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Aims: Research of alternative solutions to the use of synthetic pesticides. Study Design : Randomized block. Place and Duration of Study: Jean Lorougnon Guédé University (Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire), January to February 2020. Methodology: Extracts of Alchornea cordifolia, Tithonia diversifolia and Mezoneuron benthamianum were evaluated in vitro and in the nursery at 5 g/l, 15 g/l and 25 g/l. In vitro, the blotting paper method was used on tomato seed germination. In the nursery, the powdery extracts were added to the nursery soil bags with four treatments (5 g/l, 15 g/l, 25 g/l and control) and six bags per treatment with five tomato seeds per bag. Germination rate, number of leaves, height and the health status of the plants as well as the incidence and severity of root galls were evaluated. The results showed that in vitro the control had the highest average germination rate (98.5%) followed by T. diversifolia (43.03 to 98.5%), A. cordifolia (35.33 to 68.67%) and M. benthamianum (37.66 to 67.55%). However, in the nursery, T. diversifolial recorded the highest average treated seed germination (38 to 78.33%) and seedling emergence (12.78 to 38.33%) rates compared to the other treatments. Concerning growth parameters, the number of leaves (5.38 to 13.21) and height (5.71 to 15.64 cm) of tomato plants were influenced by the extracts type and concentration. The incidence of root galls was low for treated plants (0-60%) compared to controls (100%). The severity of the galls was significantly reduced by the extracts, however the extracts of T. diversifolia were the most effective. Extracts were more effective at low concentrations in improving agromorphological parameters of tomato, in contrast to the incidence and severity of galls which were reduced at high concentrations. Results suggest that these locally available plants could be used as biofertilizers and control method against root-knot nematodes.

The consumption of alcoholic drinks have highly risen recently to a situation whereby there is a deficit in the stores, this is due to the higher demand compared to supply. Due to the high prices of most of the industrialized brews, consumers have opted for locally brewed drinks. Although locally manufactured brews are not recognized and certified by law, most are of good quality and with low cost of production. The use of Tithonia diversifolia can be employed to aid in improvement of the rate of production of local and industrialized brews. The main aim of this project was to improve the rate of fermentation of alcoholic beverage using both Tithonia diversifolia leaves extracts and iron II nanoparticles derived from it. It was observed that the plant catalyst reduced the time taken to produce alcohol. Alcohol fermentation rate in presence of yeast and with a tithonia extract as catalyst was measured, Rates of alcohol production was measured by UV VIS at intervals of one hour and deduced from a calibration curve. From the data, the alcohol content was higher in the sample catalyzed by the complexed extract and the one containing extracts as the catalyst as compared to the one without a catalyst. The percentage ethanol was able to be detected by finding absorbances (beer lambert law A = e l c.).

Several plants worldwide have exhibited potentiality in human pathogen eradication. The aim of this work was to characterize the compounds and determine antibacterial efficiency of Tithonia diversifolia essential oils and its iron II nanoparticles. The experimental test was done against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Characterization of the compounds was done using UV-VIS and FTIR to determine the functional groups that are present. Antibacterial activity was done using disc diffusion method by Beer Lambert. The results obtained indicated that the crude extract at 0.1% v/v concentration was effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus only, while the complexed sample was significantly effective against all microbes under test at the corresponding concentration. The outcome showed comparable results to the positive controls used and therefore, the plant extract was effective against human disease causing microbes and is recommendable for use against them.

