Effect of Continuous Intensive Cultivation on the Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Oxic Dystrandept Soils in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Soil fertility indices are well documented as they are directly related to land use and productivity. However, the effect of continuous intensive cultivation on the evolution of soil fertility is still poorly documented. The aim of this study was thus to assess the effect of continuous intensive cultivation on the chemical and microbiological properties of Oxic Dystrandept soils in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Composite soil samples were taken between 0-15 cm depths on farmlands that have been subjected to continuous intensive cultivation for one, five and ten years meanwhile samples from plots that have never been cultivated served as control. The main results revealed that the ammonium contents dropped abruptly (86%-wt) from the first year of cultivation. The organic carbon (OC) content decreased from 1.81 ± 0.14 %-dm (in control) to 1.69 ± 0.09 % after one year, 1.66 ± 0.10 % after 5 years and 1.58 ± 0.07 % after 10 years. Compared to the control, available phosphorus (P) showed a 13 %-wt drop after one year, 46 % after 5 years and 85 % after 10 years. Dehydrogenase activity showed a 42 % decrease after one year, 50 % after five years and 73 % after 10 years. The other parameters were not significantly different (P<0.05) amongst treatments. Decline of soil productivity was undoubtedly related to the decrease of OC, P, microbial activity and ammonium with continuous intensive cultivation. Thus, management strategies for improved crop production should include selection suitable cropping systems and chemical methods. Keywords: Continuous intensive cultivation, enzymatic activities, soil chemical properties, Oxic Dystrandept, Cameroon western highland

Effect of drying temperature on physical properties of fermented dried locust bean flour

Drying plays a major role in food processing as it reduces the activities of micro-organisms and hence preserve food from deterioration. It has been reported that drying imposes new changes to the physical properties of the product which may in turn affect its handling, packaging and usability. The present research work, therefore aimed to evaluate the effect different drying temperature on physical properties of fermented dried locust bean flour. The local fermented locust bean was dried at different temperature of 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90°C at airflow rate of 1.8 kg/min. then milled and Investigated on final moisture content, bulk density, water retention ratio, flour wetting time, and swelling capacity of the fermented dried locust bean flour. The effect of drying temperature was found to be significant (p ≤ 0.05) on all the physical properties investigated except bulky density (0.638 g/ml). As the drying temperature increased from 50 to 90°C, final moisture content decreased significantly from 5.62 to 3.52%. Whereas, water retention ratio, wetting time, swelling capacity, porosity ratio and water retention ratio increase from 1.96 to 2.5 m/g, 153 to 299 s, 2.26 to 2.44, 0.81 to 0.91 and 1.96 to 2.5 m/g respectively. These findings could prove useful in the modeling of locust bean drying and to flour millers and pelletizer who may want to use locust bean flour as a sole or composite flour for different production and application. Keywords: Fermented locust bean flour, physical properties, modeling, pelletizer, miller, drying temperature, final moisture content.

Investigation of effect of maize varieties on selected physical properties

The engineering properties of some selected variety of maize (SM39, SM40 and Oba Super 6) which is needed in the design and development of a functional handling and processing equipment for the crop was studied. The seeds were bought from the Agricultural settlements in Ogbomoso South-Western Nigeria. The selected properties are size, shape, weight, true density, and bulk density, angle of repose, coefficient of friction, and moisture content. The results of the experiments showed that the mean length was between 8.7 and 9.78 mm; width, 7.69 and 8.26 mm; thickness, 4.11 and 4.60 mm; geometric mean diameter, 7.17 and 7.78 mm; equivalent diameter, 6.62 and 6.62 mm; unit weight, 0.22 and 0.24 g; true density, 954.25 and 1245 kg/m3; bulk density, 734.45 and 752.23 kg/m3, and angle of repose of the three varieties are between 29.20 and 36.60. While the average values of static coefficient of friction measured was between 0.39 and 0.49. The results from this experiment showed that the effect of varieties is significant on the engineering properties of maize. The results obtained from these studies will be useful for the design and manufacturing of operating system for handling and processing of different varieties of maize. Keywords: Engineering properties, design, processing equipment, manufacturing, varities.

