sludge-treated soil. The total Cd concentration in soil was raised to a value 3 times the maximum EU limit for this element in sludge-treated agricultural soil. Despite the marked increase in soil Cd content, there was no detectable transfer into citrus leaves or fruit (Figure 1). The absence of Cd uptake into citrus fruit is to be expected because fruits are amongst the least sensitive plant parts to Cd accumulation. These data emphasise the minimal risk to the human diet from Cd in fruit crops grown on sludge-treated soil. . In all cases, leaf tissue concentrations were low and in some cases Cu status was below the deficiency threshold. The Cd content in leaves was small and generally <0.02 mg kg-1 DM.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT DRYING TECHNIQUES ON PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays) GRAIN

Objectives: This study attempt to investigate the appropriate drying methods for post-harvest storage of maize grains with preserving important quality and physiochemical characteristics. Methods: The maize samples were dried using different drying methods such as field drying, greenhouse drying, solar drying, direct fire drying, hot air drying, and forced air drying. Further, the dried maize grains were analyzed for physical parameters of bulk density, particle density, porosity, specific gravity, shrinkage, and color. The proximate composition of dried maize grains was analyzed for crude protein, fiber, fat content, moisture, and ash content. Results: There were significant differences (p<0.05) observed for bulk density, particle density, porosity, specific gravity, shrinkage, and color between different drying techniques. When considering proximate analysis, protein, moisture, and ash content were shown significant differences (p<0.05) between different drying methods. Whereas, fat and fiber content of samples were not shown a significant difference (p>0.05) for different drying methods. Conclusion: Different drying methods affect the quality and physiochemical properties of maize grains. Among different drying techniques, the forced air oven drying method preserved physiochemical and nutritional properties considerably compared to other drying techniques.

NUTRIENT INTAKE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED DIETARY MODELS OF ENSILED CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FORTIFIED WITH CALCIUM-PHOSPHORUS SALT

Objective: This study was conducted to determine nutrient intake of growing West African Dwarf goats fed different dietary models of ensiled cassava peel meal fortified with Calcium-Phosphorus salt mix. Methods: Twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf female goats aged 6–8 months with an initial weight of 8.2 kg ± 0.25 were used for the study. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats per treatment in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were Diet 1 (block), Diet 2 (crunchy), Diet 3 (pellet), and Diet 4 (mash). Results: Results obtained indicated that dry matter intake ranged from 466.18 g/d to 575.53 g/day with significantly (p<0.05) higher value in pellet model while crude protein intake was higher in mash model than other treatments. Ether extract and crude fiber intake values were higher 40.13 g/day and 148.08 g/day in pellet feed model. Ash intake ranged from 61.32 g/day to 95.86 g/day. Block and crunchy models had significantly (p<0.05) higher value for ash intake while values obtained for nitrogen-free extract intake was also higher (p<0.05) in pellet model 22.62 g/day than other models. Values of fiber fractions intake obtained were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by dietary models with higher values for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose in mash while acid detergent lignin was significantly (p<0.05) for pellet model. Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementing goat diets with different dietary models of ensiled cassava peel meal fortified with Calcium- Phosphorus salt mix can boost intake of goats for better productive performance and productivity.

FRUIT ORIENTATION ALTERS THE QUALITY OF LITCHI (LITCHI CHINENSIS SONN.) UNDER THE AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF EASTERN INDIA

Objective: The experiment was conducted on ten litchi cultivars, namely; Purbi, Bedana, Lal Bombay, Mandaraji, Calcuttia, Late Bedana, Trikolia, Dehradoon, Dehrarose, and Seedless No. 2 to assess the physical and chemical composition of fruit as affected by fruit orientation on the tree. Methods: Fruits were picked both from the lower and upper half portion of the tree at fully ripened stage and physio-chemical attributes were analyzed. Results: The result indicated that fruits at lower half portion were not only heavy in weight but also had more percentage of total acidity. However, stone weight, ascorbic acid content, and total sugars were found to be more in fruits collected from the upper half portion of the tree. Conclusion: It can be suggested that picking should be started from those fruits which are positioned at the lower half portion of the tree to collect fruits of superior quality.

EFFECTS OF THE REUSE OF UNTREATED WATER FROM THE AVO’O RIVER (CAMEROON) CONTAMINATED BY FECAL SLUDGE FOR THE GROWTH OF SOLANUM NIGRUM L.

Objective: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the growth parameters and sanitary quality of Solanum nigrum L. irrigated with polluted water from Avo’o river in Nomayos. Methods: Faecal sludge, water from Avo’o River and Solanum nigrum L., were analysed with respect to microbiological and parasitological parameters. Four points (S0: Control site, located in Mbankomo at 3 km away from faecal sludge discharge area; S1: located at 810 m before the faecal sludge discharge area; S2: located at 100 m away from the faecal sludge discharge area; and S3: located at 350 m after the faecal sludge discharge area) were considered for sampling events. For faecal indicator (FC: Faecal coliforms and FS: Faecal Streptococci), the membrane filtration method was used. Helminthes eggs were determined using the method of Bailenger, modified by Rodier. The growth parameters of S. nigrum L., measured in different site mentioned above, were plant height, number, length and width of fresh leaves. Results: High concentration of FC (6857 ± 5180) and FS (2500 ± 1876 CFU/100 ml), as well as helminths eggs (273 ± 186 eggs/L) were obtained in Avo’o water samples. The strong correlations (r=0.9) clearly show that the waters of the Avo’o stream influence the growth of S. nigrum L. Conclusion: Despite the best growth of Solanum Nigrum L. irrigated with water from Avo’o River, high concentration of parasites was obtained on their leaves (43 eggs/100 g) highlight the necessity of a better management of faecal sludge in this city.

EVALUATION OF NUTRIENT STOCKS AND SOME SOIL INDICES OF AGRO-ECOSYSTEM AS AFFECTED BY LONG-TERM MONOCROPPING SYSTEM

Objectives: This study investigates nutrients stock and some soil indices of agro-ecosystem soil as affected by monoculture cropping system (cacao plantation). This was with a view to provide comprehensive understanding of soil nutrient dynamics in the ecosystems due to their different management practices. Methods: The study was carried out in 0.063 ha sample plots, three each in natural forests and cacao plantations adjacent to each other. In each plot, five core soil samples were randomly collected at two depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm), bulked according to depth, air-dried, sieved through 2 mm sieve, and analyzed for soil physicochemical properties using standard methods. One-way analysis of variance was used to test significant mean differences of the soil properties among cacao plantation and natural forest at probability level (p≤0.05) at different soil depth. Results: The results showed that soil physical properties such as particle size distribution, moisture contents, and bulk density; chemical properties such as pH, exchangeable cation, organic carbon, organic matter, phosphorus, and sulfur from natural forest were higher than the soil properties in cacao plantation for both top and subsoil. Soil indices such as soil structural stability index, base saturation percentage, and sodium adsorption ratio were higher in natural forest ecosystem than the soil indices of cacao plantation. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that long-term monoculture cropping system had significant effect on nutrients stock and soil indices. This subsequently might result in permanent soil degradation and productivity.