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This study investigates the hygiene status, behavioral practices, and handling of cutting boards for meat and vegetable processing in selected open markets in Benin City. Utilizing a structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis for Escherichia coli and Aeromonas, the research found prevalent Escherichia coli in all samples, with varying concentrations of Aeromonas, more pronounced in vegetable processing areas. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that 30% of traders leave cutting boards uncovered, 88% clean them before use (52% with water and detergent), and 12% dust boards before use. Furthermore, 80% of meat sellers store leftover meat in refrigerators, while 68% of vegetable sellers store leftovers in the open market. The findings underscore the importance of proper hygienic practices in handling cutting boards to mitigate food contamination risks, urging awareness among traders regarding effective cleaning and storage procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fungal infections have become the most common problem to cause postharvest loss in tomato enterprise across Nigeria. Morphology-based identification of fungal species usually provides the inconclusive results with several species remain unidentified. Molecular identification method was used to supplement morphology-based techniques to identify the fungal species. Research Method: A Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) through 5.8S-ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was used to identify 180 infested tomato specimens. The samples were collected from farm, retail and wholesale points in Kwanar Gafan located at Kura LGA of Kano State. Findings: Eight haplotypes have been detected from the total fungal specimens examined, A 65.6% of fungal specimens from wholesales and farms constituted haplotype-1 and identified as Pichia kudriavzevii (with 99.54% similarity) as BLAST in National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The remaining seven haplotypes were exclusively found in the retailing points and largely constitutes Aspergillus spp., Mucor fragilis, Russula atroglauca, Ganoderma sp., Alternaria spp., Exserohilum rostratum, Colletotrichum boninense, Naganishia sp. and Cladosporium spp. Research limitations: Further research on molecular identification from other parts of kano is required for better understanding the fungi associated with postharvest loss in the state. Originality/Value: Pichia kudriavzevii is a single and only dominant fungal species that infest tomatoes in both farms and wholesale points (65.6%). However, 34.4% of the diverse fungal species have been found in retailing points which is related to the rapid infestation of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables are crucial for a healthy diet; however, when not washed properly, they can act as carriers of protozoa cysts and helminth eggs/larvae, posing a risk of transmission. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic contamination of fluted pumpkin promoted by inadequate handling conditions in Delta State, Nigeria. Samples of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin vegetables) were collected from Effurun town and Otokutu local markets in washed and unwashed conditions and examined for parasitic contamination. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-economic factors associated with parasitic contaminations on vegetables. The vegetable samples were examined using the simple sedimentation concentration method. The educational status of the vendors was ascertained, and 75% of the vendors had secondary school education, while 25% had primary school education. Four hundred seventyeight parasitic contaminants were recovered from the 48 vegetables samples. The species and stages of parasites detected were Trichuris spp, Moniezia spp, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides spp, Hookworm eggs, Strongyle eggs Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, Schistostoma spp, Platynosomum fastosum and Eimeria spp. Fifty per cent (50%) of the produce was not washed, while 50% of the produce was washed before displaying by the retailers. The result from the paired t-test revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in total parasitic contamination between washed and unwashed vegetable samples from both Effurun and Otokutu markets. This study showed that handling conditions of washing and the environment where vegetables are sold can influence the amount of parasitic load. Therefore, adequate washing and proper handling of raw edible vegetables before consumption are recommended. The government must create awareness and educate vegetable vendors about the importance of proper handling and hygiene, as they can play a major role in mitigating public health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the perceived effect of vegetable farming on the socio-economic well-being of urban households in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of vegetable farmers, ascertain the types of vegetables cultivated in the area, and determine the perceived effect of vegetable farming on the socio-economic well-being of urban households. The study was carried out