The Impact of Armed Conflict on Agro-Industrial Development in Cameroon: The case of the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) within the context of the Anglophone crisis

The Cameroon Development Corporation has been severely affected by the armed conflict in the English speaking (North West and South West regions) part of the country that has been on for close to four years running. How then has the armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon affected the Cameroon Development Corporation? How can the growth of the agro-industry be guaranteed? This study looks at the impact of the armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon on the Cameroon Development Corporation. Making use of public policy theories, this study establishes a link between government defense strategies/sector development policies and agro-industrial development. The study results show that due to the armed conflict in the English speaking regions, the CDC has incurred major damages including: loss in human capital, drop in production capacity, heavy financial loss and equipment damages. The study results also reveal that, the survival of the CDC depends largely on strategic options to be taken at two separate levels including: political options by conflicting parties - the government and separatist fighters on the one hand, and on the other, options taken by the CDC at both managerial and technical levels. The study concludes that for the CDC to attain structural growth and development that will significantly contribute to the national economy, conflicting.

New drought-tolerant rainfed upland rice (Oryza sp.) genotypes adapted to the west, centre-west, and centre regions of Côte d'Ivoire

To select new rainfed upland rice genotypes, adapted to the West, Centre-West, and Centre regions of Côte d'Ivoire, a study was conducted in research stations. Six genotypes (ART15-11-8-5-2-B-1, WAB891-SG12, WAB1092-B-40AB.1, ARCC3Fa3L10P1-1-B-1, and ART15-16-12 -3-1-B-1-B-3-1) including the control IDSA 10, widely cultivated across the country, were evaluated on three research stations of the National Center of Agricultural Research (CNRA), during the wet seasons of the year 2016 and 2017. These stations are located at the West, Center, and West-Center of Côte d'Ivoire. The trial was set up in a randomised complete block design with four replications. The agromorphological traits such as tillering ability, sowing-50% heading cycle, plant height, percentage of productive tillers, sowing-maturity cycle, and paddy yield were collected for each genotype. In all the environments evaluated, the genotypes ART15-11-8-5-2-B-1, WAB891-SG12, ARCC3Fa3L10P1-1-B-1, and ART15-16-12-3-1-B-1-B -3-1 were characterised by high percentages of productive tillers (87 to 91%), intermediate plant heights (114 to 121 cm), and high average paddy yields (2,601 to 2,810 kg/ha). Yield gains of these genotypes compared to the control ranged from 16 to 25%. The Genotype × Environment interaction (G × E) was highly significant for paddy yield (p < 0.001). The study of the interaction based on the first two principal components analysis of the GGE biplot, explained a 97% of the main effect of the Genotype and the G × E interaction. The polygon tool of the biplot suggested the existence of a single complex mega-environment. Visualizing the mean and stability of genotypes' paddy yield in the biplot indicated that genotypes ART15-11-8-5-2-B-1, WAB891-SG12, ARCC3Fa3L10P1-1-B-1, and ART15-16-12-3-1-B-1-B- 3-1 were more adapted to upland rice-growing regions of the West, Center-West, and Center of Côte d'Ivoire. These genotypes can be released for large scale rice production in these regions. Keywords: Rainfed upland rice, G × E interaction, GGE biplot analysis

Self-Emulsifying Crop Seed Oil

In our endeavor to produce value added Sudanese local products, we have been embarked upon studying our local crops seeds oils. In that respect we have directed our research towards identifying the seed oil fatty acids components revealing their abundance, physio-chemical properties and medical application (Mutasim and Ibrahim, 2016; 2017); Mutasim et al., 2017; 2019; 2020). Here in this note we are pleased to report an astonishing characteristic property of the oil extracted from one of a local crop seeds. It was found that on gentle shaking of the oil with water at room temperature, a stable off white oil/water emulsion is formed (Figure 1). It is then logical on bases of experimental results to envisage and even assume the presence of one type of a natural surfactant among the fatty acids components. To our knowledge, no report on a self-emulsifying oil has ever been reported. We believe that such a finding will have a biological impact since this oil is bioavailable and able to reduce the absorption of its saturated fats components. Whether that natural surfactant is an anionic, cationic or neutral one, it is awaiting our on-going investigation.