The aim of this study is to determine the zones of inhibition, phytochemical screening and molecular docking (In-silico Approach) of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and Jatropha gossypiifolia L against selected clinical and multi drug resistant isolates. Crude extraction of air dried leaves were carried out by soaking the plant in ethanol and ethyl acetate, standard agar diffusion method was used for sensitivity testing, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values were obtained by agar dilution method. The antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts of T. diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and J. gossypiifolia L was assayed against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysentriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albican and against multi drug resistant bacteria which are Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter agglomerans, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Salmonella subsp 3b. Levofloxacin and fluconazole were the standard antibiotics used. Sensitivity test revealed the highest zone of inhibition observed for J. gossypiifolia L and T. diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray against Candida albican with mean and standard deviation of 29±1.414 and 19.5±0.707 at 100 mg/ml respectively, while the least zone of inhibition was observed from the extracts of J. gossypiifolia L against Escherichia coli with 11.75±0.354 at 100 mg/ml. Both plant extracts showed antimicrobial activity against multi drug resistant isolates having zones of inhibition ranging from 0 to 15±1.414. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the extracts ranges between 6.25 and 100 mg/ml as well as the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinone, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phlobotannins, reducing sugars saponins, steroids and tannins. Molecular docking of the phytochemicals of T. diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray only was carried out using levofloxacin as template, which revealed the presence of compounds more effective in inhibiting DNA gyrase enzyme. Thus, the use of both plants as traditional medicine is justifiable and should be encouraged in the formulation and production of new antibiotics.

Aims: To compare the effects of basalt dust, Tithonia diversifolia (T. diversifolia) powder and NPK 20-10-10 on the growth and production of Garlic (Allium sativum, softneck variety) in Bafut (Cameroon Volcanic Line). Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the field was used. The treatments were T0 (control), T1 (0.7 tons ha-1 NPK 20-10-10), T2 (0.4 tons ha-1 basalt), T3 (0.6 tons ha-1 basalt) and T4 (0.5 tons ha-1 T. diversifolia powder). Place and Duration of Study: The study conducted in Bafut (Cameroon) from 2nd August 2017 to 24th February 2018. Methodology: Fieldwork involved land preparation, planting and collection of growth and yield parameters as well as rocks and soil sampling. Laboratory work involved soil physicochemical analysis and cutting of rock thin sections for microscopic observations. The plant data were subjected to statistical and economic analyses. Results: The control soil (T0) showed a sandy clayey loamy texture, acidic pH (5.1), very high organic carbon (6.4%), low total nitrogen (0.2%) and moderate available phosphorus (19.42 mg kg-1). The exchangeable complex revealed high K+ (0.88 cmol (+).kg-1), very low Ca2+ (0.63 cmol (+).kg-1) and Mg2+ (0.21 cmol (+).kg-1), low Na+ (0.07 cmol (+). kg-1), very low sum of exchangeable bases (1.79 cmol (+).kg-1), moderate cation exchange capacity (CEC) (22.7 cmol (+). kg-1) and a very low base saturation (7.88%). C/N ratio was very high (35>17) indicating very poor quality organic matter and a potentially very slow mineralization rate. Growth and yield parameters, except fruit number, were such that T2>T3>T4>T1>T0. T2, T3 and T4 plants gave high yields while T1 recorded the lowest yields below the control. The net yield showed that T3>T4>T2>T0>T1 suggesting that basalt dust and T. diversifolia powder improved soil fertility that in turn boosted yields. Economically, T1 had a BCR (benefit-to-cost ratio)2 indicating more than 100% profit of the investment and a possibility of popularization of these treatments. Conclusion: Natural basalt dust and T. diversifolia powder treatments gave better garlic yields indicating a better soil fertilizing capacity compared to synthetic NPK 20-10-10. Basalt dust and T. diversifolia can be popularized to local inhabitants.