in Calabar Metropolis using a survey research design. The population consisted of all registered vegetable farmers in the area, while the sample comprised 400 vegetable farmers selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and ranking. The results revealed that 78.75% of the vegetable farmers were women, 65% were married and 49.75% of the farmers were 41years and above. It was also found that pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) (96.75%), waterleaf (Amaranthus spp) (87.25%), amaranthus (Talinum fruticosum) (53.5%) and afang/editan/atama (Gnetum africanum/Lasianthera Africana/Heinsia crinita) (50%) were the predominant vegetables cultivated in the area. The results further showed that vegetable farming brings additional income to farmers (ranked = 1st), enable them to take care of medical bills (ranked = 2nd) and enhance food supply (ranked = 3rd) etc. It was recommended that special land allocation for vegetable cultivation, credit facilities and training should be provided to urban households to enhance vegetable production in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Nematode diseases are major constraints in tomato production. Screenhouse and field experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of Effective Microorganisms-Fermented Plant Extract (EM-FPE) and compost manure singly and in combination on Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomatoes. Method Screenhouse and field experiments were designed respectively as 2×5 and 2×4 factorial fitted into a completely randomized design (CRD) in the screenhouse and randomized complete block design (RCBD) on the field. For single treatments, 100 ml of EM-FPE or 200 g of compost was used per plant while 50 ml of EM-FPE and 100 g of compost were combined and used per plant for treatment combination. Pots that did not receive any treatment served as control. Data were collected on growth parameters, fruit production, galling, and soil nematode population. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) where significant differences in means were separated using Fisher's Least Significance Difference (LSD) Test at P = 0.05. Results In both trials, treated plants performed significantly better. No significant difference was recorded among the three treatments for soil nematode population and root galling on the field. But in the screenhouse trial, plants treated with the combination of EM-FPE and compost recorded higher soil nematode population (150) and root galling (7) at harvest but the plants performed well. Among the treatments, compost manure applied singly gave the best result with respect to vegetative growth, flower formation, and yield of the tomatoes. Conclusion This study reveals that both treatments, EM-FPE, and compost manure could be relied on for effective control of Meloidogyne incognita in tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of women in agricultural production in Nigeria can never be underestimated. Male dominance in decision making in the household and economy as well as agricultural production has continued even in areas where women are the key providers. The study was carried out to analyze the influence of household decision making on vegetable farming among rural women in Kwara state, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty women vegetable farmers were randomly selected from four local government areas in twelve villages across two Agricultural Development Programme Zones in Kwara state. The primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire through interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed that only few (9.17%) of the women have control over land. Interestingly, unlike land, a large number (71.67%) of the women have access and control over farm inputs such as fertilizer, insecticides etc. Unfortunately, none of the women have access to credit and only 38% of the women have access to extension information. Conclusively, women have limited individual influence on household decision making. However, they have a high level of participation in joint decision making with their husbands and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance of fruits and vegetables in diet and health cannot be overemphasized. Cultivation practices can however influence the nutritional compositions of fruits and vegetables. Hence, field and laboratory experiments were carried out to determine and compare the antioxidants and amino-acids concentrations of a hybrid and an indigenous cultivar of watermelon in Osun State University, Teaching and Research Farm, Nigeria. Influence of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer at different rates (O, 100, 200 and 300 kg∕ha) was evaluated on iKaolack5 (hybrid) and iRothmas5 (local) cultivars of watermelon. 