Breeding for resistance to tomato bacterial wilt: Identification of potential sources of genetic resistance by field evaluation of 28 tomato cultivars in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most damaging tomato diseases in the world. The best strategy for controlling this disease is to use genetically resistant tomato plants. In this study, 28 tomato cultivars were evaluated in the field for their resistance to bacterial wilt in Daloa, one of the most important agricultural regions of Côte d'Ivoire. The experiments were carried out during the dry and rainy season and the experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed the presence of wilt disease. The streaming test and bacterial culture on growth medium proved the bacterial origin of the wilt symptoms observed. The results of the staining reactions revealed short, straight, rod and Gram negative bacteria similar to R. solanacearum. The severity of the disease was found to be higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. Of 28 cultivars evaluated, 7 cultivars were resistant and did not show any diseased plants during the two study periods. These cultivars constitute interesting sources of resistance for a breeding program aimed at the development of new resistant cultivars adapted to the region of Daloa. Keywords: Bacterial wilt, Ralstonia solanacearum, resistance, tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, breeding program.

The response of sweet corn to biochar and chemical fertilizer applications for a sandy soil

Sandy soils have limited agricultural production. Farmers try to overcome sandy soil constraints by using various soil amendments. This study aims to evaluate the combined effects of biochar and chemical fertilizer on plant growth and nutrient uptake for sweet corn grown on a sandy soil in a glasshouse experiment. The pot experiment was conducted in a glasshouse at the Land Development Department, Bangkok using a super agro sweet corn variety (Market’s variety) (open pollinated variety) (Zea mays L.) on an Ustic Quartzipsamment at field capacity. The Complete Block Design with 2 replications and 16 treatments included 2 controls, 14 different biochar treatments (eucalyptus wood and rice husk biochars) with and without chemical (N, P and K) fertilizers applied at 1 and 2 times the fertilizer recommendation. The results showed that treatment 16 (rice husk biochar 40 ton ha-1 with chemical fertilizer at 2 times fertilizer recommendation: R40F2) was the best treatment which significantly (p<0.05) increased sweet corn growth and nutrient uptake. Clearly, biochar can increase nutrient uptake and plant yield to the benefit of farmers however biochar does not have sufficient plant nutrient contents to support maximum plant growth. Applying biochar together with chemical fertilizers is the best solution for sandy soils. Keywords: Sweet corn, rice husk biochar, eucalyptus wood biochar, chemical fertilizer, sandy soil.

Effects of consumer bargaining power on price flexibility of gari in Imo State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of consumer bargaining power on price flexibility of gari in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were drawn from the three agricultural zones in the state. A functional market in each of the zones was randomly selected. Primary data were obtained by means of interview schedule (questionnaire) administered to consumers of gari at retailers’ shops. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and ordinary least square (OLS) multiple regression analysis. The result showed that mean weekly consumers unit price of gari was ₦47.340/kg with a mean weekly purchase of 5.5 kg/week. About 53.33% of gari consumers have a weak bargaining index of 18.09, while the mean bargaining power of gari is 64.09% and this gave a baseline for gari retail price. The result of multiple regressions showed that the co-efficient of price of substitute (X1) household size (X6) and consumers income (X7) are positive and have significant relationships with consumers’ bargaining power. Consumers’ awareness of their bargaining power and good understanding of marketing system and its modus operandi, price trends, formation and fixing could help them take their proper place as price givers and kings in the market place hence, this study recommends the need for consumers’ to improve their level of education in order reposition themselves to make good use of market information to their advantage in bargaining. Consumers should form co-operative societies through which they can share market information, buy gari in bulk to reduce retail prices and at the same time play a key role in price formation. Keywords: Bargaining power, consumers, retailers, price flexibility, gari commodity.

Economics of pineapple production in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the economics of pineapple production in Awgu Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from 50 respondents from Amoli and Ihe communities of the LGA through a simple random sampling technique. The communities were purposively selected because they contain higher concentration of pineapple farmers. Primary data were collected using interview schedule administered to the respondents. Data were realized with descriptive statistics, enterprise budgeting techniques and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that (36%) of the farmers had farming experience of 1 to 10 years’ experience in pineapple production, indicating that new farmers entered the crop’s production sector within the last decade. The enterprise proved profitable with farmers’ net return on investment value of 1.7. Farm size, cost of input, level of education and household size significantly determined net farm income. It was further revealed that poor access road and high transportation cost were the main constraints of the pineapple producers. The study concluded that profitable production opportunities exist on the crop. The study recommends that extension agencies should encourage more new farmers to exploit pineapple production potentials while encouraging its existing farmers to scale up production through farm size increment, reinvestment of their gains and production knowledge increase.