Aim: Resistance of mosquito vectors and harmful effects of chemicals on human and its environment have been major problems encountered in vector control through the use of synthetic insecticides, thus there is a need for alternative insecticides of plant derivatives. This research is aimed at using extracts of Tithonia diversifolia and Momordica charantia against the developmental stages of Anopheles gambiae. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria between the months of March to June, 2017. Methodology: Larvae and pupae of Anopheles gambiae were reared in the laboratory at ambient temperature of 28±2°C and relative humidity of 75±5%. The leave extracts of T. diversifolia and M. charantia were extracted with methanol and were prepared at concentrations, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. The larvae and pupae of A. gambiae were exposed to these concentrations of the plant extract for 24 hours. Mortality of the larvae and pupae was monitored and recorded. Probit analysis was used to determine the LC50. Results: Date of this research revealed that at all levels of concentrations, mortality of both the larvae and pupae of this insect increased with increase in the concentrations regardless the type of plant extract used. The leave extract of T. diversifolia having a lower value of LC50 (larvae: 0.20%; Pupae: 0.27%) was more potent than extract from M. charantia having a higher value of LC50 (larvae: 0.31%; Pupae: 0.44%) after 24 hours Post Treatment of larvae and pupae of A. gambiae. T. diversifolia had significant effect on the larvae of A. gambiae with percentage mortality ranges from 23.33-100% within 24 hrs of exposure when compared with M. charantia that had 16.67-100% of mortality larvae of A. gambiae. Conclusion: The obtained results from this research revealed that extracts from the two plants exhibited great insecticidal properties against larvae and pupae of A. gambiae. Therefore, more exploration on the use of these plants for the development of insecticides at commercial level should be done.

Tithonia diversifolia has become a significant agronomic problem to optimum arable crop production in Nigeria which has necessitated effective and timely control if the good yield is expected on infested soil. This study compared the performance of water yam under different weed control methods on Tithonia infested plot at Ogunba village near Baaya-Oje in Surulere Local Government area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State during the 2015 growing season. Eight (8) control treatments were evaluated namely: Weed control with Atrazine, Diuron, 2 hoe weeding, 3 hoe weeding, Black plastic mulch, grass mulch, Diuron + Atrazine + Plastic mulch (IWM) and unweeded plot. The three (3) hoe weeding and the unweeded plot served as the control treatments. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replicates. Yam setts were planted at a spacing of 1 m x 1 m to give a population of 10000 plants/ha. Atrazine and Diuron were applied at the rate of 2.5 kg a.i/ha, 2 hoe weeding was done at 3 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP), 3 hoe weeding was done at 3,6 and 9 WAP, while grass mulch was applied at the rate of 5 tons/ha. In IWM, Atrazine and Diuron were applied each at the half recommended rate (1.25 kg/ha) before applying plastic mulch. The treatments were applied pre-emergently on a rain wetted soil after planting. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters of yam as well as on Tithonia weed population and dry matter yield. Results showed that weed control methods significantly (P < 0.05) influenced water yam yield. The highest tuber yield (21 tons/ha) in plastic mulch was comparable to IWM (20 tons/ha), 3 hoe weeding (19 tons/ha) and 2 hoe weeding (18 tons/ha). Grass mulch (16 tons/ha), Diuron (15 tons/ha), Atrazine (14 tons/ha) were also not significantly (P > 0.05) different. Thus, it may be concluded that plastic much is the most efficient of the methods for weed control in yam. The implication of this finding is discussed.

Aim: The common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids have adverse effects. This has motivated for the search of new drugs with decreased or no side effects. In the present study, we investigated analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extract of Tithonia diversifolia in vivo. Methods: Analgesic activity of the methanol extract of T. diversifolia was carried out using an analgesy meter to measure the tolerance of induced pressure. The method of carrageenaninduced inflammation in rat was used for the anti-inflammatory effect. Results: This study shows statistically significant improvements in pain resistance and paw oedema suppression were observed in animals treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Original Research Article Sijuade et al.; BJMMR, 15(3): 1-8, 2016; Article no.BJMMR.25267 2 methanol extract of Tithonia diversifolia, when compared to control groups treated with normal saline and acetyl salicylic acid. The maximum analgesic effect was achieved at 300 mg/kg after 30 min with effective ratio of 5.92 when compared with the standard drug acetyl salicylic acid, and twice the activity of 150 mg/kg at the same time. Conclusion: The results suggest that the plant extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting its uses in traditional medicine.