200 kg/ha of the fertilizer was found to bring out the optimal yield of both cultivars. Hence, at 0 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha, mature fruits of the cultivars were analyzed for the antioxidants and amino-acids using standard analytical methods. Antioxidant properties of iRothmas5 were found to be significantly (P≤0.05) higher than those of iKaolack5 with the exception of the radical scavenging ability and lycopene content of iKaolack5. Fruits that received no fertilizer across the cultivars exhibited more antioxidant potency compared to fruits under 200 kg. Results of amino acids concentration showed that, threonine, serine, glutamic-acid, alanine, valine, phenylalanine and arginine in iRothmas5 were significantly higher compared to the contents in iKaolack5. Except for tryptophan, alanine, lysine and phenylanine, fruits that received no fertilizer had higher contents of amino acids. Where fertilizer is needed to boost soil fertility, 100 kg/ha of NPK is recommended, this can be augmented with the organic nutrient or green manure if necessary, depending on the available nutrients in the soil before cultivation. This is very critical so as not to compromise the health-giving substances in the fruits. Local landraces of fruits and vegetables obviously have to be brought into limelight through research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum is a vegetable plant belonging to the family of Solanaceae. The ability to ascertain the quality and quantity of the chemical composition of a plant provides an insight on the possible optimum exploitation of the plant for ethnomedicinal and pharmaceutical purposes. This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituent and proximate composition of Solanum nigrum leaf from Ojo area of Lagos, Nigeria. Phytochemical screening and the proximate composition of Solanum nigrum leaf was performed using standard procedures. From the study, qualitative analysis of the aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum reveals that alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, tannin, phenol, terpenoids, cardiac glycoside were present while anthraquinone and steroid were not detected. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed the constituents to be in the following concentrations: phenol (38.17 ±0.33mg/100g), flavonoids (34.78 ± 0.26 mg/100g) and terpenoids (34. 92 ± 0.28 mg/100g), tannin (30.32 ± 0.24 mg/100g), cardiac glycoside (30.23 ± 0.22 mg/100g), saponin (18.06 ± 1.39 mg/100g) and alkaloid (12.61 ± 0.81 mg/100g). Proximate composition included carbohydrate (71.91± 0.43%), protein (2.21 ± 0.06%), crude fat (0.49 ± 0.10), moisture (1.65 ± 0.09%), ash (3.49 ± 0.17%) and crude fibre (20.23 ± 0.19%). Phytoconstituents of S. nigrum from Ojo area of Lagos State are comparable to those from other parts of the world. With the exception of steroids, phytoconstituents of S. nigrum from Ojo area of Lagos State are comparable to those from other parts of the world. The presence of these phytoconstituents suggests their medicinal value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) of Pest Control is an eco-friendly, cost effective and culturally accepted method of controlling pests and diseases. The study assessed the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) of Pest Control on Technical Efficiency of Vegetable Production in Osun State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 240 farmers across the state. The data collected were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Ordinary Least Square Regression Analysis. Result of analysis revealed the major indigenous knowledge used for pests and diseases control by the vegetable farmers were early harvesting (71.32%), removal of affected plants (62.80%), use of ash and water mixture (60.74%) and mixture of red pepper with water (41.09%). The average technical efficiency of farms using only IKS for pest and disease control was 0.78 while farms using a combination of IKS and pesticide had the highest average technical efficiency of 0.94. The technical efficiency of vegetable production in the study area is significantly affected by farm experience, usage of IKS, level of farmer’s education and access to extension agent. The study concluded that the usage of Indigenous Knowledge System for pest control in vegetable production increased the technical efficiency of the farmers in the study area. The study however, recommends that there should be increase in the sensitization of farmers by government and non-governmental agencies on the economic benefits of indigenous knowledge system on pest control in order to boost productivity and efficiency of food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the social and economic characteristics of fluted pumpkin farmers and determined the extent of farm resource productivity. The study was carried out in the southern region of Nigeria. 100 leafy fluted pumpkin farmers were used in the study. Results showed that majority of the farmers (72.00%) were females, 74.00% were married, the mean age and farming experience stood at 42.97 and 14.96 years respectively. Social capital formation was very poor, while the mean household size and farm income were 6.00 members and N188, 560.00 respectively. The empirical result showed that; family labour, hired labour, quantity of seed, manure, fertilizer and farm size were significant farm inputs that influenced the production of fluted pumpkin. Apart from fertilizer utilization which occurs in irrational stage in a classical production surface, all other farm inputs’ levels of utilization were in the rational stage. The study also found increasing rate of return (1.7847) among fluted pumpkin farms in the region. In