The influence of two organic materials (OMs); Tithonia and FYM and inorganic materials; triple superphosphate (TSP) and Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR) and Busumbu phosphate rock (BPR), when applied alone or in combination, on P sorption at two sites, Kakamega and Bukura, in western Kenya was investigated. The soil at Bukura was a Ferralsol while that at Kakamega was a Cambisol. A randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used. All the P inputs were uniformly broadcast on the plots and then incorporated into the top soil (0-15 cm) in April 2007. Soils were sampled at 4 and 9 weeks after incorporation of phosphorus inputs (WAI) from each of the treatments and the soil P sorption characteristics determined. The equilibrium P concentration which represents the amount of P in the equilibrium solution at zero P sorbed was < 0.2 mg P L regardless of the input combination used. The P sorption capacity of the soil at Kakamega was low compared to that at Bukura and was generally not affected by the treatments. None of the P sources significantly reduced the amount of P sorbed at Kakamega. However at Bukura, the amount of P sorbed (q) was significantly lower than the control for only Tithonia when applied alone and FYM applied in combination with TSP at 4 and 9 WAI. Tithonia applied with TSP Original Research Article Opala; IJPSS, 6(2): 64-72, 2015; Article no.IJPSS.2015.097 65 significantly reduced q at 4 WAI but not 9 WAI while FYM applied alone was able to lower q at 9 WAI. None of the inorganic P sources, when applied alone, reduced the P sorption capacity of the soils. The results demonstrate that OMs have the potential to reduce P sorption in soils that are high in P sorption, but where the P sorption is relatively low, the application of OMs to reduce P sorption may not be useful.

Field experiments were carried out during 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons on an Alfisol (Oxic Tropuldalf) at Owo in the forest – savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria to evaluate the effect of different ti llage systems (zero tillage (ZT), ploughing plus harrowing (P+H) and ploughing plus harrowing twice (P+2H), and with or without Tithonia diversifolia mulch (TM) on soil properties, growth and yield of cocoyam. The experiment was laid out in a randomized co mplete block design in a factorial combination of six treatments that were replicated three times. Among the tillage systems, zero tillage had the highest soil moisture content (12.3%), lowest soil temperature (31.8 ° C) and lower soil bulk density (1.36 Mg m - 3 ) and higher total porosity (48.7%) that was similar to P+H. ZT also produced the best values of soil chemical properties, growth and yield of coco yam compared with P+H and P+2H. P+2H had the highest soil bulk density (1.56 Mg m

Indigenous soil conservation measures such as miraba have been widely used in Usambara Mountains for controlling soil erosion but with little success. On-farm runoff experiments were set from 2011–2014 on Acrisols in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting agro-ecological conditions in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of miraba and miraba with various mulching materials in reducing runoff, soil and nutrient losses and improving productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results show that mean annual runoff coefficients (mm mm-1) ranged from 0.72 for cropland with no soil conservation measure (control) to 0.15 for cropland with miraba and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching in Majulai village and respectively from 0.68 to 0.13 in Migambo village. Soil loss was significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with either Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) or Tithonia mulching e. g. 184 vs. 20 in Majulai and 124 vs. 8 Mg ha-1 year-1 in Migambo village in 2012. The Pfactors were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching in Majulai village (0.18 vs. 0.11) and in Migambo village (0.10 vs. 0.05).The annual nutrient losses in kg ha-1yr-1 were significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with mulching 367 vs. 37 total N, 0.8 vs. 0.1 P and 14 vs. 4 K for Majulai village; 474 vs. 26 total N, 0.7 vs. 0.1 P and 20 vs. 1.2 K for Migambo village in 2012. Maize and bean yields were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under control (e.g. 2.0 vs. 0.7 Mg ha-1 for maize in Majulai in 2012). Thus miraba with Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yields than miraba with Tithonia and miraba sole. ispartof: Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International vol:2 issue:2 pages:129-144 status: published