addition, more family labour was substituting hired labour while more manure was substituting fertilizer usage in fluted pumpkin production in the region. The study recommends fertilizer subsidy and timely delivery to vegetable farmers in the rural areas of the State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The study was conducted to investigate the economics of dry season vegetable production in Ogun state, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: Descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and regression analysis model were used to analyze the data collected from 120 respondents using multistage sampling technique. Findings: Descriptive statistics showed that while the mean age of the farmers was 62.1 ± 38.78, the mean farming experience was 17.3 ± 12.84. Majority (56.7%) of the respondents were uneducated. Vegetable enterprise in the area was male-dominant. The result of budgetary analysis revealed that the average net and total income were ₦ 55,405.29 and ₦ 131,514, respectively. While the average total variable cost was ₦ 64,767.29, average total cost was ₦ 76,108.70. Benefit cost ratio and rate of returns were 1.73 and 0.73, respectively. The regression analysis revealed that revenue from vegetable production in the study area was influenced by farm size, seed quantity, farming experience, quantity of labor and fertilizer used. Research limitations/implications: It is therefore imperative for policymakers to encourage dry season vegetable farming as a viable enterprise option for the unemployed and upcoming entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the government should design and implement policies that would improve access to land, labor, quality seed, water and fertilizers. Originality/value: The study adds to the growing body of literature on inherent prospects for labor and entrepreneurs as regards the opportunities latent in dry season farming activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal species were isolated from irrigation water, cultivation soil, and fresh vegetables samples were obtained from a vegetable field in Southwest Nigeria. Aspergillus group, identified by amplification and sequencing of their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, were further characterized for aflatoxin production using standard spectrophotometry (365nm). The highest mean ± SD fungal counts were 3.23 x 103 ± 0.03 CFU/g, 3.07 x 104 ± 0.01 CFU/g and 8.67 x 102 ± 0.13 CFU/ml for vegetable, soil, and water samples, respectively. A total of 32 fungal strains isolated were presumptively identified as Aspergillus sp. (50%), Fusarium sp. (6.25%), Chrysonilia sitophila (3.13%), Acremonium sp. (6.25%), Mucor sp. (12.5%), and Rhizopus sp. (21.87%). The molecular characterization of Aspergillus strains revealed Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus fijiensis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus japonicas, and Aspergillus niger. All the 16 Aspergillus species showed aflatoxin B1 production with Aspergillus japonicus (AWF27) isolated from the irrigation water having the highest concentration (106μg/kg) and Aspergillus fijiensis (ASF6) isolated from soil having the lowest concentration (93μg/kg). The work revealed the potential for human exposure to mycotoxin through contaminated fresh vegetables. Concerted effort is required, especially in developing countries for cultivation of fresh vegetables in hygienic environment with clean irrigation water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides use has helped in increasing crop production. However, indiscriminate use like inadequate protective measures, poor pesticide storage practice and application have been found to cause accidental poisoning of farmers and consumers. This study was carried out to explore the pattern of pesticide use among farmers in selected vegetable farms settlements while also assessing the level of their knowledge and awareness on risks and hazards associated with pesticides use. Cypermethrin and glyphosate were the most commonly used pesticides. It was also observed that farmers engaged in pesticide use without any form of standard protective clothing, were not aware of long term chemical and physiological effects associated with improper pesticide handling. Among the farmers about 7% and 29% had access to sprayers for pesticides. In one of the study centres, 71% of the farmers harvested vegetable between 1-2 days post pesticide application while 14% harvested between 3-4 days. About 7% of farmers in a settlement suffered skin irritation, 43% suffered eye irritation, 29% suffered both skin and eye irritation. The study revealed that farmers were exposed to pesticides due to insufficient protection. There is therefore need for them to be educated and monitored on hazards associated with pesticide use, importance of protective clothing, pre-harvest interval of vegetables. In this situation, educational interventions in form of training on pesticide handling and safety precautions are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were carried out in Ibadan City, South-West Nigeria between March and June 2011, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in vegetables sold in various markets within the city. Fifty samples