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: Aqueous extracts of the leaves of Tithonia diversifolia was screened for hypoglycemic and hypolipidaemic activity at 400 mg/kg body weight in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar albino rats for 21 days. The extracts were administered orally for 21 days and blood glucose levels were checked at the end of 21 days.Also an hourly assessment of the percentage reduction in blood glucose level was done in diabetic rats giving a single oral dose of 400mg/kg aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia. High density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels were also estimated. A comparison was made between the action of Tithonia diversifolia leaf extract and glibenclamide a standard drug. Results : The extract caused 82.3% reduction in blood sugar level of diabetic rats at the end of the 21 days treatment and also caused a36.0% reductions in blood sugar level 24

Maize yield in Kericho County, Kenya is limited by infertile acidic soils. The effect of inorganic sources of nutrients and amendments; triple superphosphate (TSP), calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and lime, were compared to a range of organic nutrient sourc es; Farmyard manure (FYM) of low and high quality, dried cow dung, goat manure, tithonia applied as green manure or dried, in a greenhouse and field experiment. Two soils

Studies on the effects of fresh shoot biomass of Tithonia diversifolia on the germination, growth performance and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were carried out at the experimental site of the Department of plant science of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti in the 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons. Fresh shoots of Tithonia diversifolia were collected from the University environment and blended using pestle and mortar to make the fresh shoot biomass (FSB). The FSB was weighed into 50g, 100g, 150g and 200g and thoroughly mixed with collected soils in horticultural pots. The soil sample had already been autoclaved at 100 o c for 24hr. The control experiment recorded the highest emergence percentage but similar to the 50g FSB of T. diversifolia recorded. Higher FSB resulted to lower emergence percentage. Growth parameters in terms of plant height stem girth, number of leaves per plant and leave area were highest in the 150g Tithonia diversifolia FSB but lowest in the control. The highest yield of cowpea was obtained in the 150g Tithonia diversifolia FSB applied pots which was similar to those of 100g FSB applied pots. The stimulatory growth factor and yield increase enhanced by FSB of Tithonia diversifolia is an indication that Tithonia diversifolia possesses no negative allelopathic Case Study American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 3(4): 1005-1011, 2013 1006 effect on cowpea growth. The poor seedling emergence observed suggests that the land be left for some time to allow proper degrading of the Tithonia diversifolia before planting cowpea. This study further revealed that fallowed land occupied by Tithonia diversifolia could be successfully used to produce optimum cowpea yield.

The Usambara Mountains in Tanzania are severely affected by soil erosion which has led to deterioration of soil properties and reduced crop productivity. Indigenous soil erosion control measures such as miraba which are widely practised in the area have yielded little success. Field plot experiments were laid down in Majulai and Migambo villages from 2011 – 2014 on typical soils of the area (Acrisols). The aim was to single out soil properties developed under the studied soil conservation practices and their impact on crop productivity with reference to maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results showed that total N, OC, available P, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Ph were powerful (P = .05) attributes that discriminated conservation measures. Magnitudes of the discriminating attributes followed the trend: miraba with Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) mulching >miraba with Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching > miraba sole > cropl and with no ‘Soil and Water Conservation’ (SWC) measures (control). Contents ofmicro-nutrients did not differ significantly with SWC measures except for Zn which was significantly (P = .05) lowin the control. Bulk density and available moisture content (AMC) were also strong discriminators of conservation measures. Maize and bean grain yields differed significantly (P = .05)with the trend: miraba with Tughutu > miraba with Tithonia > miraba sole > control in both villages. Crop yields under miraba were a function of AMC and pH (R2= 0.71); AMC, available P, Ca2+ and K+ (R2= 0.89) under miraba with Tithonia mulching; AMC, available P, Ca2+ and K+ (R2= 0.90) under miraba with Tughutu mulching. These findings imply that miraba with Tughutu mulching had greater potential in improving soil properties and crop yields than miraba with Tithonia mulching and miraba sole. ispartof: Advances in Research vol:3 issue:6 pages:558-570 status: published