each of 5 different vegetable types, Cabbage (Brassica deracea), Lettuce (Lactus sativa), Carrot (Daucus carota), Cucumber and green leafy vegetables were bought randomly from five different markets and examined for parasites in the laboratory using sedimentation method. Results show that 29(11.6%) out of the 250 vegetable samples examined had intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in these plant tissues was found to be 22.0% in Cabbage, 14.0% in Carrot, 12.0% in lettuce and 10.0% in Green leafy vegetables. No parasites were detected in the 50 cucumber samples. Intestinal parasites detected included ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (51.7%), Hookworm larvae (27.6%) and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (20.7%). This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites on vegetables in Ibadan markets and the need for public enlightenment campaigns on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and raw vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the growth and foliar yield responses of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius Linn.) on soils amended with ashed and unashed corn cob and coconut husk agro-waste. Slightly acidic (pH=6.20) sandy loam soil were collected and incubated for six and twelve weeks respectively for the study, with agro-wastes [coconut husk ash (CHA), coconut husk unashed (CHU), corn cob ash (CCA) and corn cob unashed (CCU)] under greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized design was adopted with three replicates. The results showed that the corn cob ash and coconut husk ash positively enhanced soil chemical properties than their unashed version. At 2 WAP, the mean plant height ranged from 2.70 ± 0.12 cm to 3.88 ± 0.12 cm; the mean total leaf count from 3.60 ± 0.05 to 4.0 ± 0.05 and mean leaf area from 0.54 ± 0.21 cm2 to 2.48 ± 0.21 cm2 and at 8 WAP, the mean stem girth ranged from 0.43 ± 0.07 cm to 1.02 ± 0.07 cm for C. olitorius planted in soils incubated for six weeks with agro-wastes. This trend increased with the age of C. olitorius and with increase in agro-waste applications in the order CCA>CHA>CHU>CCU. These growth parameters, except the plant height were of higher values in 6 weeks soil incubation than 12 weeks soil incubation. The highest mean yield (17.93 g/pot) of C. olitorius was obtained in soil pots amended for 12 weeks with 5 t/ha of CHU. The increase growth and foliage yield obtained in this study showed that soils amended with ashed and unashed corn cob and coconut husk waste have the potential of promoting the production of vegetables, especially C. olitorius and also ensuring environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producers strive to reduce cost and improve profit. An investigation of factors affecting producer performance was undertaken using measures of profit/profit margin as indicators of performance. A stochastic frontier approach was used to examine profit efficiency of small-scale dry season fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalisL.) producers in Nigeria using farm-level survey data collected from 100 respondents. Gross margin analysis indicated that average gross margin per farmer was21,252;156 is equal to US$1. Economic efficiency averaged 0.925. Stochastic frontier model analysis indicated that farm size and labor were significant factors contributing to the economic efficiency of producers. Years of experience and farm size contributed significantly to the explanation of inefficiency levels of fluted pumpkin farmers. Household size reduced efficiency. It is necessary to ease difficulties associated with land acquisition so that producer efficiency can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The growth and sustainability of dry season vegetable farming is necessary in many developing nations to improve food security. It is necessary that producer efficiency in use of available resources is maximized. Resource-use efficiency in dry season vegetable production was assessed with the aim of determining profitability and potential for growth. Data were generated through a survey of 96 producers selected through multistage sampling from four Local Government Areas in Oyo State, Nigeria. Farm budget analysis was carried out to examine cost structure while assess profitability and a production function model was employed to examine resource-use efficiency. Dry season vegetable production is profitable with a net return on investment of about 126%, but it is inefficient. Producers can enhance income by increasing farm size and fertilizer use while reducing the level of labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on land management practices as they affect profitability of vegetable producers in the dry and rainy-seasons in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and enterprise budget analysis. Producers were mostly smallholders owning 0.5 to 2 ha of land. Yield was higher during the rainy- season, while higher total revenue was obtained under dry-season conditions. Dry-season production proved to be more efficient. To fully exploit their lands during the dry-season, vegetable farmers should be provided with irrigation and marketing incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]